iFi Audio NEO Stream 3 Ultra-Resolution Streaming DAC

Product Description

The iFi Audio NEO Stream 3 is an ultra-resolution digital audio hub that combines a full-featured network streamer with an award-winning DAC stage derived from the NEO iDSD 2. Designed to be the centerpiece of a modern Hi-Fi system, it brings native streaming, high-resolution playback, and purist-grade digital-to-analog conversion into one elegant component — just add your favorite speakers or amplifier and press play.

Powered by iFi’s latest-generation streaming engine, the NEO Stream 3 supports bit-perfect playback with native Qobuz, Spotify, and TIDAL, plus familiar standards like Roon, AirPlay, DLNA, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect. Qobuz Connect support enables direct control from the Qobuz app while maintaining signal integrity, and NAS/USB HDD support makes it easy to access local libraries alongside streaming services.

Sound quality is engineered from the ground up: upgraded polymer and ELNA Silmic II capacitors refine power delivery for smoother treble, while femto-precision clocking, Active Noise Cancellation, and iPurification technology reduce jitter and noise across USB and S/PDIF outputs. The included OptiBox adds optical galvanic isolation to eliminate wired network noise. For musical restoration, JVCKENWOOD K2 and K2HD Technology enhance harmonic content lost during encoding and post-production, with K2HD also upsampling tracks below 192kHz for renewed depth and realism.

Specifications

• Analogue Outputs: 4.4mm Balanced; SE RCA
• Analogue Output Voltage: Balanced 4V RMS; SE 2V RMS
• Digital Inputs: Wi-Fi; Ethernet (RJ45, M12-X, Optical); 2x USB-A; USB-C (front)
• Digital Outputs: 2x USB-A; S/PDIF Optical; S/PDIF Coaxial; AES/EBU; I2S
• Dimensions: 214 x 151 x 41mm (8.4 x 5.9 x 1.6”)
• Hi-Res Support: 768kHz PCM; DSD512 (22.6MHz)
• Streaming Engine: Latest-generation ultra-resolution network streaming engine
• Streaming Services: Native Qobuz; Spotify; TIDAL
• App/Connect Support: Qobuz Connect; Spotify Connect; Tidal Connect
• Platform Support: Roon; AirPlay; DLNA
• Local Library Support: NAS; USB HDD
• DAC Stage: Award-winning DAC stage with customized Burr-Brown chipset
• Digital Restoration: JVCKENWOOD K2 Technology; JVCKENWOOD K2HD Technology
• Clocking: Femto-precision clock
• Noise Reduction: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC); iPurification technology
• Network Noise Isolation: Included OptiBox provides optical galvanic isolation to eliminate wired network noise
• Exclusive Modes: User-selectable modes to shut down unnecessary OS processes and reduce software noise and jitter
• Limited Warranty: UK and US - 12 months; EU - 24 months
• In the Box: NEO Stream 3; OptiBox; USB-A to USB-C Cable; Ethernet cable; RCA Cable; 5V Power Adapter; Aluminium Base; Antenna; iPower X Ultra low noise power supply; SC-SC Fibre Optic Cable; Quick Start Guide; Warranty Card

What It's Great At

• Serving as an all-in-one streaming DAC hub for enthusiast home audio systems
• Delivering ultra-high-resolution playback up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512 over the network
• Providing multiple digital output options (USB, S/PDIF, AES/EBU, I2S) for flexible system matching
• Reducing jitter and noise with femto clocking, ANC, iPurifier tech, and optical network isolation
• Enhancing musical realism with K2 and K2HD restoration and intelligent upsampling below 192kHz
• Simple setup and control via iFi Nexis app with streamlined Wi-Fi pairing

Expanded Key Features List

• All-in-One Streaming DAC Hub: Combines iFi’s latest network streaming engine with the award-winning NEO iDSD 2 DAC stage to create a complete digital front end for speaker or amplifier-based systems.
• Ultra-Resolution Network Playback: Supports native streaming up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512 (22.6MHz) for reference-grade playback of high-resolution libraries and services.
• Native Qobuz, Spotify, and TIDAL: Built-in service support puts premium streaming at your fingertips while maintaining audiophile signal integrity.
• Qobuz Connect Bit-Perfect Control: Enables direct playback control from the Qobuz app with bit-perfect output for a clean, uncompromised listening path.
• Broad Ecosystem Compatibility: Supports Roon, AirPlay, DLNA, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect for easy integration into multi-room and controller-based setups.
• Customized Burr-Brown DAC Architecture: Processes PCM and DSD via separate pathways to preserve a bit-perfect signal through to analog conversion, tuned for natural detail and musicality.
• K2 and K2HD Restoration: Restores harmonic information lost during encoding and post-production, with K2HD also upsampling audio below 192kHz for added nuance and depth.
• Femto Clocking with Advanced Noise Control: Femto-precision timing paired with Active Noise Cancellation and iPurification reduces jitter and distortion for cleaner transients and improved separation.
• OptiBox Optical Galvanic Isolation: Included OptiBox breaks electrical noise from wired networks by adding optical isolation for a quieter, more transparent sound.
• Multiple High-End Digital Outputs: Includes USB, S/PDIF optical/coax, AES/EBU, and I2S outputs to match a wide range of DACs, processors, and digital systems.
• Exclusive Modes for Lower Software Noise: User-selectable modes disable unnecessary OS processes to reduce background activity, lowering jitter and improving playback purity.
• Streamlined Wi-Fi Pairing and Control: IoT-enabled setup through the iFi Nexis app avoids browser-based configuration for faster, simpler installation and control.

FAQ Section

Q: Is the NEO Stream 3 a streamer only, or does it include a DAC?
A: It includes an award-winning DAC stage based on the NEO iDSD 2, making it a complete streaming DAC hub for an enthusiast setup.

Q: What is the maximum supported resolution for playback?
A: The NEO Stream 3 supports up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512 (22.6MHz) over the network for ultra-high-resolution playback.

Q: Which streaming services can I use natively?
A: It includes native support for Qobuz, Spotify, and TIDAL, along with Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect.

Q: Does it work with Roon, AirPlay, or DLNA?
A: Yes, it supports Roon, AirPlay, and DLNA for broad compatibility with popular playback ecosystems and controllers.

Q: Can I play music from my NAS or a USB hard drive?
A: Yes, NAS and USB HDD support are built in so you can stream local music libraries alongside online services.

Q: What does the included OptiBox do?
A: The OptiBox adds optical galvanic isolation to help eliminate wired network noise and improve overall sonic cleanliness.

Q: What are K2 and K2HD Technology?
A: They restore harmonic detail lost during encoding and post-production; K2HD also upsamples audio below 192kHz to enhance depth and musicality.

Q: What outputs does the NEO Stream 3 provide for system matching?
A: It offers analogue outputs (4.4mm balanced and RCA) plus extensive digital outputs including USB, S/PDIF optical/coax, AES/EBU, and I2S.

Neo Stream 3 User Manual