iFi NEO Stream 3

Ultra-Resolution Network Streamer and DAC with Qobuz Connect, K2HD, and DSD512 Support
Sale price$999

Description

The iFi NEO Stream 3 is a high-performance network streamer and DAC designed as a complete digital audio hub for modern HiFi systems. Its next-generation streaming engine supports PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512 over the network, while a customized Burr-Brown DAC stage provides high-resolution analogue conversion for direct connection to amplifiers, preamps, or active speakers.

Native support for Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Roon, AirPlay, DLNA, NAS storage, and USB drives provides flexible access to streaming services and local music libraries. The iFi Nexis app simplifies Wi-Fi setup and provides convenient control from a smartphone.

JVCKENWOOD K2 and K2HD processing is designed to restore harmonic information lost during digital production and encoding, with K2HD capable of upsampling compatible PCM audio below 192kHz. The included OptiBox provides optical galvanic isolation for wired network connections, helping prevent electrical network noise from entering the audio system.

With balanced 4.4mm and RCA analogue outputs plus USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, and I2S digital outputs, the NEO Stream 3 can serve as a complete streamer/DAC or as a high-quality digital transport feeding an external DAC.

iFi NEO Stream 3 High-Resolution Network Audio Streamer

Next-Generation Streaming

The NEO Stream 3 supports PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512 over the network, with native integration for Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Roon, AirPlay, DLNA, NAS storage, and USB music libraries. Qobuz Connect enables bit-perfect playback directly from the Qobuz app on compatible systems.

K2 & K2HD Technology

Developed by JVCKENWOOD, K2 technology is designed to restore harmonic information lost during digital production and encoding. K2HD adds upsampling of compatible PCM audio below 192kHz to 192kHz/24-bit, allowing the processing to benefit both the NEO Stream 3's internal DAC and compatible external DACs connected to its digital outputs.

Customized Burr-Brown DAC

The NEO Stream 3 incorporates the DAC stage developed for the NEO iDSD 2, built around a customized Burr-Brown chipset. Its architecture processes PCM and DSD through separate pathways and provides balanced 4.4mm and single-ended RCA analogue outputs for direct integration into a HiFi system.

Optically Isolated Networking

The included OptiBox provides optical galvanic isolation for a wired network connection, electrically separating network equipment from the NEO Stream 3 to help prevent network-related electrical noise from reaching the audio system.

Key Features

  • Ultra-Resolution Network Streaming — Supports PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512 over the network.
  • Qobuz Connect — Enables direct, bit-perfect playback from the Qobuz app.
  • TIDAL & Spotify Connect — Provides native access to popular streaming platforms.
  • Roon, AirPlay & DLNA — Offers broad compatibility with modern network-audio ecosystems.
  • K2 & K2HD Technology — Restores harmonic information and provides optional upsampling of compatible PCM audio.
  • Customized Burr-Brown DAC — Uses separate PCM and DSD pathways for high-resolution conversion.
  • OptiBox Optical Isolation — Galvanically isolates wired network connections to reduce incoming network noise.
  • Conditioned Digital Outputs — USB and S/PDIF outputs incorporate iFi noise-reduction technologies.
  • Extensive Digital Outputs — Provides USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, and I2S connectivity for external DACs.
  • iFi Nexis App — Simplifies Wi-Fi setup, control, and access to the streaming interface.

Connectivity & Compatibility

Digital Inputs

  • Wi-Fi
  • Ethernet RJ45
  • Ethernet M12-X
  • Optical Ethernet
  • 2 × USB-A
  • Front USB-C

Digital Outputs

  • 2 × USB-A
  • S/PDIF Optical
  • S/PDIF Coaxial
  • AES/EBU
  • I2S

Analogue Outputs

  • 4.4mm Balanced — 4V RMS
  • RCA Single-Ended — 2V RMS

Supported Audio

  • PCM up to 768kHz
  • DSD up to DSD512 / 22.6MHz

Streaming & Playback

  • Qobuz Connect
  • TIDAL Connect
  • Spotify Connect
  • Roon
  • AirPlay
  • DLNA
  • NAS
  • USB storage

Compatible Systems

  • Integrated amplifiers
  • Preamplifiers
  • Active speakers
  • External DACs
  • Networked HiFi systems

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NEO Stream 3 a streamer and DAC?
Yes. It combines network streaming with a Burr-Brown DAC and analogue outputs, while also functioning as a digital transport.
Does it support Qobuz Connect?
Yes. Qobuz Connect is supported for compatible direct playback and control.
Does it support TIDAL and Spotify?
Yes. TIDAL, TIDAL Connect, Spotify and Spotify Connect are supported.
Can I use it with Roon?
Yes. Roon is supported.
Can I connect a NAS?
Yes. Compatible NAS music libraries and DLNA sources can be accessed.
What is the maximum PCM resolution?
PCM is supported up to 768kHz.
Can I connect it directly to active speakers?
Yes. The 4.4mm balanced and RCA outputs can feed compatible active speakers directly.
Can I use an external DAC?
Yes. USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU and I2S outputs are available.
Does it have Wi-Fi and Ethernet?
Yes. Both are supported, with Ethernet recommended by iFi for the most stable connection.
What is the OptiBox?
It provides optical galvanic isolation for the wired network connection, helping separate the network connection electrically from the audio system.

Specifications

TECHNICAL 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 Output 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)
Limited Warranty UK and US: 12 Months*
EU: 24 Months*
Net Weight 1.0 kg (2.26 lbs)
Output Impedance Balanced ≤74Ω
SE ≤37Ω
Power Consumption ≤0.5W Idle; 14W Max.
SNR ≥106dBA @ 0dBFS
System Update USB-C (Back)
THD+N ≤0.0025% @ 0dBFS
Power Supply Requirement DC 9V/2A; 12V/1.8A; 15V/1.2A (Centre +ve)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
In the Box 1x NEO Stream 3
1x OptiBox
1x USB-A to USB-C Cable
1x Ethernet Cable
1x RCA Cable
1x 5V Power Adapter
1x Aluminium Base
1x Antenna
1x iPower X Ultra Low Noise Power Supply
1x SC-SC Fibre Optic Cable
1x Quick Start Guide
1x Warranty Card
DOWNLOADS
User Manual Download PDF

iFi Audio Reviews