The Next Generation: Introducing the NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3
Southport, UK, Febraury 19–– iFi audio are proud to unveil the next generation of high-resolution audio streamers: the NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3. The first generation of iFi audio’s high-resolution audio streamers represented a bold new step into uncharted territory for the brand. Taking confidence in their runaway success and armed with years of new developments across iFi audio’s product range, the time has come for the next leap forward in network streaming technology.
The NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 carry with them the best of their respective predecessors, while incorporating a host of improvements and refinements that cumulate to represent a true generational leap in their capabilities. No aspect of either device has been left untouched, from hardware, to software, to features and accessibility. Whether it’s component-level circuitry improvements, IoT setup and updating, new features like Qobuz Connect and K2HD, or simply the sleek new aesthetics, everywhere you look you will find something new.
Key Features of the NEO Stream 3 include:
• Award-Winning DAC Stage: Drawn from the renowned NEO iDSD 2, built around a Burr-Brown chipset for natural musicality.
• Ultra-Resolution Network Streaming: Next-gen engine provides 768kHz/DSD512 digital audio from Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, and more. • K2HD Technology: Restores musical harmonics lost in production/encoding for a natural listening experience, all while upsampling to 192kHz.
• Upgraded Capacitors: Upgraded polymer and ELNA Silmic II caps for cleaner power and smoother listening.
• Enhanced Connections: Digital outputs include built-in iPurifier and ANC technology, while the OptiBox galvanically isolates network input. • Improved User Experience: New-gen software, IoT hardware, and iFi Nexis compatibility for a smoother setup and user interface
Key Features of the ZEN Stream 3 include:
• High-Resolution Network Streaming: Next-gen engine provides 384kHz/DSD256 digital audio from Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, and more. • K2 Technology: Restores musical harmonics lost in production/encoding for a natural listening experience.
• Upgraded Capacitors: Upgraded polymer and ELNA Silmic II caps for cleaner power and smoother listening.
• Enhanced Connections: Digital outputs include built-in iPurifier and ANC technology.
• Improved User Experience: New-gen software, IoT hardware, and iFi Nexis compatibility for a smoother setup and user interface
Built to Sound Better.
As is the iFi audio way, their work on the next generation of streamers began at the hardware. While the initial design of both first-generation streamers was very strong, improvements to manufacturing processes and component selection in the years following their launches had created room for growth.
Power circuitry in the NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 has been refined and improved, with the inclusion of upgraded polymer capacitors for cleaner low-noise power. Both streamers now also benefit from improved ELNA Silmic II capacitors, resulting in a smoother treble response for a more refined listening experience.
Additionally, the NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 now include iFi audio’s new IoT hardware, allowing for quicker and easier setup and moment-to-moment usage, along with quicker and easier updates available through the web-based user interface or the iFi Nexis app.
Along with new and improved hardware, the new generation of streamers also sees the return of iFi audio’s signature Exclusive Modes, which shut down unused system processes when streaming to improve operating efficiency and reduce the potential for signal noise.
On the subject of noise reduction, iFi audio continue to keep things quiet as always. Both streamers include iPurifier2 technology in the S/PDIF outputs, along with Active Noise Cancellation in the USB ports, to ensure that any signal noise from USB sources like external hard drives is eliminated, and digital audio sent to an external DAC is flawlessly clean.
The NEO Stream 3 then takes this another step further, with the return of the original NEO Stream’s signature OptiBox, a unique optical isolation solution for your wired network connection that effectively eliminates network noise before it enters the system.
A Next-Gen Connection.
The NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 both include the latest evolution of iFi’s ultra resolution streaming engine, adding Qobuz Connect alongside Tidal & Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2 and more. This next-generation platform brings a wealth of refinements, including enhanced stability, smoother web radio performance, and a more intuitive interface with advanced settings for deeper customisation.
For the NEO Stream, the result is an effortless, all-in-one method for instantly modernising any Hi-Fi setup, underpinned by a network streaming experience that incorporates native 768kHz PCM and DSD512 support, and driven by a proven DAC stage that is guaranteed to extract the maximum performance from those formats.
For those seeking a more targeted upgrade solution for their existing digital setup, the ZEN Stream offers native 384kHZ PCM and DSD256 support that can be integrated into your existing setup in moments, offering a premium upgrade for those who wish to open up new listening opportunities with their favourite DAC.
Both devices unlock the door to interconnecting your digital music library across your whole home, allowing management and access to ultra-resolution digital audio from external hard drives, NAS drives, and more, and bringing all your favourite music closer to you than ever.
Studio-Grade Restoration. Any DAC. Any Setup.
The NEO Stream and ZEN Stream are the latest in iFi’s lineup to incorporate JVCKENWOOD’S K2HD Technology. By taking the often cold, clinical character of many modern recordings, then restoring harmonic content lost during post-production or encoding, K2HD revives the depth, nuance, and musicality of the original performance. During the last two years, iFi audio have worked with JVCKENWOOD to bring this technology back to the forefront in two forms: ‘K2’ mode preserves the file’s original resolution, while ‘K2HD’ optionally upscales it to 192kHz/24-bit.
Developed by JVC's engineers, K2HD Technology works to restore music close to its original master, infusing it with rich, natural harmonics lost during digitisation. To achieve this, JVCKENWOOD’s engineers meticulously analysed countless analogue masters with K2HD restored sound by ear, shaping the algorithm solely on experience and feel. This is what separates this processing from others; due to the emphasis on human approach and feel, it has an innately organic quality unlike any other.
iFi audio’s new generation of streamers herald an exciting new stage for K2 technology – previously available exclusively to select iFi audio DACs, any DAC connected to a NEO Stream or ZEN Stream can now enjoy the incredible benefits of K2 technology. Taking things a step further again, the NEO Stream 3 also incorporates K2HD upsampling, allowing any PCM digital audio below 192kHz to finally benefit from the depth and nuance of JVCKENWOOD’s studio-grade restoration.
NEO Stream 3: Just Add Speakers
With so many incredible features shared between these two next generation streamers, it is also important to highlight what makes each of them unique. Time for the NEO Stream 3 to step into the spotlight.
The NEO Stream 3 is a truly complete solution for incorporating modern digital audio options into the home setup, tailored for those who want to add multiple features to their setup without adding multiple devices or compromising on quality. At the heart of this concept is the inclusion of the NEO iDSD2’s award-winning DAC stage; built around a Burr-Brown chipset selected for its natural detail and musicality, but highly customised to push its capabilities even further.
The custom architecture processes PCM and DSD through separate pathways, ensuring that each is handling in the manner that extracts maximum performance, and preserving a bit-perfect data stream all the way through to analogue conversion. The result is an all-in-one system that offers 384kHz PCM and DSD512 performance, without asking you to further invest in a DAC to match.
The NEO Stream 3 encapsulates the very best of what makes iFi audio great – features and performance that exceed imagination, and value that defies expectation.
ZEN Stream 3: Connect Your Hi-Fi to Wi-Fi
Now is the moment for the ZEN Stream to take centre stage. Where the NEO focuses on a complete solution for those looking for an instant modern digital setup with no bottlenecks, the ZEN Stream has been made first and foremost for the established digital audio enthusiast; a listener who already has one or more prized DACs within their setup, but are looking for new ways to expand the potential of their setup, whether through introducing streaming audio elsewhere in their home, or streamlining their setup so it can be easily accessed and controlled from one point.
By focusing purely on streaming only, the ZEN Stream 3 is able to offer a host of high end features and capabilities without asking consumers to re-invest in anything they don’t need. This targeted approach ensures that the ZEN Stream 3 includes everything that users needs, and nothing they don’t - every decision made in the ZEN Stream 3’s design is in service of its streaming capabilities, putting high-resolution network-based audio in the reach of more enthusiasts than ever, both new and old, and without compromise.
Pricing & Availability
The NEO Stream 3 is available to purchase at ifi-audio.com and select elite dealers for £999 /$999 USD/€999.
The ZEN Stream 3 is available to purchase at ifi-audio.com for £399 /$399 USD/€399.
About iFi
Established in 2012 and headquartered in Southport, UK, iFi audio is a globally recognised developer and manufacturer of high-fidelity audio solutions. Its product portfolio encompasses portable, desktop, and lifestyle devices designed to deliver exceptional sound performance through advanced engineering and innovative design. Guided by a ‘music first’ philosophy, iFi’s products have received numerous international awards and acclaim from professionals and enthusiasts alike, reinforcing its position as one of the leading brands in modern audio. www.ifi-audio.com
