iFi
NEO Stream Music Streaming Music Player
$1,299.00 USDFeatures
DNLA/UPnP – Use your choice of any DLNA/UPnP compatible app – BubbleUpnP, connect, Audirvana and so on – to control the NEO Stream and access audio content from online services.
Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect – Stream straight from these integrated online music services.
Apple Airplay – Easy streaming from Apple devices.
NAA operation – Serious enthusiast? The NEO Stream can operate as a Network Audio Adapter. It directs packets of audio data received over Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable straight to the connected DAC without applying processing.
NAS drive – stream from a local storage device using the ‘Stream-iFi’ app.
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Built for passionate audio enthusiasts, the iFi Audio NEO Stream is a high-performance DAC and music streamer delivering class-leading versatility and performance. A part of iFi's mid-level NEO series, the NEO Stream Network Audio Streamer is distinctly different from other streamers on the market, thanks to its clean-sheet design and raft of proprietary tech. It combines the functionality of iFi's latest networking streaming engine with a superbly engineered DAC stage to deliver a level of audio streaming performance that you just can't beat for the price.
The NEO Stream is the ideal streamer for passionate music lovers and audiophiles who want to access their music through their chosen music platform and always experience exceptional sound quality, without the exorbitant price tags of other high-end streamers.
Designed with Performance in Mind
The NEO Stream sports a compact form factor that can accommodate tight spaces and be positioned horizontally or vertically with the supplied stand—its display flips automatically to suit the orientation. The two-inch retina-grade TFT color display shows text and graphics including album cover art. On the front panel, you'll find a multifunction rotary control knob, USB-C input/output for connecting an external DAC or storage device, power on/off button, and menu/output selector.
The NEO Stream offers an array of connectivity options for versatility across a range of system configurations. Inputs include Dual-band Wi-Fi reception, Gigabit Ethernet (LAN), 2x USB-A, and USB-C system update port. Outputs include HDMI, USB-A, AES/EBU, S/PDIF (coaxial, optical), and analog stereo RCA and 4.4mm balanced. Optical LAN delivers the highest quality digital audio connection possible between the router and the streamer for ultra-fast data speeds up to 10Gbps and bit-perfect transmission of ultra-resolution audio, with minimal degradation.
The USB ports—both input and output—benefit from iFi's ANC II active noise cancellation to remove noise and distortion from the audio signal. The S/PDIF outputs incorporate iPurifier technology, designed to remove noise and distortion. The digital signal is regulated by iFi's femto-precision GMT (Global Master Timing) clock circuitry to eradicate jitter.
Specially-Configured Streaming Engine
The iFi NEO Stream features an open-source architecture built on a powerful quad-core ARM Cortex processor and Linux-based operating system that enables it to evolve over time while ensuring users are not locked into a specific platform. The unit's streaming engine has been designed from the ground up to deliver the best possible sound quality. From the device drivers to the kernel (the heart of the operating system), shell, application, and user interface, everything is fully optimized for seamless operation.
The NEO Stream's internal DAC stage is based around a Burr-Brown DAC chipset selected for its natural-sounding musicality and True Native architecture. One critical component is the 16-core XMOS microcontroller, programmed by iFi's in-house team to optimize sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC. The DAC chip's four-channel True Native design enables PCM and DSD to take separate pathways and remain 'bit-perfect' in their direct native form. Other circuit components include discrete, high-grade surface-mounted devices like TDK C0G multilayer ceramic capacitors and inductors from Taiyo Yuden and Murata.
Voltage regulators with high PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio), low idle current, and low dropout are used, together with a synchronous 1.2MHz high-speed power supply controller which improves filtering efficiency and ensures power supply noise is vanishingly low. All this attention to detail contributes to the NEO Stream's pure, distortion-free performance. You'll experience more clarity and texture, and a more dynamic and engaging performance.
The NEO Stream can be used in two ways: Connect to an amp and speakers via the onboard DAC stage and analog outputs, or connect one of the available digital outputs to an external DAC. When used via digital outputs, the NEO Stream acts as a streaming transport or network bridge, like the iFi ZEN Stream but with a higher level of ultra-resolution performance.
Superb Sound, No Matter How You Stream
You choose the way you want to stream, select your favorite app or streaming platform, and rest assured that music will be delivered at the highest possible sound quality however you configure the system. Whether using the onboard DAC or not, the NEO Stream's hi-res audio supports PCM data up to 32-bit/768kHz, all levels of DSD up to DSD512, and single and double-speed DXD. This level of hi-res audio is supported over LAN, USB cable inputs, and Wi-Fi. The NEO Stream is also equipped with MQA full decoding of files up to 384kHz.
The iFi NEO Stream is an effortless music streamer with multiple ways to interface the unit with online streaming services or music stored on your local network. Certified as a Roon Ready device, users can integrate the NEO Stream into a Roon audio environment and use it seamlessly with Roon software. Any DLNA/UPnP-compatible streaming app can be used to control the NEO Stream and access audio content from online services and DLNA-certified network storage devices. The NEO Stream can also operate as an NAA in conjunction with Sygnalist HQPlayer software. Tidal and Spotify users will benefit from the NEO Stream's Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect integration, allowing users to stream directly from the apps. The NEO Stream also has integrated Apple AirPlay for easy streaming and playback with Apple devices. Lastly, iFi's Stream-iFi app is a simple tool to aid in the initial setup of the NEO Stream and initiate streaming from local storage devices.
- Roon Ready
- DLNA/UPnP
- Integrated Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect
- Apple AirPlay
- NAA Operation
- Streaming from local storage with the Stream-iFi app
Several different settings allow users to tailor the NEO Stream's performance to suit their home audio system and the way they like to stream. Users can select between exclusive modes—individual settings that optimize performance by focusing operation on one mode of use. Further personal tailoring is provided by four user-selectable digital filters: Bit-perfect, GTO, Minimum Phase, and Standard.
- Bit Perfect: No digital filtering, no pre or post ringing
- Standard: Modest filtering, modest pre and posting ringing
- Minimum Phase: Slow roll-off, minimum pre and post ringing
- GTO: Gibbs Transient Optimized, up-sampled to 384/352kHz, minimum filtering, no pre-ringing and minimum post-ringing
iFi Audio: Make Your Music Better
Manufacturer of the award-winning xDSD Gryphon Portable DAC, GO Bar, and iFi Audio GO Blu DAC/Amp, iFi creates hi-fi audio solutions for the passionate audiophile who never compromises sound quality. From streamers to USB DACs, Hip-DACs, adapters, headphone amplifiers, and more, iFi Audio produces home audio and portable audio gear at affordable prices, ranging from entry-level to mid-tiered music lovers and discerning audiophiles. Check out our entire collection of iFi Audio products and dedicated reviews for more.
Features
- Add streaming capability to your cherished system
- Sonically upgrade your existing streamer
- Open-source architecture- works with multiple apps
- Future proofed- constantly evolving platform support
- Custom-designed hardware and software- built for exceptional sound
- Streaming Capability: Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, AirPlay, DLNA/UPnP, NAA, and more
- USB and S/PDIF interfaces regulated by femto-precision clock to eradicate jitter
- Active Noise Cancellation and iPurifier technologies remove distortion from the audio signal
- Fully balanced analog circuitry delivers maximum sonic purity
- Custom-designed hardware and software built for exceptional sound
What's In the Box?
- NEO Stream
- Aluminum Base
- RCA Cable
- Ultra Low-Noise Power Supply
- USB-A to USB-C Cable
- SC-SC Fibre Optic Cable
- 5V Power Adapter
- Ethernet Cable
- Antenna
- OptiBox
- Quick Start Guide
- Instruction Card
FAQ
Is the NEO Stream Roon Ready?
Yes, the iFi Audio NEO Stream is Roon Ready certified and can be integrated into the Roon environment.
Can I control the NEO Stream with my smartphone?
Yes, you can use the iFi Audio Control app for iOS and Android to control the NEO Stream.
Does the NEO Stream have a phono stage for connecting a turntable?
No, the iFi Audio NEO Stream does not have a built-in phono stage.
