iFi Audio NEO Stream Network Audio Streamer

NEO Stream by iFi Audio is a network audio streamer, built by passionate enthusiasts, for passionate enthusiasts.

The NEO Stream is built to deliver optimal versatility and sonic performance. It combines the latest version of the iFi network streaming engine with their award-winning DAC stage to deliver a level of audio previously unattainable without spending much more than this price tag. Just add your choice of amplifier and speakers.

iFi Audio's use of proprietary tech makes the NEO Stream distinctly different. No bought-in platform or specific control app. Just their own streaming engine, fully optimised for seamless operation and excellent sonic performance. Functionally and sonically, NEO Stream is the ideal streamer for passionate music lovers who want to experience their music with exceptional sound quality through their own choice of control app or music platform. Without the exorbitant price tag.

The NEO Stream’s integral DAC stage takes your streaming enjoyment to another level. Four-channel True Native hi-res DAC design – supports PCM 768kHz and DSD 512, plus a powerful 16-core XMOS processor – performs full MQA decoding (to 384kHz).

Thanks to the DAC chip’s four-channel True Native design, PCM and DSD take separate pathways and remain ‘bit-perfect’ in their direct-native form, right through to analogue conversion. In the case of DSD, there is no conversion to PCM or application of multi-bit processing – this is unusual and makes the NEO Stream an excellent choice for DSD purists.

Connecting to your network router via cable rather than relying on Wi-Fi? The NEO Stream includes a unique option alongside its RJ45 and M12 ports – optical LAN. This is iFi Audio's own technology. Connect the OptiBox transceiver to the router, and the NEO Stream to the OptiBox via an optical cable. Both the OptiBox and cable are included.

This approach benefits from the highest quality digital audio connection possible between the router and the streamer. Ultra-fast data speeds of up to 10Gbps, bit-perfect transmission of ultra-resolution audio, minimal degradation across distances of up to 1 km. The LAN signal from the router is regenerated, reclocked and rebalanced by the OptiBox; true galvanic isolation is applied, with zero parasitic capacitance and inductance.

Several different settings allow users to tailor the NEO Stream’s performance to suit their system and the way they like to stream. Exclusive Modes are individual settings that optimise performance by focusing operation on one mode of use. There are specific settings for Roon, Tidal Masters, DLNA and NAA, as well as a general mode for multi-platform use.

Four user-selectable digital filters, each of which has a subtle but clearly discernible effect on sound, can be switched according to personal taste and music choice: Bit-Perfect, GTO (Gibbs Transient Optimised), Minimum Phase, or Standard.

Features

• Premium network audio streamer + DAC.
• Adds streaming capability to your cherished system.
• Sonically upgrades your existing streamer.
• The only streamer you will ever need.
• Just add your choice of amplifier + loudspeakers.
• Roon Ready – Roon Ready certification means the NEO Stream slots straight into a Roon audio environment and works seamlessly with Roon software.
• DNLA/UPnP – Use your choice of any DLNA/UPnP compatible app – BubbleUPnP, mconnect, Audirvana and so on – to control the NEO Stream and access audio content from online services.
• Tidal Connect + 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.

Specifications

• Inputs: Wi-Fi, Ethernet (M12 X-code 8-pin/RJ45/Optical), USB-A and USB-C (front panel) (USB DISK, HDD etc.)
• Formats: DSD up to 512 / 22.6 MHz, PCM up to 768 kHz, MQA Full Decoder
• Analogue Output: Balanced 4.4 mm 4 V RMS / UnBAL RCA 2 V RMS
• Digital Outputs:
• USB-C (front panel)
• USB 3.0 Type-A Socket x2 (USB 2.0 compatible)
• S/PDIF Optical (PCM up to 192 kHz, 24-bit)
• S/PDIF Coaxial (PCM up to 192 kHz, 24-bit)
• AES/EBU (XLR - single link, PCM up to 192 kHz)
• I2S via HDMI connector Pinout:
• 1) Data -
• 2) Gnd
• 3) Data +
• 4) Bck +
• 5) Gnd
• 6) Bck
• 7) Wck -
• 8) Gnd
• 9) Wck +
• 10) Mck +
• 11) Gnd
• 12) Mck
• 13,14,15,16) DSD Enable; L=PCM, H=DSD
• 17) Gnd
• 18) 5V Power Enable Output; L=O, H=On
• 19) N/C
• 20,21,22,23) GND
• Output Impedance: Balanced 74 Ω, UnBAL 37 Ω
• SNR: < -106 dB(A) @ 0 dBFS (BAL/UnBAL)
• THD + N: < 0.0025 % @ 0 dBFS (BAL/UnBAL)
• Power Supply Requirement: DC 9 V / 2.0 A, 12 V / 1.8 A, 15 V /1.2 A (centre pin +)
• Power Consumption: < 0.5 W idle, 14 W max.
• Dimensions: 214 x 151 x 41 mm (8.4" x 5.9" x 1.6")
• Net Weight: 1.0 kg (2.26 Ibs)

Included

• NEO Stream
• RCA Cable
• Optibox
• Ultra-Low Noise Power Supply
• USB-A to USB-C Cable

More Information

• NEO Stream Network Audio Streamer + Hub, by iFi Audio