Transform Your Listening Experience with the iFi NEO Stream

In recent years, streaming has become a core part of the high-fidelity audio experience, bringing convenience and quality into a seamless package. The iFi NEO Stream is a top-tier network audio streamer designed to elevate digital audio streaming with high-resolution audio, flexible connectivity, and a minimalist design that caters to audiophiles. By combining advanced network streaming technology with the high-performance DAC expertise iFi is known for, the NEO Stream delivers a listening experience that rivals physical media, providing rich, natural, and immersive sound.

This article explores what makes the iFi NEO Stream stand out in the high-fidelity streaming landscape, examining its design, features, connectivity, sound quality, and how it compares to competitors.

Overview of the iFi NEO Stream

The iFi NEO Stream is a high-performance network streamer that incorporates iFi’s proprietary digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) and sound optimization technology. Supporting up to PCM 384kHz, DSD256, and full MQA decoding, the NEO Stream handles virtually any high-resolution audio format, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles who seek uncompromising sound quality.

Engineered with both wired and wireless network connectivity, the NEO Stream connects directly to popular music streaming services such as Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify, while also supporting local network streaming and external storage. Its minimalistic design with a high-quality OLED display complements its powerful hardware, making it a sleek addition to any home audio system.

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Design and Build Quality

The iFi NEO Stream exemplifies a modern, minimalist aesthetic that doesn’t draw attention to itself but impresses with its high-quality materials and compact footprint. The unit’s aluminum chassis provides a robust build that’s resistant to interference and vibration, crucial for high-fidelity audio playback. The OLED display shows bit depth, sampling rate, and track information, giving users instant feedback about the audio stream’s quality.

Measuring just over eight inches wide and weighing around two pounds, the NEO Stream can be easily placed on a desktop or within an audio rack. The design is both functional and refined, emphasizing iFi’s focus on performance without unnecessary complexity. The unit’s ergonomic controls are simple, allowing users to quickly navigate between settings and adjust volume or inputs as needed.

Connectivity and Flexibility

One of the standout aspects of the iFi NEO Stream is its extensive connectivity options, which make it a versatile streamer that integrates seamlessly with various audio systems.

Wired and Wireless Network: The NEO Stream supports both wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi, enabling stable, high-bandwidth connections for streaming services and local network playback.
USB and S/PDIF Inputs: These inputs allow users to connect external digital sources like CD players or computers, transforming the NEO Stream into a DAC when needed.
Analog Outputs: Balanced XLR outputs provide high-quality audio output for high-end audio systems, while RCA outputs cater to more traditional setups.
Streaming Protocols: With compatibility for DLNA, UPnP, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready, the NEO Stream is a flexible device that works effortlessly with a variety of music streaming services and software.

Sound Quality: High-Resolution Audio in Full Detail

The NEO Stream leverages iFi’s proprietary True Native DAC technology, which preserves the audio format’s original bitstream for pure, unaltered playback. Supporting PCM up to 384kHz, DSD256, and full MQA decoding, the NEO Stream delivers exceptional clarity, detail, and dynamic range.

Precision and Detail: The Burr-Brown DAC chip within the NEO Stream is renowned for its natural sound reproduction, providing a well-balanced frequency response with accurate details across the soundstage.
Low Distortion and Noise: iFi employs a host of noise-canceling features, including active noise cancellation, which reduces jitter and distortion for a clearer audio experience, particularly in the high and mid frequencies.
Bass and Soundstage: The NEO Stream produces a rich, enveloping soundstage with deep, controlled bass. This creates an immersive experience that enhances both stereo imaging and tonal accuracy, making it an excellent choice for both music and film audio.

Streaming Capabilities and Software Integration

The NEO Stream integrates with today’s most popular streaming services, making it compatible with Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready, allowing direct streaming from high-fidelity services. Additionally, its DLNA and UPnP support enables easy playback from compatible NAS systems and network drives, granting users the flexibility to play locally stored files in high resolution.

For Roon users, the NEO Stream’s Roon Ready certification ensures seamless integration within multi-room setups, further enhancing its appeal to audiophiles seeking an effortless, unified listening experience.

Comparing iFi NEO Stream to Competitors

The NEO Stream stands out among network streamers in its price range due to its robust combination of high-quality DAC performance, connectivity, and sound quality. When compared to other high-fidelity network streamers such as the Bluesound Node or the Cambridge Audio CXN (V2), the NEO Stream distinguishes itself with a more refined DAC and superior high-resolution support.

The NEO Stream’s True Native DAC technology also gives it an edge, providing a distinctive, natural sound that sets it apart in a market filled with competent but more digitally flavored alternatives. Additionally, iFi’s focus on minimizing distortion and jitter makes the NEO Stream highly competitive in delivering a pure audio experience.

Conclusion

The iFi NEO Stream is a high-performance network streamer that successfully combines high-resolution audio playback, robust connectivity, and a sleek design. With support for the latest audio formats and streaming services, as well as excellent sound quality backed by iFi’s proprietary DAC technology, the NEO Stream is an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking a modern streaming solution.

While the price may be premium, the NEO Stream’s sound quality, minimalistic aesthetics, and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for dedicated music enthusiasts looking to elevate their listening experience. Whether you’re streaming from the cloud, or local servers, or enjoying a high-resolution file from your library, the iFi NEO Stream offers a gateway to audio that’s as clear, detailed, and engaging as possible.

FAQs for iFi NEO Stream

1. What audio formats does the iFi NEO Stream support?

The iFi NEO Stream supports PCM up to 384kHz, DSD256, and full MQA decoding, making it compatible with most high-resolution audio formats.

2. Can I use the NEO Stream without an external DAC?

Yes, the NEO Stream has a high-quality built-in DAC (Burr-Brown True Native), allowing you to connect directly to amplifiers or active speakers without needing an additional DAC.

3. Is the NEO Stream Roon Ready?

Yes, the iFi NEO Stream is Roon Ready, meaning it can integrate seamlessly with the Roon software for multi-room streaming, library management, and high-resolution playback.

4. Which streaming services are compatible with the NEO Stream?

The NEO Stream supports Tidal Connect, and Spotify Connect, and works with any DLNA/UPnP-compatible streaming service, including Qobuz, Deezer, and others through third-party apps.

5. How do I connect the NEO Stream to my home network?

The NEO Stream offers both wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi options. Simply connect via an Ethernet cable for wired use or connect wirelessly using the device’s setup instructions.

6. Does the NEO Stream support Bluetooth?

No, the NEO Stream does not support Bluetooth. It is designed for high-fidelity, network-based streaming for optimal audio quality.

7. What types of outputs does the NEO Stream have?

The NEO Stream features balanced XLR outputs for high-end systems, RCA outputs for traditional setups, and USB output for using it strictly as a DAC in digital systems.

8. Can I play files from a USB drive or NAS?

Yes, the NEO Stream supports playback from external USB storage devices and network-attached storage (NAS), allowing access to locally stored music libraries.

9. What control options are available for the NEO Stream?

You can control the NEO Stream using the on-device buttons, Roon, or through compatible DLNA/UPnP streaming apps. Tidal and Spotify Connect enable control directly from their apps.

10. Does the NEO Stream have an app for setup and control?

The NEO Stream does not have a dedicated app, but it’s compatible with Roon, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and DLNA/UPnP controllers for managing playback and settings.

11. Can I use the NEO Stream with both balanced and unbalanced systems?

Yes, the NEO Stream provides both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs, ensuring compatibility with a variety of audio systems.

12. How does the NEO Stream handle high-resolution audio?

With its Burr-Brown DAC and support for PCM 384kHz, DSD256, and MQA, the NEO Stream maintains the integrity of high-resolution files, delivering detailed and clear audio.

13. What are the power requirements for the NEO Stream?

The NEO Stream operates with a 5V power input. It typically includes a power adapter compatible with its requirements.

14. Is firmware update support available for the NEO Stream?

Yes, it periodically releases firmware updates to improve functionality, fix bugs, and add new features. Updates can usually be installed via USB or through network connection options.

15. Does the iFi NEO Stream have a headphone output?

No, the NEO Stream is strictly a network streamer and DAC designed for connection to amplifiers or powered speakers, without a dedicated headphone output.

Specifications

DAC: Burr-Brown True Native® DAC, designed to handle high-resolution audio formats with precision and clarity
Supported Audio Formats:
- PCM: Up to 32-bit/384kHz
- DSD: Native DSD up to DSD256
- MQA: Full decoding capability
- DXD: Up to 384kHz
Streaming Protocols:
- Roon Ready: Seamless integration with Roon software
- Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect: Direct streaming from Tidal and Spotify apps
- DLNA/UPnP: Compatible with most DLNA/UPnP streaming software
Inputs:
- Ethernet: 1 x RJ45 Ethernet port for wired network connectivity
- USB-C: For connecting external hard drives and other storage
- Optical & Coaxial Digital: For connecting digital sources
Outputs:
- Balanced XLR (Analog): High-fidelity output for audiophile-grade audio systems
- Unbalanced RCA (Analog): Versatile analog output compatible with various audio systems
- USB Audio (Digital): Allows for use as a USB DAC with compatible devices
Display: OLED screen showing playback info, including bit depth, sample rate, and track details
Wireless Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) for stable wireless streaming
Power Supply: 5V/2.5A DC input, typically shipped with a high-quality power adapter
Dimensions: 214 x 151 x 41 mm (8.4 x 5.9 x 1.6 inches)
Weight: Approximately 970g (2.1 lbs)
Color: Silver with a minimalist, sleek design and sturdy aluminum chassis
Additional Features:
- Active Noise Cancellation: Reduces noise in the power supply
- Galvanic Isolation: Helps minimize digital noise in the USB connection, ensuring pristine audio quality