iFi Audio Neo Stream DAC & Network Streamer - Ex Demo

iFi Audio Neo Stream DAC & Network Streamer - Ex Demo

 

If you're looking for an excellent streaming experience with exceptional sound quality, the Neo Stream DAC & Network Streamer is the way to go. With its powerful 16-core XMOS processor, the Neo Stream provides full MQA decoding up to 384kHz and Roon Ready certification, allowing you to stream seamlessly from your favourite online services like Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect and Apple Airplay. It also supports DNLA/UPnP and NAS drive streaming, allowing you to access audio content from local storage devices. Furthermore, the integrated DAC stage is designed with a four-channel True Native hi-res DAC design that supports PCM 768kHz and DSD 512 for bit-perfect analogue conversion. For serious enthusiasts, the Neo Stream can also operate as a Network Audio Adapter, directing packets of audio data over Wi-Fi or Ethernet directly to the connected DAC. This makes the Neo Stream an ideal choice for music lovers looking to upgrade their streaming setup without breaking the bank.

 

Here is what iFi Audio say about the Neo Stream

The Neo Stream is a combined network streaming engine and DAC stage ideal for music lovers who want to experience their music with exceptional sound quality without the exorbitant price tag. The Neo Stream is built to deliver optimal versatility and sonic performance, with no 'bought-in' platform or specific control app, simply play from your favourite streaming services for fully optimised for seamless operation. With various connections (WiFi, Ethernet, USB etc) the Neo Stream is made suitable for a wide range of systems, just add your choice of amp and speakers.

 

Features

• 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, 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.
• Four-channel True Native hi-res DAC design – supports PCM 768kHz and DSD 512,
• Powerful 16-core XMOS processor – performs full MQA decoding (to 384kHz)
• NAS drive – stream from a local storage device using the ‘Stream-iFi’ app.
• TDK C0G (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors offer high stability and low losses for resonant circuit applications.
• Panasonic OS-CON caps totaling 5,410uF give very-low Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR), excellent noise reduction capability and frequency response characteristics.
• Tantalum capacitors
• The XMOS 16-Core chip - delivers double the clock speed (2000MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB), as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard.
• muRata control-type, low-ESR high-Q multi-layer capacitors
• Texas Instruments low-noise ICs offer great unity-gain bandwidth, very low noise and distortion, high output drive capability, Common-mode and Power Supply Rejection Ratios of over 100 dB, wide maximum-output-swing bandwidths and high slew rates.

 

The NEO Stream’s integral DAC stage takes your streaming enjoyment to another level. 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.

 

Unique Optical LAN

If you are looking to connect to your network router via cable rather than relying on Wi-Fi you will benefit from the highest quality digital audio connection possible between the router and the streamer with the optical LAN option on the Neo Stream. Alongside its RJ45 and M12 ports . Connect the OptiBox transceiver to the router, and the NEO Stream to the OptiBox via an optical cable. 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. Both the OptiBox and cable are included. 

• Ultra-fast data speeds of up to 10Gbps
• Bit-perfect transmission of ultra-resolution audio
• Minimal degradation across distances of up to 1km

 

Exclusive Modes

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
• Standard

 

Technology

The NEO Stream has more clarity and texture, and a more dynamic and engaging performance – quite simply, you hear more of the music, just as the artist intended. The NEO Stream achieves no noise and distortion from the audio signal through its use of variour technologies:

• USB ports use our ANC II active noise cancellation technology
• S/PDIF outputs incorporate iPurifier technology
• The digital signal is regulated by our femto-precision GMT (Global Master Timing) clock to eradicate jitter
• The retina-grade TFT display boasts SilentLine design so no electrical noise interferes with the audio signal
• Circuit components with low ESR, high linearity and low noise mean great sound quality

Voltage regulators with high PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio), low idle current and low dropout equal low power supply noise and a synchronous 1.2MHz high-speed power supply controller to improve filtering efficiency mean power supply noise is vanishingly low.

 

What's in the box

• Main Unit
• USB-A to USB-C Cable
• RJ45 Cable
• DC 9V3A-15V/2A PSU
• Wi-Fi Antenna
• Optical SC Ethernet Cable
• Stereo RCA Cable

 

Specification

• 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 / 22.6MHz
  • PCM: up to 768kHz
  • MQA: Full Decoder
• Analogue output: Balanced 4.4mm 4V RMS / UnBAL RCA 2V RMS
• Digital output:
  • USB-C (front panel)
  • USB3.0 Type-A Socket x2 (USB2.0 compatible)
  • S/PDIF Optical (PCM up to 192kHz, 24-bit)
  • S/PDIF Coaxial (PCM up to 192kHz, 24-bit)
  • AES/EBU (XLR - single link, PCM up to 192kHz)
  • 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: ≤74Ω
  • UnBAL: ≤37Ω
• SNR: <-106dB(A) @ 0dBFS (BAL/UnBAL)
• THD + N: <0.0025% @ 0dBFS (BAL/UnBAL)
• Power supply requirement: DC 9V/2.0A, 12V/1.8A, 15V/1.2A* (centre pin +)
• Power consumption: <0.5W idle, 14W max.
• Dimensions: 214 x 151 x 41 mm (8.4" x 5.9" x 1.6")
• Net weight: 1.0 kg (2.26 Ibs)
• Limited Warranty 12 months**
  *A power supply unit must be able to deliver minimum rated repetitive current
  **12 months typical or as permitted/required by local reseller laws.

 

About iFi Audio 

iFi Audio is an award-winning audio tech company dedicated to enhancing your music enjoyment. With a mission to improve sound quality and eliminate noise, distortion, and hiss, iFi Audio offers a wide range of products that cater to headphones, speakers, portable audio devices, phones, and TVs. By doing so, they aim to deliver studio-quality audio that allows you to experience music as the artists intended.

Since its establishment in 2012, iFi Audio has been driven by the love of music and a commitment to making a difference in people's lives. With over 50 meticulously designed and manufactured products, they ensure every detail meets their high standards. Sourcing parts from around the world, including Germany, the USA, and Japan, they bring together global expertise to create exceptional audio devices.

At the heart of iFi Audio's business are its customers. They prioritise delivering the highest quality audio wherever you are, whether in the comfort of your home or on the go. Their distribution centre in the USA serves renowned retailers such as B&H and etailz, expanding their global network and reaching more music enthusiasts.

iFi Audio takes pride in its eco-friendly practices, using recyclable materials like aluminium, paper, and recycled plastics for its products and packaging. They strictly adhere to environmental standards, ensuring their components are hazardous toxins-free.

With a focus on Class A analogue circuitry and maintaining the audio signal's integrity, iFi Audio's products offer exceptional performance without compromising environmental sustainability. They believe that how a product looks, performs, and impacts the environment all matter, and they strive to deliver audio solutions that meet these criteria.

Experience the difference of high-quality audio with iFi Audio and immerse yourself in the joy of music.