All Image Credit: iFi

iFi has expanded its range of streaming DAC’s with the addition of the NEO Stream. This new design is said by iFi to; “deliver optimal versatility and sonic performance”. It combines a wide array of features and the latest version of their network streaming engine with their award-winning DAC stage, all while keeping its price tag to less than $1,300.00. Mounting may be horizontal or vertical with the supplied mount, with the OLED display image rotating according to its orientation. Just add your choice of amp and speakers.

The iFi Stream is Roon Ready and supports playback via NAA, DLNA/UPnP, Apple AirPlay, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect. While the iFi Stream app allows music files to be streamed from a connected USB drive. There are five system play modes to choose from: AIO (All-in-One), DLNA only, Tidal Connect only, Roon only, and NAA (network audio adapter) only. Operation is aided by the front panel easy-to-read SilentLine retina-grade OLED display, that shows status, media information and cover artwork.

The NEO Stream’s integral DAC stage provides a:

• Four-channel True Native hi-res Burr-Brown DAC design – supports PCM data to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512 (22.6MHz) and single and double speed DXD.
• Powerful 16-core XMOS processor – performs full MQA decoding (to 384kHz)

The DAC chip’s four-channel True Native design together with its femto-precision GMT (Global Master Timing) clock, allows PCM and DSD take separate pathways and remain jitter free and ‘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, making it an excellent choice for DSD purists. Four user selectable DAC filters are also available.

Rear panel connections include:

• Input:
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi reception (2.4GHz and 5GHz) with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac support
  • Gigabit Ethernet (LAN) – 1x RJ45; 1x M12; 1x Optical LAN
  • 2x USB-A (USB2.0 and SuperSpeed USB3.0 supported)
  • 1x USB-C system update port (OTA – Over The Air – updates also available)
• Output:
  • Analogue – 1x stereo RCA; 1x 4.4mm balanced
  • Ultra-res digital (PCM 768kHz, DSD512) – 1x HDMI-I2S; 1x USB-A (USB3.0)
  • Hi-res S/PDIF digital (PCM 24bit/192kHz) – 1x optical; 1x coaxial; 1x AES/EBU

The NEO Stream includes a unique iFi connectivity option together with its RJ45 and M12 ports, an optical LAN. This iFi optical technology is used to connect the supplied OptiBox to the NEO Stream via a short supplied optical cable and the Optibox transceiver to the router. The benefit from this high quality optical digital audio connection between the router and the streamer are said to be:

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

The LAN signal from the router is regenerated, re-clocked and rebalanced by the OptiBox providing true galvanic isolation.

The super-quiet iPower power supply (5V/2.5A) is the recommended power supply, and is included in the box.