iFi Neo Stream Review
Even though it’s compact, iFi’s Neo Stream network player is loaded with advanced features. The British manufacturer also offers an innovative solution for network connectivity.
by Reinhard Paprotka
Measuring only 21 x 15 centimeters, the device appears almost petite—especially in its upright position, which requires minimal space and can even fit on a bookshelf. This placement is made possible by a provided stand, along with an OLED display that automatically rotates to match the orientation.
There’s no need to hide the Neo Stream, because its robust aluminum housing has attractive beveled edges, polished corners, and a stylish recess for the volume knob. If you’d like to place it horizontally, you can attach the included feet to the bottom. The small display isn’t very convenient for day-to-day control, but the best way to operate the Neo Stream is via apps, which we’ll discuss shortly.
The clever vertical arrangement is quickly overshadowed by the wide range of connections on the back panel—there’s barely any room left for more. In particular, the network section stands out because, besides a Wi-Fi antenna and a standard RJ45 port for gigabit LAN, there is a specialized optical connection for an iFi-developed interface.
This interface uses a fiber optic cable, supporting distances of up to 1000 meters. Included in the box is the “OptiBox,” which provides galvanic isolation and supports speeds up to 10 Gbit/s. While 10 Gbit/s might not be critical today for most home audio setups, it could become much more relevant in the future, and iFi is clearly forward-thinking. Another impressive feature for sound quality is the integration of Femto Clocks for ultra-precise timing during D/A conversion.
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Professional Network Connection
Another highlight is the option to use an 8‑pin M12 socket for LAN. These aluminum-based connectors are far sturdier than standard plastic RJ45 plugs. M12 and 10 Gbit technologies represent the current professional standard in networking.
For analog outputs, you have RCA ports plus a balanced 4.4 mm jack for headphones; unbalanced models can be used with an adapter, provided they’re not too low in impedance. There’s no separate headphone jack on the front. However, with a 4.4 mm–to–XLR adapter, you can connect amplifiers or active speakers with balanced inputs. You can select either fixed or variable volume output in 0.5 dB steps. If you don’t plan on using other audio sources, the Neo Stream can operate as a minimal preamp. On the digital side, you’ll find 24‑bit/192 kHz S/P-DIF outputs (coaxial and TOSLINK) plus an XLR output (AES/EBU). There’s also an I2S output via HDMI and a USB output for ultra-high-resolution audio.
One of the Neo Stream’s biggest strengths is its extensive selection of connectors.
Two USB-A 3.0 SuperSpeed ports on the back let you attach external storage formatted in exFAT or NTFS, removing the size limitations seen in some other streamers. This setup makes it easy to rip CDs or organize a music library on a Windows PC or Mac, then simply plug it in and play via the Neo Stream. With DLNA support, you can browse folders directly, preserving the organization you established on your computer and avoiding the tedious work of tagging files. On the front panel, there is a USB-C port, and all the USB ports use ANC noise-reduction technology to keep interference to a minimum.
To control the Neo Stream, iFi provides the Stream‑iFi app. The same functionality is also available through a web interface, which might be more convenient on a larger screen during initial setup. With Stream‑iFi, you can configure settings like server selection, cover art/metadata, and options for MQA, DSD, and volume management. It includes a built-in player for handling audio from USB and DLNA sources.
The Neo Stream is Fully Roon Certified
You can’t use music services directly through the Stream‑iFi app yet; a new version is expected by the end of 2023. Until then, you can use UPnP apps like BubbleUPnP or mconnect, with the Neo Stream acting as a UPnP renderer. Thanks to its Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect support, you can also control playback directly from those apps. And of course, the Neo Stream works seamlessly with Roon, so you can operate it using the Roon Remote interface.
The Neo Stream offers multiple outputs, including a balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn jack.
The Neo Stream’s electronics are on a densely populated circuit board. There are also daughterboards and an external power supply.
Its internal circuitry supports resolutions of up to 32‑bit / 768 kHz, and DSD is handled natively up to DSD512 (no conversion to PCM). You can choose from four digital filters, including “Bit Perfect,” which avoids ringing but narrows the frequency range a bit (see measurement chart). Another interesting option is “GTO” (Gibbs Transient Optimized), which uses upsampling and avoids pre- and post-ringing artifacts.
Impressive Sound
In our tests, the Neo Stream excelled across all types of music. Jazz tracks like David Sanborn’s “Coming Home Baby” (from “Time Again”) highlight its ability to handle a broad instrumental range with ease. It also shines with dynamic music that has very soft passages—such as classical or electronic—delivering notable depth, detail, and a convincing sense of space.
The Neo Stream can also operate vertically. In this orientation, the display automatically rotates by 90°.
Measurement Charts
Frequency Responses: In the default “Bit Perfect” filter mode, the bandwidth at Fs=44.1 kHz is limited to 16 kHz.
Distortion Spectrum: Excellent distortion performance, with components outside the audible range.
Measurements
- Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted): 106 dB
- Output impedance: 20 Ω
- Output voltage: max. 2.1 V
Functions Overview
- Network: Gigabit LAN (RJ45 and M12 S Connector), WLAN, optical LAN isolation at up to 10 Gbit/s
- Network protocols: Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, RAAT (Roon Ready), AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, NAA, SMB
- Additional music services via UPnP apps or Roon
- Analog outputs: Line RCA + balanced 4.4 mm jack
- Digital outputs: coaxial, TOSLINK, balanced XLR, I2S (via HDMI)
- USB Type A: 2× host input/output; 1× Type C (front)
- ANC II Active Noise Reduction for USB ports
- MQA Decoder up to 384 kHz
Other
- Vertical operation with automatic display rotation
- Supports up to 32 bit / 768 kHz, DSD512
- Four selectable filter types
- Supported formats: FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, APE, WMA Lossless, DSF, DFF; lossy: MP3, WMA, Ogg, AAC
- Sampling rates: PCM up to 24 bit / 192 kHz, DSD128
Verdict
The Neo Stream network player from this British company offers a wealth of technologies and a forward-looking design—especially in terms of network connectivity and the option to stand it vertically. Its compact size and built-in preamp capability make it ideal for a bookshelf-based setup.
Ratings
- Measurements: 8 (out of 10)
- Practical use: 7 (out of 10)
- Value: 8 (out of 10)
- Sound (DSD / 24/96 / 16/44.1): 6.5 / 6.5 / 6.3 (out of 10)
- Overall score: 8.6 (out of 10)
- Price/Performance: Very good
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