iFi Audio NEO Stream is a network streamer and integrated balanced bit-perfect DAC in a very slim format and elegant style that is well suited for the living room and in situations where space is at a premium.
The NEO Stream features a Burr-Brown decoder circuit and a 16-core XMOS module, which work together for optimal performance with the installed DAC. It supports MQA 8X and has lossless compatibility up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512. However, it is important to note that it does not have Bluetooth capability. NEO Stream is also Roon Ready, meaning it can be controlled and played from the Roon software, either wired or wirelessly.
One of the unique features of NEO Stream is the OptiBox, a device that uses optical fibre for the Ethernet signal. OptiBox can regenerate, re-clock and balance the signal, preserving the information from any potential response to electrical interference. This can be particularly useful for those who want to optimise their audio signal quality over long distances, as OptiBox supports minimal signal degradation up to 1 km.
In terms of design, NEO Stream shares a platform with NEO iDSD. It has a retina-quality TFT screen that can display song information and album covers in colour, which is a feature that helps it stand out as a dedicated streaming machine. The design is sleek and precise and can be used with the included aluminium stand or with four sticky rubber feet included in the box.
In terms of connectivity and power, the NEO Stream can run on 9V-15V power supplies, but it comes with a suitable iPower X in the bundle. It can connect to the internet via cable with the wired options including an RJ45 port, an M12 port and an optical LAN port or wirelessly. The wireless option is a dual-band antenna that covers both 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections. For best sound quality, iFi recommends using the optical LAN with the OptiBox. Local files can be connected via a USB-A port on the back, and a dual-action USB-C port on the front can both read devices and send digital signals to an external DAC.
