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iFi Launches NEO iDSD 3, NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 — A Serious Upgrade Path for Older Hi-Fi Systems

With K2HD processing, upgraded power stages and next-gen streaming, iFi’s latest trio aims to modernize legacy systems without sacrificing musicality.


British audio specialist iFi Audio has unveiled three new components designed to push its NEO and ZEN ranges forward:


  • iFi NEO iDSD 3

  • iFi NEO Stream 3

  • iFi ZEN Stream 3


Together, they’re positioned as a way to bring ultra-resolution streaming and modern digital refinement into both new and existing hi-fi systems — especially older setups that lack network connectivity.



NEO iDSD 3: Flagship DAC/Amp with Studio-Grade Restoration



Black audio amplifier with a sleek design, featuring a large knob, two headphone jacks, and "Hi-Res Audio" text on the front panel.


Leading the charge is the NEO iDSD 3, a compact desktop DAC/headphone amplifier priced at $999 / £999 / €999.


Designed for Musical Realism


iFi says the NEO iDSD 3 was engineered to avoid the “cold and clinical” character some modern DACs exhibit. Central to that mission is K2HD technology, developed in partnership with JVCKENWOOD.


K2HD processing aims to restore harmonic detail often lost during digital encoding or compression. Instead of simply resampling, it’s tuned by ear — shaped around how music feels, not just how it measures.


Hardware Upgrades Under the Hood


Compared to previous NEO models, the iDSD 3 introduces:


  • New op-amps with 50% lower measured distortion

  • Upgraded polymer capacitors to reduce power ripple

  • WIMA MKS2 capacitors for smoother high-frequency response

At its core is a custom Burr-Brown DAC stage, handling:

  • PCM up to 768kHz

  • Native DSD512

  • Separate signal paths for PCM and DSD to maintain bit-perfect integrity


This isn’t just spec-sheet inflation — it’s built to maintain low-level linearity and natural dynamic flow.


Serious Headphone Power


Borrowing from the design of iFi’s Diablo series, the NEO iDSD 3 delivers:


  • 2,532mW RMS at 32Ω

  • Over 5,550mW max output


That’s roughly five times the output of the original NEO iDSD — enough to comfortably drive demanding planar magnetics.


Tuning Tools, Not Just Specs


iFi includes its familiar analog enhancements:


  • XBass II (low-end reinforcement or midrange presence boost)

  • XSpace (expanded spatial presentation)


Rather than enforcing one “reference” sound, the iDSD 3 lets listeners tailor the presentation to their headphones.


Other upgrades include:


  • RCA line-in replacing the old 3.5mm input

  • Adjustable LED brightness

  • OTA updates and remote control via the iFi Nexis app

  • Bluetooth with aptX Lossless, LDAC and LHDC support



NEO Stream 3 & ZEN Stream 3: Modern Streaming for Legacy Systems



Alongside the DAC/amp comes two dedicated network streamers.


Both the NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 feature:


  • Upgraded polymer power capacitors

  • ELNA Silmic II capacitors for smoother treble

  • Improved manufacturing tolerances

  • New IoT hardware for easier setup and updates


They support:


  • Qobuz Connect

  • Tidal Connect

  • Spotify Connect

  • AirPlay 2

  • High-resolution playback from NAS or external drives


NEO Stream 3: The All-in-One Modernizer


Black audio device with antenna and large knob. "ifi" logo on front. Set on a white background, minimalistic and sleek design.

The NEO Stream 3 is pitched as the easiest way to upgrade an aging hi-fi stack.

It supports:


  • Native 768kHz PCM

  • DSD512

  • Integrated Burr-Brown DAC stage

  • K2HD upsampling for PCM below 192kHz


It also includes iFi’s:


  • OptiBox optical isolation for network noise reduction

  • iPurifier2 on S/PDIF outputs

  • Active Noise Cancellation on USB


Price: $999 / £999 / €999


This is the solution for someone who wants one box to add streaming, high-end DAC functionality, and noise management to an older amplifier.



ZEN Stream 3: The Targeted Upgrade


The ZEN Stream 3 is the more focused option at $399 / £399 / €399.


Device with antenna, dark and gray colors, green light, and "STREAM B" text on front. Power and frequency symbols visible.


It removes the integrated DAC stage and concentrates purely on streaming performance, supporting:


  • Native 384kHz PCM

  • DSD256


It’s designed for enthusiasts who already own a prized DAC but want:


  • Modern streaming support

  • Cleaner signal paths

  • Exclusive Modes that shut down unnecessary system processes to reduce noise

It’s leaner, simpler, and more affordable — but still serious.


A Clear Strategy: Modern Sound, Classic Systems


What makes this launch interesting isn’t just the hardware upgrades — it’s the positioning.

Many audiophiles own excellent older amplifiers and speakers. What they lack isn’t sound quality — it’s modern connectivity.


With these three products, iFi is effectively offering:


  • A high-power DAC/amp hub (NEO iDSD 3)

  • A premium all-in-one streaming upgrade (NEO Stream 3)

  • A focused digital transport solution (ZEN Stream 3)


Rather than forcing users to replace entire systems, iFi is providing modular paths forward.


The Bottom Line


The NEO iDSD 3, NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 represent more than incremental updates. They reflect a push toward:


  • Lower distortion

  • Better power regulation

  • Studio-inspired restoration processing

  • Cleaner streaming architecture


For anyone looking to modernize an older hi-fi setup without sacrificing musical character, this trio might be one of 2026’s most practical upgrade routes.



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