iFi Audio Launches Next-Generation Streamers with K2HD Processing

iFi Audio has announced the release of three fresh music streamers – the NEO iDSD 3, NEO Stream 3, and ZEN Stream 3 – all featuring JVCKENWOOD’s K2HD processing, upgraded capacitors, and revised internal circuitry. These devices cater to different listener needs while remaining within a unified ecosystem controlled by the iFi Nexis app.^Forbes

NEO iDSD 3: Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier

The NEO iDSD 3 serves as the flagship model, functioning as a desktop DAC and headphone amplifier. It’s built around a custom Burr-Brown chipset with dedicated PCM and DSD signal paths, supporting PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512 via USB, coaxial, TOSLINK, and Bluetooth (aptX Lossless, LDAC, and LHDC). A new RCA line-in replaces the previous model’s 3.5mm input, offering improved compatibility with turntables and external phono preamps.^{Audio Reviews}

The amplification stage, inspired by iFi’s Diablo 2 portable, delivers up to 2,532 mW RMS from the balanced 4.4mm output – a fivefold increase compared to the original NEO iDSD. It retains XBassII and XSpace analogue processing modes and features a 2-inch color display that can be rotated for optimal viewing.^{Audio Reviews}

NEO Stream 3: Network Streamer and Pre-Amplifier

The NEO Stream 3 is a network streamer and pre-amplifier with a built-in DAC, utilizing the same Burr-Brown chipset found in the NEO iDSD 2. It natively handles 768kHz PCM and DSD512 and now includes Qobuz Connect alongside Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay 2.^{Audio Reviews}

Designed as a single-box solution, the NEO Stream 3 adds streaming, D-to-A conversion, and K2HD upsampling (to 24-bit/192kHz) to existing systems. It incorporates iFi’s OptiBox for optical isolation of the Ethernet socket, iPurifier2 processing on S/PDIF outputs, and Active Noise Cancellation on the USB output. New IoT hardware enables faster setup and firmware updates through the iFi Nexis app or a web-based interface.^{Audio Reviews}

ZEN Stream 3: Pure Digital Transport

The ZEN Stream 3 functions as a pure digital transport without an onboard DAC, designed to feed an external D/A converter via USB or S/PDIF, supporting up to 384kHz PCM and DSD256. It shares the NEO Stream 3’s updated streaming engine (Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and AirPlay 2) and benefits from upgraded polymer and ELNA Silmic II capacitors, iPurifier2 processing on S/PDIF outputs, and Active Noise Cancellation on its USB output.^{Audio Reviews}

While it receives K2 processing, the ZEN Stream 3 does not include the K2HD upsampling mode found in the NEO models. IFi’s Exclusive Modes, which minimize system processes during playback, are also included.^{Audio Reviews}

K2HD Technology

K2HD is a signal processing technology developed by JVCKENWOOD that aims to restore harmonic content lost during digital encoding or compression. It offers an optional upsampling mode to 24-bit/192kHz.^{Audio Reviews}

Pricing and Availability

The iFi NEO iDSD 3 and NEO Stream 3 are priced at €999/US$999/£999. The ZEN Stream 3 is available for €399/US$399/£399. All three models are available now through ifi-audio.com and select dealers.^{Audio Reviews}

Further information can be found at iFi.