2. digital
  3. 192118-155129

ifi Neo Streamer

I've been contemplating the purchase of a ifi Neo streamer.  I like the digital and analog output options it has to offer.  If I don't use their modified balanced output option, I'll either use USB, I2s or AES/EBU to my Denafrips Pontus II DAC.

I'm curious what experience other members have with this streamer.  Their site does not explicitly state that it supports Qobuz but that may be a service I go with.

I feel a bit behind the times and not all that familiar with online streaming.  I've stuck to CDs through a Jay's Audio CD transport as my means of digital music, somewhat old school I guess.

Any input would be appreciated.

colpgmrguy
audiom3
152 posts
 

I owned one for a 30 day trial period a few years back. At the time, I had a PS Audio DS DAC w/ bridge card. The NEO did not beat it for sound quality, so back it went. Also at that time, I felt all digital sounded the same since my experience showed just that. I've learned a lot since. 

Post removed 
resildoc
2 posts
 

Hi, I have one, purchased new. Believe the unit is sound, and in the brief moments it has, sounds great for the price. I have a highly stable network, excellent equipment, and am technically versed. In all honesty, in nearly two months I have not had more than a couple days of listening, and am still corresponding with and waiting for technical support. Most of the time it has sat unusable. Specifically, the necessary phone interface repeatedly drops out, or the library disappears, has to be rescanned etc. or the settings cannot be accessed. Numerous updates were suggested by support and have not solved all thle issues. Asked for refund, they refused bc it was purchased elsewhere. Now, due to their prolonged support I am out of the return window, they want me to ship back to them for assessment, apparently at my own expense. Great sound, buggy, please look carefully at the reviews for the interface. I wanted to love, but clearly cannot recommend. 

stevebohnii's avatar
stevebohnii
84 posts
 

Funny, I’ve had mine since it came out and have not had all the problems listed above. It is the only component I turn off when not using. If I do leave it on for long periods of time, before I listen I’ll turn it off and back on again. I do believe the software could be improved but I am very satisfied with the sound quality as a streamer. I’m using a Hermes and Pontus ii so I’m not using the internal dac. I have tested the dac and was very impressed with its detail without it being fatiguing. For the price I think it’s a great unit especially the output options. I was using Cardas Clear coaxial and transitioned to Transparent USB. I think we need to know the other options you are considering to be able to give you quality advice. 

ervikingo
153 posts
 

I have tried the iFi, a Lumin and a Wiim; I really like the interface of the Wiim and with my external DAC’s I have not noticed a difference from the Lumin.

The iFi was adequate but the app was intermitent.

The Lumin did not provide native Amazon HD which, along with Qobuz, are my sources.

I'm waiting on an Innuos Zen 3 now.

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