ifi Neo Streamer

Thanks for the responses.

@stevebohnii

I liked this item for several reason.  It appears to have great build quality, it's compact and a good price point.  It also has my preferred digital outputs (particularly i2s and AES/EBU).  I also liked the what I'll call hybrid balanced output, if you wanted to use the Neo's internal DAC.  For any component, I'd rather connect (analog) via XLR, not RCA.
A lot of lower priced point streamers don't have i2s and AES outputs.  If they have an internal DAC, their analog outputs seem to only be RCA.
I've also looked at the Aurilic G1.1, when it was on sale.  It's a transport with AES out.  I have not purchased it due to the fact that it seems to be built around the iOS platform and I don't have an iPad.
I've looked at so many brands.  I like the Eversolos and probably could purchase an A6 and connect to my Pontus II via USB and it would be fine.  It would be nice if they could come up with a transport, put in a few more digital outputs and keep it at their low price points.

@colpgmrguy 

I will admit, my weakest link is the streamer. Im using a Transparent USB from the neo to the Hermes and i2s from the Hermes to the Pontus. Then Cardas Cygnus XLRs to my amp. I think the neo as a streamer gets out of the way and I’m hearing my other components. I upgraded my speakers to Fyne Audio 502sp and they are pretty amazing. I am happy with the ifi neo but will eventually upgrade it to something else. I’m looking at the Esoteric N-05XD which will replace the Neo, Pontus, and Hermes. My Atoll has a bypass which will allow me to use the Esoteric’s preamp to the Atoll amp. I’m looking to upgrade early 2025. I like the idea of an all in one with the exception of separating the preamp from the amp. I tested the Esoteric at home for a week and was very impressed. 
 

With the exception of an occasional software glitch I’m very happy with the neo. I’m sure the Aurilic G1.1 is a way better streamer, it is way more expensive. I hope you find the right streamer for your setup. 

@colpgmrguy I consider the iFi streamers a bring-your-own-app streamer. iFi supports most protocols, but they notably lack the Chromecast protocol, which would be important to cast directly from Qobuz or Amazon HD apps. 

On my Zen Stream, I've noticed that while casting either Spotify or Tidal (over Spotify Connect or Tidal Connect), my phone will lose connection to the streamer and I'll heard the song coming from both my stereo system and my phone. I suspect that this is the bugginess that other people experience. 

On the other hand, I've had an incredible experience using Roon for years. This year, I started to use NAA, and that experience is also solid. 

My recommendation is that unless you're looking to cast from Roon or use NAA, to try a different streamer brand.