- iFi has launched a new trio of DACs, including a flagship iDSD model
- The model names are NEO Stream 3, Zen Stream 3, iDSD 3
- Range of releases for different users, with prices starting at $399 / £399
Apparently, iFi isn’t happy with its near-total dominance of our best headphone DAC roundup, because it just released three new options aimed at different types of buyers.
Unveiled on February 19, this new trio of third-generation DACs is led by the iFi NEO iDSD 3, which takes the brand’s place as a flagship model, although it doesn’t have as many specs as the incredible iDSD Phantom we recently tested.
Selling for $999/£999 (no availability in Australia for now, folks, but that converts to around AU$1,900), this is a DAC and amplifier combo that offers both at a reasonable price for buyers who can’t spend thousands on the kit.
The iDSD 3 supports PM at 769 kHz and DSD512, with a headphone stage peaking at 5551 mW. The model also outputs Bluetooth 5.4 with support for aptX Lossless. It also supports K2HD restoration and analog sound settings, upscaling low-resolution tracks by booting them.
Meet the streamers
The iDSD isn’t the only new $999/£999 release from iFi; There is also the NEO Stream 3.
The NEO has some of the iDSD’s specs, such as 768kHz and DSD512 support, but it only upsamples to K2HD and skips the Bluetooth codecs. It’s also a little smaller, ideal for listeners who don’t have as much space.
For buyers on a less malleable budget, there’s also the NEO Stream 3, which costs $399/£399 (around $540, AU$760), making it a more tempting entry-level purchase.
This looks like something out of a UFO console. It’s a streaming-only, i.e. wireless, model designed for audiophiles who rely on Bluetooth. The Stream 3 supports PCM at 384 kHz and DSD256, with K2 processing.
iFi are quite prolific for new releases; I haven’t even found the opportunity to mention the iFi Go Link Max or iDSD Valkyrie DACs, which also came out relatively recently. The three new models are now on sale.
The best headphone DACs for every budget
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