iFi Neo iDSD 3 DAC
iFi audio, a trailblazer in audio innovation, proudly unveils the Neo iDSD 3 – the next generation of their ultra-resolution home-audio DAC/amp series.
iFi’s Neo series has always pushed the limits of what compact audio components can achieve, uniquely blending purist design principles with the company’s latest innovations. The Neo iDSD 3 takes this ethos even further – a true celebration of this approach.
Critical hardware has been refocused at a component level for even greater musicality and playback accuracy, while software innovation steps forward with the inclusion of JVCKenwood’s K2HD Technology. Where many DACs become cold and clinical in the pursuit of detail and transparency, the Neo iDSD 3 achieves the opposite, delivering unmatched sonic purity while embracing the energy and emotion of true musicality.
Key features
JVCKenwood’s K2HD technology restores natural harmonics
Headphone stage with up to 2,532mW RMS (5,551mW Max)
Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, LDAC, LHDC, and more
Revised internal circuitry for even greater accuracy and musicality
PCM 768kHz / DSD512 via a custom Burr-Brown DAC stage
XBassII and XSpace analogue sound enhancement modes
USB, Coax, Optical, Bluetooth and Line (RCA) inputs
iFi Nexis app (iOS/Android) for OTA updates and remote control
2” rotating colour display for vertical/horizontal placement
Rewired for realism
The Neo iDSD 3 is built on strengthened foundations – this includes new operational amplifiers with ~50% lower measured distortion, upgraded polymer capacitors to reduce power supply ripple, and WIMA MKS2 caps for smoother high frequency behaviour. The result is the most precise Neo performance experience to date, while retaining iFi’s characteristic musicality.
While convenient, streaming and common digital formats can often strip away harmonic detail, leaving music feeling flat and lifeless. To address this, iFi has partnered with JVCKenwood to equip the Neo iDSD 3 with K2 and K2HD Technology. Listeners can select these modes to restore natural high-frequency detail and revive the depth, nuance, and musicality of the original performance.
Drawing from the headphone amplification design of iFi’s Diablo 2, the Neo iDSD 3 delivers up to 2,532mW RMS and over 5,550mW max at 32 ohms, providing generous headroom for a wide range of headphones. This max output is 5 times the power of the first-gen Neo iDSD and 18 times the peak power offered by iFi’s Zen DAC 3.
Limitless lossless
The Neo iDSD 3 continues to uphold the class-leading wireless performance of its predecessor, with Bluetooth 5.4 support for codecs such as aptX Lossless, LDAC, LHDC, and more. The aptX Lossless codec is Bluetooth audio at its very best, delivering a listening experience indistinguishable from a wired connection when playing 44.1kHz/16-bit tracks.
The Neo iDSD 3 uses a custom DAC stage built around a Burr-Brown chipset, hand-picked for its natural musicality. Its architecture handles PCM and DSD via dedicated paths, preserving a bit-perfect signal throughout the conversion process. iFi uses customised code inside the chipset to unlock ultra-resolution, PCM768kHz/DSD512 playback. Data handling is carefully managed to ensure natural dynamics and exceptional low-level linearity.
Rather than try to tell listeners what perfection should sound like, iFi offers analogue processing tools that allow each listener to tailor a captivating headphone experience that is perfect for them. XBassII can either reinforce the low-end for warmth and punch or reinforce the presence region of the midrange for more immediate vocals – or the two can be combined. XSpace naturally opens the listening experience without sacrificing soundstage – akin to the presentation of speaker playback.
At home with you
For easier system integration, the previous 3.5mm input has been replaced with a more practical RCA line-in, suited to line-level sources (such as a turntable with built-in phono stage or an external phono preamp). The front power LED now offers adjustable brightness to fit more discreetly into living spaces.
iFi’s Nexis mobile application allows for over-the-air firmware updates and full remote control of the Neo iDSD 3, through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Pricing & Availability
The iFi Neo iDSD 3 is available to purchase at ifi-audio.com and select elite dealers for £999/$999 USD/€999.