iFi Audio ZEN Stream 3

iFi Audio ZEN Stream 3

The iFi audio ZEN Stream 3 brings high-resolution network streaming to any audio system and turns any DAC into a fully-fledged modern streamer. With support for Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Roon, AirPlay, and DLNA/UPnP, among others, you can effortlessly stream music via Wi-Fi or LAN, controlled directly from your smartphone or tablet, without compromising on sound quality.

Designed as the ideal companion for the ZEN DAC 3, the ZEN Stream 3 perfectly complements iFi’s third-generation ZEN design, while its internal hardware and software have been completely revamped. The open-source architecture has been updated for smoother performance and new plug-in capabilities, and a new app makes initial setup easier than ever thanks to quick pairing via Bluetooth.

In terms of audio, the ZEN Stream 3 takes network playback to the next level. Native support for up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and DSD256 via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB ensures that even high-resolution files sound their best. JVCKENWOOD’s K2 technology restores harmonic information that can be lost in digital recordings, resulting in a richer, more natural sound.

The power supply and signal processing have been refined with high-quality polymer capacitors for a cleaner power supply and ELNA Silmic II capacitors that ensure smooth high-frequency reproduction and a deeper, more defined bass. USB and S/PDIF outputs are driven by a femto-precision clock to minimize jitter, while Active Noise Cancellation and iPurifier technology effectively suppress noise and distortion.

With its combination of ease of use, broad streaming support, and sophisticated audio technology, the iFi audio ZEN Stream 3 is a compact yet sophisticated solution for those looking to add high-quality streaming to an existing system, offering sound quality and build quality that clearly exceed expectations for its class.