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iFi Audio ZEN Stream 3
iFi Audio is continuing to develop its compact ZEN line with the introduction of the ZEN Stream 3, a dedicated network transport designed for users who already own a DAC and want the cleanest, most stable possible digital signal to bring high-resolution streaming into an existing hi-fi system. The new model builds on the original ZEN Stream concept, but combines updated hardware with a newer streaming engine and expanded software support, while remaining firmly focused on one job only - delivering music from the network to an external DAC.
The ZEN Stream 3 stays true to the idea of a pure network transport, intended to send music from the internet, a NAS drive or USB storage to an external DAC without adding its own digital-to-analogue conversion stage. That makes it a natural partner for everything from simple desktop DACs to much more ambitious high-end systems. Network communication is handled via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, while control can be managed through a browser or the iFi Nexis app on a smartphone, which is meant to simplify setup and everyday use compared with the first-generation model. At the centre of the new version is iFi's latest-generation high-resolution streaming engine, supporting PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD256, with native support for services and protocols including Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay, Roon, DLNA and UPnP. Users with local music libraries can also stream from NAS devices or USB hard drives, so the unit can function both as a gateway to online platforms and as a player for stored files. iFi also says that the new IoT hardware improves wireless pairing, simplifies first-time setup and enables straightforward over-the-air updates.
One of the more important areas of development is the power supply and noise-reduction section. According to iFi Audio, the ZEN Stream 3 uses upgraded power circuitry with polymer capacitors and ELNA Silmic II components to provide cleaner and more stable power to the digital stages, while the USB and S/PDIF outputs benefit from integrated iPurifier technology and active noise cancellation. The unit also retains Exclusive modes designed to disable unnecessary background processes, reducing system noise and jitter and making operation more predictable during longer listening sessions. A notable new addition in this generation is K2 technology developed with JVC Kenwood. In iFi's description, K2 is intended to restore harmonic information and a greater sense of musicality to digital recordings without changing their original sample rate, and crucially it does this before the digital output stage, allowing an external DAC to benefit from the processing without requiring any changes to its own architecture.
From the user's point of view, the ZEN Stream 3 is intended to remain as simple as possible to integrate into a system. Its compact ZEN-series chassis makes it easy to place alongside other components, while control through a phone or browser means there is no need to keep a computer in the chain. In practice, the concept is straightforward - connect the streamer to the network, attach an external DAC, choose a music service or playback app and add high-resolution streaming to a conventional stereo system without changing its character or replacing a DAC the owner already likes. The official retail price is £399/$399/€399. Info and photos by iFi Audio.
