iFi audio NEO Stream - Sweet Streams!

[cglin222]

Another question, I tried to change the Mixer type to NONE, but everytime I turn off/on , it changed back to Software... I did click save, and I didn't find anything else that would retain the settings post reboot, any ideas?

 

[Mau10]

Are you using ROON? Try to select fixed volume in Roon>device settings”bottom right corner cog in the mainscreen” and set “fixed volume”. Then go back to ifi.local and try again. Volume settings variate, according to the connected devices and software used. You may see a "Hardware" option too when using an external DAC.

 

[cglin222]

Are you using ROON? Try to select fixed volume in Roon>device settings”bottom right corner” and set “fixed volume”. Then go back to ifi.local and try again.

Actually not using ROON, just regular spotify connect. But even so, I tried to just bootup NS, went in to the ifi.local, and noticed it was set to sofware.. then I changed to NONE. And powered off NS, then booup again. and then went to ifi.local.. and there it got reset back to software.. I think unrelated to what is used..

 

[cglin222]

ok, ctrlm posted earlier: bullet 2,
"
Some more notes on my experience with the Neo Stream after a few more days:

1. If you are going to switch between hardwired and WiFi, then don't set static IP addresses as the Neo Stream goes into meltdown. As long as you have automatic IPs set then it is easy to switch via the user interface on your computer or tablet via the network page. If you have already have a static IP address set, then disable it before switching.
2. You will need to check the mixer type on the playback options tab after restarting or changing outputs as it will probably default to software volume. I think this was the same with the Zen Stream in the beginning but was changed in a firmware update? I don't want software volume so would prefer that the default setting was "none".
3. If you are going to make a major change like physically disconnect the ethernet or ethernet/optical connection, turn the unit off first. It can get a little temperamental if you don't and it only takes a few seconds.
4. I did some listening comparisons between the ethernet/optical connection and WiFi - doing this while having Covid probably wasn't the best idea but I think the hardwired connection sounded better. It was by no means night & day but the bass with WiFi had a hardness to it in my setup on some tracks, where I preferred the hardwired. I should add that I am not one of those who believe that WiFi destroys the sound and in fact I always ran my Aries on WiFi after comparing it with ethernet and deciding that I couldn't tell the difference. Maybe I'm just subconsciously gravitating to the magic optical box
5. And for those that care, the Neo Stream and the Aries do sound different in my setup. The Neo Stream in comparison comes across as cleaner with more air and a sense of a bigger stage, where the Aries seems to have a little more mid bass emphasis and smaller/tighter stage. Again, nothing dramatically different and my preference varied by track so I think it's just a case of getting used to one or the other. This was no surprise as I'd already done the comparison with the Zen Stream when I got it.

"

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

ok, ctrlm posted earlier: bullet 2,
"
Some more notes on my experience with the Neo Stream after a few more days:

1. If you are going to switch between hardwired and WiFi, then don't set static IP addresses as the Neo Stream goes into meltdown. As long as you have automatic IPs set then it is easy to switch via the user interface on your computer or tablet via the network page. If you have already have a static IP address set, then disable it before switching.
2. You will need to check the mixer type on the playback options tab after restarting or changing outputs as it will probably default to software volume. I think this was the same with the Zen Stream in the beginning but was changed in a firmware update? I don't want software volume so would prefer that the default setting was "none".
3. If you are going to make a major change like physically disconnect the ethernet or ethernet/optical connection, turn the unit off first. It can get a little temperamental if you don't and it only takes a few seconds.
4. I did some listening comparisons between the ethernet/optical connection and WiFi - doing this while having Covid probably wasn't the best idea but I think the hardwired connection sounded better. It was by no means night & day but the bass with WiFi had a hardness to it in my setup on some tracks, where I preferred the hardwired. I should add that I am not one of those who believe that WiFi destroys the sound and in fact I always ran my Aries on WiFi after comparing it with ethernet and deciding that I couldn't tell the difference. Maybe I'm just subconsciously gravitating to the magic optical box
5. And for those that care, the Neo Stream and the Aries do sound different in my setup. The Neo Stream in comparison comes across as cleaner with more air and a sense of a bigger stage, where the Aries seems to have a little more mid bass emphasis and smaller/tighter stage. Again, nothing dramatically different and my preference varied by track so I think it's just a case of getting used to one or the other. This was no surprise as I'd already done the comparison with the Zen Stream when I got it.

"

I think in the case of the NS this may be happening as a result of the fact that it can function as a preamp to output to other equipment. I do remember this being "fixed" for lack of a better word in the ZS as well. On a side note and @Rowan94 can correct me if I am wrong but I believe that this implementation actually might not be affecting anything in terms of the "dreaded" normal "software volume woes.

What I mean is if I am using Roon and my little indicator says "Bit perfect" and then I turn the dial on the NEO to say 98%, (of course, this means the software was on) the light then changes to "High Quality" in the Roon interface. However, leaving it on 100% no changes are observed. To me this means that leaving it on software volume mixer and having the "volume" at 100% will cause no changes in quality, however, it will offer a quick way to reduce a volume level if you would like to do it with the NS.

So if I am correct there should be no difference between software and none with this implementation within the NS, of course, I could be wrong, and often am,

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Roon and the Neo Stream…

We have finally reached my favorite service, Roon!

I have been an avid Roon user and highly recommended it for the Zen Stream. As some are aware, I am very fond of pointing out in that thread that I love the sound and the customizations available within Roon and how you interact with the service and find new music.

In AIO mode the NEO was immediately recognized by the Roon software and we were off to the races after selecting it as an Audio zone. The familiar interface of Roon is very nice after quite a bit of time without it! Lol, ok it wasn’t that long…

But there’s a problem! Everything sounds right but the display on the NEO is not correct. At first, I noticed that it didn’t change as the track on the album played along, after a brief pause it seemed to be working again, which is fine because, for a product with so many things to interact with, I would expect a few glitches so the folks in the firmware department have something to busy themselves with. On with the show!

But wait, now there’s no Album Art at all showing on the display! I had not encountered this on any of the other services, why On Roon?

This occurred many times when using Roon, in both AIO mode and Roon Ready mode something will need to be addressed here, and now I can no longer say I love Roon because everything just works so smoothly, at least not at this point with the NS.

But I know this is a growing pain with the unit and sooner than later it will be ticking along just fine, so on to the sound. Which in a word is Fantastic, especially in Roon Ready mode, where just that slight difference in space, and to me, dynamics, made this mode special to me on the ZS and is even a bit more prevalent here on the NEO. AIO mode is very good, but try Ready mode and you should hear this improvement.

I got stuck as an example on Van Halen’s first album, it’s a fairly raw and gritty album, with EVHs guitar spending most of its time left and left center, but underneath DLRs gurgling and screaming is MAs pounding bass guitar. Using the NS internal DAC it was a joy to listen to this album as his literal pounding on his bass guitar is not only followable at almost every moment, but the obvious 1970’s mic’ing of this instrument, is so apparent, that I swear I could hear the cabinet resonating under the strain, and this is on top of all the wonderful noises he produced by slapping and beating on it, along with occasionally playing power chords, and completely missing endings, lol

In all seriousness, this is a fun listen thru the NEO and it did take 35 minutes or so for me to say ok, back to what you were doing. Besides you know you like Van Hagar better so, let's get on with it.

Roon Ready mode is where I will spend the majority of my time with the NEO after these writings are done, and in terms of sound quality, and snappy interaction from my iPad, it is where I will feel most comfortable.



Up next…


What the Hell is an Opti-Box??

Cheers!!

 

[fordski]

Roon and the Neo Stream…

We have finally reached my favorite service, Roon!

I'm enjoying your reviews and they have me wanting to try the Neo. @iFi audio please make this available in Mexico either through Amazon or on your Mexican site....thank you.

 

[Mau10]

I think in the case of the NS this may be happening as a result of the fact that it can function as a preamp to output to other equipment. I do remember this being "fixed" for lack of a better word in the ZS as well. On a side note and @Rowan94 can correct me if I am wrong but I believe that this implementation actually might not be affecting anything in terms of the "dreaded" normal "software volume woes.

What I mean is if I am using Roon and my little indicator says "Bit perfect" and then I turn the dial on the NEO to say 98%, (of course, this means the software was on) the light then changes to "High Quality" in the Roon interface. However, leaving it on 100% no changes are observed. To me this means that leaving it on software volume mixer and having the "volume" at 100% will cause no changes in quality, however, it will offer a quick way to reduce a volume level if you would like to do it with the NS.

So if I am correct there should be no difference between software and none with this implementation within the NS, of course, I could be wrong, and often am,

Cheers!!

That’s a good point.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I'm enjoying your reviews and they have me wanting to try the Neo. @iFi audio please make this available in Mexico either through Amazon or on your Mexican site....thank you.

Thank you! Having fun doing it! As we get more into specifics instead of basic maybe I won't like it as much!

Fortunately, there already are those here that have a way better understanding of things like HQPlayer and NAA so maybe I am saved in that area! lol

Hope you're able to try one out soon!

Cheers!!

 

[Mau10]

Thank you! Having fun doing it! As we get more into specifics instead of basic maybe I won't like it as much!

Fortunately, there already are those here that have a way better understanding of things like HQPlayer and NAA so maybe I am saved in that area! lol

Hope you're able to try one out soon!

Cheers!!

Reading your words, I am waiting a little bit more to post Part 2 of my review, because I can skip some areas that you are explaining much better than I could, and try to focus in those topics not completely discussed. Kudos again @Mr BubbaHyde

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Reading your words, I am waiting a little bit more to post Part 2 of my review, because I can skip some areas that you are explaining much better than I could, and try to focus in those topics not completely discussed. Kudos again @Mr BubbaHyde

Thanks! I am just trying to be as methodical and somewhat simple to start, solely because I jumped headfirst into the ZS, and in the beginning never truly got a chance to just appreciate it for what I had.

Hopefully we few early adopters can come across the idiosyncrasies and glitches that are always in these types of products, inherently they will happen and can be cleared rather easily!

I am looking forward to reading everyone's thoughts on this unit, so far I am very happy!

Cheers!!

 

[4LoveOfSound]

Roon and the Neo Stream…

We have finally reached my favorite service, Roon!



I have been an avid Roon user and highly recommended it for the Zen Stream. As some are aware, I am very fond of pointing out in that thread that I love the sound and the customizations available within Roon and how you interact with the service and find new music.

In AIO mode the NEO was immediately recognized by the Roon software and we were off to the races after selecting it as an Audio zone. The familiar interface of Roon is very nice after quite a bit of time without it! Lol, ok it wasn’t that long…



But there’s a problem! Everything sounds right but the display on the NEO is not correct. At first, I noticed that it didn’t change as the track on the album played along, after a brief pause it seemed to be working again, which is fine because, for a product with so many things to interact with, I would expect a few glitches so the folks in the firmware department have something to busy themselves with. On with the show!



But wait, now there’s no Album Art at all showing on the display! I had not encountered this on any of the other services, why On Roon?



This occurred many times when using Roon, in both AIO mode and Roon Ready mode something will need to be addressed here, and now I can no longer say I love Roon because everything just works so smoothly, at least not at this point with the NS.



But I know this is a growing pain with the unit and sooner than later it will be ticking along just fine, so on to the sound. Which in a word is Fantastic, especially in Roon Ready mode, where just that slight difference in space, and to me, dynamics, made this mode special to me on the ZS and is even a bit more prevalent here on the NEO. AIO mode is very good, but try Ready mode and you should hear this improvement.

I got stuck as an example on Van Halen’s first album, it’s a fairly raw and gritty album, with EVHs guitar spending most of its time left and left center, but underneath DLRs gurgling and screaming is MAs pounding bass guitar. Using the NS internal DAC it was a joy to listen to this album as his literal pounding on his bass guitar is not only followable at almost every moment, but the obvious 1970’s mic’ing of this instrument, is so apparent, that I swear I could hear the cabinet resonating under the strain, and this is on top of all the wonderful noises he produced by slapping and beating on it, along with occasionally playing power chords, and completely missing endings, lol

In all seriousness, this is a fun listen thru the NEO and it did take 35 minutes or so for me to say ok, back to what you were doing. Besides you know you like Van Hagar better so, let's get on with it.



Roon Ready mode is where I will spend the majority of my time with the NEO after these writings are done, and in terms of sound quality, and snappy interaction from my iPad, it is where I will feel most comfortable.



Up next…


What the Hell is an Opti-Box??

Cheers!!

I ran into the same display issues with Roon. Yesterday I updated to the latest firmware (not sure what that is off the top of my head, blah blah.17 I believe) and it seems to have fixed the Roon display issues. Also, I do agree with you that in Roon mode, it does elevate the sound just a bit and makes using the Roon exclusive mode worth using. It's so easy to switch modes with the NS too!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I ran into the same display issues with Roon. Yesterday I updated to the latest firmware (not sure what that is off the top of my head, blah blah.17 I believe) and it seems to have fixed the Roon display issues. Also, I do agree with you that in Roon mode, it does elevate the sound just a bit and makes using the Roon exclusive mode worth using. It's so easy to switch modes with the NS too!

I am also on the latest firmware, and have intermittent display issues with the album art, you are correct .17

Honestly it's one of the small things, like at times the album art will display immediately, but then it says it is on the first song, even though it's on the third, kinda weird for me, I'm sure it will be resolved so I certainly don't want to make a huge deal out of it, but itt should work. I am keeping my eye on it, and intend to do a factory reset at some point today, just as a "let's see" sort of thing!

The Roon Exclusive mode was good on the ZS, and I am very pleased with it here as well, the best I can describe it is how I described it in the ZS thread, overall it just puts more meat on the bone, and I perceived a soundstage, airy type difference as well. People have described it as "more space/air around instruments, and I can certainly agree with that.

Cheers!!

 

[4LoveOfSound]

I am also on the latest firmware, and have intermittent display issues with the album art, you are correct .17

Honestly it's one of the small things, like at times the album art will display immediately, but then it says it is on the first song, even though it's on the third, kinda weird for me, I'm sure it will be resolved so I certainly don't want to make a huge deal out of it, but itt should work. I am keeping my eye on it, and intend to do a factory reset at some point today, just as a "let's see" sort of thing!

The Roon Exclusive mode was good on the ZS, and I am very pleased with it here as well, the best I can describe it is how I described it in the ZS thread, overall it just puts more meat on the bone, and I perceived a soundstage, airy type difference as well. People have described it as "more space/air around instruments, and I can certainly agree with that.

Cheers!!

Hmmm, I'll have to pay more attention to the display. I'm too busy just enjoying the beautiful sound! I do get brief audio stutters occasionally. There are definitely some small bugs to fix. I was an early adopter of the ZS too. I'm fine with waiting for firmware updates.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

What The Hell Is An OptiBox?? …Part 6

Included with the NEO Stream is a small add-on box affectionately called iFi OptiBox, and for reasons that include my lack of Knowledge in some of these deeper topics, I will quote iFi here and give their word-for-word description of this product.


“Benefit from the highest quality digital audio connection possible between the router and the streamer.

• Ultra-fast data speeds of up to 10Gbps
• Bit-perfect transmission of ultra-resolution audio
• Minimal degradation across distances of up to 1 km

The LAN signal from the router is regenerated, reclocked, and rebalanced by the OptiBox; true galvanic isolation is applied, with zero parasitic capacitance and inductance.”


It’s worth noting that iFi states that this is their own technology, so perhaps we may see more implementations of this in other products down the road!

All cables and a small 5V cell phone-type charging block are also included so you do have everything you need to test out and see what this new tech can do for you, that is assuming you are using a wired connection for ethernet and not strictly Wifi, speaking of…


I would like to mention that I am mostly a Wired connection guy, I would rather buy a 100ft cable and tuck it behind everything, and run it past grandmother’s house than run things on Wifi. That being said I did test the NS with its Wifi connectivity and had no issues with it, in other words, it works as it should, and of course, that would be dependent on your home Wifi system and every other piece of electronics you have in your home!

The Optibox brings to the NEO Stream what I can best describe as clarity along with a Dead Black Background. I noticed the improvement right away, and while I would think that it would be immediately more noticeable with well-recorded lighter material, literally anything I heard in that area seemed to jump right out at me, while listening to Rammstein this wasn’t as obvious! Lol


I think the closest cousin I can think of is using the Optibox was akin to adding a DDC and a 10MHz world clock into your setup. Now I know that not everyone here has had a chance to hear what that can do for a simple USB out of a PC or MAC, but it to me it was a huge audible deal, and I had not even tried it until earlier this year.

I think those that might have more familiarity with products like “Ether-Regen” may be able to describe, and explain products like that way better than I ever could, so best I leave that to those guys/gals.


In short, having this product included with the NEO to me is what makes this product a step above other streamers, and I encourage you to “Run a Wire” across the room floor if you must and use it, it just makes the NS that much better!

Next Up… External DACs!



Cheers!!



P.S.

While rearranging things to start DAC testing this week, I either somehow broke, or it "STB", the power supply for my Drop THX that I was using for all my testing of the NEO Stream, so I am needing to get that replaced.


In the meantime, I am going to go back and listen to the things that I have already posted about using my new Geshelli Labs Archel 2.5 XL and if everything lines up I may just continue into DACs with it.


So I should be back as soon as I am confident that nothing has changed, in the meantime maybe @Mau10 can pick up my slack and finally get a word in edgewise!