iFi
NEO iDSD 3 Ultra-Res DAC Headphone Amp
$899.00 USDPay Over Time
Split your purchase into easy payments.
Fast approval with Klarna.
Select Klarna at checkout to split your purchase into smaller payments.
Features
Dual-core DAC design – True-native DSD and PCM processing for accurate audio reproduction
Advanced jitter reduction – GMT femto-precision clock and smart storage cache ensure pristine signal integrity
Four user-selectable digital filters – Fine-tune sound signature to match your source material
State-of-the-art HD Bluetooth 5.4 – Comprehensive codec support including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, and LHDC/HWA
Enhanced PureWave fully balanced dual-mono circuit – Ultra-low distortion for transparent, reference-grade sound
Exceptional amplification power – 5x the output of the first-generation NEO iDSD, drives demanding headphone loads effortlessly
XSpace and XBass II – Adjust soundstage width and low-frequency response to perfectly match your headphones
iPower 2 included – Audiophile-grade AC/DC power supply with Active Noise Cancelation for clean power delivery
Flexible positioning with rotating display – 2-inch color screen adapts to horizontal or vertical orientation
What's in the Box?
Warranty
The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 3 is a fully balanced desktop DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier built for listeners who demand studio-grade performance from a single component. With a custom Burr-Brown DAC stage capable of true-native PCM and DSD processing, paired with an amplification circuit borrowed from iFi's flagship Diablo 2, the NEO iDSD 3 delivers enough power to drive virtually any headphone on the market. Third-generation hardware improvements lower distortion and noise across the board, while the addition of JVCKENWOOD's K2HD Technology brings harmonic restoration to every source you connect. Wired or wireless, headphones or speakers, the NEO iDSD 3 adapts to however you want to listen.
Rewired for Realism: Third-Generation Hardware Upgrades
The iFi NEO iDSD 3 isn't just a cosmetic refresh; iFi Audio has re-engineered the internal components for a measurable leap in performance. New operational amplifiers cut distortion and noise by 50%, while upgraded polymer capacitors reduce power supply ripple by half. WIMA MKS2 series capacitors further lower distortion and smooth the high-frequency response. The result is the most accurate and musical NEO iDSD to date.
Custom Burr-Brown DAC Stage and Diablo-Class Amplification
The NEO iDSD 3 harnesses the power of a Burr-Brown DAC stage and amplification borrowed from the iFi Audio Diablo 2 to deliver exceptional performance. The hand-selected Burr-Brown chipset processes PCM and DSD through entirely separate pathways, preserving a bit-perfect signal throughout the conversion. On the PCM side, the six most significant bits are handled in a true multi-bit fashion for natural dynamics and impact, while delta-sigma processing handles the remaining bits for exceptional low-level linearity. The DAC supports up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512, and full MQA decoding, with four user-selectable digital filters to fine-tune the sound to match your source material.
From there the signal passes into an amplification stage delivering over 5,500mW at 32 ohms–18 times the output of the ZEN DAC 3. Whether you're driving sensitive in-ear monitors, earphones, or the most demanding planar magnetic headphones, the enhanced PureWave fully balanced dual-mono circuit design keeps distortion vanishingly low, even at high output levels.
Sound Tailored to You: K2HD, XSpace, and XBass II
Digital masters often sacrifice the warmth and harmonic richness of their analog origins, but the NEO iDSD 3 was built to break through those barriers. Using JVCKENWOOD's K2HD Technology, the high frequencies are extended, restoring the natural harmonics stripped away during mastering and encoding, while upsampling the signal for a fuller, more dimensional presentation. For purists who prefer the native sample rate untouched, a dedicated K2 mode delivers similar harmonic restoration without altering resolution.
Beyond the digital stage, iFi's signature analog processing tools let you shape the sound to match your headphones and preferences. XSpace expands the soundstage to create a more open, speaker-like presentation. XBass II restores low-end weight lost by open-back designs. A mid-presence mode pushes vocals forward for more intimate listening, and a combined mode blends bass and midrange enhancement together. Every adjustment is made in the analog domain, keeping the digital signal untouched.
Flexible Connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4
The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 made its name as the first DAC to support aptX Lossless–True CD-quality audio over Bluetooth with zero data loss. The NEO iDSD 3 builds on that foundation with Bluetooth 5.4 and support for every major wireless codec: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, and more. Whatever device you're streaming from, the NEO iDSD 3 extracts the highest quality signal your source can deliver so you enjoy your music exactly as it's intended.
On the wired side, a 4.4mm balanced and 6.3mm single-ended headphone outputs cover every cable type, while RCA line inputs and preamp outputs allow easy integration with powered speakers or a larger amplifier chain. The two-inch color display rotates automatically to match horizontal or vertical placement, and an adjustable front LED lets you dial the brightness to suit your environment. Rounding out that package is an aluminum remote control for a handsfree listening experience.
FAQs
Can the NEO iDSD 3 be used as a preamp for powered speakers or a power amplifier?
Yes, the NEO iDSD 3 functions as a DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier in one chassis. Its RCA preamp outputs connect directly to powered speakers or a separate power amplifier, making it a versatile hub for both desktop headphone setups and full hi-fi systems.
What Bluetooth codecs does the NEO iDSD 3 support, and can it match wired sound quality?
The NEO iDSD 3 supports aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, and all standard Bluetooth codecs over Bluetooth 5.4. With aptX Lossless, it delivers true CD-quality audio over Bluetooth with zero data loss — making it one of the few desktop DACs where wireless performance genuinely rivals a wired USB connection.
What is the difference between K2HD mode and K2 mode?
Both modes use JVCKENWOOD's harmonic restoration technology to recover detail lost during digital mastering and encoding. K2HD goes a step further by also upsampling any audio below 192kHz, which can benefit lower-resolution streams and compressed files. K2 mode applies the same harmonic restoration while preserving the track's original sample rate — ideal for listeners who prefer their source resolution left untouched.
What's in the Box
• NEO iDSD 3, RCA Cable, Vertical stand, Instruction card, Quick Start Guide, Aluminium remote control, iPower 2 Power Supply, USB-A to B Cable, and 3.5 to 6.3mm headphone adapter
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Physical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 214 x 158 x 41mm (8.4 x 6.2 x 1.6") |
| Net Weight | 916g (2.0lbs) |
| Limited Warranty | 12 months* |
| Technical Specifications | |
| File Support | 768kHz PCM; DSD512 (22.6 MHz) |
| Bluetooth Formats | aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC |
| Audio Specifications | |
| SNR + DNR | ≥120dB(A) @ -60dBFS |
| THD+N | ≤0.0015% @ 0dBFS |
| Line Output Impedance | XLR ≤102Ω; RCA ≤51Ω |
| Headphone Output Impedance | ≤1Ω; ≤7Ω when iEMatch enabled |
| Connectivity Specifications | |
| Digital Inputs | Bluetooth 5.4; USB-B 3.0; S/PDIF Coaxial; S/PDIF Optical |
| Analogue Input | Single-Ended RCA (L/R) |
| Line Outputs | Balanced XLR (L/R); Single-Ended RCA (L/R) |
| Line Output Specs | XLR ≤19.5V (variable); 4.4V (fixed) RCA ≤10V (variable); 2.2V (fixed) |
| Headphone Outputs | Balanced 4.4mm; Single-Ended 6.3mm |
| Headphone Output Specs | 4.4mm ≥12.7V/2,532mW @ 64Ω (RMS) 6.3mm ≥8.4V/2,244mW @ 32Ω (RMS) |
| Power Specifications | |
| Power Requirements | DC 9V/1.5A-15V/0.9A (centre +ve) |