iFi
Zen Stream 3 Hi-Resolution Network Audio Streamer
$399.00 USDFeatures
JVCKENWOOD's K2 technology restores natural harmonics and overtones for richer, more musical sound
Comprehensive streaming platform compatibility, including Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Roon, AirPlay, and DLNA/UPnP
iPurifier and Active Noise Cancellation technologies eliminate digital distortion and interference
Upgraded open-source architecture with new plugin support for enhanced customization
Femto-precision clock regulation on USB and S/PDIF interfaces to eliminate jitter
Premium ELNA Silmic II capacitors smooth treble response and enrich bass depth
New polymer capacitors deliver cleaner power delivery with high ripple tolerance
Quick and easy Wi-Fi setup via new Bluetooth-pairing app
Perfectly matched streaming companion for ZEN DAC 3 with cohesive aesthetics
What's in the Box?
Warranty
The iFi Audio ZEN Stream 3 is a dedicated high-resolution network audio streamer designed to bridge the gap between your favorite music services and the DAC you already love. Whether you're streaming lossless tracks from Tidal and Qobuz or pulling files from a local NAS drive, the ZEN Stream 3 delivers bit-perfect digital audio to your existing hi-fi setup–no compromises required. The ZEN Stream 3 is purpose-built for the listener who's already invested in great hardware, turning any wired DAC into a fully connected, app-controlled streaming endpoint with audiophile-grade signal integrity.
True to iFi's ZEN philosophy, the ZEN Stream 3 does one job and does it exceptionally well. There's no built-in DAC, no headphone amp, no unnecessary extras–just a focused streaming transport loaded with premium features for listeners who already own the conversion hardware they trust. That single-minded design means every component and circuit serves the signal path, resulting in a cleaner, more refined output.
A Next-Generation Streaming Engine
At its core, the ZEN Stream 3 runs iFi's latest streaming platform with native decoding for PCM audio up to 384kHz and DSD256. It connects directly to Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon, and Apple AirPlay, letting you control playback directly from the apps you already use. Qobuz Connect enables bit-perfect output straight from the Qobuz app–no transcoding, no resampling. For offline libraries, the streamer reads from NAS devices and USB hard drives, and full DLNA compatibility opens the door to third-party players and control apps.
Audiophile-Grade Power and Signal Path
The ZEN Stream 3 uses upgraded polymer capacitors and ELNA Silmic II caps to deliver cleaner power rails and a smoother high-frequency response. A femto-precision clock paired with Active Noise Cancellation on the USB output and iPurification on the S/PDIF output keeps jitter and distortion at vanishingly low levels. User-selectable Exclusive Modes disable unnecessary background processes, reducing software-induced noise for a cleaner digital signal.
K2 Technology–Studio-Grade Harmonic Restoration
The ZEN Stream 3 brings JVCKENWOOD's K2 Technology to any connected DAC for the first time. K2 analyzes the incoming signal and restores harmonic detail that's typically stripped away during mastering, compression, or lossy encoding — all without altering the native sample rate. The effect is a warmer, more dimensional sound that moves closer to what the artist and engineer heard in the studio. Previously reserved for select iFi DACs, this processing is now available to every DAC in your chain.
Set Up, Simplified
Getting the ZEN Stream 3 on your network takes minutes, not manuals. A dedicated IoT chip handles pairing with your home Wi-Fi through the iFi Nexis app, eliminating the need to hunt for IP addresses or open a web browser. Once connected, Nexis puts the full streaming interface on your phone — browse your library, switch sources, and adjust settings from a single app.
FAQs
Do I need a DAC to use the ZEN Stream 3?
Yes. The ZEN Stream 3 is a dedicated digital streaming transport — it outputs a high-resolution digital signal over USB or S/PDIF but does not include a built-in DAC. Connect it to your existing DAC to complete the audio chain.
What streaming services and formats does the ZEN Stream 3 support?
The ZEN Stream 3 offers native support for Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon, and AirPlay, with audio decoding up to 384kHz PCM and DSD256. It also plays local files from NAS drives and USB hard drives and is fully DLNA-compatible for use with third-party control apps.
What's in the Box
- 1x ZEN Stream 3
- 1x RJ45 Ethernet Cable
- 1x Antenna
- 1x iPower 2
- 1x Switch adjustment tool
- 1x Quick Start Guide
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Physical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 27.5 x 15.6 x 5.7 cm (box size) |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Capacitors | Upgraded polymer capacitors, ELNA Silmic II |
| Clock Precision | Femto-level (USB and S/PDIF) |
| Noise Reduction | iPurifier technology, Active Noise Cancellation |
| Audio Specifications | |
| Native PCM Support | Up to 32-bit/384kHz (Wi-Fi, LAN, USB) |
| Native DSD Support | Up to DSD256 (Wi-Fi, LAN, USB) |
| Connectivity Specifications | |
| Digital Inputs | Ethernet (RJ45), 2x USB-A |
| Digital Outputs | 2x USB-A, S/PDIF Coaxial |
| System Update Port | USB-C |
| Streaming Services | Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Roon, AirPlay, DLNA/UPnP |
| Setup Connectivity | Bluetooth pairing |
- MSMark S.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2 months agoZen Stream 3 Hi-Resolution Network Audio Streamer
The Zen 3 represents a significant enhancement over the initial Zen Stream. It features a more advanced Nexus control application, which facilitates firmware updates and setup directly from an Android device. The USB output to my Gustard U18 DDC has notably low noise. Its construction is robust, and the sound quality is excellent. I am particularly impressed by the amiable and supportive team at Moon Audio. I wholeheartedly recommend this product.
- MPMichael P.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars3 years agoI returned it.
My experience was not so great and no fault of Moon Audio for sure. I could not connect it to my LAN or wifi.I spoke with Jose I believe regarding this. He was great.I would like to upgrade. He said someone will call me once the Zen stream is received and we will discuss another product. It should be there by now. Thanks
- WWBissellRated 5 out of 5 stars3 years agoGreat streamer with Roon
I have had a very good experience with this streamer. Using an ethernet connection, Roon recognized this streamer very quickly.It sounds great going into a Chord dac. I added a better power supply. From what I have seen online, the iFi app has beenproblematic for many people. If you use 3rd party software (Roon, Tidal), you will likely have fewer issues. Substandard software isa problem for many manufacturers of stereo equipment. The USB connection to the dac has worked well for me. Excellent soundfor the money.
- WWBissellRated 5 out of 5 stars3 years agoExcellent sound best used via Ethernet and Roon
I have owned this streamer for several months. It sounds great and was recognized quickly byRoon as a Roon endpoint. I did not have to play much with the Android app which remains verymuch a work in progress as acknowledged by iFi. Ethernet provides the best connection asusual.I have used it with a really nice power supply from UpTone Audio. I'm sure this power supplydidn't do any harm to the sound quality. I have heard that this unit sounds really good with oneof iFi's low noise wall wart power supplies, a lower price option.I have not tried other streaming apps, but Roon works well. I expect iFi will eventually get itsAndroid app working better. Excellent sound for the money.
- MKMahesh K.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars5 years agoZen Stream 3 Hi-Resolution Network Audio Streamer
I have been using the Node 2i for four months having bought it to replace my old Sonos streamer. I can’t comment on its built-in DAC since I use only its digital output connected to a Benchmark DAC3 and a Benchmark AHB2 amplifier with Magnepan MMG speakers. The Node 2i worked very well right out of the box. I have it connected via Wifi and use it to stream music from Tidal Spotify and my own Flac files stored in a ***** connected to my home network. The Node 2i streams all my music without any blips or breaks. The soundstage is wide deep and precise - better than the Sonos. The BlueOS App that I use to control playback has a number of useful features but these are relevant only if the built-in DAC is used. I plan to do this at some point but laziness sets in quickly when your existing sound quality is as good as I have right now. But I would like to compare MQ sound quality with CD audio quality for myself. I have disabled all the tone and the volume controls on the Node 2i preferring to stream the audio files to my DAC warts and all. On MQ tracks I am able to get 96 K / 24 bit playback instead of 192 K / 24 bit. I’m sure there are ‘better’ streamers out there but in terms of value the Node 2i is truly outstanding. Just connect it and enjoy the music.