Product Strengths

• Fantastic sound quality and usability for the price
• Easy to set up and use
• Includes the OptiBox, which improves sound quality via optical Ethernet connection
• Streams hi-res files and DSD without converting to PCM first
• Has a custom DAC that sounds phenomenal

Product Considerations

• There can be occasional lag when switching songs
• No hardware remote is supplied
• The screen is on the smaller side and may be difficult to see at a distance
• The NEO Stream is not an all-in-one media hub, as it doesn't have any other inputs aside from network and USB storage, and it doesn't work as a DAC for other sources
• No Bluetooth capability

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Bluesound Node, the iFi NEO Stream has a larger, more organic sound and a wider soundstage
• Compared to the Cambridge Audio CXN V2, the Cambridge has S/PDIF inputs (coaxial and optical) like the NEO, but includes a Type-B USB input for its DAC, and also has balanced XLR stereo outputs, but lacks the iFi's more advanced networking connectivity

Takeaway: The iFi NEO Stream is an impressive streaming DAC. It offers great sound quality, multiple features and makes enjoying high-quality streamed audio easy.

Product Strengths

• Clean, precise, and articulate sound with ample detail
• Expansive and open soundstage
• StreamMagic control app is stable, logical, user-friendly, and easy to navigate
• Features AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, and internet radio

Product Considerations

• Loses a touch of its predecessor's sonic solidity and warmth
• Does not include HDMI ARC
• Bluetooth is only compatible with SBC and AAC codecs
• Can be provoked by careless system-matching with bright, treble-centric equipment
• Volume is not controlled through the StreamMagic app

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• CXN100 has improved clarity, precision, and spaciousness, but is missing some of the CXN (V2)'s sonic solidity and warmth, compared to the Cambridge Audio CXN (V2)
• CXN100 trades off detail functionality to offer a user experience that is polished and genuinely pleasurable, and is able to take less than stellar recordings and avoid sounding strident or aggressive a little better than the EverSolo DMP-A6
• CXN100 has better low end and a slightly greater perception of space, compared to the Cambridge Audio MXN10
• CXN100 has a more natural quality to vocals with better realism and less fatigue, compared to the Bluesound Node

Takeaway: The CXN100 is a user-friendly and feature-rich music streamer that provides clear and detailed sound. It is an excellent choice for those seeking to add modern streaming capabilities to a classic hifi system.

Product Strengths

• Top-tier packaging and sound quality
• Detailed, modern, and holographic sound
• Excellent soundstage
• Remote control can also manage PS Audio DAC

Product Considerations

• Requires about an hour to reach peak performance when powered on using the back switch
• Soundstage might not suit all tastes, which is subjective
• Top-end extension is slightly less extended
• Bass is slightly less punchy

Takeaway: The Stellar Gold Preamp is a great choice for those seeking a modern and transparent sound with good dynamics in their audio system and a smooth, non-aggressive presentation. It especially shines with recordings that have a good soundstage, making the performance feel convincingly real.

Product Strengths

• Great, ear-pleasing sound
• Easy to use, especially with the remote control
• Offers loading presets and custom loading options for moving coil cartridges
• Low noise performance
• Clarity of sound
• Good depth of field for its price

Product Considerations

• Sensitive to grounding, ultra-low capacitance cables, RF, and other interference
• Does not have adjustable resistive and capacitive loading for fixed-coil/high-output cartridges
• Can have a high-pitched noise if cables are not oriented well

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Stellar sounds more interesting than the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo
• The Stellar is not as bright as the iFi iPhono3 Black Label
• Bass extension and grip are not as powerful as more expensive phono preamps

Takeaway: The Stellar Phono Preamplifier delivers great sound and an enjoyable user experience with its flexible settings and remote control, making it a worthy addition to any vinyl lover's system. Its clarity and low noise floor allow listeners to fully appreciate the nuances of their record collection.

Product Strengths

• High damping factor for bass control and plenty of headroom
• Near-perfect linearity, low distortion, and high efficiency
• Neutral and colorless tonal balance
• Combines speed and power with a bass-range grip

Product Considerations

• Lacks the epic bass extension and hard-core slam of more expensive amplifiers
• Top end lacks the effortless harmonic bloom of other amplifiers

Takeaway: The PS Audio Stellar S300 is an excellent choice for a powerful, clean, and neutral-sounding amplifier. It offers high performance and finesse, delivering dynamic contrasts and excellent bass control, making it a worthwhile addition to any high-end audio setup.

Product Strengths

• Musicality and cohesiveness to music
• Nice drive with solid dynamics and 3-D imaging
• Delivers impressive drive with solid dynamics and 3-D imaging, accompanied by nice depth in both soundstage and low frequencies

Product Considerations

• I2S input is not HDMI compatible

Takeaway: The PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC/Preamp is a great choice for an DAC/Preamp that makes music easy and joyful to listen to. This product allows for great flexibility with its full-featured options and can become the centerpiece of a hifi system.

Product Strengths

• Neutral sound signature, detail retrieval, and overall transparency praised.
• Versatile and extensive feature set is highlighted, including parametric EQ, customizable digital filters, crossfeed function, and various I/O options.
• Excellent build quality and robust construction are noted, with suitability for both professional and audiophile applications.
• The quality of the headphone output is also noted, particularly for IEMs and sensitive headphones, with reviewers praising its low noise floor.
• The included remote control and its functionality are liked.

Product Considerations

• Some reviewers found the headphone amplifier to be dynamically constrained, particularly with planar magnetic headphones, noting a lack of drive and a potentially bright character.
• The device's menu system and multi-knob navigation can be complex and require a learning curve to fully use its features.
• A few reviewers felt that the soundstage depth was limited compared to some competing DACs, describing it as relatively flat.
• Some reviewers stated that the stock power supply is not of audiophile grade.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs SMSL VMV-D1SE: The ADI-2 is more natural and fluid in its presentation, with a wider soundstage, while the SMSL VMV-D1SE is more analytical and etched in detail.
• Vs Denafrips Pontus II: The Denafrips Pontus II offers a more enveloping soundstage, refinement, and micro-detail retrieval.
• Vs Chord Mojo: The Chord Mojo offers greater soundstage depth but cannot match the ADI-2 in terms of resolution.
• Vs Matrix X-Sabre Pro: The Matrix X-Sabre Pro has more incisive high-end detail, but the ADI-2 still delivers a smooth presentation and better three-dimensionality.
• Vs Schiit Modi 3: The ADI-2 offers more detail and smoothness with a cleaner sound than the Schiit Modi 3.

Takeaway: The RME ADI-2 DAC FS is a versatile and well-regarded DAC that provides a clean and detailed sound, making it a great centerpiece for both headphone and speaker setups. Its flexibility and comprehensive feature set allow users to tailor the sound to their preferences and equipment, providing a customized and high-quality listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Natural and organic timbre with rich and vibrant overtones, offering a remarkable sense of realism
• Stands out as a highly musical DAC within its category, while maintaining an impressively competitive level of technical performance
• Exceptional build quality, made of thick aluminum, ensuring durability and a sleek appearance
• Almost inaudible noise floor, remaining dead silent and free from any hint of distortion
• Wide range of digital inputs, and an integrated streamer, offering versatility and convenience

Product Considerations

• The LCD screen can be difficult to read from a distance greater than 20-30 cm
• The embedded streamer can experience occasional interruptions and buffering issues when streaming high-resolution files
• Some reviewers experienced small hiccups when skipping songs using the internal streamer

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Chord Qutest: Has a bigger soundstage, equally sweet highs, much fuller tone timbre and a more muscly bassline—sounding more lifelike
• Vs Ladder Schumann: Gustard R26 hits with more clarity and speed, with a darker background, and an even deeper soundstage

Takeaway: The Gustard DAC-R26 is a musical and technically impressive DAC with excellent build quality and versatile features, including a streamer, making it a great choice for a top-notch audio experience. The natural sound and engaging performance create a lasting impression.