IEM Comparisons
I compared the Neo1s to similarly-priced IEMs on the Hiby R6 Pro II set to hi-gain in AB mode, with the Neo1s requiring a volume of 17.
NiceHCK DB2 – 1xDD (USD $22)
Extremely light & highly sculpted to ear geometry, DB2 comfort is decent but not quite as amazing as I would’ve guessed as they feel than bigger than they look when worn. Needing only 17 volume on the R6P2 they’re extremely easy to drive.
I like to present the pros & cons of each IEM when comparing them, but am struggling to think of areas where the DB2s eclipse the Neo1s. The DB2 soundstage is narrower & shallower, resolution is lower, they do have a little bit more midbass though less sub bass & lower bass quantity overall.
The DB2 background isn’t as black, they may be a tad more coherent but that could just be a perception resulting from smaller stage dimensions, and overall they sound flatter with poorer dynamics & less note weight, and individual instruments sound smaller.
Truthear Zero – 2xDD (USD $49)
Despite being very bulky the Zeros are extremely light, and fit better than you’d think by looking at them. Isolation is merely average as they don’t seal off the ear canal as well as some of the more sculpted IEMs. Requiring 25 volume on the R6P2 they’re a bit harder to drive.
The Zeros’ present a thinner tonality, with more upper midrange emphasis that can lead to vocals sounding a bit clearer but at the cost of a more natural tonality. Their soundstage is wider but also flatter, I find their bass texture is very disappointing and sub bass in particular just isn’t there.
Compared to the Neo1s they’re more relaxed with a more neutral & less v-shaped tuning some may prefer. However not only is their DD slower, but their background isn’t as black, and they don’t sound as refined especially in the treble where things can be quite grainy, and dynamics are lower.
NiceHCK F1 Pro – 1xPlanar (USD $99)
The F1 Pros’ small metal shells feel like they weigh next to nothing, and are extremely comfortable. Isolation however suffers because there isn’t a lot of mass blocking the ear canal. Requiring 24 volume on the R6P2 they need a bit more power to drive.
The planar drivers of the F1 Pro are much more technically capable than the Neo1’s DDs and as such deliver far higher resolution across most frequencies, with a wider & deeper soundstage, a blacker background, and can keep up with complex passages of music even better.
However the F1 Pros are much brighter & more neutral whereas the Neo1s are more bass-driven with more midbass in particular, and I find Neo1 vocals have a little bit more weight behind them due to more lower midrange presence, the Neo1s are also quite a lot darker.
Simgot EM6L – 4xBA 1xDD (USD $109)
The EM6L shells are very heavy and I do notice their weight even during short listening sessions, however their shape is fairly comfortable and isolation is quite good thanks to all that mass. Needing 23 vol on the R6P2 they’re a bit harder to drive.
The EM6Ls deliver a much thinner, Harman-tuned sound with much more upper midrange focus that I don’t particularly care for. However on the technical front their hyrid configuration let’s them deliver a wider & deeper soundstage, slightly higher resolution, and a blacker background.
The Neo1s by contrast sound much less refined & feel more congested, though their tonality is more believable and they’re slightly more coherent, with a more fun bass-driven sound that isn’t as polite.
Page 1 – Introduction, Packaging & Ergonomics
Page 2 – Sound Impressions & Technical Performance
Page 3 – IEM Comparisons
Page 4 – Cable Comparisons
Page 5 – Conclusion
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