NECO SOUNDLABS PORTABLE V.2 AMP - Page 6

Congrats on the purchase. I would use the lower gain in order to have a great range of the dial controlling the listenable volume. The high gain seems more suitable to planar magnetics and high impedance, low efficiency dynamics.

Excellent portable amp. I have a V2. No they can't power a planar like my HE-6. Maybe the new HiFiman HE-400.

I got a pair of opa627bp used. probably they are already burned in.

It was easy to replace the opamps, just needed a torx screwdriver.

Overally more neutral then ad8610, a bit less punchy but i don't feel it as laid-back.

Lows: lower and more defined

Midrange: less and more detailed.

Highs: very neutral to the ad8610 and a bit less.

I find it a bit bright with my yuin pk1. It will be tested with hifiman re262 in about a week.

Just thought i'd also throw my horse into the mix.

I've had my V3 (with all the mods) for about 4 weeks now and I can also concur that its a beautiful thing indeed.

It has given me many hours of pleasure during the night whilst alone in my bed.

I would certainly recommend it to a friend. If I had one.

The V3 seems to be an impressive purchase, may be its time to ditch my Fiio E11. Would be really helpful if any V3 user can post an image with an ipod classic beside it...just wondering about its "portability"

Quote:

Originally Posted by bala 

The V3 seems to be an impressive purchase, may be its time to ditch my Fiio E11. Would be really helpful if any V3 user can post an image with an ipod classic beside it...just wondering about its "portability"

I will post one for you tomorrow.

Here's one of the V2 (Same size) beside an iPod Classic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bala 

The V3 seems to be an impressive purchase, may be its time to ditch my Fiio E11. Would be really helpful if any V3 user can post an image with an ipod classic beside it...just wondering about its "portability"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twinster 

Here's one of the V2 (Same size) beside an iPod Classic.

 

 

OK that's saved me doing it.

Thanks guys. Looks like that thing would fit into my winter jacket pockets but definitely not in the others!

The height is of course dictated by the 2 x 9v rechargeable batteries. Which can be replaced if needed after a few years.

I like the chunky feel but if I suppose its not for everyone.

Has anyone compared this to the Objective2?

Originally Posted by imackler 

Has anyone compared this to the Objective2?

I have the V3 (and the Objective2).. I'm writing the review of it as well as a head-to-head (V3 vs the O2 & Arrow 3G).  Stay tuned.. teaser?  The V3 is DAMN good.

Heh, heh. I know what FlySweep is going to write...

imackler, I've expressed my opinion to you privately, but for the benefit of others...

Let me start by saying that I like the O2 very much. I think its a great amp, very neutral, plenty of power, decent build quality, good price. But in comparison to Neco's amps:

Problems with the O2

1. Sound quality lags behind the Neco, which is just phenomenal in terms of sound quality. My old Neco portable (the pre-cursor to the current 18V v3 amp) is what led me to sell my Burson HA-160D. I'm not kidding. In particular, bass on the Neco is superior to the O2. (Not that I generally found bass on the O2 lacking, but it is definitely noticeable compared to the Neco.)

2. Battery life is pretty poor in practice, which I think is partially related to the next item.

3. No automatic switch to turn off recharging when battery is full.

4. Not exactly small.

5. PSU is OK, but because the O2 can't be charged over USB, it's still an annoyance when traveling.

6. Build quality is good, but not up to Neco's bomb-proof standards.

The new V3 Neco gives me all of the following advantages:

1. Great, great sound. In particular, you need to hear a Neco pair up with a pair of HiFiMAN HE-500s. It's like they were made for eachother. The Neco is phenomenal with other cans, too, but it's mind-blowing with the HE-500s.

2. Smaller size than the O2

3. Available bass boost if desired

4. Much, much longer battery life (with lithium ion battery option)

5. USB recharging (if desired)

6. Automatic recharging stop when battery is full (with lithium ion battery option)

7. Neco build quality

The O2 is a great amp, but the Neco just offers a ton in terms of sound quality, features and build quality. For anyone who is curious, Neco only sells his amps on eBay under his seller name "Neco Soundlab" or "Neco_soundlab", I forget which. He is a true undiscovered genius. Everyone I've recommended his amps to has subsequently written to me and raves about them. I have one of his BOSFET amps as well, which I use with my HiFiMAN HE-6s, among others.

Best,

Adam

Quote:

Originally Posted by amcananey 

Heh, heh. I know what FlySweep is going to write...

 

imackler, I've expressed my opinion to you privately, but for the benefit of others...

 

Thanks for posting your comparison for everyone! You're the one who got me thinking about this amp! I look forward to FlySweep's comparison as well.

I saw one of the advantages you have listed is that the O2 keeps charging; is that dangerous? There is a v.2 in the for sale that looks pretty tempting.

I know that one of the goals was that the O2 would work well with sensitive iems too. Does the Neco amp do the same thing?

The Neco that I had worked with anything I threw at it.

Unless I'm mistaken, both the O2 and the v.2 Neco amp will keep charging the batteries until you unplug the charger. I don't think it is necessarily dangerous, but it will reduce the battery life over time. I suspect that is one of the reasons for the poor battery life in the O2. Either you are conservative and wind up unplugging the amp before the batteries are fully charged, or you forget you have it plugged in and wind up overcharging.

Best regards,

Adam