ISN AUDIO NEO 3 2DD X 1Planar Universal IEM
- Added by Redcarmoose
- Create date
The path of innovation is a trek through the dark unknown, into the light of discovery.
Years ago Campfire Audio released the Supermoon which captured attention for using a planar driver.
Planars work differently than the usual dynamic drivers, and like balanced armatures respond faster than DDs but without the unsatisfying bass decay of BAs. Suddenly planars were perceived as the hot new innovation destined to permeate the market, yet predictions of planar supremacy proved unfounded.
So when offered a set of the new ISN Neo3s that use a 1x Planar 2x DD configuration in exchange for a review, I immediately wondered if they'd suffer the usual planar drawback...
Metallic tonality - every planar earphone I've heard has had questionable timbre, and hybrid IEMs mixing planars with other drivers have had coherence issues too.
So I'm approaching this review with trepidation, concerned adding a planar may create more problems for the Neo3s than it solves. Let's discover out how successfully ISN have made this approach work.
The USD $199 ISN Neo3s arrive in a small cardboard box, inside is a leather carry case which closes magnetically.
Inside are the earphones & stock cable, three sets of silicone eartips in 3 sizes, a shirt clip, IEM cleaning tool, and a small plastic accessories case.
The included ISN C8 cable arrives in your choice of 2.5mm, 3.5mm or 4.4mm termination, utilises OCC conductors and retails for $32.50 when sold separately. It's extremely supple & flexible, and gives the impression of being more solidly built than most IEM stock cables at this pricepoint.
The Neo3s' distinctively orange medical-grade resin shells are fully vented & decently large, which is explained by their driver configuration - all three drivers in each earpiece are quite chunky, and you can see them clearly through the resin.
Luckily the shells are very smooth and fairly ergonomic. Their weight is slightly above the norm for hybrid IEMs with lower driver counts but nothing too dramatic and I wouldn't label them heavy.
They're are a little on the larger side, so though I find them decently comfortable can't nominate comfort as one of their outstanding attributes. The larger shells do isolate very effectively however.
I tested the Neo3s with my my Astell & Kern SR35 in high-gain mode, requiring a volume level of 35. They're very cohesive & fairly midrange centric with satisfying bass output & very dark treble.
Bass
Bass is punchy & slightly north of neutral as expected from an ISN earphone, with higher bass quantity than the ISN Neo1s but less than the Neo5s. Midbass is emphasised over sub bass with a fairly even balance between them, and bass texture is quite good -not pillowy- though I'd love a bit more rumble.
There's sufficient bass here to capture bassheads' attention, but not quite enough that bass is truly dominant at the expense of other areas.
Midrange
The Neo3s deliver an impressive sense of fullness with terrific note weight for the price, thanks to a generous lower midrange emphasis that infuses male & female vocals with plenty of body. There's also enough midrange resolution to articulate lyrics with impressive clarity.
The tuning emphasises tonality over technicality, and the inclusion of a copper rather than silver-plated cable accentuates this. Aided by cohesiveness the Neo3s are warm & musical, and the omission of BA drivers has resulted in a superb tonality, with none of the metallic timbre associated with planar drivers.
Treble
Though not quite as dark as the Penon Quattros I recently reviewed, the Neo3s are on the darker side of the spectrum with treble being quite subdued. This makes them smoother & less fatiguing if you're treble sensitive, but does compromise their technical performance.
This encourages you to focus on the midrange & bass in a way that suits many genres, but perhaps not those like classical where string instruments benefit from treble with a bit more bite & zing.
Due to their tuning it's fair to say technical performance isn't what the Neo3s are optimised for.
They're superbly cohesive, which is a pleasant surprise as I was concerned ISN may have issues integrating a planar driver successfully - instead this is a real strength.
However the presence of those two other DDs means means the Neo3s aren't as nimble as a BA-based hybrid might be, so they'll occasionally having minor difficulty keeping instruments separated during busy passages - thankfully a minor quibble, as they don't struggle as dramatically as many budget IEMs.
Note weight is superb for their price range, though dynamics aren't quite up to the same level being middling, as is imaging which lacks pinpoint accuracy. Soundstage depth is very impressive, though width is merely average as is resolution which is best through the midrange but poorer elsewhere.
I compared the Neo3’s with several IEMs at hand, using my Astell & Kern SR35 in high-gain mode, with the Neo3s requiring a volume level of 35.
ISN Neo1 – 1xDD (USD $39)
Despite being only slightly smaller the Neo1 shells are significantly lighter, and also tend to be more slender in the areas that contact directly with my canals so I find them much more comfortable than the Neo3s. Needing 35 volume on the SR35 they’re similarly easy to drive.
The Neo1s are budget single-driver IEMs and that’s immediately apparent with their lower resolution, narrower & flatter stage, and inability to render individual instruments as distinctly during busy passages of music as effectively as the multi-driver Neo3s can.
The Neo1s are very coherent, but possess less bass quantity than the Neo3s and bass texture isn’t as satisfying either. Note weight is lower and dynamics are poorer, they’re actually more neutral with less warmth than the Neo3s and feel a little brighter but less like bonafide basshead IEMs than the Neo3s do.
NiceHCK F1 Pro – 1xPlanar (USD $99)
The F1 Pros are slightly smaller than the Neo3s with similar weight, and feel a bit less snug in my ears which improves comfort. Needing 47 volume on the SR35 they’re a bit harder to drive.
Far more V-shaped, the F1 Pros are much brighter and I find their treble jumps out from the rest of the frequency spectrum quite a bit. The Neo3s have a lot more lower midrange warmth whereas the F1 Pros can sound quite cool & clinical.
The F1 Pros’ soundstage is wider but flatter, bass does not go as deep and I find their bass texture a little pillowy. The Neo3s are much thicker with better note weight, are smoother & more relaxed and more bass dominant. Imaging feels a touch clearer on the Neo3s and resolution between the two is fairly similar.
Simgot EA1000 - 1xDD 1xPR (USD $219)
The EA1000s are smaller but quite a bit heavier due to their stainless steel shells, but I do find their shape more comfortable. Requiring 28 volume on the SR35 they’re very easy to drive.
The EA1000s have a more excited v-shaped tuning that’s much brighter than the Neo3s, with a thinner & cooler sound that emphasises the upper midrange more. EA1000 bass quantity is lower and bass texture isn’t as satisfying, vocals don’t have as much weight behind them but do feel more articulate.
Resolution & dynamics are slightly higher on the EA1000s and their drivers seem slightly quicker to respond, but the Neo3s are more musical & less fatiguing.
ISN Neo5 – 4xBA 1xDD (USD $289)
The Neo5 shells are similarly sized but thinner in the parts that make contact with the canals so I find them significantly more comfortable. Needing 30 volume on the SR35 they’re easy to drive.
The Neo5s’ DD is more sluggish which has the benefit of making bass decay slower & more satisfying, but means they have more trouble keeping up with faster music than the Neo3s. Bass quantity is even higher on the Neo5s and bass texture is better, and they’re more v-shaped & brighter overall.
Neo5s dynamics are much more apparent, their soundstage is slightly deeper but similarly wide, and they’re a bit more resolving. The Neo5s are more exciting but possibly too much so if you’re treble sensitive whereas the Neo3s are smoother, more politely tuned and warmer.
Penon Quattro – 4xDD (USD $399)
They’re similarly sized but the Quattros are a little bit heavier and stick out more, but I find comfort of the two IEMs is similar. Needing 50 volume on SR35 the Quattros are more difficult to drive.
To my surprise the Quattros are actually less warm & relaxed than the Neo3s, but boast higher bass quantity and their bass texture is also more satisfying. The Quattros’ midrange is more forward & aggressive but also more resolving and refined, and upper treble also feels more prominent.
The Quattros are more dynamic, have a blacker background with sharper imaging and a far deeper soundstage, though it is narrower than the Neo3’s.
NiceHCK BlackSoul (USD $50)
BlackSoul increases midbass to create more satisfying note weight with a darker background.
Unfortunately the stage feels narrower than with the stock cable, and treble has been rendered darker so I don’t care for this pairing.
Penon Vocal (USD $69)
Vocal emphasises the lower midrange to create a warmer, smoother sound.
Imaging feels a bit sharper, but dynamics seem better with the stock cable who’s stage is also a little wider and treble emphasised more, so I'm not impressed with this pairing.
NiceHCK FirstTouch (USD $89)
In this decent pairing the Neo3’s dynamics improve, the background feels a little blacker with slightly more defined imaging and resolution improves a little.
Unfortunately treble feels darker which I don’t particularly care for, creating a tonality that’s more relaxed and less v-shaped. Sub bass also feels slightly more powerful.
Penon ASOS (USD $169)
The ASOS creates the widest stage of any of the cables tested, though stage depth feels similar. Tonality seems a little smoothed out and more refined, with better note weight and dynamics.
Resolution is also higher in this impressive pairing that makes the Neo3s feel more spacious & detailed.
Effect Audio Ares S 4 Wire (USD $179)
Midbass feels deeper and more impactful, and imaging is a bit sharper with treble slightly elevated against a darker background.
Dynamics have also improved, but overall the pairing feels merely decent as the magnitude of each change is quite modest.
The ISN Neo3s have been a surprise, definitely not what I was expected!
They're incredibly coherent with fantastic tonality, almost as if ISN challenged themselves to produce the least planar-sounding planar possible.
These are a solid choice if you're looking for a set of dark, bassy IEMs under $200.
However ISN set a very high bar for themselves, so if you're basshead I recommend spending the extra $90 on the Neo5s which remain my favourite IEMs under $300.
ISN did a great job implementing a planar driver without the usual timbre or coherence issues, and I'm very keen to see what they can do with these drivers in future.
Years ago Campfire Audio released the Supermoon which captured attention for using a planar driver.
Planars work differently than the usual dynamic drivers, and like balanced armatures respond faster than DDs but without the unsatisfying bass decay of BAs. Suddenly planars were perceived as the hot new innovation destined to permeate the market, yet predictions of planar supremacy proved unfounded.
So when offered a set of the new ISN Neo3s that use a 1x Planar 2x DD configuration in exchange for a review, I immediately wondered if they'd suffer the usual planar drawback...
Metallic tonality - every planar earphone I've heard has had questionable timbre, and hybrid IEMs mixing planars with other drivers have had coherence issues too.
So I'm approaching this review with trepidation, concerned adding a planar may create more problems for the Neo3s than it solves. Let's discover out how successfully ISN have made this approach work.
Packaging
The USD $199 ISN Neo3s arrive in a small cardboard box, inside is a leather carry case which closes magnetically.
Inside are the earphones & stock cable, three sets of silicone eartips in 3 sizes, a shirt clip, IEM cleaning tool, and a small plastic accessories case.
The included ISN C8 cable arrives in your choice of 2.5mm, 3.5mm or 4.4mm termination, utilises OCC conductors and retails for $32.50 when sold separately. It's extremely supple & flexible, and gives the impression of being more solidly built than most IEM stock cables at this pricepoint.
Ergonomics
The Neo3s' distinctively orange medical-grade resin shells are fully vented & decently large, which is explained by their driver configuration - all three drivers in each earpiece are quite chunky, and you can see them clearly through the resin.
Luckily the shells are very smooth and fairly ergonomic. Their weight is slightly above the norm for hybrid IEMs with lower driver counts but nothing too dramatic and I wouldn't label them heavy.
They're are a little on the larger side, so though I find them decently comfortable can't nominate comfort as one of their outstanding attributes. The larger shells do isolate very effectively however.
Sound Impressions
I tested the Neo3s with my my Astell & Kern SR35 in high-gain mode, requiring a volume level of 35. They're very cohesive & fairly midrange centric with satisfying bass output & very dark treble.
Bass
Bass is punchy & slightly north of neutral as expected from an ISN earphone, with higher bass quantity than the ISN Neo1s but less than the Neo5s. Midbass is emphasised over sub bass with a fairly even balance between them, and bass texture is quite good -not pillowy- though I'd love a bit more rumble.
There's sufficient bass here to capture bassheads' attention, but not quite enough that bass is truly dominant at the expense of other areas.
Midrange
The Neo3s deliver an impressive sense of fullness with terrific note weight for the price, thanks to a generous lower midrange emphasis that infuses male & female vocals with plenty of body. There's also enough midrange resolution to articulate lyrics with impressive clarity.
The tuning emphasises tonality over technicality, and the inclusion of a copper rather than silver-plated cable accentuates this. Aided by cohesiveness the Neo3s are warm & musical, and the omission of BA drivers has resulted in a superb tonality, with none of the metallic timbre associated with planar drivers.
Treble
Though not quite as dark as the Penon Quattros I recently reviewed, the Neo3s are on the darker side of the spectrum with treble being quite subdued. This makes them smoother & less fatiguing if you're treble sensitive, but does compromise their technical performance.
This encourages you to focus on the midrange & bass in a way that suits many genres, but perhaps not those like classical where string instruments benefit from treble with a bit more bite & zing.
Technical Performance
Due to their tuning it's fair to say technical performance isn't what the Neo3s are optimised for.
They're superbly cohesive, which is a pleasant surprise as I was concerned ISN may have issues integrating a planar driver successfully - instead this is a real strength.
However the presence of those two other DDs means means the Neo3s aren't as nimble as a BA-based hybrid might be, so they'll occasionally having minor difficulty keeping instruments separated during busy passages - thankfully a minor quibble, as they don't struggle as dramatically as many budget IEMs.
Note weight is superb for their price range, though dynamics aren't quite up to the same level being middling, as is imaging which lacks pinpoint accuracy. Soundstage depth is very impressive, though width is merely average as is resolution which is best through the midrange but poorer elsewhere.
IEM Comparisons
I compared the Neo3’s with several IEMs at hand, using my Astell & Kern SR35 in high-gain mode, with the Neo3s requiring a volume level of 35.
ISN Neo1 – 1xDD (USD $39)
Despite being only slightly smaller the Neo1 shells are significantly lighter, and also tend to be more slender in the areas that contact directly with my canals so I find them much more comfortable than the Neo3s. Needing 35 volume on the SR35 they’re similarly easy to drive.
The Neo1s are budget single-driver IEMs and that’s immediately apparent with their lower resolution, narrower & flatter stage, and inability to render individual instruments as distinctly during busy passages of music as effectively as the multi-driver Neo3s can.
The Neo1s are very coherent, but possess less bass quantity than the Neo3s and bass texture isn’t as satisfying either. Note weight is lower and dynamics are poorer, they’re actually more neutral with less warmth than the Neo3s and feel a little brighter but less like bonafide basshead IEMs than the Neo3s do.
NiceHCK F1 Pro – 1xPlanar (USD $99)
The F1 Pros are slightly smaller than the Neo3s with similar weight, and feel a bit less snug in my ears which improves comfort. Needing 47 volume on the SR35 they’re a bit harder to drive.
Far more V-shaped, the F1 Pros are much brighter and I find their treble jumps out from the rest of the frequency spectrum quite a bit. The Neo3s have a lot more lower midrange warmth whereas the F1 Pros can sound quite cool & clinical.
The F1 Pros’ soundstage is wider but flatter, bass does not go as deep and I find their bass texture a little pillowy. The Neo3s are much thicker with better note weight, are smoother & more relaxed and more bass dominant. Imaging feels a touch clearer on the Neo3s and resolution between the two is fairly similar.
Simgot EA1000 - 1xDD 1xPR (USD $219)
The EA1000s are smaller but quite a bit heavier due to their stainless steel shells, but I do find their shape more comfortable. Requiring 28 volume on the SR35 they’re very easy to drive.
The EA1000s have a more excited v-shaped tuning that’s much brighter than the Neo3s, with a thinner & cooler sound that emphasises the upper midrange more. EA1000 bass quantity is lower and bass texture isn’t as satisfying, vocals don’t have as much weight behind them but do feel more articulate.
Resolution & dynamics are slightly higher on the EA1000s and their drivers seem slightly quicker to respond, but the Neo3s are more musical & less fatiguing.
ISN Neo5 – 4xBA 1xDD (USD $289)
The Neo5 shells are similarly sized but thinner in the parts that make contact with the canals so I find them significantly more comfortable. Needing 30 volume on the SR35 they’re easy to drive.
The Neo5s’ DD is more sluggish which has the benefit of making bass decay slower & more satisfying, but means they have more trouble keeping up with faster music than the Neo3s. Bass quantity is even higher on the Neo5s and bass texture is better, and they’re more v-shaped & brighter overall.
Neo5s dynamics are much more apparent, their soundstage is slightly deeper but similarly wide, and they’re a bit more resolving. The Neo5s are more exciting but possibly too much so if you’re treble sensitive whereas the Neo3s are smoother, more politely tuned and warmer.
Penon Quattro – 4xDD (USD $399)
They’re similarly sized but the Quattros are a little bit heavier and stick out more, but I find comfort of the two IEMs is similar. Needing 50 volume on SR35 the Quattros are more difficult to drive.
To my surprise the Quattros are actually less warm & relaxed than the Neo3s, but boast higher bass quantity and their bass texture is also more satisfying. The Quattros’ midrange is more forward & aggressive but also more resolving and refined, and upper treble also feels more prominent.
The Quattros are more dynamic, have a blacker background with sharper imaging and a far deeper soundstage, though it is narrower than the Neo3’s.
Cable Comparisons
I tested the Neo3s with a number of cables to gauge how effectively they respond to cable rolling.NiceHCK BlackSoul (USD $50)
BlackSoul increases midbass to create more satisfying note weight with a darker background.
Unfortunately the stage feels narrower than with the stock cable, and treble has been rendered darker so I don’t care for this pairing.
Penon Vocal (USD $69)
Vocal emphasises the lower midrange to create a warmer, smoother sound.
Imaging feels a bit sharper, but dynamics seem better with the stock cable who’s stage is also a little wider and treble emphasised more, so I'm not impressed with this pairing.
NiceHCK FirstTouch (USD $89)
In this decent pairing the Neo3’s dynamics improve, the background feels a little blacker with slightly more defined imaging and resolution improves a little.
Unfortunately treble feels darker which I don’t particularly care for, creating a tonality that’s more relaxed and less v-shaped. Sub bass also feels slightly more powerful.
Penon ASOS (USD $169)
The ASOS creates the widest stage of any of the cables tested, though stage depth feels similar. Tonality seems a little smoothed out and more refined, with better note weight and dynamics.
Resolution is also higher in this impressive pairing that makes the Neo3s feel more spacious & detailed.
Effect Audio Ares S 4 Wire (USD $179)
Midbass feels deeper and more impactful, and imaging is a bit sharper with treble slightly elevated against a darker background.
Dynamics have also improved, but overall the pairing feels merely decent as the magnitude of each change is quite modest.
Conclusion
The ISN Neo3s have been a surprise, definitely not what I was expected!
They're incredibly coherent with fantastic tonality, almost as if ISN challenged themselves to produce the least planar-sounding planar possible.
These are a solid choice if you're looking for a set of dark, bassy IEMs under $200.
However ISN set a very high bar for themselves, so if you're basshead I recommend spending the extra $90 on the Neo5s which remain my favourite IEMs under $300.
ISN did a great job implementing a planar driver without the usual timbre or coherence issues, and I'm very keen to see what they can do with these drivers in future.
sofastreamer
@Redcarmoose 
ridiculous, not even one proper argument. thanks for remembering me why i stopped reading your spam in the early 2010ths. and only because half headfi are "believers" like you doesnt mean you are right at all. 80% here are beginners, onetimers or fanboys and pure psychoacoustics and you would know that if you would have tried to develop, but you do you..
ridiculous, not even one proper argument. thanks for remembering me why i stopped reading your spam in the early 2010ths. and only because half headfi are "believers" like you doesnt mean you are right at all. 80% here are beginners, onetimers or fanboys and pure psychoacoustics and you would know that if you would have tried to develop, but you do you..
Redcarmoose
@sofastreamer,
So your device doesn’t have capital letters?
So your device doesn’t have capital letters?
It's raining IEMs left right and centre. No one wants to miss out. There is a fear of missing out and one of the brands that is giving FOMO to other brands is Penon and its sister brand ISN.
Penon started by making some high quality cables. When Penon arrived with their IEMs they were already high quality. I still remember the Orb, its cohesive timber and tonality was addictive. Their ISN H40 and D10 were some of the most loved bass head IEMs till date. Soon after that Penon decided to jump into EST and flagship IEMs. They too were received well. I do remember trying the EST50 couple of years ago but that wasn't that impressive sadly. Then Penon showed us their tuning capabilities with multi DD IEMs. In came the Serial. It was one of the best IEMs for texture, timber with cohesive decay and reverb. Very recently they launched the Quattro and that houses 4 DDs, which is getting a lot of attention.
Penon and ISN are not afraid of experimentation and the ISN NEO 3 is a good representation of it. It has 2 6mm DD paired with a 5.8mm Planar. Interesting isn't it? Do we still get the usual Penon timber and cohesion? Priced at $200, available in orange shell, this is priced to intrigue and attract DD lovers mostly because of the fact that Penon has mastered the bass tuning.
I will compare this with QoA Aviation and Oriveti OD200. I don't think this IEM tries to be accurate like Falcon Ultra or Simgot EA2000 so I will try not to include them in my comparisons.
Get one from here:
https://penonaudio.com/ISN-Audio-NEO-3.html
UNBOXING AND ACCESSORIES:
BUILD QUALITY:
There isn't a lot of info about the build but they have used medical grade Resin shell. I love this semi transparent design but this color might not be intriguing to all. We get rounded corners which are fairly comfortable inside the ear and we get a semi custom kind of wing on the inner side of the shell. Another thing that helps is the light weight and size. It barely has any heft to it and thanks to the size it will fit most ears without any issues. There is little to no pressure on the ear and it's longer than average nozzle helps with stability. We have a small vent on the shell to let the DDs breathe.
CABLE:
We get an 8 core OCC cable with 19 wires inside each core. We get a decent looking cable with decent behavior. It's not the supplest or soft cable we find at this price but this cable doesn't have cable guides which add to the comfort. There is no microphonics to worry about either. The 4.4mm jack, y splitter and 2pin jackets looks decent but I feel the jack a bit on the larger side.
Quality wise, I will suggest everyone to ditch this and get something decent. Even a good quality $20 cable will do better than this cable. It clearly limits the dynamics and stage size.
PAIRING WITH SOURCES:
I tried a handful of sources with this and I didn't had any issues with most of them. The planar was not mid behaving and the DD were not looking for more power either. I was able to drive it out of lower mid range dongles like Simgot DEW4X without much to be desired. Use a decent source and we are good to go.
SOUND QUALITY:
Okay, here are two things I want to have our attention at. Neo 3 is a bass head level IEM. Doesn't make a lot of sense if you don't a lot of bass and if you aren't a bass head, you might be reading about the wrong IEM.
In any case, Neo 3 is an excellent IEM for a bunch of us. I know, I am not a bass head and this much of bass tires me out after a while but those who love bass will enjoy this a lot.
Notes have the extra bit of reverb and cohesion. Mid range and vocals are very good too. There are no issues with timber or tonality. What we get is a L shaped signature where the bass dominates while the rest of the spectrum plays supporting acts. Neo 3 is not all about the bass thankful, there is a grandness to it's mid range notes too, making it standout of the competition.
I am using stock cable and tips for this review.
BASS:
Penon is known for its high quality bass. They know how to make a DD dance and Neo 3 is a perfect example of that. It won't be wrong to state that bass runs the show here and this 6mm DD is tuned to perfection. It has the weight, vim and vigor behind it yet is fairly soft. Movement of air is well controlled. It's like the notes are big and powerful but will not be overpowering the rest of the spectrum. What I like a lot is its lack of excess wooliness. I won't go as for to say that its control is excellent but it's good.
There is a bit of unique delivery here. We get excellent layers and they don't move in but move away from the head with a lot of rumble while fading, keeping things clean as making way for newer notes. So where do the bass notes go? They move up and over the ear. Basically, the whole spectrum is placed inside a semi-circle created by the bass note. You can imagine the magnitude of the area of impact. No mud or wooly feeling but yes, the decay isn't the fastest and notes do have reverb that last long. This affects the dynamics as its upper bass notes aren't that clean but this is not tuned for accuracy so it's fine.
Needless to say but Neo 3 has very good sub-bass extension and rumble while the mid bass is slightly loose but fuller and meatier.
MIDS:
This mid range is tuned like safety wheels. It provides much needed balance of power. Overall balance is still in favor of bass but the mid range does put its powers on display. The 2nd DD does a good job of keeping things clean and clear while delivering very good definition and resolution. There is a slight bit of W shape here as the vocals pop a bit more than the instruments around them. There is no blunt or extra sharpness to be wary about but they can feel a bit sharp in comparison.
I am happy with the vocals too. They are a bit taller with very good body and texture. We get a bit more finishing energy with both male and female vocals. Timber and tonality are on the neutral side but can feel crispy, this enhances the technical aspect of the Neo 3. Instruments on the other hand play in the background and play the 2nd fiddle. The do have decent transparency and clarity but can feel a little less emphasized. They lack a bit of height too. What's good is the speed. There isn't much energy in the upper mids to worry about so that's a good thing.
HIGHS:
Bass is excellent, mids are very good, how are the highs? Neo 3 has a 5.8mm planar to take care of this but it's a bit on the softer side. This lack of definition and kind of veiled presentation reminds me of the OG 7hz Timeless but that was super bad, this isn't. I was expecting a bit more attack and spark nevertheless. Treble notes aren't much transparent or tall either. Extension isn't bad but I definitely was looking for a bit more upper treble energy. Layering and separation are just average. There is distance between instruments but that space isn't very clean or clear. It doesn't have much air to talk about. Of all the things, surprisingly this slight lack of treble clarity and details isn't bothering me. This IEM is not about treble and I have to respect that.
STAGE AND IMAGING:
Last time I worked on an ISN IEM, I was kind of unpleased with its very tall yet closed in stage. Thankfully Neo 3 is much better than that. I am relieved that the towering stage is now converted into a well spread one. We get very good height, decent width and nice Z axis depth too.
Bass notes are placed inside the head. Same is true for majority of vocals too. Only taller and background vocal notes escape the head. Treble notes are evenly distributed with presence both in and out of the head. Imaging though is very good with very good accuracy, and instrument placement. I like the sonics too, we get very good reverb and nice transient effects.
EFFECT OF CABLES:
Simgot LC7:
I like this pairing but you might not. LC7 is a bit V shaped and tightens the bass notes. Neo 3 retains the rumble and layers but the sub-bass body is not that big while the mid bass is a bit more pronounced. Mid range and treble enjoy a bit more air between instruments while the treble notes sound a bit cleaner while the extension is slightly better too. One of the best things is the bigger stage, it doesn't get taller but the width is improved.
If you like bass this might not be the best cable but I like it.
COMPARISON:
CONCLUSION:
I know this is not an IEM for everyone but there is big "BUT" here, this IEM is so cohesive and filled with texture that it's hard not to like it and for a bass heads, they will feel like home. It's weighty, full bodied soft attacking layered bass filled with rumbles should put a smile on anyone's face.
One very good thing is Neo 3 barely has any issues with tuning. Yes, some might feel this is not very smooth or may feel it's slightly energetic at some points but they are far from uncomfortable. If you don't have a very sensitive hearing, this IEM will not induce any discomfort.
I would have liked it even more if it had a bit more extension and energy into the upper treble but that's fine because this is for pure hearted bass heads who want good definition and resolution without a lot of energy, except in the right areas.
Penon started by making some high quality cables. When Penon arrived with their IEMs they were already high quality. I still remember the Orb, its cohesive timber and tonality was addictive. Their ISN H40 and D10 were some of the most loved bass head IEMs till date. Soon after that Penon decided to jump into EST and flagship IEMs. They too were received well. I do remember trying the EST50 couple of years ago but that wasn't that impressive sadly. Then Penon showed us their tuning capabilities with multi DD IEMs. In came the Serial. It was one of the best IEMs for texture, timber with cohesive decay and reverb. Very recently they launched the Quattro and that houses 4 DDs, which is getting a lot of attention.
Penon and ISN are not afraid of experimentation and the ISN NEO 3 is a good representation of it. It has 2 6mm DD paired with a 5.8mm Planar. Interesting isn't it? Do we still get the usual Penon timber and cohesion? Priced at $200, available in orange shell, this is priced to intrigue and attract DD lovers mostly because of the fact that Penon has mastered the bass tuning.
I will compare this with QoA Aviation and Oriveti OD200. I don't think this IEM tries to be accurate like Falcon Ultra or Simgot EA2000 so I will try not to include them in my comparisons.
Get one from here:
https://penonaudio.com/ISN-Audio-NEO-3.html
UNBOXING AND ACCESSORIES:
BUILD QUALITY:
There isn't a lot of info about the build but they have used medical grade Resin shell. I love this semi transparent design but this color might not be intriguing to all. We get rounded corners which are fairly comfortable inside the ear and we get a semi custom kind of wing on the inner side of the shell. Another thing that helps is the light weight and size. It barely has any heft to it and thanks to the size it will fit most ears without any issues. There is little to no pressure on the ear and it's longer than average nozzle helps with stability. We have a small vent on the shell to let the DDs breathe.
CABLE:
We get an 8 core OCC cable with 19 wires inside each core. We get a decent looking cable with decent behavior. It's not the supplest or soft cable we find at this price but this cable doesn't have cable guides which add to the comfort. There is no microphonics to worry about either. The 4.4mm jack, y splitter and 2pin jackets looks decent but I feel the jack a bit on the larger side.
Quality wise, I will suggest everyone to ditch this and get something decent. Even a good quality $20 cable will do better than this cable. It clearly limits the dynamics and stage size.
PAIRING WITH SOURCES:
I tried a handful of sources with this and I didn't had any issues with most of them. The planar was not mid behaving and the DD were not looking for more power either. I was able to drive it out of lower mid range dongles like Simgot DEW4X without much to be desired. Use a decent source and we are good to go.
SOUND QUALITY:
Okay, here are two things I want to have our attention at. Neo 3 is a bass head level IEM. Doesn't make a lot of sense if you don't a lot of bass and if you aren't a bass head, you might be reading about the wrong IEM.
In any case, Neo 3 is an excellent IEM for a bunch of us. I know, I am not a bass head and this much of bass tires me out after a while but those who love bass will enjoy this a lot.
Notes have the extra bit of reverb and cohesion. Mid range and vocals are very good too. There are no issues with timber or tonality. What we get is a L shaped signature where the bass dominates while the rest of the spectrum plays supporting acts. Neo 3 is not all about the bass thankful, there is a grandness to it's mid range notes too, making it standout of the competition.
I am using stock cable and tips for this review.
BASS:
Penon is known for its high quality bass. They know how to make a DD dance and Neo 3 is a perfect example of that. It won't be wrong to state that bass runs the show here and this 6mm DD is tuned to perfection. It has the weight, vim and vigor behind it yet is fairly soft. Movement of air is well controlled. It's like the notes are big and powerful but will not be overpowering the rest of the spectrum. What I like a lot is its lack of excess wooliness. I won't go as for to say that its control is excellent but it's good.
There is a bit of unique delivery here. We get excellent layers and they don't move in but move away from the head with a lot of rumble while fading, keeping things clean as making way for newer notes. So where do the bass notes go? They move up and over the ear. Basically, the whole spectrum is placed inside a semi-circle created by the bass note. You can imagine the magnitude of the area of impact. No mud or wooly feeling but yes, the decay isn't the fastest and notes do have reverb that last long. This affects the dynamics as its upper bass notes aren't that clean but this is not tuned for accuracy so it's fine.
Needless to say but Neo 3 has very good sub-bass extension and rumble while the mid bass is slightly loose but fuller and meatier.
MIDS:
This mid range is tuned like safety wheels. It provides much needed balance of power. Overall balance is still in favor of bass but the mid range does put its powers on display. The 2nd DD does a good job of keeping things clean and clear while delivering very good definition and resolution. There is a slight bit of W shape here as the vocals pop a bit more than the instruments around them. There is no blunt or extra sharpness to be wary about but they can feel a bit sharp in comparison.
I am happy with the vocals too. They are a bit taller with very good body and texture. We get a bit more finishing energy with both male and female vocals. Timber and tonality are on the neutral side but can feel crispy, this enhances the technical aspect of the Neo 3. Instruments on the other hand play in the background and play the 2nd fiddle. The do have decent transparency and clarity but can feel a little less emphasized. They lack a bit of height too. What's good is the speed. There isn't much energy in the upper mids to worry about so that's a good thing.
HIGHS:
Bass is excellent, mids are very good, how are the highs? Neo 3 has a 5.8mm planar to take care of this but it's a bit on the softer side. This lack of definition and kind of veiled presentation reminds me of the OG 7hz Timeless but that was super bad, this isn't. I was expecting a bit more attack and spark nevertheless. Treble notes aren't much transparent or tall either. Extension isn't bad but I definitely was looking for a bit more upper treble energy. Layering and separation are just average. There is distance between instruments but that space isn't very clean or clear. It doesn't have much air to talk about. Of all the things, surprisingly this slight lack of treble clarity and details isn't bothering me. This IEM is not about treble and I have to respect that.
STAGE AND IMAGING:
Last time I worked on an ISN IEM, I was kind of unpleased with its very tall yet closed in stage. Thankfully Neo 3 is much better than that. I am relieved that the towering stage is now converted into a well spread one. We get very good height, decent width and nice Z axis depth too.
Bass notes are placed inside the head. Same is true for majority of vocals too. Only taller and background vocal notes escape the head. Treble notes are evenly distributed with presence both in and out of the head. Imaging though is very good with very good accuracy, and instrument placement. I like the sonics too, we get very good reverb and nice transient effects.
EFFECT OF CABLES:
Simgot LC7:
I like this pairing but you might not. LC7 is a bit V shaped and tightens the bass notes. Neo 3 retains the rumble and layers but the sub-bass body is not that big while the mid bass is a bit more pronounced. Mid range and treble enjoy a bit more air between instruments while the treble notes sound a bit cleaner while the extension is slightly better too. One of the best things is the bigger stage, it doesn't get taller but the width is improved.
If you like bass this might not be the best cable but I like it.
COMPARISON:
CONCLUSION:
I know this is not an IEM for everyone but there is big "BUT" here, this IEM is so cohesive and filled with texture that it's hard not to like it and for a bass heads, they will feel like home. It's weighty, full bodied soft attacking layered bass filled with rumbles should put a smile on anyone's face.
One very good thing is Neo 3 barely has any issues with tuning. Yes, some might feel this is not very smooth or may feel it's slightly energetic at some points but they are far from uncomfortable. If you don't have a very sensitive hearing, this IEM will not induce any discomfort.
I would have liked it even more if it had a bit more extension and energy into the upper treble but that's fine because this is for pure hearted bass heads who want good definition and resolution without a lot of energy, except in the right areas.
INTRODUCTION
Hi everyone, today i am going to share my thoughts on the latest set of monitors coming from ISN AUDIO the ISN NEO 3.
Straight from the beggining i want to make one thing clear regarding my evaluation on this one .I would have given NEO 3 a straight five star if i wasn't to compare it with some much higher end models coming from a completely different price range.So the 4,5 stars comes directly from those comparisons which you are about to find out later on.
..... That's because over the last two years i only purchased a few monitors from a higher price range so unfortunatelly i won't be able to give you some important comparisons from nowdays sets that belong to the NEO 3's price range .
This reflects NEO 3's obvious & unique value in today's market against much higher priced sets of monitors, and in some cases with some really sophisticated implementations
ABOUT ISN AUDIO
ISN AUDIO has been an old player in the industry with some solid releases back in the day ....
They have started some years ago (around 2020 if i am right ) with the mighty H40 , a hybrid model with the configuration of 3 Balanced Armatures: Custom 1 BA for middle Frequency + composite 2BA for high frequency plus one Dynamic driver : 9.2mm taking care of the Bass region
....... back on those days H40 was really an ABSOLUTE BANGER !!!!!! An absolute VFM set regardless of any price range coming out for those audiophiles who really appreciate BIG/WARM & BASSY signatures with NATURAL TIMBRE all the way........ .This was my introduction to this company and since then i have purcashed numerous sets from those guys yet to be dissapointed from them.............
SPECIFICATIONS
ISN NEO 3
Drivers:1 Planar Driver + 2 Dynamic Driver
1 x 5.8mm planar driver for high frequency
1 x 6mm dynamic driver for middle frequency
1 x 6mm dynamic driver for low frequency
Impedance: 15ohm
Sensitivity: 105dB
Frequency response: 10Hz-20kHz
Connector: 2pin 0.78mm
Cable : 8 strands , 19 cores per strand OCC wire
DISCLAIMER
Purchased NEO 3 with my own money using a discount code which was provided for Penon members coming directly from PENON AUDIO , and here¨s a link in any case you get interested..... NEO 3
Gear used for the purpose of this review : iBASSO DX 160/170 / Shanling M3X / HIBY R5 GEN II
Just for the record.. NEO 3 had allready completed a total burn in period of 72 hours before any kind of critical listening.
Have used the stock cable and Tri Clarion ear tips for the purpose of this review,all thoughts following below are completely and absolutely subjective,,,,
PACKAGE / FIT / ACCESSORIES
Package is pretty simple (and that has become a tradition for all ISN monitors even the most expensive ones)
as for accessories goes, yοu get two sets of silicone tips in 3 sizes, , and a unique dark blue stylish magnetic case ,a metallic shirt clip and a black plastic cleaning tool for the nozzles.
NEO 3 comes with a unique ISN cable (8 strands , 19 cores per strand OCC wire) very beutifull and soft, obtaining 2pin 0.78mm , ending in 3,5 / 2,5 / 4,4 balanced (termination of your choise)
Fit wise, i would consider NEO 3 the closest anyone can get to custom fit,in my case at least fits like a glove to my extra large ear cavities and having tried several tips (symbio,azla sedna,sony hybrids e.t.c.) in order to find the ABSOLUTE BEST ISOLATION quickly ended up using Clarion Tri tips ,founding that those served the best sound overall. As a matter of fact at the NEO 3 the deep insertion plays a crucial role in my humble opinion for the lower frequencies to find their way to your ear and be more dominating,alive and vibrant .........the deepest you get the better the outcome will be as far as bass reproduction is concerned.
SOUND PROFILE
As i stated at the beggining on the Pros of NEO 3 this is the definition of how a Dark orientated earphone sould sound like to be realistic and believable to the listener.
This one and Oriveti OH700VB which i purchased late December 2023 and belongs to a completely different price range up to 699 $. we ll see how it goes against it later on...
Now......NEO 3 ......is a warm , dark , analogue or even vinyl alike presentation which results to a natural reproduction of sound regardless of any recording.
i consider their tuning as balanced with bigger emphasis on the very low end ,slightly elevated mids and more subdued treble region that sits behind the other parts of the spectrum being smooth and organic with no strange peaks whatsoever....
Note weight is on the thicker side of things,so is the body all over the FR from the lower to the highest notes. Tonality is dense and thick but lush at the same time especially talking about the midrange this feeling of lushness is all over the place there..
As far as Soundstage / instrument placement goes.. what you get is a really wide holographic scene elliptical you might say. Sound expands easily towards any direction ending in a certain amount of ambience hard to be achieved by any monitor at this price target for sure.....and this is the strongest characteristic of NEO 3,the strongest by far,it amazes me each and every time i use them with multiple music genres.The sound spatiality here is something memorable beyond this price tag no question about it....it's tuned and supposed to be like that....elements from the recordings travel easily inside/outside your head,front and back,right and left providing a sonic headroom outside the periphery of your head....
There is an accurate placement of instruments, right on spot, giving a strong palm of realism in every track even if image is not a strong asset of NEO 3.
Detail retrieval is not something that you take notice at first audition but it's pretty descent. Not in your face of course, in the background ...taking a back seat creating this way a unique atmospheric sense of the recording.i would characterize NEO 3 as an utterly atmospheric beast being so dark and mysterious sounding.
BASS
Big and bold but controlled at the same time with fast attacks and descent decays for acoustical instruments in this region
the one and only downside is that ocassionaly bass can be sound a touch boomy but it's not an everyday issue that one....
Never bleeds into the midrange,to be more precise the transition into the mids is smooth as butter, makes you think there is only one driver working in the entire FR providing cohesive steady solid sound.but the biggest feature here is the sub bass impact
To be more specific about it, in the sub bass region (20 - 60 Hz) NEO 3 does pretty good job ,seems that despite the fact that there's only one small 6mmDD taking care of that region it manages to push a lot of air there effortless resulting in this exciting outcome.....
Even at the lowest volume levels you can feel that woofer tickling your ears and that makes a huge difference....
it΄s almost like you can feel the music rather than just hearing the sound.
I suspect partially due to their fantastic tuning and unique implementation and also due to their unique custom like fit which allows everyone regardless of their ear cavity size to experience a most unique fitting experience (the closest you can get to custom monitors as i allready have mentioned)
MIDS
one small 6mmDD taking care of the midrange as well and once again the cohesiveness is trully admirable,there is a noticeable airy feeling between voices and instruments a balance hard to find at this price range
Spacious,emotional,lush with weight at the same time,seems like ISN AUDIO enginners found the right spot between thick and thin mids resulting to a unique and very realistic timbre.
Enganging and euphoric vocals is what should be expected from NEO 3 midrange reproduction
Furthermore, the amount of air, especially in the midrange is really remarkable for any iem at this price range, and i would easily compare the airy atmosphere in the mids (which is trully amazing) to the Oriveti OH700VB which is way way more expensive monitor.
TREBLE
Now this is something never being tried before...something unique for ISN AUDIO. One 5.8mm planar driver handles the higher frequencies lower and higher region and it sure does a pretty good job there....
Clearly this part of the region takes a step back regarding the rest of the spectrum cleverly avoiding this way any unnecessary fatiqueness or unatural feeling.
Extended but subdued taking a gentle approach , sparkly but fatigue free at the same time.all the upper region details are there ,not at your face ,at the background moving slowly inside your head filling you gently with all the information present at the recordings.
its a relaxed laid back treble providing at the same time an absolute fatique free experience suggested for long term listening sessions
Not hot,neither artificial,whith no strange peaks obtaining zero glare / grain or harshness , but on the contrary natural and forgiving even at the poorly recorded tracks.
RECOMMENDED TEST TRACKS
Angel Olsen - Endgame
This is a unique opportunity to test NEO 3 in female vocals and besides that to find out about it's tremendous capacity regarding the spatiality of sound elements across the stage as well....
Olsen's angelic voice floats above / and in-between every single instrument at this case in a ethereal way,meanwhile the majority of the percussion included at this recording (drums/timpanis,plates,cymbals,hi-hats etc.. )as well as the rest of the orchestra instruments travels with ease from left to right and vice versa providing a most fascinating sense of openess to the song.everything feels comletely natural and authentic here , the space and headroom with NEO 3 is nothing less than spectacular at this one.....
Roger Fakhr - East of any place
A perfect example, of how natural sound should really sound like
This one was recorded in a single day sessions in the late 1970s, the song remain untouched, preserving the rawness and authenticity of the moment with impeccable folk-driven arrangements and lyricism shining throughout
Roger Fakhr's lower male vocals comes out with authority and emotion as well while acoustic quitars dancing around the main stage note weight and decay coming from the acoustic quitar players here is just as it should be in real life , like if you where attending this session sitting somewhere inside the studio during that recording. astonished............
Röyksopp - Sorry
Jamie Irrepressible's dark and profound voice is reproduced here with a feeling of sincere emotionality while the lows are taking care of the whole atmosphere being created pulsating and vibrating with distinct presence not overwhelming the rest of the spectrum resulting in a unique ambience and a most remarkable headstage for the listener,the depth of the scene here is trully admirable... NEO 3 is made for this kind of recordings , being such a strange atmospheric beast makes you forget of the less important stuff in music and gives you the unique opportunity to focus on the most important ones .....emotion and musicality.........
Anonymous Various Artists - Contact
This is most probably the best Electronica Compilation for 2023 coming again from Touched Records late December.
All artists here remain completely anonymous while i choosed "Contact" (probably Jon Hopkins behind this gem) as an example for the vibrating low end reproduction that NEO 3 is able of providing not blurring any lines or bleeding in the midrange in any way but giving a spacious and open feeling across the FR in the best possible way around....
Futureheaven - Imber
Nevertheless....if anyone really wants to have a taste of NEO 3's tremendous sonic abilities have certainly to listen to Imber from Futureheaven...an old school but at the same time modern shoegaze anthem. This one is a clear evidence of NEO 3's amazing sonic demonstration...
The headroom being created by the tones of reverb/delay/echo using pedal effects are beyond anyone's imagination.........
the voices sound like coming from inside a cave , the depth of the scene is something else here....the sonic expansion is crazy ,makes NEO 3 a true refference of how a dynamic earphone should sound like nowdays.....
David Bowie - Aladdin Sane
Last but not least and speaking in terms of integrity/originality and unmistakable - natural reproduction i could not slip away from this track...
Everything here....meaning really everything sounds so unmistakably correct to my ears the pianos,the sax,electric bass,the percussion,Bowie's vocals.....
Piano notes from the lowest to the highest octaves dancing around your head with just totally perfect timbre and decay,the sax sounds so original and physical,electric bass providing the pace in just the correct place with an utterly correct tone....i could listen to that track all day long just using NEO 3.
Such a treat for my ears and soul !!!!!
COMPARISONS
vs H40
with a 9.2 DD & 3 BAs (1BA for the mids - 2BAs for the highs) H40 is a bass focused hybrid ,the epitomy of a FUN SIGNATURE SOUND a much beloved for many headfiers monitor and a personal favorite.NEO 3 is the more balanced and the less bulky one between them.Its the one with a prominent sub bass emphasis against the vast bass signature of the H40s which from time to time, dominates and thus overshadows the rest of the frequency range. Vocals on NEO 3 are more organic and smoother than H40 and the airy feeling is more noticeable too. Treble is not H40s biggest advantage too,resulting in a more polite sound experience,its not like NEO 3 is more aggresive at all.its just that H40 is more prominent in the bass region due to its tuning, Regardless of that both are great hybrid monitors with NEO 3 due to its tuning and implementation ,being the more airy and balanced sounding between them obtaining a more ¨out of the head experience¨to the listener.
Anyway... FYI I still consider till this day H40 for their cost, an absolute VFM ideal all rounder........
vs UM MEXT
Configuration : 1 Coil OBC Driver + 1 Bass Dynamic Driver + 2 Mids BA Drivers + 2 Treble BA Drivers
Obviously what comes first in mind is the question : is this a fair comparison ? i mean come on...1kilobuck monitor versus a 199 bucks iem ???????
Got the MEXT about a year ago so lets start with a major downisde of the MEXT........It is by far the biggest monitor I ve ever tried, and certainly not the most comfortable experience for the average user....
it is a bass friendly monitor with a HUGE FUN SIGNATURE closer to H40 than NEO 3
MEXT is indeed a perfect all rounder, ideal for bass lovers obtaining a huge soundstage,top tier resolution ,fantastic mids and fascinating treble response.
nevertheless i have to admit that I was quite surprised during this comparison cause MEXT is my one and only kilobuck monitor and i realised with certainty, that those are quite overestimated (in terms of pure cost of course) against monitors like ISN NEO 3
In terms of natural/analoque reproduction of music i would say NEO 3 is pretty close there ..
in terms of timbre / note weight both are natural and realistic with note weight being a bit more on the MEXTs side due to it's tuning mainly.
But.. in the other hand NEO 3 being more airy obtains a touch more open feeling in the midrange leaving room for the vocals to breathe....
MEXT is a dark sounding monitor along with NEO3, and both obtain a more "heavy feeling" more basshead friendly if you like...with the MEXT being the more refined one,the more polished one if you like so... but if you consider their HUGE price difference the fact that NEO 3 is really really close in terms of music represantation is totally/absolutelly remarkable
vs EST50s
EST 50s was to me love Love at first audition and still is one of my all time favorites monitor. ISN AUDIO is a true master as far BASS goes and in this case their flagship EST50s is the perfect proof of what happens when a group of proffesional engineers who happens to love bass frequencies a little more than the rest of the spectrum........... are doing their best effort to bring such a miracle as the EST50s.Off course the impact from 20 to 250hz is obviously bigger at EST50 's case, and of course the transients over this region become quickly more than noticeable and distinctive but it's supposed to be this way around.. cause we re talking about the flagship of a company dedicated to Authentic Bass reproduction since it's origins....BUT this does not mean in any way that NEO 3 is lacking at this department.Not in terms of texture. body and quality..On NEO 3 bass comes in waves like a wall of sound,mid bass is vast with minimal bleeding over the lower mids providing a strong sensation of organs and leading the way..it's an ISN monitor it just couldn't be any other way..
Now on the mids....Here the midrange is taken care by a SONION BA driver which make the mids so ,so ,so, beautifull and sweet ,up to the point where you can simply forget how marvelous the bass sounds ,and the upper treble uses 2 Sonion ESTs micro tweeters so this results in a perfect natural representation of the higher regions. strangely enough NEO 3 sits really close to that ISN flagship if you can live without the overly dominating and authoritative bass impact of the EST50s and appreciate the more balanced and fair bass & overall tuning of the NEO 3 then everything becomes easier as a choise.....
other than that.......Midrange is more refined airy and polished on EST50s but this is expected as Sonion is the best BA over there ,and the details on the treble region of the EST50s are purely suberb and more natural and sparkly than the subdued treble of the NEO 3. at this case i am afraid i would go for the EST50s it is a hell of a monitor.......
..........though giving a second thought and taking under consideration their big price difference ..can't help but thinking both are really close in terms of overall representation of sound and providing equally a 3Dimentional open stage.. with NEO 3 being the slightly less refined one...
vs PENON 10th AE
This is a tough one for sure...
During 2023 i was lucky enough to get one of the most value for money monitors i ever purchased 7 years now in this hobby, and that is the PENON 10TH AE.As far as i am concerned this is a TOTL KILLER , a truly unique set of monitors with tremendous personality/value and capabilities,it happens to be one of my all time favorites and i consider it the absolute most balanced sounding monitor i have till now
......compared with NEO 3 is not fair enough its more than double NEO 3's price with far more sophisticated implementation but anyway............NEO 3 is darker ,far more darker and warmer monitor with more fat and wide bass like a veil while PENON 10th's bass is impactfull with definition but more "inside the lines" with longer decays and faster attack and presence.midrange over the NEO 3 is more moisterous and analogue/vinyl alike while on the 10ths is more airy and spacious more vivid and exciting one.Particularly in the midrange PENON 10TH AE sits among the the clearest you can get regardless any price range...10THs midrange is just so crystal clear and transparent one like a lucid dream that makes it a real struggle for most of the monitors to follow there.... The treble on the 10ths is the most fascinating and fatique free EST treble i ve ever heard more extended than NEO 3s treble with more energy and details there....But still both obtain a relaxed and fatique free treble region with the PENON 10th being the more sparkly and exciting one as far treble goes,....but providing that the note weight across the FR is substantially thicker on NEO 3 imho....and given the fact that anyone outthere looking for a more analogue like sound representation easily picks NEO 3 over the 10TH AE because the first sounds more vinyl alike and a bit more natural, both these factors makes for me at least.. so difficult to choose between those two.....overal in most of the cases i prefer NEO 3s more analogue reproduction and it's better sense of stage depth due to it's tuning....
vs Oriveti OH700VB
another unfair comparison follows right after.........
lol...................
cause new on the market hybrid Oriveti OH700VB for 699 $ playing easily at the same range of 1K plus monitors is not what you consider as a fair battle...............
i think so..............
lol
Despite all that i consider NEO 3s sound overall as the "twin brother" of OH700VB
Both are dark, warm , analogue and utterly atmospheric animals with the OH700VB being the more refined one from those two but just ever so slightly more refined..considering their big price difference that is....
Both are FUN SIGNATURE orientated and i have to make clear at this point that OH700VB is my personal definition of a Fun absolutely atmospheric monitor regardless any price range till now. it is dark but not as dark as NEO 3 with impactfull bass response when it is called upon and furthermore providing you with the unique choise of a switch over the faceplates that offers two different tuning styles to the listener.Turning the switch up and everything goes balanced,turning the switch down adds 3dbs of additional bass and impact to the lows thus turning into an atmospheric animal with a unique depth and spatiality of sound elements across the entire FR.
In the midrange OH700VB provides a touch more airy feeling and space between the instruments so ends up being more 3Dimentional in terms of reproduction of the stage and a bit more accurate in terms of instrument placement in the stage but nevertheless NEO 3 is really very very close overall to this utterly atmospheric representation of sound.
Treble sits behind in both of these sets providing a more relaxed laid back response sharing lots of similarities there..
NEO 3 shares the same DNA as far as spatiality of elements and soundstage goes ,and besides that both sound very very analoque alike the absolute opposite of a digital sound. both share this unique feature of a very realistic and natural timbre with OH700VB giving bigger proportions to the stage and having more texture and definition to the bass department.but NEO 3 really follows very close to OH700VBs reproduction just being slightly less refined and polished overall,if i had to purchase one of them right now i would easily go for NEO 3 given that you can get the same atmospheric sound outcome without breaking the bank..............
FINAL WORDS
At this hobby it has always been a matter of personal taste and flavor when it comes to the choise of getting an iem that suits any individual΄s different point of view.
From my side at least i cannot reccomend enough ISN NEO 3. imhoc ISN audio engineers really surpassed themselves making this fabulous set of monitors.For any audiophile out there that is on the look for a dark / warm / analogue and atmospheric as well as utterly natural sound reproduction without having to spent a fortune this is an absolute killer , for it's price its absolutely a no brainer and one great value regardless of any price there....able to faithfully reproduce any kind of recording or music genre effortlessly ,and the main point is that NEO 3 has nothing to envy from much higher priced monitors coming from well established companies , or monitors using more sophisticated implementations.
All this for barely 199 bucks.....
Nowdays you don't have to spend a fortune in order to get a descent all rounder,and NEO 3 is a solid proof of that, along with NEO 3 you 're getting a mature sound not usually related with monitors at this price range..that and only that makes NEO 3 a unigue gem, trust me guys
Thanks for reading.............
* All things stated above are purely subjective opinion of mine and everyone here is welcome to argue on that, cause each and every person as we all understand hear things quite differently here, and everyone's opinion on things is always appreciated.
Hi everyone, today i am going to share my thoughts on the latest set of monitors coming from ISN AUDIO the ISN NEO 3.
Straight from the beggining i want to make one thing clear regarding my evaluation on this one .I would have given NEO 3 a straight five star if i wasn't to compare it with some much higher end models coming from a completely different price range.So the 4,5 stars comes directly from those comparisons which you are about to find out later on.
..... That's because over the last two years i only purchased a few monitors from a higher price range so unfortunatelly i won't be able to give you some important comparisons from nowdays sets that belong to the NEO 3's price range .
This reflects NEO 3's obvious & unique value in today's market against much higher priced sets of monitors, and in some cases with some really sophisticated implementations
ABOUT ISN AUDIO
ISN AUDIO has been an old player in the industry with some solid releases back in the day ....
They have started some years ago (around 2020 if i am right ) with the mighty H40 , a hybrid model with the configuration of 3 Balanced Armatures: Custom 1 BA for middle Frequency + composite 2BA for high frequency plus one Dynamic driver : 9.2mm taking care of the Bass region
....... back on those days H40 was really an ABSOLUTE BANGER !!!!!! An absolute VFM set regardless of any price range coming out for those audiophiles who really appreciate BIG/WARM & BASSY signatures with NATURAL TIMBRE all the way........ .This was my introduction to this company and since then i have purcashed numerous sets from those guys yet to be dissapointed from them.............
SPECIFICATIONS
ISN NEO 3
Drivers:1 Planar Driver + 2 Dynamic Driver
1 x 5.8mm planar driver for high frequency
1 x 6mm dynamic driver for middle frequency
1 x 6mm dynamic driver for low frequency
Impedance: 15ohm
Sensitivity: 105dB
Frequency response: 10Hz-20kHz
Connector: 2pin 0.78mm
Cable : 8 strands , 19 cores per strand OCC wire
DISCLAIMER
Purchased NEO 3 with my own money using a discount code which was provided for Penon members coming directly from PENON AUDIO , and here¨s a link in any case you get interested..... NEO 3
Gear used for the purpose of this review : iBASSO DX 160/170 / Shanling M3X / HIBY R5 GEN II
Just for the record.. NEO 3 had allready completed a total burn in period of 72 hours before any kind of critical listening.
Have used the stock cable and Tri Clarion ear tips for the purpose of this review,all thoughts following below are completely and absolutely subjective,,,,
PACKAGE / FIT / ACCESSORIES
Package is pretty simple (and that has become a tradition for all ISN monitors even the most expensive ones)
as for accessories goes, yοu get two sets of silicone tips in 3 sizes, , and a unique dark blue stylish magnetic case ,a metallic shirt clip and a black plastic cleaning tool for the nozzles.
NEO 3 comes with a unique ISN cable (8 strands , 19 cores per strand OCC wire) very beutifull and soft, obtaining 2pin 0.78mm , ending in 3,5 / 2,5 / 4,4 balanced (termination of your choise)
Fit wise, i would consider NEO 3 the closest anyone can get to custom fit,in my case at least fits like a glove to my extra large ear cavities and having tried several tips (symbio,azla sedna,sony hybrids e.t.c.) in order to find the ABSOLUTE BEST ISOLATION quickly ended up using Clarion Tri tips ,founding that those served the best sound overall. As a matter of fact at the NEO 3 the deep insertion plays a crucial role in my humble opinion for the lower frequencies to find their way to your ear and be more dominating,alive and vibrant .........the deepest you get the better the outcome will be as far as bass reproduction is concerned.
SOUND PROFILE
As i stated at the beggining on the Pros of NEO 3 this is the definition of how a Dark orientated earphone sould sound like to be realistic and believable to the listener.
This one and Oriveti OH700VB which i purchased late December 2023 and belongs to a completely different price range up to 699 $. we ll see how it goes against it later on...
Now......NEO 3 ......is a warm , dark , analogue or even vinyl alike presentation which results to a natural reproduction of sound regardless of any recording.
i consider their tuning as balanced with bigger emphasis on the very low end ,slightly elevated mids and more subdued treble region that sits behind the other parts of the spectrum being smooth and organic with no strange peaks whatsoever....
Note weight is on the thicker side of things,so is the body all over the FR from the lower to the highest notes. Tonality is dense and thick but lush at the same time especially talking about the midrange this feeling of lushness is all over the place there..
As far as Soundstage / instrument placement goes.. what you get is a really wide holographic scene elliptical you might say. Sound expands easily towards any direction ending in a certain amount of ambience hard to be achieved by any monitor at this price target for sure.....and this is the strongest characteristic of NEO 3,the strongest by far,it amazes me each and every time i use them with multiple music genres.The sound spatiality here is something memorable beyond this price tag no question about it....it's tuned and supposed to be like that....elements from the recordings travel easily inside/outside your head,front and back,right and left providing a sonic headroom outside the periphery of your head....
There is an accurate placement of instruments, right on spot, giving a strong palm of realism in every track even if image is not a strong asset of NEO 3.
Detail retrieval is not something that you take notice at first audition but it's pretty descent. Not in your face of course, in the background ...taking a back seat creating this way a unique atmospheric sense of the recording.i would characterize NEO 3 as an utterly atmospheric beast being so dark and mysterious sounding.
BASS
Big and bold but controlled at the same time with fast attacks and descent decays for acoustical instruments in this region
the one and only downside is that ocassionaly bass can be sound a touch boomy but it's not an everyday issue that one....
Never bleeds into the midrange,to be more precise the transition into the mids is smooth as butter, makes you think there is only one driver working in the entire FR providing cohesive steady solid sound.but the biggest feature here is the sub bass impact
To be more specific about it, in the sub bass region (20 - 60 Hz) NEO 3 does pretty good job ,seems that despite the fact that there's only one small 6mmDD taking care of that region it manages to push a lot of air there effortless resulting in this exciting outcome.....
Even at the lowest volume levels you can feel that woofer tickling your ears and that makes a huge difference....
it΄s almost like you can feel the music rather than just hearing the sound.
I suspect partially due to their fantastic tuning and unique implementation and also due to their unique custom like fit which allows everyone regardless of their ear cavity size to experience a most unique fitting experience (the closest you can get to custom monitors as i allready have mentioned)
MIDS
one small 6mmDD taking care of the midrange as well and once again the cohesiveness is trully admirable,there is a noticeable airy feeling between voices and instruments a balance hard to find at this price range
Spacious,emotional,lush with weight at the same time,seems like ISN AUDIO enginners found the right spot between thick and thin mids resulting to a unique and very realistic timbre.
Enganging and euphoric vocals is what should be expected from NEO 3 midrange reproduction
Furthermore, the amount of air, especially in the midrange is really remarkable for any iem at this price range, and i would easily compare the airy atmosphere in the mids (which is trully amazing) to the Oriveti OH700VB which is way way more expensive monitor.
TREBLE
Now this is something never being tried before...something unique for ISN AUDIO. One 5.8mm planar driver handles the higher frequencies lower and higher region and it sure does a pretty good job there....
Clearly this part of the region takes a step back regarding the rest of the spectrum cleverly avoiding this way any unnecessary fatiqueness or unatural feeling.
Extended but subdued taking a gentle approach , sparkly but fatigue free at the same time.all the upper region details are there ,not at your face ,at the background moving slowly inside your head filling you gently with all the information present at the recordings.
its a relaxed laid back treble providing at the same time an absolute fatique free experience suggested for long term listening sessions
Not hot,neither artificial,whith no strange peaks obtaining zero glare / grain or harshness , but on the contrary natural and forgiving even at the poorly recorded tracks.
RECOMMENDED TEST TRACKS
Angel Olsen - Endgame
This is a unique opportunity to test NEO 3 in female vocals and besides that to find out about it's tremendous capacity regarding the spatiality of sound elements across the stage as well....
Olsen's angelic voice floats above / and in-between every single instrument at this case in a ethereal way,meanwhile the majority of the percussion included at this recording (drums/timpanis,plates,cymbals,hi-hats etc.. )as well as the rest of the orchestra instruments travels with ease from left to right and vice versa providing a most fascinating sense of openess to the song.everything feels comletely natural and authentic here , the space and headroom with NEO 3 is nothing less than spectacular at this one.....
Roger Fakhr - East of any place
A perfect example, of how natural sound should really sound like
This one was recorded in a single day sessions in the late 1970s, the song remain untouched, preserving the rawness and authenticity of the moment with impeccable folk-driven arrangements and lyricism shining throughout
Roger Fakhr's lower male vocals comes out with authority and emotion as well while acoustic quitars dancing around the main stage note weight and decay coming from the acoustic quitar players here is just as it should be in real life , like if you where attending this session sitting somewhere inside the studio during that recording. astonished............
Röyksopp - Sorry
Jamie Irrepressible's dark and profound voice is reproduced here with a feeling of sincere emotionality while the lows are taking care of the whole atmosphere being created pulsating and vibrating with distinct presence not overwhelming the rest of the spectrum resulting in a unique ambience and a most remarkable headstage for the listener,the depth of the scene here is trully admirable... NEO 3 is made for this kind of recordings , being such a strange atmospheric beast makes you forget of the less important stuff in music and gives you the unique opportunity to focus on the most important ones .....emotion and musicality.........
Anonymous Various Artists - Contact
This is most probably the best Electronica Compilation for 2023 coming again from Touched Records late December.
All artists here remain completely anonymous while i choosed "Contact" (probably Jon Hopkins behind this gem) as an example for the vibrating low end reproduction that NEO 3 is able of providing not blurring any lines or bleeding in the midrange in any way but giving a spacious and open feeling across the FR in the best possible way around....
Futureheaven - Imber
Nevertheless....if anyone really wants to have a taste of NEO 3's tremendous sonic abilities have certainly to listen to Imber from Futureheaven...an old school but at the same time modern shoegaze anthem. This one is a clear evidence of NEO 3's amazing sonic demonstration...
The headroom being created by the tones of reverb/delay/echo using pedal effects are beyond anyone's imagination.........
the voices sound like coming from inside a cave , the depth of the scene is something else here....the sonic expansion is crazy ,makes NEO 3 a true refference of how a dynamic earphone should sound like nowdays.....
David Bowie - Aladdin Sane
Last but not least and speaking in terms of integrity/originality and unmistakable - natural reproduction i could not slip away from this track...
Everything here....meaning really everything sounds so unmistakably correct to my ears the pianos,the sax,electric bass,the percussion,Bowie's vocals.....
Piano notes from the lowest to the highest octaves dancing around your head with just totally perfect timbre and decay,the sax sounds so original and physical,electric bass providing the pace in just the correct place with an utterly correct tone....i could listen to that track all day long just using NEO 3.
Such a treat for my ears and soul !!!!!
COMPARISONS
vs H40
with a 9.2 DD & 3 BAs (1BA for the mids - 2BAs for the highs) H40 is a bass focused hybrid ,the epitomy of a FUN SIGNATURE SOUND a much beloved for many headfiers monitor and a personal favorite.NEO 3 is the more balanced and the less bulky one between them.Its the one with a prominent sub bass emphasis against the vast bass signature of the H40s which from time to time, dominates and thus overshadows the rest of the frequency range. Vocals on NEO 3 are more organic and smoother than H40 and the airy feeling is more noticeable too. Treble is not H40s biggest advantage too,resulting in a more polite sound experience,its not like NEO 3 is more aggresive at all.its just that H40 is more prominent in the bass region due to its tuning, Regardless of that both are great hybrid monitors with NEO 3 due to its tuning and implementation ,being the more airy and balanced sounding between them obtaining a more ¨out of the head experience¨to the listener.
Anyway... FYI I still consider till this day H40 for their cost, an absolute VFM ideal all rounder........
vs UM MEXT
Configuration : 1 Coil OBC Driver + 1 Bass Dynamic Driver + 2 Mids BA Drivers + 2 Treble BA Drivers
Obviously what comes first in mind is the question : is this a fair comparison ? i mean come on...1kilobuck monitor versus a 199 bucks iem ???????
Got the MEXT about a year ago so lets start with a major downisde of the MEXT........It is by far the biggest monitor I ve ever tried, and certainly not the most comfortable experience for the average user....
it is a bass friendly monitor with a HUGE FUN SIGNATURE closer to H40 than NEO 3
MEXT is indeed a perfect all rounder, ideal for bass lovers obtaining a huge soundstage,top tier resolution ,fantastic mids and fascinating treble response.
nevertheless i have to admit that I was quite surprised during this comparison cause MEXT is my one and only kilobuck monitor and i realised with certainty, that those are quite overestimated (in terms of pure cost of course) against monitors like ISN NEO 3
In terms of natural/analoque reproduction of music i would say NEO 3 is pretty close there ..
in terms of timbre / note weight both are natural and realistic with note weight being a bit more on the MEXTs side due to it's tuning mainly.
But.. in the other hand NEO 3 being more airy obtains a touch more open feeling in the midrange leaving room for the vocals to breathe....
MEXT is a dark sounding monitor along with NEO3, and both obtain a more "heavy feeling" more basshead friendly if you like...with the MEXT being the more refined one,the more polished one if you like so... but if you consider their HUGE price difference the fact that NEO 3 is really really close in terms of music represantation is totally/absolutelly remarkable
vs EST50s
EST 50s was to me love Love at first audition and still is one of my all time favorites monitor. ISN AUDIO is a true master as far BASS goes and in this case their flagship EST50s is the perfect proof of what happens when a group of proffesional engineers who happens to love bass frequencies a little more than the rest of the spectrum........... are doing their best effort to bring such a miracle as the EST50s.Off course the impact from 20 to 250hz is obviously bigger at EST50 's case, and of course the transients over this region become quickly more than noticeable and distinctive but it's supposed to be this way around.. cause we re talking about the flagship of a company dedicated to Authentic Bass reproduction since it's origins....BUT this does not mean in any way that NEO 3 is lacking at this department.Not in terms of texture. body and quality..On NEO 3 bass comes in waves like a wall of sound,mid bass is vast with minimal bleeding over the lower mids providing a strong sensation of organs and leading the way..it's an ISN monitor it just couldn't be any other way..
Now on the mids....Here the midrange is taken care by a SONION BA driver which make the mids so ,so ,so, beautifull and sweet ,up to the point where you can simply forget how marvelous the bass sounds ,and the upper treble uses 2 Sonion ESTs micro tweeters so this results in a perfect natural representation of the higher regions. strangely enough NEO 3 sits really close to that ISN flagship if you can live without the overly dominating and authoritative bass impact of the EST50s and appreciate the more balanced and fair bass & overall tuning of the NEO 3 then everything becomes easier as a choise.....
other than that.......Midrange is more refined airy and polished on EST50s but this is expected as Sonion is the best BA over there ,and the details on the treble region of the EST50s are purely suberb and more natural and sparkly than the subdued treble of the NEO 3. at this case i am afraid i would go for the EST50s it is a hell of a monitor.......
..........though giving a second thought and taking under consideration their big price difference ..can't help but thinking both are really close in terms of overall representation of sound and providing equally a 3Dimentional open stage.. with NEO 3 being the slightly less refined one...
vs PENON 10th AE
This is a tough one for sure...
During 2023 i was lucky enough to get one of the most value for money monitors i ever purchased 7 years now in this hobby, and that is the PENON 10TH AE.As far as i am concerned this is a TOTL KILLER , a truly unique set of monitors with tremendous personality/value and capabilities,it happens to be one of my all time favorites and i consider it the absolute most balanced sounding monitor i have till now
......compared with NEO 3 is not fair enough its more than double NEO 3's price with far more sophisticated implementation but anyway............NEO 3 is darker ,far more darker and warmer monitor with more fat and wide bass like a veil while PENON 10th's bass is impactfull with definition but more "inside the lines" with longer decays and faster attack and presence.midrange over the NEO 3 is more moisterous and analogue/vinyl alike while on the 10ths is more airy and spacious more vivid and exciting one.Particularly in the midrange PENON 10TH AE sits among the the clearest you can get regardless any price range...10THs midrange is just so crystal clear and transparent one like a lucid dream that makes it a real struggle for most of the monitors to follow there.... The treble on the 10ths is the most fascinating and fatique free EST treble i ve ever heard more extended than NEO 3s treble with more energy and details there....But still both obtain a relaxed and fatique free treble region with the PENON 10th being the more sparkly and exciting one as far treble goes,....but providing that the note weight across the FR is substantially thicker on NEO 3 imho....and given the fact that anyone outthere looking for a more analogue like sound representation easily picks NEO 3 over the 10TH AE because the first sounds more vinyl alike and a bit more natural, both these factors makes for me at least.. so difficult to choose between those two.....overal in most of the cases i prefer NEO 3s more analogue reproduction and it's better sense of stage depth due to it's tuning....
vs Oriveti OH700VB
another unfair comparison follows right after.........
lol...................cause new on the market hybrid Oriveti OH700VB for 699 $ playing easily at the same range of 1K plus monitors is not what you consider as a fair battle...............
i think so..............
lol
Despite all that i consider NEO 3s sound overall as the "twin brother" of OH700VB
Both are dark, warm , analogue and utterly atmospheric animals with the OH700VB being the more refined one from those two but just ever so slightly more refined..considering their big price difference that is....
Both are FUN SIGNATURE orientated and i have to make clear at this point that OH700VB is my personal definition of a Fun absolutely atmospheric monitor regardless any price range till now. it is dark but not as dark as NEO 3 with impactfull bass response when it is called upon and furthermore providing you with the unique choise of a switch over the faceplates that offers two different tuning styles to the listener.Turning the switch up and everything goes balanced,turning the switch down adds 3dbs of additional bass and impact to the lows thus turning into an atmospheric animal with a unique depth and spatiality of sound elements across the entire FR.
In the midrange OH700VB provides a touch more airy feeling and space between the instruments so ends up being more 3Dimentional in terms of reproduction of the stage and a bit more accurate in terms of instrument placement in the stage but nevertheless NEO 3 is really very very close overall to this utterly atmospheric representation of sound.
Treble sits behind in both of these sets providing a more relaxed laid back response sharing lots of similarities there..
NEO 3 shares the same DNA as far as spatiality of elements and soundstage goes ,and besides that both sound very very analoque alike the absolute opposite of a digital sound. both share this unique feature of a very realistic and natural timbre with OH700VB giving bigger proportions to the stage and having more texture and definition to the bass department.but NEO 3 really follows very close to OH700VBs reproduction just being slightly less refined and polished overall,if i had to purchase one of them right now i would easily go for NEO 3 given that you can get the same atmospheric sound outcome without breaking the bank..............
FINAL WORDS
At this hobby it has always been a matter of personal taste and flavor when it comes to the choise of getting an iem that suits any individual΄s different point of view.
From my side at least i cannot reccomend enough ISN NEO 3. imhoc ISN audio engineers really surpassed themselves making this fabulous set of monitors.For any audiophile out there that is on the look for a dark / warm / analogue and atmospheric as well as utterly natural sound reproduction without having to spent a fortune this is an absolute killer , for it's price its absolutely a no brainer and one great value regardless of any price there....able to faithfully reproduce any kind of recording or music genre effortlessly ,and the main point is that NEO 3 has nothing to envy from much higher priced monitors coming from well established companies , or monitors using more sophisticated implementations.
All this for barely 199 bucks.....
Nowdays you don't have to spend a fortune in order to get a descent all rounder,and NEO 3 is a solid proof of that, along with NEO 3 you 're getting a mature sound not usually related with monitors at this price range..that and only that makes NEO 3 a unigue gem, trust me guys
Thanks for reading.............
* All things stated above are purely subjective opinion of mine and everyone here is welcome to argue on that, cause each and every person as we all understand hear things quite differently here, and everyone's opinion on things is always appreciated.
Attachments
michaelkevin
Thank you for referring to Oriveti OH700VB as 'dark iem'. I'd wish that it would be easier to find dark setup, as it isn't as common signature as bassy.
alexandros a
@michaelkevin NEO 3 is the closest I have heard to OH700VB you know..
TONALITY: 8.8/10
TECHNICALITIES: 8.2/10
TIMBRE: 8.5/10
SOUNDSTAGE: 9/10
IMAGING: 7.5/10
MUSICALITY (subjective): 9/10
CONSTRUCTION: 8/10
ACCESSORIES: 8.5/10
SOUND VALUE: 8.5/10
ISN audio is a cable and IEM company from China, owned by Penon which has been doing IEMs and cable under its own name for more or less 5 years.
I’ve discover ISN IEMs 2 years ago with the H30 that is a extremely competitive 1DD+2BA (sonion+knowles) hybrid earphones and positively surprise me at the time since it doesn’t follow typical V, U or harman balanced tonality and instead deliver a mellow warm neutral musicality that don’t bet on fatiguing treble or upper mids boost.
Then I discovered the H40 which was a lush basshead IEM that I'm very enamored of and the ISN love story just continued to strengthen more with Neo5 and H50.
This explains why I feel the urgent need to try the new Neo3 which I will review today.
The Neo3 is priced 199$ and it’s one-of-a-kind hybrid using 2 dynamic drivers (bass and mids) and 1 micro planar for highs.
Let's see in this review what kind of musicality and performance the Neo3 offer.
CONSTRUCTION&ACCESSORIES
The Neo3 construction is very, how say: Orange. It’s all made of thick resin plastic that is smooth and feels sturdy. The housing is fully transparent in front so we can see 3 tubed drivers, no need to tear it down to confirm these use real planar drivers!
The back is half transparent, which is a strange aesthetic choice to my eyes.
In fact, the whole design is quite a departure from the more classic look of other ISN IEMs, as well, the shape is chunky but comfy due to soft plastic, lightweight and elongated nozzle that is small.
On top of housing we have a 2 pin female connector that isn’t recessed but has a flat shape for easy and secure connection.
All in all, the construction doesn't feel cheap but the aesthetic will be hit or miss depending on your taste. Since I have just one Orange IEM (Dunu DK2001), I'm happy to have this unique looking Neo3 in my collection.
The included cable is of good quality too but I would have preferred a modular cable still. It’s a 8 strands OCC copper braided cable that is thick, flexible and sturdy. You can choose it in 3 different plug termination: 3.5mm single ended or 2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced.
The packaging is the same as all other ISN IEM, which is an elegant electric blue box with a generous amount of accessories. We have the typical ISN carrying case that is very well built but a bit small and we have 9 pairs of silicone ear tips. As well as cleaning tool and cable holder.
All in all, satisfying package for the price.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS
The tonality of Neo3 is all about feeding a lush, dense, rich and holographic musicality that is laid back yet highly immersive. It’s not a technical-clinical highly resolved sound we have but a slightly dark and mellow one with thick vibrant weighty bass, forwards and smooth mids with creamy timbre and fast and full treble that is not edgy but enough crunchy for attack lead, smoother.
The Neo3 is all sugar to the ears, fatigue free and perfect for getting lost for hours within an organic balance that isn’t muddy in macro dynamics. The drivers timbre match perfectly and nothing sounds detached or out of place, it’s a spike-less balance that round the corner of definition to magnify goodness of tone and timbre.
The bass is impactful but not edgy in definition, it’s energy is in-between mid and sub bass so it’s a vibrant mellow slam that is thick and a hint warm.
The kick is dark in definition while the sub bass line is vibrant and chunky and tactile.
It’s not a lean and clean extension we have, it’s juicy and we have slight sub bass roll off around 30-40hz, this means double bass can sound a bit boomy and one tone, this is the guilty pleasure part and the transition in lower mid range is dense and warm too.
Thankfully, this doesn’t veil the mids which sit above this warm luscious low end.
While this doesn’t benefit double bass, it does magnify the cello tone and body, which can't mix with violin like with harman tuning that over boost presence and texture to the detriment of fundamental frequencies which are the core of cello. Anja Lechner cellist never sound as good, the tone is colorful and natural while timbre is dense, rich with natural air vibration and the attack lead is weighty, we don’t have texture noise or micro details artifact that will ruin the appealing lushness and focus of this instrument is excellent, it can cohabit with piano smoothly too.
Synth bass line has similar treatment, it’s chunky and has a singular space to fully extract its presence.
Digital kick will be more enjoyable and readable than acoustic kick drum which will lack proper definition edge and presence boost. The kick has a warm boom to it, it’s round and creamy and just a hint sloppy.
I feel the Neo3 excel more with slow bassy music like Soul, Trip-Hop, Reggae and R&B than fast rock or jazz.
To my ears the Neo3 is mid centric but within a sirupy and slightly hazy macro dynamic that has an holographic multi layering spatiality, very open and immersive.
These are vocal specialists, both male and female vocals are upfront and lush, not too dark in presence, in fact all vocal range from baritone to soprano sound magnificent without any sibilance or shouting, the upper mids are softened but not to the point of affecting loudness release.
From Kurt Eiling grunty blues to Jorja Smith breathy R&B to Arianna Savall chant, the Neo3 trigger goosebump and emotional reach due to intense sense of proximity with widely presented vocal that is both dense and rich in presence.
Main instruments like piano, saxo or vocal will take the lead and begin the main focus of listening, overshadowing other instruments in background which isn’t the cleanest nor sharpest in resolution.
The piano sound wonderful, tone is natural and full, attack lead is creamy and weighty but not hard hitting so for very fast pace pianist, readability of each note will be a bit hard, as well, resonance release is a bit hazy, it’s not linear, but it’s part of overall musical charm since Neo3 is all but a monitor IEM.
So we have the tone color, the attack weight, but a darkish imaging and overall resolution, these aren’t edgy mids at all, it’s safe but captivating, it takes you by the guts not the brain.
The treble is slightly dark but fast and snappy too, this is the first time I heard highs of this type and it’s due to single micro planar used for this purpose.
It project sound layers fastly with excellent control but softened edge, it’s not an intensely abrasive and bright treble at all so while it extract a lot of sound info, it don’t force it on listener, it will be well layered in the back instead of put in front of macro balance.
It’s very well balanced both in timbre and loudness, snare sound round and full, not sharp, wet and trebly, percussions aren’t the most brilliant but they have rich texture and full restitution, when needed we will have hint of sparkle in ultra high but again, tamed in release.
The Neo3 are certainly not for treble head nor deliver cleanest airiest crispness. It doesn't attract attention either.
Attack sustain and release is fast, we don’t have long resonance after cymbals impact.
Same for acoustic guitar, which isn’t an highlight of these, it’s full bodied due to fundamental of lower mids being boosted but lack some bite and sparkle for proper definition.
Maracas are impressively realist and fully restitute, as well highs are very well layered and don’t get mixed in muddy thickness even if macro dynamic isn’t crisp or clean.
This is the miracle of 3 drivers used here that permit holographic layering that is ‘’impressionistic’’ in resolution but readable in organic layering.
The soundstage is another highlight of the Neo3, it’s very wide and tall, out of your head and 3D, not hall like in your part of the music so it’s hard to sense deepness which is fullfill with center stage thick layering.
Then the imaging isn’t the forte of Neo3 laidback musicality, it’s dark and hazy, hard to position instruments and when their main instrument it darken even more the definition of other background instrument or percussions. It’s an ‘’anti-monitor’’ IEM, too polished in delimitation of instrument presence to permit proper separation.
Side note:
At 15 ohm of impedance and slightly low sensitivity of 105db, you might think these are very easy to drive but due to 2DD+planar drivers it will scale up with power.
It doesn’t mean a crazy amount of power, 150mW@32ohm and up is plenty enough, as well, a cleaner and crisper source is suggested since if you add even more warmth to Neo3 it will sound too dark and affect proper holographic layering.
Then the ear tips can drastically change sound experience, the Penon Liqueur makes it cleaner and more W shaped in balance with less bass warmth and rumble but more compressed spatiality, while Kbear KB07 wide bore warms it too much. Short wide bore provided with it is good in-between, it opens up spatiality fully, improves layering but doesn’t make mid bass more hard hitting.
Then cable wise, it isn't worth upgrading since I feel these aren’t sensitive to cable change. I mean, sure you can get 0.000000001% more clarity on top with something like a Simgot LC7 but the stock cable was good enough. This is surely due to the type of driver since I feel DD and planar are less sensitive to cable impedance-resistance as well as noise.
COMPARISONS
VS HIDIZS MP145
The MP145 is brighter, crisper and more U shaped in balance.
Bass is thinner and more resonant, it’s less chunky and punchy in mid bass, their less lower mids warmth and extension is more transparent . Sub bass is less rolled off and rumbles are not as dense and vibrant, nor as tactile.
Mids are brighter and more open sounding, cleaner and clearer, we have better resolution but planar timbre is rougher and grainier, though transparency is higher to perceive background instruments. Male vocalists are more recessed and lean while female vocals are thinner, brighter and more prompt to fatigue and slight sibilance. Neo3 is more mid centric, darker and lusher, vocals are way more pleasant.
Treble is edgier and snappier as well as more crisp and airy with MP145, percussions are clearer and less euphonic in timbre, acoustic guitar has more bite and natural resonance and sound more realist and not as boosted in warmth. We have more micro details too, which make Neo3 feel notably darker and less extended in highs.
Spatiality wise, nothing can beat the MP145, including the Neo3 even if near has wide it’s not as tall and deep.
Imaging is superior too with the Mp145 due to wider instrument space in separation, less opaque-hazy sound layers and higher resolution.
All in all, the MP145 is superior in technical performance but polar opposite in tonal balance and timbre. Neo3 is warmer, has more mid bass beef and notably more natural and lush male and female vocal, personally I find it more musical than MP145 but guilty pleasure is higher too.
VS Celest Pheonixcall
Celest is brighter and more W shaped, dynamic is more energetic and analytical.
The bass is more rolled off in sub bass and notably more hard hitting and thumpy in mid bass, it feels faster and tighter too, less warm and mellow, it sounds more detached artificially from lower mids too. We have more resonance with Celeste and sub bass articulation is very messy compared to more tactile and chunky rumble and bass line of Neo3.
Mids are more aggressive and forwards in upper mids, lower mids is more scooped so piano and most mid range instrument sound more recessed apart high pitch saxo or female vocal which are more shouty, thinner in timbre and way less smooth, lush and dense than more mid centric Neo3.
Treble is more vivid, open and detailed, snappier and faster and more analytical with Celest, percussions are more prompt to dominate the mix and timbre is harsher. Neo3 is smoother in balance and less generous in micro details.
Soundstage is wider and taller with Neo3 but deeper and crisper with Celest.
Imaging while not very realist is still cleaner and sharper with Celest.
All in all, Neo3 is way more coherent and natural in it’s warm tonality, offers better fuller male and female vocal, has deeper and chunkier bass and has on par technicalities that feel more refined though not as boosted in energy. For treble head, the choice would be Celest Pheonixcall, even if it sound more wonky and artificial it creates more in your face wow effect in terms of resolution and micro details.
CONCLUSION
The ISN Neo3 is another musical bliss that aim for a lush balanced tonality with natural timbre and fatigue free mellow dynamic that cuddle and enveloppe the listener until he melt into it's music.
The immersive holographic spatiality is free of any harshness yet the 3 drivers permit an open and multi dimentional resolution that is both tactile in sound layers and versatile for a wide range of music style.
This is a warm but highly articulate in macro dynamic IEM, that will please fan of colorful timbre, full bodied yet non agressive vocals and buttery smooth treble that can surprise with it's agility.
These aren't for fans of harman target IEM with agressive upper mids and bright presence, nor for treble head, these are made for music lover first and foremost, not for those listening to music like if they monitor it.
As a music maker, I use monitor IEM as a tool, and the Neo3 to enjoy my music or those of other.
If you seek an upgrade to the ISN H30, this is it.
Highly Recommended.
---------------------------------
PS: I want to thanks Penon for sending me the Neo3 after I manifest my interest about unique sound flavor they seem to deliver with such drivers configuration. Again, no $ incencitive nor any affiliated program to compensate all this time is imply in my reviews. As well, 99% of IEMs i receive are still in my personal collection (no reselling benefit).
You can order the Neo3 for 199$ here:
https://penonaudio.com/ISN-Audio-NEO-3.html
Penon/ISN
If you don’t know who Penon/ISN is they are the neighborhood audio retailer who specializes in personal audio gear. They got their start retailers of other makers gear first, and made cables. Then they started to make IEMs, and Dongles etc, etc. Really they are probably most known now for their IEMs and cables, as well as superior service from their retail site.
Every year Penon/ISN gets bigger and bigger, yet they seem to never forget where they came from, always being humble and never pulling-off the shenanigans other retailers do. No long pre orders which are canceled, no confusion about what you are actually buying. They offer a great warranty on their IEMs and offer the best customer support in the business. Of course hopefully you will never need customer support after a purchase, but if you ever do they will back you up, and not let you down. Always remembering their roots and beginnings as the common working man, and it shows.
This review is too long and I’m too lazy to list everything Penon/ISN makes. But since May of 2022 I have reviewed 64 Penon Store retail products, and many (of them) full-fledged Penon/ISN creations. If you're still curious about all they make, just look at my list of reviews, as I have reviewed almost everything they make.
With that said I have never come across anything exactly like the Neo 3. Why?
First off just look at the Neo 3? It actually looks a little like a child’s toy. Because there has never been a 3D printed design like it, it takes a minute to figure out what it is. You can see half of a hollow resonant chamber, and the other half solid build of sound tubes created by 3D printing. This right off should clue-you-in on the fact that what we are investigating is rudimentary different in design. Next are the drivers.
The Neo 3 driver set-up:
1 x 5.8mm planar driver for high frequency
1 x 6mm dynamic driver for middle frequency
1 x 6mm dynamic driver for low frequency
So we are doing something that will have the timbre of a full-range DD yet more open due to simply more DDs offering a bigger stage and there are more drivers here, so more articulation and specialization of all three bands. Next is the 5.8mm Planar. And the 6mm for mids and 6mm for low end. Surprisingly the entire playback seems totally together, I mean you really can’t tell where one diver frequency stops and another starts. The other fascinating thing here (different from a full-range DDs) you definitely hear that the Neo 3 is using multiple drivers, simply by the size of stage. This is readily understood due to the charming separation at hand. Meaning in your music you totally understand how treble elements are floating outside the stage in their own zone. This zone still seems natural and even more natural because the Planar does not have the metallic timbre of a BA driver. Yet we are getting Hybrid separation here, why?
Because it is a Hybrid silly.
Later I will talk more about the treble, but real quick before we get started I probably need to talk about bass. Reason being that ISN is known for adding more bass as a side project for the manufacture of Penon. Yep, the ISN brand is the exploratory reach of Penon spreading their wings and getting down-low…….in frequency that is. Now staying up-to-date with the ISN line there have been Neo 1, Neo 3 and Neo 5. Probably the Neo 4 doesn’t sound right due to pronunciation (of the number 4) in Cantonese dialect sounding almost exactly identical to the word death? Also 4 is generally avoided as bad luck in Chinese culture.
ISN has a reputation for the lows:
The Neo 3 has a decent low-end, yet it’s not exactly what you think it is. Meaning it’s fast and taut. It really is. Such complex maneuvers may occur because ISN is not messing around here. Such fastness in bass communication is in many ways a departure from the ISN EST50……….hence the Neo name, except the Neo 5 does contain an L signature? So? Whatever bass statement ISN is making it is different than you may guess. Different and magical cuz the Bass is in no-way messing with the pace here, and that single thing is one of the first things you notice? The 6mm bass and 6mm midrange is inseparable joined at the hip. But wait? 6mm! Yep, only a single 6mm responsible for the kHzs here? Yet due to the blend into the 6mm midrange it is very cohesive, with a warm and spacious midrange expansion.
The Planar:
The best part here is the organic treble, that and it is smooth and not exactly like any Planar I have heard. Not that I have heard many Planars situated in the treble department anyways? But truly any idea (other than) smooth and not peaky, yet delivering the goods would be driving down the right street. You see even when they detune BAs to try and reduce the metallic timbre, there is not 100% (of it) that they can take out, as it is a nature of the sound creation. Sure they can diminish it, except any tone has that BA quality, even if the stature in the mix is diminished. Now I don’t want to minimize the effort put forth in the last 2 years to introduce dynamite budget BA offerings, because there have been numerous examples of BA’s midrange and treble personalities addresses……….and the outcome has totally improved. Maybe the sophistication of the BA build, or the tuning, or both are fair reasons for this tonal renaissance? Yet still there is an added package here. The extra ingredient of smooth and timbre-correct treble. Also somehow the three drivers go together well, meaning there is a balance in that nothing here seems out-of-whack? Almost like the drivers here were made to be together, like they were created to be in place here……..only 3.
Slightly diminished reverberations:
Now with all this talk of greatness, still there are a few issues that I just wanted to point out. I mean nothing is perfect, and with a retail of less than $200.00 we are further questioning happenstance, the happening of you finding the perfect IEM for $199.00? Where the Neo 3 makes points is in size of stage, that and it’s a Hybrid so yes, it has the Hybrid imaging and separation into that stage. Except maybe it is the character of the drivers that the pace is super tight, that and there can be less note reverberations than found at times, almost like a full BA set, but different. I mean, I figure ISN knew this phenomena and put a giant resonant chamber off the rear to try and deal with it, and yes we are getting reverberations, just not a bunch of them. So that is a double-edged sword, it is maybe the exact reason the bass is big and authoritative but not covering any of the response to add any overwhelming bass amounts, meaning everything is heard across the whole frequency spectrum, and in no way are we in a deep hall or anything.
Dealing with it:
What if I told you there was a simple way to make the most out of the Neo 3? As it turns out finding a denser and more thicker DAP will in many ways get you there. What I mean is typically I use the WM1A for testing, yet where I found more synergy with the Neo 3 was the bass heavy and less midrange WM1Z, in fact testing with the Sony TA-ZH1ES desktop was also a total way into nirvana. Where in place into being powered by a dark desktop the imaging was vivid and pure. Truly just quite possibly the biggest differences to showcase an upgrade moving from a DAP to a desktop for a $199.00 IEM. Which kind-a makes sense here, being we know DDs like juice, and we previously knew Planar drivers like juice. To kind of describe the TA-ZH1ES effect, each instrument becomes more real and is defined separately within the stage, holding even better timbre and 3D sculpting. Simply more real. Now that is not to say the Sony WM1Z wasn’t great cuz it was. Funny as these two devices were also the best (in my collection) with the Penon Quattro IEM. Imagine that, a 4 DD IEM coming in at $399.00? But the way my mind works is I have to then try the other extreme. Meaning I had to find out what the Neo 3 was like hooked simply to a phone. This is just part of the testing process, only at times results have me shift gears once-in-a-while. From a regular phone output there was noticeably less separation and imaging, yet tonally it wasn’t really that bad, still nice bass, treble and mids, only there was a noticeable loss of detail and involvement, so? It is what it is. Meaning this IEM is incredibly transparent and will show you the quality of your sources to the max. Also what went with the slight loss on phone involvement was the fact that it also seemed to have better reverberations? Now I don’t have an answer as to why, except with phone use images were generated closer together, so they didn’t have the separation which gave the window into decay perception as much?
And to end here on a positive:
Really the TA-ZH1ES was nothing short of startling! Meaning I’m not so sure I have ever noted a leap in quality from going to a desk-top before? So if you have a desk-top definitely try the Neo 3 as you most likely will encounter the same magic as I did. As such there is a clarity of stance, which is opposite of what you would guess and even though this is a dark amp, there was an increase in overall clarity and even bass notes were better defined inside the stage. That stage was enormous and added to this thought of the Neo 3 arriving at a new level of performance from an under $200.00 realm IEM? It’s just I never have had a 3 way DDX2 and Planar IEM before, and this is one IEM where driver count means nothing.
3 Drivers:
You would be mistaken for thinking you know what these 3 drivers sound like together, because you don’t know. How could you know? They are simply bigger in size than three drivers normally sound, because normally we don’t have 2 DDs and a Planar. And that single feature is what separates this from single full-range DDs……….that the single full-range DD will not offer this dislocation of treble out into the stage. The other thing is mainly from what we have encountered from the treble. Treble uses treble energy to project the image far out into the stage, Yet it becomes thin due to (if we use) BA tone.......here the image is still Planar thick. Here there is a much more natural response going on in that the Planar driver showcases a separation into the stage, but that is more relying on wholesome timbre and a smoother creation into existence.
Top row: The Neo 3 and Penon Volt
Second row:The ISN EST50 and Nobel Audio K-10 Encore
Side-by-sides:
Every side-by-side is using the RENATA cable and Sony WM1Z with my regular wide-bore tips.
The Penon Volt v the ISN Neo 3:
More Volt stage separation, yep!
The ridiculous part here is the Volt is $799.00 and the Neo 3 is $199.00 and for that difference there is amazingly less than you would guess sound differences. While the Volt is primarily about midrange, here both IEMs surprisingly share some of the same ideas in tuning to a point, while the differences are very much from the character of the drivers being one is BA/EST/DD and the other is Planar/DD. While maybe not surprisingly of course the bass of the Neo 3 is more upfront than the Volt, and in trade the Volt projects a substantially more forward midrange which makes the Neo 3 almost sound pale in comparison. Sure we may have known this going in, but even though the mids are reserved with the Neo 3, they very much contain that natural tone, where the Volt is airier and has a hint of BA timbre, which is acceptable here. Switching to treble centric music the Volt goes ahead and EST itemizes the cymbals and small artifacts (which are) better separated into the stage, where the Neo 3 takes the same song and for the first time I may have realized the slight Planar timbre. Meaning I heard it on first impressions 9 days ago, but now going back to against the Volt the upper treble is softer and holding obviously a more congealed playback, but is also showing inside of that playback a Planar timbre I think? Is it that, or simply the opposite from EST style? A darker idea while still holding golden treble tones (where Volts are bright yellow or white) and still reaching for extensions, in the Neo 3’s own way.
The ISN EST50 v the ISN Neo 3:
Way, way more bass engagements with the ISN EST50, it also had a wild projection of those EST projectiles into treble itemizations into the stage, the stage was bigger with the ISN EST50 and the midrange vocals were noticeably more forward and clear in comparison to the Neo 3. Yes, the EST50 is more than 2X the money, if you didn’t like this bass, you would prefer the Neo 3, maybe? Sure this WM1Z and RENATA are pushing the EST50 bass forward into amazing and excessive worlds here.
The Noble Audio K-10 Encore v the ISN Neo 3:
First off this is a ridiculous competition. Now the RENATA and WM1Z push the bass and warmth forward to reach an exquisite formation of all kinds of warm yet bright details with the Encore. And in ending here, I can say the two are total opposites. Where the Encore are undocumented BAs, and the Neo 3 has none. And in many ways still this Encore idea of playback is subjective if it is even correct or not? It is so bright that many are repelled as if looking into the sun. Yet it is strangely good to have, as it shows us that the Neo 3 soundstage is not the widest nor is the bass the cleanest, though we may have already known that. The next grouping of challengers will be way closer in price and abilities than this crazy group. Though if we can get anything out of this we see how the Volt and Neo 3 are related, yet only to a point, but strangely they were the closest together in this group.
IEM Comparisons phase two
The Neo 5 v the Neo 3:
Here is the very first time I used the RENATA with the Neo 5, and while the Neo 5 has a history of demanding a certain style of cable, Now while surprisingly I would choose this cable to spend a long time enjoying the Neo 5. Big super big drums, and a focus of vocals that has me spellbound. Where this combo actually reminds me of the EST50 almost, as everything is very vibrant and powerful. So Neo 5 just as guessed has a more forward vocal stance, and more bass. Actually what is happening here is they are complementary where somehow the Neo 5 is super intense almost at any volume and the Neo 3 is offering a more relaxed late night endeavor.
Top row: The Penon DOME and Neo 3
Second row: The Penon 10th Anniversary and Neo 5
The Penon DOME v the Neo 3:
A beautiful midrange here with the DOME. I mean now for me anyway we are entering the classic hybrid construction of an IEM tuning. The soundstage is way bigger than the Neo 3’s mids, but it is filled with this multi BA wash of energy. More BA energy than I remember than when I wrote my DOME review? A lot of fireworks with the DOME? A lot of pushed clarity to take the midrange apart and itemize every little section, and propel those sonic artifacts out into life. Way brighter than the Neo 3, and not near the bass emphasis going on with the Neo 3, well that was obvious, but in case you never heard the DOME, I need to include such notes. Where really these two are opposites too, probably more different in tuning than the Volt, because the midrange here is so electric. Where the Neo 3 comes off as the more relaxing IEM listen, deeper tones on all levels, where the Neo 3 is burnt orange, the DOME is shocking pink!
The 10th Anniversary v the Neo 3:
Really my favorite Penon IEM next to the Volt. Here we are gifted again with a slightly bigger stage than the Neo 3, and possibly less cluttered, but of course the 10th is $499.00…so? But also in existence the 10th can help us understand what direction we are driving with the Neo 3. Where there is actually an element where the Neo 3 is more natural and together, where the 10th is holding this dislocation and a tad of synthetic production, yet with that is EST separation.............a big stage scattered with junk-food wrappers, bigger and more intense than the Neo 3 ever thought about. The vocals somehow are even more forward too than the Neo 3, yet the 10th bass is tighter and not creeping-up into the midrange, hence controlled really. With the 10th there is also a naturalness about it, a feeling that we are not missing a thing here, and more than not missing anything, we forget about everything else, everything else holds less importance, because we are in the zone here.
The 10th vocals have a reverberation to them and that echo is actually placed into a new section of the stage upon the vocals sung. Switching back to the Neo 3 there is an effortless approach to everything, and where there is not that itemized reverberation to the vocals. Yet there is also something better than the 10th, a reality that is true to life. A more wholesome something more complete and less separated. Replay is exactly like you would envision the sound by looking at the IEM, the sounds are bigger but coming from fewer places. Where the Neo 3 is a broad tipped pen marker, and the 10th was more finer strokes of a smaller pen nib. Thus the 10th is more busy at drawing the picture and the Neo 3 has the magic of broad brush strokes making a slightly more real drawing with less effort and less confusion.
Summary of comparisons:
Probably the vocals are where there is the most confusion here among the different IEMs. The Neo 3 vocals are often sitting slightly farther back in comparison to an IEM like the Neo 5 but that doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with the vocals. The Neo 3’s vocals are smoother and hold a different tone than BAs produce. And while not perfect either, it is a new and different sound, and cool for the money spent, IMO.
The vocal sound is simply more analogue, and of closer distance from the other aspects of the stage. This contrast occurs due the crazy stage of the Neo 5, the stage of the 10th, and the stage of the EST50………..thus they are more expensive and more elaborate endeavors. Yet at the same time hearing the Penon older brothers is a great way to understand this (lower cost) IEM. Sure I could have picked down-line products, but that too has its own issues in understanding comparisons. Probably if I was to do one more comparison (next time) I would pick the ISN H40 to round off the examples?
Cable Changes:
1) Penon Space Cable: $99.90
2) HiSenior White Whale Cable: $96.00
3) Penon Vocal Cable: $69.00
4) ISN G4 Cable: $99.50
5) Penon RENATA Cable (Price yet to be published) ($250.00-$300.00)
6) Included Cable
All tests today with the SONY WM1Z and my favorite wide-bore ear-tips.
Truly I have done this test before, and I will again try and understand how each wire affects playback here. Often there can be very subtle differences, to even none at all, or as with this grouping of cables on my last IEM, which was a single full-range driver and darker, the Vocal was thrilling, and fun, so to have the Vocal Cable be one of the lower cost IEM cables in our test, that turns out exciting. So let’s see where we end-up here.
Space Cable:
In so many ways it may have been slightly better to use the Space cable for all those IEM tests just previously done. Why? Well the Space doesn’t in any way color the sound. Simply pure and natural, like drinking spring water. But at times I simply do what I do, regardless, it’s my review so? Anyway we find exactly that with the Neo 3 coming off a little thinner and possibly true to its exact nature. A big stage, yet an even-steven stage, pure as fresh snow, nothing to ever get in the way of your sound here….yet it’s just not quite as thick. It is the stage fallout that has the Neo 3 showing an even better space, once you remove the slight darkness of the RENADA, we are left with clean and tidy, yet missing a little of that wonderful drama the RENATA brought.
Here is a faster street in town where cars change lanes a little faster, yet the bass is more middle of the road and the Neo 3 looses a little of that drama and effortlessness the RENADA brought to the table. Still this is marvelous to say the least, one of my top choices due to clean and correct playback, and totally fresh, but it would also depend on how dark your source was, as a thinner source could obviously sound even thinner.
White Whale Cable:
The White Whale is a favorite for some of the same reasons as the Space, leaving the tone alone and moving forward as an improvement for one allowing 4.4mm access on our DAP. The interesting part is the Neo 3 is totally showing the differences between the Space and White Whale. As such that is a clue we are dealing with a form of transparency, most of the time a good thing. In this test today the White Whale is showing not quite the stage or even brightness of the Space cable. Yep, that means it's a hair smoother and gaining ground by simply still being even and correct, and possibly even a better match-up if you wanted your playback ever so slightly darker than the Space. You know I go back and forth calling the Space being a tad brighter than neutral, but then go back to calling it neutral? It really doesn’t matter as everyone has their own idea of what neutral is in the end. But to summarize this cable, very very good and while a little less thin than the Space, and owning a little lower midrange presence warmth, still a total classic cable and going with the Neo 3 100%. The texture and ergonomics are an added plus too being the Whale comes with ear-guides, but is not modular like the Space is, as you only get a 4.4mm plug.
Vocal Cable:
This Vocal Cable is wild, as in my last test it was both strange and colored and did things no other cable in this grouping (the photograph) could do. Here it is up to its old tricks once more. This is a stage movement, a bass reduction and a forwardness in the Pinna Gain area of IEM playback. The Vocal has its own personality and there is nothing wrong with that at times. Here we find the playback as going 100% with what the Neo 3 is doing anyway. Yet we know this is not the pure drinking water of the last two cables, no we are now altering playback, yet the pushing up of vocals goes with the Neo 3, as maybe the Neo 3 was asking for this treatment all along, you know like the girl who is dying to be kissed. They want it, and it is up to you to follow through, even if it may mean getting slapped! Here the pace is brought about into even more clarity once you discombobulate the tune. Fun is all I’m going to say, and if you want only one aftermarket cable to go with your Neo 3, you could settle on the Vocal as it is in its element here, due to all the features that has made the Vocal a legend from last year. WOW, it almost sounds like a better IEM, and that’s the goal here. It is also the cheapest cable of our group today, go figure? A total recommendation!
ISN G4 Cable:
The ISN G4 has been and will continue on as one cable I often go to try IEMs. Where the G4 brings Graphene to the table, what that does on a regular basis is expand the stage, but also adding a Graphene quality. That quality is a subdued bass and expanded stage, but a stage of holding specific warmth, and not the brightness of silver. And that is what we have. Making the Vocal Cable look like an almost wild person at a party, you know, lovable and fun, but not 100% normal. Let's face it the Vocal is not totally normal, with exaggerated elements and synthetic bending of the signal. Here this is not 100% normal either, except more natural sounding and simple more together in how the DAP and IEM sound anyway. With just a warm but expanded midrange and a subtle repositioning of all, yet again in a polite and almost normal way. This is again another perfect purchase, if anything the Vocal and G4 are a good team, like the grounded cable and the wild effect that is still super good, but not really normal cable.
The Penon RENADA Cable:
Here was the cable I used the most with the Neo 3. while not exactly uncolored, the RENATA boosted critical areas making the Neo 3 simply better, like more of an expensive IEM.
PENON RENATA CABLE
2 strands hand woven, cable is soft
35 cores Liquid nitrogen single crystal silver + 196 cores Furukawa silver copper alloy plated silver.
High quality PVC Shield
Litz structure
Gold-plated copper + carbon fiber plug accessories
Plug: gold-plated 3-in-1 modular (3.5mm/2.5mm/4.4mm)
Cable length is 1.2
So here I will go forth and try to explain how and why I chose to use this cable for the side-by-side IEM tests. Remember too you can choose any cable on my list or even other cables to reach success, this is only a few cable suggestions, and a little fun through rolling cables. To try and place them in order of quality………….
Remember this is subjective as well as being dependent on all the other gear you have in union with the Neo 3. From good to great here.
Good-Included Cable: Free
Good-HiSenior White Whale Cable: $96.00
Great-Penon Space Cable: $99.90
Great-Penon Vocal Cable: $69.00
Great-ISN G4 Cable: $99.50
Great-Penon RENATA Cable (Price yet to be published) ($250.00-$300.00)
Still though you may not want the drama the RENATA does? Meaning the changes are real and effective, where the bass travels outward into a new stage, the enhancements are that more reverbs are noted, then there is a separation which forms clarity just by the contrasts, the new contrasts at hand. The whole signature is darker and both brighter than the included cable. So we find added push into how the treble is positioned, yet that push is both warm and slightly golden colored which works in this case. With the ISN EST50 the bass was dramatic and I will typically use cables that reduce bass texture, and same as the Neo 5, as it was dramatic and real and would have to take a while to get to grips with how changed the signature was. But here with the Neo 3 IEM the RENATA brings about stage size and instrument texture and clarity, making everything larger and while smoother, still clear and showing an upper midrange expansion and push.
Included Cable:
Here we are met with exactly the tone of the Neo 3, the size of the stage and the clarity of the intended instruments and vocals hold a purely natural and well-rounded stance. The only reason you may want to try the Space, G4 the White Whale or the RENATA is if you want to take the Neo 3 to a new sound area. The Vocal is a smear, but totally enjoyable and maybe my first recommendation, due to it offering different imaging and an ever so slightly more forward vocals, bass is a tad reduced too. Let me repeat, there is nothing cheap or boring about the included cable, I could have used it in the side-by-sides, it is just that manufactures can only include so much cable with a $199.00 IEM, and if you want a slightly different sound, you need to pay for an upgrade. Cables can be an area of confusion in the world of IEMs as some note a difference and some don’t, that is also why I recommend the Vocal for starters as it is so different, yet probably going into the direction of correct, that I feel most people would hear a difference, and even though not 100% normal, it has pizzaz. Mostly these cable rolls will take the stage and reposition the elements, or add bass definition like the RENATA, or add midrange thickness like the G4, and move the middle stage. Though all this is is like changing the settings on your TV, where at times the contrast can increase, or the overall tone will be altered, but the way color temperature is, you slowly adapt to the new tone, that is until you change the setting back, then you realize what you had going was a difference.
Music tests:
It doesn’t matter how new-fangled the equipment is, if it doesn’t play music right then it is not worth anything. And maybe the best outcome of today's listening is the fact that the Neo 3 comes in incredibly well rounded.
So if you want to go on a trip and don’t know what music you are going to find, take the Neo 3, as long as you have pre-qualified your source. Then any whim you travel down will result in satisfaction. In my nearly 9 days of testing the Neo 3 I went from EDM to Classical to Rock to OSTs, World Music and New Age. Really that is maybe the greatest compliment I can bestow upon the Neo 3 that it is super well-rounded. Remember less bass presence than the Neo 5, and in a way less midrange expansion, and thinking about it, the Neo 5 also probably does vocals better? But this style of bass presence is maybe one of the keys to the well roundedness, I mean as you know often a bass heavy IEM will end up pigeon-holed due to too much bass in a certain playback, with certain genres, and we have none of that action going on here.
This is by far the most exciting phase of the review process. There is a truth to documenting the sonic outcomes of an IEM. Often I experience closer ideas than just listening, as the review process encourages deeper understanding of the IEMs listened to. This would parallel to taking a break while hiking..........to stop and look at flowers or small bugs, as opposed to just pushing through the turf.
Stopping to smell the roses:
If you are requested to document a place, be it outside, or between your ears, the process of documenting ideas puts an extra level of analysis required so that things can be possibly more deeply explained and new tidbits possibly found? I am using the Sony WM1A, the Sony WM1Z and the Sony TA-ZH1ES, along with the RENATA cable in 4.4mm and my regular wide-bore ear-tips. Each song will explain what source I use of the three.
Madder Mortem
Old Eyes, New Heart
On Guard
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
Time markers only accurate to the digital file, not the video.
This was a fascinating new song with the Neo 3. And so much fun that I had to switch between the WM1A and the TA. Reason being is it has truly exceptional spacial clues as to TA imaging. And as such it was truly fun to understand how the TA would offer a more detailed low end, and sculpturing of imaging into more realistic items of interest. Here we are met with a Blues derivative beat, and truly if you listen to the lyrics here, they are totally the Blues. I myself never listen to the Blues, but love when the genre inspires new music, seemingly holding the exact mood that was always what we paid admission for? Even at 00:03 there is a woody wholesomeness to the opening drums. At just 00:12 we are at once flabbergasted to learn of our songs true stage, the focus of how the Neo 3 does music here. It is in fact the transients found in the extra guitar effects panning out to the extreme left and right. Right at the start there is the bright focus high pitched finger snapping sound that is used sparingly throughout the song to great effect. Here we can’t help but learn the song is guitar based with a female sung voice over the top. As such there are multiple guitar overdubs.......which wash our listening experience with tiny details of slide guitar and guitar effects action. The reverbs here are just about adequate with the Sony WM1A. A quick switch over to the TA proves this IEM has a soul to itself, a serious determination to get the job done. There is an insane opening of stage and image placement, reverbs are bigger only because we are now in the center of everything, closer and upfront. The TA is making the imaging huge and still smooth. We just went into a larger TA room in the house, yet all the same sonic constituents are there, only now they are fortified with realism. And this was in a way the same as the Quattro IEM, in that this is the darkest amplifier I have, yet clarity is revealed, saying something about the sonic demeanor about both the 4 DD Quattro and Neo 3 being related, at least in functional response anyway.
Here her voice is not as shimmery and metallic glossed over like a BA would do. Yet the pure naturalness and togetherness of cohesiveness go along to make this experience not a $199.00 IEM......simply more. Sure I have an expensive amplifier and a different aftermarket cable, but that is what Head-Fi is about, finding a way to maximize the experience. Yet we can hear literally every detail of her voice, and the instrumentation is flowing around her, just like in life. The guitar almost asks questions here and she is responding.
There is a black hole at the window
Howling at any change in the air
If you forget to lock your smile in
Don′t you worry. The sorrow will be there
So I remain on guard
Old habits dig their roots in
Dark slivers of past everywhere
I remember I've been hiding something
But seems I forgot how to share
So I remain on guard
And I hope you will not hurt me
That what you don′t say is also true
You know, I want so much to trust you
To hand over my heart like it's new
But I remain on guard
Probably the smooth introduction of the (slide) lead guitar at 01:53 is a reminder that this Blues template may never go away, that while the song is in no way a technical instrumental masterpiece, it is real, and satisfies why we came. Also you have to remember this is Madder Mortem going out on a limb, showing us they can showcase new and different styles of music and are not pinned-down to a Metal genre template only, and for that I am spellbound and grateful.
DCD
Anastasis
Kiko
44.1 - 24 bit
Using the more bass pronounced WM1Z we are gifted with a more real (than normal) style of replay. Here also there is an upper treble and upper midrange push that is the cat’s meow as far as showcasing the vocals of this song. I know I can’t stop describing the 1Z’s sonic elements, but after a few days of listening to the Neo 3 in every possible way, this song, and this DAP are bringing me one step closer to truth. The truth you ask? Simply realness and emotion. The emotion that comes from simply being closer to your music and feeling it. The 3D textures in the treble help to create this halo of dispersion across the inside of a fish bowl inside your head. At this point I’m questioning my decision to not use the 1Z in all the music tests, but still that would not show how the Neo 3 does respond to different source personalities. But right here, and right now at this very moment I’m in the zone, totally there. Maybe it’s the recording, maybe it’s the IEM, maybe it is the DAP……………maybe it is all three…….I think it is?
Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski
Grand Turismo OST
Academy Race
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
The lead in with the powerful synth effects onto of a bass introduction remind us of speed and of tournament. Now obviously this could be a suggestion as I know it is a movie OST. And even though I don’t know what the move is totally about, I did see the previews so I have a good idea. Some movies you can get the whole plot from the trailer. Now I’m not saying this is one (of those movies) but it may be? If any song showed us the reality, I mean the extent of sophistication today, it would be Academy Race. Why? Well there is wonderful deepness to the Neo 3 yet at the same time we learned from prior IEM testing there is a limit to the deepness of bass activity, maybe due to the fact that the DD for bass is only 6mm? Still while not the deepest or the most detailed I have heard, this song still gets all the timbre down, and there is no off timbre, though I really wonder if the reverberations of the physical recording from the actual studio placement into the Orchestra Stage is fully relayed here?
I probably recommend the Neo 3 for dissecting guitars, vocals and the grooving downbeat with Madder Mortem’s “On Guard” song. And the reason (I guess) is that these DDs X Planar do less complicated music somehow more authentic and totally real……….yet a quick move from the TA over to the Sony WM1A showed way more details now? So? I know this is not an amplifier review, but Academy Race was way better on the simple WM1A, truly the opposite of the “On Guard” song?
This shows us how with the Neo 3 being so clear that the character of the amplifier makes a huge difference, where the TA at times can hold deep textural emphasis, at times………………….with faster music, and more complex music, you need a more midrange powered DAP to truly learn what is inside the song.
Build:
Really we find a very different idea of what is possible here. I hope to see ISN continue with this build theme and make/introduce more drivers yet there is a completeness here in that I'm not so sure how many sound tubes can be created with 3D printing in this very small area without compromising the structural integrity, as remember the area holding the sound tubes is also the IEM. Where the angle of approach of the nozzles and nozzle length is just right. The nozzle ends hold my ear-tips on great. There is a regular 2Pin and you can actually see the spaces for the wires to travel into the IEM. Great small-medium size with average noise occlusion.
Packaging:
Conclusion:
As I sit here with the Neo 3 in my ears I came about a few more ideas. I have burned the Neo 3 for 7 days straight, I have rolled cables and rolled amps....and yes, I have my favorites here. But more than that, I learned the Neo 3 while not perfect, is incredibly transparent. It is this transparency that allows you to drive to a different part of town with a different cable or source. And when you arrive at the part of town you feel a good vibe in that you have earned it, you have proclaimed your vacation only because you did the footwork to get there. Now that doesn’t mean that the Neo 3 is bad with some sources, in fact (not at all) the Neo 3 was never too bright, or too bass laden or too anything. Really it finds itself while very transparent, really well rounded. That still means the Neo 3 can be better and possibly (subjectively) the best once you feed it right. There was a long get to know period with the Neo 3, as frankly there (at this point in time) is nothing even remotely like it in construction, or sound replay. Sure I can find fault in the output, nothing is 100% perfect, yet I have the Neo 3 in my ears as we speak and I’m in total nirvana? And really I can choose any song and multiple volume levels and be sedated, I mean satisfied. And that is what Head-Fi is about…….it is about comfort, comfort is sound. It simply means you’re at a certain point and never ask for more, you forget what IEM you have, forget the source and focus on the entertainment at hand. When that happens we are involved, truly in the zone...........We are at one with the artists efforts……the producers, the guitar player, the drummer, the vocalists. You see, everyone is trying their best! Why? Because this is their love, they love to make music, so it is not work but a pleasure. Same as ISN……….ISN is doing their very best to provide you the listener with the most for their money. Won’t you go spend some today, I recommend it!
$199.00
https://penonaudio.com/ISN-Audio-NEO-3
Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for their love and the ISN Neo 3 review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
HiBy R3 II DAP in 4.4mm balanced output
Samsung Phone 3.5mm output
Penon Tail Dongle in 4.4mm balanced output
alexandros a
Very insightful man, great!!!
Redcarmoose
@alexandros a,
Ha, thanks. Maybe? I try at least? The Neo 3 was very different as far as character and had some character traits like the Quattro?
Ha, thanks. Maybe? I try at least? The Neo 3 was very different as far as character and had some character traits like the Quattro?
Sentences start with a capital letter X2, you learn that in 2nd grade. 2nd cables are measured with our ears. You can doubt all you want (plus you can not believe) except 1/2 of Head-Fi believe there are differences. Cheers!