The ISN NEO 5 review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the ISN NEO 5 is $289 and can be ordered from Penon Audio.
ISN Audio NEO 5 Review
ISN Audio, a brand of earphones available exclusively at Penon Audio, has a range of highly successful products, including the ISN Audio H30 and their flagship model, the ISN Audio EST50.
Introducing the ISN NEO 5, a cutting-edge hybrid earphone equipped with 5 drivers on each side. It features a 10mm dynamic driver dedicated to delivering powerful low frequencies, accompanied by 4 Knowles BA drivers that ensure exceptional mid and high frequency performance.
Build quality and wearing comfort
The ISN NEO 5 ear-shells are crafted using medical grade resin, boasting a semi-transparent purple hue. These ear-shells are thoughtfully designed to mimic the natural contours of the ear, ensuring a custom-like fit.
Not only are these ear-shells lightweight and durable, but they are also expertly constructed. The snug fit offers both comfort and convenience, allowing you to wear them for extended periods without any discomfort. Additionally, they excel in reducing unwanted background noise, providing effective passive noise attenuation.
Cable
The cable is expertly crafted using single crystal copper silver-plated wires in a four strand configuration. Measuring 1.2m in length, this detachable, 2-pin, cable features high-quality aluminum plugs that are not only durable but also free from any microphonic noise.
You have the option to choose between a 4.4mm, 2.5mm, or 3.5mm plug when ordering, and the review sample was equipped with a 4.4mm balanced plug. Rest assured, this cable is both soft and long-lasting, ensuring a top-notch audio experience.
Accessories
The retail package comes complete with a high-quality carrying case that features a magnetic lid. Additionally, it includes three sets of silicone ear-tips, each available in three different sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit for every user.
To keep your earbuds clean and well-maintained, a cleaning brush is also included. Lastly, a convenient shirt clip is provided for those who prefer to keep their earbuds securely attached while on the move.
Power requirements and associated gear
The ISN NEO 5 has an impedance of 26Ω and a sensitivity of 110dB, making it an earphone that is both easy to drive and resistant to source noise.
When paired with the FiiO M15S, low gain proved to be sufficient, while portable sources such as the Cayin RU7 or the Penon Tail effortlessly showcased their capabilities.
As customary, the ISN NEO 5 was allowed to play music for approximately 80 hours before undergoing the listening evaluation.
Listening impressions
It doesn’t take much listening to notice that the ISN NEO 5 is primarily focused on delivering powerful bass. However, the mid-range is exceptionally clear and distinct, accompanied by a slightly smooth yet adequately extended treble.
The bass takes center stage, boasting a subwoofer-like extension and significant emphasis up to the lower mid-range. While there may be a slight bleed, the overall impression is that the bass doesn’t overpower the other frequencies, thanks to the excellent driver coherency.
The bass possesses a substantial, robust, and intense quality, delivering impressive dynamics and a tangible presence. It maintains a predominantly tight and controlled nature, although its recovery speed is not particularly swift, accompanied by a subtle echo.
While the overall balance of the lower frequencies does not impose significant limitations when listening to acoustic bass instruments, certain ones such as the double bass and cello exhibit a somewhat exaggerated and less precise tonality than desired. Furthermore, there is a deficiency in definition and layering, particularly evident during rapid bowing sections or when multiple instruments are performing simultaneously.
The mid-range exhibits surprising clarity and transparency, showcasing a strong presence that is not overshadowed by the enhanced low-end. The tuning is predominantly balanced, devoid of any notable emphasis on the upper mid-range or noticeable recession. Both voices and instruments are rendered with smoothness, precision, and articulation, offering a rich harmonic diversity and realistic timbre.
More listening impressions
As for the treble, it exudes vibrancy and energy, boasting ample extension while maintaining a smooth, polite, and mildly forgiving character. Although not the most analytical or sparkling earphone, it still possesses a commendable level of resolution. Additionally, it possesses the advantage of never inducing fatigue or excessive brightness. The treble possesses a weighty texture, devoid of dryness or thinness, and exhibits good timbre without any significant artificiality or metallic harshness typically associated with balanced armature drivers.
The soundstage offers a broad and expansive feel, creating ample space around the performers who are precisely placed on the horizontal plane. However, the depth is somewhat lacking, and the layering is not particularly remarkable, resulting in a rather intimate presentation.
Compared to the ISN EST50
The ISN EST50, the flagship earphone from the brand, features a hybrid configuration of 1 dynamic, 2 BA, and 2 EST drivers per side. In terms of physical appearance, it closely resembles the NEO 5, with identical ear-shells. However, the ISN EST50 is slightly bulkier and heavier than the NEO 5, although the latter is slightly more comfortable.
When it comes to tuning, both earphones share many similarities. However, the ISN EST50 offers a slightly less elevated bass, resulting in a more accurate and tonally correct sound compared to the NEO 5. In terms of technicalities, the ISN EST50 outperforms the NEO 5, delivering tighter and more controlled sound reproduction. It also exhibits faster response, better definition, and reduced reverberation.
The NEO5 offers a mid-range that is captivating and immersive, boasting a rich texture. On the other hand, the EST50 delivers a more refined and detailed sound. While the treble on the EST50 may be smoother and slightly less energetic, it excels in terms of quality and timbre realism.
In terms of soundstage, the ISN EST50 surpasses the NEO5 with its wider, deeper, and more holographic presentation.
Although the ISN NEO5 is undeniably impressive, particularly for those who prefer emphasized bass and prominent mids, there is a clear justification for the EST50 being the flagship model.
In the end
The ISN NEO 5 is a well-crafted and comfortable earphone that offers a pleasant tuning, delivering ample bass and a relaxed character. It is ideal for everyday listening across various music genres, although it may not be the top pick for classical music or jazz enthusiasts. However, its exceptional performance shines when it comes to electronic, rock, and pop songs, providing an immersive and delightful experience with its inherent energy.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2023.
+ Bass emphasized but still balanced + Dynamic and impactful + Present mids with smooth treble + Forgiving and relaxed + Spacious soundstage + Comfortable and lightweight + Good cable + Accessories - Bass is quite slow - Low-end could use more layering and definition - Not the most energetic treble - Horizontal soundstage - Cable is not modular
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