MAGICAL SYNERGY — IFI NEO IDSD & MEZE 99 CLASSICS
WHAT:
The IFI Neo iDSD ($699) was able to parse the differences, subtle and distinct, between the various DAPs to which it was paired. This spoke to a “neutrality” that passed signals along with but a sweet kiss. It did not, at all, suck the soul from the music as some “neutral” components are likely to do. The Neo iDSD was also quite dynamic and faceted with quite good transparency, treble extension, and an edible musicality. And this is not just at its price point but, perhaps, at even double its price point.
The review today is of the Meze 99 Classics ($309) another beautifully designed and appointed headphone, where, once again, form follows function follows technological wherewithal. And again, like its brethren the 99 Classic has been created as a musical instrument intent on letting the music flow in order to engage, enthrall, and entertain.
WHY:
The Neo iDSD is different than its siblings in the ways outline above, but it was still a lot of fun, a joy to listen to, and hard to believe what it gives for its price points ($699)—three-in-one functionality, fully balanced, MQA (full decoding), DSD515, 384bit/768kHz, bluetooth-everything(!), and quite good musicality, transparency, and engagement. Hazzah!
The Meze 99 Classics is primarily for music (and movie) lovers, in our quite subjective opinion, as it gets to the heart of the music, but with a transparency that nicely defines the venue whether intimate jazz club, symphony, arena rock concert, etc., while also providing great insight to the performer(s) and performance. And most important of all, the Meze 99 Classics will perform its magic with smartphones, computers, DAC-dongles, DAC/Amps, DAPs, etc. And don’t forget the movies or you’ll be missing out entirely on another of its wonderful strengths!
A true Magical Synergy in that this dollar-shy of a thousand clams (dollars) system is, indeed, a Magical Synergy that lifts the other up to a level either could not attain individually, perhaps. We happily list it among our growing list of magical synergies.