Acoustic Energy Neo One v2 review

The Acoustic Energy Neo One v2 offer splendid detail and poise with voices Tested at £210

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Real ability in most areas but the Neos don’t gel like they should

Pros

  • +

    Expressive midrange and bass

  • +

    dynamic sound

  • +

    good with vocals

Cons

  • -

    Rather coarse treble performance

  • -

    not the most rhythmic

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Twice as tall as they are wide, there’s a hint of Peter Crouch about the Acoustic Energy Neo One v2s.

Slip off the magnetic grilles and there looks to be a fair bit of MDF around and between the 25mm neodymium ring radiator tweeter and 13cm alloy mid/bass driver.

Playing Nick Drake’s bucolic Saturday Sun the Neo One v2s sound smoothly engaging, perhaps a tad midrange-forward but focused and eloquent.

Low frequencies in particular are detail-packed and expressive, while vocals are
poised. Challenge them with some orchestral action and the Neos demonstrate ample shove, shifting from near-silent to all-out without problems.

Lack a little oomph
For all the bottom end’s tonal variance and detail, though, the Neos lack a little oomph, even if the recording they’re playing demands greater drive, while at the other end of the frequency range, treble sounds are fractionally thin and peaky (a familial trait that crops up with the Aegis Neo 4s, too).

This relative lack of refinement is at considerable odds with the rest of the Neos’ otherwise balanced approach and results in a presentation that’s less unified than it ought to be.

If you want a pair of upgrade speakers that seem to have been voiced to offer splendid detail, articulacy and poise to voices, these Acoustic Energys should definitely be on your must-audition list.

If you’re after surefooted rhythmic ability and seamless integration of the whole frequency range, though, you should be looking elsewhere.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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