after reading only good things about the neo, i have just ordered one.
steve-z , yours is the first negative comment i have read so far.
not having a dig, btw, its good that you give your honest opinion.
i will have to do similar tests as you have and hear for myself.
i have also just received a new sub-platter from Ben at 33rpm engineering. i could not find a dealer for the "little belter" so took the plunge and ordered a rega belt (the one they recommend for use with the neo).
it will be interesting to see if i notice any SQ improvement with this lot, though i will be a tad disappointed if i dont.
so far the only upgrade i have done is replacing the elys2 with an exact and i can say that was a huge difference to my ears.
DIGITAL:flac/pc/foobar/wasapi>Chord Qutest> Frans' (Solderdude) headphone correction filter>Violectric V200>Senn HD650, Beyer DT1990
>or Garage 1217 Project Ember (as pre)>Rega Elex-R>Dynaudio M10.
ANALOGUE: Rega P8>Rega Aria> Rega Elex-R>Dynaudio M10