Cool, so what gearing is that? 
Maybe you could shift and do the same workout in a super easy gear, for science? 
I do my workouts at 50/14, primarily because it’s the straightest chain line on my bike and makes the least noise. I also used 50/13 a good bit. I would support the science experiment, but I think the noise may be a bit too much to bear.
Right, so you’re in a really high gear, compared to his low one. I’m still betting on wattage floor/ceiling, even on the neo, one of the quietist trainers on the market 