[REVIEW] Aurisonics ASG-2 & 2.5 (with many comparisons) | Page 30 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

Carlsan · Jun 7, 2013 at 8:04 PM

Tralucent Audio 1plus2 Hybrid Universal IEM
.... $1295, correct?

ASG-2 - with trade in of your ASG-1 - $300
correct? (upgraded "Stealth version" with no trade, at musicaacoustics, $799)

Need I say more?
Shouldn't we expect, even though not necessarily so, the 1p2 to sound better??

vwinter · Jun 7, 2013 at 8:10 PM

carlsan said:
Tralucent Audio 1plus2 Hybrid Universal IEM
.... $1295, correct?

ASG-2 - with trade in of your ASG-1 - $300
correct? (upgraded "Stealth version" with no trade, at musicaacoustics, $799)

Need I say more?
Shouldn't we expect, even though not necessarily so, the 1p2 to sound better??

Don't do it. It's a trap.

SoundFreaq, do you feel there may have been a synergy issue with the LG and the ASG-2?

I don't know anything about the LG so I'm just curious.

SoundFreaq · Jun 7, 2013 at 8:20 PM

Quote:

carlsan said:
Tralucent Audio 1plus2 Hybrid Universal IEM
.... $1295, correct?

ASG-2 - with trade in of your ASG-1 - $300
correct? (upgraded "Stealth version" with no trade, at musicaacoustics, $799)

Need I say more?
Shouldn't we expect, even though not necessarily so, the 1p2 to sound better??

Like I was saying in my New Age of Portable Audio thread, there is a new influx of universal IEMs, that, despite the price differences are still being compared - because they are so good. Just because Tralucent commands more dime for their wares doesn't mean it will be better. Many people here, including the OP, eke, don't think so.

And I don't think the trade-in value is what the price if the IEM should be. It should be what the manufacturer lists it as, as new. But yes, it is cheaper if you've already spent the dough on the G-1. Or is it...

Quote:

vwinter said:
Don't do it. It's a trap.

SoundFreaq, do you feel there may have been a synergy issue with the LG and the ASG-2?

I don't know anything about the LG so I'm just curious.

Technically wit the amp? no. Output impedance is low, it can drive low impedance with aplomb. It's possible the tubes weren't a good match for it, but there's no tube that would have made up the difference in sound to my ears.

It reminded me of when I was listening to my Signature Pro. It sounded really good, until you hear a SR-009. Then you realize how bad the fantastic Sig Pro is in comparison.

The G-2 is rich and lush. It doesn't really fit a whole right now. If I want warm and lush, I have my Final Audio design earphones.

Theogenes · Jun 7, 2013 at 8:28 PM

There's no one IEM (or anything else) out there for everybody. Thanks to SoundFreaq for his impressions, and I hope to be able to provide some thoughts of my own soon too :wink:

.

gnarlsagan · Jun 7, 2013 at 8:30 PM

Soundfreaq which iem do you think most closely matches the SR009 in frequency response?

SoundFreaq · Jun 7, 2013 at 8:39 PM

Quote:

theogenes said:
There's no one IEM (or anything else) out there for everybody. Thanks to SoundFreaq for his impressions, and I hope to be able to provide some thoughts of my own soon too .

TRUTH! And thank you. I look forward to your own.

Quote:

gnarlsagan said:
Soundfreaq which iem do you think most closely matches the SR009 in frequency response?

The 1p2 for sure. But it's no SR-009 by any means. The 009 is more natural and neutral in sonic signature, but the richness of the G-2 is very un-009ish.

gnarlsagan · Jun 7, 2013 at 8:51 PM

soundfreaq said:
TRUTH! And thank you. I look forward to your own.

The 1p2 for sure. But it's no SR-009 by any means. The 009 is more natural and neutral in sonic signature, but the richness of the G-2 is very un-009ish.

What's less neutral about the 1plus2? Is there any iem you think is closer to the FR of the SR009? Sorry for all the questions, it's just you seem to have a lot of experience here and I value your opinion.

Carlsan · Jun 7, 2013 at 8:59 PM

Quote:

soundfreaq said:
Like I was saying in my New Age of Portable Audio thread, there is a new influx of universal IEMs, that, despite the price differences are still being compared - because they are so good. Just because Tralucent commands more dime for their wares doesn't mean it will be better. Many people here, including the OP, eke, don't think so.

And I don't think the trade-in value is what the price if the IEM should be. It should be what the manufacturer lists it as, as new. But yes, it is cheaper if you've already spent the dough on the G-1. Or is it...

....

I have to say that I did like what you wrote, it should be quoted on the front page of head-fi, makes me re-think my plans on customs.

Also I do appreciate your review of the two earphones, as I also value Eke's views. Two different reviews can often be enlightening as one often finds common traits that lead to different views, especially if both have different preferred sound tastes. Of course sources will make a big difference in sound as well, and don't rule out ear tips.... Still, good work from both comparison reviews.

I have the ASG-2's on order, really enjoyed the ASG-1's. That said, the difference of $500, for the retail non-trade ASG-2 (about $800 last I saw) and the 1plus2 (about $1300) is enough of a price difference to keep some users from jumping in. Whatever the true value of the earphones, I think that any comparison review should mention it. If one earphone outperforms the the other and is much cheaper, than that makes the earphone a terrific bargain. On the other hand, if it doesn't outperform it then maybe that should be as one would expect.

eke2k6 · Jun 7, 2013 at 9:07 PM

Quote:

soundfreaq said:
Ok, Day 2 of having the two great earphones, ASG-2, and the 1plus2, side by side: things have changed.

The G-2 really grew on me. I stuck with it for some time and I get it. It's rich in the mids and bass, and the treble sparkly. It reminded me a touch of the MG6Pro, a $1k Custom with a single 13mm dynamic driver. Bass punches, mids are lush and very up front, and the treble balanced.

But the 1plus2 grew on me even more. I just don't agree that the soundstages are the same size. I think the 1p2 kills it. It reminds me of my TH900.

In fact, eke, you mentioned that you did a lot of listening through the iPhone. While that is a practical application, I wonder if you shortchanged your experience with 1p2. I tried briefly out of an iPhone, and things changed. The 1p2 is pretty revealing of the source, not at forgiving as the G-2.

That is my conclusion essentially. I went ahead and plugged them up to my Liquid Glass, and boy did the 1plus2 scale remarkably. Liquid vanilla smooth. The G-2 sounded intimate, almost shouty mids, and congested.

Hearing the 1p2 out of the LG prompted me to bust out my TH900. And I have to say the 1p2 definitely holds its own against it. The TH900 has more bass rumble, and lower midrange, but the highs and mids were both so clear and inviting. The 1p2 is a tad brighter making it sound very clear and spacious. And the soundstages were not even that far off from TH900 to 1p2.

I think the 1p2 likes a nice chain behind it, and I think it required well-recorded music. If it has that, then no-brainer for me, the 1p2 is clearly the best. If you listen to a lot of bright music, like I do, or use your earphone out of the iPhone alot, the G-2 is much more forgiving. I like the ASG-2. I like the way it sounds with bright music. I like that it is so forgiving. I am very sure I'll end up with one of my own. But again, same conclusion - if I had to pick one, 1p2 for sure.

I have a silver/gold cable on the way for 1p2. I'll be sure to comment on sonic and ergonomic differences when I get it.

Thanks for the further impressions, SF!

Again, can't say I agree with you. I made sure to try both out on my desktop setup (Sabre DAC + Custom commissioned desktop amp), my Clip Zip, Clip+, and Blackberry Playbook as well. The overall differences were the same. I guess one man's thin and recessed/rich, is another man's clear and inviting/congested.

As far as forgiving(ness) goes, the G2 will definitely show you the flaws in a recording, but it won't throw it in your face like the 1P2 or Flat-4 will. You'll hear the drop in quality, but not feel it.

Soundstage size was equal for me with all my binaural test tracks, and I overall view the two as being on the same technical level.

Now I'm really interested to hear what you think when the TG334 gets to you.

eke2k6 · Jun 7, 2013 at 9:11 PM

Oh, and as for the LG, I doubt most tube amps would be a match for the already warm signature of the G2.

I see the tubes having the effect of smoothing the peaks and valleys of the 1P2, but possible putting the G2 into "too warm" territory.

carlsan said:
I have to say that I did like what you wrote, it should be quoted on the front page of head-fi, makes me re-think my plans on customs.

Also I do appreciate your review of the two earphones, as I also value Eke's views. Two different reviews can often be enlightening as one often finds common traits that lead to different views, especially if both have different preferred sound tastes. Of course sources will make a big difference in sound as well, and don't rule out ear tips.... Still, good work from both comparison reviews.

I have the ASG-2's on order, really enjoyed the ASG-1's. That said, the difference of $500, for the retail non-trade ASG-2 (about $800 last I saw) and the 1plus2 (about $1300) is enough of a price difference to keep some users from jumping in. Whatever the true value of the earphones, I think that any comparison review should mention it. If one earphone outperforms the the other and is much cheaper, than that makes the earphone a terrific bargain. On the other hand, if it doesn't outperform it then maybe that should be as one would expect.

That's actually for the AS-2. The starting price for the ASG-2 is $500

SoundFreaq · Jun 7, 2013 at 10:05 PM

Quote:

gnarlsagan said:
What's less neutral about the 1plus2? Is there any iem you think is closer to the FR of the SR009? Sorry for all the questions, it's just you seem to have a lot of experience here and I value your opinion.

Oh no worries man. Glad to help as much as I can. I think the 1p2 has just a slight u-shape to it. But the upswing on the low end happens low. They are not mid-bassy, nor have a lot of lower mid bloom. And the high end is very extended and present. The 009 is a little smoother all the way across.

With a good chain behind it, I think the 1p2 is closest to the 009 in terms of signature that I have tried. But there's gobs I have not heard including the famously neutral Ety ER4.

Quote:

carlsan said:
I have to say that I did like what you wrote, it should be quoted on the front page of head-fi, makes me re-think my plans on customs.

Also I do appreciate your review of the two earphones, as I also value Eke's views. Two different reviews can often be enlightening as one often finds common traits that lead to different views, especially if both have different preferred sound tastes. Of course sources will make a big difference in sound as well, and don't rule out ear tips.... Still, good work from both comparison reviews.

Thanks. and definitely. I think that has been the case here.

Quote:

eke2k6 said:
Oh, and as for the LG, I doubt most tube amps would be a match for the already warm signature of the G2.

I see the tubes having the effect of smoothing the peaks and valleys of the 1P2, but possible putting the G2 into "too warm" territory.

I could see that, but have you heard an LG? It's quite dynamic. It can be more solid state then some solid state amps. But the tubes were of a slightly smooth vintage that could not have mated well.

eke, I see why you like the G-2, it's a fine earphone. One of the best. Tips, shape of ear canal, hearing sensitivity, and so many variables can account for the difference in opinion. I DO NOT disregard what you wrote or think you're wrong in any way. Just as I don't think I am wrong with what my ears are telling me. This is so subjective after all, and throw in so many variables with IEMs? There's no telling.

At the end of the day, they are both great. Very different, but each have their own great characteristics. For me, I prefer the 1p2, and I feel it is superior. It's nowhere near perfect, that's impossible.

But thanks to Dale and the AS team, and Gavin and the guys at Tralucent for making these new fantastic offerings that are changing the entire IEM game.

Edit: PS. The G-2 is a raging deal at $500 bones, guys. That's remarkable.

SoundFreaq · Jun 7, 2013 at 10:20 PM

Quote:

james444 said:
Great impressions! Just a short comment: from my experience, somewhat recessed mids (as compared to diffuse field reference) are quite beneficial to a 3D soundstage presentation, as they convey a more realistic feeling of distance and depth. On the other hand, too much mids presence may sound unrealistically close and impair the spatial presentation.

Thanks James. I meant to comment on this earlier and highlight that revelation. Very perceptive of you, and I think that may be the case with the 1p2.

eke2k6 · Jun 7, 2013 at 10:21 PM

Quote:

soundfreaq said:
I could see that, but have you heard an LG? It's quite dynamic. It can be more solid state then some solid state amps. But the tubes were of a slightly smooth vintage that could not have mated well.

I hope to God it's going to be at the meet on Saturday. I can't wait to see how high my HD600's ceiling is.

Quote:

soundfreaq said:
eke, I see why you like the G-2, it's a fine earphone. One of the best. Tips, shape of ear canal, hearing sensitivity, and so many variables can account for the difference in opinion. I DO NOT disregard what you wrote or think you're wrong in any way. Just as I don't think I am wrong with what my ears are telling me. This is so subjective after all, and throw in so many variables with IEMs? There's no telling.

At the end of the day, they are both great. Very different, but each have their own great characteristics. For me, I prefer the 1p2, and I feel it is superior. It's nowhere near perfect, that's impossible.

But thanks to Dale and the AS team, and Gavin and the guys at Tralucent for making these new fantastic offerings that are changing the entire IEM game.

Edit: PS. The G-2 is a raging deal at $500 bones, guys. That's remarkable.

No worries, I never thought for a second that you were disregarding my opinion. Just restating mine...sort of.

I can't wait to see what the revised cable does to ergonomics.

SoundFreaq · Jun 7, 2013 at 10:22 PM

Quote:

eke2k6 said:
I hope to God it's going to be at the meet on Saturday. I can't wait to see how high my HD600's ceiling is.

No worries, I never thought for a second that you were disregarding my opinion. Just restating mine...sort of.

I can't wait to see what the revised cable does to ergonomics.

Almost assuredly there will be an LG there. Pretty sure there was one or two from Dallas at the Austin meet.

I've heard good things about the silver/gold ergonomics Stay tuned!

eke2k6 · Jun 7, 2013 at 10:26 PM

Quote:

soundfreaq said:
Almost assuredly there will be an LG there. Pretty sure there was one or two from Dallas at the Austin meet.

I've heard good things about the silver/gold ergonomics Stay tuned!

Definitely. One should be on its way to me from Canada pretty soon.

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