Quick comparison of HA-FX850 with ASG-2, now that my otitis has gone:
Set-up:
- ASG-2 with stock cable, about 1 year of HEAVY use, and MEELEC clear monoflange tips, XL size to fit my huge ear canals.
- HA-FX850 with stock cable, about 140 hours of burn-in (thanks to my otitis, they had plenty of time for burn-in). Same tips, to minimize variations (see pictures below to appreciate the shape/size of these MUSHROOMS).
- A&K AK120 player with EQ deactivated, which has always been a great match with the ASG-2.
- Music: a nice mix of rock, progressive rock, progressive metal with male/female voices (Stream of Passion, The Reasoning, Marillion, and a bit of Supertramp and Pink Floyd to focus on details)
Results:
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Overall clarity: very good for both IEMs, I would say top of the range for dynamic drivers. I thought I could hear a bit more treble details on some songs for the HA-FX850, but it may be my ears still being a bit sensitive to treble after my otitis.
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Instrument separation: again, very resolving IEMs, I couldn't really tell a difference when trying to isolate an instrument.
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Soundstage: there is where there is FINALLY a difference between ASG-2 and HA-FX850. To make it simple, the ASG-2 makes you feel like you're in a nice music bar with a band (which is usually my preference over the huge soundstage of IE-800 for example). The HA-FX850 takes you one step closer, like you're in the same room as the band, with the singer 2 meters from you). Basically, the HA-FX850 have an intimate soundstage similar to Shure SE535SE (the Red ones), although their signatures are largely different of course.
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Balance: well, even with the bass port close, ASG-2 were always quite heavy on the bass, although overall they would still seem pretty flat
for my taste, with good mids and nice treble without sibilance. ASG-2 were my first IEMS where I did not use the equalizer at all. HA-FX850 continue with this trend, with a warm signature but not V-shaped like HA-FX700 were, with mids forward enough to make the overall balance natural.
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Bass: plenty for both IEMs but they still feel different. Bass on the ASG-2 is a beast barely contained (high ipact, but not much bleed into the mids) thanks to the huge driver (and don't you dare opening that bass port!). Bass with the HA-FX850 is equally impressive but with a faster decay making it more controlled. Nice progress over the HA-FX700.
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Medium: warm and nicely present on both IEMs. Voices feel a bit closer on HA-FX850 although the clarity is remarkable for both IEMs. JVC has gone a long way from HA-FX700 where clarity was already awesome but where the lower part of the midrange was largely hidden behind the bleeding bass.
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Treble: mellow and relaxed on the ASG-2 (no sibilence, unlike the shrieking ASG-1), so easy to listen. Treble on the HA-FX850 has faster decay, like the bass, making it sound more lively, but it's far from being harsh or dry.
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Confort: ASG-2 fit my ears like a hand in a glove, I tend to forget them fast. HA-FX850 are heavier, they stick out of the ear a bit more and I had to fiddle to get a proper seal, not to deep, not too shallow. Once it's in place though, they're confortable. But I wouldn't imagine doing sport with the JVCs, while it's an awesome experience to do sport with ASG-2.
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Build quality: good for ASG-2, although I have to send them back after one year because the left connection starts to cause problems, the Epic cable is excellent. HA-FX850 look like a luxury item, the finish is impeccable although they're made in China, unlike their predecessor the HA-FX700 (made in Japan). The cable is very good , with sturdy connectors and not much memory. Too bad it's difficult to use replacement cables for Shures on the HA-FX850, since they often come with over-the-ear guidewires. The HA-FX850 are not easily worn over the ear.
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Noise isolation: average for both IEMs, partially due to the monoflange I used. it would get better with dual or triple flange tips, but these are too small for my ear canals even in L size. Also, I tend not to like longer tips because they make IEMs sound less natural.
Conclusion: for people who like warm signature with rich bass and forward vocals, JVC has done an awesome job with the HA-FX850. For half the price of ASG-2, you get IEMS with a signature which is pretty close, with a bit more tightness in the bass and treble, and a more intimate soundstage. They feel a bit heavy for sports (due to their high quality build and long shape).
Warning: fans of multi-BA IEMs with uber clarity and analytical sound should stay away from these, same thing for people who appreciate cathedral-like soundstages (IE-800...).
