Nephren, I just ordered the ASG+1 but have never listened to the SM3 v1. However, I did just return the ie800 so should be able to compare it to that for you.
I've been able to spend a little time with the ASG1+ and my initial impression is that this is an incredible pair of iems. Please understand that I do not have many reference points to compare these to so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I've only owned a pair of Shure SRH840, Sennheiser IE800, and some crappy earbuds. I don't consider myself an audiophile, but simply appreciate great sound.
As I said in my previous post, I recently returned the Sennheiser IE800 but not because I didn't like the sound. Far from it. The IE800 was shockingly clear. In fact I found myself initially being slightly confused by how it sounded because I hadn't heard anything so clear. My biggest issues with the IE800 were getting a good seal and keeping them in my ears. Also, the microphonics were absolutely terrible for me. I use them in at a desk with 3 screens and just turning my head causes all kinds of unwanted noise. The last straw was when I could hear my heartbeat during a quiet part in the middle of a song...drove me nuts. A shirt clip would have fixed part of the issue but I didn't want to always deal with it.
I listened from a US Note 4 + Fiio E18.
Sound Quality: IE800 has slightly more subbase, but I've been very surprised by how deep the ASG+1 can go. I can feel the subbass very well and doesn't overpower like sometimes the IE800 did. The ASG+1 has a warmer tone than the IE800 and I can sense it a decent amount more in the midbass region, but without sounding too thick if that makes sense. The IE800 was so incredibly clear that at times it could sound thin to me. I would say the clarity of the IE800 is better than the ASG+1 but not by much. The ASG+1 is very clear, just not quite as detailed as the IE800. Overall the IE800 probably sounds technically better but I found myself head bobbing and foot tapping more with the ASG+1. Something about the ASG+1 felt more realistic to me than the IE800, like I'm in the studio listening. Maybe some would describe it as intimate sounding?
Sound stage: I am shocked at the sound stage of the ASG+1. For $500 I was not expecting it to be better than the IE800. I would say it feels just as open if not more than the IE800, which is a big complement. Instrument separation is absolutely fantastic for an iem. There's something about the ASG+1 that makes you feel like your listening to a live show. Its a very involving feeling.
Quality: They both seem to be built very well. No complaints. I do find the case of the ASG+1 to be more practical since it is waterproof. As a side note, the ASG+1 only has a 1 year warranty which I think is silly when you spend this kind of money.
Comfort: Both are very comfortable (once the IE800 was sealed correctly) to wear. The ASG+1 was larger than I was expecting but fit very well. Microphonics are minimal on the ASG+1. I've left the ASG+1 in my ear for 4 hours without being bothered by it and haven't noticed much fatigue.
Overall I am very happy and content to have found the ASG+1, especially for under $500. I'm not sure I can say it is "better" sounding than the IE800, but it seemed to have a more natural tone to me which I liked better. If you you want every bit of detail then between these two the IE800 is probably the better choice. If you want to be more involved in the music you listen to, my opinion would be to go for the ASG+1.
As I said at the beginning, my experience is very limited with different equipment so my opinions could be somewhat imbalanced. This is my first review/comparison so my apologies if it is vague in its descriptions or lacking in cohesiveness. Hopefully it's helpful to someone!
Goofwad- I think your review is why I have kept it, even in the company of the over-3X-the-price Noble K10U! It really is an awesome IEM, price excluded. Nice review, and even though you say you don't have much experience you very nicely captured what it's like to own a pair of the 1Plus.
Its nice that you regard both these IEMs so highly.
Also, being in the hunt for an end level IEM, it also makes kind of sad that the market has pushed almost all (C)IEM companies to focus on Balanced Armatures for their TOTL creations rather than dynamic drivers. I believe that despite the level of sophistication that current TOTLs have (> 6 drivers, > 5 crossovers), a similarly developed dynamic driver based phone could be technically superior.
Hello guys. I have been using Earsonic SM3 v1 for more than 4.5 years, I feel that i need that its finaly time for an upgrade (not sidegrade). Considering that i like the SM3 signature (actually i think all IEMs should sound natural not "fun", "bassy", "analytical" and end generally coloured, I quite like what i am reading for ASG1+. Do you think that ASG+1 are an upgrade to SM3s? Some reviews on older model ASG1, stated were on par or even inferior to SME3s.
I have posted a comparison between the Dita and IE800 in the IE800 thread some time back, you might want to search my post history or go through the last few pages of the IE800 thread.
I will keep this post short as my laptop met with an unfortunate accident and I'm typing on my iPad Mini now. I have the ASG 1Plus for about a month now and I think they are very natural sounding like the IE800(vocals and instruments sound like what I hear in live performance). It is less boomy, has a more forward midrange(vocals are absolutely stellar in these!) and a less peaky treble than the IE800. The sound spectrum of the 1Plus is very balanced, which is probably why I think the 1Plus sounds fuller compared to the IE800. The soundstage is narrower but deeper resulting in a more 3D soundstage which is very pleasing to listen to. Although larger than the IE800, the fitting of the 1Plus is impeccable, it fits and stays in my ears perfectly. They are also very comfortable, I've worn them for 4-5 hours straight with no issue. The 1Plus isolates a lot better than the IE800 and has zero microphonics which makes it ideal for portable use.
Of the 3, I very much prefer the 1Plus, followed by IE800 then Dita. I think the 1Plus is very underrated, probably overshadowed by the "flagship" ASG2.5(I prefer the 1Plus to 2.5), which is a shame. Haven't heard the SD2 myself but a friend told me they are pretty close. I'm more interested in the SD4, if they are like anything like the 1Plus/SD2 with a little more bass I think they would be perfect for me. Anyway, hope this helps.
I have posted a comparison between the Dita and IE800 in the IE800 thread some time back, you might want to search my post history or go through the last few pages of the IE800 thread.
I will keep this post short as my laptop met with an unfortunate accident and I'm typing on my iPad Mini now. I have the ASG 1Plus for about a month now and I think they are very natural sounding like the IE800(vocals and instruments sound like what I hear in live performance). It is less boomy, has a more forward midrange(vocals are absolutely stellar in these!) and a less peaky treble than the IE800. The sound spectrum of the 1Plus is very balanced, which is probably why I think the 1Plus sounds fuller compared to the IE800. The soundstage is narrower but deeper resulting in a more 3D soundstage which is very pleasing to listen to. Although larger than the IE800, the fitting of the 1Plus is impeccable, it fits and stays in my ears perfectly. They are also very comfortable, I've worn them for 4-5 hours straight with no issue. The 1Plus isolates a lot better than the IE800 and has zero microphonics which makes it ideal for portable use.
Of the 3, I very much prefer the 1Plus, followed by IE800 then Dita. I think the 1Plus is very underrated, probably overshadowed by the "flagship" ASG2.5(I prefer the 1Plus to 2.5), which is a shame. Haven't heard the SD2 myself but a friend told me they are pretty close. I'm more interested in the SD4, if they are like anything like the 1Plus/SD2 with a little more bass I think they would be perfect for me. Anyway, hope this helps.
I have both the ASG2 and SD2. IMO, they ain't very close in sound signature. The SD2 is more flat and neutral and leaning more to the warmth side. Mids are nicely done and ain't as forward as the ASG2 and it isn't as engaging and lush. Treble extension wise I find the ASG2 to have better extension as well. Probably the SD2 has a deeper linear sub bass extension. Clarity wise I actually find ASG2 to reach out slightly clearer. I do find myself enjoying the ASG2 more than SD2.
I have both the ASG2 and SD2. IMO, they ain't very close in sound signature. The SD2 is more flat and neutral and leaning more to the warmth side. Mids are nicely done and ain't as forward as the ASG2 and it isn't as engaging and lush. Treble extension wise I find the ASG2 to have better extension as well. Probably the SD2 has a deeper linear sub bass extension. Clarity wise I actually find ASG2 to reach out slightly clearer. I do find myself enjoying the ASG2 more than SD2.
Sorry if I wasn't clear, I meant the SD2 sound like the 1Plus according to my friend. I have no love for the ASG2, all I can remember hearing is the bass, they have waaay too much bass. 1Plus is my favourite out of Aurisonics' lineup.
Sorry if I wasn't clear, I meant the SD2 sound like the 1Plus according to my friend. I have no love for the ASG2, all I can remember hearing is the bass, they have waaay too much bass. 1Plus is my favourite out of Aurisonics' lineup.
Sorry if I wasn't clear, I meant the SD2 sound like the 1Plus according to my friend. I have no love for the ASG2, all I can remember hearing is the bass, they have waaay too much bass. 1Plus is my favourite out of Aurisonics' lineup.
I see, that really doesn't sound like the 1Plus at all. I must say I'm a little surprised, granted I haven't heard them personally, but InEar(especially the SD2) seems to be gathering glowing reviews everywhere. Have you, by any chance, heard the SD4? Wonder how they stack up against the 1Plus.
I am also in search for a good player. Does anyone got experience with Fiio X1 pairing? Will the X1 have sufficient power to drive the 1+ up to high volume levels without distortion?
Please note that i belong to the "sceptics" (or non believers) as regards audio quality gains from high specification, expensive DAP's. So for me, the deciding factor for a DAP is amping ability (to a lesser extent) ease of use.
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