Hybrids to the rescue, again!
(Or at least imitation hybrids...)
(Or at least imitation hybrids...)
Thanks project86. Hey ericp10, did you ever try the imitation Sony hybrid tips from your beloved GR07?
http://springtree.net/catalog/aurisonics-asg1-generic-fit-digital-hybrid-inear-monitor-p-8439.html and click on email quote. They are much less than you think.
Is their website the only place to buy these?
I didn't find them on Amazon
Indeed. I use the TS-400s with my FXT90s with excellent results, which are even better when reversed. I've been keeping a close eye for sales of TS-500s since pulling the trigger on the ASG-1.
I've been keeping up with this thread but haven't had much to contribute until now. I had a bit of a "breakthrough" with the ASG-1 yesterday. I had been pretty satisfied with the sound and fit while using a dual flange tip, but I figured it couldn't hurt to try some others. After a few mediocre results, I ended up finding my perfect match.
Unfortunately I don't know where these tips came from. I keep all spare tips in a collection together and I can't recall when these were added. They look like the medium Sony hybrids with the green inner section, but I know they aren't from a real Sony product. Anyways, these were the missing link I needed to get great sound and great comfort from the ASG-1.
I was listening to Illinoise by Sufjan Stevens (a perfect example of music sounding great despite using very low budget recording equipment) and the ASG-1 sounded up there with some of the better customs I've encountered. This album is full of unique sounds, from wind chimes to wine glasses used as instruments, and some interestingly complex arrangements. The ASG-1 gave it a "live" feeling, had plenty of low end extension, and did the voice just right. The only thing that I didn't care for was a bit of a "ringing" type feel on some of the upper mids, though it wasn't too objectionable. I'm hearing them generally the same as ericp10 is.
I've decided to close up the adjustments on my AS-1b and focus on the similarities/differences between the custom and the universal. I think that is more relevant to the discussion at the moment, rather than trying to "figure out" all the variations of the AS-1b. So far I believe they are pretty close in general sound quality. The main difference I'm hearing is the low frequency reproduction - through bone conduction or possibly just a superior seal, the AS-1b seems more effortless and lifelike when reproducing lows. Not that the volume is much different, but the quality is just better. I also hear a bit more in terms of layering and instrument separation. Basically it is the same sound, just further refined. Without taking the venting and bass adjustment options into consideration, I would say the extra $100 jump in price from ASG-1 to AS-1 is worth it. Especially considering the free impression kit which allows you to avoid audiologist fees. That said, I'm very glad Aurisonics offers the universal version , as there are plenty of benefits to going that route.
Glad we are finding similar results @ project86. It amazes me, but this is the first time I can say I think a universal will surpass a custom. if I'm going to be honest, the ASG-1 is definitely neck and neck with my 1964-Q, and could possibly surpass it in enjoyment factor for me with burn-in. That's how good these IEMs are to me.
I know many head-fiers trust your word more than mine @ project86 (especially since you have far more customs listening experience than I do. I've only heard one custom at this point). So it's nice to know I'm not the only one hearing how great these universals are in the head-fi community..
In the end, you are simply pointing out how things sound to you. So I don't know why people tend to disagree and get all bent out of shape. If I hear them one way, and you hear them another, then which of us is objectively right and which is wrong? Neither of course! We just hear them differently. Though in this case, we agree, so that makes it easier.
I too feel that the ASG-1 is treading on entry level custom territory. But that isn't too strange, because it's more like a custom pretending to be a universal.
My replacement is out for delivery today. Hopefully I'll be drinking the koolaid tonight.