[REVIEW]: Aurisonics AS-1b (ver1.2) Custom-fit Dynamic Driver In-Ear Stage Monitor

[PsiCore]

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No guarantees for the one after 2 though.

Sorry, did I understand this correctly - I get now warranty for the AS-2 after the upgrade?
 
And what about the comfort ring? Does it increase the isolation? Is it... well... comfortable?

 

[tdshain]

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Sorry, did I understand this correctly - I get now warranty for the AS-2 after the upgrade?
 
And what about the comfort ring? Does it increase the isolation? Is it... well... comfortable?

I believe he meant that their is no guarantee that you will be able to upgrade to future products beyond the AS-2

 

[penguinicus]

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And what about the comfort ring? Does it increase the isolation? Is it... well... comfortable?

 
 
Yes, this looks very interesting.  Is there any noticeable difference in comfort/seal vs a normal tip?

 

[Kunlun]

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Yes, this looks very interesting.  Is there any noticeable difference in comfort/seal vs a normal tip?

Well, it's custom fit versus a normal tip, so yes there is a big difference in how easy it is to get a good seal and I like the comfort better with a perfect fitting custom versus an eartip. A custom fits much more securely as well. I'm a fan of custom fit, though.
 
Dale is moving to a semi-soft coating over the nozzle which enters the ear canal for his custom-fit iems for superior seal and comfort. I'll update my review once I get a chance to see it for myself.

 

[Kunlun]

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I believe he meant that their is no guarantee that you will be able to upgrade to future products beyond the AS-2

Yes, I believe this is correct. I'm sure there is some limited warranty after upgrade as well, but Dale answer that. Remember, the AS-2 isn't out yet officially, so we're talking about something that can happen in the near future.

 

[PsiCore]

I'm wondering, since the AS-1 is still "evolving" (Kunlun reviewed the ver. 1.2), what's the point of ordering it? In a month there can be already a ver. 1.3. Will I get then a free upgrade? Or will I have to stay with the "worse" version?

 

[Kunlun]

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I'm wondering, since the AS-1 is still "evolving" (Kunlun reviewed the ver. 1.2), what's the point of ordering it? In a month there can be already a ver. 1.3. Will I get then a free upgrade? Or will I have to stay with the "worse" version?

 
People with the initial version of the ASG-1 were able to upgrade to the ver 1.2 for a small fee and I'm sure that's going to be available for improvements that come along for Aurisonics products.
 
The fact that Dale is improving his products is a very good sign, not something to be concerned about. Look at how other companies leave a product untouched for 4 years and leave the price the same while other companies put out better things for less (thinking of the $700 JH7 as an example). You're welcome to go with a company that doesn't improve their products, if you like. For me, it's completely awesome that Dale is improving things and the AS-1b is already a nice custom, not something worse as you put it.

Put it this way: In ten years there will be better earphones than there are now, but no one is suggesting to wait 10 years!

 

[PsiCore]

I know it's a good sign, but still it somehow let me thinking, that I get an unfinished product. Furthermore, I live in Europe, so shipping to the US for upgrades generates additional costs. But hey, it's just me

 

[Kunlun]

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I know it's a good sign, but still it somehow let me thinking, that I get an unfinished product. Furthermore, I live in Europe, so shipping to the US for upgrades generates additional costs. But hey, it's just me

Name a product that couldn't be improved and we'll talk

 
The difference here is that Dale is doing it.

 

[PsiCore]

Everything can be improved - that's the beauty/curse of upgraditis
 
Usually all upgrades are reserved for the next generation of the product (i.e. AS-2, AS-3), so people like me can sleep calm without thinking that in a month there's a newer version of my CIEMs.
 
That's great, that Dale's improving his product, but there are advantages as well as disadvantages of such service.

 

[tdshain]

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Everything can be improved - that's the beauty/curse of upgraditis
 
Usually all upgrades are reserved for the next generation of the product (i.e. AS-2, AS-3), so people like me can sleep calm without thinking that in a month there's a newer version of my CIEMs.
 
That's great, that Dale's improving his product, but there are advantages as well as disadvantages of such service.

Can't see any disadvantage to constantly striving for perfection. I would imagine that as long as Dale is rolling out updates, you can expect to be able to get them for a small upgrade fee.  That's a much better deal than paying for a new pair of headphones. I can sleep calmly knowing that Aurisonics puts the customer first.

 

[tinyman392]

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Can't see any disadvantage to constantly striving for perfection. I would imagine that as long as Dale is rolling out updates, you can expect to be able to get them for a small upgrade fee.  That's a much better deal than paying for a new pair of headphones. I can sleep calmly knowing that Aurisonics puts the customer first.

 
There is one...  Reviews go out of date quite quickly...  So older reviews are unreliable for the product when it comes to certain aspects.  Otherwise, it's a great thing to keep striving for perfection. 

 

[eke2k6]

Either way, I guarantee that the rev 1.2 is the final change to the AS-1 series. Rev 1.1 was just a temporary stepping stone to get to 1.2.
 
I'd personally suggest you wait for the AS-2 series though.

 

[kenman345]

I want to second that last statement, but also keep in mind if you want what the ASG-1's offer and don't want to spend the cash for something a lot better, or just feel you don't need something better, the ASG-1's are a good choice, and as I've heard from Dale, the upgrade price shouldn't (don't quote me on this, I don't have control over the pricing) be too much more than the straight out price you would've paid for the ASG-2's, when you account for the initial pricing of getting the ASG-1's. 
 
From my talks with Dale, the AS-2 and AS-1 series are separate. I've honestly been considering getting myself a pair of AS-1's to have in the collection because of how much I have heard they are different.
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Either way, I guarantee that the rev 1.2 is the final change to the AS-1 series. Rev 1.1 was just a temporary stepping stone to get to 1.2.
 
I'd personally suggest you wait for the AS-2 series though.

BTW, I'm pretty sure most every headphone has gone through changes in its lifetime/manufacturing processes have changed. Only headphones I can think of that seem to have no reported changes over a long time span would be the Koss PortaPro's, which have been around and unchanged since the 80's I believe
 
EDIT: To help make my point, here's a quote from a post made by "Aurisonics" on the forums.
 
 

[size=medium]But please note that the upgrade will not be for everyone. The AS-1 series has a unique sound signature and one that you can grow to Love. The AS-2 will be a little different sounding with a more subtle midrange push and a bit more air on the top end while maintaining the rich lows.[/size]

 

[tdshain]

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Either way, I guarantee that the rev 1.2 is the final change to the AS-1 series. Rev 1.1 was just a temporary stepping stone to get to 1.2.
 
I'd personally suggest you wait for the AS-2 series though.

I can't say anything for certain, but from the information I've gathered it seems likely that the AS-2 series are tuned for audiophiles while the 1 series is for musicians. That best explains the treble being tuned down on the 1 series, to prevent fatigue for performers. Everyone who has heard the 2 series said that issues people had with the treble have been addressed.
 
2+2=?
 
Only time will tell for certain, so I agree with eke2k6 that it's a good idea to wait.