[REVIEW] Aurisonics ASG-2 & 2.5 (with many comparisons)

[vwinter]

Man, while I respect your opinion, Unity, I disagree pretty much across the board. I don't find the bass flabby at all-- I find it full, but impactful and lithe as any IEM I've ever heard. And as far as the 'imperfections' in the build, I understand wanting everything to be perfect-- I do too! But then again, we're talking about a $650 IEM that truly competes with $1k+ IEMs, and has better overall ergonomics to boot.

Do I think there are things they can do better? Sure! The case needs to be about 1/3 of an inch or so taller, there is an incredibly minor imperfection in mine that has no impact on anything, and I think they could be a bit more aesthetically pleasing. But none of these have anything to do with the sound that they produce, which I find to be an excellent balance between unbelievable technical prowess and a fun/lively sound that engages the listener. 

It's absolutely okay not to like something others like-- I don't like the HD650 even a little bit, and I thought the Signature DJ just wasn't good at nearly anything that I value, and a lot of people disagree with me on those points. Eke may be right, these might just not be the best fit for ya. No worries, they're at a point now where they still aren't caught up with demand (AFAIK), and somebody would probably jump at the opportunity to take these off your hands without an extended waiting period. 

In my opinion, I prefer any audio equipment I have that isn't "cost no object" (=all of it) to make compromises that affect things other than the listening experience, and I think the ASG-2 does an exceptional job with that. They nail clarity, bass impact, engagement, etc, while also getting a reasonable fit and a great cable. They could make some improvements to the accessories and whatnots that accompany the IEM, but the point is that they kicked @ss when they needed to and understood where to make intelligent compromises-- and as a result we have a world-class IEM for less than the IE800, K3003, 1plus2, etc etc. 

I hope this comes across as intended-- not as a confrontation to Unity, or to say "you're wrong" in any way, but simply to offer an opposing POV in a respectful way. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do, and I have a sneaking suspicion those will make someone very happy at some point-- whether it's you down the road, or someone else altogether. Or maybe I just like happy endings too much... My Asian masseuse would certain agree with that. 

@bolded: I love the quality of the case, but YES!

Good post btw. I can definitely see how these would not be for everyone and they definitely have their own issues, just like anything else.

 

[kkcc]

Thanks for the impressions, kkcc.
 
I'm starting to notice a wide variation in the impressions here, from vwinter's, to unity's, to mine, to kkcc's.

 
Thanks Eke. I think the differing opinions actually reflected more to different owner's music perference and what qualities are important to them, as well as their experience with other IEMs.

For those who don't listent to classical or music without much acoustic instrument and isn't performed on a large scale, many of the shortcomings I pointed out won't bother one bit. For these owners, it doesn't make sense to pay more for a more complete offering such as the 1plus2 as they don't need the qualities that isn't important to them.

On the contrary, I can also understand people who needs these qualities and hated the ASG-2 as it fail to deliver those qualities for them. I don't think Dale was even trying to put out a safe and all rounded sounding IEM. It has strong character and is a dream came true for tracks/genre that it had been voiced for, while it is lackluster for others. Another IEM that I own that is facing similar dilemma albeit in the opposite spectrum is the Hifiman RE-600. It is absolutely stunning for all types of classical, and live vocal performances, live jazz etc. but many would be underwhelmed by how blend it sounded for pop or trance etc.


For me personally, it achieved what I set out to achieve with it - a bling and fun IEM. Think of it as a Skulkcandy or Beats done right. Wish it would be less pricy for the black chrome option but it IS sexy. It is far from the technical competency and completeness of the likes of 1plus2 and 334 accounting for all types of music, but you cannot find a pair of more fun and sexy looking UIEM than my chrome asg-2. It is a perfect replacement for my H-200.

 

[kkcc]

Nice impressions kkcc!

I
Also, violins? Really? Boo lol.

The more high end an IEM is the more I try to find faults, oddly. So I like what you chose to do here. Good job!

Hope to hear more if you take any more listening notes.

 
Hey even tho I'm just an amateur and never did justice to the instrument, I do have 20+ years of experience with the violin and to me it is the king of all instrument!!! Was listening to one of my favorite Tchaikovsky violin concerto in D performances by Heifetz with the ASG-2, and the violin sounded all wrong. None of the smooth and organic reasonanace of the fine gut strings are there anymore.

I think there are still much room for my asg2 to open up and the treble should become more refined with running them in. Will definitely continue to spend time with it and update the thread.

 

[eke2k6]

Quote:

 
Thanks Eke. I think the differing opinions actually reflected more to different owner's music perference and what qualities are important to them, as well as their experience with other IEMs.

For those who don't listent to classical or music without much acoustic instrument and isn't performed on a large scale, many of the shortcomings I pointed out won't bother one bit. For these owners, it doesn't make sense to pay more for a more complete offering such as the 1plus2 as they don't need the qualities that isn't important to them.
 

 
But that's the thing. I love it with classical and acoustic stuff, which is why I find your impressions so strange. I actually preferred it over my HD600 for classical, which is why I wasn't so devastated when my apartment was broken into and they stole the HD600 and Asgard.
 
The soundstage is also far from flat, and boasts the best height I've heard, and it's up there in depth. Refinement is also top class, though it's somewhat dry and not lush.
 
Still, I can't belittle your impressions. All I can say is to keep trying to find the right fit. The comment about the treble strikes me as strange, especially when unity, who isn't in love with the g2, found it to be non-fatiguing and smooth.

 

[kkcc]

 
Dear kkcc, good post. I am curious. How would you rank the IEMS you've owned/listened to? I am curious to where the ASG2 ranks to your ears!

 
I rather not rank those I don't actually own long enough as we all know how reliable our sonic memories are... Amongst the ones I currently still own, below are the "tiers" of my personal preference (all with the stock cables) for the blend of music I usually listened to.:

334/1plus2
RE600
ASG2/W4R
ER4S/RE400/TPEOS H-200
XBA4ip
ADDIEM


* being in the same "tier" does not mean they are similar but rather I appreciate them to similar extend for maybe the same or different reasons.

 

[Eugguy]

I rather not rank those I don't actually own long enough as we all know how reliable our sonic memories are... Amongst the ones I currently still own, below are the "tiers" of my personal preference (all with the stock cables) for the blend of music I usually listened to.:


334/1plus2

RE600

ASG2/W4R

ER4S/RE400/TPEOS H-200

XBA4ip

ADDIEM



* being in the same "tier" does not mean they are similar but rather I appreciate them to similar extend for maybe the same or different reasons.

Thanks kkcc. So you appreciate the ASG2 and the W4 similarly, interesting. 20+ years on the violin is nice! I myself have close to 15 years down.

 

[Bluebear]

My ASG-2 finally arrived.
 
 
Seems to come with the standard accessories: 

 
 
If you are wondering what is that yellow cable, it is the Aoede reference 6N OCC Silver/Gold earphone cable from Null Audio Studio.

 
 
Putting everything together (ASG-2, silver/gold cable, iPod Nano, solid silver-core interconnect and HeadAmp Pico Slim): 

 
 
ASG-2 with my old Sony EX-1000 side-by-side: 

 
 
 
My bass port is currently opened at 1/4 of the 1st notch from the closed position and I find it to be the most matching sound signature to EX-1000. Initial sound impression of ASG-2 using just the provided stock cable is definitely much cleaner and wider than my single dynamic driver EX-1000 (obviously). I haven't have time to burn-in the ASG-2 and the OCC silver/gold cable so I can't give more concrete impression at this time, but I can say for sure I like ASG-2 more than EX-1000 so far.

EDIT: And I find that the ASG-2 is much easier to drive than EX-1000 with my current portable rig. ASG-2's impedence is rated at 34 ohm @ 1kHz and EX-1000's is rated at 32 ohm @ 1kHz. However, I find that I actually have to turn down the volume knob on my Pico Slim when I A-B switch from EX-1000 to ASG-2 because the same volume knob position for EX-1000 was too loud on the ASG-2. So any DAP that can drive the EX-1000 should be able to drive ASG-2 with ease.

 

[UnityIsPower]

Just out of curiosity how much burn in do you have? I recall when I first got mine, I fiddled with the bass port and noticed that they only made the sound bloaty and uncontrolled. Now, it actually makes an entire tonal difference. Then again I never take it past .75 open now.

Don't know how I feel about burn in but provably about 7hs

I've never heard the gr07, but what exactly about the bass response don't you like? Have you tried many different tips?

In regards to GR07's right? I enjoy the bass response and its balance with the other frequencies. I simply wondered what improvements could be had in iem's for a higher price. Also, the ASG got my attention because of the port. I wanted more quantity for the occasional dubstep track or what have you. I would still prefer less bass quantity then GR07's to the ASG 2's bloat tho. Wonder how tighter bass then GR07's sounds like, blah blah.... <-thought process

I gotta say though I find it surprising that the poor pain job got through their QC.

I agree

I personally take slight issue with the highs, and quite like the bass with the ports at ~.2 of the way past closed and the first notch. Literally as little as I can while still perceiving a difference. With larger tips than I usually use and a shallow insertion, I'm finding them much more polite and tighter.

Hmmm, read further*

You know, the ASG-2 may very well not be for you.

Sad face my friend

I'm hard pressed to find anyone else who thinks the G2's bass is "flabby" or "crappy".

Maybe something is wrong with my pair? It appears they went through 3 checks and my finish still came as it did after all...

I don't think you'll have much trouble selling your pair. The buyer may not even care about the imperfections you described.

How about after what I said above? LOL.

Fwiw I agree with Unity about the bass. I prefer the GR07's bass.

Take that ME1

No you don't

You found the GR07 to be far too bassy as well, especially after you got the Etys.

And you like Etys, so you don't coun't.

kidding


I guess I understand where he's coming from. I think he's more soured about the money he spent vs what he got in return over the GR07, which is a great performer on its own. Good thing he didn't spring for the 334.

That is for sure a factor

Man, while I respect your opinion, Unity, I disagree pretty much across the board. I don't find the bass flabby at all-- I find it full, but impactful and lithe as any IEM I've ever heard. And as far as the 'imperfections' in the build, I understand wanting everything to be perfect-- I do too! But then again, we're talking about a $650 IEM that truly competes with $1k+ IEMs, and has better overall ergonomics to boot.

Should I really not be bothered enough about the finish I received to post it and be dissatisfied?That doesn't sound right to me. I ignore this now and little by little I start letting too much stuff go. Before I know it, I start talking about the amazing value a iem with no cable and tips is...

Do I think there are things they can do better? Sure! The case needs to be about 1/3 of an inch or so taller, there is an incredibly minor imperfection in mine that has no impact on anything, and I think they could be a bit more aesthetically pleasing. But none of these have anything to do with the sound that they produce, which I find to be an excellent balance between unbelievable technical prowess and a fun/lively sound that engages the listener.

It had an impact on my wallet. A $100 aesthetic option type impact that I'm judging for its.... aesthetics

It's absolutely okay not to like something others like-- I don't like the HD650 even a little bit, and I thought the Signature DJ just wasn't good at nearly anything that I value, and a lot of people disagree with me on those points. Eke may be right, these might just not be the best fit for ya. No worries, they're at a point now where they still aren't caught up with demand (AFAIK), and somebody would probably jump at the opportunity to take these off your hands without an extended waiting period.

In my opinion, I prefer any audio equipment I have that isn't "cost no object" (=all of it) to make compromises that affect things other than the listening experience, and I think the ASG-2 does an exceptional job with that. They nail clarity, bass impact, engagement, etc, while also getting a reasonable fit and a great cable. They could make some improvements to the accessories and whatnots that accompany the IEM, but the point is that they kicked @ss when they needed to and understood where to make intelligent compromises-- and as a result we have a world-class IEM for less than the IE800, K3003, 1plus2, etc etc.

I feel the GR07's are a intelligent compromise.$150 vs $550($650).. Hmmm

I hope this comes across as intended-- not as a confrontation to Unity, or to say "you're wrong" in any way, but simply to offer an opposing POV in a respectful way. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do, and I have a sneaking suspicion those will make someone very happy at some point-- whether it's you down the road, or someone else altogether. Or maybe I just like happy endings too much... My Asian masseuse would certain agree with that.

If I'm wrong, I want to know. You didn't come across bad mate.

I find talk on personal preference odd at times;

"You know what, I really enjoy my sportbike with completely flat tires, it really brings out the handling during curves" "Well, I disagree with you but I understand that's just your personal preference, what bike you buying this week?"

^does that make sense cuz it's working out in my head but I can't seem to articulate it. And don't think I don't question my own "personal preference".

Lol its close, but even though the GR07 is too bassy for me, it has more of the right bass imo. A better sub-bass to mid-bass ratio. But I think I'd take the mids of the ASG-2. To me I honestly put them in a similar performance bracket, with the ASG-2 ahead in some key areas.

Agree. Mumbles to self wile playing sad tiny violin.

Edit: I should add that I think the ASG-2 has a ton of potential, and if certain changes are made I think it could be much much better than the GR07.

But that's the thing. I love it with classical and acoustic stuff, which is why I find your impressions so strange. I actually preferred it over my HD600 for classical, which is why I wasn't so devastated when my apartment was broken into and they stole the HD600 and Asgard.

The soundstage is also far from flat, and boasts the best height I've heard, and it's up there in depth. Refinement is also top class, though it's somewhat dry and not lush.

Still, I can't belittle your impressions. All I can say is to keep trying to find the right fit. The comment about the treble strikes me as strange, especially when unity, who isn't in love with the g2, found it to be non-fatiguing and smooth.

*Do you think my lower then avg listening volume is masking the issue?

Honestly, the other frequencies could be all over the place but my limited knowledge/experience causes me to only notice issues w/ the bass.

 

[Gintaras]

kkcc, thanks for posting your experience, was very interesting and fairly neutral and well written. i still wait to audition ASG2 somewhere in August, if James is kind enough :-D
otherwise very interesting review and findings.
 
but when you say ASG2 is a replacement for H200 are you serious? A 650$ replacement for 250$ IEM, you must be kidding mate. Perhaps you meant UPGRADE, not replacement.

 

[shotgunshane]

I thought I'd share my 'Equalizer' settings on the iPhone for the ASG-2. I think it adds clarity to the upper mids in spades and improves transparency. Vocals sound great.

8k, -3db, Q=4
4,500, +5db, Q=1.2
2k, +3db, Q=1.2
1k, -3db, Q=1.5
30hz, +4db, Q=1

By the time Rin's measurements come out, I will have long passed the G-2 on but I'm sure they would help fine tune it.

Edit: I should add I have the bass valve as close to closed as possible, without actually being closed.

 

[Theogenes]

@Unity: reasonable points, man. Have you talked with Andy about possible exchanging them for another pair, or having them fixed/corrected? 
 
And regarding the GR07 vs G-2 price/performance ratio, I've found that everybody has a different impression on where the best spot is on the rising slope of diminishing returns. The G-2 is a little higher up the line, but I still find it to offer better value for the money than a JH13FP, etc. I don't doubt the GR07 is a good value though... I considered picking up a pair myself for a while . 
 
Anyway man, hope everything works out for you!! 

 

[tinyman392]

My ASG-2 finally arrived.


Seems to come with the standard accessories: 




If you are wondering what is that yellow cable, it is the Aoede reference 6N OCC Silver/Gold earphone cable from Null Audio Studio.





Putting everything together (ASG-2, silver/gold cable, iPod Nano, solid silver-core interconnect and HeadAmp Pico Slim): 




ASG-2 with my old Sony EX-1000 side-by-side: 





My bass port is currently opened at 1/4 of the 1st notch from the closed position and I find it to be the most matching sound signature to EX-1000. Initial sound impression of ASG-2 using just the provided stock cable is definitely much cleaner and wider than my single dynamic driver EX-1000 (obviously). I haven't have time to burn-in the ASG-2 and the OCC silver/gold cable so I can't give more concrete impression at this time, but I can say for sure I like ASG-2 more than EX-1000 so far.


EDIT: And I find that the ASG-2 is much easier to drive than EX-1000 with my current portable rig. ASG-2's impedence is rated at 34 ohm @ 1kHz and EX-1000's is rated at 32 ohm @ 1kHz. However, I find that I actually have to turn down the volume knob on my Pico Slim when I A-B switch from EX-1000 to ASG-2 because the same volume knob position for EX-1000 was too loud on the ASG-2. So any DAP that can drive the EX-1000 should be able to drive ASG-2 with ease.

Sensitivity deals with loudness, not just impedance. Also, you swapped to a silver cable which will provide less resistance to a copper cable on the Sony.

 

[james444]

Quote:

Woah is that actual in-ear measurement? As in the sound actually hitting different eardrums varies that much among people listening to the same headphones? If so that is some great info. I've suspected that people hear mids differently for a while. Also could a measurement like this be used to extrapolate a personal HRTF?

Quote:

Out of curiosity, is there a device that does this objective measurement or are we talking trained listeners?

 
Yep, actual in-ear measurement with a compact probe mike. And of course you can extrapolate a personal compensation curve from it.
 
Btw, that particular phone was still rated as having excellent consistency across subjects, since it showed only little variation below 1 kHz and above 6 kHz. Such is the power of statistics, but anyone who's ever used EQ knows what a >10db difference in the midrange really means. 

 
Bottom line, whenever we're talking about "correctness" with target curves in mind, let's not forget about their statistically derived nature. No one I know would question why their 90 year old neighbor's still alive, based on the fact that (average) male life expectancy is only 80. Yet quite comparable absurdities seem to be much loved among audiophiles and get discussed with great enthusiasm every day. 

 
(@Eke, sorry for OT)

 

[eke2k6]

(@Eke, sorry for OT)

No, I wish you'd post this in as many threads as the accuracy missionaries do.

 

[Bluebear]

Quote:

Initial sound impression of ASG-2 using just the provided stock cable is definitely much cleaner and wider than my single dynamic driver EX-1000 (obviously). I haven't have time to burn-in the ASG-2 and the OCC silver/gold cable so I can't give more concrete impression at this time, but I can say for sure I like ASG-2 more than EX-1000 so far.

EDIT: And I find that the ASG-2 is much easier to drive than EX-1000 with my current portable rig. ASG-2's impedence is rated at 34 ohm @ 1kHz and EX-1000's is rated at 32 ohm @ 1kHz. However, I find that I actually have to turn down the volume knob on my Pico Slim when I A-B switch from EX-1000 to ASG-2 because the same volume knob position for EX-1000 was too loud on the ASG-2. So any DAP that can drive the EX-1000 should be able to drive ASG-2 with ease.

 
Quote:

Sensitivity deals with loudness, not just impedance. Also, you swapped to a silver cable which will provide less resistance to a copper cable on the Sony.

 

No, I was only A-B switch listening between EX-1000 and ASG-2 for initial impression using the stock cables. No silver cable was involved. The change in resistance from copper to silver cable is not that substantial enough to affect such a drastic effect like volume loudness. Besides, I think the improvement in sound quality from the lower resistance of a silver cable is not really detectable by many people, so the effect on volume should not be that much going by the same argument. In fact, the volume knob on my Pico Slim was around 70-80% for EX-1000 and I had to turn it down to like 50% for a more comparable listening level.