[Gintaras]

sorry for the second post in a row but i would like to keep it separated.
 
right now i finished listen to some tracks from Chicago movie soundtrack swapping and comparing ASG2, T-Peos H200 and RDB+v1.
 
want to know the outcome?
 
Bad news: all three IEMs rather failed this test.
Good news: ASG2 came well ahead of the others in this test
Still Good news: H200 was wrestling well before coming down
Not so good: my beloved V1 nosedived crashed down making my poor ears ache, i even had to switch off RWAK and T1 to take a tea pause
 
in more detail:
 
ASG2 - as expected superb mid tones handling showed off, voices were sounding rich, tonally correct and live like. drums palpation, timeliness, decay was real good, overall layering was good and stage was believable. instrument separation was good but not best, some air was missing in lower bass and voices sounded too close and sometimes abusive causing slight fatigue but nothing major to worry about. Stage size remained small but depth was good and believable, black space remained black enough although upper registers suffered a bit. ASG2 managed to preserve coherency and naturalness of the performance but struggled quite a bit in complex passages and transients. Overall the result was good but not great at all.
 
H200 - despite very good mids voices did not project full which result in wash out and flatten of vocal presentation, especially female voices were affected, Catherine Zeta Jones became flatter and thinner, i missed some fine tonality in her voice, vocals seemed slightly more distant and slightly less believable, bass extension was good but not great, bass attack factor became a bit missing and overly warm removing some immediacy and air. trebles remained well extended, actually better on H200 but i could not resist hearing some metallic tint to them bringing even more fatigue compared to ASG2. stage remained larger in comparison but became more 2D with back vocals sometimes getting ahead of lead vocal which puzzled me. Something was really missing on H200 in conveying the musical picture, coherency was lacking a bit and naturalness  took back seat. Overall H200 missed some bits here and there, it was Ok but only small Ok and with big reservations.
 
RDB+v1 - surprisingly my beloved V1 which does so well in C3+BH combination this time completely flunked the test. i do not know if RWAK does not like V1 but i often find V1 sounding better on C3 than RWAK. for what is worth V1 brought me headache after a few minutes of listen. voices sounded thinned and clinical, trebles became spicy hot and overimposed themselves across the entire music. the whole experience sounded like a badly fried omelette, forgive me V1, i tried to love you so much but in this test you failed it completely. simply makes no sense discussing particulars because the whole experience was dead wrong and hardly enjoyable.
 
songs from OST Chicago used in this test (FLAC 24/96):
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[music_4321]

Gintaras, I'd very much appreciate it if you didn't use the word "coherency" in your posts—have noticed you've been doing so recently. You see, anything related to "coherency" brings back very, very painful K3003 childhood memories. I was much happier when you used words such as "analogue" and "vinyl" in your posts. Stop the pain, please.

 

[Gintaras]

Music, coherency has nothing to do with graphs or neutrality for me ... rather PRAT and stage layering.
 
but Ok, i will then if you ask, i am not so proficient in HeadFi terminology, so take coherency for PRAT and layering.
 
as audition continues i performed another torture test on ASG2. This E.L.O album Time (FLAC 16/44 remaster digital edition), pretty challenging and bright material packed with complex instrumental mixture and mind blowing transients. I listened to complete album and happy to report that with some reservations ASG2 passed this test to my own surprise. do not underestimate, ELO test is one of harder for IEMs and except 1+2 all other IEMs i have develop some problems 

 
So what i hear: mids again work damn well, voices naturally extended and blend so nicely, electric piano sounds full, electro violin has a good bite to it, mid bass works very well too helping maintain good articulation and pace. Lower bass is Ok but it lacks some weight and extension, this thins out musical presentation as drums become slightly wash out in lower registers. Trebles feel bit congested and stage is pretty close and small too. however instrument layering remains great and black space is only bit compromised. funny enough i feel this time tamed trebles are helping ASG2 to pull a less stressed musical presentation and there is nearly no sign of sibilance to my own surprise. this makes listening ELO experience more easy on my ears.
 
This does not mean ASG2 passed it all, i wish stage could be brighter and bigger, trebles would have more air which makes ELO so special sounding ... i wish i felt less stress and less harshness in notes on some complex transients... still ASG2 did a pretty good job here for me.
 
Bravo ASG2, Bravo DALE !!!
 
I assume many here know and have ELO albums so i post only a few songs from Time album (i listened to the whole album from the start to the very end and my ears still alive) :-D
 

 

 
and this lovely composition is included as a bonus track on the remaster Time edition:

 
audition continues and some challenges are still ahead of ASG2, some tough vocal testing from Clannad Live in Concert album, some good torture from Chris Spheeris instrumental works found on Dancing with the Muse album, some depth and tranquility test from Bliss and Oystein Sevag, real torture test from OST Eyes Wide Shut which for me is actually the best single album for testing it all in one... Kubrick movies had some most interesting music compilations and this album is superb, love it. then will see what or who is next. :-D
 
THIS IS what awaits ASG2 next :-O
 

 

[eke2k6]

You know, Ginny...I have to say I'm a bit surprised that you enjoy the G2 this much. I was expecting you to like it, but not enough to make several posts!
 
I think the smaller stage is due to the more forward vocals and smoother treble. If you listen to a binaural track, I think you'll find that the g2 can throw out sound cues into the distance with the best of them.

 

[Gintaras]

Eke, i was prepared not to like ASG2 this is perhaps why i now like it even more. 

 
seriously, this is really very interesting IEM, it has some sort of personality which puts it well into higher calibre leagues. i still love my 1+2 more but IF ASG2 is good product why i have to be skeptical?
 
to tell you more after listen to OST Chicago i felt a bit chilled in my enthusiasm since that test fell hard on ASG2... but then listening to ELO Time ASG2 won me all back, really you cannot imagine how difficult is this test on IEMs i had and tried, RDBv1 simply cannot be listened to more than on two or three songs because sibilance kills your ears, H200 only half album listenable ... ASG2 was the second IEM only after 1+2 on which i could listen the entire album to the end.
 
so yes, i feel impressed. besides i like to give some separation to posts because i use different musical material and each test has its own purpose. i expect ASG2 to shine on vocal test but i am doubtful about ASG2 abilities when we will approach Chris Spheeris and Bliss and a few more. to give you an idea what i mean listen here:
 
real torture here begins at 4:17 min
 

 

 

[mc21]

Quote:

You know, Ginny...I have to say I'm a bit surprised that you enjoy the G2 this much. I was expecting you to like it, but not enough to make several posts!
 
I think the smaller stage is due to the more forward vocals and smoother treble. If you listen to a binaural track, I think you'll find that the g2 can throw out sound cues into the distance with the best of them.

I agree, I've heard a few tracks and especially on movies that the soundstage seem pretty big.

 

[Jason36]

I a

You know, Ginny...I have to say I'm a bit surprised that you enjoy the G2 this much. I was expecting you to like it, but not enough to make several posts!

I think the smaller stage is due to the more forward vocals and smoother treble. If you listen to a binaural track, I think you'll find that the g2 can throw out sound cues into the distance with the best of them.

I agree with this Eke.....I have three Binaural albums ( CC Colleti / Amber Rubarth / The explorations in Time & Space) I have noticed a wider soundstage on these albums and in fact on some tracks it sounds like the sound is originating from outside of the ASG-2 (if that makes sense)

 

[Gintaras]

Jason, mc21, most recordings we listen and love are not binaural, besides to appreciate the difference you must listen to 1+2 and ASG-2. actually narrower stage means NOTHING bad IF stage and instrument placement and separation are believable, and ASG-2 does this well. if that would not be the case i would not spend so much time on audition this. 

 

[eke2k6]

Quote:

I agree with this Eke.....I have three Binaural albums ( CC Colleti / Amber Rubarth / The explorations in Time & Space) I have noticed a wider soundstage on these albums and in fact on some tracks it sounds like the sound is originating from outside of the ASG-2 (if that makes sense)

 
I love Explorations in Time and Space. The percussion and spacing is really impressive. I could never get on with Amber Rubarth's album though.
 
Most iems don't really show their soundstage capabilities with normal recordings due to their sound signatures. Binaural albums seem to negate this somehow.
 
 
 
Quote:

Jason, mc21, most recordings we listen and love are not binaural, besides to appreciate the difference you must listen to 1+2 and ASG-2. actually narrower stage means NOTHING bad IF stage and instrument placement and separation are believable, and ASG-2 does this well. if that would not be the case i would not spend so much time on audition this. 

 
I mentioned in the 1P2 comparison that I attributed the difference in perceived width to the difference in mids and upper bass. The G2 is more forward in the mids and upper bass, reducing the space compared to the 1P2, which is more laid back in the mids.
 
What I do like about the 1P2 is how the more present treble/slightly brighter tonality really helps in the sharpness of the image. 
 
Not disputing your findings, just pointing out a couple of things 

 
 
Try this out with the G2 and 1P2, both with silver/gold cables. Listen to all the previews, especially "Stank":
 
https://www.hdtracks.com/index.php?file=catalogdetail&valbum_code=HX090368035264

 

[Jason36]

Jason, mc21, most recordings we listen and love are not binaural, besides to appreciate the difference you must listen to 1+2 and ASG-2. actually narrower stage means NOTHING bad IF stage and instrument placement and separation are believable, and ASG-2 does this well. if that would not be the case i would not spend so much time on audition this. :rolleyes:

I agree most of my albums are not binaural, but neither do I own the 1plus2....however I find that the ASG-2 is by far one of the best IEM's I have owned for their soundstage, dynamics and vocals - especially for the money.

I have just bought my first pair of Custom IEM's (Dream Earz AUD-8x).....I need to get them reshelled but once I have it will be interesting to see how they compare and fare against the ASG-2

 

[Gintaras]

Eke, no disagreement either, after all stage feel and sense comes mostly from our heads 

i will try both at the last stage but right now this is ASG2 show 

 
Jason, no disagreement, ASG2 is capable IEM and what you tell about stage i find right, after all stage must be believable and ASG2 does this very well, i had no doubt about stage presentation during my audition, ASG2 does this with glory. yes 1+2 throws in a bigger stage for reasons Eke mentioned. ASG2 stage is smaller in size but is so believable and instrument placement is dead accurate... i can give you the example of V1 which throws in wider stage even compared to 1+2 but stage on V1 is less believable and largely stretched in 2D. i would prefer narrower believable and more accurate stage to spacious but faulty stage 

 
edit:
do not get me wrong, i love V1 for some specific genre on C3+BH and find it enjoyable and even tad better than H200 for some msuic, however my RWAK does not like V1, it makes V1 sound overly aggressive and thin on everything except chamber and acoustic. i think Rhapsodio is a good young company which needs to invest a lot of time in tuning a few selected products rather than try to put new products like rabbits out of their hat.
 
so i understand your excitement about ASG-2, you can ask my wife who had some troubles with me on my first day of auditioning ASG2 because i was murmuring with myself while listening 

 
edit2:
ASG-2 - VOCALS
 
now finished listening to Clannad on ASG2, and happy to tell ASG met all my expectations, voices sounded full, live like, real and had rich timbre to them, choral works sounded very well, layering was accurate, back vocals remained in the back and lead singers sounded surreal good. in short voices are 3D and so real that you literally begin to sing with a singer, so good it is. i believe ASG-2 has very strong appeal to vocal music lovers.
 
now i take a pause for today, tomorrow will find some time to continue.

 

[MoonYeol]

Gintaras, I almost feel bad for the poor ASG-2. They must be exhausted by the time they get back to eke. But really enjoying your writing. Looking forward to the next piece.

 

[Idsynchrono_24]

Awesome to see another ORL fan out there... The very first time I ever got to listen to the ASG-2, at the Canlanta meet, I listened to more Mars Volta than anything to test 'em out. Day of the Baphomets may have been the song that sold me on 'em . 

Yeah, good old' loony Omar. Been a fan of his since ATDI. Really likin what he's doing with Bosnian Rainbows' self titled debut. Anyhow, lemme give you a little tip: if you dig Mars Volta, or hell, just music in general on the G-2, you ought to check out some offerings from Final Audio Design some day

Gin: Really been enjoying your posts, I can clearly detect the enthusiam and fervor you feel when listening. Good stuff!

A buncha nonsensical rambling:

I've found (anecdotally at least) that one's perception of stage dimensions seems to be one of the most variable technical aspects of phones. I remember Muppetface once shared with me how she felt like how she perceived projected space and imaging differently than other people; how she felt that the F-4 didn't sound "out of the head" to her, but more like it possessed a tremendous sense of inner depth. I totally get that, it's got layering like it visited Vidal Sassoon for a supercut stylin session or some ****. What I don't get?

1. Why is it that Jimi Hendrix is clearly standing a few feet to my left on Are You Experienced? What's he doin there? It's eerie.

2. Why is it that Flying Lotus' "Zodiac ****" got samples orbiting around my skull? That's clearly not limited to the confines of my ears man. 

And so on and so forth

I sent off the F-4 to Soundfreaq and he, too, remarked that the F-4 sounded remarkably open. He'd never heard anything like it, as a matter of fact. I was placated. Vindicated. Justified. So I meet up with Cn11 for a listening session of the G-2. I tote along the F-4 and watch his eyes bug out when he hooked it up to the MK III. 

"That's some good **** no?"

"Wow" 

"So how you feelin about that stage?" 

I make no mention that I found it to be immense. This was a controlled study son! 

"Hmmm... Kinda small?" 

...

"REALLY." 

*Insertyoudontsaynicholascage.png*

Personally? I think the G-2 possesses lateral width that's comparable to the F-4 and the 1P2. I don't find it narrow relative to the aforementioned. It's not as open, sure, but narrow would not be the descriptor that I'd apply. It fairs quite well in terms of depth as well; not as paradigm shifting as the 334 or the 1P2, but no slouch. All in all, with some cleverly engineered albums, it's crazy immersive. But hey, Gin thinks they sound a bit narrow, I'm not gonna argue. Just noting that our brains are pretty damn weird and funky sometimes. Maybe my brain is a bit jacked up too. 

No, don't laugh, that was too easy

 

[MusicalChillies]

Gintaras, bliss is certainly bliss with the SD3. I may as well ship them to you. PM me. Really interested now you have auditioned the ASG2. You will have to pay postage. I wont be able to buy the ASG2 until I move otherwise....

 

[Gintaras]

Idsynchrono, thanks for nice rambling, perhaps i am not experienced in headfier terminology.

narrow stage means images stand closer to me, width is smaller, more in-your-ear than out of your ear. stage depth on ASG2 is very good, much better than can be heard on competition and close to the best. still 1+2 is unique here and offers seamless stage, so deep and black that when i listen to Barbara Streisand at Village Vanguard i literally feel being present there, just close my eyes and i am there almost feel Streisand whisper on my ear, amazing and unparallel, and to date no other IEM could reach 1+2 in this. sorry guys but 1+2 is very special product irrespective of its price for me personally, like i said many times 1+2 is not just IEM but a full range speaker insertable into your ear...

Anyway, i hate going in rounds about comparisons to this or that IEM, because ASG2 holds its own crown and offers unparallel midrange and voice rendition and level of detailing that rivals very best, it will not pull out every detail but it will make detail sound so real that you will be hard pressed to distinct it from reality, bass is well very good and mid bass is one the best of a bunch, even tamed trebles are tamed so well that for the most they not subtract from the music image. All in all i hate comparison because ASG2 is good on its own and will please many genres except for complex orchestral and classical works. I feel pretty happy with ASG2 and i love this pro tuning signature which makes this IEM stand out in a unque way.