Is Mr. Eke going to go custom? Inquiring minds want to know!
In regards to the clarity & volume.. I found the AS-2 to perform quite well as a low-volume monitor.. but, IME, they seem to be optimal when they're fed more current than what the specs might indicate (as a bare minimum).
Comparisons w/ the JH13 will certainly be linked here. I anticipate doing an in-depth review of both the AS-2 & JH13pro (as a contributor) to an audio blog, though.
The improvements I heard with my dedicated desktop gear seemed to benefit the the AS-2's dynamic driver and BAs. I sense better driver control, more robust texturing, cleaner instrument separation (and articulation), as well as more precise imaging.. when using it with the Vio stack (or ODAC/QUICKSTEP). The balanced
(proportionality in the)
soundstage makes for a very coherent, dynamic listening experience.. this only heightens with better upstream gear. The soundstage isn't going to give the HD800 a run for it's money anytime soon (atm, I'm convinced nothing in Head-Fi will, so that point is moot).. but I find the AS-2's coherence no less enjoyable. IMO, the size of the soundstage isn't as important as is the balance between the various dimensions.
It is important to note that the improvements I hear (with dedicated upstream gear) aren't some colossal revelation.. as if it takes the AS-2 from a muddy mess (when unamped) to a pristine sounding IEM. The AS-2 is terrific from my Galaxy S3 alone (and that's what I tend to listen to the AS-2 with most of the time).. but the improvements I hear with dedicated gear are distinguishable and worthwhile, IME. That doesn't mean better upstream gear is a necessity to enjoy these phones.. far from it, really.