[Idsynchrono_24]

ER-4S too eh... Nice.

 

[Gintaras]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]My Review of the ASG-2's:[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]Background: When I received my ASG’s, the only headphones I had in my possession were the Audeo PFE 232.  I had had the 232’s for about two months, and had grown used to the neutral sound signature by the time my ASG-2’s arrived. As with all of my reviews, I let my headphones burn in naturally. I don’t use pink noise or white noise – I just use my headphones and after about a hundred hours (five-six weeks) have elapsed, I know the headphones have settled into a more-or-less permanent state.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]Source: Macbook Pro / iPhone 5 (no DAC’s)[/COLOR]
[COLOR=3B3B3B] [/COLOR]
[COLOR=3B3B3B]Initial Notes and First Impressions:[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]Bass. Bass. Bass. Surprisingly low and impactful bass. I guess I had forgotten what bass had felt like – the PFE’s definitely don’t reach as low as these headphones. I’m not a basshead, and at first the ASG-2’s felt very overwhelming. I’ve since adjusted the bass dial to its smallest setting.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]At its lowest setting, the lower-mids die down a bit and trebles shine. The Cello and the Bass feel alive in The Cello Song, by the Piano Guys (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FblHCHOLAcQ&feature=kp) Some have described the ASG-2’s as “mid-colored.” I don’t know whether I necessarily agree with this characterization, but it’s certainly clear that the IEM’s are mid-centric.[/COLOR]
[COLOR=3B3B3B]

At least right now, I feel like the IEM is a little dark. I hope that the mids clear up a little and the treble shines through a little better. We’ll see what a hundred hours of burn-in do to the sound signature.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]Isolation: 10/10 – not much to say here, other than that isolation on the ASG-2’s is very good. I’m currently using comply tips.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]Build quality: 9/10 – These feel really solid. The cables fit comfortably into the earbuds, and the headphones themselves feel extremely well engineered. The earphones themselves don’t feel as well designed as my Tzar 90’s, but I’m partial to wooden creations.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]Fit and Comfort: 7/10 – Some people love the fit of the ASG-2’s. I don’t. The headphones are notdistinctly uncomfortable. But in general, I’ve never forgotten about them while plugged in. I do feel the presence of the headphones in my ears – they don’t sit completely flush to the skin, so moving my head around rattles the headphones just a little bit. It’s nothing major, but rather something I notice every once in a while. That said, I’ve worn the ASG-2’s for several hours at a time without any issue – so they do rest fairly comfortable within my ear canals.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]The Meat:[/COLOR]
[COLOR=3B3B3B] [/COLOR]
[COLOR=3B3B3B]Summary:[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]Might be placebo, might be that I’m hearing what I want to hear, but after about a few weeks of listening ASG-2’s have in large part filled in the areas I was unhappy with. We’ll go through the Lows, Mids, and Highs separately, and do some comparisons to the Tzar 90 and the PFE 232’s.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]Lows: As expected, the bass evolved to be better controller over burn-in. The (very) slight bloatiness I initially experienced has faded. I might be a little weird, but I enjoy testing the bass control by listening to rap music.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]In rap, there’s a fair amount of amorphous, deep-reaching bass in the background of vocals and lyrics. I listened to Headlights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWKNEJ5QNuU&feature=kp)  by Eminem and Nate Ruess (from Fun., who is one of my favorite vocalists). The ASG-2’s did a phenomenal job at controlling the bloaty bass which is characteristic of rap songs. There was still plenty of punch and impact, and the bass did feel fairly well controlled. Nevertheless, on certain notes and verses, the lows reached into the mids and colored some of the vocals.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]In general, it seems my observations with Headlights doesn’t apply to the ASG-2’s as a whole. I listened to the lows across all of Fun.’s Some Nights and Aim and Ignite albums,  and in general the lows are very controlled. Bass is deep and impactful, particularly in We are Young(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQLGhPHzxjc) and Light a Roman Candle With Me(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKoBTEcq8Ck&feature=kp). I was especially impressed with the latter song, which boasts an impressive vocal range accompanied by deep low notes.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]I believe it’s a general consensus that lows is something the ASG-2’s do incredibly well. The headphones really come alive with the Cello/Bass and the drums. But at times the bass bleeds into low-toned vocals. This is a sword that cuts both ways -- with very low-centric songs the vocals might be a little obscured by the bass. On the flip side, singers with deep voices really come alive.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]Mids/Highs: Vocals and mids sound clear and resonate. They feel sweet, certainly sweeter than the PFE232’s. I wouldn’t necessarily characterize these headphones as mid-colored. They are certainly mid-centric, but I don’t necessarily agree with the statements made regarding the mids bleeding into the treble and the bass.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]Typically I like to test Mids by listening to folk-ey music. In this particular case, I used Beirut’s The Rip Tide album to test the integrity of mids.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]I really, really enjoyed this part.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]In my opinion, the ASG-2’s have mids and highs that carry significant weight. Because the ASG-2’s are a mid-centric, vocals really have presence. Beirut’s Vagabond (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpN2XAg2bQs) and Santa Fe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN-5XUqe1PQ ) both really come alive. The trumpet shines through like hope. Even accordions sound powerful.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]Who still uses the accordion these days?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]Next up was Melanie Laurent, otherwise known as Shosanna in Inglorious Bastards. Melanie and Damien Rice authored a few songs together on Laurent’s En t’attendant. These guys sound great together, and they sound phenomenal on the ASG-2’s. Laurent’s voice sounds sweet, particularly against Damien Rice’s deeper voice. There’s quite a bit going on towards the end of their song  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBRvDxgkBCM). At the very, very end of the song you can feel the extent of the ASG-2’s soundstage. The violin moves around the audio screen, and eventually fades off.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=3B3B3B]In general, I’m very much a mids-centric guy; I look for sweet, substantive vocals and instruments, which is something the ASG-2’s do really well. But even after burn-in, I do feel like the mids aren’t as sweet as they could be. This just might be the bass bleeding into the very bottom end of the mids… In general, though, the ASG-2’s do mostly everything incredibly well, particularly with solo instruments like the trumpet, violin, and piano.[/COLOR]

right you are Sir, ASG2 = meat on the bones, a lot of meat actually

 

[zhouf]

   
I take it that at the end of the day the ASG-2 wasnt really for you? Haha just saw your for sale 

Ah... I love the ASG-2. I'm just strapped for cash.

 

[Cotnijoe]

 

   
I take it that at the end of the day the ASG-2 wasnt really for you? Haha just saw your for sale 

Ah... I love the ASG-2. I'm just strapped for cash.

 
That's a trajedy 

 a man had to part with his ASG-2 today ladies n gentlemen...

 

[Gintaras]

That's a trajedy   a man had to part with his ASG-2 today ladies n gentlemen...

that sucks, condolences

 

[Cotnijoe]

So some initial thoughts:
 
ER4S vs. ASG-2
 
I've been surprised by how much i actually like the ER4S. I was expecting to not like it at all haha. Overall very detailed sound... we're talking VERY detailed. A bit thin sounding for my taste (Especially with the Duet... just too thinned out for me, actually prefer the dragonfly for them) but still enjoyable.
 
Im actually very surprised by the bass though. The bass to me is actually one of the more natural sounding bass I've heard when it comes to decay from a BA driver. The bass is also very distant. Most distant bass impact Ive ever heard from any iem. It sounds to me like its actually in front of you. On the fence about whether i like that or not but i enjoyed hearing something a bit different from usual

. Of course when it comes to bass extension though, the ER4S could use some work.
 
Going to the ASG-2, i was really quite surprised to find the ASG-2 sounding a bit veiled. Of course it took just a minute for my brain to adjust again. Overall, imaging and soundstage is a HUGE plus on the ASG-2, and overall sound is also more laid back. Bass hits harder and lower (duh) and treble has a little more sparkle and energy than the ER4S. Dat "fun" signature. Gotta love it 

 
SEM6 vs. ASG-2
 
I was REALLY excited about the SEM6. like... REALLY excited. You can ask eke how many times i bothered him about when he was gunna ship them out to me. Things are quite a bit different now as all i can really do is just nod my head at basically everything he said.
 
Treble seems to be missing. And we're not talking like "oh it lacks sparkle or energy" kind of missing... im talking like... "wait is that a symbol crash far off in the distance? Let me rewind the song and see if i can hear the hi hat." I really hope that something's a little weird about the SEM6, cuz this is like next level darkness. Some people complain about the ASG-1 and ASG-2 being dark. Well u aint see nothin' yet.
 
Compared to the ASG-2, the SEM6 sound veiled, and very obviously so. So much so that... well... everything sounds recessed. Not sure how that works, but bass seems to be pull back, treble is very obviously recessed, and mids arent really there either.
 
I havent given up on the SEM6 though. I'm crossing my fingers that maybe something just went a bit wrong and that the SEM6 is actually a wonderful sounding iem. I think the presentation of the sound isnt too bad but most importantly, these might be the most comfortable iems ive ever worn. like OH MY GOSH. These fit my ears PERFECTLY. Props to Earsonics for making an iem that fits my absurdly miniscule ears sooooo damn well! If the sound cleans up, these might be my next buy. First iem that fits better than the ASG-2.
 
SEM6 vs. ER4S
 
Not sure i wanna try that. ER4S made ASG-2 sound veil. ASG-2 made SEM6 sound very veiled. Not sure what the ER4S will make the SEM6 sound like...
 
I'm sure I'll get to comparing the two some time soon though

 

[Idsynchrono_24]

Nice impressions Joe. I'm just gonna refer to you as Joe, it's a little simpler than typin out Cotnijoe I think, is that how you spell your handle? I'm just going off of memory and I don't wanna scroll up on my phone to double check.

Anyhow, interesting that your impressions mirror Eke's. If I'm not mistaken, I think the S-EM6 is the universalized EM3 that Earsonics offers? Kinda interesting that ES offerings tend to be mired in a bit of controversy. Seems every phone they've released to date has been polarizing in some way. I actually enjoyed the SM64 I had for awhile though.

The ER-4 is becomin more and more intriguing to me as well. The only experience I've had with Ety is with their ER-6, which I've developed a deal of respect for over the years. Probably should've snapped up that pair of ER-4 that went for $135 awhile back :l

 

[Cotnijoe]

I adored the hell out of my friend SM3 v2 until he accidentally broke it. Im definitely not saying anything against the company itself, as i really do like some of their products. Im really just confused about whats going on with the SEM6. 

 

[vwinter]

Nice impressions Joe. I'm just gonna refer to you as Joe, it's a little simpler than typin out Cotnijoe I think, is that how you spell your handle? I'm just going off of memory and I don't wanna scroll up on my phone to double check.

Anyhow, interesting that your impressions mirror Eke's. If I'm not mistaken, I think the S-EM6 is the universalized EM3 that Earsonics offers? Kinda interesting that ES offerings tend to be mired in a bit of controversy. Seems every phone they've released to date has been polarizing in some way. I actually enjoyed the SM64 I had for awhile though.

The ER-4 is becomin more and more intriguing to me as well. The only experience I've had with Ety is with their ER-6, which I've developed a deal of respect for over the years. Probably should've snapped up that pair of ER-4 that went for $135 awhile back :l

You and me both.

 

[eke2k6]

  So some initial thoughts:
 

 

  My Review of the ASG-2's:
 

 
Nice! Added to first post

 

[tyojpn]

  I adored the hell out of my friend SM3 v2 until he accidentally broke it. Im definitely not saying anything against the company itself, as i really do like some of their products. Im really just confused about whats going on with the SEM6. 

 
(Sorry I said I would leave here but coming back just for a while thinking I can give some valuable comment,)
 
I used have SM3 v2 and now SM64 and S-EM6.
 
Just compared 64 and S-EM6 and feel that on S-EM6 vocals (possibly mids) are coming more forward than SM64, and this makes treble of S-EM6 sound relatively recessed,,, but not that much.
 
S-EM6 is still in line with their house sound sig and quality, is my observation.
 
Earsonics house sound sig itself in general can be felt to be "veiled" in comparison to other brands' IEMs when A/Bd, but it is just at the level I can get used to, and after a while things are felt to be smooth rather than veiled - this feature , actually, is the beautiful part of their product.
 
Reading your review (as well as eke26) really makes me wonder what is going on. Faulty unit possibly ?
 
I wish I could but I can not show you any graph chart of sort using mine at the moment.
 
Meanwhile a member like Average_Joe is also testing S-EM6 and so far no harsh rating (or to the contrary very positive) fyi.
 
 
If your unit is not faulty, S-EM6 must be one of the most mysterious phone in the world that for some people it sound so so fantastic and for some like piece of crap.
 
ps
S-EM6s are also very tip dependent.
Many owners are saying default bi-flange does not give ideal fit, thus the sound.

 

[Cotnijoe]

As i mentioned. Im adoring the fit of the sem6. Im fairly sure its not the fit or tips causing this. I talked to the original owner to see if his impressions differ at all. I really believe that something is wrong here, tho eke informed me that others have also said the same about their sem6.

Treble is literally almost gone. I have to focus to hear hi hats. Its VERY strange. I will check to see if maybe the bores and sound tubes are blocked out or something. I dont think anyone would purposely make an iem that sounds like this.

 

[Cotnijoe]

The ER-4 is becomin more and more intriguing to me as well. The only experience I've had with Ety is with their ER-6, which I've developed a deal of respect for over the years. Probably should've snapped up that pair of ER-4 that went for $135 awhile back :l

Maybe you could jump on the er4s tour? If eke's friend doesnt mind. Its going to carlsan next along with the sem6

 

[eke2k6]

   
Reading your review (as well as eke26) really makes me wonder what is going on. Faulty unit possibly ?
 

 
 
You keep saying something must be wrong, but it isn't. I've cross referenced my thoughts with other owners, as well as people who have posted their own impressions on the S-EM6. One in particular is someone who compared the TG334 with the S-EM6, stating that the TG334 was both much clearer/tighter/brighter/more detailed than his S-EM6. The Tg334 is already not a very bright iem, and its bass can be a bit soft. The ASG-2 has more treble than the 334, and is even more spacious IMO. 
 
Unlike what you say, it's not the S-Em6's midrange that causes the darkness, it's the missing region between 4.6kHz and 7kHz. This kills harmonies across the FR. Even the bass suffers because of it, leaving it muddy and bloated. Even average_joe stated in the S-EM6 thread that he found the SM64 to be more enjoyable for music that required good treble response.

 

[tyojpn]

   
 
You keep saying something must be wrong, but it isn't. I've cross referenced my thoughts with other owners, as well as people who have posted their own impressions on the S-EM6. One in particular is someone who compared the TG334 with the S-EM6, stating that the TG334 was both much clearer/tighter/brighter/more detailed than his S-EM6. The Tg334 is already not a very bright iem, and its bass can be a bit soft. The ASG-2 has more treble than the 334, and is even more spacious IMO. 
 
Unlike what you say, it's not the S-Em6's midrange that causes the darkness, it's the missing region between 4.6kHz and 7kHz. This kills harmonies across the FR. Even the bass suffers because of it, leaving it muddy and bloated. Even average_joe stated in the S-EM6 thread that he found the SM64 to be more enjoyable for music that required good treble response.

 
Well, did you feel that mids were recessed ?
 
I still feel that S-EM6 has rather forward mid presentation just like their other product, and while my ears are not perfect I don't think I make mistake on this part.
I am saying this now A/Bing with my SM64.
 
 
Also, CotniJoe is saying hi hat is completely gone,,, totally impossible...
 
 
average_joe seems to be very satisfied with his replaced unit and I am looking forward to reading his full review soon.