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

[vwinter]

It kind of sounds like the 1p2 has been going through some tuning changes...

 

[utdeep]

Yup. That was me. When enough people have a different view of a $1000 pair of headphones, you have to try it again.

With the first pair, I used the comply tip and the silver/gold cable to terrible results. This time, I am using stock silver and the large Ortofons.

These are pretty good IEMs! Not sure what was wrong with my first pair but "user error" is certainly possible.

 

[eke2k6]

Hey Eke2k6, what are your three top iems? ASG-2 at the top? I just can't get over that I disliked the ASG-1...

 

My current top 3 would be the ASG-2 at the top, followed the IE800, then a TG334/1P2 tie. There are also iems that I don't feel should be ranked along with the rest because of how uniquely they present music. My favorite in that category would be the Final Audio Piano Forte series, then the Flat-4.
 
I understand your dislike of the ASG-1, especially if you're referring to the 1.0. The 1.2 was a step up, but required EQ to maximize its potential. The ASG-2 is simply head and shoulders above its predecessors. Imagine a the Michael Jordan that entered the NBA, vs the one who three-peated twice.
 
 
 

Don't get caught up in technicities. You're missing the bigger picture Eke. Imagine a world of sonic bliss, where it rains detail and shines timbre, where there's perfect bass around every corner, an endless soundstage in every pot and a midrange that pours like a good vintage, with imaging so real you can eat it and take cover under a blanket of shimmery treble. All the time. I'm just saying is all...

 

Ha. I guess I have to keep imagining then.
 
 
Quote:

Wow, that's high praise indeed. As subjective as this hobby is, the TG 334 remains my favorite and I've heard a lot of phones. My first foray into ciems was the ES5 and the TG334 tore them a new one.

 
Indeed. The 334 changed the way I view iems, but the ASG-2 has taken it slightly further.
 
 

My impressions of my first 1plus2 are here (warning- very harsh feedback):
http://www.head-fi.org/t/623514/tralucent-audio-1plus2-iem-appreciation-impressions-thread/2760#post_9528479

After a trade with my Canadian friend LCFiner, I got a second set of 1plus2s and my opinions are more in line with Eke's initial thoughts.

His 6/30 feedback is what has my curiosity peeked now.

 
 
My impressions were more in line with yours as well. This set sounds much more in line with the buzz.

 

[lee730]

Quote:

Yup. That was me. When enough people have a different view of a $1000 pair of headphones, you have to try it again.

With the first pair, I used the comply tip and the silver/gold cable to terrible results. This time, I am using stock silver and the large Ortofons.

These are pretty good IEMs! Not sure what was wrong with my first pair but "user error" is certainly possible.

 
I've never tried them out with foam tips. I should be receiving some for my Kaede and will see if they fit on the 1Plus2 (if they manage to give me any sort of seal that is lol). How long did you have your other unit? Burn in most definitely helps. Probably a couple hundred hours of usage. Then again the updated gold cable most definitely makes these IEMs more clinical sounding with treble and mids having more emphasis, a larger sound stage, and bass being more controlled/leaned out in comparison to the stock silver cable. Also factor in synergy with your sources and it can be a nightmare .
 
Edit: Speaking of the devil my tips just came in . After some usage I still prefer the large single flange silicone JVC tips. The sound isn't bad either on the foams. It does take away some bass and treble from them (surprised on the bass but that could be due to not as deep of a seal). This also cuts into the sound staging and takes away from the 1Plus2s presentation. Still these TS 200 tips are quite comfortable and actually give me a seal.

 

[kkcc]

I shall be receiving my ASG-2 and 1plus2 in (hopefully) another two weeks and can't wait to hear how they compare to the 334.

 

[lee730]

Congrats. I look forward to your comparisons .

 

[vwinter]

Ha. I guess I have to keep imagining then.

Haha, you and me both.

 

[akhyar]

I shall be receiving my ASG-2 and 1plus2 in (hopefully) another two weeks and can't wait to hear how they compare to the 334.

Looking forward to your comparison bro.
So far only have short auditioning times with both the G-2 and 1p2.
Another IEM that really pique my interest is StageDiver 3

 

[eke2k6]

Quote:

Congrats. I look forward to your comparisons .

 
x2!
 
Quote:

Haha, you and me both.

 

 
You have a 2 year head-start on me!

 

[kkcc]

x2!




You have a 2 year head-start on me!

Eke you really were the one responsible who got me into ASG-2 without even demoing... ! I would have already received them if I just pick the frost or stealth version... Really anxious to receiving them!

 

[eke2k6]

Quote:

Eke you really were the one responsible who got me into ASG-2 without even demoing... ! I would have already received them if I just pick the frost or stealth version... Really anxious to receiving them!

 
Oh you had to be special and get a fancy faceplate 

 
I think you'll be happy with your purchase, especially if you like the 334.

 

[kkcc]

Oh you had to be special and get a fancy faceplate

I think you'll be happy with your purchase, especially if you like the 334.

lol I just had too many black IEMs and the frosted one is em... not my cup of tea.. been deliberating with Gavin on color choice for the 1plus2 also and finally gave up and settled on another pair of black...

 

[Idsynchrono_24]

How did GnarlSagan get Rhodium plated G-2s anyway? I thought the only currently available options were stealth and frosted

 

[Theogenes]

The Rhodium-plated version is available by request for a $300 fee, I believe. 

 

[kyuuketsuki]

I shall be receiving my ASG-2 and 1plus2 in (hopefully) another two weeks and can't wait to hear how they compare to the 334.

Looking forward to your comparison bro.
So far only have short auditioning times with both the G-2 and 1p2.
Another IEM that really pique my interest is StageDiver 3

I believe Carlsan will have both soon.

My ASG-1s are in Nashville. I hope the upgrade process won't take too long. I'm just awaiting confirmation that they are in good working order from Andy.