To test the difference between the ASG-2 and 2.5, I tried something I've never done before. Using the stock cable, I attached the ASG-2 left earpiece, and the ASG-2.5 right earpiece so I could get a raw estimation of the differences.
- Firstly, the ASG-2 is dramatically more sensitive and easier to drive. A result of the different driver, perhaps?
- The ASG-2.5 has a loooot less bass than the ASG-2, with bassports closed on both. Both mid and sub-bass.
- This will make A/B'ing interesting.
- I actually found myself wishing for more bass at times...from an ASG series. Hmm.
- I actually forgot how remarkable the ASG-2 is for being able to deliver such a sheer amount of impact and bass without ever impacting the midrange or treble.
At this point, I started listening with both earpieces to get more concrete thoughts. I'll do my best to volume match closely.
- With bass ports closed, the ASG-2.5 sounds a fair bit dryer than its predecessor. I fired up Amy Winehouse's "Valerie" from the Back to Black album...the version where she apologizes to Charlie Murphy for having too much fun... the one with the heavy bass line...At first, the 2.5 sounds a bit boring because of the reduced emphasis in the low end. Still by the time the middle of the song rolls around, I have a bass induced headache from the raw impact of the ASG-2.
- I switched over to Ben Howard's "Only Love", and truly the only difference I could find were in the quantity of bass, and the overall sensitivity. So, I decided to play with the passport settings on the ASG-2.5 to see if Unity's harsh but accurate BloatPortTM moniker was still valid.
- I decided to skip the small talk and open the port to half blast...instant bass headache. The ports are no less effective, I see. I retreated to closed, then opened slightly. The boost still isn't as clean as it could be, but there's a bit more flexibility since the 2.5's stock bass is less than that of the original.
Overall, I'd say the differences are this. The ASG-2.5 sounds more...restrained than its predecessor. The ASG-2's bass is rather visceral in nature. The raw attack and punch, even with the ports closed, is awe inspiring. I think I prefer the older version for more bass centric genres, simply because the 2.5 can't mimic the 2's bass signature. The 2 retains much of the 2.5's tightness, while having pure ferocity when the song calls for it.
The fight scene below essentially sums up the difference between the bass presentation of the ASG-2 and ASG-2.5. The 2 is represented by Bane, and the 2.5 is Batman. Pay special attention starting at 2:40
However there are times, many times, when the ASG-2's bass was just too much for a song, similar to how Bane's mask was his downfall. The 2.5 has no such problem, as it has been overall tamed. Consider the ASG-2 the bad boy that women love when they are younger because he is so exciting and keeps them on their toes. As they get older though, the warm security of the suited gentleman becomes more and more appealing. This is the crux of the matter here.
You'll notice I spent the entire review primarily discussing the bass. It is the most evident change when comparing the two side by side, and it is no small difference. As for the bassport, it's still not going to deliver that clean boost that we so hoped for. Perhaps the size of the driver, plus the quantity of air the port lets in contribute to the sheer mass of bass that one gets when the port is used.
All in all, it's still more or less the Aurisonics house sound. Amazing vocals, smooth treble, and a very textured sound that lays cues out in front of you like you were standing in the presence of the performers. The 2.5 will be better for those who thought the ASG-2 could simply do with less bass and slightly more present upper mids.
Warrior1975 need not apply
