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

[gnarlsagan]

So you guys don't hear a 10dB spike at 8k?

 

[eke2k6]

Quote:

So you guys don't hear a 10dB spike at 8k?

 
It's there no doubt, but it wasn't my point.

 

[cn11]

A little more on the Flat-4 & TG334... after a little A/B'ing this evening (again, big thanks for the loan!)... Wow, are they different. I wish I could say they're in the ilk of the Ety ER4S, but I only ever owned the ER4P, and that was back around 2003! Anyway, after the TG334 they seem almost a bit 'hyper-etched' in detail presentation. Almost over the top I'd say. It certainly smacks you in the face in an impressive manner upon first listen, but I'm not sure I'd be able to deal over the long term (will keep trying for a few days though!). Switching back to the TG334, the first few notes sound a tad soft, but then it settles back into that familar, just right and natural sound. I believe, even with the huge price differential, I'd still reach for the TG334 first. But that bass on the Flat-4 is just so nice. And the vocals aren't recessed very much at all, just a smidge.... 
 
On the ASG-2 note, it's funny how differently I hear the ASG-2/TG334 comparison. I hear a fairly marked difference between them, and unfortunately not to the benefit of the ASG-2. I agree it's crazy good value for the money, and gets you a large way there toward the quality of the TG334, but the extra tenths that the Fitears give you help to make a more spacious sound, and overall more refined listen (to these ears anyway!). But the variances in how different users hear these phones is what makes this hobby so much fun. It was a learning experience sharing that this evening. 

 

[lee730]

Quote:

A little more on the Flat-4 & TG334... after a little A/B'ing this evening (again, big thanks for the loan!)... Wow, are they different. I wish I could say they're in the ilk of the Ety ER4S, but I only ever owned the ER4P, and that was back around 2003! Anyway, after the TG334 they seem almost a bit 'hyper-etched' in detail presentation. Almost over the top I'd say. It certainly smacks you in the face in an impressive manner upon first listen, but I'm not sure I'd be able to deal over the long term (will keep trying for a few days though!). Switching back to the TG334, the first few notes sound a tad soft, but then it settles back into that familar, just right and natural sound. I believe, even with the huge price differential, I'd still reach for the TG334 first. But that bass on the Flat-4 is just so nice. And the vocals aren't recessed very much at all, just a smidge.... 
 
On the ASG-2 note, it's funny how differently I hear the ASG-2/TG334 comparison. I hear a fairly marked difference between them, and unfortunately not to the benefit of the ASG-2. I agree it's crazy good value for the money, and gets you a large way there toward the quality of the TG334, but the extra tenths that the Fitears give you help to make a more spacious sound, and overall more refined listen (to these ears anyway!). But the variances in how different users hear these phones is what makes this hobby so much fun. It was a learning experience sharing that this evening. 

 
I agree on the Flat 4s. Very much detailed and in your face but in a nice way. It took a few days to get fully accustomed to them but I was totally sold after that. I also agree on the mids. They are slightly U-shaped but its a minor U-shape and done very well .

 

[gnarlsagan]

cn11 are the vocals/mids more forward on the 334? Which iem has warmer vocals/mids? Thanks for your impressions.

 

[cn11]

Quote:

cn11 are the vocals/mids more forward on the 334? Which iem has warmer vocals/mids? Thanks for your impressions.

 
The vocals are definitely more forward on the TG334. And it's a touch warmer too. No worries! 
 
The amount of vocal/mid recession is on the very minor side with the Flat-4. 

 

[gnarlsagan]

The vocals are definitely more forward on the TG334. And it's a touch warmer too. No worries! 

The amount of vocal/mid recession is on the very minor side with the Flat-4. 

Awesome thanks! Although I should admit that I meant to ask about the 334 vs the ASG-2. Sorry I wasn't too clear there. People keep saying they are so similar.

 

[cn11]

Quote:

Awesome thanks! Although I should admit that I meant to ask about the 334 vs the ASG-2. Sorry I wasn't too clear there. People keep saying they are so similar.

 
I'd say the vocals are a tad less recessed than on the Flat-4, and somewhere in between those and the TG334.

 

[james444]

Quote:

... from my experience H200 is a Gem, so i am rather intersted in ASG2 for V3 Studio which i may be buying now, they will not replace my H200

 
Didn't you tell me less than a week ago the 1plus2 have eliminated your need for more IEMs? 

 
Quote:

I actually think the F-4 is more accurate and transparent than the Etymotics.

Quote:

Accuracy and transparency go beyond the FR, IMO. And it shows in listening.

 
Congrats, it takes quite some guts to call the Flat-4 accurate and transparent! 

 

[quartertone]

Sui or Kaede?

 

[Inks]

SUI. At least me, Rin and Shigzeo heard its suckout and peaky treble...I don't know James' take though.

GR07, IE800, RE400, EX800 are fairly accurate IEMs, SUI...just no, not even close, even beyond FR, it has no delay or transient phenomenon like the W4 which will make it dynamic in FR

 

[Mimouille]

SUI. At least me, Rin and Shigzeo heard its suckout and peaky treble...I don't know James' take though.

GR07, IE800, RE400, EX800 are fairly accurate IEMs, SUI...just no, not even close, even beyond FR, it has no delay or transient phenomenon like the W4 which will make it dynamic in FR

IE800 has a significant bass boost. very overbearing...is that accurate ?

 

[james444]

Quote:

SUI. At least me, Rin and Shigzeo heard its suckout and peaky treble...I don't know James' take though.

 
Well, as most of you know (coughex1000cough , I'm not particularly sensitive to peaky treble... but I think that note weight is remarkably off between the SUI's pretty weighty bass and rather thinnish treble, and that alone would prevent me from calling them transparent.

 

[Inks]

. I think with some dampening the treble and mids are fairly flat on IE800, but yes the bass isn't. GR07 is slightly more peaky and less extended, EX800 even more, RE400 lacks its treble energy and extension too. All IEMs compromise

I don't think it's overbearing, it's a unique case of too much subbass lol. Midbass is actually fairly controlled

 

[Gintaras]

hi James, glad to hear and good questions.
 
yes, i told you that sonically 1Plus2 eliminated all of IEMs i had before which is true. however H200 for the price is a GEM unless you prepared to pay 1300$ plus gold cable.
 
so i am speaking about 275$ IEM, not 1300$ IEM mate

 
more so i believe i told you that i have two portable rigs both of which make me very happy.
one rig i call ''the budget saver rig'' and it consists of H200+C3+BH amp. this rig stays with me no matter 1Plus2, RWAK and whatever i have or might buy in future.
another more high-endish rig i have is RWAK+T1+1Plus2 and you saw this rig in action yourself :-D
 
the one does not make another one redundant, i would even keep v1 but this time i decided not to because there is a risk of piling up IEMs and my TF10 already went on sale (pending payment).
i love things i buy and if i do not then i would not be talking about them but would sell and move on like happened to my se215.
 
so i stand by my statement and repeat it, H200 is a GEM considering the price & sonics you receive with it, it will stay with me at least until i decide to upgrade to ASG2 or may be TG!334, but i see no urgent need right now and 1Plus2 gives me the ultimate listen pleasure while H200 is my casual listen setup

 
btw, another IEM i decided to keep is Musical Fidelity EB50. This is not so resolving or lush sounding but EB50 is a funny IEM and is freaking neutral sounding to my ear.