Just want to share my own experience with the aesthetics/build quality aspects on the 1plus2. This is not a review, but a rather detailed sharing of my purchase struggles and experiences.
I must preface this by saying I'm a really superficial guy who ALWAYS judge a book by its cover. Aesthetics/form factor had played a key role in nearly all of my purchases. I paid usd300 extra just to get the chrome plate for my ASG2. I was even willing to compromise on the AK100 to replace my DX100 just based on looks. Thus far in the Audiophile-land I surprised myself with two purchases, and the 1plus2 is one of them.
The beginning
Before I first demo'ed the 1plus2, I was really skeptical and suspected this is just another overpriced fad. It wasn't until I read many positive reviews and impressions of peopled I had followed/respected on HF for quite some time (way before I joined as a posting member), I decided to get a demo.
First encounter
At my first demo, I believe I confirmed my suspicious was confirmed at first sight. It didn't look premium at all. The cable connectors particularly look ugly. The shell and faceplate themselves are okay but doesn't carry themselves as totl product. I guess I lost maybe 90% of my interest on the spot already. I proceed to demo with my favorite album/tracks for a good hour or so and came away not overly impressed. The meeting concluded with me politely thanking Gavin.
The missing bit
My trouble actually started AFTER this demo - even right after we parted ways and I went on to the local subway putting on my TG334, I felt something is not right. This feeling will grew overtime and I went as far as trying out many many IEMs in various price range trying to find that "missing bit", but it was nowhere to be found. Only then knew I had already fallen IN LOVE with the 1plus2. On one hand I deem its aesthetics falling short of my standard, on the other hand I was mesmerized with it unique soundstage and tuning. The feeling grew stronger and stronger and I finally broke down
after a couple months ordering one WITHOUT another demo.
The unboxing
I still remember it was a Friday afternoon I receive my package. The unboxing was uninspired as it partially reminds me why it took me so much struggle to finally ordered it and I examine it like
I'm trying to find any flaw or excuse to return it. However it was also obvious this new unit had been put together with care and it felt solid and robust. The cable were more supple than I remembered, and the shell/faceplate looked more polished. It could be new toy syndrome but I did compare it side-by-side with my TG334 and I wasn't sure why I hesitated for so long. I put it on and played my test tracks, one after another, then another, then another, until I notice my office was empty with me the last person staying way past beer hour on my floor.
My daily driver
It had since supplanted my TG334 as my everyday go-to IEM. I have since ordered many other totl or new IEMs (including ASG-2, JH13pro, UM 3DD. SE846) but to date 1plus2 remain my go-to even on the very day my new IEM arrive. I just keep going back to them. The shine and polish on the shell and faceplate had not faded one bit and it is very durable. I had been carrying them in my shirt/pants pocket WITHOUT any purse or carrying box. Neither the cable or the IEM units themselves is showing any sign of wear or tear, except that the cable become even more supple. I have switch countless cables with them (Fiio SPC, Alo sxc24, UE18pro balanced cable, whiplash...) that I own or tried at meets or show and the socket stills hold. In contrast my JH13's non-recessed socket had already loosen to a point I'm wary of any further cable changes in just 1/10th of the number of cable changes. And I still like my gold/silver cable best with the 1plus2. The Alo sxc24 was my second favorite, but it is stiffer.
Final thoughts
I am not sure in what shape the demo unit was but if it is anything similar to what I experienced, the actual brand new unit should be much better. Some things won't change are 1) the bigger housing, 2) the ugly cable connector, 3) the stiff cable (well mine actually became more supple...), and 4) a price that seems to imply "better" aesthetics. Nonetheless, it I need to give up all of my IEM and just keep one
to use for the rest of my life, I'm picking the 1plus2 with full confidence it will last as long as me.
Thanks for reading.