Introduction

Audio Genetic is a Hong Kong brand founded in 2016. They started out by making handcrafted  cables for audiophiles to upgrade the stock cables of their iems. Towards the end of 2016, they debuted with their own iem in the Audio Genetic 2 or in short, AG2. I would like to thank Audio Genetic for this review unit and I will provide my analysis on the AG2.

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Specifications

  • Product Name: AG2
  • Type: Universal-fit In-ear
  • Impedance (1kHz): 30 ohms
  • Sensitivity (1kHz): 109Db
  • Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20000Hz
  • Connector: 3.5mm Jack
  • Detachable Cable Type: 2 Pin (0.78mm)

Unboxing

The AG2 comes in a smooth matte black package that allows one to flip open to reveal the contents. On the front of the package, it sports the Audio Genetic logo and the full name of the brand. There is a white sticker at the side of the box that indicates the model of the iem. After opening the package, you will be greeted with a metal warranty card in a plastic protector. On the front of the warranty card, there are the printed words “AG2 One Year Non-Man-Caused Damage Warranty”. On the back, there is a slogan “behold the truth” printed at the centre while the logo and brand name are printed at the bottom right corner. The metal warranty card gives the overall package a premium feel. Next up, there is a matte black circular storage case sitting in the top compartment surrounded by soft sponge. The case is made up of aluminium and sports the AG logo on the lid. There is a strip of rubber wrapping the case at the centre to provide grip and there are 2 spaces in the rubber strip to remove the lid. The interior of the case is made up of a smooth soft fleeced like material. Inside the case contains the iem and stock cable. Pulling out the bottom compartment are all the accessories which I will discuss more about in the next section.

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Accessories

The accessories consist a cleaning tool, 6.3mm to 3.5mm golden plated adapter, airplane adapter, 1 pack of silicone eartips and 1 pack of Acoustune AET07 eartips. I feel the accessories provided are quite sufficient. The highlight is the Acoustune AET07 eartips which is an upgrade to your stock eartips.

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IEM Build & Design

The AG2 shell is made up of acrylic with a smooth surface to it. There is a red AG logo on each of the faceplate. On the inside of each iem side, there are the words “AG2-L” and “AG2-R” in white colour to indicate left and right respectively. The nozzle is straight without any mesh. The fit is outstanding. It is as good as a custom in ears but this is subjective since we have different ears. Coupled with the light weight of the housing, I can use the iem for several hours without feeling fatigue.

Cable Build & Design

The cable is a detachable 4 core cable with 2 pin 0.78mm connectors. On the connectors, there are blue and red dot on the left and right side respectively so users can differentiate. The y-splitter is made is made up of a soft rubber and the jack is 3.5mm gold plated right angled. It is your standard stock cable and is quite flexible. There is little microphonics on the cable.

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Sound Analysis

Lows

The AG2 has a good sub-bass extension with a quick rumble but does not extend very deep. The quantity is slightly lacking. However, the presentation is very tight and controlled as each bass note is delivered with crisp and articulation. The bass has a fairly quick decay and there is good attack to it. There is an appropriate amount of mid-bass and it does not drown out other frequencies. There is slam but certainly not a hard-hitting one. Due to the reduced emphasis in the bass department, it is not fatiguing to listen to it. Bass texture is rendered smoothly and the overall bass is soothing and polite.

Mids

The midrange on the AG2 is quite clean. The lower mids has a good amount of quantity and it is able to tackle male vocals without sounding hollow. There is no nasal feeling in this particular section. Next, the upper mids is the star of the show. It is very forward and crystal clear. The definition of it adds intimacy to the presentation of female vocals. It is very impactful as it is being expressed with a confidence and it exerts wave after wave of vocals bliss. The resolution is very good for a dual drivers iem and the midrange is tight.

Highs

The treble is extended well. The extension helps to enhance the sonic performance of the AG2. There is a good level of clarity and definition to the treble. It is impactful without sounding sibilant or harsh. There is a good amount of air and it helps to give more space. The brightness is there without sounding aggressive due to the air lightening the treble. I feel there is a good crunch and sparkle to it. There is no grain to the treble. I can listen to it for hours without feeling fatigue. Overall, the treble is controlled nicely with a great extension and good amount of air but with a more sparkle, it will be more complete.

Soundstage

The AG2 has a good width of soundstage and I find it rather open. The expansion in the soundstage gives a really realistic feel. Although it is not very wide, it sounds very natural in the development of it. The depth of the stage is quite near and it makes the vocals sound very intimate and emotional. The positioning of both vocals and instruments are accurate and helps to enhance the imaging. The layering and separation provides a good space to prevent the overall congestion of the sound.

Comparisons

I use the iBasso DX200 for the comparisons.

Audio Genetic AG2 vs InEar StageDiver 2

The SD2 has similar sub-bass extension as the AG2 but it has slightly more quantity. Both the sub-bass performance on both are clean and tight. There is certainly no muddiness on it. I find the AG2 presents the bass more tightly and the decay is quicker. On the AG2, rumble picks up speed more and helps to provide a good punch. The bass note on the SD2 has more weight and may well explain in it being less slower than the AG2 in decay. The mid-bass on both is impactful and the quantity on the SD2 is slightly more. The lower mids on the SD2 has more body than the AG2 and it helps in the sound to be more organic. The upper mids on the AG2 is definitely more forward than the SD2 with a control that allows the delivery of female vocals in the most intimate way. The midrange of the AG2 is less congested than the SD2. Moving on to the treble section, there is no sibilance and harshness to it. I find the air of AG2 to be slightly more than the SD2. Treble on the AG2 is extended more with definition and the articulation is more precise. Clarity is definitely better on the AG2 but both has similar sparkle. In terms of soundstage, the width is very similar but the depth on the AG2 is more close which allows better vocals intimacy. The SD2 is slightly more natural in the expansion of soundstage. Resolution on both are around the same.

Audio Genetic AG2 vs Campfire Audio Nova

The sub-bass on both is extended with similar magnitude. The sub-bass performance is slightly more refined in the AG2 but the Nova has more quantity. The Nova is considered to be slow in comparison to the AG2 which has more decay and speed. The rumble on the AG2 is quicker and it helps to produce more impact. The mid-bass on the Nova has more slam and quantity than the AG2. The overall bass is thicker than the AG2 and helps to ease the transition into the midrange. The lower mids on the Nova has more quantity to it and the thickness of it does male vocals justice. The upper mids on the AG2 is more forward than the Nova. In this area, the Nova seems to be inferior to the AG2. I feel the AG2 is less congested in the mids department and vocals are being presented effortlessly. Moving on to the treble, the AG2 has the upper hand in extension and details. There is more air and sparkle in the AG2. The definition of the AG2 is more clear. In terms of soundstage, they have rather similar width with a good expansion in soundstage. The depth of AG2 is slightly more close than the Nova. The overall resolution of both is operating at the same level.

Audio Genetic AG2 vs Noble Sage

The Sage has more sub-bass quantity and extension than the AG2. The Sage has more authority than the AG2 and the impact is greater. The sub-bass performance of the Sage is engaging. The AG2 is slightly tighter in its presentation with more decay. Rumble on the AG2 is quicker and the pace of it shows the technicality. The mid-bass on both has similar slam but Sage has more quantity. The lower mids on the Sage has more body to prevent hollowness. The upper mids on the AG2 is much more forward and the intimacy presented is better. In the treble section, the AG2 has slightly more extension and details. There is no sibilance and harshness on both. The air on the AG2 is more and gives more space. Treble on the AG2 is articulated with ease. I feel there is more clarity and definition on the AG2. The AG2 has a wider soundstage while Sage has the better depth. Resolution of the AG2 is slightly better.

Conclusion

The AG2 is a brilliant sounding iem with its main strength in the upper mids section. The upper mids is incredibly forward and provides the most intimate listen for female vocals. The overall package is quite premium and it comes with the Acoustune AET07 upgrade tips and a metal warranty card which is rare to see in a package. There are many dual BA drivers iems in the market and the AG2 differentiates itself with a sweet midrange that is able to deliver a female vocals masterclass. The Audio Genetic AG2 marks Audio Genetic’s first foray into the production of iems and it is nothing short of impressive.

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