ag TWS04K Review – More than a Rebrand

Comparisons –

Lypertek TEVI /Z3($109): Likely the prime competitor, many parallels can be drawn. Sonically, the TWS04K does come across as more V-shaped. It has a more substantial bass boost and a warmer tonality in general. The TEVI is cleaner and more linear, being more neutral in both tone and note size, giving it better separation. The TWS04K is instead more dynamic, it has a stronger sub-bass extension and more impact throughout. The TEVI has slightly better note definition and higher separation. Its midrange also is cleaner, though here I find the TWS04K to sound just as natural.

The TEVI is less forgiving, it has a smoother articulation and better separation. The TWS04K is slightly more delicate, having a touch more treble presence, it has more warmth notably from the bass. The TEVI has a smoother treble presentation and skims over some fine detail relative to the TWS04K. The difference here is in good taste on the ag, as it doesn’t stray into overt brightness but provides a pleasant bump in crispness and note attack that I did find lacking on the TEVI. In turn, it has slightly more detail, similar to the Moondrop Sparks. The TWS04K has a larger soundstage and more immersive imaging at the cost of separation in the bass and mids.

Moondrop Sparks ($89): The Sparks is a closer competitor to the TEVI, also targeting a more balanced sound, but being a bit more energetic. It has less bass emphasis, but a similar style of deep-bass lift, giving it more warmth and fullness than the TEVI. The Sparks extends just as well and is a bit more separated, giving it slightly better detail retrieval. The ag has a fuller note structure and much heavier note weight some will enjoy whilst still being controlled. The midrange is clearer on the Sparks. It has a higher peak at 3kHz and also bass colouration. It is a bit more linear through the lower-mids but also a touch recessed. This gives it a slightly cleaner tonality and higher separation but also a little thinness at times.

The TWS04K isn’t as clear and clean, but it is a bit more forgiving with greater warmth and smoothness. Both are naturally voiced, the Sparks being a touch on the revealing side, the TWS04K on the organic and smooth side, but neither straying too far in either direction. The treble is in similar tastes, being crisper and airier on the Sparks, again with a slightly higher peak, and more focused in the foreground on the TWS04K. The Sparks initially sounds clearer as it is a bit brighter, but the TWS04K does have slightly higher note definition, fine details having a bit more bite under scrutiny. The Sparks has a slightly wider soundstage while the TWS04K has a deeper stage.

Verdict –

The TWS04K is simply a fascinating concept; ag have leveraged their ties with Final Audio, who took the design of the TEVI – itself co-designed under Lypertek alongside Oriveti’s sound team – refined the entire build and accessory experience, fixed the fit and have likely implemented an entirely new driver on top. And, the end product showcases the refinement you’d expect with so many brilliant minds at play. The TEVI’s looser fit, driver flex and stiff faceplate buttons have all been addressed perfectly. It connects easily, fits well and functions reliably. Battery life is strong enough that it is rarely a concern, waterproofing inspires confidence and call quality is ample. I am a huge fan of Final’s new TWS E-tips and will be purchasing many sets for my other TWS earphones too.

With that said, the sound tuning is more controversial and I would say the TWS04K appeals to a different audience. No longer is this a perfectly balanced sound, but one with enhanced bass weight and warmth suited more for listening in noisy environments. While it is not as balanced and clean as the TEVI, emphasis also isn’t overt, and its organic tonality is more forgiving. It retains a crisp, focused detail presentation up top that I found to be a standout in the TWS space around this price. Altogether, the TWS04K nails the fundamentals of a non-frills wireless experience, remaining a strong value proposition despite the price jump.

The TWS04K can be purchased from Addicted to Audio for $199 AUD at the time of review. I am not affiliated with ag, Busisoft or Addicted to Audio and receive no earnings from purchases through this link.

Track List –

AKMU – SAILING

Billy Joel – The Stranger

Bob Seger – Night Moves

Cream – Wheels of Fire

Crush – OHIO

Daryl Hall & John Oates – Voices

Dire Straits – Communique

Dirty Loops – Next To You

Eagles – Hotel California

Fleetwood Mac – Rumours

H.E.R – I Used To Know Her

Joji – Sanctuary

Kanye West – Ye

Radiohead – OK Computer

TALA – ain’t leavin` without you

The Beatles – Abbey Road

The weeknd – After Hours