On the current build of ASM/VE you do need the 2nd vCenter server.   Future versions will remove that requirement for replication. 
I am trying to setup the replication partner and ASM/VE Partner that goes along with it. I build the second ASM/VE machine, connected it to the SAN group without any issues. When I "Configure ASM/VE Partner" it shows as disconnected.  I thought I read that you don't need a second vCenter server for replication to work with vCenter and ASM/VE. However, without the second vCenter and I can never seem to get the replication working/bring the partner ASM/VE online. If I add a second vCenter server and bind the ASM/VE server to it, then it shows as online.   
ASM/VE Partner Disconnected