Full review here: LINK
 

 
 
 
Specifications:
 
Drivers: 2 x Dynamic 10mm + Dual Balanced Armature
Frequency range: 10 Hz-40 KHz
Impedance: 10Ω
Sensitivity: 106±2dB
Connection: 3.5mm Gold-plated
Cable: 1.2m
Weight: 24g
 
 
Price (MSRP): U$D 380
 
 
Accessories: (4/5)
 
 
Build & Design: (5/5)
 
 
Fit, Comfort, Isolation: (4/5)
 
 
Sound:
 
This time the new Dunu hybrid takes a dual dynamic + dual BA configuration, unlike their three previous hybrid model ones which had only one dynamic along the dual BA small Knowles TWFK drivers. These two dynamic are not smaller drivers but 10mm like the previous ones. After having the DN-1000 and DN-2000 for a long time already with their strong bass response, I had my doubts about the new tuning of this last one. Dunu's IEMs are not bass heavy by default, the Titan series can prove that, and dual DDs doesn't necessary equals to powerful bass either, but warm sounding they truly are, and both other triple hybrids had more than enough. To my surprise the DN2002 turned to be quite an amazing earphone, probably the best tuned of all the Dunu IEMs I've tried, and one of the most balanced and good sounding universal earphones regardless their price. Moreover, the DN-2002 hybrid results are among the best in terms of coherence between drivers type and play along in beautiful unison. The DN-1000 had that notorious incoherence, and even the 2000, while much better, wasn't free of this issue. Unfortunately, I can't comment about the 2000J as I never got a chance to try it, but the Fidue A73 (1DD+1BA) was an excellent example of a coherent hybrid, that could match the DN-1000 in many technical aspects.
 
 
Now, as for the DN-2002 itself; starting from the low end it is very accurate with excellent control, in a very higher dynamic driver style, with great detail and well textured. It's very full in body but not overly thick, solid in note presentation and very resolving in the sub-bass region. The DN-2002 remains very clean and shows no hint of bloat, which is quite an achievement for a Dunu product with this strong bass response. While the sub-bass reach is not as deep as the DN2000, or as immersive or addicting, with this new dual dynamic setup the lowest frequencies are faster and more effortless. I'm not aware of the inner configuration of these two drivers but they play along very well. Tonally, the bass keep the typical Dunu's house warm and rich signature with enough emphasis but definitely sounds more neutral and realistic, what makes it easier to enjoy even at higher volumes. As for bass quantity alone, well, it ended being a lot less that what I was expecting, but turned up to be much nicer and delicate. The DN-1000 sounds boomy and bloated in comparison and the DN-2000 has an extra mid-bass kick, while the Titan 1 is a bit light in impact. The DN-2002 could be rated as being in a ~70 way from the Titan to the 2000, far from being light in weight but without sounding so extreme.
 
The midrange of the DN-2002 is perfectly balanced with the bass and treble. Being under the care of the so-famous Knowles TWFK BA units, the mids are as usual very clean and slightly prominent with a high level of clarity and detail, and despite the hybrid setup and Dunu's typical warm sound, they aren't lacking in transparency or resolution. If anything, the DN-2002 won't have the extra crispiness or the very aggressive nature that these BA drivers can have. Compared to its previous siblings, the midrange sounds relatively more linear and neutral. Changes are not that easily noticed next to the DN-2000, but in an A/B test the 2000 offers a richer and fuller midrange, while the 2002 mids sound slightly smoother with a more liquid nature within them. Note thickness is really good, the perfect mix of both drivers type works as wonder, less thin than a pure TWFK based IEM such as R-50M or DBA-02/B2, but still less than the weightier Dunu's hybrids; they deserve a similar score in pure quality as a well powered Hifiman RE-600, just in a different flavor. Great for any kind of instruments with the high separation and natural decay, and very nice for vocals being slightly more upfront and realistic, and probably one of the most intelligible among similar priced hybrids.
 
The highs are prominent but with a noticeably less emphasis for a TWFK based IEM for a smoother and better balanced overall sound from lows to highs. They're full of energy, highly detailed and resolving with plenty of sparkle and high sense of air, a tad brighter than the DN-2000, but far from being as sharp and tiring as the DN-1000. The DN-2002 shares a similar laid-back character with the VSonic GR01, but not as smooth (and slightly rolled-off) as the Westone UM3X/Pro30 and similar triple-BA that also share a TWFK inside. It's definitely a very easy to like and refined treble presentation which gives the right amount of energy to upper instruments; solid crash to cymbals, great texture to strings and bite to electric. It sounds refined and resolving all the time.
 
Even though the DN-2002 is less bright as the similar BA IEMs, it's still very revealing. It has a more neutral tonality and the timbre is among the best within universal sets I’ve heard, while manages to escape from sounding very-analytical. The presentation is very spacious and airy. The upper end extends very far without effort. Stage dimensions are large, but not huge, the DN-2000 sounds bigger and more immersive, while the 2002 has a more competent sense of height for a more rounded 3D effect and coherent imaging.

[size=24.57px]INTRODUCTION[/size]

 
I've had the pleasure of listening to most of DUNU Topsound's hybrid earphones (DN1000, 2000 and 2000J), and also their Titan series (1, 3 and 5), and the thing that has always struck me with DUNU has been the quality of their products, and the innovation in their design. So when Vivian first started talking about producing a multi-driver hybrid statement line (2002, 3001 and 4001), I was naturally curious. So far I've really liked most of their products, and this has been especially so with the 2000J, Titan1 and 5 – which are still favourites, and which I still rate extremely highly. So the fascination with the model I'm reviewing today was because I was intrigued – would the 2002 be modelled on the 2000, 2000J or something new? Read on to find my thoughts.
 
ABOUT DUNU-TOPSOUND
I’ve used this before in my other reviews – and I think it serves as a good reminder of who DUNU is, and where they come from.
 
DUNU Topsound was established in 1994 originally as an OEM supplier to other companies. Since then they have developed their own branded line of high quality earphones, and gone from strength to strength (IMO) with each release. They currently have their manufacturing plant in China and head office in Taiwan. They now have more than 100 employees, and market their product range all over the world.
 
The name DUNU is simply an acronym of the principle design points that the company strives to implement in their product range
Delicate
UNique
Utmost
 
Here is a quote from their website, which really does give an insight into what drives the company:
 
“With advanced technology and hi-end equipments, DUNU desires to be able to provide Delicate, Unique ＆ Utmost products for Hi-Fi embracers. Delicate means extremely quality demanding on product process, from every little component to product manufacturing. DUNU has complete production line and equipments, including precise equipments, B&K frequency machine, IMD sputter, CNC machine, anechoic room, etc. Concerning design of product, DUNU also devotes to create unique outer appearance and balance in all sound frequency.
 
Utmost is not only the expectation on products, but also the pursuit of an Earphone Manufacturer. The founder of DUNU, himself, has years of experience in OEM/ODM earphone products in which many worldwide famous earphone Brands are included. However, in order to create the most enjoyable earphone on his own, DUNU’s president establishes the brand “DUNU” and implants many hi-end equipments and hires talented employees. From then on, DUNU takes the lead in developing the first Chinese made metal earphone, developing 5.8mm Driver unit and produce the very first Chinese Balance Armature Earphone, in 2014 DUNU release China first triple driver Dynamic and Balance Armature Hybrid earphone, All these preparations are to step on the world stage and to challenge renowned earphone brands. The ultimate goal of DUNU is to provide worldwide HI-FI embracers our Delicate, Unique & Utmost earphone products.”
 
DUNU’s full product catalogue can be found here - and their products are supplied through their own store front (globally) on Amazon.
 
DISCLAIMER
The DN-2002 that I’m reviewing today was provided to me gratis as a review sample. I have made it clear to DUNU that I still regard any product they send me as their sole property and available for return any time at their request. But I thank them for the ability to continue use of the DN-2002 for follow up comparisons. I do not make any financial gain from this review – it is has been written simply as my way of providing feedback both to the Head-Fi community and also DUNU themselves.
 
I have now had the DUNU-2002 since late April. The retail price at time of review is USD 375.00, and can be purchased via Amazon.
 
PREAMBLE - 'ABOUT ME'. (or a base-line for interpreting my thoughts and bias)
 
 
For the purposes of this review - I used the DUNU DN-2002 straight from the headphone-out socket of most of my portables, and also from the FiiO E17K when at work. I did not generally further amp them (I did test them with my E17K, E11K, IMS HVA and iDSD), as IMO they do not benefit greatly from additional amplification (YMMV and it may depend on your source). In the time I have spent with the DN-2002, I have noticed no change to the overall sonic presentation (break-in) over close to 30 hours.
 
This is a purely subjective review - my gear, my ears, and my experience. Please take it all with a grain of salt - especially if it does not match your own experience.

THE REVIEW

 
PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES
The DUNU DN-2002 arrived in an approximately 142mm x 177mm x 56mm retail box. The retail packaging consists of a printed sleeve over a book style reinforced board box. The sleeve carries virtually all exterior print, is printed in matt black, with white and red text. On the front is the DUNU logo, the “Hi-Res” certified logo, a high res picture of the DN2002, and a little information on the earphones (which I won't repeat now as we'll go into more detail below). The rear of the sleeve has accessory and specification information, as well as a frequency graph.
 
 
The inner box has a coarse textured black outer surface, and simply the word “DUNU” on the top cover. Opening this reveals the DN-2002 nestled safely in a foam holder, and a black pelican style case.
 
The carry case is different from the original 2 piece aluminium one from the 2000 and 2000J. The outer dimensions are almost the same, and come to just under 120 x 85 x 40mm externally (including lip, clasp and hinges, but inside gives up a little space, and is actually smaller than the original 2000 series aluminium case. This one is a hard gloss plastic outer, but with good interior protection from a rigid rubber base and foam in the lid. It has more than enough room for the 2002 with some space for accessories and is pretty well built for protection. Because of the size of the carry case, it isn’t really pocket-able (trousers or jeans), but it would be ideal for a bag or casual jacket pocket. I might be a bit strange – but I'm actually liking this case better (hinged lid, less likely to show scratches)
 
 
The actual range of accessories is well thought out and includes:

1. 3 pairs of white silicone tips
2. 4 pairs of Spin-fit silicone tips
3. 1 pair of medium T500x genuine Comply tips
4. 1 pair of ear-hooks
5. 3.5mm Female to 6.5mm Male Adapter
6. Pelican type carry case
7. 1 Shirt Clip
8. Maintenance and warranty card.
    

 
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
(From DUNU’s packaging / website)
 
Because people may want to compare – I've also included the specifications from DUNU's DN-2000 and DN-2000J earphones.
 
 
 
FREQUENCY GRAPH
The graphs below are generated using the Vibro Veritas coupler and ARTA software. I must stress that they aren’t calibrated to IEC measurement standards, but the raw data I’m getting has been very consistent, and is actually not too far away from the raw data measured by other systems except for above 4-5 kHz where it shows significantly lower than measurements performed on a properly calibrated rig. So when reading the graphs, don’t take them as gospel – or at least remember that the area above 4-5 kHz will likely be significantly higher. It is my aim to get this system calibrated at some stage in the future.
 
The graphs are provided merely as a point of discussion, and I've included a scan of DUNU's graph from the packaging also for comparison. I've also compared the 2000 and 2000J on my same equipment – and this should give a basis for comparative assessment.
 
 
You will notice an imbalance in the channels of the review sample I have. This should not be taken as a typical sign of DUNU's QC, nor do I think it actually affected the review too much. To be honest I would not have noticed it unless listening to tones or a mono track. With music it simply sounds like a normal stereo mix. And I often receive samples with some channel imbalance from other manufacturers – it is simply one of those things. I've included the channel comparisons for the 2000 and 2000J to illustrate what you should expect (in confidence) when purchasing from DUNU.
 
My sonic impressions of the 2002 – written well before I measured:
 

1. More akin to the DN-2000 than the DN-2000J
2. Overall balanced but warmish sounding, and subdued in the upper end
3. Subjectively good tonal balance overall – nice coherency from lows to highs
4. Clean and clear sound but lacking some crispness I have been used to with other DUNU products (some may see this as a good thing)

 
 
BUILD
The DUNU DN-2002, like the entire range of DUNU products I’ve reviewed previously, is incredibly well built and finished. The outer shell is two tone (black and silver) and utilises 315 stainless steel which DUNU says reduces sound vibrations. The actual body is similar to the rest of the DN series in that the main shell is a “cartridge” style (cylindrical). The diameter is approximately 12mm and the main shell length is approx 15mm deep. With the addition of the 8mm nozzle length, this gives an overall length front to back of 23mm (so sizeably longer than the rest of the DM series. One of the things I like about the shell is that DUNU have rounded the front edges, which is a welcome change from the harder edges on the 1000,2000 and 2000J. The nozzle is 6mm in diameter, has no lip (for tip retention) and has mesh protection for the nozzle. Its 8mm length is tiered in two stages so that the lightly thicker stage stops tips coming right up to the base – and in this section is a very tiny ventilation hole.
 
 
The rear of the shell is finished in matt black, has the DUNU name on the flat section at the rear, along with a 2^nd ventilation port. The rear section also houses a vertical arm which is the connector apparatus for the MMCX replaceable cable system. This sits alongside and perpendicular to the main housing, and is basically a 7mm diameter cylinder with a length of approx 16mm. Please note the "strap" which sits around this and seems to connect it to the main shell - it has raised edges is one of my comfort issues I'll mention later in the review. The connection system is proprietary and standard MMCX cables from other companies will not fit – this actually includes the cables from DUNUs own Triton series (which is a little strange). One of the nice things with the arms is that DUNU have put a red coloured ring on the right side – so you always know which earpieces is which. The male connectors also have a small notch (which matches the socket) so the cables only fit one way, and this should reduce spinning and hopefully loose connections. The connectors themselves are very tightly fit (requires some force to remove), and can also be swapped from right to left. The right male connector has an % on the hard rubber housing and the left has a raised dot.
 
 
The cable has a very satiny smooth PVC outer sheath which exhibits very low micro-phonics (none when worn cable over-ear), and which just doesn’t seem to tangle. Like the 2000J, they have retained the four separate cores – so re-terminating to balanced should be a simple matter of simply changing and re-soldering the jack. The Y split is rigid, metal, sturdy and very practical. Dunu’s design choice with the Y split is one I’ve always liked. There is enough weight in it to keep the cable pulling down slightly, but yet it’s not overly heavy or bulky. The top section of it also detaches to become the chin slider. The design is simple, elegant, and works incredibly well. There is ample strain relief at the southern end of the Y split, and the 1.2m cable terminates at a right angled, very well built jack – gold plated, and with excellent strain relief. If I had one small question about the cable it would be that there is no real strain relief at the male MMCX connector section. Unfortunately only time will tell if this could be an issue
 
 
The other brilliant design element in the cable is the inclusion of the 'on-cable' cinch (or rubber cable tidy) – the same as used on most of their releases now. This is a really simple mechanism that is unobtrusive - but means that whenever it's time to store the IEMs, the cable is always tidily looped. This remains one of the most simple, yet practical, methods of cable ties I have ever seen.
I can’t really fault the overall build quality. Unfortunately I can't quite say the same about overall design – especially when it comes to fit and comfort.
 
FIT / COMFORT / ISOLATION
I'll start with the easy one (isolation), and we can then look at fit and comfort. Isolation is dependent on tip selection, and if you get a good seal, it is actually pretty good (above average for a hybrid IMO), but will not ultimately reach the high isolation of sealed BA IEMs. It would still be reasonably good for a busy street, or some forms of public transport though – although wouldn't be my personal choice for long haul flights.
 
Now we get to fit – and these thoughts are more subjective. As I said above, the DN-2002 has a vertical cylinder for housing the connectors, and this sits adjacent to the main shell. Because of the design, you can easily wear the 2002 cable up or down, and connection cylinder to the rear of the external ear or the front (simply by swapping earpieces). So you essentially get 2 fitting choices up and 2 down. You can also angle the arms forward for more options.
 
 
My preferred wearing position is always over ear. If I swap earpieces, and move the connectors to the front, the connector cylinders are hard up against my tragus, and I cannot get a deep insertion without comfort issues. If I wear the cylinders to the back, the bottom of the cylinder hits inside my antitragus and causes long term discomfort that way. Also the overall girth of the body is such that (like the original DN-2000) it is always pressing unnaturally against some part of my ear. I can get used to it, but the fit is always noticeable, and in an era where other companies are able to get ergonomically designed multi-driver earphones to conform to the ear, I simply can't help but feel that DUNU really missed the boat on this one. You could have the best sounding earphone in the world, but if ultimately it isn't comfortable, then you won't wear it – or at least I won't. And unfortunately for me – the 2002 suffers from long-term comfort. I've spoken to Vivian about this, and she says that no-one else is really talking about comfort problems with the design (especially in China) – so maybe this is a “Brooko” issue. Unfortunately it is also a very real issue for me – and I can't help but think that it is something the design team should at least look at. Our ears are soft, rounded, and pliable and they do not like hard edges (at least mine don't). I also tried the ear-hooks in an endeavour to see if it would help fit. I found them quite frustrating, and gave up after about 10 minutes – the issue isn't with the cable wrapping around – it is with the housing.
 
 
If you wear cable down - with the connector "barrel" at the very front of the IEM, then the comfort issues pretty much disappear, and this is probably how DUNU have tested them and most people are wearing them. My issue with this is that (a) it introduces some microphonics, and (b) because the housing and nozzles are straight (not angled) the fit is pretty shallow.  If it works for you this way though, then your experience will be a lot different to mine.
 
One thing which I do think is contributing to the discomfort is the actual metal strap which goes around the connector and secures the connecter housing to the main housing.  This has a slight ridge (is not smooth) and this also contributes to the discomfort. Hard edges and soft ears do not mix DUNU!
 
 
Another little gripe and this isn't a huge one because ultimately large Comply tips do the trick, but the lack of lip on the nozzle means that some tips I like to have options with simply can't be used (e.g. spiral dots). The smooth nozzle means that slightly looser bores won't hold and this limits my options. In this case, there are no tuning filters – so I really can't see why this is missing. Anyway – it's slightly annoying – but alleviated that there are fortunately a number of tips that do work. I tried and get successful seals with Ostry tuning tips, the included Spinfits and also the Comply tips. Ultimately I ended up going with foam for the best comfort and seal.
 
Either worn over ear, or cable down, the DN-2002 do not fit flush with my outer ear, and are uncomfortable to lie down with. The one time I managed to fall asleep with them intact I ended up waking after an hour with very sore ears and a vow never to do try it again.
 
So where the build is brilliant, unfortunately for me the design is not practical (for my over ear preferences) and – most importantly – could be drastically improved. This is one issue that DUNU should definitely look at in the future.
 
SOUND QUALITY
The following is what I hear from the DUNU DN-2002. YMMV – and probably will – as my tastes are likely different to yours (read the preamble I gave earlier for a baseline). Most of the testing at this point (unless otherwise stated) was done with my FiiO X3ii and E17K as source, no EQ, and Comply foam tips with the cable worn over ear. I used the X3ii and E17K simply because paired they give me a very transparent window to the music with low impedance, and more than enough power. With the X3ii, replay gain was off, and the fixed line-out setting was default.

For the record – on most tracks, the volume level on the E17K was around 17-19/60 (on low gain) which was giving me an average SPL around 65-75 dB. Tracks used were across a variety of genres – and can be viewed in this list http://www.head-fi.org/a/brookos-test-tracks.
 
Thoughts on General Signature
When I first listened to the DN-2002, the first impression was of a really nice balance, good detail, and very smooth and easy to listen to signature. This hasn't really changed in the time I've had them. If describing in a few key phrases, I'd describe them as smooth and balanced, with good bass response, and slightly subdued upper end. One of the things I've enjoyed with them so far is that they have such an easy going nature – but still allow good levels of detail texture and timbre through. In fact if it wasn't for the fit, these would be the ideal IEMs to simply relax with.
 
Overall Detail / Clarity
Tracks used: Gaucho, Sultans of Swing
 

1. Good balance with slightly noticeable rise in the mid-bass
2. Very good detail retrieval and although it is more overt than in your face, nothing appears to be missing
3. Cymbals have reasonable presence and extremely good decay (they sit in the background just a little)
4. Guitar has very good edge and sounds very realistic
5. Very good resolution overall and surprises considering how smooth it is.
6. Vocals in both tracks are nicely balanced

 
Sound-stage, Imaging, and Sibilance Test
Tracks used: Tundra, Dante’s Prayer, Let it Rain
 

1. Very good directional cues, but just at the periphery of my head space – so not extremely wide or deep sounding (more intimate)
2. Nicely rounded stage (which I find more important than expansiveness)
3. Precise imaging which is very clear – not diffuse at all.
4. Separation of instruments is above average – and again surprising clarity given the smoothness.
5. Great contrast between vocals, piano and cello with Dante's Prayer.
6. Immersion is very good (applause section of Dante's Prayer) with impression that crowd is around you. This is continued with the holographic presentation of “Let It Rain”
7. Overall I would all the staging as realistic and slightly intimate rather than expansive.
8. Sibilance is masked quite a bit in “Let It Rain” - hardly present for me, although I know it exists in the recording

 
Bass Quality and Quantity
Tracks used: Bleeding Muddy Water, Royals
 

1. Very good mid-bass impact and good portrayal of timbre, tone and texture (Mark's vocals in “Muddy Waters”)
2. Good speed and bass resolution – this is quality bass rather than simply quantity
3. No signs of bass bleed into the mid-range
4. Enough sub-bass for rumble (“Royals”) but not over emphasised. I quite like this presentation actually – again it sounds very much like bass done right (natural rather than emphasised)
5. Very good separation between mid-bass thump and vocals (“Royals”)

 
Female Vocals
Tracks used : Aventine, Strong, For You, Human, The Bad In Each Other, Howl, Safer, Light as a Feather, Don’t Wake me Up, Ship To Wreck.
 

1. Good transition from lower-mids to upper-mids – sounds quite natural
2. Slightly euphonic presentation with reasonable air and a slight touch of sweetness to female vocals (much less than 2000J)
3. Fantastic contrast between vocals and lower pitch of instruments like cello
4. Very slight stridency with Aventine and Strong, but doesn't degrade at all with lower listening volumes
5. Extremely good with music with highly dynamic content (Feist, FaTM) – contrast between bass and vocals is excellent
6. Gabriella Cilmi gave me chills – always a good sign from the point of view of realism and tonality.
7. Plays all my female vocalists extremely well – definite tick for female vocals

 
Male Vocals
Track used: Away From the Sun, Art for Art’s Sake, Broken Wings, Hotel California, Keith Don’t Go, Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town.
 

1. Again, really good portrayal of dynamic slam from the bass without overshadowing anything.
2. Great presence with lead guitar and excellent harmony with lower vocals (very full)
3. Male vocals and fem,ale vocals have very similar sense of staging or distance – nice balance.
4. Vocals sound quite realistic – rich and full
5. Excellent portrayal of classic rock artists like 10CC and Jethro tull. Mix of detail and tonality is very good.
6. Brilliant with acoustic tracks – especially Eagle's Hotel California
7. Wonderful presentation of timbre and tone with Pearl Jam – texture on Eddie's vocals was practically perfect.

 
Genre Specific Notes

1. Excellent with most forms of Rock, and stunning with Alt Rock too – especially Porcupine Tree and Floyd – Wilson's vocals are amazing. Constantly surprised how they manage so much detail but retain their smoothness.
2. Wonderful with Blues and Jazz although at times I would have liked just a little more upper end to highlight some spectacular cymbal work I have in some recordings. Great with brass. Bonamassa's guitar work and vocals were wonderful.
3. Good bass impact – but not earth shaking (for the likes of Hip-hop or EDM lovers who might look for enhanced quantity). Quality is excellent though and I'm enjoying the 2002 with all forms of EDM, Hip-hop and Trance.
4. Pop was brilliant and the smoothness can help even out some of those peaky recordings (Adele) which can sometimes get slightly shouty in the upper mids. No lack of resolution though which is good. Indie was brilliant and again the same ability to soften some recording issues with lower treble whilst retaining the overall tonality is one the 2002's strengths IMO. Wildlight's “Dawn to Flight” was fantastic – absolutely sublime tonality.
5. Classical on the whole was really good – stand-outs being solo piano and solo cello. Lacked a little overall depth with full orchestra and there are times I would have preferred a little more expansiveness.

 
AMPLIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The DN-2002 doesn’t need amplification for overall volume – but because of its relatively low impedance, if you have a source with an output impedance of anything over 1 ohm, you may want to consider an amp to correct the output impedance mismatch. All of my sources are pretty low OI and I had no issues with tonality changes.

 
With my iPhone 5S around 30-35% volume is more than enough with most tracks, and the FiiOs are generally at around 30/120. I did try the DN-2002 with the E11K, E17K, and IMS Hybrid Valve but none of them seemed to be adding anything to my listening set-up other than some extra bulk. I actually found the HVA to be a little too warm, but did enjoy the E17K with the X3ii (read why below).
 
RESPONSE TO EQ?
The DN-2002 is a very cohesive sounding IEM which doesn't really require EQ, but if you find the easy going relaxed tonality a bit much, and would like a bit more upper end, the X3ii + E17K is a really good way to achieve this. I simply set treble to +4 and revisited my female vocals. For my tastes this was an improvement, and the DN-2002 seems to respond well.
 
COMPARISON WITH OTHER IEMS
These comparisons were all done with the X3ii, E17K (no EQ) – and volume matched using a calibrated SPL meter and fixed 1kHz test tone first. Here are my very subjective thoughts:
 
 
DN-2002 (USD 375) vs DUNU-2000 (USD 259)
Build quality including girth on the housings is quite similar. For comfort – because of my own physiology, I have to give the nod to the DN-2000 as slightly better fitting – although to be fair neither would be what I would call comfortable. Both are very similar sounding IEMs with the DN-2000 having better bass extension (more sub-bass) and a little more presence in the lower treble. Both are clear and smooth and able to give very good resolution and tonality. My personal preference here is actually for the DN-2000, but it really is because of overall fit and also sonic preference.
 
DN-2002 (USD 375) vs DUNU-2000J (USD 288)
The 2000J has similar overall build characteristics as far as quality goes, but this time there is a difference in the size of the housings (2000J is slightly smaller) and the relief is palpable. The 2000J is a lot more comfortable for me. This time there is a bit more change in overall tonality with the 2000J having a lot more upper mid-range and lower treble presence. The 2000J also has marginally more bass presence (a similar bass profile though) – yet the 2002 sounds warmer and smoother due to it's more subdued mid-range and treble. Undoubtedly the 2002 sounds the more tonally correct and balanced earphone overall – but it doesn't stop me appreciating the characteristics of the 2000J (I love its unabashed clarity and brighter presentation). This will come down to preference.
 
DN-2002 (USD 375) vs ORIVETI PRIMACY (USD 299)
Build quality overall is of a similar standard, but where the Primacy stands out is with its very ergonomic form factor and nicely rounded edges. It literally disappears when worn and there really is no competition in this area – the Primacy is simply superior. Sonically the two are similar up to a point with the 2002 offering more balanced and natural sounding tonality, where the triple hybrid Primacy has more sub-bass extension (and this is quite noticeable), a real peak in the vocal presence area and a large peak in the lower treble. The Primacy sounds comparably more intimate, very clear in vocals, and it's one fault is that it can at times become a little fatiguing to me. Overall I like the 2002's tonality but the Primacy's form factor and comfort.
 
DN-2002 (USD 375) vs JAYS q-JAYS (USD 279-299)
Once again both IEMs are phenomenally built, and once again the 2002 is soundly beaten in fit and comfort. The q-Jays are a dual BA (no dynamics) so this obviously aids fir and comfort. Sonically the two are somewhat similar although the 2002 sounds a little smoother, more natural, and a little warmer. The q-Jays seem quicker, cleaner, and slightly leaner – but they also have a lower treble peak which is very apparent when doing A/B comparisons. Of the two, the 2002 does sound tonally more natural. This one will come down to preference – but the q-Jays really suit my own tastes and for me the comfort and form factor would win out as well.

DUNU DN-2002 – SUMMARY

 
There is an awful lot to like about the 2002, and this is especially so with its sonic ability. It has a realistic natural tonality about it which is smooth yet lacks no detail or resolution. The balance between bass, mid-range and treble is very cohesive, and I could find no real faults with it. For my own personal preference I would have liked perhaps a touch more upper mid-range and also lower treble – but that is easily fixed with EQ. Bass is quick and well textured, and the overall transition from lower to upper mids is seamless. The overall tuning and balance is the DN-2002's strongest point.
 
The build and accessory package is typical DUNU – very good quality, and not really skimping on anything which should be required for the overall package. But where I do have problems is the form factor and overall fit. I think DUNU would have been much better to try shells which are much more ergonomic, and I fear if they don't start looking in this direction for future releases, they are ultimately going to be overtaken by other companies. One only has to look at the likes of the Primacy from Oriveti, or Pinnacle P1 from MEE to see where the market is heading. And DUNU have always been one of the great innovators – so I do hope they take this critique on-board. If you naturally tend to use IEMs cable down though, and can manage a good seal, the DN-2002 become more than just viable, and I suspect you'll find very little fault with them. Unfortunately for me - I am pretty much an over-ear user. One thing DUNU should fix regardless is the "strap" holding the "connector" housing to the main shell.  This has raised edges - and these simply do not go well with soft ears.  A definite design fault and one which should not have passed the original testing phase.
 
The RRP looks to be USD 375 and at this price the DN-2002 is not a cheap IEM. If it wasn't for my issues with the comfort / fit, I would recommend them wholeheartedly. However I would be remiss if I didn't suggest that it might be a good idea to try them first if you are considering buying them. If you are lucky enough to have no fit or comfort issues, then you are getting a fantastic sounding IEM.
 
Once again I’d like to thank Vivian at DUNU for giving me this wonderful opportunity to review their products. 4/5 or 80% for me. I can't fault their sonics, but can't ignore the design issues with comfort for my over-ear preference.

UPDATE 6th JUNE

A little update to my review - and also a big shout out to Vivian and her engineers for sending me replacements.  They didn't need to, I didn't ask for them - and it just goes to show how much DUNU want to make sure things are right.
 

1. The graphs  are generated using the Vibro Veritas coupler and ARTA software. They aren’t calibrated to IEC measurement standards, but the raw data I’m getting has been very consistent, and is actually not too far away from the raw data measured by other systems except for above 4-5 kHz where it shows significantly lower than measurements performed on a properly calibrated rig. So when reading the graphs, don’t take them as gospel – or at least remember that the area above 4-5 kHz will likely be significantly higher than m,y measurements.
2. The graphs are provided merely as a point of discussion, and are useful as a comparison to other IEMs that I've measured on the same equipment.
3. DUNU kindly sent me a copy of their own graph - which I think shows the similarities between the results we're getting.  Theirs shows a channel measured with and without a full seal. Not sure if it was left and right, or both measurements of one only

 
Anyway - last week I received the replacement pair of DN-2002, along with an upgrade cable DUNU are considering.  The issue with my first pair of 2002 (the ones I reviewed) was some channel imbalance in the bass. It was pretty much unnoticeable with music playing, and didn't detract from my enjoyment of the 2002.
 
The replacement pair is graphed below.  There is still some imbalance, again only with the bass.  When I took the measurements I used the exact same tip for both channels (foam tip which gives a great seal).  I also took 4 measurements of 5 iterations, so 20 in all, and took the closest matching average measurements to build the graphs. The seal is definitely a good one. Any channel imbalance is unnoticeable again, and these sound every bit as good as the first ones.
 
 
Main difference is that the channel matching is a lot closer, and this pair have a higher peak at 9kHz.  They still sound really good, and would be my favourite DUNU release to date (sonic signature).
 
Here is DUNU's graph for comparison:

But this time Vivian included something a little special that they've been working on.  An upgraded copper aftermarket cable.  Its two twisted pairs (4 separate wires which are twisted to a quad below the Y-split. This means converting to balanced is as simple as changing the jack. The cable is really supple, looks really good, reasonably low microphonics (over ear) - there are some, but it isn't bad. The connectors are a lot skinnier, and actually fit snugly inside the existing connectors. Not sure if they intend changing to something a little more suited to the socket dimensions, but I actually like these the way they are. The jack is right angled, quite heavy duty, and looks really amazing. Only one small nit-pick is that it's not friendly with my iPhone case - but it's only a small critique as it fits everything else fine.
 
The best thing about the cable is that it fits over-ear brilliantly - tends to stay there rather than occasionally unlooping. It is probably the small bit of extra weight and the suppleness.  So looks good, fits well - how does it sound?  Exactly the same as the other cables actually (c'mon you knew I was going to say that 

). But to make sure - I measured.  There was a volume difference of around 0.5 dB - but as you an see, the freq response is pretty much identical:
 

 
So is the cable upgrade worth it - hard to tell as I have no idea of whether its being offered as an extra or included for future accessory packs.  I really like it though, and if it was reasonably priced I'd probably get one for the aesthetics and improved fit.
 
Pics below: