Would you guys then consider the titans 3 & 5 as side grades to the 1? How'd they compare to the dnk and dn2k?
1TP - hopefully this is what you were looking for. Warning - objective AND subjective ahead
. For the subjective, get my preamble from any of my reviews (bias etc).
For the objective - measuring gear was:
- Startech USB DAC/mic (16/48)
- Fiio E11K connected via line-out (to avoid the Startech's 8-10 ohm OI)
- Vibro Veritas coupler
- ARTA measurement software.
The Veritas has a calibration profile to compensate for the Startech - so it measures completely flat 20 hz-20 kHz, but the mic is not calibrated, and there is no compensation to IEC specifications. So the data is raw, but it is consistent, and repeatable, and most importantly it is
relative - so the important thing is comparing it to IEMs you may already know. The other thing that I can get quite consistently is shaping of the graphs generally pretty close to Innerfidelity's raw data - so that makes it useful. Anyway - take it with a grain of salt. The measurements were scaled to a common point pretty close to 1.5 kHz. The reason I use 1.5 kHz now is that a lot of measurements reference 1 kHz, but my reading tells me that around 2kHz seems to be the sweet spot for sensitivity. So I'm covering both bases and using common ground at 1.5 kHz. Finally - all measurements were taken with Comply foam tips. They give me most consistent data from the coupler.
For the subjective - I used the X3ii, Fiios E17K (neutral and the digital vol control makes it easy to volume match), and an SPL meter to volume match at (1.5 kHz).
DNK vs DN2K vs DN2KJ (also refer graph)
DN1K and DN2K are the most alike - with the 2K having slightly less, and slightly better (quality bass). Both have what I would call elevated bass (above neutral), and neither are particularly fatiguing with both having quite smooth treble. Both are also very clear and clean sounding. The DN2KJ has a similar overall sound but less bass, and more detail. Some may be sensitive to it's 7-8K peak, but it's never really bothered me. You can tell all are from the same family - but the 1K and 2K are like twins, and the 2KJ like the younger, faster, brighter sibling. For my personal preferences, I really enjoy the 2KJ the most as it renders my female vocalists the best. Although the 2KJ has the least amount of bass, it still thumps impressively when called for.
T1 vs T3 vs T5 (also refer graph)
T1 is nicely balanced, really clear in the vocal area, but vocals can seem a little distant due to the wider perceived soundstage. T1 definitely has more bass than T3 - but it is also has more sense of decay (slower), and far greater sub-bass than the T3 which is actually quite anaemic comparatively. The T3 is very vocal forward and exceedingly clear. The T5 has far more sub-bass (it is definitely massive on bass heavy tracks), very similar vocal profile to the T3, but vocals seem just a little more distant compared to the T3 (probably because of the bass). The T5 is definitely the most V shaped. Again all 3 are definitely from the same family.
So what sounds most alike Titan vs DN series?
Again refer graphs. Now most people will probably guess that the T3 is going to closest to the DN2KJ - but for me not really. It's just too bass light comparatively - and the 2KJ has really good bass (quantity and quality). The surprising thing for me is how close the T5 sounds to both the T1 and DN2KJ (tonally). It just has more bass than both. It is also more forward in vocals than the 2KJ and a lot more forward than the T1 - which again has that sense of space because of the venting.
All of the DUNU's are excellent though, and DUNU really does a have a line-up that caters to most tastes.
IMHO (SUMMARY):
- The DN1K and DN2K are great if you want clear, slightly bass elevated, and relatively non fatiguing upper mids / lower treble. I personally find them great all rounders, but more so for male vocalists, rock, EDM etc.
- The DN2KJ are one of my most favourite IEMs. They take the bass of the 1K and 2K, refine it, speed it up, and then really give outstanding clarity in vocals, and a bright clear upper end. They are the most spacious of the IEM series,a nd the best for female vocalists (to my preferences anyway)
- The T1 are similar tonally to the DN2KJ - but they have an incredible sense of space, and because of this the vocals sit back a little. They are clean and clear, have a nicely balanced bass, and still one of my favourite among DUNUs range. I still prefer the T1's tonality over both the DN1k and DN2K.
- The T3 are really the odd one out in the family. Definitely a lot of similarity to the others, but they are quite bass light (comparatively) - still have good quick bass though. They are also the most forward with vocals, and sound the most clean and clear. They are the ones in the family I liked immediately when I first heard them - but I have "cooled" to them over the last week. For me personally I sometimes find the forward vocals a little too much "in my face" and can get fatigued after a while. They are very good for quiet listening though. But if you are a loud listener - then I'd be cautious with the T3.
- The T5 are the enigma for me. When I first received the new T series from DUNU, I spent most of the first few days with the T3 - didn't like the T5 (too bassy). But over time the T5 has become one of my favourites. it has similar vocals to the T3 - but the added bass means I often listen to them much quieter than the T3. I don't need to turn the volume up to get reasonable vocal presence because it is forward anyway, and at lower levels, the bass is actually really good. Yes it is above neutral, and can slam hard if you really want to rock out. But it is also present for those quieter listening sessions, and the more I spend time with them, the more I find them similar to the 2KJ. It just depends on your default listening level.
Hopefully that helps a little. I know it possibly goes somewhat against the grain of the reviews posted so far.
