tomscy2000
Headphoneus Supremus
DUNU DN-2000J, shot on Canon EOS 6D with EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Single gridded reflector shooting into medium-sized white foam core overhead, with white reflector fill cards.
Single gridded reflector shooting into medium-sized white foam core overhead, with white reflector fill cards.
Introduction
Over the past few months, I've had the opportunity of having renewed contact with representatives at DUNU. The Chinese company (with Taiwanese roots and management) is experiencing a rebirth of sorts; years ago, we were introduced to high-value products from former OEM TopSound's DUNU brand in the form of the Trident, Ares, Hephaes, etc. and while most of us head-fiers believed they were great budget value earphones, few of us knew they would be at where they are today: a crowd favorite in the head-fi community.
The company has had its ups and downs. I've personally panned a few of their products in the past for its execution (or failure of), such as the DN-19 Tai Chi, and have in the past wondered out loud whether or not the company would ever wander out of mediocrity. Harsh words, yes. One of the perennial hallmarks of the company, however, aside from bringing forth a spirit of creating value-priced products, was a willingness to learn and improve. With each iteration, the company has tweaked its sonic profile to better suit its target customers while increasing its technical expertise with every product cycle. Company representatives told me that in the past, as an OEM manufacturer, they never really had to consider the perspective of a hi-fi listener; they took on orders from other companies and made them to spec proficiently and efficiently with the latest manufacturing techniques and tooling, but they didn't stop to examine the human aspects of the experience of sound until they started extensively probing the head-fi community and the audio community in general.
The continued feedback and response have paid off for DUNU; their DN-1000 and DN-2000 were critically acclaimed, and have won over fans the world over. Whereas I'd previously expressed doubt in their product management abilities, I now praised DUNU for delivering great-sounding products at the right price point. The DN-1000, unlike most other "affordable" hybrid transducer designs, did not possess the alarming technical issues in other manufacturers' implementations, despite being the lowest priced of the lot. The DN-2000 further refined on the DN-1000 in both sound and build; its sound signature is what I regard as the "new" DUNU house sound --- slightly V-shaped and fun, with patently sparkly high notes, but without outright harshness.
With the announcement of the DN-2000J, DUNU seems poised to turn over a new leaf, both with improved ergonomics and transducer technology. It really seems they're looking to climb the flagship universal IEM ladder.
After having heard the Titan 1, Alpha 1, and DN-2000J (prototype) briefly at an audio show in Taipei in December 2014, I finally found the time to visit DUNU corporate headquarters in New Taipei City in January. For a rundown of my visit there, please visit the first post of the Titan 1 thread.
Both times, however, I was left with the impression that the DN-2000J amounted to more than a minor tweak of the successful DN-2000 paradigm --- it seemed a proper leap to the top. After I listened to the DN-2000J prototype in December 2014, I wrote the following:
There is a postscript to add to those comments; during my second listen in January, I noticed that the midrange was more apparently recessed in the now-signature DUNU fashion ---- laid-back, but never lacking presence, while still harkening calls to the intensity that is the AKG K3003.
The final production version of the DN-2000J, however, was expected to have a slightly different sound signature, different from the prototypes that I'd heard. DUNU told me that they worked closely with their Japanese distributors in both voicing and packaging, and that they were working to alter the treble response.
Product Information (from February 2015)
Prior to Chinese New Year, DUNU put out an initial pilot run to send to critical retail partners and Mainland Chinese reviewers for evaluation. At that time, I received a packet of information that highlights some of the new features and changes on the DN-2000J, and it was really revealing in that they were really going for a properly premium product in the DN-2000J.
While the original release date for the DN-2000J was set for the post-CNY mayhem (when most Chinese youngsters' wallets are fat with hongbao money), DUNU decided to go back to the drawing board for another three months to fine tune the DN-2000J.
The following is the information that I was been able to receive from DUNU, along with my own commentary:
Technology: High-Resolution Audio, er, "Certified"
The DN-2000J proudly wears the "Hi-Res Audio" sticker as the first Chinese audio product to be certified by the Japan Audio Society (JAS) for high-resolution consumption.
As many (or a few?) may be aware, Sony is spearheading the "Hi-Res Audio" campaign, but nearly all Japanese manufacturers have joined in the effort. Additionally, JAS announced a partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) at CES 2015 to put the certification into effect for the bulk of qualified audio products, effectively making the "Hi-Res Audio" sticker all but an "official" proclamation of an audio product's ability (in the eyes of the general public).
Apparently, the rules are that audio transducers must be certified out to 40 kHz, and that the final product must be subject to a subjective listening test by JAS engineers.
To be perfectly honest, I believe the "Hi-Res Audio" sticker is pretty much purely a marketing ploy, as the standards for achieving its qualifications are far too loose and easily achievable by most enthusiast/audiophile-oriented products these days. The 40 kHz definition tests only the transducer, rather than the earphone itself, so 40 kHz does not denote the DN-2000J's frequency extension as measured in an ear simulator (IEC 60318-4, formerly IEC 60711). At the same time, it's not like an ear simulator is the end-all-be-all for determining high frequency extension. IEC stipulates that the 60318-4 standard is usable up to 16 kHz, but Paul S. Barton (as well as other individuals considered experts in the world of electroacoustic measurement) has been quoted as saying that he doesn't believe ear simulator measurements above 8 kHz are reliable, as the exponential increase in acoustic impedance of such ear couplers up to 12 kHz is likely not indicative of the way the ear canal amplifies sound immision against the ear drum. Therefore, we can really only take these things as a ballpark type of proclamation.
However, in terms of marketing, having that "Hi-Res Audio" sticker gives DUNU and the DN-2000J a measure of legitimacy in the eyes of mainstream consumers. DUNU has had success in enthusiast-oriented circles, but I get the feeling they're really hoping to expand their horizons with DN-2000J. Japan has been a large market for DUNU, and I've heard reports of Japanese tourists traveling to Taiwan specifically to buy DUNU products at a discount. Therefore, the voicing and packaging of the DN-2000J for the Japanese market is highly important for the product's success. As such, DUNU have collaborated closely with their Japanese retailers for both tuning and design feedback.
What should we head-fiers take away most from this development is that DUNU is really taking the DN-2000J seriously and wants it to define the brand.
Technology: Nerds Rejoice! Titanium-Treated Liquid Crystal Polymer Diaphragm
We knew this was coming. It's already been implemented in the Titan 1. The Titan 1 has been great as a relatively low-cost, but high-resolution, and fun-sounding IEM.
From what I've heard from the prototype DN-2000J, the titanium treatment takes the resolution of the DN-2000 to another level. It lends more air to the treble response, and more speed to bass. That's just what titanium treatment tends to do for a moving coil diaphragm, basically --- energy transfer is more efficient with fewer resonant nodes (resulting in nodal precession, and subsequent loss of energy), and the subjective experience correlates to faster transients and more detail. It's not a new concept; HiFiMAN has long implemented the titanium treatment in its IEMs, as well as a few other manufacturers such as Nuforce.
What I didn't know until I received these slides was that the diaphragm itself was made from liquid crystal polymer (LCP for short), similar to that of the famed Sony MDR-EX1000. Of course, LCP is just a type of material, much like vectran, mylar, PET, etc. and it's unknown how many layers the diaphragm is made of, or what the specific polymerization structure amounts to. As a crystalline substance, however, the likely answer is that the diaphragm itself (given lack of impurities) is of an incredibly consistent composition, unlike organic (read: petrochemical, plastic) polymers, which can often result in messy cross-linking or perhaps be too heavy to be efficient. Men like Dr. Fang Bian of HiFiMAN have made their careers out of optimizing lightweight, thin, nano-treated polymers and making them into advanced transducer diaphragms like the ones found in the yet-to-be released (as of February 2015) reference-grade HE-1000 planar magnetic headphone. It seems like DUNU is delving into the same field, just with a different focus.
As shown in the slide, DUNU recommends 200+ hours of "burn-in". Personally, the more rational side of me tends not to invest too much stock in mechanical burn-in, as I find that all transducers, whether they be moving coil-based, balanced armature, or whatever else, tend to settle in pretty consistently within 25-50 hours, and I cannot find definitive information that points to longer burn-in time as being beneficial for a mechanical transducer. However, since "burn-in" is always a topic of simultaneous confusion and contention, I'll leave this subject up to individual interpretation. I don't really think there's a right or wrong answer here.
Improved Ergonomics and Build Quality: It Joined Weight Watchers
Apparently, the DN-2000 was perceived by some to be on the large side. Despite my ears being smaller than average and insertion angle being steeper than average, I actually never encountered fit problems when I tried the DN-2000, so either I've never worn them long enough (have never owned a pair, have only tried them at audio shows/meets and borrowed friends' units) or the fit issue is a personal one. Nevertheless, DUNU decided to act on the feedback and bring forth a smaller-sized body in the DN-2000J.
The DN-2000J is now 0.5 mm smaller in diameter and 2.2 mm shallower --- not a very significant difference in terms of raw measurements, and in fact, even when seeing the two up close and personal, the shrinkage is not vastly different.
However, the DN-2000J does actually feel just that little bit lighter sitting in the ear canal, which is probably due to the shallower body enacting less torsional force against the sides of the ear canals. As a result, the DN-2000J sticks out of the ears less, and is a tiny bit more comfortable.
As always, YMMV.
Oh, and there's this, for all you Gollumses that polish your precioussss DN-2000J to a titanium sheen every morning...
Improved Ergonomics and Build Quality: A Bazillion Accessories, Including a Ton of Comply Foam Tips
If there's one thing DUNU is not, it's that it is not stingy with the accessories. This thing has a fit kit that can fit kits. If the recent fit packages included with current DUNU products are any indication, there won't just be the three types of tips shown above. You'll likely be gifted with a backup pair of each size.Comply Foam has been pretty aggressive in getting companies to throw in a pair or three of their foamies as gateway drugs. Kudos to DUNU for putting in the awesomely round Ts-500 foams as well. The Ts series remains my favorite type of Company foam tip, as I find it occludes treble frequencies least for my particular ear canal shape.
And what's this bass ring? It's exclusive, apparently. Well, I'll find out soon enough. Flexy flex flex that driver...
Four Conductor Wiring at the Plug, Part of a Balanced BreakfastCircuit
Aside from the benefits of reduced crosstalk and weak solder joints at the Y-split, modders will be happy to hear about this development, as the DN-2000J will easily be re-terminated into a fully-balanced configuration, usable on DAPs like the AK240, AK120-II, AK100-II, HM-901/901S, Geek Wave, FiiO X7, and more.
Since DUNU has collaborated with FiiO in the past, I suspect they'll make a special balanced bundle pack of the FiiO X7 and a special balanced edition of the DN-2000J. I have not confirmed this guess with DUNU, however, so this claim is pure speculation on my part, a.k.a. talking out my a__.
Improved Ergonomics and Build Quality: Anodized Back Panel
Yeah, it's supposed to be more durable, prettier, and all, but really the only reason why I decided to mention this feature is that love the word "anodize". It just sounds so cool --- way better than "cathodize", which just sounds *@&$&%(@@!$...
So when y'all show off your DN-2000J to your envious friends, tell them how the back of the DN-2000J is "double anodized" in a posh London accent and proceed to caress the back piece, waxing poetic about its texture and durability.
Au Revoir...
Okay, if you've made it this far, you'll have noticed that my prose has slipped from stuffed-shirt formal to tongue-in-cheek, which means two things: (1) it's the end of a very long day, and (2) if I keep writing, I'm bound to write something highly inappropriate (whoops, too late), like commenting on the "anti-slip ribbedgroove design". So I'm stopping here.
Anyway, this is the thread to post your unmatchable expectations, illogical hype, and impressions (when the DN-2000J finally releases).
Have fun, kids. But remember, always practice safe listening.
Anyway, this is the thread to post your unmatchable expectations, illogical hype, and impressions (when the DN-2000J finally releases).
Have fun, kids. But remember, always practice safe listening.
How to Post (Tongue-In-Cheek)
BAD EXAMPLE: In the course of audio developments it becomes necessary for one company to dissolve the price barriers which have connected them with another and assume among the powers of...
Impressions (from May 2015)
Synopsis (by @tomscy2000)
The DN-2000J is a classically U-shaped earphone, with a sound signature that sounds most similar to a mixture between the AKG K3003 with Reference filters and High Boost filters, tending toward an analytical, detail-filled, and exacting nature. DUNU has long professed a desire to create an earphone that matches or outperforms the K3003, and has released a couple of well-regarded and affordable hybrid IEMs in the DN-1000 and DN-2000 over the last couple of years.
With the DN-2000J, originally created for the Japanese market as a more peppy and more petite version of the DN-2000, they've managed to create their best hybrid earphone yet, and manages to emulate the essence of its target AKG K3003 while preserving its unique identity and lineage from the DN-2000.
Perhaps owing to its custom-spec TWFK driver, the AKG K3003 manages to take the edge off some of the harshness in the treble region a little better than does the DN-2000J, but the DN-2000J comes close to the K3003 in spite of the price difference. Harshness between 8.5-10 kHz is controlled in the retail version over the prototypes, but can still be grating to treble-sensitive individuals, especially with silicone tips.
Due to the slightly less refined nature of the DN-2000J's treble, Comply foam tips such as the included Ts-500 are recommended for long-term listening. However, as individual preferences vary, users will need to experiment between different tips to find their most preferred sonic experience.
The DN-2000J possesses very slightly more warmth but yet is very slightly less forward in presentation for the midrange than is the K3003. The two are remarkably similar in this area, however, and possess a similar degree of forward projection for vocals. Thus, potential buyers should be aware that the DN-2000J is not an especially intimate IEM, but is rather neutrally-positioned in sound space --- neither forward nor overtly laid-back. Its U-shaped nature does implicitly mean that the bass and treble will ever so slightly sit ever so proud of the midrange, making the DN-2000J most suitable for low-volume, Fletcher-Munson compensated listening.
In terms of bass performance, while there is some natural bass roll-off, the DN-2000J possesses some of the most capable, naturally-textured, yet extremely well-controlled bass response around. Apropos this writer's opinion, the DN-2000J's bass performance is truly top-tier amongst universal IEMs, able to go toe-to-toe with products like the Shure SE846, Sony XBA-Z5, and others --- and managing to outstrip its role model, the K3003, in performance.
With this kind of performance, the DN-2000J is a clear winner at $349 USD --- it improves on the performance of its predecessor the DN-2000 (itself a well-regarded IEM), and is of the top tier for sound quality in universal IEMs. Its weaknesses are predicated largely upon its reliance on the polarizing TWFK driver for the mids and highs, as well as its general sound signature tending toward the analytical. Individuals looking for this type of sound, however, will be delighted by the DN-2000J. DUNU deserves a resounding round of applause for a job well done.
Impressions Journal (by @tomscy2000)
Other Members' Impressions (Head-Fi Review List)
- @alucart1985: (1)
- @avitron142: (1)
- @Brooko: (1)(Review)(Comparison between DN-1000/2000/2000J)
- @cleg: (Video)(1)
- @ClieOS: (1)
- @d marc0: (1)
- @drm870: (1)
- @earfonia: (1)(2)
- @H20Fidelity: (1), Photos (1)(2)
- @james444: (1)(Comparison between Ear Tips)(In-Depth Comparison between DN-2000J & K3003)(Blue-Tack Mod)
- @MongTT: (1)
- @omastic: (1)
- @Raketen: (1)(2)
- @rschoi75: (1)(2)
- @shotgunshane: (In-Depth Impressions)
External Links
- Review from Mainland China (Simplified Chinese)
- Comparison between Prototype and Retail Versions on ERJI (Simplified Chinese)
- Comparison between Noble K10 Universal and DN-2000J on ERJI (Simplified Chinese)
- Comparison between AKG K3003 and DN-2000J on Loxpro (Simplified Chinese)
- Review on HIFIshuo.com (Simplified Chinese)
- Impressions on SEEKO (Korean)
- Review on CYMBACAVUM (English)
- Review on Hi-News.ru (Russian)
Purchasing Information
Retail Price: $349 (USD), 39,800円 (JPY)
Known Retailers/Distributors
- Penon Audio
- LendMeUrEars
- Digital852
- Amazon
- SOUNDEARTH (Japan Distributor)
Measurements
Rendered (not exact measurements) graphic derived from results obtained by speakerphone (for CYMBACAVUM):
(Measured with stock clear silicone tips)
.....finally the beast has been released 
