DUNU DN-2000J -- More Than Evolution?

pixelsquish said:

Just curious. How many hours of burn-in did you guys notice it take to affect the sound signature of the D2KJ's?

Click to expand...

That's a loaded question that could spark a huge debate my friend. Some believe burn in is real while others feel it isn't the headphones that change but rather our ears/brains that adjust. I now digress from the topic.

I didn't notice a significant change in sound over the course of using them from what I heard.

pixelsquish said:

Just curious. How many hours of burn-in did you guys notice it take to affect the sound signature of the D2KJ's?

Click to expand...

I spent 200 hours on the original dn2k to get to where I'm at (price ratio satisfaction). I realized that I'm definitely not impressed with sibilant iems. Burn in + 3rd party tips + relaxed/smooth dap synergy (barely any sibilance) really put a smile on my face. I'm kinda hoping the next gen of dunu items can be a bit more forgiving of sibilant recordings.

From what I can tell dunu are better enjoyed with low volume listening...there enough details to go around.

Zero
 
Took me a while for my brain to get used to them - maybe a couple of days.  But I don't think their actual signature has changed (at all) in the time I've been using them.
 
Oh - and I am a low volume listener (compared to many of the Head-Fiers I met at our local Meet anyway).

pixelsquish said:

Just curious. How many hours of burn-in did you guys notice it take to affect the sound signature of the D2KJ's?

Click to expand...

Most "burn-in" should happen within 3-5 days. I was used to Heavy Bass and very exaggerated treble with my older earphones, so naturally my EQ settings for the D2kj reflected that. Nowadays, I've turned down the the whole 20-256hz range and upped everything after 8khz. Rather than just >16khz.

My DUNU DN-2000J Sound Impressions

 
Initially my ambition was to eventually post a DUNU DN-2000J sound review, but I just realized I haven't really got the time or the energy to do it. Anyway, for what it's worth here are my personal (subjective) notations I've made while listening to the DUNU DN-2000J. If some of these notations seem inconsistent and/or repetitive it's probably because they are.
 
(> 3K3) = Outperforms all of my previous IEMs including the AKG K3003 as far as I can remember it with the "High Boost" filters. I had the AKG K3003 for more than a year and listened to it almost daily and I did prefer it with its "High Boost" filters.
 
So, here we go. IMO the DUNU DN-2000J is...

1. Exceptionally resolving! (> 3K3)
2. Exceptionally detailed making lyrics extremely intelligible. (> 3K3)
3. Exceptional holographic/stereophonic/3D imaging giving a spacious/realistic sound stage.(> 3K3)
4. Perception of instrument depth distance unusually good. (> 3K3)
5. Full sounding/non thin with the right recording.
6. Perfect and perfectly neutral bass, wow! (> 3K3)
7. Mids not forward enough/too v-shaped for my taste.
8. Treble somewhat too intense, especially at non low volumes.
9. Smooth mid-range. Makes me feel somewhat disconnected with the mid range.
10. Not enough weight in voices, missing lower harmonics, not enough authority, too distant (recording dependent).
11. Hard to rock out with (loud volumes) treble becomes to hot/intruding.
12. 3D! sound truly also above my head for the first time. Works extremely well with binaural recordings. Wow! (> 3K3)
13. Relentlessly reveals any recording flaws but not too blatantly or unpleasant.(> 3K3)
14. Outstanding for low level volume listening. Never miss out on anything! Dynamics 100 % preserved! (> 3K3)
15. Works extremely well with sound devoid of extreme treble effects like from cymbals, etc. Works best with acoustic hi-fi recordings.
16. More than decent tonality but Carbo Tenore still more realistic with a margin.

 
I'm now considering the Fidue A83 as my perception of it - after having read a number of reviews - is that it's a more neutral (less v-shaped) IEM(?). I do realize I would probably miss out on several of the 2KJ's strong feats, but for my personal preferences I feel I need a bit more mid range presence. I've read a few comparisons between the A83 and the 2KJ but for those of you who have heard both I would find it extremely interesting to hear which one you prefer and why! Thanks!

I personally prefer the D2Kj over the A83. That being said, IMO they are both extremely good at what they do. I have a very high tolerance for high decibel levels so I can understand why some find them "hot". 
 
I listen to about 70/30 Acoustic Jazz/Classic Rock and find that the Dunu performs better with Jazz and the A83 with Rock. To my ears I enjoy listening to either one with rock but IMHO the Fidue just can't keep up with the Dunu with acoustic jazz.
 
Highs Dunu> (keep in mind my tolerance) The A83 highs are simply beautiful with no harshness yet remain crisp. Although I prefer the brighter more accurate highs of the Dunu I don't find the Fidue to be inferior just that the D2kj is more to my liking.
 
Mids Fidue> a little warmer than neutral, so musical and more upfront than the Dunu, I absolutely love the Fidue mids. The Dunu might be a bit clearer but I prefer the A83. Vocals are amazing on the A83.
 
Bass Dunu> IMO this is where there's a distinct gap. The Dunu is faster, more accurate and perfectly tuned to my ears. The A83 is "bassier" but simply less controlled. The Dunu is significantly tighter.
 
This probably doesn't tell you much more than what you already know but if you find the Dunu a little too hot for your taste the A83 is simply a fantastic alternative.

Thank you very much KC33, much appreciated and - as you state - your post conforms well with what I've read and to my conclusions. I'm absolutely amazed by the overall surgical precision (detail, resolution, sound stage, etc) of the 2KJ which (from my memory) even outperforms the K3003. However, it's somehow just a bit too intense for my preferences and I do generally want something a bit more neutral (less v-shaped) in the mids. The ER-4S is a pretty fabulous phone in this respect, but I found its sub bass lacking. It was neutral alright but those tiny single BA drivers IMO just could do bass - especially sub bass - justice. IMO a DD driver is needed for that, hence I want a hybrid. I really enjoyed the mids of the EarSonics SM64 (quite forward) and the ToGo334 but again, I do want a DD driver at the bottom.
 
Especially what you (and H20Fidelity, Brooko and a few others) have to say about the A83 mids is what captures my attention. When listening to violin concertos (I try to play the violin a little myself) or solo vocals the 2KJ makes me feel a bit disconnected from the artist, like the artist is playing/singing somewhat in the distance to himself, like the sound image has been slightly punched out in the center and middle. It's very smooth, and in that respect very enjoyable, but it doesn't sound sufficiently realistic to me and hence isn't quite my cup of tea. I want more bite and presence in the mids, and I'm thinking the A83 just might do it for me even at the expense of that fantastic spaciousness of the 2KJ.
 
Any additional thoughts or reflections on the topic of 2KJ vs. A83 are super welcome! Again, thanks!

aero dynamik said:

 

My DUNU DN-2000J Sound Impressions

 
Initially my ambition was to eventually post a DUNU DN-2000J sound review, but I just realized I haven't really got the time or the energy to do it. Anyway, for what it's worth here are my personal (subjective) notations I've made while listening to the DUNU DN-2000J. If some of these notations seem inconsistent and/or repetitive it's probably because they are.
 
(> 3K3) = Outperforms all of my previous IEMs including the AKG K3003 as far as I can remember it with the "High Boost" filters. I had the AKG K3003 for more than a year and listened to it almost daily and I did prefer it with its "High Boost" filters.
 
So, here we go. IMO the DUNU DN-2000J is...

1. Exceptionally resolving! (> 3K3)
2. Exceptionally detailed making lyrics extremely intelligible. (> 3K3)
3. Exceptional holographic/stereophonic/3D imaging giving a spacious/realistic sound stage.(> 3K3)
4. Perception of instrument depth distance unusually good. (> 3K3)
5. Full sounding/non thin with the right recording.
6. Perfect and perfectly neutral bass, wow! (> 3K3)
7. Mids not forward enough/too v-shaped for my taste.
8. Treble somewhat too intense, especially at non low volumes.
9. Smooth mid-range. Makes me feel somewhat disconnected with the mid range.
10. Not enough weight in voices, missing lower harmonics, not enough authority, too distant (recording dependent).
11. Hard to rock out with (loud volumes) treble becomes to hot/intruding.
12. 3D! sound truly also above my head for the first time. Works extremely well with binaural recordings. Wow! (> 3K3)
13. Relentlessly reveals any recording flaws but not too blatantly or unpleasant.(> 3K3)
14. Outstanding for low level volume listening. Never miss out on anything! Dynamics 100 % preserved! (> 3K3)
15. Works extremely well with sound devoid of extreme treble effects like from cymbals, etc. Works best with acoustic hi-fi recordings.
16. More than decent tonality but Carbo Tenore still more realistic with a margin.

 
I'm now considering the Fidue A83 as my perception of it - after having read a number of reviews - is that it's a more neutral (less v-shaped) IEM(?). I do realize I would probably miss out on several of the 2KJ's strong feats, but for my personal preferences I feel I need a bit more mid range presence. I've read a few comparisons between the A83 and the 2KJ but for those of you who have heard both I would find it extremely interesting to hear which one you prefer and why! Thanks!

Click to expand...

Just how reserved is the midrange on the DN-2000J? If you could offer a real-world analogy to a headphone in the full-sized realm, I might be able to tell if this is worth it or not. For example, I can stand a reserved midrange if it is akin to the Beyerdynamic DT 880 or DT 860. But, if it is as reserved as the DT 990​, then that might be a wee bit too shy for my tastes. All the other qualities sound exactly like what I am after based on my preferences: dynamics, clarity, impact, detail and soundstaging. Thank you for your help in sleuthing this out.​​

This might help - comparative measurement on my Veritas / Arta system of the A83 (green) and DN2KJ (silver)
 
FWIW - if you look at Tyll's measurements for both - you'll find the shapes of the raw data graphs are pretty close.
 

 
Now anyone suggesting the DN-2000J is V shaped, or has recessed mids really needs to go back and listen again.  There is nothing recessed about the DN2KJ IMO. The A83 comparatively has more boom and more sub-bass, but the overall quality of bass (IMO) isn't as well textured or as fast.  Where they differ a lot is in the vocal area, and in the upper mid-range.  The A83 peaks early giving vocals a real lift (some have said that they can be a bit hazy or grainy), but then drops away in the 4-7kHz area before a small harmonic peak at around 9 kHz.  bcause this peak is small - I've never had an issue with sibilance.
 
The 2KJ has a small bump around 3 kHz (which is why female vocals sound so sublime IMO), but not much drop off, and then some bumps in the upper mid-range and lower treble.  This is why it is brighter.  But it also has far better overall balance IMO.
 
For my personal preference - Dunu Dn-2000J all day, every day, and I very much still like the A83.

brooko said:

  This might help - comparative measurement on my Veritas / Arta system of the A83 (green) and DN2KJ (silver)
 
FWIW - if you look at Tyll's measurements for both - you'll find the shapes of the raw data graphs are pretty close.
 

 
Now anyone suggesting the DN-2000J is V shaped, or has recessed mids really needs to go back and listen again.  There is nothing recessed about the DN2KJ IMO. The A83 comparatively has more boom and more sub-bass, but the overall quality of bass (IMO) isn't as well textured or as fast.  Where they differ a lot is in the vocal area, and in the upper mid-range.  The A83 peaks early giving vocals a real lift (some have said that they can be a bit hazy or grainy), but then drops away in the 4-7kHz area before a small harmonic peak at around 9 kHz.  bcause this peak is small - I've never had an issue with sibilance.
 
The 2KJ has a small bump around 3 kHz (which is why female vocals sound so sublime IMO), but not much drop off, and then some bumps in the upper mid-range and lower treble.  This is why it is brighter.  But it also has far better overall balance IMO.
 
For my personal preference - Dunu Dn-2000J all day, every day, and I very much still like the A83.

Click to expand...

Thank you for the comparing graphs! Looking at the graphs it seems obvious we can’t claim any of these two phones to be V-shaped. I agree!

During my years on Head-Fi I’ve come to divide the community into two basic factions; those with a predominantly scientific approach and those with a predominantly artistic approach.

When I listen to the 2KJ I feel like it’s been conceived from a predominantly scientific approach. However, its mid-range isn’t prominent enough for my preferences. That doesn’t make it V-shaped. It simply means I personally want more mid-range presence.

The reason I believe the A83 sounds so good with vocals (as reported by many, you included I believe?) is that it – much like the 2KJ - has a rather flat FR in the human frequency range (approx. 87 Hz to 1047 Hz) in combination with - unlike the 2KJ - a somewhat elevated FR in the frequencies following 1 kHz up to about 3.5 kHz where I’d guess the most prominent human voice harmonics reside. This seems very promising and could perhaps explain why vocals on the A83 are generally so highly praised.

I’ve seen the A83 graph before but haven’t studied it in much detail until now, and I feel a bit disconcerted by it at this point. I haven’t heard the A83 but have ordered it and what I fear – at least to some small extent - when looking at the graph is how it will sound with my favorite instrument, i.e. the solo violin.

The (non-harmonic) frequency range of the violin goes from 196 Hz to approx. 4 kHz. That means that the very highest notes played on the E string at the very end of the fingerboard (the last ½ inch or so) falls somewhat in the dip of the A83. Whether this will be audible or not (it probably will) and what it will sound like remains to be seen (at least by me).

Now, such high violin notes are somewhat rarely played, but when they are they are usually sustained and that could mean trouble. On the other hand the violin harmonics go to about 10 kHz and since the A83 gradually recovers from its dip it could possibly save the situation, perhaps even sound very pleasant. I really can’t say by just looking at the graph. It’s sort of reminds me of the SM64’s 5 kHz (abomination) dip. Then again 5 kHz is pretty far from any sustained (non-harmonic) music played. BTW, the SM64 did very well in the mid-range (very artistic and musical) but in the end didn't quite have the resolving capability I was looking for.

Like with vocals I would guess that 99 % of the time a violin resides in the frequency range below approx. 3 kHz and that means most of the time it – just like vocals - will benefit by the elevation between approx. 1 kHz to 3.5 kHz. I hope it will add to the “steely feeling” of the violin E string that I’m looking for.

Looking at the 2KJ graph it looks like it should sound pretty neutral, and I guess then it does, but I’m not really looking for a reference response. In general I want more presence in the mid-range and a bit less than what I get from the 2KJ in the treble. However, given the right recording the 2KJ shines like no other except maybe in overall tonality where I still consider the Carbo Tenore to be king, although the 2KJ is definitely no slouch in that area either.

hifihedgehog said:

 

Spoiler: Wninrag: Seliopr!

Quote:

aero dynamik said:

 

My DUNU DN-2000J Sound Impressions

 
Initially my ambition was to eventually post a DUNU DN-2000J sound review, but I just realized I haven't really got the time or the energy to do it. Anyway, for what it's worth here are my personal (subjective) notations I've made while listening to the DUNU DN-2000J. If some of these notations seem inconsistent and/or repetitive it's probably because they are.
 
(> 3K3) = Outperforms all of my previous IEMs including the AKG K3003 as far as I can remember it with the "High Boost" filters. I had the AKG K3003 for more than a year and listened to it almost daily and I did prefer it with its "High Boost" filters.
 
So, here we go. IMO the DUNU DN-2000J is...

1. Exceptionally resolving! (> 3K3)
2. Exceptionally detailed making lyrics extremely intelligible. (> 3K3)
3. Exceptional holographic/stereophonic/3D imaging giving a spacious/realistic sound stage.(> 3K3)
4. Perception of instrument depth distance unusually good. (> 3K3)
5. Full sounding/non thin with the right recording.
6. Perfect and perfectly neutral bass, wow! (> 3K3)
7. Mids not forward enough/too v-shaped for my taste.
8. Treble somewhat too intense, especially at non low volumes.
9. Smooth mid-range. Makes me feel somewhat disconnected with the mid range.
10. Not enough weight in voices, missing lower harmonics, not enough authority, too distant (recording dependent).
11. Hard to rock out with (loud volumes) treble becomes to hot/intruding.
12. 3D! sound truly also above my head for the first time. Works extremely well with binaural recordings. Wow! (> 3K3)
13. Relentlessly reveals any recording flaws but not too blatantly or unpleasant.(> 3K3)
14. Outstanding for low level volume listening. Never miss out on anything! Dynamics 100 % preserved! (> 3K3)
15. Works extremely well with sound devoid of extreme treble effects like from cymbals, etc. Works best with acoustic hi-fi recordings.
16. More than decent tonality but Carbo Tenore still more realistic with a margin.

 
I'm now considering the Fidue A83 as my perception of it - after having read a number of reviews - is that it's a more neutral (less v-shaped) IEM(?). I do realize I would probably miss out on several of the 2KJ's strong feats, but for my personal preferences I feel I need a bit more mid range presence. I've read a few comparisons between the A83 and the 2KJ but for those of you who have heard both I would find it extremely interesting to hear which one you prefer and why! Thanks!

Click to expand...

 

Click to expand...

Just how reserved is the midrange on the DN-2000J? If you could offer a real-world analogy to a headphone in the full-sized realm, I might be able to tell if this is worth it or not. For example, I can stand a reserved midrange if it is akin to the Beyerdynamic DT 880 or DT 860. But, if it is as reserved as the DT 990​, then that might be a wee bit too shy for my tastes. All the other qualities sound exactly like what I am after based on my preferences: dynamics, clarity, impact, detail and soundstaging. Thank you for your help in sleuthing this out.​​

Click to expand...

I'm afraid I haven't heard any of the headphones you mention so I'm afraid I probably can't be of much help. My only full size over ear headphone was the Sennheiser HD 650 (now sold) but as I remember it vocals on it were definitely more palpable and engaging than that of the 2KJ.
 
I'd use it for example to listen to Paul McCartney's intense voice in "Wild Life", to really get to feel what his throat must have felt like when singing it. Overall however, the HD 650 was too laid back (treble I guess) for my preferences. It felt like it played everything in half the tempo I was expecting.
 

brooko said:

This might help - comparative measurement on my Veritas / Arta system of the A83 (green) and DN2KJ (silver)

FWIW - if you look at Tyll's measurements for both - you'll find the shapes of the raw data graphs are pretty close.




Now anyone suggesting the DN-2000J is V shaped, or has recessed mids really needs to go back and listen again.  There is nothing recessed about the DN2KJ IMO. The A83 comparatively has more boom and more sub-bass, but the overall quality of bass (IMO) isn't as well textured or as fast.  Where they differ a lot is in the vocal area, and in the upper mid-range.  The A83 peaks early giving vocals a real lift (some have said that they can be a bit hazy or grainy), but then drops away in the 4-7kHz area before a small harmonic peak at around 9 kHz.  bcause this peak is small - I've never had an issue with sibilance.

The 2KJ has a small bump around 3 kHz (which is why female vocals sound so sublime IMO), but not much drop off, and then some bumps in the upper mid-range and lower treble.  This is why it is brighter.  But it also has far better overall balance IMO.

For my personal preference - Dunu Dn-2000J all day, every day, and I very much still like the A83.

Click to expand...

Good, that's what I wanted to hear. I was beginning to think y'all were just crazy. Thinking the dn2kj had "too much treble" and had "recessed mids".

Coming from the T-Peos H-300, my perspective was that they lacked sub bass by just a hair, and lacked 8-20khz by quite a bit. But that's because that's the H-300s were quite bassy and had a massive spike at 8khz.

Anyway, I've started to notice, and like one person said, there's two types of people on here, but in my opinion, it's that one of those people prioritizes sound signature above all else when deciding whether or not to keep something.

Here's the thing, you can just use an equalizer if something doesn't have enough treble, no?

I brought down the 8khz range on my H-300s by nearly 3db and turned them into a great earphone from a rather teeth-grindingly sibilant one, even H20 agreed on that.

And at the price range that most of us are mucking around in, doesn't it seem a little silly to be sending back a pair of earphones just because the 4khz region is missing 0.2db of volume?

To me, I hear this as either an excuse, meaning there's another reason you don't like them, or you just (for some reason) have no access to an EQ and that mild dip/spike just really irks you.

Agree on the EQ - but it depends if you're out to correct a small deviation (eg sibilant peak) or trying to change the whole frequency range  .  I use EQ all the time - and its a fantastic way of tailoring my headphones to my own personal tastes.  The issue lies when using a variety of different sources with different built in EQs.  The ideal is a decent parametric EQ - but unfortunately you don't get than on the Fiios.
 
I guess the middle ground is getting an earphone you don;'t need to tweak too much, but at the same time being prepared to make minor changes to get that last little bit of personal perfection.

hapster said:

 

brooko said:

 

Spoiler: Wrninag: Soilepr!

This might help - comparative measurement on my Veritas / Arta system of the A83 (green) and DN2KJ (silver)

FWIW - if you look at Tyll's measurements for both - you'll find the shapes of the raw data graphs are pretty close.




Now anyone suggesting the DN-2000J is V shaped, or has recessed mids really needs to go back and listen again.  There is nothing recessed about the DN2KJ IMO. The A83 comparatively has more boom and more sub-bass, but the overall quality of bass (IMO) isn't as well textured or as fast.  Where they differ a lot is in the vocal area, and in the upper mid-range.  The A83 peaks early giving vocals a real lift (some have said that they can be a bit hazy or grainy), but then drops away in the 4-7kHz area before a small harmonic peak at around 9 kHz.  bcause this peak is small - I've never had an issue with sibilance.

The 2KJ has a small bump around 3 kHz (which is why female vocals sound so sublime IMO), but not much drop off, and then some bumps in the upper mid-range and lower treble.  This is why it is brighter.  But it also has far better overall balance IMO.

For my personal preference - Dunu Dn-2000J all day, every day, and I very much still like the A83.

Click to expand...

Good, that's what I wanted to hear. I was beginning to think y'all were just crazy. Thinking the dn2kj had "too much treble" and had "recessed mids".

Coming from the T-Peos H-300, my perspective was that they lacked sub bass by just a hair, and lacked 8-20khz by quite a bit. But that's because that's the H-300s were quite bassy and had a massive spike at 8khz.

Anyway, I've started to notice, and like one person said, there's two types of people on here, but in my opinion, it's that one of those people prioritizes sound signature above all else when deciding whether or not to keep something.

Here's the thing, you can just use an equalizer if something doesn't have enough treble, no?

I brought down the 8khz range on my H-300s by nearly 3db and turned them into a great earphone from a rather teeth-grindingly sibilant one, even H20 agreed on that.

And at the price range that most of us are mucking around in, doesn't it seem a little silly to be sending back a pair of earphones just because the 4khz region is missing 0.2db of volume?

To me, I hear this as either an excuse, meaning there's another reason you don't like them, or you just (for some reason) have no access to an EQ and that mild dip/spike just really irks you.

Click to expand...

The truth of the matter is that the DN2KJ sounds somewhat recessed in the mids and slightly too intense in the treble, to me. I could choose to refrain from such non-scientific wordings and instead present a more clinical description, but what I’m trying to do is convey my personal perception of what I feel is the DN2KJ’s less strong feats.
 
It isn’t recessed and/or too treble hot from the science of its FR graph. It's simply how it's perceived by me. The reason could be one of a number of reasons or several reasons combined; like source, recording, type of music, tips, biological hearing setup (we probably hear differently), etc. At the end of the day it is what we personally perceive that really matters. As the saying goes "High-Fidelity is in the ear of the beholder".
 
Judging what a phone is going to sound like by reading what others have to say about it is - in my experience - generally not all that helpful. What you need to do is find one or two skilled Head-Fi: ers describing one or two phones that you’ve heard a lot or preferably own yourself and then follow their writings about new phones. Now this is sort or difficult and requires a lot of reading, thinking and honesty to yourself and getting to know the writers preferences; what they’re looking for and therefore – for example - may miss to describe. It’s all too easy to find this or that review which complies with your own desires and wishes only to lead you down the wrong path. When I started out some five years ago this happened to me constantly. I read the parts I liked and disregarded the parts I didn’t like thinking the good parts would overshadow the not so good parts. It was not a very successful method.
 
Anyway, just to make sure; the DN2KJ is definitely one of the most competent phones I’ve heard (AKG K3003, FitEar ToGo 334, Etymotic ER-PT included). It’s just that it doesn’t quite comply with my preferences, I think!

I'd definitely consider the J to be a V. It has boosted bass, albeit tastefully done and superbly performing. And it has mammoth amounts of treble. The midrange, while crystal clear and very resolving, is simply behind those two.