Dunu TITAN 3 & TITAN 5 US & Canada Impressions & Review Tour
Jan 22, 2016 at 2:19 AM Post #106 of 126
Will do plus the Z5 too.
 
Jan 25, 2016 at 1:12 AM Post #107 of 126
Attack of the (Dunu) Titans 1,3,5 with comparisons with VSONIC GR07BE, Phonak Audeo, Hifiman Re400s!
 
Enjoy!
Titan 3: http://www.head-fi.org/products/dunu-titan-3/reviews/15085
Titan 5: http://www.head-fi.org/products/dunu-titan-5/reviews/15084
 
with reference to Titan 1: http://www.head-fi.org/products/dunu-titan-1-titanium-coated-diaphragm-earphones/reviews/13302
 
 

 
Jan 25, 2016 at 2:01 AM Post #108 of 126
OK here is a comparison breakdown between the PSB M4U4, Sony XBA-Z5, HiFiMan T3/T5.

To start all 3 manufacturers have chosen completely different physical styles.


T3/5 use a hybrid half in ear design to allow for a large driver while still being comfortable. This design is comfortable due to it shallow insertion. This IEM is designed to be worn straight down but can be worn over ear if your creative.


M4U4 has a design that is more aligned with classical Shure/Westone IEM's but is a little more squared that those models with defined edges on the outside. This IEM is basically an over ear design for the cable. The smooth edges on the underside of the IEM help give a very comfortable fit.


XBA-Z5 has the most unconventional design of the 3 IEM's. It has an over ear cable that is designed to help hold the IEM hanging and then inserted in the ear. Most of the IEM body then sticks out from the ear. If you fashion conscious this IEM is NOT for you.

Micrphonics are good on all 3 but the best is the Z5 with pretty much zero noise. The M4U4 is next unless your willing to get creative with the T3/5 and wear them over ear. But all 3 are above average in this regard.

Isolation is easily won by the M4U4 as it almost eliminates outside noise due to it design which fills your concha. Next up is the XBA-Z5 which offers surprising good isolation considering how it hangs out of the ear. Lastly is the T3/5 which is only average to maybe slightly below average for isolation due to its shallow insertion.

Wind noise - If wind is an issue where you live the Z5 suffers from wind noise more than the other two IEM's due to how much of the IEM stick out of the ear. The M4U4 is pretty much 100% immune to wind and the T3/5 had very little issues in this regard but was not quite as good as the M4U4.

Cables - all of these IEM's have replaceable cables. The Sony and the Dunu models use an MMCX design but the cables from both brands are not interchangable. The M4U4 has its own proprietary design that actually appears to be much more durable than the MMCX connectors. The M4U4 also is the only model that has an smartphone cable plus a standard cable. The Z5 on the other hand offers a standard cable plus a balanced cable. The T3/5 only had the one standard cable. Unfortunately I am struggling to find my other MMCX cables to test compatibility for this I AM. If I find my cables I will update the comparison accordingly.

I was thinking of doing direct comparisons of songs but I think I am going to start by just doing a break down of each IEM's signature instead because each model really has its own unique sound. I also want to address the other important factors of each IEM.

So I am going to start with the XBA-Z5 which is still my favorite. First and foremost this IEM is not for the faint of heart. To get the most out of it you have to use the balanced cable with a compatible DAP or DAC. For myself I settled in the Pono player. So when you figure out the true cost of this I AM I paid $630 for the IEM plus another $400 on the Pono. NOT A CHEAP SOLUTION! So while it sounds great and I may applaud it over the rest it is by far the worst value option.

Sonically speaking the Z5 is the ultimate bass lover IEM if you value midrange, treble, and presentation as much as the bass. It is the ultimate IEM for the audiophile with a bass head inside. It also has the most 3D like presentation I have ever heard in an IEM. If you want flat neutral bass avoid like the plague but for many others these would be the ultimate guilty pleasure.

M4U4 - this IEM is the most controlled and balanced IEM in this comparison. It still has bass north of neutral but It is the least bass oriented IEM. This IEM is all about the midrange with bass and treble as the supporting cast. This doesn't mean it weak or poor in the other areas it just means it shines the most in the midrange. This IEM also has excellent isolation so is great for public transit and noisy environments. It is the most traditional in regards to sound stage but is not poor in this regard just not as large or 3D as the other IEMs. Finally this IEM appears to be the least sesitive of the bunch requiring louder volumes and coincidentally one that benefits from added amperage.

T3 - the T3 is balanced but also very dynamic and bold in its presentation in all aspects of the signature. Amazingly it pulls this off without being shouty or harsh. Despite its lack of isolation I actually found this worked not bad on the train due to its boldness. But in a quiet environment I do find I listen at low volume levels. This IEM is a neck of a value for someone who wants a bit of everything. I was very happy with its 3D presentation and sound stage as well.

T5 - the T5 is much lusher sounding and warm in comparison to the T3. Unfortunately it's bigger bass and warmth was lost when used in transit unless I turned up to unsafe volume levels. But when used in quieter environments offered a more relaxed sound than the T3 which was better for longer listening sessions.

The Dunu's are the best value in this round up offering excellent detail and presentation along with rock solid build.

The M4U4 offers the best isolation and mobile use case. But they feel like they need more amperage than typical portable sources like a phone offer so they might be best for someone willing to use an amp or higher quality DAP/DAC.

The Z5 well, I think I covered the Z5 well enough already :).

Anyway I will try to do an A/B/C/D for maybe one song that incorporated all aspects of a headphone. But only if I can find the time.
 
Jan 31, 2016 at 1:07 AM Post #109 of 126
looks like tyll has uploaded his quick thoughts and measurements of the titan 3 and 5
Dunu Titan 5 - Little bit of ringing here, but otherwise the Titan 5 looks damned good. I only gave it a quick listen as they belong to ljokerl, but after seeing these and the Titan 3 (the channel balance is most likely a seal issue) and the Titan 1, I've determined I need to be on these guys list for product.
Read more at http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/innerfidelity-update-january-2016#w8GH23kEyUOuIpUR.99
 
 
I think tyll is a fan!
 
 
here are the links with the titan 1 for reference
 
titan 1:http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/DunuTitan1.pdf
 
titan 3:http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/DunuTitan3.pdf
 
titan 5:http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/DunuTitan5.pdf
 
Feb 13, 2016 at 12:12 PM Post #110 of 126
Posted my first, right off the bat impressions.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/744083/dunu-titan-series-1-1es-3-5-ti-coated-diaphragm-half-in-ear-earphones/2610#post_12338013
Always good to see what you think and how it changes with the learning curve.
 
Did a little tip rolling this morning. Now using the Tingo flocked or furry tips on the T5 so they balance them more. The tips give less bass and help bring the mids up a bit. Would have been nice to try them on the Titan 1 back then but I did not have them. I am now using large CKP200 tips on the T3 as they accentuate bass and bass reach and they do nicely on the T3. Pushing them both a little more towards balance :)
 
Tried them out on my old Sony S639 which has a bit more consumer sound.  This changes my first impressions with more flat gear and go to show what can happen when you change the recipe. I could say that with the S639 the T3 would be my favorite. The bass is filled in and the T3 sound well balanced. The Sony bass would be a bit loose and warmer and the T3 takes it and adds it to what it has and gives a nice result. The T5 and also my FXT200 behave the same way and don't take the extra bass and bloat so well and start to sound mellow and pillowy down low. Just not as tight and sluggish on the attack. The leaner T3 bass conjoins with it to become something more positive. With the other voicing the T5 is fast and punchy esp. with the Tingo tips and the T3 is slightly lean and not that much in the way of punch or body. The Sony fills that body in quite well. T5 and T1 share the same less than optimal pairing with the Sony esp. out of the HO.
 
I don't think either of the new Titans are too far not to tweak a bit for great results. T1 was a bit too V and harder to work with. A little too mid-bassy and peaky up top. T5 is still more intimate but seemingly a bit better high and low for my tastes so far. Like the cable better as well esp. for the noise the cloth can transmit when running over a zipper or something. Nineteen degrees today and the T5 went out and the cable stiffened but only slightly and performed well. My macaw stays a bit more supple in comparison and my FXT200 cable stiffens more than the Dunu does.
 
Shame that the MMCX connectors a re a bit longer since the new MEE cable might be a nice option for these and the Trinity bluetooth cable would have been a cool option but, unfortunately, they won't be able to work. I appreciate the possibly stronger maybe less problematic connector but  it does cut down the options.
 
Feb 13, 2016 at 12:25 PM Post #111 of 126
You're using these?
TINGO-Noise-Isolating-Flocking-Silicone-In-Ear-Earbuds-Middle-Size-Comply-Ear-Tips-For-IE8-IE80.jpg


I've completely dismissed them so far. Thought I'd end up with little bits of flocking collecting in my canals. They're good?
 
Feb 13, 2016 at 12:59 PM Post #112 of 126
Yes, I like them. Got them with the Whirlwinds and like them better. As much as the Spiral dots as well. Seem to work well and similar on most phones. Seems to tone down bass and possibly level mid-bass some. retains more punch/impact than I thought being fleece lined or flocked or whatever you want to call it. I know when I ordered them with the Whirlwinds there was only a choice of M size which is not great. Never checked around for other sizes since. They are in between a M and a L though in terms of size. I like them on most phones even slapped a pair on the RHA S500i, use them on my JVC FXT, and they are a mainstay on the little Brainwavz Omega to balance out more. I hear the T5 having less bass and similar treble and more of a mid presence now. Good that they don't seem to add any treble which I thought might happen. They kind of seem to absorb peaks and humps a bit. Always like what they do even if they turn out not to be the absolute favorite on a certain earphone. They have been a good addition to the collection:)
 
Feb 13, 2016 at 1:12 PM Post #113 of 126
Yes, I like them. Got them with the Whirlwinds and like them better. As much as the Spiral dots as well. Seem to work well and similar on most phones. Seems to tone down bass and possibly level mid-bass some. retains more punch/impact than I thought being fleece lined or flocked or whatever you want to call it. I know when I ordered them with the Whirlwinds there was only a choice of M size which is not great. Never checked around for other sizes since. They are in between a M and a L though in terms of size. I like them on most phones even slapped a pair on the RHA S500i, use them on my JVC FXT, and they are a mainstay on the little Brainwavz Omega to balance out more. I hear the T5 having less bass and similar treble and more of a mid presence now. Good that they don't seem to add any treble which I thought might happen. They kind of seem to absorb peaks and humps a bit. Always like what they do even if they turn out not to be the absolute favorite on a certain earphone. They have been a good addition to the collection:)


Lucky you - I would have loved the titan5 if the V sig was toned down to bring out the singing mids
 
Feb 13, 2016 at 2:59 PM Post #115 of 126
Tips and source have a big bearing. T3 to me are a little too lean and T5 just right. But I'm using pretty neutral / flat sources. The funny thing is that I generally prefer balanced bass - too much and it overwhelms me. The T5 has never had too much for me so far :)

For tips I use Sony isolation tips.
 
Feb 13, 2016 at 3:01 PM Post #116 of 126
I thought the T1 was the bassiest due to some extra mid-bass I heard and the two main treble peaks were higher than in the T5. Those two things plus the more open nature and extra space plunged the vocals further down IME. Not night and day but I can hear the T5 as a better version of that tuning. The T5 is still slightly V for me but right now with the flocked tips it is not enough for me to complain. I don't have the T1 on hand to compare  exactly but I feel the mids/vocals are also improved or sweeter or something more than just a bit closer. I certainly wouldn't mind the T3 forwardness on the T5 or the T5 bass on the T3. I have a Cowon M2 and like the T5 on BBE Headphone 2 with the Tingo tips right now for a petty good balance.
 
I agree with Brooko. I think I mentioned the T5 with neutral source thing earlier and certain tips help keep the bass in check.
 
Feb 13, 2016 at 6:06 PM Post #117 of 126
Tips and source have a big bearing. T3 to me are a little too lean and T5 just right. But I'm using pretty neutral / flat sources. The funny thing is that I generally prefer balanced bass - too much and it overwhelms me. The T5 has never had too much for me so far :)

For tips I use Sony isolation tips.


I had the dn2000 when I got to audition the t3 and t5, so I was pretty much spoiled by the hybrid. Got to audition the dn2kj recently, but I totally love what they've done with the mids with these new titans.
 
Feb 13, 2016 at 7:49 PM Post #119 of 126
Tips and source have a big bearing. T3 to me are a little too lean and T5 just right. But I'm using pretty neutral / flat sources. The funny thing is that I generally prefer balanced bass - too much and it overwhelms me. The T5 has never had too much for me so far :)

For tips I use Sony isolation tips.


i concur. used them straigh off my ipod touch 4th gen. with sony hybrids. on both t3 and t5. and the t5s hit right
 
Feb 13, 2016 at 7:55 PM Post #120 of 126
  Cheap enough to try though. See if you can find other than medium :) My seller(Easy Earphone) threw in extra pairs and in red and blue. That is cool since they are the same you can do red/right and blue/left with the same sound :)
Thanks for the detailed explanation about those bizarre-looking Tingo tips @jant71. I think I'll order some.
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