Above Average Luxury Offering
: - Detail retrieval
- Tonal performance
- Cable and Accessories
- Build quality
- Soundstage and Layering
- Resolution
: - Price (could be more competitive)
- Smoothness could be something that turns some off
- Shells can be large for some
A preface: I was not provided this set, much like all of my reviews, these thoughts are my own and I welcome you to disagree with them as we all have different ears and preferences. I have owned these for about a week now and here are my short impressions:
- Sound:
This is a set that really does not impress you out of the box. Now this is not a bad trait to have. Since in terms of playback the set is actually quite good.
Bass: It's BA Bass, that should be enough said. It would be unreasonable to hold it to the same standards as a DD, but that is what most folks will truly desire after listening to this set. There is no slam, no major impact, more of a light tap to communicate that its there. This allows for some added dimensional depth to the replay however it does not allow for the fullness that you might get from other drivers. It's a BA thing, lets leave it at that. Immersion mode helps bring more out of it if you crave just that much more.
Mids: Pulled back however well balanced. This allows for other technicalities to come forward in front of the vocalist when needed and pull back otherwise. Female vocals on this set suffer due to this staging and may feel overly recessed.
Treble: Inoffensive, tight, smooth and detailed. Overall a very pleasant listening experience for everything. Nothing is going to feel shouty or piercing at any point.
Head stage/ Sound stage: Massive, this is a set that really sets you into the center of an orchestra, with an almost surgical directional positioning. Instrumental placement allows for each to take its owns place within the sound band. With this, playing games is not recommended especially when you pair it with the overall tuning of the set. Especially in a competitive setting where you might need
Overall tuning impressions: Well balanced with a slightly recessed vocal range, held together by an "anti-shout" tuning style which really helps with long listening sessions.
Technicalities: I found to be spot on, general detail AND micro retrieval is wonderful, again, that anti shout really helps bring it forward and center when needed but not overly so. Hence the layering performance of this set is really something.
- Packaging and Presentation:
DUNU is known for their premium accessories and attention to presentation. So it is no surprise to find a similar level of fit and finish here as well as everywhere else in their lineup.
Cable: The DUNU Hulk Mini is a fantastic addition even if it may be a bit too heavy or stiff for some.
Case: The provided carrying case is well made and made for a very nice unboxing experience.
Tips: Tip selection is wide, featuring Candy Tips, S&S tips and a standard generic pack of tips. Having the two "premium" options was a warm welcome and both offered a noticeable slightly different experience when it came to replay.
- So why the 4.5 star?
To me, this set could have been at 5 at the $400-$450 dollar range. However the extra $100-$180 markup pushes it into a range of EST hybrids and some truly trend setting sets.
- Final Verdict? I love this set, even as a 4.5/5 and even with the rather not competitive price, the overall fit, finish, packaging, presentation and nonstandard tuning, let these have their own little niche. DUNU did not disappoint in terms of product, but they did disappoint, ever so slightly in terms of pricing. I understand their intentions of bundling the Hulk Mini cable and I respect the choice, but again, I would rather take a price reduction with a slightly lower quality cable, this will help place the set more competitively within the overall market.
- A long term update: This set has been my daily jammer, relaxing but all in all an amazing set which allows for long listening periods without fatigue and I truly have been enjoying it. I have adjusted the rating .5 more bringing it out to a total of 4.5/5. Like many have brought up the driver quality and tuning really helps this all BA set shine, mittigating any timbre issues.
