The Lan, the newest IEM from the renowned company, Moondrop, is here to challenge the budget-fi price bracket. Does it succeed? In this article, we'll review the Lan and compare it to its single dynamic driver competitors, such as 7Hz Zero, Truthears Hola, Tangzu Wan'er, Moondrop Chu, and Kiwiears Cadenza.



Tuning

The Lan's tuning will be familiar to most as it's tuned near identical to the Chu (at least my unit does, more about this later), with the only significant difference in the air region. The Lan has less air than the Chu, which results in the Lan's more natural timbre and decay. The Chu is known to be harsh or "metallic" to some listeners; the Lan does not have that issue.

Beyond that, the rest of the signature is essentially the same. Both IEMs focus on upper mids, and lower treble highlights female vocals and bright instruments. The bass is lackluster in quantity and dynamic as it's tuned quite modestly. For bass lovers, this tuning is not very satisfying. On the other hand, mid-centric listeners might find the Lan much more enjoyable. Vocals are lively, forward, and nuanced, all without being shouty.

Treble quality is similar to most single dynamic drivers under $100, which is okay at best. The one notable thing is that the balance of the lower and upper treble is quite good, resulting in a more natural timbre and decay, as previously mentioned in the Chu comparison.

TLDR: The Lan is the Chu but better. If you're looking for a Chu upgrade in tuning, built quality, and cable detachability, then the Lan is a recommendation.





Comparisons

7Hz Zero
The Lan's tonal balanced lean brighter, while the Zero is neutral, so the Zero will sound more bassy even if the graph shows a similar bass level.
Another significant difference is the presence region (4Khz to 6Khz), where Zero is less energetic. This results in Zero's vocal sounding less lively but natural in decay.

Which one is better? None, I would grade them both as "B-" side grades of each other in both tuning and tech.



Truthears Hola
The Lan's and Hola's tonal balances are like seesaws; Lan leans brighter, while Hola leans warmer. The Hola sounds much more relaxed in the upper mids and treble and has better bass dynamics and power. Vocals will not be as forward and clean as the Lan in a trade-off for a more laid-back sound and improved bass satisfaction.

Which one is better? None, I would grade them both as "B-" side grades of each other in both tuning and tech.



Tangzu Wan'er
The Wan'er has thicker, more forward, and more natural decaying vocals. In addition, it's also more balanced than the Lan, and the treble is less prominent. While both signatures focus on the midrange, they approach it differently; the Wan'er focuses on sounding more full-bodied, while the Lan is more lively.

Which one is better? None, I would grade them both as "B-" side grades of each other in both tuning and tech (you might notice a theme here).



Kiwiears Cadenza
The Cadenza is the biggest departure in tuning compared to the other IEMs we discussed. It's more v-shaped in tuning, having both more bass and treble. Compared to the Lan, the Cadenza has better bass dynamics and more quantity but less natural-sounding vocals and more aggressive treble. The Lan also sounds cleaner with better clarity, while the Cadenza can sound more congested.

Which one is better? You get the theme "B-" for both.



Summary
As you have guessed from the article, the Lan is a good IEM but not an impressive one for the asking price. It competes well with other offerings in the budget bracket but only offers that. The only reason to buy the Lan is if you're looking for an upgrade to the Chu or a more lively vocal sound signature with less bass. Beyond that, it's hard to recommend the Lan over the competition. Again, it's not worse than the competition, but more so, it exists alongside them while costing a bit more for improved built quality.

For comparisons with Truthears Zero & QKZ x HBB Khan, you can find those in my video review of the Lan:

We all know Moondrop's legendary Blessing 2 and Blessing 2 Dusk. Two IEMs that truly stood the grueling test of time, remaining one of the top contenders under $500 for years and years. The Blessing 2 siblings are simply a performance miracle for the price, with no clear competitor capable of dethroning them in their price bracket, until now. Say hello to the new Blessing 3, Moondrop's "upgrade" to the renowned Blessing 2 siblings. Does it live up to our expectations? Let's find out!



General Information
Driver Setup: 2 Dynamic Drivers + 4 Balanced Armature Drivers
Price (USD): $320

Evaluation Equipment
Source: Topping A90 & D90LE
Graph Tool: Clone IEC 60318-4 Coupler (Clone 711)

Overview & Non-Sound Related

One thing you'd notice right away is the Blessing 3 has one more dynamic driver than its predecessors while retaining the $320 MSRP. The lack of a price bump is a welcomed surprise in the age where good IEMs are becoming more affordable. It seems Moondrop is very aware of the state of the IEM market and has decided on a course that favors the customers. Now while that deserves a thumbs up, it'd be even more impressive if they addressed the issue that plagued the previous Blessing 2s, the shell size.

The shell size was one of the biggest complaints with Blessing 2 and Dusk; they were too big for some listeners and caused discomfort. The unfortunate news is the Blessing 3 keeps the same size and shape as the Blessing 2, so for those with issues with the previous models, the experience will be similar here. However, the shell is smoother and less edgy than the previous models, and the nozzle is also slightly smaller, so that might help with comfort to some small degree.

With the non-sound out of the way, let's finally get into the tuning!



Tuning & Blessing 2 Dusk Comparison

Moondrop Blessing 3 follows rather closely to the tuning of Blessing 2 Dusk, with notable changes in the bass and treble region. If you're familiar with Blessing 2 Dusk, imagine having less bass, a similar midrange, and more treble air sparkles. These changes also allow vocals and midrange instruments to shine more than the Dusk. While the Dusk is natural and neutral, Blessing 3 is also natural but with a touch more energy and perhaps slightly thinner.

Since we're already comparing Blessing 3 to Dusk, let's complete the comparison before moving on to the sound breakdown section of the article.

Detail-wise, the Blessing 3 sounds more detailed than the Dusk; the additional treble air helps elevate micro details and incisiveness in high-frequency instruments. The overall bass reduction makes Blessing 3 sound cleaner and pushes the focus toward clarity. Soundstage perception also widens with the tuning change; Blessing 3 is noticeably airer and more spacious sounding. In summary, if you ask me if Blessing 3 is a step up from Dusk in technical performance, I'd say half-step, but better nonetheless.



Sound Breakdown

Bass

Blessing 3 has exceptional bass control and outstanding dynamics. Its impacts are tight and satisfying to hear; there's no bluntness—a near-excellent bass if not for one thing.....the quantity. Blessing 3 is not a bassy-tuned IEM. It's very upper-midrange and treble-heavy, which causes the bass to, unfortunately, feel overshadowed or "playing second fiddle" to the rest of the mix. The bass quality is fantastic, but the quantity leaves more to be desired. Although, this is highly taste dependent. The bass here will be perfect for some listeners out there. It's not devoid of bass. It's just less bass, but for some, less is better.

Midrange

Early in the article, I mentioned that Blessing 3's midrange is similar to Blessing 2 Dusk; that is to say, it's just as gorgeous—incredibly natural sounding vocals and instruments. The timbre is also very smooth, and though it has an energetic touch, it's not grainy or harsh in the timbral decay. The lower midrange is exceptionally clean with equally exceptional upper midrange smoothness. All this leads to a beautiful, clarity focus, midrange presentation that, if not surpassing, is at least equal to Blessing 2 Dusk.

The only con I can find is a small nitpick that might be slightly thin or shouty for selected listeners who are extra sensitive to higher frequencies. However, for context, it's less thin sounding than Moondrop Variations can be for those listeners.

Treble

Blessing 3 has a near-perfect treble, great extension, smoothness, and lively without grain or harshness. The only nitpick I have here is a slight splashy feeling. However, this is, again, nitpicking at most. The treble quantity will not be an issue for those sensitive to treble either. It is boosted treble, don't get me wrong, but it's tastefully done.



Technical Performance

I stated in the Dusk comparison that Blessing 3 has a spacious-sounding stage compared to Dusk, but I should clarify that it's also spacious sounding compared to the rest of the market. You'll hear distinct air and clear separation of the lower and higher instruments. The tuning does an incredible job of portraying a vast sense of stage.

As for note definition, Blessing 3 is also great, competing easily with more expensive IEMs.

Now, with all these amazing qualities, would I put Blessing 3's technical prowess on par with the "endgames"? The answer is almost. The only shortcoming of Blessing 3 that keeps it from the top-tier club is micro details. Blessing 3 has great micro detail presentation but can use more incisiveness and definition to truly take it to the top level.

Comparison VS. Blessing 2

Blessing 3 and Blessing 2 are both great, but Blessing 3 is in another league entirely. I almost feel bad for Blessing 2 for the history and the wave it started in the community, but the truth is, Blessing 2 is no longer needed. Let me explain.

For a long time, Blessing 2 was the brighter and more analytical version of the Dusk, which serves the community that wants a more technical presentation than what Dusk can offer. However, Blessing 3 is now taking that spot. Blessing 3 is the more technical version of the Dusk done with more finesse than Blessing 2. The treble and timbre are smoother and more natural, the lower midrange is cleaner, and the bass is more dynamic. It's simply an upgrade to the Blessing 2 in every aspect imaginable.

Blessing 2, it's sad to see you go, but it's time you make way for the next generation.



Comparison VS. Softears Studio 4

Now this is an interesting comparison because Studio 4 is my personal benchmark for IEMs under $500. It's an incredible IEM, and if you want to see the video review, I'll link it here.

The Studio 4 has a tamer and more relaxed tuning than Blessing 3, which has noticeably more upper midrange energy. This results in Studio 4 having a more natural sounding timbre and smoother decay while sounding less lively than Blessing 3. I should clarify that at this level, the margin for better is razor-thin. When I say Studio 4 is better at a specific aspect or vice versa, it's only slightly better at most. This speaks volumes about the Blessing 3's performance as it can stand up to even my favorite under $500, which cost $100 more than it.

Other than timbre, Studio 4 also has just as good bass control, and due to the relaxed upper midrange, the bass shines through more than on Blessing 3. The bass feels more satisfying and fuller on Studio 4, though I'd give the slight edge in dynamics to Blessing 3.

Two aspects that are better in Blessing 3 are clarity and details. If you seek livelier vocals and more micro details, Blessing 3 might be the better choice. But besides that, I still prefer Studio 4 overall.



Summary

It's easy to see where this IEM will place in the market. It's easily the top three best IEMs under $500, exhibiting zero deal-breaker flaws, and the minor flaws it does have are nitpicked and highly taste dependent at worst. Blessing 3 is simply a great IEM that most will enjoy (barring those with smaller ears, unfortunately).

If you've been waiting for the upgrade to your beloved Blessing 2 or a more detailed version of Blessing 2 Dusk, you have it here in Moondrop's Blessing 3. And if you're looking for value for money at around $300, Blessing 3 should be near, if not the top, of your watch list.

7Hz became a household name in the community from its successes with Timeless and Zero IEMs. Both are tuned exceptionally well for the price and are still competitive today. Because of these two, the community is always excited to see what's next from 7Hz, and today, we have their newest release to discuss, the Legato.



Evaluation Equipment
Source: Topping A90 & D90LE
Graph Tool: Clone IEC 60318-4 Coupler (Clone 711)

Overview

The Legato is a two dynamic driver setup, one as a woofer and the other handling mids and highs. As shown in the graph below, Legato is an unapologetically bassy IEM. I don't particularly prefer this tuning choice, as I enjoy balanced signatures the most. However, I can appreciate a well-executed bassy signature; Fatfreq Maestro Mini is a good example. On the other hand, Legato falls short of delivering this signature. We'll discuss the reasons for this and some positives it does have in the Sound Breakdown.

Sound Breakdown

Bass

To say the bass is a lot is an understatement. It's 13dB of punch-to-face bass that corrects itself at around 500Hz. This amount of bass immediately reminded me of Fatfreq Maestro Mini, which was potentially the inspiration behind the Legato. The difference is the Maestro Mini's bass is clean (correcting at the acceptable 300Hz), while the Legato leans muddy. The bleed into the lower midrange hurts female vocals the most, as it makes them sound heavy and congested. The bleed is more forgiving for male vocals, but even they come across overly thick. Bass dynamic is pillowy, not dry like Balanced Armature bass, but lacks tightness and definition. The bass in Legato is simply a lot while missing other aspects that can truly make the bass shine. There's a quick fix to this that I'll discuss at the end of the article.

Midrange

We already discussed the lower midrange, so how about the upper midrange? It's natural. Yes, the Legato's executes the high frequencies nicely. Vocals and instruments have great timbre decay and mostly sound correct. My only criticism here, not exclusive to the Legato, is that it trades vocal clarity for bass quantity. The criticism also applies to Maestro Mini, though to a lesser degree, as those two have significantly more upper midrange to compensate for the bass. The Legato leans towards its bass more, again, unapologetically. Ultimately, it's a con shared between IEMs tuned in this style. Though most who seek a bassy signature are okay with this trade-off, it's worth mentioning anyways.

Treble

I don't have much to say about the treble besides that it sounds fine. It's primarily relaxed due to how much more bass you get in comparison. Instruments are represented but could be more impressive. It's okay at best and underwhelming at worst, but nothing outright wrong.



Technical Performance

Much like vocal clarity, details are also traded for bass quantity. Instruments are behind the bass, which causes a loss in incisiveness, micro details, and overall clarity. The Legato is also muddier in the bass, which adds bluntness on top of everything else. Long story short, the Legato is not detailed sounding.

The soundstage is okay; it could use more treble to feel more airiness, but okay overall.

Comparison & Summary

I usually like to compare IEMs I'm reviewing with competitors in the same price range, but given the niche tuning choice of Legato, it's not helpful to pitch the top contender at the same price against Legato due to drastic differences in the target market. The quick and dirty comparison is get anything else I usually recommend if you want a good midrange presentation, but demo Legato if you're curious about the dark side (as in, punch-to-the-face bass.) The bottom line is if you're not a bass head, this IEM is not for you, and if you're a bass head, this is still a lurk warm "demo first" recommendation at best.



Quick-Fix

Here's the quick fix I promised earlier, which is.....EQ! (you didn't see this coming at all, I know).

Using a -3dB peak filter 300Hz with a 1.1 Q factor solves the muddy issue; vocals are more natural, enhance instrumental separation, and add dynamics to the bass. You're welcome

Disclaimer, EQ is never considered part of the evaluation process.

In a world where IEMs come and go, the original Dunu SA6 has managed to defy the odds and remained one of the most loved IEMs in its price bracket. But despite being highly praised, it still has flaws that have kept it from claiming the top spot in its price range. Enter the SA6 Ultra – a near-perfect version that addresses all of the issues of the original. Alas, only 300 units were made, and what was supposed to be the long-awaited upgrade ultimately left those who missed out craving yet again.

Now, the anticipation is finally over with the release of the SA6 MK2. A version said to surpass even the Ultra. Will it deliver on that promise? Let's find out.



General Information

Driver Configuration- 6BA
Price- $579

Overview & Comparison

The SA6 MK2 is largely similar to the Ultra version, and even Dunu has stated the MK2 takes heavy inspiration from the former. But before we get into that comparison (mostly because you can't buy the Ultra anymore), let's compare the MK2 to the original SA6. The MK2 has improved midrange balance and smoothness and a significant boost in treble air which makes the MK2 noticeably more detailed and information-rich than the original. The bass remains essentially the same. Now for the burning question, is the MK2 better than the original? The answer is a resounding yes. It's an upgrade in nearly every way. Better midrange, treble, details, and naturalness. If you're looking for an upgrade to the SA6 and just missed your chance with the Ultra? Look no further than the SA6 MK2.



Now for those who already own the Ultra, is it worth taking a look at the MK2? This answer is less clear and more dependent on your taste.

The MK2 builds on the Ultra's smooth midrange with some notable changes. The MK2 has more bass and treble air than the Ultra and a slight upper-midrange reduction, giving the MK2 more of a "V" like sound than the Ultra. Now, I wouldn't call the MK2 a V-shape IEM (mild V-shape at most); it's just more V-shape when compared directly to the Ultra. The apparent improvement is in the air region, as more treble air makes the MK2 sound more detailed than the Ultra. Instruments are sparklier, and details are more forward while retaining the Ultra's smoothness. The bass is where most will decide based on their individual taste. If you feel the Ultra lacks mid-bass slam or is too "mid-centric" for you, I recommend switching to the MK2. If you prefer midrange over anything else, then stay with the Ultra. Again, the only clear upgrade is the MK2 sounds more detailed than the Ultra.



PS: The MK2 in stock mode has the same bass as the Ultra in bass mode. If you own the Ultra, you can test whether you prefer the MK2's bass. Now, the MK2 in bass mode has EVEN MORE bass (of course).



Sound Signature

Now that we have satisfied the SA6 fanbase, let's talk about SA6 MK2 for those who have never experienced the SA6 or Ultra.

The SA6 MK2 is a mild v-shape IEM with incredible balance across the frequency band and near top-tier detail delivery. Let's explore MK2's sound, starting with the bass.

Bass

The MK2's bass is strong, with a good mid-bass thump. Though it lacks the dynamic feeling of a decent dynamic driver, it delivers good bass for BA standards. Besides being powerful, the bass is well-controlled, with only a slight hint of warmth creeping into the lower mids. Usually, too much warmth can cause mud, but that's not the case here. The midrange is still clean, just a bit warm, which some prefer over an entirely clinical lower midrange.

Midrange

The MK2 has a tamer ear gain, or some will call it "anti-shout," which is very appropriate. The midrange is smooth and natural, without a hint of shout or thinness. Its focus on the lower midrange pair with an upper midrange reduction makes for a soothing and full yet natural listen. Besides the Harman-like or IEF-type midrange, this is the only other style of midrange I genuinely love. The same midrange is also in other versions of SA6 and some QDC IEMs, and even compared to those IEMs, the MK2 has one of the best implementations. The midrange does feel slightly behind the bass, but that's up to individual taste if it's a con or a pro.

Treble

The treble is my favorite part of this set. It's airy, sparkly, and highlights a lot of micro-nuances without coming across as harsh. It's not the smoothest treble out there, I can think of several IEMs with a truly smooth treble response, but the MK2 is not far behind. One step down from top-tier smoothness, but easily one of the most information-rich treble for its price.



Technical Performance

Details in the MK2 are abundant, almost to the point of being too much, and some may think so. Because the detail is presented very forwardly, some people who are more sensitive to treble might feel overwhelmed or "distracted." But for those seeking technicalities in this department, you'll be delighted with the amount of information thrown at you from the MK2.

Regarding note definition, the MK2 is above average; it's not end-game level incisiveness overall, but not less than similarly priced competitors.

Quick-Fire Comparisons

In this section, I'll quickly compare the MK2 to other relevant IEMs in its price bracket, plus the other SA6 models.

SA6 MK2 VS. SA6
Overall Tuning: SA6 MK2
Details: SA6 MK2

SA6 MK2 VS. SA6 ULTRA
Overall Tuning: SA6 ULTRA
Details: SA6 MK2

SA6 MK2 VS. Moondrop Variations
Overall Tuning: Tied
Details: SA6 MK2

SA6 MK2 VS. Mangird Xenns Top
Overall Tuning: Tied
Details: SA6 MK2



Conclusion

To answer the question at the beginning of the article. Does the SA6 MK2 deliver as a true upgrade to the original SA6? Again, the answer is yes. If you need an upgrade to your old SA6, this is it. Aside from that, is it a competitive IEM for its price? Again, the answer is yes for the same reason that made the Ultra such an excellent IEM. The MK2 shares those great Ultra qualities with more or less improvement in certain areas. In conclusion, Dunu not only delivered on its promise to the SA6 fanbase but also made an IEM that's highly competitive in its price—simply another homerun for team Dunu.

The newest "planar" on the market is also the cheapest. Celest (Kinera) Gumiho comes in at only $50, $13 more affordable than the previous cheapest, CCA PLA13. While the PLA13 didn't deliver the anticipated "bang-for-buck" quality, the Gumiho is a different story.....kind of.

You may have noticed I added air quotes around "planar" at the beginning of this article. For those in the know, there's a hot debate in the community right now on whether or not Gumiho's SPD driver is a planar driver. While I have no interest in jumping into this landmine discussion, I will leave some resources at the bottom of this article for those interested.

Of course, a company's trustworthiness is vital, and from that point of view, I do hope the SPD driver is, ultimately, as advertised. However, that's not what this article is about. You're here because you want to know if sinking $50 into this IEM is worth it, and with that in mind, let's break down Gumiho's sound.



Sound Impression

Gumiho has a bass-boosted neutral signature with a touch of warmth. Overall, it's a non-offensive and versatile signature, but it can also be too mellow for those looking for more excitement or the "wow" factor.

Bass

The lower range focuses significantly on the midbass and warm glide down to the lower midrange. This focus adds a sense of "boom" and "slam" to the bass that the majority will find fun and engaging. The warmth also gives more weight to each note and makes the more bassy instruments (male vocals included) sound richer and more full. Some can also describe the lower end as having a "musical" quality, and I won't deny that opinion. Overall this creates a pleasing bass response that's easy to enjoy in most music genres. However, it isn't without some sacrifices.

The main sacrifice here is perceived stage width and details. While I would not call this muddy (not close), there's still a noticeable boom and blunt in mid instruments and vocals. It's ultimately up to preference if that bothers you or not. If you're a bass lover or prefer a warmer signature, this will feel just like home. However, the bass will likely be a slight distraction if you seek a clean midrange recreation.



Midrange

We touched on the lower midrange in the bass section, so we're now moving on to the upper midrange. Gumiho has a vocal forward energy with a dip in the vocal extension range, around 5KHz - 6KHz. The vocalist on Gumiho comes across as centered-stage with decent contrast from the other instruments (pops out from the background well), though plagued by the small boominess mentioned above. The 5KHz-6KHz dip also hurts the overall vocal clarity. This quality is very noticeable in female vocals, with most having an apparent "congested" extension and a lack of life. Now, the midrange on the Gumiho is by no means dead sounding, but it's not very engaging or lively. However, I will note that it's not as noticeable on male vocals. If your library consists of primary female vocals, this issue may bother you more than most. Still, in contrast, you might not even notice the dip if you listen to primarily deeper-sounding male vocalists.

There's a fun way to test this out. If you're listening on your phone or DAP, you can open the EQ page and try bumping up the 5KHz-6KHz region. You'll find that the vocals sound more lively and naturally extending. Of course, the fix won't be accurate, but it should give you an idea of what could have been.

Overall, the midrange has a mellow and laid-back style. It's pleasant and inoffensive for the most part but lacks the energy and clarity to make it truly good. Ultimately, it's a similar midrange goal to the more expensive Dunu Talos and Dioko, but it falls short of being as good as those. Of course, the Gumiho is cheaper, but we'll touch on value towards the end of this article.



Treble

The treble adds a decent sense of note definition but could use a bit more evenness.

The are Gumiho struggles in is the air region. The Gumiho lacks air, making the perceived soundstage feel small or "in your head," you can say.

Side note
The treble is the most significant difference when comparing budget IEMs to higher-end ones. The treble area, as a whole, contributes a lot to what we call "details" and "soundstage." Higher-end IEMs tend to do much better here.

Technical Performance

I already covered many technical performance aspects above, so let's summarize here.

• Reduced clarity caused by the scoop around the 5KHz-6KHz area.
• Smaller perceived stage width and the air due to a slightly boomy midbass and lack of treble air, respectively.
• Note definition is fine overall

Now that all may sound horrible on paper, but let me give you the most important word of the day: "context."

Summary

In the context of $50 IEMs, even with all the shortcomings, the Gumiho performs above average. The tonality is still pleasant, with a decent detail level for the price. While it's not sitting at the top of the food chain any day soon, it's still a viable option for the money.

So the bottom line question is, do I recommend the Celest Gumiho at $50? The answer is yes, but with a caveat. As stated initially, this is more of a bass lover/ warm enthusiast IEM. It has the fun and engaging low end to sound satisfying while being tonally decent in the rest of the range. The warm touch works with most music genres and can be listened to for a long time without fatigue. If that sounds like what you're seeking, the Gumiho is a thumbs up from me. However, if you desire a more neutral option with better vocal clarity, I will point you to Moondrop Chu, 7Hz Zero, and Truthears x Crinacle Zero as the better options.

Kinera "Celest" Gumiho Overall Grade: B-

SPD Driver debate: https://bit.ly/3DWwxBK

Dunu is a company known for extravagant accessories and market-shaking (and not-so-market-shaking) IEMs. The most notable ones are the Titan S and the SA6, which till today, are highly regarded in the community and amongst popular reviewers. While other models from Dunu eventually get lost to time, this latest release, in this reviewer's opinion, is here to stay. One can say it's potentially......"Timeless." heh heh planar joke.

Accessories

While I don't typically cover accessories in my reviews as I don't find most worth mentioning (also, a quick look at the product page will show you everything you're getting), I'll make one exception just for today.

The Talos comes with a unique set of eartips that, to my knowledge, will become its own product down the line. The eartips have Azla Xelastec feeling material while not being "sticky." The shape is more akin to foam tips, being more tube-like than a dome. Now I'm no eartips expert, but whatever they did here gave me the perfect seal every time with every IEM I've put them on. Color me impressed! Needless to say, when it comes out as a stand-alone product, I'll be snagging a bucket for myself.

Another notable accessory would be the cable, though not noteworthy for the same reason as the eartips. The cable is 3.5mm only, with no interchangeable termination system. This is a slight disappointment from Dunu since even the Falcon Pro has interchangeable terminations and tuning nozzles for a similar price tag.



Sound Impression

Before we get into the meat of the analysis, we first need to discuss this gimmick. The Talos has a tuning switch that switches between a Pure Planar Mode utilizing only the planar driver) and Hybrid Mode (using both planar and balanced armatures).

The graph below is courtesy of Ianfann (https://www.youtube.com/c/ianfann)



The Planar Mode has a pleasant and neutral tonality, with a laid-back approach to the upper-midrange. The treble doesn't feel harsh or sibilance-y while delivering enough treble to display a decent level of detail. In many ways, a well-tuned signature with a touch of flavor that sounds great and quite versatile.

On the other hand, the Hybrid Mode is, to put it simply, painful. The balanced armatures boosted the 8K region to an undesirable level, causing peaks, sibilance, unnatural timbre, and fatigue. The single benefit of "better" details does not outweigh the cons in this case. The Planar Mode's tuning is far superior, so for the rest of this review, we'll focus on just that.



Bass

The bass is modest, with a smooth glide from sub-bass bottoming out at around 300Hz; this is what we call "well-controlled" bass. The lower midrange is open and devoid of congestion, which allows for the most clarity and resolution in this area. For neutral listeners or those seeking the "High Fidelity" experience, this bass style is superior to the typical "V-shape" bass response. However, for bass-heads/ bass lovers/warm-tuned enthusiasts, the Talos's bass is not the best fit because it lacks the fullness you may seek from more bassy sets.

Midrange

As stated before, the midrange has a laid-back approach with a sense of openness, thanks to the lower mid and bass separation. Instruments and vocals display fully without hints of mud or congestion. The upper midrange is energetic enough to pop the vocals from the background despite the slight dip after 3KHz. Speaking of the dip, this is where the "laid-back" tone comes in. For context, a significant drop in this range 2k-4k) can spell disaster for vocals, making them sound cut off, unnatural, and dead. Though, in the case of the Talos, the dip is minor, which brings down the vocal energy just a touch to give it that smooth, easy to listen to, and "laid-back" appeal. The vocals are still well extended and natural sounding. Overall, beautifully tuned and will work with nearly every genre.

Treble

I already touched a little on the treble, so I'll be expounding on my thoughts stated above. The treble as a whole sounds naturally extending with minimal if zero hints of sibilance and harshness. It achieves this while being sufficiently energetic in the lower treble and not sacrificing details. The single issue I have with the treble is in the air region; though I admit this is a nitpick at best, it's worth noting anyways. The Talos is not a very airy IEM. While it's not devoid of air, it can benefit from more. For context, more air usually means a broader sense of soundstage. The Talos doesn't feel closed in, but I've always thought it could use just a bit more air to compliment the tuning style.



Technical Performance

Detail performance is generally good, and for $200, I would even call it great. The notes have decently clean definitions, impressive clarity, and a decent overall sense of stage. While it's not going to best other planar IEMs like the Timeless or S12 for head-stage and note definition, it certainly wins in overall clarity. Now, if the BAs (balanced armatures) were used to boost the air region instead of 8KHz, we'd have a bigger winner. Atlas, we can't have everything we want in life.



Summary

Do I recommend the Talos? The short and long answer is yes. The tuning is a welcome change to the planar scene that's plagued by v-shape tuning. Of course, nothing is wrong with V-shape, but variety is good.
The tuning is exceptional, especially for the price, and it competes well in the context of planars and the market as a whole for its price range. For under $200, I can only think of one other non-planar IEM that might give Talos a challenge, and that's the SeeAudio Yume Midnight. Though, even that is not as detailed as the Talos; tuning-wise, we can swing either way, but that's another conversation for another time.

Overall, a well-tuned IEM with competitive technical and the signature Dunu built quality and accessories. Nothing screams "don't buy me," unless of course....you're a bass head. If you are, please look at the other planar options.

Dunu Talos Grade: A-

Links: https://bit.ly/3dHDbRF (Hifigo)
https://amzn.to/3UIQ4vu (Amazon)

For comparisons with other planar IEMs such as the Timeless, S12, Hook-X, Zetian Wu, and Dioko, please refer to my video review on my youtube channel.

==VIDEO VERSION==



Introduction

TRI Starsea competes in one of the most competitive price brackets on the IEM market, the $100 to $200 bracket, and manages to come up near the top.

The powerful and exciting v-shape signature of these IEMs is done exceptionally well for the price. The bass is thumpy and hits with incredible power, an excellent bass-head IEM. The mids have decent tonality, and the treble is bright with good extension and detail. There's not a lot to fault in these IEMs that can be considered a definite "deal-breaker." Most of the problems that it has can either be mitigated by changing the switch combination on the side of the IEMs or is simply a matter of different listening preferences.

So the only real question to ask about these IEMs is, are these pairs a good fit for your overall taste in music? Let's find out!



Sound Breakdown

Bass

We are starting with the best part of these IEMs, the bass. It's powerful with great separation and a decent level of control. The bass also feels massive in scale, appearing extra "boomy" and rich. The bass also has a very comforting and deep feeling that's very easy and soothing to the ears while, again, being a powerhouse. Great separation means you'll also be able to pick out each bass element even in the busiest of tracks.

One thing to note here is the slight lack of sub-bass. It's there if you pay attention, but it's not nearly enough to be satisfying if you're a listener that looks for those in your IEM.

Overall, the bass is quite impressive. As long as sub-bass is not your top priority, these are some of the most satisfying bass responses under $200 that I've heard.



Midrange

The midrange feels slightly aggressive near the upper end, which can benefit some vocalists. For example, vocalists like Frank Sinatra and Adele sound more powerful, fulfilling and gives their voices more grandeur and scale.

The strong upper mid can also make some vocalists sound unnaturally heavy. Artists like Ariana Grande, Owl City, and Maroon 5 all have more naturally high and lifted voices. The added upper mid can make them sound more grounded and heavier, not true to how they usually sound. Whether or not that's a bad thing is more a matter of preference than anything else in this case. For myself, I like robust vocals when it's warranted, but when it's not, it sounds a bit too manufactured and forced for my taste—switching on the "Beautiful Vocal" balances out the mid and bass, fixing that issue for me for the most part. Side note, for that reason, the "Beautiful Vocal" setting is my favorite setting for these IEMs.

The one genre that doesn't work well with the aggressive upper mid is orchestras. On these IEMs, the strings and woodwind feel too weighty, and they lose their natural light and beautiful atmospheric nature. Pianos can also come across as forward and muddy if the song lives mainly in the lower-mid region. Overall, not the best pair of IEMs for orchestral or piano tracks.

The detail and clarity, however, are overall great!

Overall, the midrange is a hit or miss depending heavily on your music library and signature preferences. I also recommend trying different settings to get the midrange that you want.



Treble

The treble is bright, distinct, and crispy clear. It's one of the most fun-sounding trebles I've heard in the $100-$200 range. It can be harsh sometimes, depending on the track, but not a huge percentage. I'm pretty sensitive to treble peaks, and I can comfortably listen to these for hours. I've even fallen asleep wearing these a couple of times. Treble extension is also great, giving the vocalists their whole range without congestions. Electric guitars, high hats, and cymbals have the sparkle and shine they need to feel satisfying. Percussion hits are spot on as well.

Overall, the treble here is fantastic—nothing I can fault at this price.

Sound Profile Options

Before we jump into the technical performance, let's first go over all the sound profile options available on these IEMs.

"Amazing Bass" - Switch Number 1 Up.
This option boosts the bass power slightly. It's noticeable but not a massive change.

"Beautiful Vocals" - Switch Number 2 Up.
This option lowers the bass and balances out the mids, giving vocals a more natural appeal.

"Balanced Tuning" - Both Switch Up.
This option sounds almost indistinguishable from "Beautiful Vocals."



Technical Performance

Detail & Separation

The TRI Starsea has great overall details across the board. Bass has good separation, mids are clear, and treble is nice and crispy. It may not have the depth of field or "3D" effect that more expensive IEMs have, but it's exceptional for the price.

Imaging & Soundstage

Imaging is meh on these IEMs, not the strong point, not bad, just average. Soundstage is a different story; it feels quite spacious and roomy, a step above the "inside your head" experience.

The Good & Bad

The Good

• Powerful bass with good separation.
• The treble is top-tier for the price.
• Impressive soundstage.
• Pleasing vocals (in "Beautiful Vocals" setting)
• It has sound profile options.

The Bad

• The upper mid can make some instruments and vocal sounds unnaturally meaty.
• Average imaging.

Alternatives

There are many IEMs under $200, and we can be here all year comparing them all. However, the closest one and the one many people have a hard time deciding between it and Starsea would be the Fiio FH3. The FH3 is more of a traditional v-shape with more recessed and natural-sounding mids. The bass, while some say stronger than the TRI Starsea, I find them to be quite similar power-wise. The sub-bass is noticeably more prominent on the FH3. Treble is brighter and potentially less safe on the FH3, but not by much. Detail and separation are slightly better on the FH3, while the soundstage is better on the Starsea. So which one is better? It's all preference. If you like sub-bass rumbles and more natural-sounding mids, the FH3 is the one to pick. If you want a heavier sound profile with a more pronounced upper-mid and better soundstage, the Starsea will fit you better. I suggest looking at your music library to see which IEMs your playlist will benefit from the most.

Conclusion

I recommend the Starsea. I stand by what I said at the beginning of this review that it's one of the best IEMs you can get at this price. The technical performance from the detail to the soundstage is impressive. The treble is phenomenal, and the bass is satisfyingly impactful. The mid can be an issue, but the sound options can remedy some of that if not fix it altogether. Overall, a set worthy of being amongst the top of its price bracket.

VIDEO VERSION



Introduction

Sometimes an IEM will come around that does one thing SO MAGICALLY well that you forget or don't notice any other flaws that it has. The Seeaudio Yume is one of those IEMs. Not often, an IEM will make me want to revisit my entire collection of songs, but once these are on my ears, I can't help but shuffle through and listen to all my favorite songs all over again.

The beauty here lies in how realistic the vocals come across. It is like they are standing in front of you singing in the same room. I can't get enough of how this sounds.

The only other IEM that gave me a similar goosebump of an experience is the Blessing 2 Dusk, but that's double the price of these. They are not the same; they just gave me the same addictive feeling when it comes to their vocal tonality.

Now that I've got you excited about the Yume, here are the two big questions we'll answer today. Are these set for you, and what are the trade-offs for such superb tonality?

Sound Breakdown

Bass

The Yume has "just enough" bass power. The hits and slams will not satisfy any bass-heads out there, but it's decent enough for regular listeners. The sub-bass extension is good. Sub-bass rumbling is mild around the shoulder and chest area, but it's noticeable and quite enjoyable.

I don't have much to complain about the bass on a personal level, I find it enjoyable, and the extra sub-bass and the rumble are very lovely.



Midrange

If you ever wonder what natural, true to life, vocals and midrange sound like, stop wondering and buy these. The midrange is where the Yume shines above every IEMs below $200 (I would even say $300). It's so spectacularly well-tuned, you can close your eyes and imagine the singer is in the same room as you. Male vocals feel complete and slightly weighty without being warm. Female vocals are comfortingly powerful, with more focus on their lower range. However, their top-range might feel limited. An artist like Ariana Grande is a great example. At the top of her range in the song "34+35", you'll feel slight congestion; that's more to do with the lack in treble extension that we'll get into after this. Besides those similar to Grande, other vocalists don't have this problem in any significant way.

When it comes to instruments like strings and piano, they all sound excellent on these IEMs. Orchestral and piano tracks sound realistic, like you're listening to them perform for you in person.

Overall the mids and vocals are a thing of beauty on these IEMs. While it's not the top-of-the-line tonality compared to more expensive IEMs, it's beyond perfect for its price.



Treble

Treble is average on the Yume. It doesn't come across as dark but more on the neutral side. Treble extension is one of the most significant limitations of these IEMs. It's only average at best on the Yume. Which will make some female vocals, like mentioned above, feel a bit limited. Also, instruments like flutes, electric guitars might not have the decay and shine that many listeners want. The Yume does have enough treble to support relatively clean drum hits. However, the symbol hits lack shinner and shine.

Overall, the treble can use a bit of work. The BRIGHT side is, it's not fatiguing in any way.

Technical Performance

Details & Separation

Detail is the second biggest limitation; these are not the most detailed IEMs for the price. While vocal clarity is good, the bass texture and treble crispiness are lacking. Separation is decent; some instruments, especially in the bass, can feel slightly overlapping. Separation issues are more noticeable on busier tracks (some rock, metal, EDM). All that said, given the price, it's not a deal-breaker.



Imagine & Soundstage

The soundstage is a bit narrow, exhibiting the "in-your-head" type of experience. Imagine well-done. You can tell the direction of each instrument and a good level of dept between each one as well.

The Good & Bad

The Good

• Superb midrange tuning. Vocals and instruments sound realistic and captivating.
• Good clarity in the midrange.
• The sub-bass extension is very good with nicely done smooth rumble.
• Treble is non-fatiguing.
• Good imaging.

The Bad

• Bass and treble lack some details to make them shine.
• Treble extension can use some work.
• Bass can use more power.
• Average to narrow soundstage capability.

Alternatives

The only pair I can think of that has a similar feeling to these would be the Blessing 2 Dusk. Although it's twice as expensive, it has qualities that make it top-of-the-line for its price. The bass is powerful and controlled, and the treble is brighter with more crispiness. Overall detail and clarity are superior to the Yume. Blessing 2 Dusk is the better set in almost every category. If you can afford it, I'd go with that one. If not, the Yume is still an outstanding choice and the only choice I know in its price for this level of tuning.

Conclusion

Even with all its shortcomings, the Seeaudio Yume is still a gem in the IEM world. Its ability to make vocals sound the way it does is only found in IEMs $300 and above. The tuning here is truly a glimpse into the top-end realm of IEMs. As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, sometimes an IEM will come around that does one thing SO MAGICALLY well that you forget or don't notice any other flaws that it has. The Yume is one of those rare gems that are 100% worth your attention.



Disclaimer
Unit purchased from hifigo.com for personal use.
All opinions are my own.

Introduction

DUNU's new EST112 IEMs have received mixed reviews as of their release. Some reviewers stated that this IEM "punch above its price," some disagrees, and some are confused about why it exists. The mixed reviews may be partially due to another one of DUNU's IEM, the DUNU SA6, being very close in price and arguably one of the best IEMs below $550. Having tried and owned the SA6, I can agree, it is a tough IEM to beat. However, the EST112 does have qualities that might be more appealing to some listeners. The big question now is, are those qualities enough to justify NOT saving up $60 more for the SA6? That's what I'll be answering today.



Personal Impression

From a straightforward comparison, I can see why some called the DUNU EST112 "living in the shadow" of the SA6. The SA6 is one of the most versatile IEM on the market below $550. It works with many genres of music, delivering well-tuned, neutral, smooth, yet sparkly and fun sound. Technical performance is also excellent, with great details and separation, good imaging, and competent soundstage. Long story short, the SA6 is one of the most enjoyable IEM I've ever tried, every song I played on it was fantastic. On the other hand, the EST112 is a hit or miss.

I didn't get the same level of enjoyment I did from the SA6 with the EST112. The problem is the lack of resolution in the treble compared to the SA6. The occasional treble peaks also made longer listening sessions not viable. I'm pretty sensitive to treble, so this might not be the case for some listeners, but regardless, I've always found the treble on this IEM to be the "deal-breaker" in one way or another. A deal-breaker compared to the SA6, not in the market as a whole.

Sound Breakdown

Starting with the bass, the EST112 hits very well. Each note feels impactful and controlled. It's not a bass-head IEM, but enough to be considered bass-boosted and fun to most listeners. Overall detail is also excellent for the price. The only negative I can give about the bass is, and we're in nitpicking territory here, the sub-bass extension. It reaches decently far, but it always leaves me wanting more out of it.

Compared to SA6: EST112 hits with more authority and produces slightly better resolution. SA6 with bass-boost hits a touch heavier but still fall half a step short in details.

Midrange and vocals have an overall warmer tone. It's slightly forward and relaxing in an almost comforting way. Male vocals feel full and weighty, while females feel nuanced, with both highs and lows nicely represented. Clarity is also exceptional.

Acoustic sounds beautiful, taking full advantage of the extra warmth to give the feeling of smoothness and comfort.

Compared to SA6: SA6 vocals sound more true to life and a bit recessed, while EST112 leans warmer and more forward. Which is better comes down to preference; both are beautiful in different ways. The SA6 has better clarity, with vocals feeling more well defined. The SA6 also takes a small victory for versatility; the natural signature works well with more genres.

Treble in the EST112 is bright and forward but blunt in execution and has occasional peaks. That's the first thing I noticed while listening to these IEMs; the treble resolution came across as a bit sanded off. Percussion hits are not as snappy, top-end electronic notes don't shine quite as clear, and the overall feeling is, for lack of a better word, a bit blunt. Regardless, it still sounds great. The extra spark makes orchestral tracks come to life, with strings and woodwind instruments benefiting the most. The lack of detail doesn't make the EST112 unenjoyable in any way, but it will leave some wanting more.

EST112 also has treble peaks that may cause fatigue to some listeners. I cannot listen to these for more than one or two hours without feeling the need to lower the volume or switch IEMs.

Compared to SA6: This is not a fair battle. The SA6 does treble better than any other IEMs I've tried. It's very sparkly and smooth, great details, and no signs of peaking at all. It's an overall more enjoyable treble experience. The only thing the EST112 has over the SA6 in the treble is that it's more forward and louder, bringing more life to specific genres than the SA6. Besides that, the SA6 is significantly better.

Technical Performance

The soundstage is decently wide, and nothing feels squeezed. Its width is just about wider than what most would consider an "in your head" experience. For the price, it's terrific.

The imaging is good. I'm almost disappointed because it's just a step away from being impressive. You can pinpoint the vocalist, but the instrument placements are blurry. You can pick out the general direction of each instrument, but not the exact location in relation to the other instruments. Again, nearly impressive!

Overall detail is competent across the lower to midrange frequencies but lacking in the top-end. Separation is excellent for the price; no complaints here.

The Good & The Bad

The Good

• The warm midrange is very enjoyable on acoustic tracks.
• The boosted treble makes orchestral tracks sound extra lively.
• Satisfying bass impact and resolution.
• Imaging and soundstage are overall impressive for the price.
• Interchangeable plugs allow you to run balanced (2.5mm or 4.4mm) or unbalanced.

The Bad

• The bass, although satisfying for most, will leave bass-heads wanting more.
• Treble peaking can cause fatigue on longer listening sessions.
• Treble resolution needs work.

Alternative

The most direct competition to the DUNU EST112 is its bigger brother, the DUNU SA6. Because of the SA6, it's difficult to recommend the EST112. The SA6 is simply more well-rounded, with little to no compromises or flaws. EST112 lacking or exhibiting deficiencies in the area that it highlights (treble) is the big downside. If it executed the treble on par with the SA6, it would be a high recommendation. A couple of reasons to get the EST112 over the SA6 would be the extra power and resolution in the bass, or you enjoy a warmer midrange signature. However, you still have to be okay with the trade-off in the overall treble quality.

Summary

DUNU EST112 is a great IEM for the price, with the only misfortune that another IEM from the same company is a legend with a similar price tag. It has a great soundstage, imaging, bass, and midrange, with only flaws in the treble lacking sufficient details and occasionally peaking. If you like warm midrange, these are beautiful and should be in your consideration if under $500 is your budget. If not, the SA6, unfortunately, takes the victory and is worth saving extra to purchase.

Disclaimers
This DUNU EST112 is a personal unit purchased from hifigo.com
All opinions are my own.

Personal Impression

Here's the punch-line for anyone looking to skip the details. If you are looking for an impeccably-tuned neutral signature, SPARKLY yet SMOOTH treble, excellent vocal clarity, and $550 is your budget, buy these.

DUNU SA6 is one of those IEMs that gave me the rare goosebumps and chills down my spine reaction. I'm thoroughly impressed with how they executed the treble. It's amazingly sparkly with no harshness. The level of brightness of the treble gave my entire library of music a new life. Every song sounded more lively and energetic than ever before without any drawbacks from ear fatigue. I'm sensitive to overly bright treble and usually would stay away from IEMs of that nature, not with these. I can enjoy the breathtakingly fun and beautiful signature of these IEMs for endless hours. I've even fallen asleep while listening to these. Simply put, these are a top-tier pair of IEMs that's worth a listen and a purchase.

Sound Breakdown

Let's break down each aspect of the DUNU SA6, starting from the bass.
The bass is not for bass heads. It's not powerful or punchy enough to give a physical sensation outside of your head. If you turned on "bass boost," it noticeably increases the bass, which might be enough for most listeners, but still not a bass-heavy pair of IEMs. For myself, I prefer the original sound with no bass boost.

What it does lack in power, it makes up for in extension. Sub-bass reaches far, and on certain tracks, you'll be able to feel a soft rumbly sensation in your shoulder or chest area. Turning on "bass boost" amplifies this experience.

Bass clarity is excellent, with no muddiness or bleeding into the mids.
Every note hits with distinction while embodying a smooth overall appeal.

Mids and vocals are clear and tuned excellently. Male and female vocals sound nearly identical to how they would be singing in the same room as you. Female vocals also feel fuller and more attention-drawing with the powerful treble presence mentioned earlier. Instruments like strings and horns play beautifully and with a great sense of authority and shine.

Vocals will feel slightly recessed. However, it doesn't sacrifice the emotional intimacy you get from each vocalist. It's not Blessing 2 Dusk's level of intimacy, but it's undoubtedly still well presented.

The key player that makes these IEMs a must-own for me is the treble. I can go over it again, but it might be good enough to re-read the first paragraph a few times instead. It's beautiful, smooth, sparkly, and it compliments the midrange performance brilliantly. It's the only pair of IEMs that I've tested that embodies both the exciting aspect of treble while maintaining a safe and versatile signature that anyone can enjoy.

Technical Performance

Details and separation are great, nothing to complain about at this price. It's not a Unique Melody MEST type of detail, but no one is excepting it to be that. These are a third of the cost, and for that, it performs exceptionally.

Imaging and soundstage can use some work. Imaging is just okay, you can pick out the general area in which each instrument lives, but it's not anywhere near a precise placement. The soundstage is not narrow but not what I would consider wide. It's still an in-your-head experience for the most part while occasionally venturing a step wider on certain tracks.

The Good & The Bad

The Good
- It's a safe and versatile sound signature that's tuned exceptionally well to sound natural and work with nearly all genres of music.
- It has beautifully done vocals, especially female vocals.
- Treble is simply spectacular, the best I've experienced for my taste and sensitivity.
- It's very comfortable to wear for hours. I've worn them to sleep.
- Interchangeable plugs allow you to run balanced (2.5mm or 4.4mm) or unbalanced.

The Bad
- The bass may not be to everyone's liking. It can use a lot more power, especially in genres that need it (EDM, Rap, etc.).
- Imaging and soundstage are average at best for the price.

Alternative

If $550 is a bit hard to swallow, the closest signature to these at a lower cost would be the Blessing 2 Dusk from Moondrop. At $330, it has vocals that are equally as natural with a touch more intimacy. Bass is more impactful on the Blessing 2 Dusk as well, and the treble is also safe though not as sparkly. What you'll be sacrificing the most with the Blessing 2 Dusk would be the technical performance, mainly in overall details.

Summary

I'll simply be echoing what I mentioned at the beginning of this article. If you want a sparkly yet smooth treble experience that adds life and excitement to your library without a HINT of possible fatigues, buy these IEMs. Unless you're searching for a total bass monster, these IEMs are an easy recommendation. Simply one of the most enjoyable I've listened to at any price, and for $550, it's a great purchase.

Disclaimers
This DUNU SA6 is a personal unit purchased from Hifi Go
All opinions are my own.