DUNU DaVinci

Gear used:

Qudelix 5k
/
Ifi ZEN CAN Signature
Ifi ZEN ONE Signature

Eartips used:
Dunu Stage&Studio Medium(on the DaVinci)
Spinfit W1 Medium(S8 & Oracle)
Tangzu Sancai(S12 Pro)
Softear UltraClear(Galileo)


Introduction:
The Dunu x Gizaudio is one of the main hyped IEM sets at the moment, along with the Dusk, Pilgrim, and Hype 4. These 4 IEMs are what people look at when shopping around the 300 to 500 price bracket, and the DaVinci is the cheapest one of the bunch.

In this review, I'll be comparing the DaVinci to the other IEMs I currently own, which are: Thieaudio Oracle(OG), Moondrop S8, Letshuoer Galileo, Letshuoer S12 Pro

Unboxing and Using the DaVinci

Introduction​

Hey everyone, the DUNU DaVinci finally arrived, and I wanted to share my review. This IEM is packed with a 6-driver configuration: 1 10mm dynamic driver for sub-bass, 1 8mm for mid-bass, 2 drivers for mid-range, 1 for mid-high frequencies, and 1 for ultra-high frequencies. This detailed setup promises a lot, and DUNU has delivered on many fronts with this model.

Design and Build Quality​

The build quality of the DUNU DaVinci IEM is exemplary, showcasing DUNU’s commitment to craftsmanship and durability. The ear shells are made from high-quality materials, ensuring a robust and premium feel. The wooden faceplates add a touch of elegance and sophistication, making the DaVinci not only a high-performing IEM but also a visually stunning piece of audio equipment. Despite their somewhat chunky size, the ear shells are ergonomically designed to provide an excellent fit and comfort for long listening sessions. The attention to detail in the construction is evident, with smooth edges and a flawless finish that speaks to the meticulous engineering behind these IEMs.

The DaVinci’s design also includes recessed 2-pin connectors, which enhance the durability and longevity of the earphones. This feature prevents accidental disconnections and protects the pins from damage, ensuring a secure and stable connection at all times. The overall build quality is solid, instilling confidence that the DaVinci IEMs can withstand regular use and the rigors of daily life.



One of the standout features of the DaVinci is its high-quality interchangeable termination cable. The cable is both flexible and non-microphonic, allowing for a hassle-free listening experience. The interchangeable terminations are a practical addition, providing versatility and compatibility with various devices. Whether you prefer a 3.5mm, 2.5mm, or 4.4mm balanced output, the DaVinci’s cable has you covered, making it easy to switch between different audio sources.

The cable is designed with a straight-angled jack, which offers added durability and ease of use. It’s crafted from premium materials that ensure longevity and performance. Additionally, the cable’s flexibility and lack of microphonics contribute to a more enjoyable listening experience, free from unwanted noise and tangles.

Accessories

The DUNU DaVinci comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including three different sets of ear tips, with my favorite being the DUNU S&S. The high-quality interchangeable termination cable is a highlight, featuring straight-angled jacks that are both flexible and non-microphonic. The recessed 2-pins add to the durability and usability of the cable.

What's in the box:

1 x DUNU DaVinci IEM
1 x Modular, Q-Lock mini quick switch cable
1 x 3.5mm TRS single-ended plug
1 x 4.4mm TRRRS balanced plug
1 x Set of silicon ear tips (S,M,L)
1 x Set of candy silicone ear tips (S,M,L)
1 x Set of DUNU S&S ear tips (S,M,L,XL)
1 x Cleaning brush
1 x Carrying case

Sound Quality​

Bass​

The bass performance of the DUNU DaVinci IEM is undoubtedly one of its standout features. With a dedicated 10mm dynamic driver for sub-bass and an 8mm driver for mid-bass, the DaVinci delivers a bass experience that is both powerful and precise. The sub-bass extends deeply, providing a satisfying rumble that is especially noticeable in genres like electronic dance music, hip-hop, and orchestral pieces with heavy percussion. This sub-bass response adds a layer of depth to the music, making it feel more immersive and engaging.

One of the key characteristics of the DaVinci’s bass is its tactile nature. It’s not just about hearing the bass; you can feel it. This tactile quality is a result of the drivers' capability to move air efficiently, creating a physical sensation that complements the auditory experience. The bass is punchy and impactful, giving each beat a strong presence. This is particularly evident in tracks with pronounced basslines or kick drums, where the DaVinci’s bass adds a satisfying thump and slam.

Despite the strong bass presence, the DaVinci manages to avoid bass bleed into the mid-range. This is likely due to the sophisticated 5-way crossover and multiple acoustic tubes that DUNU has employed. These design elements ensure that each frequency band is handled by the appropriate driver, maintaining clarity and separation across the spectrum. As a result, the bass remains controlled and well-defined, without overwhelming the other frequencies.

However, it’s worth noting that the mid-bass might be a few decibels higher than some listeners' preferences. While this adds to the overall richness and warmth of the sound, it can occasionally be a bit much, especially during extended listening sessions. For those who prefer a more neutral bass response, slight EQ adjustments can help tame the mid-bass, making it more in line with personal tastes.

In terms of versatility, the DaVinci’s bass performs admirably across various genres. Whether it's the deep electronic beats of EDM, the thumping basslines of hip-hop, or the rich, resonant bass of acoustic and classical music, the DaVinci handles it all with aplomb. The bass is not just about power; it also brings out the nuances and textures of low-frequency instruments, adding to the overall musicality and enjoyment of the IEM.

Mid-Range​

The mid-range performance of the DUNU DaVinci IEM is another area where this IEM excels. Featuring two dedicated drivers for the mid-range frequencies, the DaVinci offers a rich and detailed presentation that brings vocals and instruments to life. The lower mid-range has a touch of warmth, adding to the overall musicality and making instruments sound full-bodied and natural.

One of the most notable aspects of the mid-range is its meaty and substantial quality. Instruments like pianos, guitars, and strings have a robust presence, with each note rendered with clarity and precision. This full-bodied sound is particularly enjoyable in genres like classical, jazz, and rock, where the mid-range is critical for conveying the nuances of the music. For example, listening to a piano concerto, the DaVinci captures the weight and resonance of each piano note, making the performance feel more lifelike and engaging.

Vocals, both male and female, are well-balanced in the DaVinci’s mid-range. They are neither recessed nor overly forward, sitting comfortably within the mix. This balance ensures that vocals are clear and intelligible without overshadowing the instruments. Female vocals, in particular, benefit from the DaVinci’s detailed mid-range. They are extended and airy without sounding thick or husky, allowing the natural timbre and emotion of the singer’s voice to come through beautifully.

The mid-range also excels in terms of detail retrieval and separation. Each instrument and vocal can be distinctly heard, even in complex and busy tracks. This separation is crucial for genres like symphonic metal or progressive rock, where multiple layers of sound need to be distinguished clearly. The DaVinci’s ability to maintain clarity and definition in the mid-range ensures that every element of the music is presented accurately.



In terms of tonality, the mid-range of the DaVinci is natural and realistic. This natural tonality, combined with the warmth and fullness of the mid-range, makes for a highly enjoyable listening experience. Whether it’s the soulful tones of a saxophone or the delicate strumming of an acoustic guitar, the DaVinci captures the essence of each instrument with finesse.

One of the challenges for any IEM is to maintain a cohesive transition between the bass, mid-range, and treble. The DaVinci handles this transition seamlessly, ensuring that the mid-range is well-integrated with the other frequency bands. This cohesion adds to the overall balance and harmony of the sound, making the DaVinci a versatile performer across various musical genres.

Treble​

The treble performance of the DUNU DaVinci IEM is characterized by excellent extension, smoothness, and detail. With a dedicated driver for mid-high frequencies and another for ultra-high frequencies, the DaVinci ensures that the treble is well-represented and free from harshness or sibilance. This makes the DaVinci a great choice for listeners who appreciate detailed and articulate treble without the fatigue that can come from overly bright IEMs.

One of the standout features of the DaVinci’s treble is its smoothness. The treble is extended, reaching into the higher frequencies with ease, but it does so in a way that is gentle on the ears. This smoothness prevents any sharpness or piercing quality, making the treble sound natural and easy to listen to. Cymbals, high hats, and other high-frequency instruments are rendered with a realistic shimmer and sparkle, adding to the overall detail and clarity of the music.

Detail retrieval in the treble is another area where the DaVinci excels. The high frequencies are presented with a high level of precision, allowing you to hear the subtle nuances and textures in the music. This is particularly enjoyable in genres like classical and jazz, where the intricacies of the music can be fully appreciated. The DaVinci’s treble brings out the micro-details, making each instrument and note stand out clearly.

In terms of treble tonality, the DaVinci offers a natural and accurate presentation. It avoids any artificial brightness, providing a treble that is true to the source material. This natural tonality ensures that high-frequency sounds are reproduced faithfully, making the listening experience more authentic. The treble also maintains good separation from the mid-range and bass, ensuring that each frequency band is distinct and well-defined.

The treble performance also contributes to the overall soundstage and imaging of the DaVinci. The extended and detailed treble helps create a wide and spacious soundstage, giving the music a sense of depth and dimension. Imaging is precise, with instruments and vocals accurately placed within the sound field. This spatial accuracy enhances the listening experience, making it easier to pick out individual elements in the music.

While the treble is smooth and detailed, it may not have the same level of upper treble extension as some other high-end IEMs. For example, the Blessing 2 Dusk, with its micro planar tweeters, offers a different and more extended treble presentation. However, the DaVinci’s treble still holds its own, providing a balanced and enjoyable listening experience.

Comparison​

Moondrop x Crinacle DUSK 2​

When compared to the Blessing 3 Dusk 2 also known as the Moondrop x Crinacle DUSK 2, the DaVinci has a more satisfying bass response with meatier mid-range and smoother treble. The Dusk 2 excels in upper treble extension due to its micro planar tweeters, providing a more realistic treble presentation. Resolution and technicalities are very similar, but the DaVinci edges out in overall enjoyment due to its better bass, mid-range, and soundstage.

DUNU SA6 Ultra and SA6 MK II​

The DUNU SA6 series has smaller earpieces and offers more comfort and isolation due to their shape. They excel in resolution, clarity, and detail retrieval, with better upper treble extension. However, the DaVinci provides better sub-bass and mid-bass. The SA6 is an upgrade due to its superior detail, but the DaVinci’s bass and overall balanced sound make it more versatile for genres that have a lot of bass content like EDM, hip-hop, pop, and rock.

​

Elysian Pilgrim​

The Elysian Pilgrim IEM has better sub-bass rumble and more resolution and detail but less mid-bass compared to the DaVinci. The Pilgrim is smoother with excellent clarity, making it suitable for long listening sessions. While the Pilgrim excels in sub-bass, the DaVinci offers a thicker, richer sound that is enjoyable across various genres. The Elysian Pilgrim is an upgrade in sound quality to my ears. The DaVinci has a higher quantity of bass, while the Pilgrim has a higher quality bass.

Personal Preferences​

For my personal listening preferences and musical tastes, I find the mid-bass on the DaVinci to be a few dBs higher than ideal. After extended listening, I occasionally prefer something slightly less bass-heavy. However, the bass adds a pleasing thickness to male vocals and makes instruments sound full-bodied and rich.

For instance, listening to Johnny Cash's "Hurt," the natural thickness in his voice, combined with the excellent imaging and instrument separation, sounded marvelous. The acoustic guitar strums moved with clarity from left to right, and his voice sounded rich and full.

Conclusion​

Congratulations to DUNU and Gizaudio for hitting a home run with the DaVinci. It is an excellent and well-tuned IEM that stands out in the competitive market. While it may not be the absolute best under $500, it is certainly among the top contenders according to my preferences. The DaVinci's balanced sound, tactile bass, and superb imaging make it a highly enjoyable IEM for a wide range of music genres. If you appreciate a bit more bass and a warm, full-bodied sound, the DUNU DaVinci could be an excellent addition to your collection.