DUNU DK3001BD

AdryelFlauta

New Head-Fier
Dunu DK3001BD - First Impression from a casual listener
Pros: Vocal forward IEM
Detailed and technical
Comfort that is worth paying a premium
A huge number of tips that it comes along with
Cons: A bit heavy
Premium side price
The neutral sound signature can sound too boring at some tracks
Dunu DK3001BD - First Impression
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Unboxing Link :
Just unboxing no voiceover.

I got this for $424 USD, knowing that the IEM's price is $499 I just had to snatch one of this at that discount. I've been looking for a more vocal forward and technical IEM coming from my Aful Performer 5.
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Unboxing & Accessories:
Dunu always have their presentation and accessories on point but at this price, it has to be given and expected. The thing that's worth mentioning is the number of tips that it provides and having the Q Lock Cable giving 4.4 and 3.5 option. If we can have a USB C Cable Q Lock extension, it will be appreciated.

Isolation & Comfort:
As someone who has small ears, I went with the stock tips it came with, I did not change the tips from the options that I have, and it's the most comfortable IEM that I have ever wore. Previous IEMs that I owned were nothing compared to this (Tin Hifi T3, Moondrop Aria, Dunu Kima, Aful Performer 5). Wearing and removing the IEM effortlessly while providing the isolation I needed compare to my Performer 5, a factor may be coming from the cable, nevertheless it is nice, comfortable, and ergonomic.

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Sound Impression:
Please take this with a grain of salt, as I still feel like my brain is still adjusting to this new gear and sound signature. and I don't know how to read sound graph. A more elaborated review will be posted in the future.

I love the tone of the IEM it presents the detail and other information from the music you are listening in a very neutral, as someone who's been listening previously from a warmer tonality, I much prefer this neutral presentation. In terms of soundstage and layering comparing to Arias and Performer 5, there is definitely a difference it's more intricate despite having the vocals more forward. Instruments that played at a lower volume can be reached on my first listen to Dunu DK3001BD. Despite loving the tone there are some tracks where I feel it feels like really flat and too boring.

Gaming:
Counter-Strike 2 - Had a few games where the footsteps are way more clear yet it doesn't sound harsh, gunshots doesn't hurt the ear as well despite having the volume a bit higher. I still haven't tried the verticality of the IEM that much, hopefully in my future detailed review I could provide more samples and a detailed explanation.

Conclusion:
I would recommend if you can buy it in less than 450 USD or if you're looking for a more technical and neutral IEM, as someone who's getting sick of my warm and darker IEM this is a nice change of pace. Would I pay at a full price at 499 USD? For the comfort alone, yes, I would.

kesobie

100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Insane technical ability for under $500
Clean, tight and snappy sound
Superb separation and layering
A treat for trebleheads
Unique design
Amazing accessory inclusions and packaging
Amazing extension on both ends
Airy treble
Great detail retrieval
Cons: Lean note weight
Midbass is too tucked for my liking
Treble can get too hot on brighter/poorly mixed tracks
Lacks low end impact and texture
Lower mids can sound distant.
Not the most natural timbre
Can sound too revealing

DUNU DK 3001BD Review: SPARKS AND FLASHES​


PRICE: $499​


PROS:​

  • Insane technical ability for under $500
  • Clean, tight and snappy sound
  • Superb separation and layering
  • A treat for trebleheads
  • Unique design
  • Amazing accessory inclusions and packaging
  • Amazing extension on both ends
  • Airy treble
  • Great detail retrieval

CONS:​

  • Lean note weight
  • Midbass is too tucked for my liking
  • Treble can get too hot on brighter/poorly mixed tracks
  • Lacks low end impact and texture
  • Lower mids can sound distant.
  • Not the most natural timbre
  • Can sound too revealing

WHO THIS UNIT IS FOR:​

  • Trebleheads
  • People who want an analytical sounding IEM
  • People who like mecha/cyberpunk aesthetic
  • People who like a complete package
  • People who likes a leaner sounds signature

WHO THIS UNIT ISN’T FOR:​

  • Timbreheads
  • Treble sensitives
  • People want a musical tone
  • People who want a full bodied sound
  • People who love midbass and bass texture

RECOMMENDED GENRES:​

  • Vocal pop
  • Jazz
  • Instrumental
  • Orchestra

SHORT REVIEW:​

This probably would have been the best IEM I’ve ever heard of if I had the same tastes as I did 2 years ago. Alas, these are still some of the best treble-centric IEMs I’ve heard under $1,000. The level of detail and sparkle this IEM has while maintaining a good balance of bass and mids is unmatched compared to everything I’ve tried under $1,000. However, this is also its weak point as the focus on details sacrifices note weight, timbre and the occasional sibilance. Regardless, this is a one trick pony IEM that trebleheads would absolutely go crazy over. RECOMMENDED WITH CAVEATS

FULL REVIEW:​

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If you’ve been following me for quite a while, you know that I had a knack for treble. My favorite IEM of all time is a set that is somewhat infamous for its treble and is the reason why I love it so much. But over the years I’ve been in this hobby, I’ve been refining my tastes and finding more sets that I enjoy with the music I listen to. And this evolution of tastes lead me to slowly lose my love for bright and trebly sets, albeit my love still exists.

Today, we’re going to talk about a set that if I had kept my tastes from a year or two ago would’ve landed on the tippy top of my tier list no doubt. But with how I’ve grown as both a reviewer an audiophile, where would this bright and analytical set land in my hopes and dreams?

DISCLAIMER: The DK3001BD was sent over by Dunu in exchange for my honest thoughts. If you would like to order one, consider using the non-affiliated link below:

DANCE, DANCE!​


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Normally, I’d make the usual comment about how we’ve reviewed a previous DUNU set and you know what to expect coming from them. However, the DK3001BD is special in two ways; One, this is the most expensive Dunu product that I’ve owned and reviewed. Second, this is an IEM from a series that hasn’t seen a refresh since 2019 with the DK3001 Pro. And quite frankly, it’s fascinating to see the history of a resilient brand like DUNU that was already well-acclaimed prior to the pandemic and has kept a consistent growth.

Anyways, the DK3001BD in the DK3001 series of IEMs is a $499 tribrid IEM with a single dynamic driver, 4 balanced armatures and 4 microplanar drivers. One of the few things I have to commend DUNU is their continued technological advancement and adaptation as the previous iteration used a single 13mm dynamic driver and 4 custom balanced armature drivers. Since the pandemic and the rise of planar IEMs, planar drivers have come to dominate the market from different price points. I recently just reviewed the Kiwi Ears Canta that also featured microplanars for only $89. So with an almost 5 times price increase, how does this DK3001BD stand out from the market?

UNBOXING​

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I know, I know. DUNU has an insane unboxing and accessoy inclusion yada yada yada. But hear me out; the brain dance is by far their best accessorized, presented and appropriate unboxing by far (yes, including the SA6 MKII)

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Besides the usual comments, DUNU has taken a massive step up with their packaging. The texture of the box and its simplistic yet very attractive and very fitting with the design of the IEM. One thing that has been bothering me for the last few years is that companies aren’t really pairing the aesthetics of their unboxing and packaging to their IEMs. Even Dunu is guilty of this with their recent Kima 2, but they made up for it in the DK3001BD.

This got me thinking about what brain dance even means.

BUILD & FIT​

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If there’s one thing I can trust Dunu to nail in every single one of their IEMs, it’s build and aesthetics. I cannot think of a single Dunu IEM that I’ve reviewed that doesn’t have impeccable build quality (we’ll talk about fit later)

But first, I want to address the elephant in the room. The DK3001 and the DK series in general seems to follow a rather progressive trend of using the best driver configurations that the time has to offer. In the case of the OG and the Pro, they used a hybrid system with a 13mm beryllium dynamic driver and balanced armature combo.

The DK3001BD on the other hand uses a driver configuration that has taken the market by storm. Microplanars. Specifically, 1 Single Dynamic Driver, 4 Custom Balanced Armatures and 4 Microplanar drivers. The Dynamic drivers are also quite special because they came from the DUNU Glacier, their $1,300 hybrid flagship IEM that everyone just seemed to have missed.

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Aesthetically, this has got to be the perfect IEM to pair with the HiBy R4. Both have this cyberpunk mecha look that Dunu called the (insert the proper name for this). Quite frankly, I am all for this aesthetic. Gone are the boring silver hunks of stainless steel with this cool looking mech aesthetic coming to crash the party!

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However, I also have to feel a little worried because of a couple things. First, it uses an MMCX connection. Now don’t get me wrong, DUNU’s MMCX seem to be at the top of the line with the best security and minimal spinning based on the IEMs I’ve reviewed from them that use MMCX. However, I cannot deny that I’ve had a larger fail rate with MMCX connectors than 2-pins. It’s not to say that I don’t take care of MMCX connectors, but the nature of MMCX just feels more frail in comparison to good quality 2-pins. I can rest easy knowing that the MMCX Dunu uses is good enough to last more than a few cable removals (I will never change the cable of these).

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As for comfort, it’s a decently fitting and sealing IEM with okay seal. It’s slightly larger compared to its peers, but understandable for its 5 driver per side configuration. My biggest issue with this stability as the lack of wings and a rounded shape makes it a little difficult to stay in my ears, but I never found it to be fatiguing and, most importantly, have any air pressure build up whatsoever.

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As for the cable, I genuinely love how they’re doubling down on this half paracord design as it looks unapologetically DUNU with how frequently they use this kind of cable. Quite frankly, I am all for it because this cable is honestly great. I had my gripes with the Kima 2 and Titan S2 cables, but they upped the thickness of not only the sleeve but the strands which makes me feel 100% more confident about the longevity of the cable. You can make a case for the white color, but it cannot look better with any other cable IMO (except for maybe a full white one). But like I mentioned, this thing tops it all off with an MMCX connector. I haven’t had issues with DUNU’s MMCX connector, so I can only hope and assume that this $500 Dunu IEM will not give me ANY problems whatsoever.

SOUND​


Sound Signature:​

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The Dunu DK3001BD has this weird hybrid of Harman and Meta tuning molded into the perfect specimen for treble and detail lovers. Subbass over midbass by a long shot, surprisingly full sounding midrange and sparkle for days thanks to that brighter tuning that’s emphasized by 4 micro planar hypertweeters. This then concludes with an analytical tone that fits those who want to dissect their music or just enjoy a lot of energy. Unfortunately, it does take a hit on timbre which might be a turn off for some.

Source Pairing and Drivability:​

Despite a staked driver configuration, the DK3001BD is a set that I found to not really require a lot of power to drive. However, the quality of the source is a completely different story with a cleaner source being almost fundamental to get a good listening experience with this thing. Grab yourself a clean, preferably warmer source and this thing will sing at you with all its glory. Settle for something less and you’re only getting around 70% of its true potential.

Volume Scaling:​

Due to its brighter leaning nature, I couldn’t really go past mid volume listening on these. I wanted to go higher, but that treble and lack of midbass just forces me to go to my old habits of listening to music at a responsible volume. Maybe the DK3001BD advocates for hearing health!

Bass:​

The bass of the DK3001BD is unfortunately the aspect I like the least from the set. Don’t get me wrong, this thing is probably amazing for 90% of the people that’ll listen to this who like a more “normal” subbass over midbass presentation. It’s tight and if the DD on these did come from the Glacier, then I can be confident the Glacier has a damn good bass response. However, it does get a little lean especially for midbassy tracks where I’m expecting some meat and bones. Think something like Magdalena Bay’s Image. I love that track to death and hearing the bass drop on the chorus, especially towards the end, feels like magic. However, the DK3001BD presents it a little too clean for my tastes. It goes deep and woofy, but lacks the raunch and grunge that I always look for in not only that track but IEMs. In short, clean, tight but a little too much so.

Mids:​

Something that I’m actually glad the meta midrange was able to provide for the DK3001BD is a thicker than usual midrange for a warmer leaning IEM. It’s no warmhead that colors vocals, of course. But what the KE4 overdid, the DK3001BD was able to balance to near perfection. It still leans on the brighter side, sure, but the warmth balances that brightness in a way that somewhat keeps the midrange from sounding too lean and lifeless. This is all while it keeps the midrange sounding quite crisp and nuanced, although just like the KE4, also sounds a little bit more closed in compared to its peers. My gripe then ends up being on the lower mids sounding a little too thin on some tracks, especially older tracks with leaner mixing. This is potentially due to the rather aggressive upper mids combined with the tucked midbass.

I genuinely love the entirety of Random Access Memory by Daft Punk on the DK3001BD. It’s one of the few albums where it works with most headphones, but shines with very specific ones. The DK3001BD is one of the few IEMs that presents the song in a near-perfect way with the midbass heavy track being toned slightly down with the tuck, the midrange maintaining composure and note weight and a vibrant treble that presents Omar Hakim’s wonderful drumming. Honorable mention for Samara Joy and Laufey which you’ve probably heard me talk about a million times at this point, but these are another pair that perfectly plays through their discography.

Where I’m not as impressed with the DK3001BD’s presentation is leaner tracks like older Michael Jackson records, Toto’s IV and Earth, Wind & Fire. I don’t quite particularly think they’re terrible in any way, but the combination of that bright top end and leaner midbass makes most of the songs sound just a little bit too dry and lean. You can make it work, especially if you have a warmer source or like a leaner sound, but it ain’t for me chief.

Treble:​

Now this is where we get dicey because the treble of the DK3001BD is flawed to perfection. That’s contradictory, I know, but let me explain. First of all, this is a very vibrant and energetic treble presentation. Almost too much in some instances, but just more than enough to keep your ears tickled. If you’re a treblehead, this is probably one of the best treble that I’ve tried under $500, maybe even $1,000. Not perfect treble, mind you, but very energetic and sparkly that’ll make my 2022 self absolutely cream. However, 2024 Obie has grown and evolved his tastes in treble and enjoys sparkly but generous treble presentation that can keep you listening to it for hours on end. The DK3001Bd is not that IEM, unfortunately, and caters more towards those who like to live on the edgy side with a lot of details and air. In that case, the DK3001BD’s treble presentation is just perfect. But definitely not for treble sensitive people.

Everything I mentioned in the mids section’s con will apply for the treble with a special mention to Waiting For Your Love by Toto. This is a great track for testing the treble of IEMs because the way it's mixed emphasizes it to the point where if your IEMs has a distinctive metallic timbre, you’ll hear it. And boy, does that track show its fangs on that song. It’s enjoyable, especially with how the DK3001BD presents the midrange in a surprisingly well-bodied fashion, but those clink clanks and hoohaas can sound a tad bit odd if you’re used to tamer treble or well-tuned single DDs. But hey, this rips apart those microdetails in the treble like nothing you’ve heard under $500

Technicalities:​

As you might expect from an analytical IEM, this is a superbly technical sounding IEM. Separation and layering is genuinely unlike anything I’ve heard in this price point and up. Imaging and stage are pretty decent, considering the up front presentation of the midrange thanks to the air. Depth is not as fantastic due to the leaner tone, but it’s presented in a way that still compliments the width and height of the IEM. But by far the best aspect of this thing is transients. It’s fast, it’s snappy and is the reason why this IEM excels in being a bright and analytical set with a bass boost.

COMPARISON:​

vs Yanyin Canon II​

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In my search for my favorite mid-fi IEM, the Canon II was one that broke my expectations and brought about a new era for my tastes in IEMs. But I’m confident when I say that the DK3001BD would have been an immediate choice over me if I were to have reviewed both IEMs 2 years ago. Regardless, this goes to show how much these two IEMs contrast each other and probably how they compliment each other if you’re interested in getting two IEMs with distinctly different tonal presentations. The DK3001BD is a bright, energetic and detailed set while the Canon II is thick, tactile and fun sounding. The DK3001BD’s technical prowess is irrelevant with the Canon II’s less-offensive and more engaging overall sound

vs 7th Acoustics Supernova​

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From one midrange to another, the Supernova represents a different way to do a specialized kind of sound. The DK3001BD focuses on clarity, details and technicality while the Supernova focuses on vocal nuance and timbre. This is ironic considering that the DK3001BD features a dynamic driver while the Supernova is rocking a full balanced armature driver configuration. This goes to show that driver configuration matters less than implementation. Nonetheless, the DK3001BD has a superior technical ability overall due to its analytical presentation, but the Supernova has a considerably better and more euphonic timbre presentation that rivals flagship dynamic driver IEMs like the Softears Twilight. It’s a similar situation to the previously compared Canon II, but with a different emphasis and a considerably more technical sound as you might expect.

vs Simgot EA2000​

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Interestingly, these two sets represent the two sides of a treblehead set. One being more neutral and “reference” like, the other being more engaging, edgy and nuanced. Not to say that the DK3001BD lacks nuance, far from it. But the way that the EA2000 presents the tiniest of details in the bass and treble is something that you don’t find in IEMs under $500, let alone at $319. The main difference you’ll find between them in terms of tuning is the much more aggressive, open and edgy v-shape tuning of the EA2000 compared to the more lavish yet still bright neutral sound signature of the DK3001BD. Both sets are close and dear to my heart, but I have to respect both IEMs efforts for being some of the best treblehead sets I’ve heard.

vs Oracle MK1​

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Let me preface this by saying that this is the 2024 version of the Oracle MK1 and not the older (and superior) version. Regardless, the Oracle MK1’s tonal presentation isn’t far off from the DK3001BD in terms of treble, but starkly different with how the low end was presented. This is what separates the DK3001BD from being an analytical set and the Oracle being a mild u-shaped IEM. The warmth gives the Oracle MK1 a surprisingly engaging overall sound that I never thought I’d hear from a Thieaudio IEM, but one that I’m glad I did because it made me realize that their house sound can be more than just the Monarch MK2. However, this also makes the DK3001BD a more technically capable and crisp sounding IEM over the Oracle MK1. I also found the edginess of the Oracle MK1 to be out of place compared to the DK3001BD where that is the bread and butter of the overall sound.

vs Moritz Paradise​

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The most expensive IEM in this list and yet is also the edgiest, even compared to the DK3001BD. The main difference between the two is how the Paradise is essentially what peak V-Shaped sounds like in the top end. Insane bass presentation, expectedly scooped but open midrange with a decent level of upper midrange energy that transitions to an occasionally edgy treble. The DK3001BD has the edge but provides a cleaner mid and bass presentation, at the cost of sounding more clinical compared to the Paradise. In some ways, the Paradise is made for people like me who love a v-shaped tuning while the DK3001BD was made for, well, also me who loves a very sparkly, energetic and open sounding IEM. I just love both IEMs as you can tell, but the DK3001BD interestingly has the superior resolution and technical ability overall despite being around $250 cheaper than the Paradise.

CONCLUSION:​

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If you asked me in 2022 what my favorite IEM is and I got to try the DK3001BD back then, it’d be this. The way this handles the bright and analytical sound signature is one of, if not, the best I’ve heard in this price range and reminds me a lot of the 64 Audio Tia Trio in so many ways. I genuinely love this thing for all of its brightness and occasional harshness.

However, currently, I’ve moved on from this brighter leaning tone to something more organic and musical. The DK3001BD is not that IEM, despite the thicker and bodied midrange, due to how much emphasis treble gets. If I was looking for a treble-centric IEM, the DK3001BD is an absolutely amazing IEM and is something I’d highly recommend to anyone that is looking for an analytical, detailed and crisp sounding IEM unlike anything you’ll hear under $1,000. But tastes change and this is a star crossed IEM that I know I would’ve loved to death back in the day. Right now, it’s just a great treble-centric IEM to me. But hey, if my tastes changed back then, maybe I’ll grow to love this sound again too!

Thank you for reading my review on the Dunu DK3001BD, consider using the non-affiliated link below: https://www.dunu-topsound.com/dk3001bd

WATCH FULL REVIEW HERE:

domq422

500+ Head-Fier
Not quite Brain Damage, but...
Pros: Unboxing is befitting of Dunu’s reputation, Cable, tips, case, all top-notch
Clean and crisp bass response with great sub-bass rumble and texture
Mid-range detail is hitting above its price point
Treble detail is also hitting above it’s price point
Some tracks have an ethereal presentation
Wide and spacious sound stage
Cons: The cable is a bit heavy and somewhat stiff above the Y-split
The design is… different, it could be your thing, but it could not be
Fit is a little tricky, short nozzle with a chunky shell
Overkill with 4(!) planars for the treble
While the bass is snappy and clean, the lower mids are a little too thin at times
Mid-range and treble timbre and tonality is a total mixed bag, it could be great, could be unlistenable
Somewhat forgettable listening experience outside of the technicalities…
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Full Disclaimer; This pair of the Brain Dance is part of a tour set up by HiFiGo, so thank you to them for providing this pair for evaluation! Everything I say Is and always will be my opinion and my opinion only.

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Test tracks
  • Give Life Back to Music - daft punk - Overall clarity
  • Infinity Repeating - daft punk - Lower mids control
  • Voyager - daft punk - Bass line clarity/busy track layering
  • Overnight - Parcels - mid bass punch
  • Tieduprightnow - Parcels - bass line/sibilance test
  • Justice - Neverender - Sub bass rumble and mid bass impact with treble sparkle balance
  • Daytime - Lunar Vacation - Staging/female vocals w/ heavy bass
  • Days - No Vacation - Vibe test/treble energy
  • Fruiting Body - Goon - Sub bass
  • Wavy Maze - Goon - Mid bass
  • Together - Maggie Rodgers - Female Vocals
  • Slide Tackle - Japanese Breakfast - Sibilance test/consonants harshness
  • Decode - Paramore - Vibe test/stage depth
  • Vinta - Crumb - Stage depth/layering
  • Kim’s Caravan - Courtney Barnett - Female Vocals/resolution test
  • Small Poppies - Courtney Barnett - Distorted Guitar
  • Lifelong Song - Men I Trust - Sub/mid bass texture
  • One and Only - Adele - Female Vocals/consonants harshness test
  • Waves - Wild Painting - Overall Enjoyment and stage depth/width/Bass guitar speed
  • Not the One - Highnoon - Female Vocals
  • Cowboy Killer - Varsity - Layering
  • Alone in My Principles - Varsity - Distorted female vocals
  • Summer Madness - Kool & The Gang - Treble Harshness
  • They Are Growing - Renata Zeiguer - Mid bass impact
Sources
  • Apple Music Streaming Hi-Res Lossless when available → SMSL MDA1 RAW → SMSL SH-9 or Schiit Midgard
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max wired or BT → FiiO BTR17 (No PEQ)
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max wired → Fosi DS2
Purchase link (Un-affiliated) - DUNU DK3001BD 1DD+4BA+4Micro Planar Drivers IEMS — HiFiGo

Tech Specs;

Price - $499.00
Model: DK 3001 BD (BrainDance)
Cavity Material: Aerospace-Grade Aluminum Alloy
Net Weight: Approx. 8.1 g (per side)
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: 26Ω
122dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
Sensitivity: 108dB/mW(@1kHz) 122dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
THD: <0.5% @ 1 kHz
Dynamic Driver: Flexible Surround Bio-Diaphragm Dynamic Driver for Low and Sub-Bass Frequencies x 1
Balanced Armature Drivers: Custom Midrange Balanced Armatures x 2
Custom High-Frequency Balanced Armatures x 2
Planar Drivers: Custom Micro Planar For Ultra-High Frequencies x 4
Cable: 4-Core Secondary Refined High-Purity Furukawa OCC Copper
Cable Length: 1.2 m ± 0.1 m
Connector: Patented Catch-Hold MMCX Connector
Plug: Q-Lock MINI Modular Plug System
Includes Two Interchangeable Plugs
(4.4mm Balanced, 3.5mm Single-Ended)


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Happy 2025, everyone!

Let’s start this off with a bang; The Dunu DK3001-BD. An IEM that I feel took a big part of the community by storm. I am so late to this party, admittedly, I got this pair in a few weeks back right before the holidays so the timing was pretty bad for getting a review out in a timely manner, the tour group I’m in has been super patient with me so, thanks guys, I really do appreciate it!

Since I’m so late to this party, I don’t think I’ll muddy up these threads with a long and drawn-out review. A lot of what needs to be said about this set has already been said so I’ll keep my notes as short as possible. This will most likely be more of a photo dump than anything else, really, sorry for that!

The non-audio-related items are really nice, I genuinely love the cable that comes with this IEM. It’s a thick, nylon sleeve on the bottom before the y-split and a traditional 2-core twist up to the MMCX connectors. The 2-core twist has a matte and smooth finish that feels premium and well made, and the nylon-sleeved section is equally premium-feeling. I love the Aesthetics and the handling isn’t too bad either. It’s a bit on the heavy side and the cable past the y-split is a little memory-prone, but I never had any issues with tangling so that’s a huge plus! The IEMs themselves are a very… unique design that really reminded me of a spaceship or a space station of some sort. They have a futuristic and almost scientifically clean design with small labels on the faceplates like a piece of machinery. If I understand correctly, both the name “Brain Dance” and the design are derivative of the game Cyber Punk, which is cool, I’ve never played the game myself but I know there are tons of people who are big fans. I love that Dunu did something different here. I know looks are highly subjective and while these might not be the prettiest shells I’ve ever seen, I can really appreciate the effort! They stand out and in a good way in my opinion.

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Now, onto the sound;

Bass

The Bass is mega tight — sub-bass has a good presence, with a rumble you can both hear and feel. There’s a good amount of air being pushed by the DD in this set. Doin’ It Right by daft punk is presented really well — The song is so simple and to the point — to really appreciate it I feel like you need the right pair of transducers to represent the entire song well, all the aspects of it. The BDs do it well, albeit, less than I’d call ideal for this particular song. Fruiting Body by Goon is another sub-bass test, among other things, but just focusing on the rumble during the chorus here we can clearly hear and feel the sub-bass well in all its textured glory. Again, I’d prefer more of it to balance out the rest of the track as the mids and vocals specifically are produced in a way where they sound very airy and slightly thin, but we’ll talk about the mids later. The mid-bass is snappy, with a very quick decay. There’s texture and nuance with drum kicks, whether that be artificial or from a kick drum. It has a rounder presentation that accompanies tunings that favor sub over mid-bass, meaning, it has a fuller and deeper sound rather than a slamming one. I can appreciate this kind of presentation, it allows the mids to breathe quite a bit, especially female vocals.

They Are Growing by Renata Zeiguer sounds fantastic during the intro, the kicks have that reverb I’m looking for, they’re commanding and once the vocals and other instruments start joining the party, the mid-bass is still present but it does take a bit of a step back from the rest of the band. I’d say the bass isn’t going to satisfy bass heads but it will satisfy bass lovers. Those people who enjoy the quality rather than the quality. Some sets do both really well, In my opinion, these do the quality part really well but could use some quantity for my library. Both mid and sub-bass.

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Mids and Treble

I’d say the mids and treble are where the Brain Dance starts flexing on other sets around the same price but then also falls short in some cases… Vocals are extremely detailed and slightly forward in the mix. On some songs, it sounds lovely, angelic even, but on others it might be a bit on the spicy side. Pictures On Walls by Mia Tims is genuinely a journey of a song with the BDs. The kind of production and mastering of that song was MADE for these IEMs. The extra warmth and little recession in the vocals get balanced out by the Brain Dance’s thinner lower mid-range and forward vocal presentation. But then on the other side of the coin, you have songs like Slide Tackle by Japanese Breakfast… granted, Japanese Breakfast usually masters their cuts a little hot in the upper mids and treble, but even some of my other IEMs like the Canpur CP32es which are not a warm IEM at ALL handle that song well. The BDs have that planar tonality up top that can go from sounding heavenly, detailed, and sparkly, to being way too in your face and there just simply is not enough warmth to balance it out.

The summary of it is, the details and layering are all really impressive for the price, but these are not an all-around player for my entire library because of the top end. I can appreciate the impressive technicalities, no doubt about it, but when it hinders musicality too much and swings more towards analytical without much in the way of forgiveness for hotter-produced tracks, I just have to hit the skip button. I think the mids and the treble go hand in hand with this set, which is why I grouped them together in the same paragraph, and depending on your library, neither will work for you.

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Techs

Technicalities are, like I said, a mixed bag. On one hand, genuinely, the layering, resolution, detail retrieval, and to a certain degree, sound stage are all very impressive for the money. I’d say these can definitely trade blows with some of the kilo-buck heavy hitters of today’s market. But where they fall short is timbre and tonality and for me, timbre comes 1st. It’s a bit frustrating because on some songs, as I mentioned, these sound fantastic. Ethereal, engaging, fun… On the songs, they just don’t and I’m reminded of the 4 planar drivers which just completely takes me out of the music.

To sum this all up, I really really wanted to love the Brain Dance. I love the accessory package, particularly the cable, I think it looks the business. I think the shell design is super interesting, being ceramic-coated aluminum with a design that stands out is dope. I think more companies need to take more risks when it comes to the aesthetics of their IEMs. The bass is great, honestly, I can’t complain. If these were tuned with more, it’d be even better and I do know some folks in the community like Jay have mentioned using an impedance adapter which I think would help with my qualms on the sound but, in their stock format, the Dunu DK3001 BD can be summed up like this; Impressive technicalities with a truly detailed and sharp presentation that suffers from being overly sharpened. I enjoyed half my time with the Brain Dance with the other half being a forgotten experience.

I wouldn’t call them Brain Damage™, but my volume knob has certainly seen a lot more counterclockwise movement these last few weeks using the BDs…

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Thanks so much for reading and I hope everyone has a wonderful and prosperous New Year!
atechreviews
atechreviews
Great review, Dom!
Syan25
Syan25
Excellent review!
domq422
domq422
Thanks everyone! It's cool to be on the front page :)

viplarry7

New Head-Fier
Dunu DK3001BD: precision tuning with a marvel design
Pros: • easy to pick out treble detailed trailed by the vocals, space for everything to breathe.
• manages to be extremely resolving without sacrificing midrange quality.
• non-fatiguing treble despite being boosted and remains neutral for vocals in any mix.
Cons: • fit dependent since the treble is so fine tuned, any adjustment is easily noticeable from tip rolling.
• planar timbre, sometimes the treble can sound too clean and analytical.
• emphasis on sub-bass rumble rather than mid-bass warmth can also give a more analytical feel, but is still musical nonetheless because it manages to bring out treble excitement without the expense of piercing your brains out.
So Dunu recently released the dk3001bd ($499) and it has been a outstanding iem for me. I have had this iem for a week now and I can seriously recommend it despite its rather high price atm (may be discounted in the future). It's been extremely hard to put down this iem and really sounds better the more you listen to it as your brain readjust to the treble. Item was also purchased with my own money for this review so thoughts are all my own.

Starting with the design, this is clearly a IEM that was designed with a both thought and intent. Whether you like it or not is another topic, but dunu nailed it when it comes to how the iem's execution and the memorability of it. Before even diving into the sound aspect of this iem, dunu manages to captivate a design idea and presentation so well with a cyperpunk look, and a intriguing brain dance naming scheme that perfectly matches its sound.

The driver configuration is also on the more innovative side with 1 DD for bass, 4 BA for midrange, and 4 micro-planer for treble per side. The accessories are also up to high standards such as the cable considering dunu started out as a equipment manufacturer in 1994. The drivers are all vented properly in heaps with its design which you see at least three venting sites that relieves pressure buildup and preventing any signs of driver flex.

**Driver Configuration**

* Dual-System, Four-Way Precision Crossover

* Flagship “Glacier” Low-Frequency Dynamic Driver

* Custom Mid-High Balanced Armature Drivers

* High-Performance Planar Ultra-High Drivers

**Specifications**

* NET WEIGHT: Approx. 8.1 g (per side)

* FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 5 Hz - 40 kHz

* IMPEDANCE : 26 Ω

* SENSITIVITY : 108 dB/mW @ 1 kHz, 122 dB/Vrms @ 1 kHz

* TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION: < 0.5% at 1 kHz

* DYNAMIC DRIVER CONFIGURATION:

* 1 Dynamic 4 Balanced Armature 4 Planar

* HOUSING MATERIAL:

* Aerospace-Grade Aluminum Alloy

* WIRE MATERIAL:

* 4-Core Secondary Refined High-Purity Furukawa OCC Copper

* CABLE LENGTH: 1.2 ‡ 0.1 m

* CABLE CONNECTOR: MMCX

* PLUG CONNECTOR:

* Patented Q-Lock Mini Interchangeable Plug System

* INCLUDED ACCESSORIES :

* 4.4 mm TRRRS Balanced, 3.5 mm TRS Single-Ended, 6.3mm

* Cable, 5x eartip styles, nozzle brush, cleaner cloth, cable clip, iem pouch, and IEM carrying case

Vocals have very natural energy. The treble while prominent, is effortlessly tuned to avoid sibilance while still providing air. It is one of the few iems on the market that delivers elevated treble without the harshness. It has a style that pays off which is competing with the TOTL IEM in terms detail retrieval. Eartip selection does make a difference so you can subtly alter the treble based on the supplied eartips or your own which is a testament to the finely tuned treble (long stem eartips works the best like spinfit w1, azla sednaearfit series, pentacon coreir al alloy, or a more narrow bore for a better soundstage and treble refinement).

At the same time, it manages to make songs you heard before sound new but maintaining neutrality to not be too bass or treble heavy which can overshadow other nuances. No frequency feels like it's left behind, and the bass is textured and controlled with a crunchy sub-bass presence that contrasts excellently with the extended treble. Vocals are well placed in the mix, not too forward or too recessed. They are slightly pulled backed a little so it doesn't sound shouty and allows treble to have more attention.

The treble doesn’t seem to overwhelm the entire frequency as it becomes the only thing you hear (unique melody mest 2 is a culprit of this with too much boost of a treble and sharp electrostatic thinness). Personally I find the sound characteristic of planar for the treble to be more satisfying due to their weight and immediacy compared to the softer, quick-decay of electrostatic drivers. It does sound a little less realistic, but also trades balance with not standing out with the other drivers (better coherency). Mid-bass is de-emphasized, but it works in favor with the tuning since every frequency has its place to shine and you hear the extension from both ends. Sub-bass is apparent and the transient speed is fast and dyanmic contributing to the coherence of the sound signature. Vocals are incredibly clear and undistorted, the trade-off in the mid-bass I think allows the vocals to have its own focus and feels clean.

Overall, I think dunu has done a fantastic job with tuning these and utilizing the different driver configurations. At no point did I get the feeling the treble was overly separated from the rest of the frequencies like in electrostatics). Main source used was ifi go link MAX dongle which brought out more warmth in the overall mix and helped with powering the micro-planars which I found to be smoother. Treble was pleasant to listen to and I didn’t have to squint hard to hear the details which is a standout of this set, enjoyable enough sound from a neutral set with a nice bass boost and separation by the 9 different drivers. Sound signature can be described as neutral with sub-bass and treble boost. Before buying these, you should be aware of the more neutral presentation of the music and that the treble might not work for every genre if you want it be more forgiving, but serves as a fantastic flavor IEM for hearing all sound in the mix.

I will do a quick comparison between 2 other IEM that I am very fond of which are the sennheiser ie600 and ie900. Whenever I listen to these two iem, I hear a tuning with a purpose and thats the same energy I get with the dunu brain dance. Sometimes you can just tell the sound presentation of a certain IEM and if something is missing by how well they control peaks in the frequencies.

IE600 definitely has a bit of sibilance to it despite the use of their resonator chambers, but you can tell sennheiser didn't go all out in evening out its frequencies and only used 2x resonator + a dampener near the nozzle, because it would kinda defeat the purpose of the 3xr resonators in the IE900. Treble overall sounds less refined and detailed than the DUNU but has more bass for a warmer and musical sound.

A common theme between IE900 and dunu bk3001bd is their treble extension. The single dynamic driver IE900 has been praised for its unreal feeling in the treble and being being a bass extension rumble monster. Both of these iem have its cons and pro. Ie900 is a single driver iem and has coherency that helps with its naturalness, but is then counteracted by its wonky tuning (recessed upper midrange- vocal details gets lost and become nasally). Dunu is also recessed slightly, but that's honestly how your suppose to tune IEMs to prevent sibilance given how close iems are to your eardrums (without getting shouty and give a more wide separated soundstage.)

On the Dunu bk3001bd it may be easier to tell the drivers apart (incoherency and timbre differences), but the more naturalness of the tuning help with it detail retreival (a lot more neutral with breathier vocals presence). Ie900 is on par and beats brain dance for musicality (expected because ie900 is like endgame u/v shape dynamic tuning which kinda makes every song a little bit too energetic; and emulate headphone/speakers by taking aways crucial vocal elements). Best way I can describe the treble in dunu bk3001bd is imaging the overall technical performance of planar drivers in general and now focusing all that on just the treble. It's definitely a detailed and dynamic listen that all BA sets simply just haven't inherently matched, and comes close to my ie900.

Overall, I can recommend this IEM and its easily in my top 5 so far. Haven't been impressed with some IEMs I've purchased recently, but the dunu bk3001bd manages to scratch a section of my brain associated with clean audio precision and a purposeful tonality, vocals are centered in the mix despite a treble emphasis. Its kinda funny how sennheiser pours their heart and soul into tuning the treble with a tiny DD for naturalness and have to compromise with ie900 while dunu just places some micro-planars and it retrieve much more details at 1/3 of the cost of ie900 while maintaining natural driver coherency that works with its the sound signature. Not just on these two IEMs, but I have tried sony z1r, mest 2, anole vx, u4s, andromeda, monarch mk2, and have long stopped going above 1k for either worse performance in value or sound. If these ever go on discount, the decision is made easier.

DestinoAzell

New Head-Fier
DUNU DK3001BD

BASED DUNU!

Pros:
- Precise and highly controlled bassline.
- Neutral natural balance mid-range performance.
- Impressive treble quality.
- High timbral accuracy.
- Exceptional layering and separation.
- Top-notch detail handling.
- Good stage dimensions.
- One of the best $500 offerings.
- Classic Dunu unboxing experience.


Cons:
- Mid-bass shy.
- Lacking the richness and fullness on vocals.
- Can sound a tad too bright for some.
- Does not go well with brighter source.
- Not great on quieter listening volume.
- Chonky metal shell.
- “Meta” like tuning isn’t for everybody.
- Not the most musical set.


[MY PERSONAL HEAD-FI GRADING]
1 ★ - Appalling! please avoid this!
2 ★★ Subpar offering, there are better options out there!
3 ★★★ Decent with some caveats! Not a bad pick!
4 ★★★★ Not perfect but solid choice ! This should be in your shortlist. A nice addition to your collection.
5 ★★★★★ One the best in class! You should go right ahead & buy one! A must have!

DUNU DK3001BD 4½★★★★

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▒░ SOUND-SIGNATURE ░▒
The tuning is neutral-bright with a mild sub-bass boost. Following the "META" tuning, it features a reduced ear gain and a linear presence in the lower mid-range. The mid-bass is slightly subdued, but the treble extension is excellent, although it may be a bit too bright for some listeners.

▓▒░ BASS/LOW-ENDSOUND ░▒▓
- While the bass is elevated, it leans more toward a sub-bass oriented. The focus is on control and precision rather than raw power.

- The sub-bass though is deep and rumbly, is better described as tight and punchy. It delivers a quick, immediate impact rather than being a sustained vibration. Even at higher volume, it retains this character, offering a clean, defined rumble without being overwhelming. If you're expecting a deep, resonating sub-bass, this isn't it.

- The mid-bass presence is sufficient, but the upper bass region could use more substance. As a result, percussions like drum strike doesn't slam at full range. Bass guitars, in particular, seem to suffer, especially in rock and metal genres, where they sound somewhat muted, lacking fundamental presence compared to other bass elements. However, kick drums and toms are more satisfying, sounding punchy and snappy with a more dynamic feel and impact.

- Despite the upper-bass lacking that extra reach, it is not severely lacking. Additionally, ghetto-bass tracks have a nice bouncy feel. Bass drops are clean and precise in their replay.

- Bass enthusiasts will likely appreciate the quality of the bass more than complain about the lack of sheer volume or power in the overall bassline. In other words, while it's not tuned for hardcore bass-heads, it is excellent for those who prefer a more refined bass experience.


▓▒░ MID-RANGE /VOCAL ░▒▓
- The mid-range/vocal leans toward a lean-neutral tone, prioritizing clarity, transparency, and precision. It reveals subtle details in vocal phrasing, such as breath sound and vocal fry while maintaining a neutral natural balance—avoiding any exaggerated warmth or brightness. These fine details contribute to a more immersive listening experience.

- This is one of the few sets that can accurately place vocals in the mix. Depending on the track, the vocals can sound intimate or slightly pushed back, but they never feel recessed, whether male or female.

- The mid-range separation is exceptional, with excellent vocal distinction within the mix. This allows each voice to be heard clearly, making it one of the more capable mid-centric sets. Despite its analytical nature, the mid-range is crisp yet smooth, without noticeable harshness or sibilance.

- However, it's not flawless. The mid-bass is somewhat tucked, which can cause vocals and instruments to lack a certain body, especially if you're used to a fuller, richer sound. One thing to note is that with leaner, brighter sources, the vocals can sound dry, which may impact the warmth of male vocals, male vocals may come across as even leaner or thinner, which is less than ideal.

- Another minor drawback is the lack of dynamic vocal presentation. The natural rise and fall in vocals aren’t as pronounced, with some of the emotional depth and expression in vocal intonation feeling suppressed (especially, on lower volume). This also extends to instruments like pianos, violins, strings, and guitars, where the initial attack feels more restrained, and there's a slight lack of note-weight and sustain. On the plus side, it never becomes shouty or screechy.

- Overall, its mid-range often delivers the lyrics in a clear and straightforward manner, without excessive ornamentation or distractions at the expense of a slight emotional touch.

To address these issues, you could try EQ adjustments, boosting the mid-bass (100-300Hz) and upper-mids (3-5kHz) by 1-3 dB for a welcoming improvement.

▓▒░ TREBLE/HIGHS ░▒▓
- This has got to be one of the best treble performances I’ve heard in 2024. It's produced by six drivers on each side, consisting of 2 balanced armatures and 4 micro-planar drivers combined. Yes, it is bright leaning, but what it delivers is simply spectacular. It never seems to lack in extension at all. The treble shines with great finesse without overbearing brightness. There is hardly any peaks, harshness, sibilance, graininess, haziness, or metallic sheen—issues often found with BA and planar drivers.

- As a result, the treble delivery is just so pristine yet so effortless. It’s highly detailed without feeling forced, with everything unfolding naturally and presented with excellent transparency and refinement. It strikes a good balance between smoothness and crispness.

- Cymbals and Hi-hats have a remarkable timbral accuracy, capturing its delicate high-end shimmer. While drum snares are no different with its crispy high-pitched rattling sound. Even synthetic noises, such as electronic zings, rings, buzzes, and electric guitar, retain a satisfying bite and crunch on replay.

- With the right synergy, the treble response can become incredibly smooth, making it easier to the ears during long listening sessions, while still providing plenty of detail for critical listening.

- However, on brighter pairings, it may come across as a bit sharp. Treble-sensitive listeners might prefer pairing it with a warmer source to smooth out the added brilliance. Its analytical nature also means it’s less forgiving with poorly recorded tracks. Additionally, on lower bitrate files, you might notice slight compression, which is worth mentioning.

For $500, achieving this level of treble performance is no small feat. To surpass such quality, one might have to enter the kilo-buck territory,
which speaks volumes about its value.

════ •TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE/ASPECT• ════

- The SOUNDSTAGE is not particularly expansive or grand, but it offers a good sense of openness and spaciousness. It’s quite wide, with impressive headroom and just average depth. Vocals are positioned neutrally within the stage, with their placement varying depending on the size of the recorded venue.

- The IMAGING capabilities are highly competent, providing accurate, pinpoint-sharp definition. The transition and localization of sound between channels is seamless.

- The pitch-black background greatly enhances the LAYERING AND SEPARATION. Combined with its immaculate treble performance and highly controlled bassline, it makes dissecting and separating job sound so seamless. It can handle highly complex tracks with without breaking a sweat. The ability to separate sounds and present a well-layered music is one of its key strengths.

- Its DETAIL HANDLING is truly class-leading, punching well above its price range. Its resolving power to capture fine nuances in both vocals and instruments is impressive and shouldn't be overlooked.

- DYNAMICALLY, it isn't tuned for fun or engagement, which limits its overall dynamic range. The focus is more on control and precision. As a result, there are moments when vocals and instruments lack micro-dynamics, such as subtle shifts in a vocalist's volume or slight variations in the loudness of background instruments, which can sound somewhat compressed. These small changes in sound are what contributes to the "feel" of a performance, which create a sense of natural flow and expressiveness in the music.

- Regarding its TONE and TIMBRE, despite its bright nature, it sounds more analogue/organic than hi-fi/digital-like. However, the lack of note-weight/body and overtone/reverb somewhat takes away some of the realism of its timbre. The notes could benefit from a wider attack-range, longer sustain and decay to create a more natural sense of realism. Despite these minor drawbacks, it will never sound unnatural, which is worth noting.

When it comes to VOLUME SCALING , it remains quite linear. Even at higher volumes, both the bass and treble stay well-behaved. There’s hardly any boominess or glaring issues throughout the test. In fact, it’s best enjoyed at a louder volume—listening at quieter volumes can make the music sound lifeless and uninspiring, unless paired with a bright, energetic source.

Dunu has certainly chosen their DRIVERS wisely. There’s no sense of them cutting corners in terms of driver quality. Despite using 9 drivers on each side, the coherence is exceptional, and any contrast in timbre is barely noticeable. On top of that, there’s no driver flex or pressure build-up, which is a positive.

════ •POTENTIAL SYNERGY TWEAKS• ════

EARTIPS : I’d say, ditch the stock eartips. As it tends to emphasize the treble zings and reduce the bass presence even more. I just stick with SPINFIT CP100, it helps with the bass body and vocal intimacy while taming that mid-treble spiciness. One thing to note, due to its wide nozzle, it best not to force fitting those small diameter step onto it as it can considerably damage the stem of the tips.

DAC/AMP: As mentioned on the "treble" section, it is a tricky one. I find it best to pair with clean, less coloured, perhaps more mid-centric source. Something like the Tanchjim SPACE will do job just fine on lower listening volume. Pairing with something warmer ( ZenDAC v2/ xDuoo Link2BAL/ Tanchjim Luna) is better people who loves to listen loudly.

════ •BUILD/ PACKAGING/COMFORT• ════
- The build quality looks and feels far better in person than in pictures. The metal shell features a "Cyberpunk"-inspired design that’s unique to this model, and it has a cold, premium feel to the touch.

- As with most DUNU products, the unboxing experience is exceptional. It includes everything you could possibly need, from ear tips and swappable plugs to a cleaning tool and a practical carrying pouch. Every component exudes quality, especially the stock cable.

- In terms of comfort, it may be an issue for some. Due to its rather bulky shell, it’s not particularly heavy, but it may feel a bit too large for smaller ears. However, with the right fitting ear tips, this discomfort can likely be reduced.


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HEAD-2-HEAD
vs LetShuoer EJ07 x Hakugei Skyrim x Pentaconn Coreir PTM02 ALLOY (MS)

BASS
- Both have a sub-bass focused bassline, but the EJ delivers a more atmospheric sub-bass that envelops the music. The rumbling and droning sensations are more pronounced, with greater pressure and sustain. The BD, while offering better detail and texture, doesn’t quite match the power of the EJ’s sub-bass.


- In the mid to upper bass regions, the EJ stands out with a stronger presence and better decay. Kick drums and toms hit deeper and with more impact, while drum strikes have a wider transient. The bass guitar is more prominent in the mix, and the cello has a fuller, heftier tone.

- Overall, the bass on the EJ flows more freely, with dynamic bass making the low-end sound more engaging, despite the EJ being a basslet set overall.

MID-RANGE/VOCAL
- The EJ is the more mid-centric of the two, with the mid-range (vocals and instruments) occupying the most prominent space in the soundstage. It offers greater intimacy and immersion, with vocals sounding slightly fuller, lusher, and smoother, giving male vocals a better sense of body. The BD, on the other hand,
excels at highlighting subtle nuances in instrument and vocal textures, such as breathiness, hoarseness or raspiness. The sense of airiness to the voice benefits female vocals the most.

- In my opinion, neither set offers the best vocal dynamics. However, the EJ feels less restrained at the higher end of the vocal-range compared to the BD. particularly on higher-pitched or female vocals.

- The BD also provides realistic instrument reproduction, with guitar plucks having a more pronounced twang, piano taps sounding more solid, and the violin/strings strums carrying a more satisfying accent.

- The vocal rendition on EJ can sounds a tad more euphonic at times—clean and clear with minimal coloration. However, in terms of overall vocal and instrument timbre, the BD sounds more natural, despite its leaner presentation.


TREBLE
- Right from the start, the EJ sounds darker in comparison. It lacks the airiness and crispness of the BD, and its more laid-back treble makes it a safer choice for treble-sensitive listeners.
- Although less bright, the pitch-black background still provides a good level of clarity for the treble. High-end details are present, though they’re less prominent.


- Due to its shorter decay and sustain, the trailing shimmer of hi-hats or cymbals is less noticeable. High notes on the BD, on the other hand, sound more complete with a crisper and more substantial note weight.

- The smoother note edges of the EJ make electronic zings, buzzes, or rings sound less harsh or sharp. Depending on your preference, the EJ may be better suited for electronic music, with the smoothness of its EST treble being a particular treat.


- Being less analytical also means the EJ is more forgiving with low-fi recordings, where flaws in poorly produced tracks are less noticeable or distracting.
- In short, both the EJ and BD take entirely different approaches to their treble delivery.


TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
- The imaging on the EJ is still accurate, but the image definition is not as sharp. While the layering and separation on the EJ are impressive, the BD is better at dissecting musical elements, effortlessly creating more distinct layers.


- As a result, the BD offers higher overall resolution, highlighting intricate details and providing a better range of micro-dynamics, which enhances the "feel" of a performance.

- As noted, the timbral accuracy on the BD is noticeably higher, sounding more organic and realistic. The EJ’s smoother, less focused, and less dynamic traits slightly diminish the naturalness of its timbre.


- In terms of build and comfort, the EJ’s resin shell feels cheaper in comparison, but its lighter and smaller design makes it more comfortable for smaller ears.


“If you appreciate timbral accuracy, resolution, or a highly technical capable set, that is less coloured in its approach, the DK3001BD is a clear winner. However, if you prefer a mid-centric set that offers intimate, lush vocals with a more subdued treble while still maintaining a solid level of technical performance, the EJ07 is a great option—that only if you can find one, as it has been discontinued.”

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FINAL THOUGHTS
Since its release, the DK3001BD has generated quite the hype. And I was fortunate enough to own and evaluate one myself. After a week of listening, it's easy to see why it’s so highly regarded. To my ears, it’s not a set that will immediately impress, but the longer you listen, the more it grows on you. Its technical capabilities are truly impressive, and combined with its exquisite timbre, it makes for an exceptional set. While this "META" tuning may not appeal to everyone, I believe the Dunu DK3001BD will set a new standard moving forward. At just under $500, the performance and refinement it offers are mind-blowing. I suppose the real meaning of BD isn’t "brain dance" but "BASED DUNU!" XD.

[IEM-SCORING-BOARD]
RATING
1: Trash (F)
2: Horrible (E)
3: Bad (D)
4: Subpar (C)
5: Decent/Average (B)
6: Good (A-)
7: Great (A)
8: Superb. (A+)
9: Masterclass/Top-Drawer (S)
10: Perfection (P)

DUNU DK3001BD [2-Pin] [1DD-4BA-4MPL] [3-WC]

MSRP : 499$ USD
Tuning : Lean Bright-Neutral/ META
= Quality =
Bass: 6.5/10 Mids: 7.5/10 Treble: 8.0/10
Male/Female: 7.0/7.0
= Technicalities =
Detail & Resolve: 8.0/8.0
Instrument Replay/Timbre : 8.0/10
Dynamic-Range/Transient : 7.0/10
Head-stage [W-H-D]: 6.5-6.5-6.0
Layering & Separation: 9.0/10
Stereo Imaging 7.0/10
Ambience : 7.0/10
Clarity : 9.5/10
Build/Comfort: 8/6
Value: 9/10 [AS TESTED]
Personal Enjoyment: 7.0/10
SETUP (As tested)
Stock Cable 4.4 PLUG
Spinfit CP100 (M)

Tanchjim SPACE


LETSHUOER EJ07 [1DD-2BA-4EST] [3-WC]

MSRP : 699$ USD
Tuning : Diffused-Field Like.
= Quality =
Bass: 7.0/10 Mids: 7.0/10 Treble: 7.0/10
Male/Female: 6.5/7.0
= Technicalities =
Detail & Resolve: 7.0/7.0
Instrument Replay/Timbre : 6.0/10
Dynamic-Range/Transient : 6.0/10
Head-stage [W-H-D]: 6.0-5.5-5.5
Layering & Separation: 8.0/10
Stereo Imaging 6.5/10
Ambience : 6.5/10
Clarity : 9.0/10
Build/Comfort: 7/5
Value: 4/10 [AS TESTED]
Personal Enjoyment: 7.0/10
SETUP (As tested)
Hakugei Skyrim 4.4 PLUG

Tangzu Sancai Balanced (M)
Tanchjim SPACE

========================================================================

SOURCE & GEARS
Native FLAC Files [44.1Khz 16bits-96Khz 24bits]
Foobar2000 [ROG Strix G18 (2024)] [USB C Thunderbolt]
Samsung S10 [as my DAP phone][ App- Foobar2000]
Tanchjim SPACE/LUNA Asano Tanch/ xDuoo Link2BAL.

========================================================================

PLAYLIST/TEST-TRACKS

1977 Fleetwood Mac - Dreams
1982 Chicago – Hard to say I'm sorry.
2003 NARUTO Original Soundtrack I – Wakiagaru Toushi
2008 K.will (케이윌) – 소원 (Great King Sejong OST Part.1)
2009 Maksim – Exodus
2010 Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou (OST) – Kokoro no Oku De Ha
2014 Grabbitz – Here with you now.
2014 BoA – MASAYUME CHASING
2014 Hyolyn – 안녕 Good bye
2015 KOKIAI Found You
2015 K MISSING KINGS (OST) - New Kings
2016 K RETURN OF KINGS (OST) - Return of Kings
2016 K RETURN OF KINGS (OST) - If you die.
2017 Berry Goodman – Zutto (ずっと)
2017 SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki – ViEW

2017 Namie Amuro – Hope
2019 K SEVEN STORIES (OST) - In Pursuit Of
2019 K SEVEN STORIES (OST) - Lost Small World
2019 Blade & Soul (OST) – Half-Moon Lake
2019 CAROLE & TUESDAY VOCAL COLLECTION Vol.1 – Light a Fire
2020 Paradox Live Opening Show (1st E.P) – BAE – BaNG!!!
2020 Paradox Live Opening Show (1st E.P) – cozmez – Where They At
2020 倖田來未 (Kumi Koda) – GET NAKED (Kiyoshi Sugo Remix)
2020 倖田來未 (Kumi Koda) – again (MATZ Remix)
2020 premiere fleurs – プリンシパル
2020 Love Live! Nijigasaki – 朝香果林 (Karin Asaka) – VIVID WORLD
2020 Fujii Kaze – へでもねーよ”/Hedemo Ne-YoSeishun Sick
2020 King Gnu – 三文小説 /Sanmon Shosetsu
2021 OWV – Fifth Season
2021 加藤 ミリヤ (Miliyah) feat. Yoshida Brothers – この夢が醒めるまで
2021 Aoi Teshima ただいま
2021 Official髭男dism – Cry Baby
2021 Chanmin BIJIN 美人 – Morning Mood
2021 門脇更紗 (Sarasa Kadowaki) – きれいだ
2021 Mirei Touyama – 美忘録
2021 SELECTION PROJECT Vol.1 – Only one yell -天沢灯ソロver.-
2022 Belle (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Million Miles Away (ENG vers.)
2022 rei (E-girls) – Dark Hero.
2022 rei (E-girls) – IDNY
2022 I can fly (Special Edition) – Bleecker Chrome - You will shine
2022 I can fly (Special Edition) – YOSHIKI EZAKI x Bleecker Chrome - UP
2022 BEAST TAMER (OST) – じんわり感じている幸せ
2022 Ado – 会いたくて
2022 Ado – 踊
2023 La prière Sweet Dreams
2023 Bungou Stray Dogs 4th Season ED – Luck Life – しるし
2023 UMAMUSUME PRETTY DERBY - Hat on your Head!
2023 Anna – 花のように (Hana no You ni)
2023 riria. – 貴方の側に (Anata no Soba ni)
2024 Dungeon Meshi OP – BUMP OF CHICKEN – Sleep Walking Orchestra
2024 Ernie Zakri, Ade Govinda - Masing Masing
2024 Paradox Live THE ANIMATION OST25 幻影武雷管 - Trauma
2024 Bartender Kami no Glass OP – Takaya Kawasaki – Stardust Memory

2024 Maou no Ore ga Dorei Elf ED – Sayaka Yamamoto – Blue Star
2024 Spice and Wolf Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf OP – Hana Hope – Tabi no Yukue/ Destination of the journey
2024 Tonari no Youkai-san ED – Aoi Kubo – Iro no Naka (風媒花)
2024 Sayounara Ryuusei, Konnichiwa Jinsei OP – LUN8 – Together Forever

2024 Sayounara Ryuusei, Konnichiwa Jinsei ED – EverdreaM – 君と見た景色
2024 Natsume Yuujinchou Shichi ED – Toshiki Kondo – こまりわらい (Komariwarai)

★ Main-Test-Tracks/ A glimpse of what listen to 90% of the of time.


Do take my words for what it’s worth. Afterall, I am just one man. ╮(╯▽╰)╭

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING! HAVE A GOOD DAY WHEREVER YOU ARE! TAKE CARE!

Disclaimer:
- This unit my own personal unit bought via HIFIGO with a slight discount.
- If you like to purchase this, please click the link below (non-affiliated)

If you like me to review your gears, please do send me a message! I'll try to respond ASAP!


EXTRA PHOTOS
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FreeWheelinAudioLuv2

Headphoneus Supremus
So close to perfect, but not quite.
Pros: Wispy and extended ethereal treble with sublime texture
Detail retrieval for days from an incisive and crystal clean midrange
Resolving and highly textured bass
The soundstage is orbital and full, with sharp imaging
Supremely comfortable fit for such large shells
Excellent modular cable you don't need to roll
Responds so well to vacuum tubes and warm DAPs
Punches well above it's price range, and it's a gatekeeper in the $500.00 range
Trebleheads and neutralheads need apply
Cons: Thin lower mids (if not for this fact, this would be a 5 star IEM)
Lacks punch in the bass, so not for bassheads
If you like a warm midrange, this is not for you
DUNU DK3001 Brain Dance

Let's get started. So I'd like to start by thanking HiFiGo for the opportunity to review this unit. Thanks muchly. Appreciate it greatly. This is the quickly becoming legendary DUNU DK3001BD aka the Brain Dance. I was rec'd this IEM from several Head-fi'ers, who felt it would really speak to me, and so I'm so glad I was able to get the chance to put these in my ears. But were those recs correct? Well, that's what we'll find out as we move forward with the reading of this review. So the Brain Dance is based off a Cyberpunk show or video game or something to that effect? The aesthetic is unique, but in hand, it's polished and presentable. I definitely like how it looks, and how it feels in ears. Everything about this entire package screams high class uniqueness. It really does. So buckle your seatbelts and prepare for a 100% unbiased review with heartfelt observations and thoughts. Now on to the fun stuff.

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The unboxing experience, as expected from DUNU, was excellent. Removing the understated white box sleeve with the brand name and logo, with the HifiGo logo present, with some specs on the back, we are greeted by a hard yellow box that houses a multitude of goodies. The IEMs sit in the foam holder, while beneath that is the large white protective carry case. It's actually a rather impressive case with a magnetic clasp. Along for the ride are two tip cases, with clear DUNU S&S tips, some white silicones, and a set of DUNU Candies. I was able to utilize the large S&S tips, as these are the only stock tips that work for my massive ear holes. I was once mistakenly sent some DUNU Candies instead of the DUNU S&S I ordered, and those didn't fit me then, and don't fit me now, so not of any use to me. You also get a gorgeous and thick modular cable with 3.5mm/4.4mm/and 6.35mm headphone jacks, foamies, a cleaning tool, and a fingerprint towel. So a plethora of accessories! Shells are a touch on the larger side, as they are packing quite a bit of drivers, but the ergonomics are superb, and the shell design such as it provides a very nice seatment and fit. I could wear these for hours with nary an itch and no discomfort. I ended up using NF Audio Bass tips for my review, and these are ideal synergy, seal, and fit.

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So now that we have the unboxing experience out of the way, let's move on to the sound? That's what you're all here for anyways!! It's time to get it on!!...but first, let me share with all of you some information about the IEMs themselves. Internals, specs, and a graph? Fun times indeed!

THE SPECS :

DUNU DK3001BD :

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Technical Information:


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Frequency Response graph provided courtesy of obodio @squig.link

PRICE : $499.99

Available for purchase at this location.

The Gear :

What did I use for my listening sessions for my review??

For this IEM, I did change up my usual rigs. This time, I used a lot of vacuum tubes for listening, along with the iBasso DX170, iBasso DC Elite, Cayin N3 Ultra (Classic Tube mode, No EQ, M gain, and slow roll off filter, untethered), Little Bear B4-X + Sony NW-A306, and the newly acquired Shanling M1 Plus (4.4mm balanced, fast roll off filter, L gain). Due to the thin mid bass and lack of warmth in the midrange, I used warm sources and tubes.

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Music used for the review and all my reviews in general?

Ezra Collective - Dance, No One's Watching
Robert Glasper - Canvas
Alfa Mist - Antiphon
Hugo Kant - Far From Home
Alfredo Rodriguez - The Little Dream
Bob Marley & the Wailers - Survival
Rob Van Bavel Trio - Dutch Weather
Junior Kelly, Bounty Killer, and Capleton - The Good, The Bad, and the Blazin'
Dominik Eulberg - Avichrom
Abysmal Dawn - Phylogenesis
Megadeth - Rust in Peace
Drive By Jehu - Self Titled
Cognizance - Phantazein
Metallica - 72 Seasons
In Aphelion - Reaperdawn
Cradle of Filth - Midian

SOUND IMPRESSIONS
:

Dynamics : 3.5
Resolution : 5
Details : 5
Instrument separation : 4
Imaging : 5
Sibilance : 2
Soundstage : 4

Overall score : 4/5

BASS/MIDRANGE/TREBLE :

The DUNU DK3001 Brain Dance is bereft of mid bass heft and impact. Let's get the elephant in the room out of the way right off the bat. There's no way around it (except for an impedence adapter apparently, but I don't own one as of this writing). Now there is some nice sub bass when called upon it, and the note resolution is fantastic, but there's a definite lack of warmth and heft of delivery, that affects the warmth and note weight of the midrange as a whole, especially lower mids. Now vacuum tubes definitely help with this situation, providing a ever gentle touch of warmth, but that doesn't really help the mid bass punch, but just the tonality. Now, when you delve into the music itself, and don't focus on the deficiencies, and you either do critical listening or just lose yourself, you end up not really missing much, especially if you listen to genres that don't require lots of bass, like jazz or folk or classical or instrumental or even acid jazz. What you will notice is the amazing resolution and incisiveness of the bass notes, tones, and texture. Single notes present themselves clearly, quickly, with snap and elasticity. It's reminiscent of a really high quality BA or planar bass. Now if you're listening to reggae or hip hop or electronica, that's when you start to miss that added punch and pop. Plucks, slides, and slaps are very audible with the bass strings, cellos, and stand up bass, with uncanny resolution. I just wish this thing has a bit more weight to add (I'll be ordering an impedence adapter, so if this changes things, I'll make an edit to this review).

The midrange is clean, clear, incisive, and dry with a great sense of spatial cues, space, and details. Not much is lost in terms of detail retrieval, and though there is a general lack of warmth in the midrange, the fullness and space within that midrange stage is so impressive, you find yourself getting lost in the immersion. Instrument separation and imaging are first class and pin point. They are clearly delineated within the sound scenes, and there's a clear sense of openness that could make someone thing these were either open back IEMs or BCD?! Some sibilance can rear it's head in the upper mids when poorly mastered tracks are introduced, or lower quality bitrate files. Part of this is the lack of warmth and the supreme clarity, which does not provide a mark for this factor, but it's not common, but it's there nonetheless and requires some mention. Resolution is keen, striking, and engaging. Obviously, the BA's handling the midrange are of superior quality, because they drive the midrange like a Ferrari, and detail freaks will drool at the uncanny beauty of the presentation. Now female voices don't have fullness, nor do male vocals, but they aren't thin or lacking body, despite the overall thinness of the midrange note weight. There's still a body and tone that belies this, so voices have a clarity and cleanliness and body that provide the listener with engagement and accuracy, so the only thing missing is warmth.

The micro planars handle the treble, and the treble here is the star of the show. The Michael Jordan of the Brain Dance. Very few IEMs in this price range, both below and above, have a treble tuning as wispy, ethereal, shimmery, airy and crisp as the Brain Dance, but with a natural and commanding tonality, free of stridency and strong with control, as this treble. It's very much the kind of treble one would expect to hear from an expertly tuned EST. Resolution, incisiveness, and texture are all TOTL, but without the worry of this ever getting hot, shrill, metallic, or peaky, Not with this tuning. It's dangerous, as in it can get dangerously close to the line, but was expertly tuned to never step over the line. It's a professional tight rope walker, a being that appears like they could be a danger, but they carry a heart of gold. This is how I hear the treble of the Brain Dance. Dangerous in appearance, but safe in execution. The extension and air goes for days. The air is broad and most likely assists in that huge and full soundstage that is so immersive and unexpected. Shimmer feels infinite at times. On metal tracks, it's so welcomed and enjoyable, and on dense, congested or busy mixes, you can still pick out the most subtle nuances with cymbal strikes, hi hat strikes and tinks. That's a good word to describe the performance of the treble in the Brain Dance...nuanced. A nuanced, sinuous dancer who never loses their balance or control. So to sum it all up, this is my favorite treble performance of any IEM I've ever heard, and this includes the ISN EBC80 and the Tri i3 MK III. This is the ultimate in treble, and I'm so happy I got the opportunity to listen to it and EXPERIENCE it.

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OVERALL :

The Brain Dance is a unique creature. A beautiful model that does have some blemishes, some imperfections that bely their overall stunning aesthetics and soul. Maybe that's actually the Brain Dance? Because of these imperfections (lack of warmth, note weight, and mid bass presence), I can't say it's an all-arounder, so not PERFECT. This creature comes so close to being the perfect IEM, and at $500.00, that's saying quite a lot. This is Avantasia the super model, who looks like a million bucks, and is the envy of all, but who sports a nub tail and a neurologic disorder. It might not be the be-all end all, but it's just enough to know it out from being rated a perfect 10, and being a more than solid 8 instead. It's a close call, and sometimes, if I close my eyes and just lose myself in a specific genre, I can almost taste perfection. The soundstage is insanely full and orbital. Details seems to float around, or shoot out from behind you, or in front of you, or at your ears hard right and left, with sufficient depth and height, so that you'd swear this IEM was sporing a bone conduction driver. It's a testament to the tuners that they could take a DD, a BA, and a MPLA, and give it the sense of space, wide spatial cues, and separation that makes you scratch your head in amazement and wonderment as to how they achieved this without the parlor tricks of BCD?!

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COMPARISONS :

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AFUL Performer 5+2 : The AFUL P5+2 is $239.00, and in my humble opinion, is a gatekeeper of the $200-$400 price bracket. The level of detail retrieval, instrument separation, midrange incisiveness, and shimmer and extension of the planar treble is impressive to say the least. both the Brain Dance and the 5+2 sport micro planar treble, but where the AFUL has just one, the BD has 4, and it shows. The BD's treble is crisper, wispier, more forward, and extended. It's more airy, though technically, the 5+2 does not lack for air, but compared to the BD, the P5+2's treble can appear to be downright recessed or rolled off (it's not). Midrange clarity is king with the BD, but midrange tonality and warmth is EMPEROR with the 5+2. The added warmth from the lower mids and mid bass are the great divider when it comes to comparing these two. Then when you take into account the mid bass punch of the 5+2 is there and present (now not in any great quantity, but still plenty), and equal amounts of resolution and sub bass presence, the P5+2 takes bass and midrange, but falls considerably short in treble and soundstage to the BD. The BD also does imaging at a more precise clip, as well as separation and detail retreival (by a smidge), so if you're a treblehead looking for clarity, accuracy, and a bit of neutrality, then you'll be choosing the Brain Dance in a heartbeat. Those looking for an all-arounder that's less technical, warmer, but a high performer nonetheless at a more pocketbook friendly price, then the AFUL Performer 5+2 is a no-brainer pick. Advantage : Depends on your use case.

ISN EBC80 : This $700 quadbrid goliath was released recently to acclaim, and for good reason. It's a mid-fi performer that though new, can certainly take it's place among the gatekeepers in the upper tiers of the mid-fi bracket. Sporting 2 DD's, 2 BA, 2 sonion BCD's and 2 ESTs, this IEM is packed full of driver goodness. Ok, I know right off the bat, you're wondering? How does the BD stack up against those EST's in treble performance? Well, my young padawan, the answer is the Brain Dance comes out on top yet again. There's more air, shimmer, extension, crispness, and texture with the DUNU, and even more wispiness than the EST driver EBC80. Now yes, the dual Sonion BCD's do create a larger sense of space and greater spacing and spatial cues with the EBC80, but it's not as far apart as you'd think. Now once again, the midrange warmth (there's oodles of it in the EBC80, but there's much details to be heard, so warm and detailed vs dark or veiled), the note weight, the forwardness of the midrange, while sporting incisiveness and strong resolution, the pendulum swings quickly in the direction of the EBC80. Then listening to the bass, there's no comparison. The bass response is thicker, more mid bass presence, punchier, more sub bass slam, and equally as resolving in note quickness, resolution, and snap. Maybe more so with the EBC80. While I'd give imaging and detail retrieval slightly to the BD, I'd say the instrument separation, timbre, and spatial cues (the space between and placement of instruments within the stage) swings to the EBC80. So though in the broad scheme, these two might be very close in technicalities, details, and resolution, in the broader picture, the ISN EBC80 is just a more practical all-arounder that would provide enjoyment for bass lovers, mids lovers, treble lovers, and stageheads, With that broader appeal, the EBC80 takes the cake in a head to head, but remember, for that tiny slice of warm midrange cake and bass impact, you're paying $200.00 MORE. So do with that what you may? Advantage : ISN EBC80.

CONCLUSION :

I absolutely adore the DUNU DK3001BD. It tickles my treble connoisseur belly with a wispy feather! It engages my love of stage with it's broad and orbital stage. It enthralls me with it's clear and clean midrange, and there's enough bass presence and resolution to satisfy this guy who loves neutral and resolving bass. So this ticks a lot of boxes for me, not to mention the supremely comfortable shells, that I could wear for days. Couple that with a superbly high quality modular cable I don't have to roll, and there's very few details I need or want to complain about. Again, if I were to give this a perfect 10, I'd want this IEM to be more of an all-arounder that's a jack of all trades, but the reality is this one is not that. But if you concentrate on the fact the genres it does well, it does so brilliantly, it's playing in a field much higher than it's price. It's a TOTL, kilobuck performer in $500 clothing. When we look past it's flaws, the visage is one of beauty, grace, poise, and control. An inner and outer beauty so strong, that you can almost overlook it's flaws. Almost. but to quibble like that, would leave you devoid of a brilliant i.e. magnificent piece of kit, and I highly recommend you DO NOT allow yourself to miss out on experiencing this IEMs beauty and graceful treble, even with flaws in tow. You won't regret it, and you'll then wonder how you'll ever top this treble, and how much you'll need to cash out of the bank to reach above it? That I can't help you with, but I can get you half way there. The rest of the way is up to you?

RECOMMENDATION LEVEL : MID-FI BOSS LEVEL - HIGHEST 8/10.

Thank you so much for reading and remember to be water with your audio luv! When you do...AUDITORY ZEN UNLOCKED!
FreeWheelinAudioLuv2
FreeWheelinAudioLuv2
Thank you! I was surprised how the P5+2 held it's own against this IEM.
atechreviews
atechreviews
Great review :thumbsup:
FreeWheelinAudioLuv2

Scubadevils

Headphoneus Supremus
Smile inducing...
Pros: • Wonderfully addictive sub-bass
• Clear, detailed, airy mids
• Crisp extended treble
• Superb technical performance, with pristine transparency
• High-quality design shells with unique styling, standing out in a busy crowd
• The usual excellent unboxing and accessories we’ve come to love of DUNU
• Premium cable
Cons: • Mid-bass takes a back seat
• Some may seek more body to the mids
• Treble might lean harsh for those sensitive to this region at times
• Cable while beautiful, is a touch heavy for out and about
DUNU DK3001BD – ‘Braindance’
Configuration: 1x DD, 4x BA, 4x Planar

RRP: $499

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Introduction

I have an incredibly soft spot for DUNU as I consider them to be the brand that really lured me in to this hobby in a more significant way in late 2020 when I saw an announcement for the ‘ZEN’ single dynamic driver – I was dabbling in various sets at the time, with my single most expensive purchase at that point being the Sony XBA-N3. I was really taken by the design of the ZEN, and ultimately decided to take the plunge, taking a big step up and splashing out a cool $699 on an IEM… I still remember the mixed feelings of excitement and shock as to the amount I had just spent (little did I know where the rollercoaster would ultimately take me…) but importantly how utterly amazed I was by the whole unboxing experience when my ZEN landed in early 2021 – DUNU really did anchor me and set a benchmark for both unboxing and accessories which to this day is rarely rivalled, albeit except for considerably more expensive IEMs.

I subsequently purchased the SA6, and having participated in a tour for the ZEN PRO, ultimately ordered a set. Admittedly and rather stupidly, again as part of the hobby rollercoaster, I have since sold them all and I would say the one set that really stands out as a regrettable sale is the ZEN PRO – I often think about buying again and probably will one day, a truly wonderful single dynamic driver.

A final bit of DUNU fanboy words before I move on. I have massive respect for how DUNU approach the market – they do not churn out numerous sets, only releasing new products as they move through longer sales cycles while clearly allowing sufficient focus time for R&D into new and worthy sets to unleash on the market – this really is admirable, and certainly for me drives a sense of passion and care for what they do.

DUNU sent me the DK3001BD in exchange for a review, as always, there is no input from DUNU on the content laid out here. Thanks to DUNU for the opportunity, it is much appreciated.

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About Me…

I worked in the consumer electronics industry for a large part of my career and have been passionate about music and technology for as long as I can remember. Even as a small child, I would ask my mum to put records on the turntable (Abba, Supertramp, and Planxty if anyone is curious).

My music preferences are very varied—anything from classical to techno, indie rock to jazz, and everything in between. In my early teens, I was a big fan of bands like The Cure and The Smiths (still am all these years later). I was bitten by the dance music bug in the early 90s, becoming passionate about genres like techno, house, trance, and IDM. I amassed a huge collection of records and CDs, DJing at various parties and occasional pirate radio station slots. Although it remained a hobby, I still own thousands of records, and my trusty Technics 1210 turntables are still going strong 30 years later—a testament to Japanese engineering!

I am not a professional reviewer, just an enthusiast who loves music and the devices we use to listen to it. Over the last few years, I have become obsessed with IEMs and related gear. I've bought and sold many, and kept a select few—ranging from the $20 Moondrop Chu to kilobuck sets like the Aroma Jewel, Oriolus' infamous 'Traillii,' UM Mentor, and various beloved single DDs. Through this exploration, I like to share my thoughts with the Head-Fi community, hoping they might be useful to others. However, remember that this is a highly subjective hobby, and your mileage may vary.

While I've been fortunate to own and try a variety of the TOTL sets on the market, I honestly enjoy lower-priced sets as much - especially as the gap continues to close, many much cheaper sets now offering significant value and further driving diminishing returns.

I’ll admit I do suffer from happy ears—rarely do I find an IEM that I genuinely dislike. At this stage, there are very few truly "bad" IEMs; it all comes down to individual preferences. Since I listen to such a wide variety of genres, I almost always find synergy with some part of my library. Where I tend to deduct marks is in areas like value for money, poor accessories, or an uncomfortable fit—things that can detract from the overall experience.

Driver Configuration
  • Dual-System, Four-Way Precision Crossover
  • Flagship “Glacier” Low-Frequency Dynamic Driver
  • Custom Mid-High Balanced Armature Drivers
  • High-Performance Planar Ultra-High Drivers
Specifications
  • NET WEIGHT: Approx. 8.1 g (per side)
  • FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 5 Hz - 40 kHz
  • IMPEDANCE : 26 Ω
  • SENSITIVITY : 108 dB/mW @ 1 kHz, 122 dB/Vrms @ 1 kHz
  • TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION: < 0.5% at 1 kHz
  • DYNAMIC DRIVER CONFIGURATION:
    • 1 Dynamic 4 Balanced Armature 4 Planar
  • HOUSING MATERIAL:
    • Aerospace-Grade Aluminum Alloy
  • WIRE MATERIAL:
    • 4-Core Secondary Refined High-Purity Furukawa OCC Copper
  • CABLE LENGTH: 1.2 ‡ 0.1 m
  • CABLE CONNECTOR: MMCX
  • PLUG CONNECTOR:
    • Patented Q-Lock Mini Interchangeable Plug System
  • INCLUDED PLUG TERMINATION(S) :
    • 4.4 mm TRRRS Balanced, 3.5 mm TRS Single-Ended
Unboxing & Accessories

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I noted in the intro about my love for DUNU unboxing and accessories, and indeed that love is absolutely evident with DK3001BD (let’s just call it ‘BD’ for the rest of the review!) – DUNU never disappoint here, and seem to deliver the goods regardless of price point as I have discovered with the $119 Kima2.

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The box looks and feels premium, even how the outer sleeve slides off just seems to exude a feeling of quality. The cardboard has a thicker density to it, and you just know that DUNU doesn’t cut corners even when it comes to packaging.

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The BD is supplied with a wonderful selection of accessories and basically everything you could possibly need, to include the classic DUNU cleaning cloth that I’ve come to know and even love with a variety of DUNU sets over the last few years!

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The BD comes supplied with an excellent selection of tips, to include the very distinct DUNU S&S tips in small, medium, and large – Candy eartips again in S/M/L, balanced gray tips in S/M/L, and one set of foam which seem to be a medium size. You also get:
  • Cleaning brush
  • Cleaning cloth
  • 3.5mm to 6.3mm adaptor
  • Carry case
  • IEM protective mesh
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Fit & Design

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The shells are absolutely unique, and kudos to DUNU here for doing something very different to everything else on the market – it must be hard to stand out in a jam-packed market, but DUNU have certainly managed to achieve that with the cyberpunk-inspired design of the BD.

There is a nice bit of weight to the shells at 8.1g per side, enough to feel robust but they don’t feel especially heavy in my ears though either.

The smooth finish is comfortable in my ears and there are no protruding edges, perfect for long sessions.

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The MMCX connection feels very secure, and while I appreciate most prefer 2-pin, I think the choice of MMCX here makes sense as it leaves a very tidy finish that complements the overall design. I did read that 2-pin will indeed be an option at some point.

Cable

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The cable is a thing of beauty, finished to an incredibly high standard from plug all the way to MMCX connectors – again, feeling like no expense spared, with wonderful attention to detail.

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The upper segment from the y-splitter is a rubber finish, with a lace-jacket running the other end to the excellent ‘Q-Lock’ interchangeable plug which comes with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations.

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If I were to nitpick here, I would say the cable is perhaps a touch heavy for out walking – I personally prefer something a touch thinner and lighter in these scenarios. That said, I haven’t been walking with BD at all, mostly as I’m wondering what funny looks I might get for the cyberpunk shells protruding out of my middle-aged ears…

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Listening Impressions

The majority of my BD listening has been via my Sony ZX707, iFi Go Bar Kensei, and more recently, the excellent FIIO BTR17.

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Every so often an IEM comes along that has a unique ability to just put a smile on my face in every session – a set that I want to keep reaching for, in spite of other far more expensive sets close by… the BD does exactly this, and defies it’s relatively modest $499 price tag considering the level of performance on offer… the technical ability just jumps out at you the minute you plug them in, especially if you choose some more complex music to really showcase the BD’s ability, yet they do so in a smooth way – you’ve got the details and really precise imaging, but with a somewhat relaxed presentation that allows you to really immerse yourself in the experience without becoming fatigued – I’m not sure what other IEM I’ve ever experienced this with, especially at this price point. While I wouldn’t describe them as ‘warm’ as such, the smoothness is very apparent, coupled with a fantastic level of transparency… it’s definitely a unique and ultra-engaging tuning.

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Bass

There is a sub-bass bias here, with an incredibly satisfying sub depth and presence that is truly mesmerising. While mid-bass takes a step back, I don’t feel at a loss in terms of the overall impact and density when called for. The sub-bass boost certainly takes a dominant position in the presentation of sub-bass heavy tracks, but it never distracts or becomes overpowering – it rumbles and grabs you, but yet still behaves well in the overall presentation. The dominance of sub-bass can also create an excellent foundation that tends to position very centrally inside your head, allowing the other elements of the FR to extend outwards in a wide stereo field presentation.

Midrange

I’ve wrestled a bit with my listening impressions with regards to the midrange in particular as there have been a few times where I think I’ve grasped where they excel, only to listen to something else that leads to a different conclusion. Overall the mids do sit in a leaner category with a focus on transparency – if seeking a lush and full-bodied mid-range, the BD will not meet your needs… however you do get what sounds like an accurate representation of what’s being played, be it male or female vocals, or any instrument that happens to present itself – with clarity being a real key word here to describe the presentation. I usually associate a bit of warmth or lushness in the mids as a significant factor in how engaging or immersive a set might be, yet the BD still absolutely captivates and immerses – albeit in a deeply transparent manner. Upper mids are also relaxed, beautifully rendered and very well behaved, I have had zero moments where I’ve felt the need to wince in response to any zing in this region, and this is certainly a risky zone for me with many sets.

Treble

In contrast to sub-bass depth, we have a very complementary treble extension that has excellent air and bite – nothing offensive to my ears, but it might be a touch overpowering to those of you who are sensitive in this region. Coupled with the clarity and transparency of the midrange, it would perhaps be reasonable to describe the BD as a brighter leaning set overall, but again with that captivating magic the overall tuning manages to offer. I increasingly find I have quite a love for well-executed forward treble, finding it to be highly addictive when tuned right, and the BD is definitely ticking that box handsomely – airy, crisp, distinct, snappy, and detailed… again, smile-inducing.

Technical Performance

The BD has a wide, spacious, and highly transparent presentation that allows micro details to shine through in an immersive and captivating way. While the imaging isn’t at the almost voodoo levels of positioning that sets containing a bone conduction driver might achieve, the performance here is really fantastic and arguably sounds more authentic to my ears – I’m still unsure on the BCD trend of the last few months, regardless of how impressive it can sound – I still prefer a well-executed non-BCD set which presents a more ‘traditional’ sound field. The timbre again sounds authentic with a natural and uncoloured delivery that still manages to captivate with emotion, rather than sounding cold or sterile.

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Test Tracks

Fennesz – Heliconia



The opening track to the latest album from the legendary Fennesz. This is an ambient acoustic workout, which really allows BD to showcase the technical prowess on offer – there is an ethereal sensation to the presentation, where the swirling synths occupy a large portion of the soundstage, emanating out to a very wide field. There are multiple layers to this piece as it evolves over the course of the >9 minute duration, that could almost be missed if not for the spectacular transparency of the BD.

Angel Olsen – Wonder Now



I’m immediately captivated by the wide stereo field, and super-clear level of imaging upon the opening few seconds with the various instruments, followed by centrally positioned and again highly authentic sounding vocals – while not lush or full-bodied, there is again this superb sense of realism to the delivery, and the overall presentation as the track reaches a climax is just incredibly satisfying.

VC118A – Spiritual Machines



When a new IEM arrives, I almost always load up some IDM or electro to get a sense for the overall FR representation, and ability to handle often detailed and complex tracks. Also, I listen to a vast amount of this style of electronic music, so it’s pretty vital the IEM can perform not only well, but do an excellent job. BD is tuned perfectly for these types of genres, and absolutely no surprise to me when choosing this track for my review – even the mid-bass performs very well here, with a good level of kick and density to the delivery. The technical performance again shines through here, with super-addictive levels of imaging and detail, but again not sterile – highly engaging balance of tuning.

Galaxie 500 – Ceremony



This is one of those rare examples for me where the cover beats the original – and possibly an unpopular opinion for those die-hard Joy Division / New Order fans out there. I have listened to this track countless times over the last number of years, and would without question rank in a list of favourite tracks of all time. It’s a step away from the tracks before in that it is over 40 years old, and an opportunity to test a bit of male vocal indie rock. The BD does a really good job here, especially given the level of transparency and more neutral profile – I think this song could benefit from a bit more weight to the mids to add body to the vocals and guitars, as it comes off slightly flat as a result, but it doesn’t step into that ‘harsh’ zone.

Ladytron – Destroy Everything You Touch



Been way too long since I’ve listened to this fantastic album – I always love this about writing a review, finding the inspiration to dig deeper into my library to find some neglected gems. BD really showcases again here the technical capability, buckets of detail, and what feels like endless layers of instruments – vocals are perfectly central and again lacking a slight amount of body, but I must note I know this recording isn’t fantastic, and a transparent set such as BD will highlight that. I would like a bit more body in the mids for sure, and also the mid-bass is definitely a touch light on the kickdrums.

Sun Electric – Spreewald



A classic electronic album from 1996, featuring on the wonderful ‘Apollo’ label, probably most famously known for being the home to the first Selected Ambient Works from Aphex Twin. This is a great example of a track with beautifully deep rumbling sub, and it needs a set that can dig deep to fully appreciate – BD really steps forward here and delivers, one of these moments where I want to kick back and just enjoy the album in its entirety. While it’s a more relaxed track overall, there is a lot going on and again needs a set like BD to really showcase the detail. A highly captivating listen, and another where BD really excels.

Comparisons

FIIO FH19 ($599 - 2x DD, 6x BA)


The mid-bass kick step up is immediately evident when switching to the FH19, another favourite of mine from 2024. They sound a touch warmer, less transparent, and with an overall more forward and energetic signature. Treble still has sparkle, but less extended and lacks perhaps a refinement that exists in the BD – likewise on the other end of the FR, where the sub doesn’t quite extend to the same depths. The FH19 isn’t as technically proficient, stepping back in terms of transparency and overall detail and imaging precision, but offering a warmer and perhaps more balanced presentation.

Conclusion

It will no doubt be blatantly obvious how much I love this set – I was itching to get through other reviews so as to get to the BD, and now I will honestly miss my time with them when I move on to what’s next in the queue! I’m inclined to call the DK3001BD as my top IEM of the year, but at time of writing in early December, I still have one more set in particular that I’m eager to hear before calling the 2024 champion – let’s see when that lands in about two weeks where I stand!

DUNU has absolutely knocked the ball way out of the park with the BD, definitely a classic in the making due to its unique styling and incredibly engaging tuning. DUNU fanboy, over and out...

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-rowan-
-rowan-
Here for Galaxie 500’s Ceremony! My favouritest cover in the world. The review and other tracks ain’t too shabby either.

Kidding. Awesome impressions. This one has my attention.
Scubadevils
Scubadevils
@-rowan- this cover pretty much brings me to tears almost each time I listen - an absolute work of art... I love when it hits the climax.
-rowan-
-rowan-
@Scubadevils I live for that climax. Every time. And watching them play it live only elevates it - no doubt you’re already familiar with the video from their DVD but I’m glad someone left it on YouTube anyway:

briantbrain

New Head-Fier
High Tier Technicality
Pros: Great unboxing experience
Excellent build quality for both IEM and cable
A ton of included accessories
Dynamic sub-bass with great imaging
Airy vocals and excellent instrumental timbre
Sparkling treble with long extension
Exceptional micro-detailing
Top-notch technicality for its price
Cons: Shell is prone to scratches
White shell and cable aren’t for everyone
Shallow mid-bass impact
Vocals can sound a bit thin at times
Planar timbre is still present
#Dunu #DK3001BD #ReviewNiat

Dunu DK3001BD (Brain Dance)​


Ahhh... One of my greatest pleasures is unboxing IEMs from DUNU. Why? Let's set aside sound quality for now. DUNU always goes all out in delivering the best service to its customers with accessories like ear tips, cables, and carrying cases for their products. This time, let’s discuss an IEM that has amazed many forum enthusiasts for its surprisingly great sound in its price range. But, honestly, there are some drawbacks that might not suit everyone.Here it is… Dunu DK3001BD

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DISCLAIMER​

All impressions were tested using my usual setup (list below). If you experience different sound impressions, it’s likely due to our subjective ears, a defective unit, or different sources being used.
All impressions and reviews are entirely subjective, based on my belief: “I might deceive my savings, but when it comes to reviews, honesty is a must.” Agree? Great. Disagree? Also fine. I review because I want to and enjoy it—not out of obligation, LOL.
Important!! I still recommend auditioning it yourself. Who knows? Maybe it’s my ears that need a check-up at the ENT doctor—or maybe it’s yours, hahaha.

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MY DAILY DRIVERS​

IEMs
Nostalgia Audio Camelot; Symphonium Crimson; 634ears Loak2 TX03; Ziigaat x Jay Audio Estrella
DACs
Fiio Q15; Chord Mojo 2; XDuoo XD05 Pro
DAPs
HibyDigital M300; Hiby R4
Cables
Kinera Mia; Verus Lavender 6; VJC Heirs; Nostalgia Audio Avalon; Verus 4 Modi x 4 Magni
Ear Tips
Eletech Baroque; Spinfit W1 Premium; Azla Sedna Crystall; Penon Liquer; JVC Spiral Dot++; Azla Sedna Max ASMR

Unboxing​

Dunu is one of my absolute favorites when it comes to unboxing experiences. As I mentioned in the intro, from unboxing to seeing the IEMs, cables, and accessories, it always makes me happy because they really go all out. Here’s what’s included:
  • The IEMs themselves
  • 4-braid cable with 2-pin connectors and modular jacks (a unique design where the cable is sleeved white from jack to splitter, but unsleeved from splitter to connector)
  • A carrying case
  • An IEM pouch (a small sleeve for left and right earpieces to avoid bumping into each other)
  • Manuals
  • Brush, wipe cleaner, and cable clip
  • 3.5mm female to 6.3mm male adapter
  • A LOT of ear tips (some recognizable ones like Dunu S&S, though in a slightly different color, Dunu Candy, foam, and others—just wow, no worries about ear tips anymore!)
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Fitting​

With a configuration of 1DD + 4BA + 4Planar, hoping for a small body seems unrealistic. Made from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy (honestly, I don’t know what that is, LOL), it feels quite prone to scratches. The white color also adds to the anxiety when using or storing it.
The nozzle has a standard diameter with an average length, so finding the right ear tips is easy. However, the thicker body means it will protrude out of the ear, but hey, that’s pretty normal for IEMs nowadays.

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Sound Impressions​

Note: Tested with XDuoo XD05 Pro and stock ear tips.
Bass
The moment the low frequencies kick in, I found myself smiling—this is a sign of a solid IEM. The sub-bass delivers a rumble that shakes, with long decay and perfect positioning, creating an immersive experience. The quality and imaging of the sub-bass are excellent, providing impactful resonance.
However... the mid-bass? Ugh. The speed is fast and the width is limited, but the main issue is the shallow impact, which diminishes the energetic and fun vibes of bass pedals. A bit disappointing in my opinion.
That said, the mid-bass isn’t completely absent; it’s just that its presence feels too quick and shallow.

Mid
The vocals are positioned right in the center but slightly recessed, which isn’t a big issue since they’re airy and natural. However, I feel that the note weight could be slightly thicker and heavier for better grip, as it sometimes feels a bit loose.
In the upper-midrange, especially for female vocals, it struggles to deliver higher notes effectively, making them sound less energetic. As for instrument timbre, there’s no issue at all—sounds perfectly natural.

Treble
Let’s start with what I love. The sparkling and attacking treble stands out immediately. It’s vibrant, with excellent positioning. Every aspect of the treble—like cymbals and guitar distortions—is energetic and has a long extension.
The detailing is no joke! You can hear every little sound, making this an exciting experience for those upgrading to a higher-tier IEM.
However, the timbre from the planar drivers feels slightly "pingy," creating a somewhat unnatural impression. After about 1–2 days of burn-in, this "pingy" sound has diminished but is still noticeable in certain tracks.

Clarity
Slight planar timbre in the treble occasionally makes some tracks unclear. Nonetheless, the micro-detailing is excellent.

Soundstage
Above average. Spacious, wide, and with perfect depth, it feels grand and immersive.

Imaging
This time, I’ll keep my comments short: This IEM has (one of) the best imaging in its price range! That’s it, LOL.

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Source Selection​

It’s best paired with a warm source to help with the mid-bass or a balanced source to maintain tonality and enhance black background and detailing.

Ear Tips Selection​

For me, Dunu S&S is the go-to for this IEM, as it helps dampen the planar timbre I dislike. It also improves the low frequencies.
If you just want to tame the planar treble, try Divinus Velvet, Final Type E, or Azla Sedna Max ASMR to enhance the vocals. For bass improvement alone without affecting other aspects, Penon Liquer is a good option.

Conclusion​

  • Unboxing IEMs from Dunu is always a joy—not just because of the solid build quality but also because of the generous accessories.
  • This is one of the best IEMs in its price range for technicalities, with sparkling treble and dynamic sub-bass sure to become a favorite for many.
  • However, the shallow mid-bass may not suit fast, energetic tracks, and the thinner vocals in certain songs might turn off vocal lovers.
  • Is it worth buying? For those who love treble and are looking for top-notch technicality under $1,000, this IEM is hard to beat.
That’s all.Trust your own ears.Bye.

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Knale

100+ Head-Fier
A perfectly named set of IEMs
Pros: - A unique treble-centric tuning done well
- Very high quality metal construction
- Exceptional technicalities across the board.
- A truly special "in your head" listening experience
- Awesome Cable
Cons: - Lack of bass presence
- Highs can occasionally get sharp
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Welcome to my review of the Dunu DK3001BD, otherwise known as the Brain Dance!

The Dunu costs 499$ and is a 9 driver tribrid with
- 1x Dynamic Drivers
- 4x Balanced Armatures
- 4x Microplanars

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It comes in a high quality box with the full suite of Dunu tips, including the Candies, the S&Ss, plus some foam tips, and some additional accessories. Overall its a generous package that feels like the standard by which IEMs in this price range should be judged.

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Ill make a specific shout-out for the cable, which just feels awesome, combining great aesthetics and great feel. Above the Y split the cable switches to silicone which means no microphonics can be transferred to your ears from the fabric portion. It's also swappable from 3.5 to 4.4. Overall great.

The high-quality packaging continues with to the IEMs themselves. The enameled metal shells feel fantastic, and all the details on the shell look very sharp and manufactured to a very high standard. Look, I love me some Gundam/Cyberpunk inspired styling, and these just nail it without looking tacky or cheap. The tips are metal as well and the junction between the tips and shells feels robust. The Brain Dance can be ordered with a .78mm 2-pin connection, or MMCX. My set has MMCX.

Let's move on to sound! Rather than start with a standard bass/mids/treble description, I want to start by discussing intangibles.

Every so often I run across a set of IEMs that does what I want IEMs to do, which is to make me forget the sound is coming from my ears. The really special sets feel like the sound is sort of spontaneously appearing in space around me. Most IEMs don't do this. A lot of truly exceptional IEMs don't do this. The Brain Dance is one of those IEMs that does this for me. The way it delivers sound is just really really good. Lively and natural with fantastic imaging that does a lot of the heavy lifting to support that holographic sensation. The name Brain Dance is perfectly appropriate for this set. That's what it feels like.

As a quick gaming focused detour, the above technicalities make the Brain Dance a real joy in video games, especially competitive shooters where identifying the direction of sound cues is critical.

To say a few words on the overall FR, my biggest complaint with the Brain Dance is that the bass feels pretty lean. It's present when called for, but I can't help but feel that a little bump down low would really balance things out with that highlighted treble. Speaking of that treble, 95% of the time it's out of this world good, but it can very occasionally get a little sharp. Vocal performance is excellent. Male and female vocals are clear and bright without feeling shouty.

To wrap up this review, the Dunu Brain Dance is a really good IEM, and offers performance that feels special even in burgeoning world of EST and Bone Conduction drivers.

I'm not sure I would recommend it as someone's first or only IEM, but if you have the space and budget in your collection for an absurdly technical, bright, and aggressive set, you really can't go wrong with the Dunu in my opinion.

Thanks for reading!

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Knale
Knale
I mean the IEMs that this review is literally about would be a good option lol
Mmet
Mmet
Yes of course.. but you mentioned the brightness thing .. and i am asking if you know something else that can do but without the excessive brightness 🤷🏻‍♂️
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Knale
Knale
It's really not overly bright. Like 1 in 20 songs I'll notice something, but largely they're pretty impeccable.
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Jaytiss

500+ Head-Fier
A Star is Born.
Pros: Shell is world-class, and one of the best at any price.
Works as an all-rounder set.
One of the best neutral sets that I’ve heard, and it’s under 500.
Non-fatiguing sound profile.
Great technical presentation at its price.
Awesome cyberpunk design.
Accessories are some of the best of any iem, very simple but eloquent.
Natural timbre
Easy to drive.
2 pin is the best!
Cons: Not a bass monster.
Vocals are correct, but not super exaggerated.
White design can feel slightly Mr. Clean.
Could use a little more midbass.
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Let's cut to the chase—this is a really good IEM that might surprise you. I've tested a ton of in-ear monitors, and this one keeps making me pause and think, "Wow, this is actually really impressive."
It's not perfect, but it's versatile as hell. With the right source or impedance adapter, this thing can transform from a detailed, smooth performer to an absolute bass monster. The sound is clean, detailed, and has enough flexibility to keep most listeners happy.
For anyone looking to step into the world of higher-end audio without dropping a ton of cash, this could be your golden ticket. It's the kind of IEM that makes you feel like you're getting way more than you paid for.



Packaging:
The overall packaging is top-of-the-line. The accessories are very fair and pretty much everything that I could ask for—iem booties, 6.3 connectors, a cleaning cloth, and a shirt clip. The cable has a 4.4 and a 3.5mm connector with a screw lock system. It’s a nice cable with a fantastic system. It’s packaged similarly to Dunu’s other iems, but it’s slightly better.


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The Shell

The shell is clean and beautiful, and it is simple. It has nice contours a metal shell with a metal nozzle. I feel it’s extremely durable and well made. I love metal shells when done right, and I feel this one is done right. I love the beauty of how it reflects light and how it feels in ear. Comfort is great and the design is unique and beautiful. It also has a nice thematic feeling.
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Drivability and source gear

I didn’t find this IEM to be overly difficult to drive. I tried it on multiple sources, and on my DAP.

In contrast, some IEMs are harder to drive like the Dynaquatro from Binary. It is sensitive to impedance testing. But with an impedance adapter it goes from a neutral set to a very bassy fun set. It’s great like that and almost perfect.
Tips:
The tips are exceptional and they include a very fair amount of tips! The accessories in the Dunu products is good, but this one includes small cases that isn’t included in lower sets.
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The Case

The case is great. It’s somewhat large and thematic to the white of the iem. It feels like real leather and has a nice feeling on the inside. I really like how it feels i hand. I like it a lot and I find it very beautiful and nicely made.
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Overall Sound

This has fantastic upper mids with acceptable and clean sub bass. The bass presentation is a masterclass in balanced sonic engineering. While not thunderously overwhelming, the low-end details emerge with crystalline precision. Without the impedance adapter, the bass maintains a robust and satisfying character – full-bodied yet controlled, delivering a stock performance that remains impressively engaging. With the adapter, it’s just perfect for me, and I can’t think of anything at this price that is better, it’s unique and beautiful at the same time.
The midrange is nothing short of auditory poetry. Pristine and transparent, these frequencies occupy a realm of exceptional clarity. The vocal reproduction is particularly breathtaking – airy and expansive, with a richness that feels almost ethereal. This is not merely sound reproduction; it's a nuanced musical narrative that captures vocal textures with remarkable depth and intimacy.
The high-end frequencies elevate the entire listening experience to sublime heights. Extended with remarkable naturalness, the treble range speaks with remarkable eloquence. Each note is rendered with surgical precision – clear, unblemished, and possessing an organic quality that feels both refined and true to the original recording.
This sonic profile transcends mere technical specifications, offering a listening experience that is at once analytical and emotionally resonant.

Gaming

Gaming is great on this IEM, as it has a nice tonal balance and is pretty relaxed. I think gaming on a 600 dollar IEM is silly, but you do you. It’s meant to be enjoyed and gaming would be impressive to try on it as it is detailed and fun. Great dynamic bass and fun upper mids. It would hit the spot for almost all gaming. The stage isn’t too wide, but just right. Detail retrieval during fights is immaculate, and the imaging vertically and horizontally is fantastic. It has great imaging and provides a good sense of location and space.




Graph:

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Sound - Final Impressions

This is a strong fun sound. Is this IEM perfect? It lacks midbass, but has basically perfect mids and treble. It’s a legendary set, that I feel honored to be able to review. It has great treble, clarity, and nice detail overall. It represents great value in the midfi market.

It’s a fantastic overall enjoyable set, that gets a recommendation. A clear and strong recommendation that it is something that brings me great joy sonically.


Gifting/who is it for: I think this is a nice HiFi IEM to gift to someone, it’s just a nice package that is beautiful and unique. Everything about this IEM has a nice thematic feeling feels premium to unbox and is one of the better IEM unboxing experiences at around this pricepoint. I see this as an exceptional gift to a friend, but mainly for people who are looking for a beautiful, fun, unique set that is fun and dynamic with good build quality.

Pairing: I used a Qudelix 5k for mobile, my dongle Dac iBasso DC07 for my laptop, and my JDS lab Atom 2 with a SMSL 6d-s for my Desktop PC. I also tried the IEM briefly on the Apple dongle as well. This IEM had no issues being driven. Typically I only find overears to have a hard time being driven and maybe some planar IEMs.


The Bottom Line​

If you're thinking about upgrading your listening experience, put this on your shortlist. It's not just good—it's surprisingly good. The kind of good that makes you wonder why you'd spend more money elsewhere.
Highly recommended for audio enthusiasts looking for their first "serious" IEM. Trust me, you won't regret it.

I'm also releasing a Youtube Video of this at the same time if you are interested in watching.

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suicideup

New Head-Fier
Dunu DK3001BD Review!
Pros: One of the “best”, “relatively neutral” sounding IEMs I’ve heard under and within 500 USD!

Neutral, bass-elevated sound signature!

Detailed, elevated, rumbly bass response.

Smooth, vivid, well-placed mids in terms of presence!

Non-fatiguing yet detailed upper frequencies!

Excellent detail retrieval and resolution!

Incisive, immersive technical performance!

Very good fit, comfort, and isolation (to my ears at least)

Visually-pleasing, Cyberpunk-EVA hybrid design! (subjective)

Non-tangling, sleek yet practical cable!

Practical, modular cable design!

The most generous IEM under and within 500 USD I’ve encountered in terms of overall quality and quantity of accessories!

Easy to drive!
Cons: Additional midbass punch would be nice (subjective)

Slight driver timbre/quirk can be observed on certain tracks (not really a deal breaker, but needed to be pointed out for transparency)

The IEM is on the larger side in terms of size, hence may not fit those with smaller ears.

The white aesthetic can also make or break the IEM’s visual appearance down the line (subjective)
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Dunu DK3001BD Review!

Video review here

Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Dunu DK3001BD. Brain got funky!
========================================================================
Disclaimer:
  • I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as earphones should be used.
  • Dunu sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, independent review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
  • The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
  • No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
  • Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
========================================================================
Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.

Source/s used:
  • - Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
  • - Tanchjim Space DAC
  • - Fosi Audio SK02 USB DAC
  • - Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini DAC
  • - Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
  • - Sony Xperia X Compact
  • - Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: Stock medium Dunu S&S eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume.

========================================================================
Sound signature:
  • The Dunu DK3001BD presents itself in a neutral sound signature, with a bit of bass boost to keep things alive and less sterile. With that being said, this can also be called an L-shaped sound signature.
Lows:
  • This region is the most elevated portion of the Brain Dance’s overall sound. It is chunky, rumbly, while keeping things well-controlled and clean. This also means that its overall bass response is well-layered, firm, and detailed. Subbass is more dominant than midbass. I would’ve preferred a bit of midbass presence here in this IEM, but that does not mean that the midbass is non-existent. The midbass is still fairly present in this IEM, and it is punchy, but not as present as what its subbass presents itself in nature. This IEM can be a candidate for a bassy set for bassheads, if they prefer that deep, chunky yet controlled subbass more than a punchy midbass under and within 500 USD.
Mids:
  • Despite not being the highlight, the mids of the Brain Dance, along with the technicalities, are my favorite parts of this IEM. The mids of this IEM is transparent, clean, bleed-free, and vivid. It is neutral in presence and never sounded recessed. Since this is a neutral, clean midrange, lower mids will not have that added thickness and fullness that some may prefer. Upper mids are the same with the lower mids in terms of presence, exhibiting an excellent air, clarity, and sparkle. Unnatural peaks and harshness are also absent in this IEM, making it an almost safe recommendation for everyone, if only there isn’t any mild driver quirk. There is a bit of planar timbre that can be heard on certain tracks, particularly those that are mastered to have an extra “crispy” sound in this region. This isn’t bothersome or a deal breaker, far from it in all honesty, but it is needed to be addressed for transparency. Personally, I never found the said instances to be fatiguing or irritating at all, but I am aware that there are ears that are extra sensitive to upper frequencies. Overall, the Dunu Brain Dance’s mids is definitely remarkable in terms of its vividness, which is to be expected in this price point of course, but only a few remarkable IEMs exist in this under and within 500 USD, so there’s that.
Treble:
  • As for the treble, it is well-extended, and exhibits a lot of detail and air. The aforementioned driver quirks still show here on certain instances, but nothing bothersome. Detail retrieval is excellent and never had any problem on rendering microdetails easily. Personally I can count this as an IEM that can be used for analytical listening.
Soundstage, Imaging and Separation:
  • The Dunu Brain Dance’s technical performance is excellent for its price and never showed any slouch or hiccups the whole time I tested and paired this with my different setups and genres. Soundstage is spacious, exhibiting that “immersive” feeling to it, with a very good amount of height and depth. Separation and layering is clean, incisive, and never suffered any congestion on heavy passages. Imaging is precise rendering the spaces and positions of the subject/s in a track or game. Overall, this is supposed to be expected for this IEM with this price tag, but again, only a handful of remarkable IEMs exist under and within the 600 USD that I have reviewed and personally heard, and the Brain Dance is one of those.
========================================================================
Other IEM Comparisons!

Audiosense AQ7 Pro Insight

  • The Audiosense AQ7 Pro Insight is a dry, neutral, brighter sounding IEM - which is the polar opposite of the Dunu DK3001BD. In a nutshell, the AQ7 Pro Insight is less colored in sound, while the Brain Dance keeps it thick and smooth, without any compromises to the overall resolution/detail. Both IEMs are performers in the technical department, but the AQ7 Pro insight shows more driver quirk/timbre when compared to the Brain Dance.
Moondrop Variations
  • The Moondrop Variations follows the Harman Target that leans to the warmer side of the spectrum, while the Dunu DK3001 BD keeps it fairly balanced and less warm when compared. The Variations’ bass response is a bit slower to my ears when compared to the Brain Dance, but not by a lot. As for the technical department, the Brain Dance is noticeably better, especially in the separation and layering.
========================================================================
Pros:
  • One of the “best”, “relatively neutral” sounding IEMs I’ve heard under and within 500 USD!
  • Neutral, bass-elevated sound signature!
  • Detailed, elevated, rumbly bass response.
  • Smooth, vivid, well-placed mids in terms of presence!
  • Non-fatiguing yet detailed upper frequencies!
  • Excellent detail retrieval and resolution!
  • Incisive, immersive technical performance!
  • Very good fit, comfort, and isolation (to my ears at least)
  • Visually-pleasing, Cyberpunk-EVA hybrid design! (subjective)
  • Non-tangling, sleek yet practical cable!
  • Practical, modular cable design!
  • The most generous IEM under and within 500 USD I’ve encountered in terms of overall quality and quantity of accessories!
  • Easy to drive!
Cons:
  • Additional midbass punch would be nice (subjective)
  • Slight driver timbre/quirk can be observed on certain tracks (not really a deal breaker, but needed to be pointed out for transparency)
  • The IEM is on the larger side in terms of size, hence may not fit those with smaller ears.
  • The white aesthetic can also make or break the IEM’s visual appearance down the line (subjective)
========================================================================
Verdict
In my humble opinion and experience, there aren't a lot of recent IEMs that play/exist within the 400-700 USD range, which Dunu took advantage of. The Dunu DK3001BD literally stands out not only because of its one-of-a-kind EVA/Cyberpunk motif, but also because of how it presents its overall sound character and profile. It managed to sound satisfying and non-lacking in all of the genres and setups I have paired with it while having zero compromises on the technical aspects that I seek within the 500-700 USD price range. At one point I have even called this as a “work hard, play hard” IEM because of its excellent versatility, because Most IEMs can sound “good” in most genres, but has compromises in the technical performance, which the Dunu DK3001BD does not have. These findings and experience made me recommend the Dunu DK3001BD to everyone who has this kind of budget for an IEM that will truly stand out in physical attributes, craftsmanship, and sound quality. I even asked some honest inputs of my friends during our last meet and they also shared the same sentiment, up to the point that they need to take a break from listening to their IEMs after the mini-meet, for their ears to be satisfied with their personal IEMs again. It definitely make my brain grooves a lot, Dunu!

========================================================================
Pairing recommendations:
  • Source: The Dunu DK3001BD, for a 500USD IEM, is very easy to drive. However, I would recommend a neutral/flat sounding DAC with at least 2VRMs for this set to sound to its optimal.
  • Eartips: The eartips are plentiful and excellent in quality for you to choose from. You may still use your preferred eartips.
  • Cable: Cable is practical, surprisingly non-tangling, and modular. You may still use your preferred cable.
========================================================================
Thank you for reading!

Non-affiliated link here:
https://www.dunu-topsound.com/product-page/dk3001bd

Additional Photos Here:

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domq422
domq422
Fantastic pics! Thanks for sharing!

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Nearly perfect.
Pros: Perfect timbre, neutral and balanced with a touch of brightness and excellent technicality.
Cons: While the cool space-age aesthetic I love it might not appeal to everyone, it's also worth noting that the nozzles are designed to be short.
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The unboxing experience of the Dunu DK3001BD is top-notch and among the most memorable I've had. It comes with everything shown above. The modular Cable is super sturdy, the case so spacious and a nice assortment of tips are also included.

Specs
Model: DK 3001 BD (BrainDance)
Cavity Material: Aerospace-Grade Aluminum Alloy
Net Weight: Approx. 8.1 g (per side)
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: 26Ω
122dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
Sensitivity: 108dB/mW(@1kHz) 122dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
THD: <0.5% @ 1 kHz
Dynamic Driver: Flexible Surround Bio-Diaphragm Dynamic Driver for Low and Sub-Bass Frequencies x 1
Balanced Armature Drivers: Custom Midrange Balanced Armatures x 2
Custom High-Frequency Balanced Armatures x 2
Planar Drivers: Custom Micro Planar For Ultra-High Frequencies x 4
Cable: 4-Core Secondary Refined High-Purity Furukawa OCC Copper
Cable Length: 1.2 m ± 0.1 m
Connector: Patented Catch-Hold MMCX Connector
Plug: Q-Lock MINI Modular Plug System
Includes Two Interchangeable Plugs
(4.4mm Balanced, 3.5mm Single-Ended)

The lower frequencies of the Brain Dance are expansive yet lean towards a balanced and controlled character. The Sub-Bass is responsive and capable of a robust rumble on enhanced recordings when necessary, while the Mid Bass is more subdued and precise, yielding prominence to the Sub-Bass. It's unexpectedly effective across various music genres. Bass enthusiasts may not favor it, but its long-term listenability appealed to me. The lower frequencies are best described as well-textured and intricately detailed.

The midrange of the DK3001BD possesses a pleasant, natural lightness, neither too thick nor too thin, providing just the right amount of body to feel appropriate. The vocals are placed forward, and while they lack the thick and rich character I'm accustomed to, they still sound correct and appropriate to me, with a natural timbre and placement. Great separation and clarity round off these natural and balanced Mids.

The treble extends well, offering good energy and an airy, detailed presentation. The highs have a sparkle and openness without crossing into the harsh, brighter peaks that some IEMs exhibit.

The soundstage of the DK3001BD is superb, offering a well-rounded experience with ample height and depth that complements its wide and open staging. The placement and accuracy are precise, ensuring no issues even with busy recordings.

In a nutshell:
The Dunu DK3001BD is an exceptional mid-tier IEM known for its respectable technical capabilities, detailed sound, and overall wonderful audio experience. Its aesthetic is also noteworthy; however, the larger shell size is something to consider.

video soon.

thaslaya

1000+ Head-Fier
Blurring the Lines of Price/Performance
Pros: + Absolutely fantastic timbre
+ Mostly neutral and well-balanced tuning with a nice sub-bass boost
+ A technical beast that punches above its weight
+ Very clean and clear vocal presentation
+ Air and sparkle for days
+ Stellar accessories
Cons: - Missing midbass impact, weight, and warmth
- Incisive treble can bite
- Nozzles are slightly short and could cause fit issues.
- Might sound overly cold/clinical at times
- MMCX (subjective)
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thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was provided to me by Dunu in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thanks to Kevin for the opportunity!

For further product information, refer to the links below.
https://www.dunu-topsound.com/dk3001bd
https://www.dunu-topsound.com/product-page/dk3001bd

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●Kiwi Ears Allegro
●Letshuoer DT03
●Dunu DTC480
●BLON V1

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.
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Introduction:
Dunu is a mainstay in the IEM world. They are one of today's heavy hitters and offer a wide variety of excellent IEMs at various price points. I was able to review their DaVinci model earlier this year and found it to be absolutely fantastic. Their newest release is the DK3001BD (BD stands for BrainDance, a reference to the game Cyberpunk 2077). There have been both a DK3001 and DK3001 Pro model in the past, but they are older releases and feature different designs and driver configurations from this newest iteration. The DK3001BD is a tribrid consisting of a single dynamic, four balanced armature, and four planar drivers, which is quite a unique combination. It's currently available through Dunu's website for $499. Let's break down this newest mid-fi Dunu release and see how it stacks up in today's market.
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Build, fit, ergonomics:
Dunu is one of the most consistent companies in my opinion when it comes to the unboxing experience, packaging, and accessories, and the DK3001BD is no exception. This is truly what every $500 and beyond set should strive to mirror. The total inclusions of the BrainDance's package even put some kilobucks to shame. Included are the IEMs, a modular cable, 13 total pairs of tips, a magnetic case, cleaning cloth, shell holder/divider, and a cleaning tool. The shells are made of an aluminum alloy coated with a zirconium-ceramic coating in a very clean white colorway. They are simultaneously lightweight and feel very durable and solid. The right and left faceplates are clearly marked with an L and R, as well as the MMCX connection. Each also features ventilation holes, the words "Dunu hyper," and two silver circles on either side of the numbers 30 and 01, respectively. Some community members I've talked to have stated their distaste for the design, but personally, I really like it. The clean white shells contrast well with the utilitarian-style markings on the faceplate. I can see the Cyberpunk connection in the aesthetic, but I also get more of a spacefaring, futuristic military vibe, like something from Starfield or Halo. The shell shape isn't as contoured as I would prefer, but the fit is still comfortable, and I have no issues wearing them for extended periods. The metal nozzles measure 6.3mm at their widest part of the lip, but unfortunately, their length is slightly on the short side for me, which took some getting used to. I typically prefer a deeper insertion, but the DK3001BD is right around average as far as depth goes. Utilizing longer tips can also help mitigate issues with the fit and seal, which may be why Dunu chose to include an impressive variety of tips. There are 13 pairs in total, in four various styles, loaded into two plastic organizers. These include Dunu's big hitters like the S&S and Candy tips, as well as two others. I did try all four styles of stock tips as well as some of my own, like the Coreir Brass and Tri Clarion. In the end, I preferred the Penon Liqueurs because they provided the best seal and comfort while retaining the stock tuning. The stock cable is a four-core single-crystal copper cable with a unique build. The section from the termination to the y-split is wrapped in gray nylon, whereas the rest is the typical braided silicone-sheathed style in white. This cable does not tangle easily and feels lightweight yet sturdy. It also features Dunu's Q-Lock Mini interchangeable plus system, which includes both a 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm termination as well as a 3.5 mm to 1/4-inch adapter. Utilizing the MMCX connection is a bit of a letdown for me since I prefer 2-pin. I don't currently own any other MMCX cables or IEMs, so I was not able to do any cable rolling. However, the stock cable is fantastic, so I don't mind. It's actually one of the best stock cables I've come across so far. Dunu truly is one of the best in the business when it comes to accessories.
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Sound impressions:
The tuning of the BrainDance is well-balanced neutral/bright with a sub-bass boost. The sound signature is incredibly clean, crisp, and detailed. It comes across as very precise and clinical but not quite sterile. There is definitely a degree of musicality here that helps push the BrainDance from being a cold and technical marvel to a supremely enjoyable and well-balanced set. The note weight is just about right—too much more, and I think the tuning would lose that special airy quality that it brings to the table. This set does need some power to get to higher volumes, but it scales very well. The detail retrieval is very impressive, especially considering the price, and is a standout feature of the technicalities. The soundstage is large and spherical but not the most expansive, although it's still more than adequate. The timbre is very natural, organic, and effortless. In fact, it's thoroughly impressive and some of the best I've heard outside of kilobuck territory. The imaging is very accurate and three-dimensional. The separation and layering are fantastic and help to create a smooth, fluid, and cohesive tuning. The dynamics are one aspect of the technicalities that could use improvement. The tuning doesn't hold up well at lower volumes, and you need to crank it up to get the full feeling of how low the sub-bass can reach. Overall, the DK3001BD is very impressive. Everything from the delicate balance between the three frequency bands to the supremely impressive technicalities helps to create a mid-fi marvel that punches well above its weight.
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Unfortunately, I don't have access to a tube amplifier, but I can imagine that the natural warmth exhibited by those amps would be a really great match for the BrainDance. Through my testing, I found the best synergy for me to be the Dunu DTC480. Among the ones I own, the DTC480 helped to preserve the overall tonality and balance of the BrainDance's stock tuning while offering enough power to allow this set to shine.

Just to add a little caveat here, I don't typically try EQ or impedance adapters during my review process, and I never write my impressions while utilizing them. However, at the suggestion of @MakeItWain, I did try the BrainDance with an impedance adapter. I own 10 and 80 ohm adapters, and while the 10 ohm wasn't that noticeable, the 80 ohm adapter is just plain fun! The bass truly comes alive, and the sub-bass extension and rumble are so much greater in comparison to the stock tuning. Something so small in the chain can turn the DK3001BD into a basshead beast with fantastic technicalities.
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●Lows - The BrainDance is not a super bassy set, but what's here is of great quality. The sub-bass reaches deep with a fantastic rumble, but only when the track brings it forth. The mid-bass, on the other hand, is tucked in tight like a toddler at bedtime with a penchant for escape. That's to say, there's not much mid-bass to speak of, and I do find myself left wanting. This decision by Dunu does make sense, though, when you consider the DK3001BD offers a very clean and detailed sound signature. The mid-bass tuck helps to keep the bass and midrange well-separated, and there's definitely no bleed to be found here. The impact and slam are mild and polite but still substantial enough so as not to be an afterthought. None of my test tracks came across as necessarily hard-hitting, but they did sound very articulate and well-measured. The texture of the bass is fairly dry, and there's a quick attack and also quick decay which help keep the bass sounding clean and crisp. Much to my dismay, the BrainDance's bass is not the star of the show, but the quality and resolution are impressive. To be clear, this is easily some of the cleanest bass I've heard, especially in the mid-fi tier, but a little "messy mid-bass" can be fun sometimes too.

●Mids - The BrainDance offers some of the most natural vocals I've heard. They are positioned slightly forward but still well-balanced with the rest of the frequency response so as not to detract from anything else in the mix. Both male and female artists are clear, well-separated, and poised to showcase their chops. The lower midrange is not as well-represented since the mid-bass and lower mids are tucked so neatly. This means instruments like cello, bass guitar, and some horns lack a little weight and authority, but they still retain excellent timbre and accuracy. Instrument and vocal timbre are among the best I've heard outside of some of the kilobuck and multi-kilobuck offerings I've tried. Vocals exhibit no shouty or nasal quality at all. I wouldn't mind a little added warmth here for my personal taste, but that's subjective, and there's really not much else to complain about in the midrange. These aren't the soulful, emotionally moving mids that I usually prefer, but they are incredibly clean and "correct," and in that sense, they are extremely enjoyable.

●Highs - The treble is crisp, bright, and well-extended but not overly harsh or punishing. It's energetic but not overly so, and I'd say the treble emphasis helps to maintain the delicate balance of the tuning. It can be a little too bright on rare occasions, and some notes can sound too thin, though it's very track-dependent, and there's no sibilance to my ear. Cymbals and hi-hats sound natural and incisive with a distinct edge but never metallic or splashy. Snares and claps are precise and energetic but not wince-inducing. The top-end extension is impressive, with a lot of air and sparkle. Again, it's some of the best I've heard under $1k. My biggest issue with the treble is that the note weight can be too thin at times, which gives some notes a slight ethereal quality, making them come across a little wispy and annoying, and it can be slightly fatiguing over time. I think trebleheads will find a lot to love here, and as a fairly treble-sensitive listener myself, I'm still able to enjoy the BrainDance.
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Comparisons: Credit to Super Reviews  and Paul Wasabi for the graphs.
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Penon Fan 3 ($349) - The Fan 3 is a 2 BA and 1 DD hybrid compared to the DK3001BD's 1 DD, 4 BA, and 4 planar tribrid configuration. Despite what the graph says, these impressions were made with the Fan 3's switch in the ON position utilizing the BCD. Both of these are sub-bass focused with good extension on both ends and a certain clinical, precision-type of sound quality. The Fan has a more energetic, full sound and is slightly more musical, but it's also a bit brighter with cymbals sounding splashy and certain vocal notes exhibiting some harshness. The BD is more balanced and neutral sounding in comparison, with superior layering, separation, and a slightly wider soundstage, but it also presents as less full and might be a touch too "clean" for some. The Fan 3 has more bass quantity, rumble, and impact, but the bass of the BD has superior texture and resolution. Vocals present more forward on the Fan, but the BD offers a more natural, organic, and effortless timbre. The BD also has better treble extension, air, and less harshness and irritability. This is a difficult comparison for me as neither of these two IEMs adheres super closely to my target preferences. Taking the cost, accessories, tuning, and technicalities into consideration, I would have to choose the Dunu DK3001BD. It accomplishes many of the same things as the Fan 3 but does so better. There is significantly less harshness and thinness in the treble, and the technicalities are taken to the next level, though a bit of musicality is sacrificed in the process.
My pick: DK3001BD
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Ziigaat Estrella ($300) - The Estrella is a 2DD, 4BA hybrid versus the DK3001BD's tribrid configuration. Both sets offer a good fit and comfort. When it comes to accessories, the Dunu outperforms the Ziigaat. It has a vastly superior cable, more variety in tip selection, and the case is subjective, but the Dunu is preferred. The Estrella offers more of a traditional V-shaped tuning, whereas the DK3001BD offers a better balance that might come across as a little boring in comparison. The Estrella's bass is much more prominent and impactful overall, but the reverberation can overstay its welcome, and it has worse texture and resolution compared to the BrainDance. It can come across as a bit wet and bloated. There is definitely more mid-bass with the Estrella, but it also bleeds a bit; therefore, the midrange is cleaner and better represented on the BrainDance. Vocals are better balanced and forward on the BrainDance, mostly due to the Estrella's larger bass shelf. Both sets have a little bite in the treble, but the BrainDance has superior air and extension. Less frequent harshness or irritability is also noticeable with the BD. The technicalities of the BrainDance are pretty much superior across the board, but it's not by a large margin, which is a strong point for the Estrella, especially at its price point. The most noticeable difference is the more natural timbre of the BD. Overall, the Estrella is the more fun, energetic, and dynamic of the two sets, which some will prefer. However, the DK3001BD offers superior treble extension, better technicalities, and a more balanced tuning that lends itself to being a better all-rounder.
My pick: DK3001BD

Tansio Mirai X ($399) - Unfortunately theres no graph available for this one. The X has the same driver configuration as the Estrella (2DD, 4BA) with the addition of a custom film-retardant driver. The accessories of the BrainDance are far superior to those of the X: a better-built modular cable, more tip selections, and a more appropriately sized case. The fit is also better, as the X has a stubby nozzle that makes it difficult for me to get and keep a good seal. The X has switches that adjust the bass quantity, so this set has a lot of variability in the low end. Utilizing the DUD configuration on the X brings the bass response closest to that of the BrainDance to my ear. The bass of the BD has better texture, resolution, and reaches deeper, but the X has more of that mid-bass presence that I like. However, it also has some bleed into the lower midrange that the BD definitely does not suffer from. The midrange of the BD is cleaner and more balanced, especially when it comes to vocals. The X pushes them more forward, which I usually prefer, but when compared to the BD, they sound more strained and forced. The BD has more treble presence, extension, and air, while the X suffers from some harsh notes, especially with breathy vocalists. When it comes to technicalities, the BD takes the cake. It has superior imaging, layering, separation, timbre, detail retrieval, and a slightly more expansive soundstage, although the X's stage does sound fuller. The X is arguably the more musically tuned set with a thicker note weight, and the switches add a lot of variability when it comes to the level of bass. This one essentially comes down to musicality versus technicality. I'm usually firmly seated in the camp of musical tunings, but the BrainDance just sounds more "correct" to my ear. It has that extra something special that the X doesn't do for me, and the vastly superior technical performance is a hard sacrifice to make once you get used to it.
My pick: DK3001BD
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In conclusion:
When I first laid eyes on the DK3001BD, I was really drawn to the sci-fi design and aesthetics. For some reason, I assumed this set would offer an overall dark and bass-heavy sound signature with tamed treble. Well, needless to say, I was quite off on that one. The BrainDance's overall sound signature is actually a well-balanced neutral/bright with a sub-bass boost. This is not my preferred tuning, but over time, the BrainDance has continued to impress me and turn me into a believer. It's true there is some impressively low-reaching bass to be found here, but I would not dare call it a basshead IEM. The low end is almost entirely sub-bass focused with a pretty severe mid-bass tuck. I usually prefer a warmer tonality, which the BrainDance doesn't offer, but it does have many other fantastic qualities that help me look past its tuning philosophy and recognize what makes it special. For starters, the performances of the bass, midrange, and treble exude quality. It has one of the cleanest, most well-balanced, and technically proficient tunings of anything I've heard under $1,000. This one punches way above its price point and offers a glimpse into what the kilobuck world holds at just half the price of admission. Dunu doesn't skimp on the accessory package either which rivals some flagship offerings. I think the BrainDance makes a fairly solid all-rounder, but one area where it truly shines is in its orchestral and instrumental detail and timbre. I'd be lying if I said the DK3001BD is a great match for my tuning target, but even though it lacks the warmth that I love, Dunu has created a masterclass in the mid-fi realm. For those who prioritize balance, technical performance, accessories, and price-to-performance above all else, the BrainDance simply cannot be overlooked.
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thaslaya
thaslaya
@lgcubana sorry I wasn't clear in my comparison impressions but this was with the Fan 3 in the ON position. Unfortunately the BCD doesn't graph and won't show the real bass response. The squig in the review is the only one I could find that had both of these IEMs listed as the BrainDance is pretty new.
K
Kordonrules
Curious why you prefer 2 pin?
thaslaya
thaslaya
I just like the connection better. I personally feel that it's more sturdy as I've had MMCX IEMs in the past that wear out over time. Also, I have only 2 pin cables so it would be nice to try them with the BrainDance.

SuperChonk

Member of the Trade: Project Perfection
Formerly known as captainmuffins
Dunu DK3001BD
Pros: I love the finish. Its a breath of fresh air compared to glittery things.
Its tuning is also a rarity in 2024 making this a little more unique
Tons of accessories are provided.
Cons: Larger shell
Nozzle may be challenging for those with narrow ear canals
Dunu DK3001BD Review

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Unboxing​

The DK3001BD comes in a box with a textured white sleeve, the IEM name displayed prominently in the center. There are also Chinese characters, 超梦, which translate to "Super Dream" or "Brain Dance." This name reminds me of the "Brain Dance" in Cyberpunk 2077, where the main character enters a dream-like reality. I think this captures Dunu’s vision for the listening experience.

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Removing the sleeve reveals a bright orange box, and inside, the earphones are set securely in foam. The box includes a large white carrying case, mesh pouches for added protection, and additional jacks for Dunu’s interchangeable cable system. There’s also a polishing cloth.

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Dunu has packed in an impressive variety of eartips—five types, including their S&S eartips, Candy eartips, and balanced, atmospheric, and foam options.

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Build Quality​

The design of the DK3001BD has a futuristic, EVA-like look, which I find refreshing compared to the glittery finishes we've seen a lot of. It’s crafted from aluminum, but instead of the usual anodizing, it has a zirconium-ceramic coating, resulting in a unique matte finish.

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For connection, you can choose either MMCX or 2-Pin; mine is MMCX. This versatility lets you use a range of third-party cables. The DK3001BD features a tribrid driver setup: 1 Dynamic driver, 4 Balanced Armatures, and 4 Planar drivers. For those curious, the planar drivers are the micro-planar type, which look similar to balanced armatures but differ in sound production.

The cable shares a similar style with other Dunu models, like the Kima 2, with a fabric-covered section from the interchangeable bit to the splitter and a twisted section leading to the MMCX/2-Pin connectors. You get both 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks, and the cable itself is made by Furukawa, a renowned name in cable manufacturing.






Comfort​

The chassis is slightly on the larger side, but it fits me well. The nozzle is a bit wide, but typical eartips should still fit comfortably. The cable is easy to handle and doesn’t tangle, making the overall ergonomics good.






Sound​

The DK3001BD has a neutral tuning with elevated sub-bass, a rare configuration in 2024. Neutral tuning is tricky to get right since it leaves little room for added color to make the sound more interesting. This is where technical performance becomes essential, and Dunu has done a smart job of adding a bit of sub-bass to make the neutral sound a bit friendlier to more listeners.

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Bass​

The DK3001BD’s bass focuses on sub-bass but doesn’t neglect mid-bass, which tapers off quickly for a clean, high-resolution sound that avoids too much warmth. The sub-bass is quick, dynamic, and offers excellent resolution. You can hear its strength when the bass drops in Rosie & Bruno Mars' new song "APT," where it provides a rhythmic pulse without muddying the mids. Mid-bass also contributes to this clean and transparent experience.

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Midrange​

In a neutral tuning, vocals are usually perceived as more forward since our ears are more sensitive to midrange frequencies. The graph indeed shows a flat response with a slight lift at 3kHz, and the DK3001BD offers great detail, treating both male and female vocals evenly without highlighting one over the other. Instruments also sound crisp, enhancing positional accuracy.

Treble​

The treble is spacious and well-extended, striking a balance that prevents it from sounding harsh. Unlike many IEMs with elevated upper mids, which some might find shouty, the DK3001BD delivers a refined and smooth treble that gives clarity without overpowering other frequencies.

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Soundstage​

Width and Height. The thing with neutral style tunings is that when done right, it has the potential for greater width and height perception and the DK3001BD accomplishes just that

Depth and Positioning. Depth is largely aided by the fast and dynamic bass response which is great here. Positioning again, with the very refined treble performance aids in pin point positioning in the music mix.





Comparisons​

VS Simgot EM10
The Simgot EM10 is the counter point to the Dunu DK3001BD. Instead of the Neutral tuning of the Dunu, the Simgot is certainly coloured warm that will provide a deliciously lush vocal performance.

The great thing about the EM10 is that while warm it still has very good levels of resolution that rivals the DK3001BD but due to the warmth, it does not appear as apparent.

The DK3001BD is more obvious when it comes to technical prowess but the EM10 isn’t a slouch either.

Both these IEMS are vastly different. If you are craving a warmer listen then the EM10 will be the pick but if you want accuracy and resolution then then DK3001BD would be the best picks.

VS IO Audio Sogno
The IO Audio Sogno is the second IEM from IO Audio that impresses with the amount of accessories that it gives, even more impressive than the DK3001BD.

Sonically, it has a more familiar V-shaped with elevated upper mids that is powered with 2 DD + 6BA. Differences between the Sognio and the Dunu would be that the midrange, vocals to be a little more forward sounding by comparison.

Also I found resolution to be a little better on the Dunu.

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Pros & Cons​

Pros:

  • I love the finish. Its a breath of fresh air compared to glittery things.
  • Its tuning is also a rarity in 2024 making this a little more unique
  • Tons of accessories are provided.
Cons:

  • Larger shell
  • Nozzle may be challenging for those with narrow ear canals





Ratings​

  • Packaging: Excellent presentation with no unnecessary extras. Exceptional.
  • Build Quality: Well-crafted with a sleek zirconium-ceramic finish. A
  • Bass: Fast, dynamic, with high resolution. 8
  • Midrange: Balanced, detailed, and clear. 8
  • Treble: Airy with smooth, refined highs. 8.5
  • Resolution: Very resolving overall. 8
  • Soundstage: Excels in width, height, and positioning. 8
  • Enjoyment Factor: The DK3001BD’s unique tuning makes it a breath of fresh air, appealing to seasoned listeners. Very close to an S rating but deserves an A+.




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Conclusion​

The DK3001BD brings something fresh to the IEM market with its mature, neutral tuning and high technical performance. If you’re interested in a unique sound signature, this one is worth checking out.
SuperChonk
SuperChonk
Yes, those smaller balanced armature shaped like planars.

They are also pretty efficient and can be driven quite easily.
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D
drspeter
great review! Indeed, that nozzle looks very thick but great to see that penon liqueur tips work with the nozzle. Do you mind giving a bit of extra comparison with more expensive sets that you reviewed? Do you feel the gap between BD and higher priced units in terms of detail retrieval?
domq422
domq422
Ted back at it again with the BANGER reviews and STUNNING pics… the man can’t be stopped 🤝
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