Dunu DM-480

Disclaimer: I purchased the DM-480 with my own money. This review is based on my subjective opinion. I'm no spring chicken so I can't hear much above 17khz, and I like bassy, fun sound. Your milage may vary, as may your tastes.

I fell in love with the Dunu DK-2001 for being one of the best sounding mid-fi IEMs on the market. I ordered the DM-480 curious to explore the Dunu line and see how it would stack up against an offering ~5x it's price.

I'd never heard of an isobaric push configuration before. Both drivers are enclosed in a single unit, and fire together to reduce the air pressure and improve the speed and control of the driver. The 8mm unit pumps out a lot of sound for it's size.



Build quality and ergonomics
The housing for the DM-480 is pretty small too. It's not quite lozenge of the DK-2001, instead featuring a more traditional 3d-printed shape with a fin to provide a little stability in the ear. They fit comfortably for hours on end.

At $60, it's no surprise that the cable included isn't anything to write home about. It's a little silver-looking thing with a smooth plastic sheathing. On the plus side, it's supple and tangle free without microphonics. On the downside, it's thin enough that it adds a bit of resistance to the IEMs. Normally I'm not one to think of cable affecting sound much, but after @Dsnuts suggested it, I tried rolling to a thicker cable with a lower impedance, and it actually made a small difference in the sound, particularly in the mids. Color me surprised!

Sound
The DM-480 features an unusually linear rise from the lower mids that continues all the way through to the sub-bass. It presents with weight and rumble, but lacking a distinct mid-bass hump, it doesn't bloat as much as most basshead IEMs this cheap. The tuning is bass forward, but not completely dominated by the low end like the Polaris II.

Drums have good amount of impact and slam. It's also worth noting that the bass is well controlled for the price - virtually no distortion at my preferred (low) listening levels. Normally when I listen to bass-heavy tracks on an IEM of this price I encounter some mixture of distortion, weak dynamics, or lack of texture; on the DM-480, all of these fared reasonably well.

The midrange is clear, but slightly distant - particularly with the stock cable. I generally like a bit more presence in the midrange. On a few albums, I felt like the weakest response point in the mids lined up closely with some male vocalists leading to instruments stealing the show from lyrics. Switching from the stock cable to a thicker cable with lower impedance helped give the midrange more presence.

The high end has some energy and sparkle to it. I occasionally found this a little fatiguing or sibilant on some tracks, but for the most part it did a great job of adding energy to pop and EDM. The finer details in the treble don't resolve clearly - cymbals lack the subtlety of a proper shimmer, but no bad for the price.

The DM-480 has fairly narrow staging and with everything presenting relatively close to the listener. They do have decent layering with each instrument rendered with enough space that I can still pick them out in reasonably well-mastered music.

Comparing to...
...the Dunu DK-2001
At roughly 5x the cost, the DM-480's bigger brother the DK-2001 brings a lot of refinement to the table. Every time I switched to the DK-2001 after a while listening to the DM-480 it was an obvious jump up in soundstage, clarity, and detail.

Both of the Dunu offerings being compared have a good low end featuring bass without bloating over the midrange. The DM-480 isn't quite as fast or controlled as the DK-2001 but they both bring a decent weight to music. The DM-480 is less reserved and pushes the low end forward more than the DK-2001.

The mids and treble is where the DK-2001 really outshines the DM-480, bringing resolution and refinement normally associated with much higher end headphones. The DM-480 can't really compete with this kind of detail and speed in the upper end. In particular, the DK-2001 excels at natural sounding vocals while they are occasionally a little distant on the DM-480, depending on the singer and album. This accuracy does come at the cost of richness - if you prefer a thicker, slightly less airy presentation the cheaper sibling is your best bet.

The DK-2001 has a very open design that offers minimal isolation. This open, vented design gives it a lot of transparency and a wider soundstage, but at the cost of requiring a moderately quiet listening environment. The DM-480 on the other hand does a much better job of isolating the listener, although at the expense of a narrower, shallower soundstage.

Obviously, the stock cable on each is no competition whatsoever. The DM-480 ships with a serviceable but not-great cable. The DK-2001 ships with such an ergonomic and generally lovely cable, that I purchased a second one for use with my Polaris II, and am considering getting more of their cables for my other IEMs.

The DM-480 isn't as efficient as its more expensive kin (20Ω for the DM-480 vs 13Ω for the DK-2001). This earphone sounds better with the volume knob a little higher and a little more current driving it. This isn't to say that it's a particularly hard to drive IEM (I was able to power it easily with a bluetooth dongles like the Radsone Earstudio or the Fiio BTR5), but it does scale up a bit when powered by something a little more robust. One advantage to the decreased sensitivity on the DM-480 is a lack of hiss that plagues so many more sensitive IEMs, particularly those with balanced armatures like the DK-2001.

Between the two, I obviously prefer the DK-2001 if I'm in a quiet listening environment although the DM-480 might edge it out when I'm walking outside. In that case I prefer the cheaper carry and the increase in isolation the DM-480 provides. It's not like the nuanced detail of a really nice earphone can pierce through the din of the outside world anyway.

That being said, at 5x the price, I've got to hand it to the DM-480 for being a totally decent budget basshead IEM and a better value. It's a no-brainer between the two for anyone not looking to spend $300 on an earphone. This goes double if you're just going to plug into your phone and not a midrange DAP or some fancy DAC/AMP combo to get the best out of the DK-2001.

...the Fragrant Zither Galaxy T2
One of the few IEMs I have priced roughly the same as the DM-480, the T2 has more treble extension, and generally more detailed upper mids and treble. Where the T2 falls short is in the lower end, with less speed and precision when rendering deep basslines. The DM-480 is warmer than the T2, with a richer timbre in the mids, although perhaps a bit less transparent than the T2. My musical tastes generally lean more to the Dunu than the TFZ offering. Trebleheads on the other hand will prefer the T2s presentation to the DM-480.

...the Blon BL-03
The BL-03 are a great earphone for their ~$30 price. Ergonomics and their unusable cable aside, they have a really pleasant tone and timbre across their range, and can render details competing with IEMs 5-10x their cost.

The DM-480 handles sub-bass better than the BL-03, but the Blon wins when it comes to the detail in the mids and treble. In terms of tonal balance, I suspect it comes down to preference of if the listener wants their bass/lower mids or mids/treble to have more richness and detail.

Although I'm not super impressed with the DM-480 stock cable, it's at least usable. The Blon on the other hand, ships with a cable unusable in the human ear, with a fitted curve that wraps around a good 60-80 degrees further than it should. Cable rolling on the Dunu is nice, but it's flat out necessary on the Blon, which eats into any price advantage the Blon might have had.

Final thoughts
All in all, I'm impressed. Sure, I have 'better' headphones, but the DM-480 is really nice to listen to, and sounds better than many other basshead choices of a similar price. It's certainly going in the rotation of IEMs I use when out and about. If your budget tops out in the $75 range and you like bassy headphones, consider the DM-480 to be a really nice contender in the space. If you don't like bassy headphones, look elsewhere: the DM-480 won't be your cup of tea.

Appendix: Selected listening notes
In addition to my normal headphone tester playlist, I also listened to a few albums with the DM-480.
In The Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson - I was actually surprised by the clarity and dynamic range the DM-480 was able to render on this classic album. The recording captures a lot of dynamics for being from 1969, and these IEMs presented them with impact while still sounding good for the quieter passages, flutes, etc.

The New Abnormal by the Strokes - Julian Casablancas' vocals clash with the weakest frequencies on the DM480 and sound slightly distant for my tastes. Re-listening after switching to the thicker cable helped bring the vocals closer. The percussion work shines with the linear bass rendition, and the guitars and high hats have a fun energy. Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus is a good torture test for treble attack/decay - admirable performance for a dynamic driver, but falls behind hybrids with balanced armatures or electrostatic drivers.

The King of Limbs & In Rainbows by Radiohead - this is another case where vocals and the DM-480's midrange intersect to make Thom York sound a little distant. I did a lot of a/b testing against the DK-2001 on these albums, and while DM-480 sounds respectable on its own, compared directly, the vocals are a lot more front and center on the DK-2001 with lots of detail and clarity.

Random Access Memories by Daft Punk - The drums and electronic basslines that interweave through this album had appropriate weight, with a surprisingly textured presentation. The intro to Giorgio by Moroder is one of my standard test tracks for staging; the DM480 faired poorly, presenting Mr. Giorgio and the cafe sounds together, rather than placing him across the table, with the cafe surrounding.

WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? by Billie Eilish - The DM-480 does really well on this album. Billie's vocals (and the production work by Finneas) avoid the vocals problems a few other albums had. All the electronic basslines have excellent presence and impact, particularly for the price.

B.P. Empire by Infected Mushroom - The DM-480 provided both sparkle and slam for this early-2000's EDM. Getting the right weight for some of the deepest bass (Unbalanced and B.P. Empire) required a slightly higher listening volume than I personally prefer, but nothing dangerous. Dancing with the Kadafi's non-electronic instruments felt very smooth and natural, and had good layering on top of the bassline.

Fellowship of the Ring by Howard Shore (and others) - I've been watching through the Lord of the Rings movies in the last week while I work. I used the DM-480 for the first one, the DK-2001 for The Two Towers, and swapped out for the Andromeda Gold for Return of the King. The DM-480 makes for a decent choice for multimedia - the rumbly low end made the battle sequences exciting, while still allowing the orchestral soundtrack to shine through. Some of the horns in particular felt wonderfully rich and present. For the most part, dialog was clear. If money is no object, I'd prefer the DK-2001 for general home theater use, over even the Andromeda for being a little too analytical.

DUNU DM480 Review



SOUND: 6.5/10
CONSTRUCTION&DESIGN: 9/10
PACKAGING&ACCESSORIES: 8.5/10
VALUE: 6.5/10

DUNU is a well know Chinese audio company that has been around for more than 25 years, they have created incredible earphones in the past and begin a serious come back lately with DK series, which I review the DK-2001, an excellent hybrid earphones with lush laid back sound.

Today I will review their new entry-level earphones, the DM-480.

These budget-minded earphones use ”dual-push isobaric titanium dual 8mm drivers” and promises enhanced responsiveness and dynamic. They work together in tandem to offer a fuller sound with improved bass response. All of this is the theoretical promise, now let’s see in this review if the DM-480 offer good technicality and balanced tonality and worth your attention as a SUB-100$ contender.

Priced at 70$, the DM-480 enter the hardest battleground where benefit return in term of sound value is the highest. This explains why I can look very severe in the following review.

You can buy the DUNU DM-480 directly from their official Ali Express STORE.

SPECS

Model: DM-480 Color: Red & Grey
Driver: 8 mm Titanium diaphragms dynamic driver *2
Impedance: 20Ω T H D：<0.5% at 1kHz
Frequency Respond: 20Hz-40kHz
Sensitivity: 105dB+/-2 at 1kHz
N. Weight: 7.8g
Housing: 3D Printed Shell Structure
Pin Connector: 0.78 2Pin Cable Length: 1.2m
Wire Material: High-Purity Silver-Plated Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC)

PACKAGING&ACCESSORIES





The product come in a big box, when you open it you see a beautiful carrying case and you’re happy. When you open the carrying case you see a good silver-plated cable, a cable clip, and a generous amount of 6 pairs of silicone ear tips, and again you’re happy. Nice presentation and accessories is always appreciated.

CONSTRUCTION&DESIGN









The construction is excellent, I’m a big fan of full resin body because of the smoothness and durability of the material and the DM-480 has this type of housing in an even smaller factor. The housing is about 2 times smaller than average universal customs, resin plastic is thick, smooth and super slippy, the 2pin connector is embedded in plastic and promise long durability. The nozzle is made of aluminum and solidly stuck into the housing. Universal custom shape is organically angular without any hard edge.




These offer supreme COMFORT, and due to small size, the DM-480 will fit any type of ears. They are among the most comfortable IEM I own, and I can even sleep with them without any discomfort. This housing is the exact same one used for the Alpha&Delta KS1 but with different color and backplate.

ISOLATION is excellent, the DM-480 do not have venting hole, so you have total passive noise canceling, if you use foam tips, this will act like earplugs. Sound leakage is mostly nonexistent.




DRIVEABILITY is rather easy, at 20ohm of impedance and 104db of sensitivity, these will not benefit from a portable amp, still, due to the bassy sound nature of DM-480, I suggest using a very clear audio source, even a cold analytical one like the Xduoo X20 help for sharper sound articulation. A good powerful DAP with clean sound will sound better than a phone and improve rather poor imaging of DM-480.

SOUND



The overall sound is forward V shape with extra emphasis in lower mid-bass and lower and mid-treble. Tonality is dry and warm until the treble section where it gains brightness. Technicalities are just average, macro-resolution is decent but micro-resolution is diffuse. Timbre is a little grainy and lacks transparency. The attack is energic but lacks a bit of snap.

SOUNDSTAGE has good wideness, but it isn’t tall nor deep. It’s very horizontal and frontal, lacking in holographic spatiality.

IMAGING is under average, more there instruments more it became congested and difficult to spot the instrument. Instrument separation lack space too.

BASS has perhaps too much authority as it’s the more boosted part of the whole sound spectrum. Sub-bass is rather boomy, muffled in extension, making acoustic bass sound shouty and too present or synth-bass sound boxy. Bass isn’t very transparent, rather dry in texture and tonally unbalanced. Midbass impact is not edgy and quite mixed with the sub-bass, it lacks definition, separation, and well define impact. We have way more quantity than quality here and I must admit this kind of sloppy bass is a tuning murderer in its own right. Can’t really find anything positive to say about bass response….sorry not sorry.

MIDS are recessed and lower mids are veiled or crumped by bass bleed, tonality is a strange mix of bass warmth and brightish-dryish tonality. The bass do not really give proper body to instrument and vocal, suggesting a weak transient response between the 2 dynamic drivers. Mids attack is muffled by bass or congestion when there several instruments playing at the same time. It’s a very claustrophobic mid-range where everything sounds crushed together. With Pop or Soul or Rap, this can be bearable with female vocal, as their an upper mids-lower treble push that benefit female voice and make it more forward, but articulation is still lacking in definition and accuracy. The piano sounds hollow, but violin sound realist enough even if thin.

TREBLE has most of its energy in lower and mid highs and drops fastly in upper highs, which make the overall sound quite saturated and dry. This isn’t crisp sparkly highs at all, you do not have decay or natural resonance, neither lot of brilliance. It lacks air on top and the control is just average, cymbals sound dulled and unprecise, violin sound thin and lack bite, percussions can get lost in the mix and instrument like clavichord or harp sound like it was played with a mitten.

COMPARISONS

VS KBEAR DIAMOND (70$)

The DUNU is brighter and more energic sounding than the DIAMOND, but this isn’t good news. SOUNDSTAGE is smaller and lack the airy feel of DIAMOND, making IMAGING too intimate in separation proximity, as well, layering isn’t particularly transparent. BASS is slightly faster and more punchy than DIAMOND but more boomy and grainy too, lacking again in natural extension wich Diamond does better. MIDS is notably more bright and aggressive and sounds more artificial than smoother DIAMOND. TREBLE is again harsher, more shouty and less delicate and airy than DIAMOND. It digs more micro-details but throw it at you in an unrefined way.

All in all, DIAMOND sound from another league here, offering better tonal balance, technicalities and more natural timbre as well as vaster soundstage.

VS KBEAR KB04 (30$)

The DM-480 is a dual dynamic earphone with a small universal custom shell that is way more comfortable than KB04. The cable included is of better quality too, but at 2 times the price of KB04, it is to be expected.

SOUNDSTAGE is again wider and more out of your head with DM-480 but about the same tallness and less deep. IMAGING is less precise with the DM-480, but layering is more transparent. BASS is more boosted with the DM-480, but it has less sub extension and is less thick than KB04 which has more balanced and controlled bass making the DM480 more V shape and boomy. MIDS is more recessed with DM-480 but has a wider presentation and more transparency, making tonality slightly more natural for vocal which is warmer and less clear than KB04. TREBLE is richer, faster, and more detailed with the KB04, it’s crisper and more snappy too, the DM-480 has crunchy highs wich fastly roll off and lack air and minimal sparkle of KB04.

The overall tonality of DM-480 is darker and bassier with a less balanced V shape signature and inferior technicality and tonality, which makes the KB04 sound like a 70$ IEM and the DM-480 a 30$ IEM.

VS ALPHA&DELTA KS1 (40$)

These 2 are both similar in look and in sound and use as well similar dual dynamic drivers. No surprise that the sound is quite similar in timbre and in tonality. SOUNDSTAGE is slightly deeper and clearer with the DM-480, which offers more space for instrument separation. BASS is more sloppy in sub and less controlled with the KS1, both are very boosted in this lower region but the DM-480 is faster and tighter in the attack. MIDS are both recessed, but the DM-480 has more upper mids push and is clearer in definition and faster in the attack, still, both have warm mids, though the DM-480 feel slightly more transparent and less intimate. TREBLE is sharper and digs more micro-details with the DM-480, highs are more snappy and well define which gives a higher sense of clarity than darker KS1.
All in all, the DM-480 feel like an upgraded KS1, especially in term of bass control and imaging sharpness.

CONCLUSION



I feel cruel writing this review, but when I dislike an earphone I’m just impartially grumpy about it and the DM-480 is a messy sounding earphone. It’s not even basshead quality but overall technicalities are affected by bass as if it was one. If this invasive bass was juicy and well-articulated I would accept the V shape tuning but alas this isn’t the case, the bass is just plain unpleasant and overly affect tonal balance.

While the construction is great, the comfort and isolation excellent, the Dunu DM-480 sound isn’t on par with its price range and Dunu will have to accept the new hard reality of Chi-Fi craze where the price value is more about high sound performance than generous amount of accessories.

(For more honest reviews you can give a read to my Audio BLOG)

This is my first contact with the Dunu brand and it started with opening an oversized box. Inside of it, I found a very nice looking carrying case, set of ear tips, detachable cable, and earphones themselves.

BUILD AND FIT

Earphones are made out of plastic, they are light but feel solid. Provided cable is smooth to the touch and doesn’t tangle easily – points for that. Looks is subjective of course but I liked the mix of black and white used here.

I’m not particularly fond of this whole cable around the ear thing. That said I didn’t really have any trouble securing a good fit with DM-480. Their size is average and I don’t think anybody should have a problem with it. Lightweight build definitely helps and once fitted properly they don’t tend to fall out.

Just before proceeding, I’ll say that most of the testing was conducted with Dragonfly Black and great Lusya Fever DAC as a source. But HIDIZS Sonata HD also proved more than capable to drive them properly.



SOUND QUALITY

DM-480 offers well balanced and smooth sound signature. Starting with the frequency response, it is slightly V-shaped. Lower midrange takes a step back, while bass notes and upper midrange run the show. Luckily, Dunu took a fairly mild approach to such tuning. That means bass notes are not overwhelming. There’s quite a weight and heft to them, but those are married with good control and precision. Going higher, we get a very clean and smooth sounding midrange. Tuning is done with care here so that upper registers don’t overtake the show too obviously. Even though there isn’t much fullness and body to the vocals due to the lower midrange dip, the higher range is not overcooked either. That’s why DM-480 never sounds too bright or edgy. What they do sound like is spacious and smooth.

Talking about the soundstage of an IEM is always tricky. But within the form factor limitations, these do impress with a spacious and uncluttered presentation. Changing from slow Jazz, through upbeat POP and finally some old 70’s Rock tracks… Not once I felt them to sound muddy and cramped. What’s even more interesting, I never felt them to be harsh or edgy neither. This model carefully walks a line between sounding clear but not overly analytical, a line between sounding open but not too bright nor thin.

Few things are holding me from giving absolute recommendation to DM-480. The first one would be a slight lack of body and weight to vocals. The same goes for other instruments that occupy a similar frequency range. The second one would be that some competitors offer even more extension and air up top.



COMPARISONS
Similarly priced Tin Audio T3 is brighter and more analytical sounding. It offers more airiness and atmosphere but at a cost. The cost is that it sounds thin and overly sharp. Sibilance is commonplace and bass leaves a lot to be desired. DM-480 is simply nicer to my ears and more fun to listen to.

One of those rare models that I could call more accomplished is Moondrop Starfield. It offers fuller vocals and midrange overall, while at the same time revealing more in the highest frequencies, creating more atmosphere and air. The soundstage on DM-480 seems more spacious and less cluttered though. Personally, I prefer Starfield but I wouldn’t blame anyone for choosing differently.

CONCLUSION
I can definitely say that my first contact with Dunu went well. DM-480 provides a detailed yet smooth and fun sound. It’s also easy to drive and comes with a decent cable for a change. A lot to like here and not that much to dislike. If you’re on the market for a decent IEM, you don’t mind slightly V-shaped sound signature but you don’t appreciate edginess and harshness… Dunu DM-480 is definitely worth considering.


Official page – https://www.dunu-topsound.com/dm-480

This and other reviews at - https://iiwireviews.com/

Video:

The Dunu DM-480 is an in-ear monitor utilizing a coaxial dual dynamic driver module with two 8 mm titanium diaphragms per housing. The DM-480 retails for $69. I received the DM-480 directly from Dunu in exchange for a fair and objective review.
This review can also be viewed on my blog: Dunu DM-480 Review

SOURCES:
I have used the Dunu DM-480 with the following sources:

• JDS Labs The Element
• Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle

I have tested these headphones with local FLAC and Spotify Premium. Visit my last.fm page to get an idea of what I listen to.

PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES:

The Dunu DM-480 comes in a medium-sized black box with a grey slipcover. Inside the box, the IEMs are held in a foam mounting sheet. Underneath this sheet is a cavity containing a semi-rigid zippered cloth carry case. This case is embossed with the Dunu logo in raised black metal. The carry case contains the 2-pin cable, eartip selection, and a shirt clip. The DM-480 comes with two types of eartips. One set is translucent white silicone with a bulbous shape and a typically-sized nozzle opening (S, M, L), and the other is more squat, hemispheric dark grey silicone with a smaller nozzle opening (S, M, L). The package also includes a QC pass chit and a warranty claim sheet.

BUILD QUALITY / DESIGN:

The Dunu DM-480 sports compact 3D-printed resin driver housings with a pseudo-custom fit. The faceplates have a marbled pattern and are adorned with the Dunu logo in gold print. The inner faces of the housings have L/R indicators printed in white, along with text reading “dunu Dual Dynamic.” The nozzles are metal with metal mesh nozzle covers. The nozzles have a substantial lip for securing eartips. I did not have any issues with tips coming loose in my ears while using the DM-480. The housings do not appear to be vented in any way but there is no driver flex.
The DM-480 comes with a simple silver-plated oxygen-free copper cable. The cable uses a straight 3.5mm metal jack housing with a very fine ringed texture. The Y-split hardware is also metal and is marked with the Dunu logo and the unit serial number. The flush 2-pin connectors are marked with red and blue dots to indicate channel and polarity. The cable has a plastic chin-adjustment choker. The cable has pre-formed clear plastic ear-guides without memory wire. The cable is not tangle-prone or microphonic. There is rubber strain-relief above the 3.5mm jack.

COMFORT / FIT / ISOLATION:

The Dunu DM-480 is intended to be worn cable-up only. I found them to be extremely comfortable to wear for extended periods. Isolation was exceptional. Because the housings are unvented, I would sometimes need to adjust the DM-480 while inserted to release pressure in my ear canals and get an unmuffled sound.

MEASUREMENTS:

My measurements were conducted with a Dayton iMM-6 microphone using a vinyl tubing coupler and a calibrated USB sound interface. The headphones are driven using my Element, which has an output impedance of no more than 1 ohm. The measurements use a compensation file derived from relating my raw measurements to published measurements from Crinacle and Antdroid. The measurements are presented with 1/24th smoothing. The magnitude of the valley around 7k is a coupler artifact. There is a resonant peak around 8k. Measurements above 10k are not reliable.

SOUND:
Note: My impressions are based on use with the stock white eartips, which present more treble than the narrow-bore grey eartips.

The Dunu DM-480 has a V-shaped sound signature.
Like a number of other recent releases, the DM-480 adopts an elevated sub-bass “shelf” with a gradual dip through the mid-bass into the lower mids instead of a mid-bass hump. In general, this tuning choice is one of the better recent trends in IEMs, but in this case, there is a bit too much bass overall. Sub-bass extension is very good but the sheer amount of rumble and slam is a little distracting. The bass is well articulated and textured but not hyper resolving or lightning fast.
Despite the absence of a mid-bass hump, there is substantial mid-bass bleed into the lower midrange. Kick drums, chugged riffs, and growled male vocals are all given similar prominence, and when focusing on one it is easy to lose track of the others. Instruments in the lower midrange have good body. Male vocal intelligibility is okay but male vocals sometimes seem to be fighting the underlying instrumentation for attention. Female vocals are a bit more forward than male vocals and have better intelligibility. Harsh male vocals are conveyed with satisfying grit but are a bit dry. Female vocals can be sibilant. The DM-480 does exhibit the dry timbre common to other titanium diaphragm dynamic driver IEMs I’ve heard. There is a good amount of presence.
There is a painful amount of lower treble. Detail retrieval is good but does not justify the amount of lower treble. Air is limited. Treble transients are splashy and slightly diffuse. The soundstage is surprisingly wide given the driver configuration and absence of vents. Layering and instrument separation is average and imaging is fuzzy, especially at higher volumes.

AMPLIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SOURCE PAIRING:
The Dunu DM-480 can be driven to comfortable listening volumes with a competent dongle. I did not notice hiss with either of my sources.

EQ:
The following EQ settings are intended to address the DM-480’s lower treble peak:



COMPARISONS:
Dunu DM-480 vs Shozy Form 1.1

The Shozy Form 1.1 is a hybrid in-ear monitor with a 9.2mm beryllium-coated diaphragm dynamic driver and a balanced armature on each side. The Form 1.1 has a small mid-bass hump as opposed to the DM-480’s elevated sub-bass shelf. The DM-480 has significantly more bass overall and sounds bloated in comparison. The Form 1.1 does exhibit sub-bass roll-off. The Form 1.1 has faster, more textured, and better-articulated bass than the DM-480. The Form 1.1 has much less bass bleed into the lower midrange and sounds clearer overall. The Form 1.1 has a more restrained upper midrange and presents male and female vocals more evenly. Male vocals are smoother sounding on the Form 1.1. The DM-480 is more sibilant. The Form 1.1 is a brighter sounding IEM than the DM-480 but is also less harsh because its primary treble peak is in the mid-treble instead of the lower treble. The Form 1.1 has more sparkle. The two IEMs have similar amounts of air and similarly-sized soundstages. The Form 1.1 has better detail retrieval, imaging, instrument separation, and crisper transient delivery. The Form 1.1 has a more natural timbre. The DM-480 has better ergonomics and isolation.

Dunu DM-480 vs KB EAR Diamond

The KB EAR Diamond is an in-ear monitor with one diamond-like carbon-coated PET diaphragm dynamic driver per housing. The two IEMs have similar tunings in the bass and lower midrange, but the Diamond has much less mid-bass bleed and sounds much clearer. The Diamond has a more even upper midrange. The Diamond has smoother sounding treble with more air. In terms of technical performance, the Diamond is a step above the DM-480 is every respect. The DM-480 has better ergonomics and isolation.

CLOSING WORDS:

Dunu accomplished a number of neat technical feats with the DM-480, raising the bar for isolation and long-term comfort in a universal-fit dynamic driver IEM without compromising soundstage or introducing usability issues like driver flex. However, there is too much bass and the lower treble peak is painful to listen to. There are less fatiguing options around this price point with better technical performance.

Introduction

Hi everyone, this a review of the Dunu DM-480, a $70 IEM that utilizes an isobaric "dual-push" configuration with two 8 mm titanium dynamic drivers. Full disclaimer: I was sent the Dunu DM-480 as a review unit from Dunu themselves in exchange for my honest opinions. You can pick one up at their official Aliexpress store or from your standard ChiFi distributors such as Linsoul or HiFiGo.

The Dunu DM-480 is made from a 3D printed resin with an ergonomic shape. They fit my ears quite nicely. They are also fully sealed without a vent, leading to a vacuum-like fit that may be uncomfortable to some depending on the tips used. Due to being fully sealed, isolation is quite solid on the DM-480.

In terms of accessories, the Dunu DM-480 comes with a nice fabric case, a shirt clip, and 2 sets of S, M, L tips. The included cable is a simple 2-pin cable with little cable noise and very little cable memory, which is nice. For this review, I used the S tips. While I typically use the M tips, I found that they sealed too well, creating quite a strong vacuum effect, and actually seemed to stifle the bass response a bit. Small tips were more comfortable and had a cleaner bass presentation.




Sound

Overall Sound Signature
The Dunu DM-480 sounds like a balanced IEM that had a bass boost flip switched on. Other than that, the DM-480 is a fairly standard IEM that doesn't push any technical boundaries. This is an IEM for bassheads, for those who enjoy EDM-like genres while still wanting to maintain clarity in the rest of the spectrum.

Bass
The first thing I noticed when listening to the DM-480 is the sheer amount of bass quantity it has. There's a visceral amount of it. Subbass and mid-bass are large and in charge without any roll-off in the low end. It rumbles. The transition from mid to upper bass is a smoothed deescalation. Thus, the bass response in the DM-480 is quite well contained without much bleed to the mids. Bass impact is heavy-handed with a lot of impact and well-defined with a note decay that is rather quick. Tonally, the DM-480 a little dry and to be honest, a little one-dimensional. As mentioned before, I did find that the S sized tips helped open up the bass a bit, allowing for a better subbass response.

Mids
The lower mids are lightly elevated as the boosted bass settles down to a more balanced signature. This adds a slight sense of thickness to the overall tone of the DM-480. Otherwise, the mids are fairly standard in a good way. There is an appropriate amount of pinna compensation around the 2 kHz mark for a natural vocal presentation though they do sound slightly distant. Above that at around 3-4 kHz is a small dip that tames the aggressive bite of electric guitars. Once again, timbre is on the dry side, especially for stringed instruments. As a whole, the mids of the DM-480 is easy to listen to with no real flaws to speak of.

Treble
There's a small peak in the lower treble to give the DM-480 some energy for the attack of the hats/cymbals and chime-like instruments. Beyond that however the DM-480 starts to wind down as its mid and upper treble responses are quite tamed. Thus, you get more of a crisp initial impact for hats/cymbals but little in the way of shimmer and decay. The treble response of the DM-480 helps maintain an overall clarity to the sound but isn't particularly remarkable. I find that the tamed treble does suppress the sparkle or airiness to a certain extent in a number of tracks. On the up side, the DM-480 isn't ever sibilant for me.

Staging and Imaging
The Dunu DM-480 has a mediocre stage with an in-your-head feel for the most part. While height and depth are present, they are shallow and the width of the stage extends to your ears at most. That said, the DM-480 has solid imaging capabilities within that stage. There's quite a bit of nuance past the normal Left, Right, Center and the DM-480 does a commendable effort in attempting create a realistic image.

Resolution and Separation
Resolution is quite average for the price and doesn't strive past that. Separation is pretty good as the DM-480 doesn't feel congested and instruments have their own small pockets to play in for the most part. As a whole the DM-480's technical ability here is what I'd consider average for good budget IEMs.


Should you buy it?
To be honest, while it's not my first choice, the DM-480 is fundamentally a solid little IEM with no real flaws and a heavy bass boost. It's perhaps the only budget IEM I can think of that I can confidently recommend as a basshead IEMs as other budget IEMs either simply don't have the same amount of (sub)bass quantity or are horribly flawed in other respects. If you're someone who perpetually leaves the bass boost setting on your DAP on, the Dunu DM-480 would be for you. That said, the budget IEM market is hyper competitive and the Dunu DM-480 doesn't necessarily offer anything new or exciting. For $70, the DM-480 manages to stay competitive thanks a well managed basshead tuning with a great fit and solid set of accessories despite a middling overall sound quality. Personally, I think the Tin Audio T3 for the same price present a very challenging proposition to the DM-480. And if you can catch the Tin Audio T4 for $80 during a sale, well, those blow the DM-480 out of the water (tuning aside).

Greetings!

Today we're checking out one of Dunu's most recent releases, the DM-480.

Dunu is far from new to the audio world, having been an OEM/ODM prior to firing up their own earphone brand in 2006. Around the time I was jumping feet first into the hobby, they were delivering some pretty groundbreaking products like the Titan 1, 3, 5, and the DN-2000. The Titan 1 started my love affair with the brand and it still finds its way into my listening rotation today. It was also my first real step up from the hyper budget gear I spent most of my time with, and remains one of my favorite purchases to this day. The Titan 3 remains “the one that got away”. The pair that was sent over as part of a review tour in 2015 holds a special place in my history with iems, and probably helped to define my personal preferences.

The DM-480 is a completely different beast than the Titan models I love so much, but that's not a bad thing. Let's look at why the DM-480 is deserving of your attention.


What I Hear Bass on the DM-480 was a bit hit and miss for me at first; another reason to roll with foam tips. After posting some comments in the Head-fi forums about sub-bass roll off, Dunu PM'd me and reminded that the shell is fully sealed which can lead to pressure build up and a change in sound perception. Made sense given my observations were not lining up with the majority, nor their measurements. I suspect that for the first couple weeks of testing this is likely what I was experiencing. Initial thoughts were that the issue was simply volume; i.e. the DM-480 needed lots of it (80+dB) to “wake up” the low end. Turned out I was getting too good of a seal causing pressure build up and the resultant low end roll off. I didn't think anything of it because normally it is quite obvious and uncomfortable, particularly when removing the iem, plus I've listened to other iems using the same or very similar shells and this was never an issue. It never crossed my mind that this could be the problem. However, per Dunu's suggestion I pulled out some foam tips and they immediately resolved this issue.

Note that I always test with foam tips, though usually later in my test cycle. I would have figured this out on my own, but thankfully Dunu accelerated the process for me. Bass does indeed dig deep and has plenty of sub-bass presence. Not quite sub woofer-like, but still very deep. In addition, these dual dynamics display excellent texture and control with a reasonably linear move from sub to mid to upper bass. Mid-bass is lean and not particularly prominent, falling into the “just right” category for my listening preferences. It is punchy and quick with no bleed into the mids.

The DM-480's midrange is lean which isn't going to satisfy certain listeners. Detail is prominent with little warmth. The somewhat cool, dry presentation benefits male vocals greatly while female vocals come across more sterile than I prefer. While the midrange is quite linear from lower to middle, upper mids are peaked resulting in sibilant aspects of tracks standing out. On the plus side, sibilance isn't deposited into areas where it doesn't already exist. When it comes to timbre, the DM-480 isn't particularly accurate with instruments commonly sounding dry and on the artificial side. For the most part it's accurate enough to avoid being a distraction, but in the end it seems to work best with mainly electronic works.

Moving into the upper ranges, lower treble is elevated and somewhat harsh with silicone tips that use a stiffer material. I highly recommend buying some foam tips which really smooth out the DM-480's presentation, or silicone tips that use a softer material (Spinfit, Final E-Type, JVC wide bore, Sony hybrid, etc.). In general the DM-480's presentation is detailed with good control and only a hint of splashiness present. Upper treble is de-emphasized and continues that somewhat dry presentation heard in the mids, yet the DM-480 retains a satisfying amount of air and space between instruments and notes. I never found the presentation congested. Notes also hit with aggression and decay quickly resulting in a rapid, agile presentation.

When it comes to sound stage the DM-480 is pretty good. It does a nice job placing sounds just around your head space and occasionally fooled me into thinking there was someone calling for me, or at least in direct vicinity. Imaging is quite good with sound moving accurately from channel to channel, while layering and separation are also up to snuff. The DM-480 was a nice companion for gaming since I could easily track opponents as they moved around me.

Despite my initial misgiving with the low end, I was enjoying the DM-480. Fixing the low end issues only served to improve impressions further. This style of bass-focused, u-shaped tuning is technically competent and plenty entertaining, though the somewhat dry, lean note weight through the mids and treble might be a turn off for some.


Compared to a Peer

Shozy Hibiki Mk.2 (65.00 USD): The single dynamic Hibiki Mk.2 (just Hibiki from here on in) has a low end that competes well with the DM-480 in terms of performance and presentation, but falls a little short. Sub-bass extends nearly as well but doesn't have quite the presence of the Dunu. Notes hit with a little less urgency and linger a bit longer. Texture and detail are also just a half-step behind. The Hibiki isn't quite as linear with the midbass seeing a more aggressive lift giving it a thicker, warmer sound. This weightier presentation carries through into the mids, to their benefit. As a result the Hibiki's mids hold a similar emphasis (without the upper mid peak), but carry more presence thanks to the additional weight and warmth. This gives it an edge in female vocals, while I still prefer male vocals out of the DM-480. Timbre goes to the Hibiki which, while not perfect, is closer to accurate. Where the Dunu is somewhat dry and artificial, the Hibiki is a bit warm and plasticy. When it comes to treble the Hibiki has a more linear presentation with a similar upper treble roll off. Lower treble could use a hint more presence in my opinion, and as a result means the Hibiki falls behind in terms of raw detail. Sound stage is also slightly smaller in both width and depth, but they're both plenty capable of tossing sounds well off into the distance. Imaging performance is similarly good, with the Dunu shining a little brighter in terms of layering and separation, probably due to its leaner, lighter presentation.

These two definitely compete with their u-shaped signatures. The DM-480 is technically the more impressive model, though I find myself enjoying the Hibiki a little more because of the extra midrange note weight and more linear treble presentation. Tuning preference plays a big part when choosing between these two.

In terms of build the Hibiki is good, but the Dunu is better. Smaller, more ergonomic shells with notably improved fit and finish (see Hibiki face plates peeling off). I'll give the Hibiki's cable a win though. Ports on the Hibiki are recessed offering more protection from abuse. The sheath is a little stiffer, possibly thanks to the braided design, but it also seems to hold up better in cooler weather. No cable noise either. The inline mic will be a turn off for some though.

Tin HiFi T3 (69.99 USD): The hybrid T3 follows TinHifi's typical tuning of neutral-bright meaning when comparing low end quantity, the DM-480 is clearly the more bassy of the two. While the T3's extension is great for a T Series model, it falls short of the DM-480 and is incapable of providing the same level of physical feedback. Mid-bass quantity is actually quite similar though, with the DM-480 having a hint more texture and slightly better control, while the T3 provides a bit more kick. Mids on the T3 are notably more forward and similarly weighted, but with a better balance of upper and lower presence. As such, performances from any gender are represented more equally. While the T3 doesn't add sibilance to tracks in my experience, unlike the DM-480, it's also a lot less forgiving of existing sibilance and low quality or poorly mastered tracks. Where you can get away with mediocre files sounding good out of the DM-480, you'll want to avoid them with the T3. Part of that is the treble which is notably more extended on the T3. The brilliance region is rolled off on the DM-480, while there is a peak on the T3. I find this helps provide a larger sound stage and improve actual clarity over the DM-480, though treble sensitive users will certainly find the DM-480's presentation more to their liking. In addition to having a larger sound stage, the T3's imaging, layering, and separation are all improved over the DM-480.

These two are more complimentary than competition given they cater to very different audiences. If you enjoy a robust low end with thumping bass, you'll definitely prefer the DM-480. If you like to listen critically and prefer accuracy over entertainment, get the T3.

In terms of build, both are wonderfully constructed. The aluminum shells of the T3 do not fit nor isolate as well as the DM-480's 3D-printed shells, but they get the edge in terms of durability. The T3's cable is much flashier and more impressive with it's thick braids and attention grabbing gold and while colour scheme, though there is something satisfying in the DM-480's more simple, straightforward cable.

KB EAR Diamond (79.00 USD): Starting with the low end, the single dynamic Diamond is warmer and bassier with notably more mid-bass presence and similar sub-bass depth and grunt. This gives it a thicker, heavier sound, with a slower response to quick basslines. The DM-480's bass is more textured and detailed. DM-480's mids are notably more forward (upper particularly), more lean and cold, and to my ears better suited to male vocalists. Upper mids are more boosted and display mild sibilance which is not present in the Diamond. Diamond's timbre is more accurate with the DM-480 sounding somewhat metallic and artificial in comparison. DM-480 has more lower treble presence giving it a more detailed presentation, but the lack of upper treble just adds to the somewhat dry presentation. The Diamond has more upper treble presence and sparkle. Despite this, it doesn't do anything to reduce the sound stage edge of the DM-480 which sounds wider and deeper with added space between notes and instruments. Imaging is equally pleasing on them both, with the DM-480 having a negligible edge in in terms of layering and separation.

The DM-480 is more balanced and technically impressive, but gives up timbre quality and realism to the Diamond. These two qualities, in addition to a complete lack of sibilance, means the Diamond gets my vote.

In terms of build and comfort, the DM-480 is smaller, lighter, isolates better, is more comfortable, and has better fit and finish. Both look fantastic. The Diamond's cable is certainly the more premium of the two, however, and the two-pin setup KB EAR went with provides better protection from bends.


In The Ear The DM-480 is Dunu's first 3D-printed earphone, and they did a fantastic job selecting their shell. The printing quality easily rivals my benchmark, the FiiO FA1, in that you'd never know it was 3D-printed unless you were told. There are none of the usual tell-tale signs of the printing process and as such the housing is smooth and blemish free. The metal nozzles feel very securely attached and not like a weak point, while the abalone-like face plates are smoothly integrated. My only complaint about the build is the lack of support for the 2-pin connectors. Much like TFZ's usual implementation, the plug sitting flush with the receptacle is the only protection it gets from bends. As such, these are not an iem I feel comfortable tossing into a pocket without first being placed inside their protective case.

The cable is very similar to one of my old favorites (see Penon BS1 Experience and AKAudio Light T2), but not quite as plush, and more subject to stiffening in cold weather. Still, it looks great with its silver sheen shining through the clear sheath. It doesn't pack the same sort of wow factor as the multi-strand offerings you commonly see from other brands, like the cable included with the TinHiFi T3, but that's okay. This cable is lighter and arguably more comfortable, the metal hardware looks good (but with minimal strain relief) and shouldn't break, and you even get a chin cinch. This last feature is wonderful to have because some cable noise is present, and the cinch goes a long way to mitigating it. Overall and fairly standard cable, but one that is quite pleasant to use. Two thumbs up.

Wearing the DM-480 is a pleasure thanks to the ergonomic design, small size, and light weight. The custom-like shell is very similar to those we saw cropping up a few years ago with products like the Kinera H3, but is much smaller and more compact meaning this shell is compatible with a much wider variety of ear sizes and shapes. Keep in mind the shell is sealed though, so pressure build up is a risk. Sometimes it's uncomfortable, and sometimes it can effect the sound negatively (as I experienced). On the plus side, a sealed, highly ergonomic shell means isolation is excellent, well above average for your typical dynamic only earphone. These were a joy to use in noisy places like my local coffee shop, and would be a great companion for those who routinely find themselves in areas of high noise pollution.


In The Box As a packaging aficionado I've always appreciated Dunu's premium materials and the unboxing experience that went along with their products. While the DM-480's packaging is more befitting of the price tag, it still scratches my unboxing itch thanks to a simple, fuss-free disassembly experience.

On the front of the exterior sheath you see the DM-480 earpieces in both orange and black colour options. Potential buyers are also given a glimpse at the 2-pin system. Off to the side, somewhat hidden by bokeh, are the metal plug and y-split. Flip to the back and there are two paragraphs that tell you about the driver technology and manufacturing process for the 3D-printed earpieces, measurements highlighting the linear bass and mid-range response benefits of the “dual-push” dual dynamic setup, as well as a list of specs. Outside of the box being a little on the large side, this seems like a very retail-ready package since it does a great job of showing off and telling you about the product inside.

Slipping off the sheath you find yourself starting at a fairly standard matte black box with Dunu printed in silver foil being the only other item of note. Lifting off the lid reveals the two earpieces set within a large foam pad. Lift that out and you find a very high quality, Dunu-branded carrying case set within even more foam. Inside the case are the rest of the accessories. In all you get:

• DM-480 earphones
• 0.78mm 2-pin silver-plated OFC cable
• Clam shell carrying case
• White single flange silicone tips (s/m/l)
• Blue single flange silicone tips (s/m/l)
• Shift clip

Overall this is a nice accessory kit. The carrying case is compact but spacious enough inside to comfortably hold the earphones and spare tips. It is also made from premium looking and feeling materials. The included tips are very comfortable, especially the blue set. They seal well and are quite durable as I found out with the red version I got with my Titan 1 back in the day. The only thing missing is a set of foam tips, a bummer of an omission given Dunu's partnership with Comply, and with how well foam tips pair with the DM-480.

When it comes to the packaging, it does seem a bit wasteful. It could easily be about half the size and still get the job done. Knowledge Zenith did the same thing in 2018 with packaging for their AS10 and BA10 models; that being, they provide them in largely oversized packaging. With the later AS06 the packaging was identical, save for being just over half the size. Dunu could likely do the same down the road for the DM-480. Still, the materials Dunu used are recyclable so this is more of an observation than a complaint.

Final Thoughts Despite a rocky beginning, the DM-480 wormed it's way into my psyche and grew into a pretty kick arse little earphone. They've got a comfortable, ergonomic, highly isolating shell utilizing a common 0.78mm 2-pin system to satisfy cable rollers, a quality accessory kit, and a well-tuned sound with some impressive bass. I remiss the omission of foam tips which help counter potential issues caused by the sealed shell, and the upper treble is a bit dull for my preferences, but when those are someone's only major complaints, that's a pretty big win for a product that runs you only 70 bucks.

Thanks for reading and thanks to Dunu for the chance to check out the DM-480.

- B9

*If you enjoyed this review, visit The Contraptionist for more just like it.*

Disclaimer Thanks to Vivian with Dunu for reaching out to see if I would be interested in reviewing the DM-480, and for arranging a sample for the purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are my own subjective opinions and do not represent Dunu or any other entity. At the time of writing the DM-480 was retailing for 69 USD: https://www.dunu-topsound.com/dm-480 / https://www.aliexpress.com/store/5001057

Specifications

• Driver: 8mm, titanium-coated, isobaric dual-dynamic
• Impedance: 20ohms
• Sensitivity: 105 +/- 2dB @1kHz
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz
• THD: <0.5% @ 1kHz

Devices Used For Testing LG G6, LG Q70, XDuoo Link, Asus FX53V, TEAC HA-501, Periodic Audio Nickle, Shanling M0, Hifiman MegaMini

Some Test Tunes

Supertramp – Crime of the Century
Slipknot – Vol 3 (The Subliminal Verses)
Daft Punk – Random Access Memories
Aesop Rock – The Impossible Kid
King Crimson – Lark's Tongues in Aspic
King Crimson – Starless and Bible Black
Infected Mushroom – Legend of the Black Shawarma
The Prodigy – The Day is My Enemy
Steely Dan – The Royal Scam
Porcupine Tree – Stupid Dreams

Introduction

Dunu is a classic brand, which needs no introduction, as it is well known to all fans. Specializing in designing drivers and tuning them, on this occasion Dunu presents two IEMS in its new low-cost series, called DM. Within it, there are the DM-380 and the newest DM-480, product that I will comment in this review. This is a 8mm dynamic dual driver, with titanium diaphragm, mounted in a "dual-push" isobaric configuration. Both work in tandem, to reduce distortion, improve linearity and increase extension. For the manufacture of the capsule, Dunu has contracted an external company, which has created a capsule via high resolution 3D printing, offering an ergonomic and relatively small piece, which has been designed based on a multitude of human ear shapes, in order to best fit each of us. Finally, they have used the classic 0.78mm two-pin connection, attached to a high purity silver plated cable, totally oxygen free.
I will now break down, in more detail, the rest of the questions concerning this new model.



Disclaimer

First of all, I want to thank Vivian, from Dunu TopSound, for having the courtesy to choose me to write my humble opinion about this model DM-480.

Specifications

• Titanium-Coated)
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40 kHz
• Sensitivity: 105 ± 2 dB @ 1 kHz
• Impedance: 20 Ω
• Distortion Ratio: < 0.5% @ 1 kHz
• Jack connector: 3.5mm Audio, gold-plated.
• Cable length 1.2m
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm
• Weight: 7.8 g
• Capsule material: Bio-Compatible Photopolymer Resin

Packaging

The DM-480 come in a rectangular box, with dimensions 135x160x76mm. It is wrapped in a decorated cardboard, on the front of which there are realistic photos of the capsules, in their two colors, black and orange. You can also see the cable, the brand and model, as well as the Hi-Res Audio logo. On the back side there is a text with the characteristics of the model (English and Chinese), another realistic photo of the capsules, the frequency response graph, the specifications and a sticker with the seal of authenticity. After removing this cardboard sleeve, you can see a completely black box, with the letters DUNU inscribed in silver, in the middle of it. When the box is opened, the capsules are shown embedded in a large black foam mould. Under it, there is a dark, semi-rigid transport box. It has a zipper, its shape is oval and on its upper side is the brand logo, with black plastic letters. Its exterior is made of textile and its interior is velvety. On one side there is an elastic band and on the other side there is a half mesh bag. Also, on the box, there is a guarantee certificate and a card with QR codes, with links to Dunu's website and Facebook. The rest of the accessories are inside the transport box. In short, the complete content is:

• The two capsules.
• The transport box.
• Warranty certificate.
• Card with QR links.
• The cable.
• Three pairs of white silicone tips, sizes SxMxL.
• Three pairs of black silicone tips, with blue core, sizes SxMxL.
• One clip.

The packaging, of medium size, is worthy of a great brand. The number of accessories is more than correct, some foam tips are missing. But the carrying case is absolutely fantastic: many brands, even on more expensive models, are not able to present such a well-finished case, as the one coming this time.



Construction and Design

The capsules are made of biocompatible photopolymer resin. Their color is dark, but they are translucent, except on their external face, which simulates a pearly pattern. In the center of each face, the brand logo is inscribed, with silver letters. The 2-pin connection is superficial, molded in hard transparent plastic, and it comes out a couple of mm. You can see the inside of each capsule, observing the connection cables from the 2pin connector to the driver, located at the base of the nozzles. The rest of the cavity is empty. The drivers, in their outer packaging, are marked with the letters of the brand.

The shape of the capsules is a semi-custom type, of medium size. The weight is minimal.

The nozzles are metallic. At the outermost end, the ring has a diameter of 5.2mm, while in the middle, it is 4.5mm. There are metal grids to protect the holes. Near the base of each nozzle, there are some inscriptions in silver paint, where you can read "dunu Dual Dynamic" and the side of each channel.

The cable is covered with a transparent plastic, which allows you to see, on the inside, the silver-plated braided strands of cable, free of oxygen. The plug is 3.5mm, gold-plated. Its sheath is a small, thin metal cylinder. The dividing piece, with a larger diameter and manufactured in the same way, has white inscriptions of the brand logo and the serial number. The pin ring is made of one piece of hard, transparent plastic. The two-pin connectors have a square, translucent plastic cover. On one side there is a coloured dot, indicating the channel: red for the right side, blue for the left. The cable, in this area, has a semi-rigid and transparent covering, which gives it a shape over the ear.

The design is practically the same as another model I recently analyzed, the Auglamour T100. It seems that the manufacturer of the capsules is the same. In this case, the pearly pattern on the outside, seems more successful to me. Also the cable is of better quality.

Finally, the capsules are very light and relatively small in size.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

The capsules are quick to fit, very lightweight, and easily fixed. They allow a quite extensive tip-rolling, being able to use simple, double or triple tips, as well as foam tips. The degree of isolation will depend on the type of tips used, but with simple tips, it is already quite good.

Really, the ergonomic work done has paid off, producing comfort and a fairly high degree of satisfaction.



Sound

Profile

The Dunu DM-480 has a profile halfway between V and U, with a greater emphasis on the sub-bass area, than on the high area. But these are not purely bass IEMS, despite the remarkable level of sub-bass.



Bass

As I indicated in the profile description, the sub-bass is the star of the show, not only for emphasis, but also for its quality. The predominant note, is the control it offers in the area: despite the power it has, the deepest part is very well contained, with no leakage into the mid bass, much less into the midrange. The linearity of the sub-bass extends towards the middle of the range, to gently fall towards the mids. This characteristic releases the typical pressure, which generates the elevation of the central bass and moves its profile away from the typical V or a more bass profile. In this way, the concentration of energy in the more abyssal area results in a cleaner sound, as well as a wider acceptance, since the bass is not perceived as violent. But it also doesn't lose all its viscerality, something that can be noticed in those songs where the sub-bass is very present (as for example in the song "Three" from "Massive Attack").

The texture is not very complex, but it has a pleasant roughness and its beat is dry, fast, defined, has good efficiency and remarkable power. The recreation of the sound planes in this area is acceptable and improves the deeper they are. The level of resolution is according to its price range, without standing out in this technicality more than in the control, where it is revealed more remarkable.



Mids

The tendency of its U-profile and the cleanliness of its sound in the central area, clears up the voices, tuning them and simplifying them. Its body is not very dense, but rather light, subtracting exuberance and fullness. The advantage, is the absence of darkness and the high appreciation of width that shows the midrange. The voices enjoy a light, which prevails over their backward position, compensating for this situation. Its texture is fine, smooth and soft, without reaching the point of velvet or the most liquid silk. Rather, his proposal is realistic and not forced. The expressiveness is not too high and its face does not possess the emotion that the sub-bass does. But, on the other hand, its sonority is quite permissive with many genres. This virtue is linked to the sensation produced by mid-range instrumentation, since it is never intrusive, nor obtuse, because it enjoys that great openness and amount of air. The descriptive capacity, however, still presents a medium level, without offering a very high refinement, but maintaining a good level of detail and definition.

The midrange has a recessed presentation, preventing the perception of the resolution level from being higher. This fact can invite to increase the volume, with the excuse of wanting to appreciate better its virtues. However, this is not always a recommended action, since the natural emphasis that the high zone of the mids has, becomes rougher and more crispy.



Treble

The good extension of the high zone, favors that all the sound is shown with a great sensation of air and separation. The feeling of clarity and cleanliness, which persists in all ranges, could not be less in the high zone. But here, too, the DM-480 exhibits control, despite the amount of energy offered at the beginning of the range. This contributes to a fairly crisp, sharp and fast start, with thin flashes, but no drilling, as they are rounded off at the end, when the volume is right. The definition is not excessive, but the fun factor and the vivacity of the treble is maintained, thanks to the dynamics of the segment, which is able to offer a good dose of speed, thus highlighting details and nuances with ease.

After the initial phase, the DM-480 softens the range, in order to avoid sibilance and a more marked and hard V sound, but without losing the extension, which offers air and sparkle in the higher notes.



Soundstage, Separation

The scene is described wide and with good depth, something that is favoured by the U-shaped profile of these Dunu. The certain distance from the mids and the immediacy of the highs, draw a semi-circular stage, but without too much height. The separation is above average, reinforced by the clean and clear sound. However, it is true that the most vivid and marked representation of the high zone has a tendency to agglutinate the notes, melting or, rather, relatively veiling the micro detail. It is, in this aspect, when a point of definition is lost, or where these economical Dunu (it is worth remembering), suffer from a higher resolution, more reserved to more expensive models.



Comparisons

Auglamour T100

The Dunu DM-480 and the Auglamour T100 have many similarities and some controversy. It was clear, then, what the first comparison was going to be.

The similarities begin with the capsules, which appear to have been manufactured by the same external company. There's even talk in some forums that they share a driver, which Dunu herself denied. The reality is that the T100's driver is made of graphene and the DM-480's driver is coated with titanium, both of which are dual. From here, the similarities can be seen, also, in the frequency response, being quite similar, from 1500Hz onwards. However, up to that point, the sound differences are clear and palpable. And they become fully apparent after listening to them.

The first impression, and despite what the numbers say, is that the T100 moves a little more easily than the DM-480. The second, and this is devastating, is the size of the lower zone: in the T100, the bass is much wider and more extensive towards the mid zone, than in the Dunu. And this is demonstrated in the sound, the power that describes the T100, in the lower range, makes it a bassist IEMS, with a darker and warmer tone. While the Dunu is perceived as much cleaner and clearer, in this first part of the sound spectrum. And this is something you can feel at all times, and it's totally evident in the voices. In the T100, they are impregnated with that darker colour, feeling closer, but also thicker, less defined, more blurred and muddy, comparatively speaking. The DM-480 offers the cleanliness and luminosity that characterizes it, moving it away from the earthier and denser sound of the T100. But this isn't just something that reaches the midrange, the early highs also feel much more liberated and descriptive in the Dunu, sounding fuller and more defined. Whereas, in the T100, they are perceived as duller, blunt and backward, less present, less extensive and fainter. It is clear, then, that the level of detail and resolution is more limited in the T100 than in the DM-480, which proves to be more revealing in many ways, moving away from the less refined sound of the Auglamour.

In a similar sense, the recreation of the scene is expressed: the greater amount of light, which the Dunu offer, opens up the image to a higher level, showing itself to be more extensive, wider and deeper. Meanwhile, the T100, are perceived more dull, closed and narrow. At the same time, the separation suffers the same path in both IEMS: of course, there is more air in the DM-480, as well as a higher level of detail and better technical capabilities, to reconstruct the image with greater precision.



NS Audio NS3 Bass Enhanced Version

One of the best proposals I had the pleasure to try last year, was the NS Audio NS3. Its profile is not the classic one, but it is quite balanced, with a certain mid-centric tendency and quite soft highs. In the sound comparison, you can see big differences, starting with the profile of each one. The DM-480s have more impact in the bass and, above all, in the sub-bass area. The NS3, despite being the Bass Enhanced version, has a very linear and balanced low zone. The texture of its bass is velvety and sweet, with a lot of nuance and descriptive capacity. The Dunu is a little more visceral and rough, less linear, more focused on the sub-bass. The lower zone of the NS3 sounds more complete and extensive, very round, smooth and tight, has a more beautiful bill. The Dunu offer a more imposing and somewhat rougher bass, but fast and compact.

The mid zone generates more differences. The U-shaped profile of the Dunu can be seen instantly and the greater distance from the central segment can be distinguished at a glance from that offered by the NS3. However, in the voices, the greater weight of the bass of the DM-480, generates more body in its lower zone and a certain warmth, which the NS3 does not have, flatter, balanced and cold, but also wider at the top, rich in texture and nuances. In short, the Dunu extends the voices into the low zone and the NS3 into the mids and high zone. There is more presence and neutrality in the instrumentation offered by the NS3, also more coldness. While in the Dunu, their presence remains in that second plane, enjoyable, but not so vivid or remarkable.

The treble sounds more present and marked in the Dunu, while on the NS3, it is softer, being perceived as more distant, less evident and more relaxed. The first highs are more excited in the DM-480, against a more refined, softened, harmonious, but also more sacrificed and less extensive feeling, offered by the NS3. Even so, the level of detail and ability to reveal nuances, is higher in these NS3, as they have greater resolution and definition, shaping the music more analytically. The Dunu's approach, in this sense, is more simplistic, but less complete.

The scene, in both IEMS, is wide and deep, but has more height in the NS3. Also, the stage is perceived as bigger, because it is able to generate more music in the central zone, as well as more details. There is also good separation in both, thanks to the good amount of air they have. But the greater analytical capacity of the NS3, reveals itself determinant to improve in this aspect.

In terms of weight, both are very light. It may seem that the wood gives a heavier character to the NS3, but this is not the case. The Dunu has a greater insertion capacity and allows more freedom when selecting tips. The NS3 offers a more superficial insertion and its body, a little more stubby, fits more closely to the ears. The cable is very similar in both, silver plated, with plugs very similar in size and shape. The NS3 has a 4-strand cable, which is somewhat thicker and more handy.

The packaging, careful in both, is superior in the Dunu, offering one of the best transport boxes in its price range. In the new version of the NS3, a round transport box has been included, while in the version I own, there is only a velvet bag.



Conclusion

Dunu renews its low range in search of universality, both in form and sound. The DM-480, presented in a great packaging, offers a U sound, very enjoyable and affordable, open, wide and shiny. The marking of both the sub-bass and the treble, although evident, does not polarize the sound and offers a distinctive, attractive and pleasant seal. This sub-bass is remarkable, both for its quality, and for its speed, definition and control. The treble is vivid and exciting, fun. The mids, despite their greater distance, are very clean and clear. The sound generated, is very open and well aired, is another of its strengths. Finally, the ergonomics, accessories and comfort round off a product that is very well cared for in all its aspects.



Sources Used During the Analysis

• Burson Audio Playmate
• JWD JWM-115
• ACMEE MF-01
• Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus

Ratings

• Construction and Design: 85
• Adjustment/Ergonomics: 80
• Accessories: 85
• Bass: 85
• Mids: 82
• Treble: 81
• Separation: 84
• Soundstage: 83
• Quality/Price: 88

Purchase Link

https://es.aliexpress.com/item/4000533268642.html

You can read the full review in Spanish here:

https://hiendportable.com/2020/02/22/ikko-obsidian-oh10-review/

Introduction.
Dunu approached me and offered me a chance to review their new DM-480, a dual 8mm dynamic in-ear with a removable cable. They retail for around 63 euro's and come in two colours. It's been a while since I reviewed some gear, so this was a nice opportunity to return to the game.


Disclamer:
Dunu offered me these IEMs without any charge, however all opinions are my own.
Burn in: 24 hours on the cooker before listening.
Source: LG V30 & Dragonfly Red + Spotify premium / Youtube
My acknowledged bias derives from my music preference (Indie/alternative/rock), my preferred sound signature (neutral with a touch of subbass) and previous audio gear (see profile).

Review:

Specifications:
Cable length:1.2m
Frequency Range: 20Hz-40kHz
Impedance: 20ohm
Pin connector: 0.78 2 pin.
Housing: 3D printed shell structure (around the ear).


Package:
Nice cardboard package containing two sets of 3 different size tips. White silicon tips which are more olive shaped and more traditional blue top silicon tips.






Build, design and fit:
The DM-480s look and feel great. I received the orange coloured ones, or 'Twilight Crimson' as Dunu calls them. The shell feels solid, looks sleek and I've got no indication of them breaking down anytime soon. They survived three weeks being tossed and dragged around through some backpack across Asia. The supplied cable likewise feels and looks top-notch. When first connecting the cable I was a bit sceptical about the seal, however the connection is solid and reliable.

The fit was a bit of a puzzle for me, I haven't used many around the ear headphones and I find the sound quite tip dependent. Without a proper seal they lose a lot of bass and the sound consists mostly out just treble. Usually the M size tips give me the best seal, this time however I had to use the L size of the white tips. The isolation is quite good when you’ve found your seal.





Sound:
The sound signature strikes me as a quite hefty U-shape. I'm not a huge fan of the U-shape since guitars and piano lose body. I found myself turning up the volume in order to hear the middle frequencies.
Partly due to the U-shape the sound is airy and clear. The soundstage struck me as quite wide. The biggest surprise of all was the excellent instrument separation and position. Guitars, sound effects, whatever you might throw at it, the DM-480 finds a place for it. This is especially apparent in electronical music. “Ben Böhmer's - Ground Control”, makes you feel you’re right in the action. When switching between the LZ A4 and the Dunu DM-480, the latter has a bit of a metallic sound to them at first. After a few minutes of listening, it’s not that apparent anymore.


Treble:
Clear and quite natural while maintaining excellent resolution and detail. The high-hats, crashes and cymbals in “Foals - 10,000 feet” sound accurate and lively. No hints of sibilance here. The clear treble also complements the toms and guitars with great detailing and musicality. My only gripe is that the treble is too prominent for my liking. When the drummer goes banana's, the other instruments get run over. As a consequence, I catch myself turning up the volume in order to hear the other instruments, which only makes cymbals even more aggressive. This is likely due to the U-shaped sound signature, which is not particularly my preference. So do take notice if you are not used to U-shaped IEMs like me.



Mids:
Like the treble, natural and clear, but as mentioned before, lacking in volume. The keyboard in "London Grammar's - Hey Now” is missing the warmth that makes this version. Guitars miss their roar, piano's miss their hit. When there are no high frequencies playing in the song, the mids sound highly detailed with great resolution. Proving the DM-480 are technically very capable of producing some stunning audio, but are being let down by their U-shape tuning. On the other side, voices are reproduced and positioned clear and life-like. They are presented in such a manner that they take the centre spotlight while the other instruments seem dance around them. Unfortunately, they too miss a little bit of body. In “The National – The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” the voice of the lead singer misses just a touch of depth and warmth.


Bass:
The real star of the show and right up my alley. Deep, extremely tight and pleasantly present. Look all you want, but you won't find a trace of bleed or bloat. The texture and resolution of the bass is incredible. Bass guitars can easily be distinguished and the kick-drum has its own place on the podium. The bass in “Bob Moses' - Heaven Only Knows” resonates with such an ease which makes me rewind the song solely for the bass. When listening to EDM, the lack of midrange is partly compensated for by the beautiful bass. There is a cleanness to this bass that makes it sound completely separated from the rest of the sound. I don’t know if this is due to the “Dual-push isobaric titanium driver” or that Dunu possesses some sort of witchcraft, but I love it. Unfortunately, nothing in life comes free, and the price for putting the sub-bass on pole position, is that the mid-bass has to deal with second place. The mid-bass is certainly there, but not as present as some might like. It’s enough to fuel the beat, but won’t blast out any windows. In the “CRi – Never Really Get There” the drop is much more imposing when listening to the more mid-bass gifted LZ A4. However, I’ll take Dunu’s bass implementation any day of the week, since the ‘seperated sub-bass subwoofer effect’ is highly addictive.


Compared to the LZ-A4 (Black tip, red rear; around $150):
The LZ A4 is more of a V-shape compared to the U-shape of the DM-480. The LZ shows quite a bit more midbass and midrange. Resolution and detail wise the DM-480 comes very close, which is impressive for a headphone which costs less than halve the price.


Conclusion:
The DM-480 is a very capable IEM with a 10/10 subbass bass, great details and resolution. While technically being very capable, the U-shape tuning is a bit of a let-down for me since it doesn't do guitars and piano's any favours. I wished DUNU produced a more balanced version of the DM-480, which might quite be a show with these drivers.

This is all just my opinion, even though it seems like I have stated is as a fact at times. It just reads easier.

Disclaimer #1:
I would like to thank DUNU for providing this unit for an objective review.

Disclaimer #2:
I tested the DUNU with stock tips and stock cable. Burn in of 24 hours was done prior to reviewing.








Specifications:
- Driver: 2 X 8mm Titanium Diaphragm Dynamic Drivers (coaxial with isobaric dual push configuration)
- Sensitivity: 105dB +/-2 at 1kHz
- Frequency response: 20Hz - 40kHz
- Impedence: 20Ω
- Cable: 2 pin detachable cable


Accessories:
In addition to the IEM, it comes with:
1) SPC cable -> the cable is on the thinner side, nil microphonics. Personally I would have preferred something thicker, but it is very usable OOTB. Chin slider is a bit loose and occasionally drops down the cable. I liked that it is a 2 pin set, which generally has better lifespan than the MMCX variants.

For non cable skeptics, after cable rolling about, I prefer a copper 8/16 core cable paired with the DUNU DM-480. To me, copper cables tame the treble a bit and increase the midbass thump to near basshead levels.

2) Semi rigid case -> quite good quality and sturdy. One of the better ones for sure in the sub $100 USD CHIFI.

3) Shirt clip

4) Multiple silicone tips -> there are 2 types of stock silicone tips in different sizes, one with longer nozzle (white tips) and one with shorter nozzle (black tips). Both are very well fitting, no need to mess around with aftermarket tips unlike some other CHIFI that expouses Oppoty, Letting Music Burn, and Never Giving up. The longer nozzle eartips gives better fit and isolation for me, and hence better bass response, but YMMV as we all have different ear anatomies.





Build/comfort:
The DM-480's shell is of good resin quality, it looks and feels like semi customs. It has a concha protrusion, which some may like or dislike, but it doesn't poke my ears, unlike some other sets I have encountered with concha protrusions.

DUNU says the DM-480 is their first IEM to be manufactured via high-resolution 3D printing, using 3D modeling software to design the most optimal shell shape from a large database of scanned ear shapes. Indeed, the DM-480's shells are light, well fitting, ergonomic and comfortable. The longest I have used it continuously would be about 5 hours in a row with no discomfort.

I did not note any driver flex.


Isolation:
Superb. Estimated about 25 dB isolation using stock tips. This makes the DM-480 a superb transit IEM IMHO. My gold standard transit IEM is the Audiosense T800 (8 BA) with ~ 30 dB isolation, and the DM-480 comes very close for a pure DD setup.

In fact, I've never had a pure DD config IEM that has such good isolation. I missed my stop on the subway while listening to the DM-480 cause I couldn't hear the announcement over the train's intercom with the DM-480 in my ears. I used to think that multi BA sets generally had better isolation due to their smaller shell size and being unvented, but the DM-480 can beat some multi BA sets in the isolation department. There's minimal loss of bass frequencies in noisy environments with the DM-480, which is usually the first frequency to be lost.


Soundstage:
Wide soundstage width. Height is good. Depth of soundstage is about average though, and isn't as good as some similarly priced multi BA/hybrid sets.






Drivability:
The DM-480 can be driven from a smartphone but scales much better with amping in terms of dynamics, details and soundstage. The DM-480 is quite power hungry actually, considering the specs (impedance 20 ohms), it takes about 10 - 20% more juice to drive than some of my other IEMs of similar impedance.


Sound:
The DM-480 has a U shaped sound with boosted bass/treble. The bass and treble (especially the latter, for a pure DD setup) extends well.

The DM-480 has above average technicalities (imaging, instrument separation, clarity, details) for a pure DD setup, it sounds much closer to a sub $30 pure BA setup in technicalities than a DD one, as above. I would say it is better than the 3 most technical DD sets I have (TFZ No. 3, Semkarch SKC CNT1 and KBEAR Diamond). I generally would only use multi BA/hybrids for EDM, but the DM-480 can ace some complex EDM riffs with multiple instrumentations especially at the bass.

Unfortunately, the DM-480 also inherits the timbre of said BA setups. Usually at the budget to midfi segment, I prefer DD timbre compared to BA timbre, and the DM-480's timbre is accurate for the driver handling the bass frequencies, but the driver handling the mids/treble frequencies has a poor instrument timbre. It's timbre loses out to some DD sets like BLON BL-03 and KBEAR Diamond. Note weight is on the thinner side, I personally would have preferred thicker notes for voices and instruments.


Bass:
Bass is linear from midbass to subbass. With stock cables, the DM-480 has no midbass thump/bump unlike the BLON BL-03, TFZ No. 3 and KBEAR Diamond. The subbass really goes low with a visceral grunt (that is felt rather than heard), and sounds like a subwoofer. I think I can hear it reach 30ish Hz or lower.

Quantity wise, the midbass is north of neutral but not as basshead levels. Some might find the midbass quantity lacking, especially if you are coming from bassier sets, but I found copper cables increase the midbass quantity by a tinge (thanks to Dsnuts for the pro tip). Amping and higher powered sources also increases the bass quantity, unlike driving it from lower powered sources.

Quality wise, the DM-480's bass is tight, textured and accurate with no midbass bleed. It has a decay that is on the faster side for a DD bass, and every bass note that is supposed to be in a recording will be heard accurately. I usually do not use a DD setup for EDM due to the weaker technicalities and bass speed compared to multi BA setups, but the DM-480 is suitable for EDM cause of the good bass quality and good technicalities.


Mids:
Mids are recessed, but still retain above average details and clarity. Instruments seem to be more forward than vocals. Female voices are slightly more forward than male ones. So in view of the recessed mids with vocals at the back, this set may be not for vocal lovers.
There isn't a large 2 - 4 kHz sawtooth peak typically seen in CHIFI tuning that can cause some upper mids fatigue, which I appreciate.


Treble:
Lower treble is boosted relative to upper treble. Microdetails are good for a DD set, it extends relatively well for a DD setup (better compared to say BLON BL-03 and KBEAR Diamond), though there's a higher treble roll off. But because of this, it is not fatiguing or harsh, with no sibilance to my ears. I am treble sensitive and rather enjoyed the treble on this set, though maybe trebleheads might think otherwise.


Comparisons:
1) BLON BL-03:
- The sound signature of the BL-03 is harmanish with a midbass bump. Midbass quantity of the DM-480 is less than the BLON BL-03. Though the BLON BL-03's bass is slower and not as accurate, and not as well layered/textured as the DM-480's bass.
- Timbre and tonality is better on the BLON BL-03, with thicker note weight.
- Technicalities (clarity, instrument separation, imaging, details) are better in the DM-480.
- The BLON BL-03 has a narrower soundstage.
- The BLON BL-03 has much poorer isolation.
- The BLON BL-03 has more distortion than the DM-480.

2) TFZ No. 3:
- TFZ No. 3 has more subbass quantity/extension and is more basshead than the DM-480. There's a midbass bleed on the No. 3 unlike the DM-480. The No. 3's bass is also slower, less accurate and has more bloat than the DM-480's bass.
- TFZ No. 3 has about equal note weight and timbre.
- Technicalities wise, clarity and details are poorer on the No. 3.
- No. 3 has a smaller soundstage width than the DM-480
- No. 3 has poorer isolation than the DM-480.
- TFZ No. 3 has peaks at the 2 - 4 kHz and 8 kHz which can be fatiguing with longer listening sessions compared to the DM-480.

3) KBEAR Diamond
- Bass speed and accuracy is slightly better on the DM-480.
- Note weight is thicker in the Diamond. Timbre and tonality is better in the Diamond also.
- Technicalities wise the DM-480 is slightly better.
- Soundstage is wider in the DM-480.
- Isolation is better on the DM-480.


Conclusion:
The DM-480 has great subbass extension and accuracy, with wide soundstage width and minimal treble harshness/sibilance. It has great fit and superb isolation.

Maybe vocal lovers might need to look elsewhere in view of the depressed mids. And the DM-480 may concede in the area of note weight/timbre compared to other DD counterparts, but I prefer the DM-480 to most of my other DD sets in the area of technicalities.

For those searching for a set that has excellent analytical technicalities or great timbre/tonality, there may be better stuff out there. But the DM-480 is my current daily transit beater set due to the superb isolation and comfortable build and subwoofer like subbass.

It’s been quite a while since Dunu has released a new “budget” IEM.

Their last budget model, the Titan 1es, has been around for over two/three years now, and in this period the recent chi-fi boom has over-saturated the <$100 market to the point of exhaustion. Forget Flavor of the Month, it’s Flavor of the Week nowadays. Thus, Dunu decided to finally revamp their entry-level lineup, and the DM-480 sits just above the DM-380.


In theory, this kind of magnet-to-cone driver placement will allow the DM-480 to have increased efficiency (sensitivity in this case) while also improving low-end extension and not needing a large housing due to the unique driver configuration. How well that translates into practice?

Let’s find out.

Note: the ratings given will be subjective to the price tier. Definitely the expectations from a $15 IEM won’t be the same as a $150 one, and that’s the approach taken while assigning scores. Dunu was kind enough to send me a unit for review, and obviously didn’t sinisterly force me into writing flowery prose.
Disclaimer

Click to expand...

Sources used: Questyle QP1R, LG G7, iPhone SE

Price, while reviewed: $69. Can be purchased from Dunu’s AliExpress website.
Full specifications: https://www.dunu-topsound.com/dm-480



Build: And once again we encounter yet-another-resin-shell. The design is kind of derivative, especially the protrusion at the back is something I’ve often seen in other IEMs (mostly KZ stuff). It’s not bad per se as the shell is quite clear without any visible artifacts. The backplate is pretty cool as well. The metal nozzle has a lip to grip onto earpieces and most eartips fit, though I stuck with the default white ones. The internal wiring is a bit curious as it seemingly uses both Copper and SPC wires (as can be seen in the picture). You can also see the proprietary driver assembly under good lighting with “DUNU” etched on them. A pretty nice touch.
As for the rest: the 2-pin connector is solid, is properly recessed and should last a while. My personal quibbles with most resin shells aside — these have a great build quality.
4.5/5



Accessories: You get nearly everything you will need: 6 pairs of tips (two different bore colors: white and blue), a good SPC cable (with rather soft memory wire that doesn’t need constant readjusting), a shirt-clip, and a semi-hard carrying case. The accessories are of good quality, and the only omission I can think of is a 6.3mm adapter which is kind of a moot point due to the high sensitivity of these IEMs.
4.5/5

Comfort: These are mostly comfortable, but there are times when the protrusion on the inner-side can rub against the ear. They don’t disappear into your ears, unlike some barrel type IEMs in this range (Final E2000, for example).
Other than that, nothing major. They are also rather suitable for jogging or running outdoors, thanks to the over-ear fit and really good noise isolation.
4/5



Now, onto the sound. The overall signature is a slight V/U-shaped one, but there’s more to it than that.

Lows: The low-end has pretty good extension, with sub-bass being noticeable until 30Hz or so. The sub-bass rumble however isn’t as prominent and lacks physicality. The mid-bass tuning is quite curious, as it’s tuned at least 3/4dB below the sub-bass and leads to this bass presentation where the sub-bass seems detached from the rest of the frequencies, akin to the subwoofer in a 2.1 setup. I personally prefer a more even mid-bass tuning and for my tastes, the snare hits lack body while the double-pedals don’t sound as satisfying.
This works well on certain tracks though, especially the ones where the mastering has more mid-bass than neutral and this seems to clean up the mix in those tracks.
Bass decay and attack is quick, without any overly long decay. Bass texture is a bit lacking compared to certain other DD IEMs (Final E3000 for example) but that’s something I’d chalk up to the lean mid-bass.
If you are sensitive to mid-bass bloom, this shall be right up your alley. If you are even a mild basshead, however, this can be a pitfall.
4/5

Mids: Midrange is recessed compared to the lows and highs, but not overly so. The transition from lower-mids to upper-mids is smooth without any disorienting peaks or dips. Female vocals are more emphasized than male ones with a peak around 3KHz (as is a trend lately), again exhibited on Damien Rice’s Sleep Don’t Weep.
As for the timbre of the midrange, this is where I have some concerns as the DM-480 exhibits a “metallic” timbre. It’s mostly apparent when A/B-ing and not so noticeable as certain all-BA models. However, it’s there, and can be jarring if you’re used to something more “natural” sounding.
The detail retrieval is really good for an all-dynamic setup, and there were plenty of microdetails. Small nuances like the picking on fretboard (in acoustic tracks), the hum of the amp, or ambient noises in the recording studio were all picked up.
I didn’t encounter any instance of sibilance in the vocals, so really, apart from the timbre — not much to complain about here, but that’s something I’m picky about myself so there’s that.
3.5/5

Treble: The treble is the highlight of the DM-480 IMO, as the DM-480 is really well tuned in this aspect and is absolutely perfect for metal genres/sub-genres without being overly fatiguing.
The treble mostly emphasizes around the 6KHz and 8KHz region, and then there is a peak post 12KHz that gives some air in the cymbal strikes. The cymbals have a very natural attack and decay, especially the crash cymbals. Just listen to the instrumental solo section of Machine Head’s Aesthetic of Hate and you’ll get what I mean.
They become a bit fatiguing after hours of listening to fast-paced metal, but that’s something I experience with all but the rather laid-back IEMs/headphones (think HD650).
Aside from metal, violins and cellos can sound a bit sharp depending on the mastering, but again, nothing too distracting.
In summary: great treble, and apart from the utmost micro-detail pursuers or the ones who can’t have anything but laid-back stuff — this should satisfy the rest.
4/5



Soundstage: The soundstage has really good width and height, definitely above-average for the price point. However, sound stage depth is not as impressive compared to some of the multi-BA stuff out there. Instrument separation is great and doesn’t get congested even in complex tracks.
4/5

Imaging: Instrument placement is precise apart from the very tricky cardinal placements (top-left, top-right). It does better than most IEMs on that regard, but can’t dethrone the best-in-class: Dunu’s own Titan 1. Due to limited soundstage depth, you don’t get the sense of distance between instruments as you do on certain hybrid/multi-BA IEMs, e.g. the good old Havi B3 Pro. Left/right separation isn’t as exaggerated as Final’s barrel-type IEMs, as a side-note.
4/5

Bang-for-buck: The DM-480 faces a stiff competition, and thus needs to stand out somehow to be of good/great value. Fortunately for Dunu, the treble response is great for the price-range, and the mid-range/bass is rather good as well (esp the sub-bass). The IEMs themselves are well-built with a good accessories package and are rather versatile in terms of genres, even though they work best with metal/rock (I didn’t put EDM/R&B here due to the lean mid-bass).
4/5

Source and Amping: Nothing to write home about here, these run off of everything without much fuss.



Select Comparisons

vs Dunu Titan 1: The Titan 1 was released quite a while back, but still holds its ground on some regards, so let’s see how well the DM-480 surpasses its predecessor. First up — the bass response is definitely improved by a sizable margin, though the mid-bass being lean doesn’t make it a wholesale upgrade. The midrange sounds more “open” on the Titan 1, thanks to it being front-vented. Titan 1 has similar amount of microdetails, but has instances of sibilance and sounds even more metallic than the DM-480. As for treble, DM-480 edges the Titan 1 by having a less peaky response which is more suited to longer listening sessions.
Now, the soundstage and imaging are areas where Titan 1 still reigns supreme. The open design helps, and doesn’t really block outside noise because of that (a plus for the DM-480) but Titan 1 is still class-leading in those segments.
So yes, while the Titan 1 still haven’t been beaten at their imaging and staging prowess, DM-480 is overall a better buy in 2020, unless you are buying a pair exclusively for acoustic and live tracks, in which case Titan 1 is a no-brainer (though who knows how long they’ll be in production).

vs Sennheiser IE 40 Pro: The IE40 Pro has a similar v-shaped signature, but the mid-bass boost is way north of neutral, in stark contrast to the DM-480. Dunu handily beats it in terms of bass extension, and general end-to-end extension. The midrange is also more detailed on the Dunu even though I prefer the tonality and timbre of the Sennheisers. Treble is smoother on the IE40 Pro and facilitates extended listening, while it’s definitely more accentuated on the DM-480.
As for the rest, both have good build and comfort/isolation levels, though IE 40 Pro is a tad more comfortable with its more snug fit. Then again, that memory wire on the Sennheiser is a pain, so there’s that. Soundstage is wider on the Dunu, while imaging is about on par.
If you prefer a bassy, laid-back listen, the IE 40 Pro will suit you better. For a more fun, energetic sound — pick the DM-480.

vs Final E3000: The Final E3000 is an IEM I’m yet to fully review, but it will be done in the near future. In the meantime, a comparison won’t hurt.
The E3000 has more accent on the mid-bass and the sub-bass has slightly more rumble than the DM-480. The bass speed is however on the slower side with longer decay, so fast metal tracks sound a bit too busy at times.
The midrange tonality and timbre is better on the E3000, while the treble is definitely DM-480’s forte in this comparison, with the E3000 having a very laid back treble with even less extension than the IE 40 Pro.
The E3000 is more comfortable and the ideal IEMs to fall asleep with in a sense. The lack of detachable cable might be a deal-breaker for many, however, along with the open-back design that leads to some sound leakage.
In essence, the E3000 is a better suit for acoustic, singer/songwriter and live tracks, while the DM-480 can take care of the rest genres a lot better.



Conclusion

It’s really difficult to stand out in this chi-fi crowd, and while Dunu DM-480 isn’t the most versatile <$100 IEM out there, it is a great option for certain genres, especially if you are a metalhead. Metalhead-friendly IEMs are not too easy to find, and these cater well to that particular niche.

For Dunu’s next release, I hope they focus a bit more on getting the mid-bass response right, which can be really tricky since it’s easy to overdo it. For now, the mid-bass leanness coupled with the slight metallic timbre of the midrange are the issues that keep me from rating these IEMs even higher. These new drivers seem to have potential and I hope Dunu keeps improving upon them.

In the end, these are a good buy, even if they are just a couple steps short of being even better.

Overall: 3.75/5
#Recommended (for metalheads and such)

Test tracks (as Tidal playlist): https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/04350ebe-1582-4785-9984-ff050d80d2b7

Test tracks (as YouTube playlist, often updated):

EDIT 2020-10-20: From 4.5/5 to 3.5/5. Timbre is very unnatural and technicalities aren’t good enough to compensate for it. An iem such as the Ibasso IT00 is a better pick nowadays for a bassy, natural and technical set. (although the isolation in the DM-480 is still in the top.)

EDIT 2021-07-11: demoted the rating from 3.5/5 to 2/5 due to the GS Audio GD3A.


Disclaimer: I would like to thank DUNU-Topsound for sending this free review unit. I am not affiliated or was given any incentives for writing a positive review.

Edit: added Cable source

Edit: price is 70 usd

Specifications:

Frequency Response Range: 5 Hz - 40 kHz (HI-RES Certified)
THD: < 0.5% at 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 105±2 dB at 1 kHz
Resistance: 20 Ω
Resin shell with 2x 8mm titanium coated dynamics in an isobaric push configuration.
0.78mm 2 pin SPC cable, sourced from Taiwan.

Accessories: (I didn’t get the full package so I don’t know what else you get,)

SPC cable

S/M/L wide bore silicone tips

S/M/L narrow bore silicone tips (Very good, on par with Spinfits CP100 except without the Spin feature)

Cable: The SPC cable that is included is on the thinner side, but it feels very unique to the touch and is actually decent enough to not need a “upgrade” cable from a third-party source. Only bad thing is that the chin slider barely works and slides down very easily. The ear hooks do have visible plastic on it, but due to the color on the cable it is perfectly camouflaged and not visible unless you really look close at it. The plug and divider are made of brushed metal making it seem very high quality, durable and prevents sliding. (I use a better cable because I have it and want to take the DM-480 to its limits)

Build: absolutely top tier work here, resin made body, no sharp edges and very high-quality nozzle made of stainless steel. There is a very good lip on it that makes even big tips that shouldn’t fit, fit and stay on with very little risk of falling off. The color looks like it was made from syrup/honey very unique.


Fit: No worrying of falling off and stays on even with me pulling the cable. Sits a little bit deeper than normal. Top tier fit.

Comfort: Well this actually made me wonder if I got a custom iem, it fits me perfectly and doesn’t protrude much (you can almost use it for sleep, wouldn’t do it though). It is on the small size so people with big ears might have problems with it.

Isolation: This is my second best isolating iem and only loses to the Audiosense T800 but only by a small margin. Top tier and shows that DD iems can compete with BA iems in isolation. No vents on the build is probably why it achieves such a high level of isolation, but that can give you a bit less comfort in comparison if it would have vents.


Setup: Fiio M11, Cable 175 (4,4mm), stock narrow bore Large

Lows: Very well controlled, tight and on the fast side (although LZ A6 mini and Shuoer Tape is faster). Clear U-shaped profile with a big boost on sub-bass that is on the fun side but stays away from being boomy. Sub-bass focused over mid-bass

Sub-bass: Oh boy this is fun, like really fun. This sub-bass reminds me of the Shuoer Tape, being very powerful, fast and still on the tight side. And can also rumble when called for it, although it still leans towards being very well controlled and tight. Extremely high quality, my kind of bass.

Mid-bass: Mid bass is probably my least favored part of the DM-480, while the sub-bass is very powerful and fun, the mid-bass is not as powerful in comparison. This does make the bass separate from the lower mids and don’t bleed at all. Still on the Tight and fast side though and quality is high. The quantity makes some rock/metal/Jpop less fun. (examples being Hiroyuki Sawano Perfect Time and Breaking Benjamin Blow me Away)



Mids: Very balanced between male and female vocals both are on the same quality level, rare because usually chi-fi iems have the 3k peak that makes female vocals the focus and sometimes higher quality.

Female-vocals: not sibilant at all and high quality, lifelike and natural.

Male-vocals: the male vocals are a bit better than female vocals, being more natural and lifelike.

Highs: Very high quality and extension. There are 3 peaks around 2-3k, 5-6k and 8k that can be a bit sharp on some tracks. Although the 3k peak is not a problem for me and doesn’t make it sibilant at all. The other 2 peaks can make some instruments a bit sharp for me, for example cymbals.

Soundstage: on the big side, makes live songs sound very good.

Tonality: is not as natural as some other single DD iems, due to the sub-bass and highs boost, but makes songs fun. More similar to a BA iem than DD.

Details: Top tier details, very impressive for a DD iem.

Instrument Separation: Top tier and easy to tell apart instruments, does not struggle even on tracks with a lot of things going on.

Songs that highlight the IEM: , ,

Good genres: EDM, Hip-Hop, quite versatile so many genres are ok with it.

Bad genres: slow/acoustic, instrumental.

Comparisons:

LZ A6 Mini (Black Filter): sub-bass is stronger on the DM-480 while being less tight and fast. Mid-bass sounds very good on the Mini, while the DM-480 does have similar quality I would have liked more quantity. Mids are better on the DM-480 when it comes to balancing between male and female vocals. Male vocals sound recessed on the mini while Female vocals is dominating, very bad balancing, although vocals sounds more natural on the mini. Highs are more extended on the mini and also have a bit better quality, it is however extremely boosted on the highs and therefore not very natural to me, does also make the mini very fatiguing to use. Due to the extremely boosted highs the details are better when it comes to the mids and highs, but the DM-480 has better sub-bass details. The Mini is extremely airy and that also makes it less natural, and the airyness and extreme highs also makes the soundstage feel bigger on the mini. Something that you need to keep in mind though is that the mini has 3 different filters that all have different sound to them, making them go from warm bassy to extreme bright.

Shuoer Tape: very similar sub-bass, it is tighter and faster on the Tape though (it can sound less natural due to the extremely fast speed). Mid-bass is a bit lower quantity in the Tape, while it is also a bit tighter and faster. It has a generally tighter and faster bass while being lower in quantity, less fun as a result (although I prefer tight and fast bass). Male and female vocals is also behind the rest but not recessed, very similar in balancing but that god damned giant 3,5k peak in the Tape makes it almost unplayable on some songs with female vocals (mostly rock/metal songs). Highs are very similar except the tape has one giant peak (3,5k) while the DM-480 has 3 smaller peaks at 2-3k, 5-6k and 8k. This does allow the Dm-480 to still compete with the Tape in details, but the Tape is one detail monster and the Dm-480 is still a few levels behind. The tape does however sound a bit less natural in the highs, not sure why but the driver sure has a unique sound to it.

TFZ No.3: sub-bass quantity is much higher on the no.3 but is MUCH more boomy and slower. This comes down to if you like boomy or tight bass, you like boomy go with no.3 if you like tight take the DM-480. Mid-bass quantity is similar but the no.3 still has quite the boomy bass, since I prefer tight bass this makes the no.3 sound quite bad to me. This has the typical chi-fi mids I was talking about earlier, leaning a bit more on the female vocals though not as bad as the A6 mini. Highs however does sound a bit more natural than both the Tape and the DM-480, due to there not being any noticeable peak. The sound in general however is quite bassy and boomy so the bass does bleed a bit into the male vocals, it sounds bloaty due to the boomy bass.



Conclusion: In conclusion, I believe that DUNU has done a very good job offering sound and build quality on par with stuff that costs at least 2 times the amount. (keep in mind that although the A6 mini is selling for around the same price as the DM-480 now, it was originally a 180 usd iem). Offering a well-balanced U-shaped iem in a time where the Chi-fi war is raging strongly. DUNU has managed to set their foot into and established themselves as a brand others have to watch out for and does managed to make me interested in how their pricier options sounds like when they already have something on this level for this price. TLDR: if you want a very good balanced U-Shaped Iem with tight, fast and powerful bass look no further this has become my number one recommendation for that kind of sound.

Cable source: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/resistance-of-cables-pics-comments-and-links.907998/