DUNU Falcon Ultra

★ Introduction :-

Dunu is a reputed chifi brand that has become a premium brand as they care about the quality and innovation of their audio gear. They have built a strong reputation for being admired for their ergonomic design, premium materials and durability. Dunu's biggest contribution can be seen in their in-house R&D integrated driver technology capable of delivering a premium sound experience. I've had the pleasure of using some of Dunu's audio gear, most notably their flagship lineup, the Zen and Zen Pro. They've tried to highlight this continuity in their budget offering. They recently released falcon ultra as the next successor of their previous model Falcon pro. I've been using this IEM regularly for a few months . Now, I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.

★ Disclaimer :-

I purchased Dunu Falcon Ultra IEM from Linsoul Audio . I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So, the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.

★ Box Content at a Glance :-

The unboxing experience of dunu falcon ultra was surprisingly good. All kind of accessories were present out of the box. @DUNU-Topsound has no room to complain in this regard

1. A pair of Falcon Ultra IEM.
2. Four types of different size eartips.
3. Two pairs of tuning nozzle (interchangeable) filters.
4. DUW-02 pro cable with Q-lock lite included modular jack system.
5. 3.5mm to 6.35mm Adapter.
6. A Premium carrying case & a cleaner tool.

It comes with a very good braided modular stock cable also It has Q-lock LITE system. This silver plated copper cable with mmcx connectors that enrich the cable features & usability. The build material of the cable and functionality is really appreciated, On the other hand it comes with several different sizes of eartips, where dunu candy eartips and S&s tips must be mentioned. As stock eartips, these are pretty much everyone's top picks. The quality of the stock carrying case is also good and there is enough space inside it to keep the IEM very well. Two pairs of different tuning nozzle filter are gold & blue respectively. And they are able to bring a good change in the sound tonality. The accessories that Dunu has provided out of the box with their falcon ultra, it is quite rare to expect such an unboxing experience from the offerings of any chifi brands.

★ Specifications :-

~ Driver :- Dunu's developed 10.7mm ECLIPSE (second generation) dynamic driver
~ Impedance :- 16Ω@1kHz
~ Sensitivity :- 108dB±1dB@1kHz
~ Distortion ratio :- 0.3%@1kHz
~ Frequency response :- 5Hz-40kHz
~ Connector :- Patented MMCX
~ Cable type :- 4-Core Silver-Plated Litz Copper with interchangeable termination jack

★ Design, Build & Comfort :-


The Falcon Ultra IEM is built with a smooth and mirror finish faceplate design. Which at the same time enhances its beauty and makes it more attractive. But this mirror finish faceplate gets a lot of fingerprints and scratches very easily which is annoying. The build quality of the Falcon Ultra IEMs is rock solid. These IEMs are generally made from metal alloy which ensures greater durability and sturdiness. Again its stock cable is durable and tangle resistant which gives this set good support during long time use. Moreover, dunu has attached a strap bracket to this cable so that it can be kept tangle-free very easily. This focus on build quality ensures that the Falcon Ultra IEM performs reliably over time. Comfort is the key features of the Falcon Ultra IEM. This thing is importance of increased wear while listening or moving. The IEM shell is not too heavy despite being of metal construction, the two shells weigh twenty grams respectively. But it doesn't feel any heavier in the ear than it feels in the hand. The fit of this IEM is excellent, as its shell is shaped like a round coin that can be worn effortlessly on the ear ensuring a good fit. As this set size is relatively small, it will fit almost everyone's ears equally. So it can be used safely for a long time without any discomfort. Besides, it has several types of eartips that have different sizes according to the ear canal. These stock eartips take the comfortable fit a step further.



★ Sound Aspect :-

Falcon Ultra is basically the safest harman tuned IEM. Although, its interchangeable gold nozzle filter provides somewhat laid-back sound. Where the brightness of the treble region is reduced to a great extent. The mid bass section is slightly boosted and at the same time reduces the texture and increases the punch. However, the presentation of sub bass & mid bass seems to be fairly well-controlled. Overall bass notes are thick & rounded resulting in a fun-engaging sound with less technicalities that can satisfy warm sound lovers. The sound with blue nozzle seems to have a slight V-shape where more sub bass rumble increases compared to the mid bass. On the other hand, the energy & sparkle of the treble region is better due to which the tonality becomes bright. This nozzle makes the lower mids a bit recessed while increasing the clarity of the upper mids, which is considered a common problem of harman or V-shape sound. But technicalities are benefited more in blue nozzle. Detail, micro detail is also better compared to gold nozzle.

★ Gear used :-

1. Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2.Cayin Ru7 (Se & Bal both)
3.Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
4.Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
5.Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
6.Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024 (Se & Bal both)
7.Blon V1 (Se & Bal both)

Falcon Ultra is a set of 16Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 108dB so not very powerful amplification is needed to drive it, but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the source and becomes better sounding. However, the best pairing I've found with CMA Fifteen. Better stage depth, imaging even got lots of details & mico details even tonality & timbre was almost accurate.

Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....

★ The Bass :-

The Falcon Ultra deliver deep and impactful bass response. Bass response is punchy, it has fast attack and decay that adds dynamism to the whole bass notes. Sub bass region is the strongest part of falcon ultra compared to the mid bass. It can provide deep & rumbly sub bass. That's why the sound of instruments like bass guitar, drums hi-hat seems to be weighty even full bodied. But there is some lack of mid bass punch. So kick drums sound isn’t punchy enough, with less impact and texture and at the same time this thing is able to fulfil with its gold nozzle. As a result to hear and feel the nuances in bass notes and impact fairly well. Overall bass was well-controlled and does not bleed into the midrange frequencies. However, the gold nozzle makes overall bass notes sound a bit thin, But the blue nozzle again boosts the sub bass region to a slight margin, then the sub bass rumble is much better than the mid bass punch. The gold nozzle ensures clarity and separation of different musicality and less detailed but gives laid back type sound presentation. Instruments and vocals i.e the midrange maintain their presence and detail, even portray during complex bass notes.

★ The Mids :-

This set provide in clarity within the midrange frequencies, vocals and instruments to be heard with good accuracy and details, Both are portrayed accurately without being harsh or overshadowed by the bass or treble frequencies, so Instruments maintain their natural timbre in the midrange. This thing is suitable for genres that emphasize acoustic instruments that rely on vocal strength.The gold nozzle provides warmth in the mids section due to which the artist's vocal sounds fuller, especially the body of the male vocal is made thicker. But in blue nozzle, the female vocal sounds more energetic and even the tendency to become slightly shouty can be noticed. On the other hand, due to the lower mids being recessed, the organic character of the midrange is afflicted more. Two tuning nozzles make this IEM almost versatile for various genres. The gold nozzle is suitable for pop, edm, hip-hop & electro genres, while the blue nozzle will give better result for rock, metal & acoustic genres.


★ The Treble :-

Treble region appeared to be simply crisp, clean and mediocre detailed. Where the presence of sparkle is also found it is limited so there is no presence of unwanted harshness or sibilance issue. Since the sparkle is natural, the whole sound frequency seems lively & vibrant. It has the capability to accurately portray instruments like cymbal, violin, and piano. Its upper & lower treble are fairly good extended, that's why this set can easily reach into the uppermost frequency without any roll-off issues. This characteristic is usually limited to blue nozzle, so it is possible to get better results in instrument heavy genres like classical, rock & metal. On the other hand, In gold nozzle creates a completely opposite situation was observed. Where the highs offer a smooth, less details & controlled presentation, so air & sparkle is lacking in more quantity which is considered more suitable for treble sensitive people. Even those who listen to pop, edm, hip-hop type genres they will benefit more from it.

★ Technicalities :-

Falcon Ultra IEM's soundstage is on the intimate side but stage depth was good, due to which I did not notice any issue in separation and layering. Its imaging was really good due to which the positioning of small instruments can be precisely located which is able to bring good advantage in gaming. But it's not like this set is offering a holographic presentation at all. The most interesting factor is its tonality, as a single dd it has been able to give coherent musical sound without any artificial separation and at the same time the timbre was also natural. This set of technicalities also retains enough descent performance.

Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give

Bass : 4.2/5
Mids : 4.2/5
Treble : 4 /5
Technicalities : 4/5
Build & Aesthetics : 4.5/5


★ Comparison :-

~Dunu Falcon Ultra vs Tanchjim origin~

In build quality, both sets are metal constructed to ensure better durability at the same time comfortability. But due to the glossy shell design, a lot of fingerprints get stuck on both sets very easily. Talking about the sound aspect, both sets are out of the box with interchangeable tuning nozzle. But the 3 pairs of tuning nozzles of origin are all gimmicky, that's why simgot EA500 kit is a better sound solution as an aftermarket tuning nozzle filter. Moreover, the stock accessories of this set were also of average quality. Falcon Ultra will be way ahead in this aspect. Both sets have a Harman-ish profile in the sound section. In terms of tonality, origin is almost neutral and falcon ultra is slightly warmer side. But origin's bass performance is not as strong as falcon ultra. Especially if you change the tuning nozzle, both sub bass & mid bass from this set give fairly good results. On the other hand, origin is somewhat sub bass focused, but the lack of mid bass is more noticeable even if it delivers descent sub bass, although it is somewhat covered by the use of its EA500 tuning nozzle.
In the mids section, Origin is the real winner because the lower mids of the falcon ultra are recessed, which is more noticeable in its blue nozzle. Again, in the treble section, the origin has managed to provide a solid performance where it has managed to maintain a smooth manner along with enough detail, so that there was no unwanted harshness or sibilance issue, but the Falcon Ultra is very safe here and many treble heads think it is more safe tuned for treble, but the blue nozzle of this set adds some brightness & detail to the treble region. However, origin can be said to perform better in treble. Technically both sets are better but Origin will be ahead for Immersive staging and holographic imaging. Moreover, The tonality & timbral accuracy of both sets is equally commendable.

★ Conclusion :-

The Dunu Falcon Ultra IEM's unboxing experience, build quality and overall sound performance are surprisingly good at the bottom of the sub-$250 price segment.This set musicality is given more priority than technicalities. So I think this set will be ideal for those who want to enjoy music for a long time and are more used to fun and relaxed tuning. If someone doesn't give priority to very neutral sound then I can easily recommend it to them and I'm pretty sure that this set will be more acceptable to maximum folks.

I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience

LinsoulAudio (link isn't affiliated)

Shenzhen Audio (link isn't affiliated)

DUNU FALCON ULTRA (Meteorite Titanium): A MAJESTIC FALCON OF AUDIO

The Dunu Falcon Ultra Meteorite Titanium is a single dynamic driver DD in-ear monitor IEM that seems to be gaining steam amongst the audiophile crowd for those operating around a mid-centric budget. Praised for its well-balanced sound signature with an emphasis on warmth and detail, the Falcon Ultra has a U-shaped profile showing a satisfying low-end presence with equally clear and engaging mids. The combination caters to a wide range of musical genres, while the smooth, detailed treble presentation isn't harsh and would not cause listener fatigue. If the sonic prowess is any indication, then this IEM wows with premium build quality even more: a meteorite titanium shell and comfortable, ergonomic design. Let's take a deep dive inside this feature-laden IEM and see if it lives up to the hype.

Note: In the next chapters, you will find it says ‘Dunu Falcon Ultra’, I will omit the ‘MT’ portion as it is just a special edition with a titanium finish.


CONTEXT

Dunu Falcon Ultra has been on my wish list since I had my first audition. They are so comfortable to wear, and they sound so good. After their announcement of ‘Meteorite Titanium’, I ordered them with no time. I’m spending time with this IEM for a week or more. Falcon Ultra comes with a fantastic (but tangly) cable with interchangeable terminals (3.5mm & 4.4mm), loads of ear tips like S&S, Candy etc., which are super usable and premium class, two types of filter nozzles, a very practical & robust carrying case, and many more. It’s a dream package for any audiophile and it's very rare in the current market in this price point. I must mention that this is one of the most fantastic-looking IEMs you can encounter. Made from titanium and having a glossy reflective finish (which is a finger print magnet), they are really comfortable to wear.

While driving, it’s a very ‘easy to drive’ type of IEM. But don’t stop here. Because it scales up its sonic performance when you pair it with powerful sources. Falcon Ultra already has a slight warm signature; I will suggest you pair it with something neutral & balanced. Warm heads like me can also have their experience by pairing it with warm or warm-neutral sources. I love it with my go-to DAC, Planue R2 and even with Dawn Pro. And find more bass authority with Hip Dac2, though you will lose some treble details.



DISCLAIMER

This is not a review unit, and I purchased the Dunu Falcon Ultra with my own money and my own interest. There is no monitory transaction between me & the respective company. And this review is totally unbiased, based upon my listening experience.

One thing more:. The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear from different sources. Your experience may be very different due to personal preference and physical differences like the shape & depth of the ear canal.

[Grab a copy from Geek Mart if you are in Bangladesh.
for international buying, you can grab it from HiFigo]


GEARS USED

• Cowon Planue R2
• Hiby R3
• ifi Hip DAC 2 (both with PC & mobile)
• Moondrop Dawn Pro (both with PC & mobile)
• POCO X3


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

• 10.7mm Dnamic Driver with 2nd Generation ECLIPSƎ Architecture and Ring-Type Magnet Assembly with Ultra-High Magnetic Flux Density
• Impedance: 16Ω @ 1kHz.
• Sensitivity: 108dB±1dB @ 1kHz.
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz.
• THD+N: <0.3% at 1kHz.
• Cable Material: 4-Core Silver-Plated Copper Litz.
• Connector Type: Patented MMCX Connectors.
• Termination Options: 3.5mm TRS and 4.4mm TRRS.
• Weight: 20g(10g each ear piece)




WHAT’S IN THE BOX

Dunu Falcon Ultra M.T IEMs
DUO-02 Pro Silver plated Copper Litz cable with Q-Lock lite interchangeable terminal (MMCX)
Dunu S&S – 6 Pairs (one pair attached with the IEM)
Dunu Candy ear tips – 3 Pairs
Balanced (Olive Grey) ear tips – 3 Pairs
Vocal (Basic Blue) ear tips – 3 Pairs
Removable Tuning nozzle
4.4mm & 3.5mm connector
3.5mm to 6.35mm Adaptor
Protective pouch
Carrying case
Cleaning cloth & tool
Some official papers




UNBOXING EXPERIENCE

As I mentioned earlier, it’s really a treasure box for any audiophile. The Falcon Ultra arrives in a compact box that feels surprisingly hefty. Opening it reveals a very simple layout but the surprise is yet to come. You will be welcomed by a very well-made & beautiful looking hard carrying case that looks premium. But the show begins after you open it. The IEMs themselves are seated securely in a double chamber soft breathable pouch to avoid any scratching with the DUO-02 Pro cable attached in it. Be warned, the IEMs do love fingerprints, but they sure look flashy!

There is the storage box inside, where you will find the treasures if you are a ‘ear tips lover’ like me. S&S tips, candy tips, olive gray tips & blue silicon tips are organized in different poly packs. There is more… a set of tuning nozzles, 3.5mm to 6.35mm converter, cleaning tool, cleaning cloth and some rubber gaskets to use with nozzles. This is called true attention to details. Dunu literally gifted those accessories to make the package standout from the crowd. You don’t need to buy a single thing, like, upgraded cable or after-market ear tips for fit & comfort, this is your full package. I was really surprised to see this kind of package in this price point.
















BUILD & DESIGN

The Dunu Falcon Ultra is crafted from Lithium-Magnesium pure alloy with a titanium finish, which both enhances its durability and gives it a premium feel. The housing is precision-machined with a sleek, smooth finish, but remember, they are finger-print magnets.A mixed alloy metal shell further helps in reducing resonance and distortion.Which in turn reproduces rich, detailed, and enjoyable sound.The IEM design is functional and oozes style, boasting a modern minimalistic design language with tasteful branding. The finish is refined, too.

The nozzles are manufactured both from stainless steel and gold-plated brass. All materials are of high quality. They are firmly attachable-detachable, allowing users to swap between them without affecting the structural integrity of the earpieces themselves. Other highlights include the detachable cable design using high-quality MMCX connectors that allow for a secure and dependable connection. The Dunu Falcon Ultra comes with a stock cable made from high-purity, oxygen-free copper; it's durable and flexible. Still, the cable is a bit stiff and not tangle-free. The cable is light, too, for overall comfort of the earphones. These respective 3.5 & 4.4mm jacks are also gold-plated for reliable connection and superior signal transfer.










FIT & COMFORT
Surprisingly, though the IEM is of a metallic construction, each earpiece weighs just about 10 grams according to Dunu, so as not to make them cumbersome in very long listening sessions. The teardrop shape and polished finish lend both an appealing and functional design. This helps the IEMs nestle comfortably within the ear, reducing even the possibility of slippage in movement.

Comfort is another bold feature of the Falcon Ultra. The nozzles are angled and come with a set of ear tips that allow you to find the right fit (S&S, Candy, Balanced, and Vocal tips). The differently sized S&S tips have this unique, gel-like surface that conveys a very good fit to the ear canal and boosts comfort and passive noise isolation. This personalization alone will ensure that you're able to wear the Falcon Ultra comfortably for hours on end without even the slightest hint of fatigue.






EAR TIPS AND CUSTOMIZATION

I can’t write this review without mentioning the hefty collection of ear tips I got in this package. Every variation of tips has its own character and usability that makes the IEM enjoyable with various tunes. These various kinds and sizes of ear tips allow significant customization to suit different listening preferences and ear shapes. The stock S&S tips are designed for a natural sound, while the Candy tips offer enhanced support and a more robust audio output. The balanced tips provide accuracy through the whole frequency, and the vocal tips emphasize mid-range frequencies, which makes them a very good choice for vocal-heavy tracks. This flexibility ensures that users can find a combination that maximizes both comfort and audio quality.




Now let’s jump to the main section to reveal how awesome it sounds…


SOUND SIGNATURE

The Falcon Ultra's true strength is in its well-balanced, musical sound signature. The technical excellency of the single dynamic driver shines by delivering a coherent and balanced sound that remains enjoyable over extended periods. It offers a U-shaped sound signature, and I find that it has one of the best timbres among single dynamic driver IEMs. The sound profile is characterized by a harmonious blend from bass to treble, making it enjoyable across various genres.

I find the bass is rich, powerful and soothing. This gives tracks a warm and enveloping feel, especially noticeable in the midrange, where vocals are presented with warmth and detail. In my ear, the treble seems energetic but smooth, striking a balance that avoids any harshness or fatiguing experience, as I’m a treble sensitive guy. Keep it in mind, it comes with two different types of tuning nozzles. And they make some bold change in sound delivered by the IEMs. In short, the fitted silver nozzle gives you a clear sound with a good balance of vocals & instruments. But the golden-brass one will make the vocal a bit forward and scale it up. That can make some female vocals shouty and male vocals a bit of tiny type. At least to my listening, I experienced it. The total sound section is based on my listening with silver nozzle & candy tips

The total sound section is based on my listening with silver nozzle & candy tips. Here's a closer look at its performance across the frequency range:





SUB-BASS

The Dunu Falcon Ultra offers an impressive sub-bass performance. While I’m enjoying Dream Theater's "Another Day," the IEMs provide a deep, resonant sub-bass. That adds a robust base to the track to enjoy without overwhelming other frequencies. The sub-bass is tight and well-controlled. It delivers a powerful, but clean rumble that enhances the overall listening experience. The complex bass line is alive, with a meaty body and precision. It perfectly holds the speed double paddle kick drums played by Mike Portnoy and every punch in lower frequencies. And I also enjoy slow numbers like ‘One more night” by Phil Collins. The Falcon Ultra keeps the bass clean and enjoyable while retaining all the details in the arrangement. There’s no bleed to the mids, and it allows Phill Collins’ smooth vocals and the song’s emotive nuances to shine through clearly.

The sub-bass is punchy, not boomy or artificial-sounding, providing a nice complement to the frequently complex layers of music. For some audiophiles, particularly those who enjoy ultra-subwoofer levels of bass, this may come across as a bit light.


MID BASS

Generally speaking, the mid-bass of the Dunu Falcon Ultra is said to be warm and punchy, and yeah, that's correct. What this suggests then would be there was a strong and fulfilling presence of low ends serving as the backbone to your music. Think of this as basslines with clear definition in every note, and a resounding "thump" that drives the rhythm forward. I start listening to "Still of the Night" from Whitesnake; the mid-bass is really tight and very well-defined, adding a lot to the powerful rhythm section present in this song. I feel that the mid-bass is slightly elevated on this IEM, which I really enjoy-actually, who doesn't? It provides a tight response that brings out the dynamic energy of the track driving bass lines and drum beats. This, in turn, helps the IEM produce the mid-bass with perfect clarity so that every note can come out bold and impactful.

Just remember that the bass may miss a little texture. That's the little stuff, the subtlety within the bass range. While it gives a good kick, it just may not be the most detailed bass response if you're an audiophile who needs it as extreme.





FEMALE VOCALS

While I’m listening to my favorite female vocalist, it sounds crystal clear, with a touch of sparkle. That's the kind of experience the Falcon Ultra delivers. The upper mids are nicely emphasized, bringing out the detail and sweetness in female voices. I didn't hear any muddiness or harshness! On "Don't Wanna Lose You" by Gloria Estefan, the Falcon Ultra does beautifully capture the dynamic range in her voice. The warmth and shine are in very good balance with one another, with the vocals sitting loudly in the music. The slight bright airiness creates a noticeable transparency that brings out the subtle nuances and textures in Estefan's performance.

Note that, you may find the female vocal energy a bit ear-biting, even though the treble is tamed and smooth. It may happen when you're using the golden-brass tuning nozzle. The ‘S’ or ‘SH’ pronunciation can be sibilant too. With the silver one, some may crave more power in female vocals. That’s why you should experiment with the given nozzles.


MALE VOCALS

The Falcon Ultra doesn't forget about the guys either. Male vocals come alive with warmth and richness as the IEM’s emphasis on the lower mids. It's like having a singer with a deep, powerful voice filling the surrounding area. Just like with female vocals, there's still plenty of clarity & tonal variation.

Its performance with "Kiss from a Rose" by Seal, the earphones present Seal's husky voice with clarity and richness. As the IEM’s midrange is prominent, it allows vocals to stand out without being overshadowed by other instruments of the same range, like saxophones, violins, guitars, etc. The Falcon Ultra's dynamic driver provides a warm, full-bodied sound that captures the emotional depth of any song and didn’t fail here. The IEMs maintain a good balance between the lower and upper midrange. It avoids any muddiness and ensures that the vocals are clear and prominent.




INSTRUMENTS

I praise the Dunu Falcon Ultra's instrument performance for its clarity and detail across the spectrum. The dramatic sound signature creates a warm foundation with a punchy mid-bass that brightens instruments like guitars and drums. At the same time, the smooth and airy treble ensures every detail in cymbals and higher piano notes come to life without being harsh or fatiguing. Instruments sound adequately separated to retain clarity even on the most complex of tracks, which may allow listeners to appreciate subtleties in the sound of each instrument.

With "I Will Be There" by Katie Melua, instrument presentation on the Dunu Falcon Ultra makes for a cozy and inviting sound. The emphasis on mid-bass in sound signature provides a solid base for the violins, piano, flute and other string instruments. I enjoyed the violin notes and found that they carry a satisfying weight and body while remaining clear and defined at the same time. This whole strong performance of the IEM ensures Katie’s vocals are mixed soulfully with all other complimented instruments and makes it captivate listening.

TREBLE​

The treble, generally referred to as the "air" or "sparkle" in music, adds a very majestic touch. It's responsible for the high notes of instruments like cymbals and the crispness of vocals. It delivers the high notes with a smooth and gentle touch, that are easy on the ears. The Dunu Falcon Ultra's treble performance with Rainbow's "Street of Dreams" walks a fine line. You will praise the treble for being smooth and avoiding harshness, which can be great for fatigue-free listening. Ritchie Blackmore's iconic soaring guitar solos are clear and present, but they might not have the same level of brilliance or sharpness that some listeners crave. But you can find the detail is still there that allows you to hear the nuances in his playing. The cymbals crash also have a slightly smoother attack, which I like most.

The Dunu Falcon Ultra's treble is a great fit for listeners who want to enjoy the excitement of high notes without sacrificing comfort. It strikes a balance between smooth delivery and enough detail to keep things interesting. Some listeners may find lack of energy and sparkle, especially those, who are treble heads.




SOUNDSTAGE

The Dunu Falcon Ultra gives me truly expansive soundstage in this price bracket. The instruments and vocals are rightly placed, developing an immersive three-dimensional audio environment. The direction and distance of different sound elements can be fairly easily assessed, and that adds magic to my overall listening experience.

It delivers an excellent soundstage when playing "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd, immersing me in the track's expansive sonic landscape. The atmospheric opening effects of the song, with the mix of different instruments, are presented with impressive accuracy. It creates a wide and engaging musical environment. David Gilmour's vocals are placed in the center of the stage with very good depth. The highlight of the song is Gilmour’s guitar solos, which are presented with precise imaging, allowing each note to stand out from the mixing of various instruments in the background. But during more complex and layered sections, the soundstage can sometimes struggle with instrument separation. That leads to a slight blending of background elements.

Falcon Ultra offers impressive staging but there is a slight yearning for even more depth and width.

NOT QUITE PERFECT, BUT STILL PRETTY SWEET​

The Dunu Falcon Ultra is a great pair of earphones, but no audio gear is perfect. Here's a quick rundown of some things to consider before you hit "buy":

Not the Widest Soundstage: Imagine your favorite concert in a cozy club. That's kind of the vibe with the Falcon Ultra. The soundstage (imagine the space where the instruments are placed) isn't the widest. While instruments are clear and well-separated, they might not feel as spread out as with some other earphones.

Fingerprint Frenzy: The Falcon Ultra's shiny finish looks cool, but it is a fingerprint magnet. If you are the kind of individual who likes to keep their stuff clean, then this might be a minor annoyance.

Analytical Listeners Beware: The Falcon Ultra leans heavy in its predisposition toward a fun, musical sound rather than extreme detail. If you're that kind of audiophile who needs to hear every single nuance in your music, there might be other earphones that better suit that super analytical style of listening.

Even with these critiques aside, there is much to love about the Falcon Ultra:

Rich and Balanced Sound: It pushes out a sound signature that's easy on the ears for most genres, from bass-heavy hip-hop to soft, soothing classical pieces.

Comfy Fit and Secure Seal: A large choice of ear tips with different sizes ensures comfort as well as secure fit to the ear for your music listening experience.

Great Value for Money: With the mid-tire value, Dunu Falcon Ultra ensures superior quality audio in every frequency that hits above its price bracket.







So, Should You Get Them?

If you need an all-rounder IEM with balanced tonality and detailed musical sound and don't wanna sepd extra for good cable & ear tips, Dunu Falcon Utra is here for you. Though it has some cavities, but those are not a 'big factor' to ignore such a gem like this.

DUNU Falcon Ultra Meteorite Titanium REVIEW: 22 YEARS OF GOODNESS​

WATCH FULL REVIEW HERE: ​

PRICE: $219​

PROS​

• Bountiful package and inclusions
• Superbly built
• Great fit and comfort
• Modular cable
• Tuning nozzles
• Very fun yet inoffensive sound signature
• Lush yet impactful and engaging bass
• Very natural sounding midrange
• Smooth yet detailed treble
• Fantastic coherency

CONS​

• MMCX connector (biased)
• Build is very scratch and fingerprint-prone
• Modular cable is a little stiff and tangle prone
• A little too smooth and safe for my tastes
• Bass lacks tactility
• Not the cleanest separation

WHO THIS SET IS FOR​

• People who want an all-rounder IEM
• People who want a well-accessorized and full package
• People who want a small yet well built and comfortable IEM
• People who want tuning versatility
• People who want modularity

WHO THIS SET ISN’T FOR​

• People who hate MMCX cables
• People who want a more engaging and tactile bass
• People who want a set that isn’t as fragile (aesthetically)
• People who want a softer cable
• People who want a technical beast

GENRES:​

• R&B
• Pop
• HipHop
• Funk
• Rock

SHORT REVIEW:​

Arguably one of the best sets to recommend for beginner audiophiles who have a little bit of cash in their pocket, the Falcon Ultra M.T. gives you everything you need and more. A complete package with all the tips, cleaning tools, and pouches you might need, a very well-built and comfortable IEM that is quite the looker, and a very safe yet fun sound that is hard to hate. It may not be a set that stands out for one single thing in terms of its sound and some might dislike some aspects like the finish and the cable, but there’s nothing about this IEM that’ll make it anything but a top recommendation. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

FULL REVIEW:​

A trend that has been going around in Chi-FI is the many startup audio brands that promise to provide the next big audio thing. Obviously, there are industry standards that have been in the market for a few years. But with the recent boom of portable audio in general, there has been an increase in demand which means companies want to get a taste of the pie.

But unless they hire people who have worked in the industry for a while, they’re destined to just be the flavor of the month that eventually loses relevancy as fast as they get famous. But one company stands as a pioneer in not only Chi-Fi but portable audio in general. And when this company with 22 years of experience creates an update to their legendary single DD series, how would it stand against the current influx of in-ears in a very competitive market?

DISCLAIMER: The Dunu Falcon Ultra Meteorite Titanium was sent in exchange for my honest thoughts. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity. I was not paid. Rest assured, my thoughts and opinions on this product will be my own honest opinions and will not be affected by the facts beforehand.

Audio is a very subjective hobby and as much as I try to objectively explain my thoughts and opinions, your mileage will vary. My preferences will also affect how I perceive the gear that I review. Sources and other accessories will also modify your experience. Lastly, my reviews should always be used only as a guide and not as the definitive bible. Trust your ears to know what’s good.

22 YEARS.​

Obviously, I’m talking about Dunu. Dunu is one of, if not, the oldest “Chi-Fi” brands in the market today. They’ve been making OEMs since 1994 and finally established in 2002 to become the Chi-Fi giant they are today. They’ve released some very iconic in-ears like the Falcon, Titan, and SA6 series of IEMs over the years that have gained popularity amongst audiophiles. I personally knew about them with the Titan S, the alleged “Heart Mirror upgrade” that caught my attention for claiming such a bold statement. So how does this Falcon soar against the competition? Let’s find out!

UNBOXING​

One of the first things that stood out to me with the Falcon Ultra M.T. was how mesmerizing the box is. It’s this pearlescent finish that just looks stunning under any lighting condition. But it only gets better because by opening the box and laying out all the accessories, you get arguably one of the best value packages in an IEM ever.

Here is the full list of inclusions:

• Dunu Falcon Ultra M.T IEMs
• MMCX modular cable
• 3 Pairs of Dunu Candy eartips
• 3 Pairs of Olive Grey Eartips
• 3 Pairs of Basic Blue Silicone EArtips
• 5 pairs of Dunu S&S
• Cleaning tool
• 4.4mm Modular Jack
• 3.5mm to 6.35mm Adaptor
• Protective pouch
• Removable nozzle
• Carrying pouch
• Cleaning cloth
• Paperwork

I’m stunned, I’m speechless, I’m absolutely overwhelmed with the amount of accessories that Dunu provided with the Falcon Ultra. And they’re not high-quantity, low-quality accessories either.



The case is very big and spacious and has a slot big enough to put a small DAP or a dongle DAC inside as well as webbed netting to put other accessories.


You also get a protective pouch for your IEMs. Not a case, but actual tiny pouches for each earpiece.






You also get probably the best set of eartips you can ever get in a package. The Dunu S&S and Candy eartips. I’ve expressed my love for the S&S for quite a while and the fact that you get 5 pairs here is absolute insanity. The Candy eartips are like a mini Spinfit that fits and seals really well for most IEMs. The other eartips are pretty basic but they’re still very welcome.




You also get cleaning tools, modular nozzles, and a freaking studio 6.35mm adaptor. It’s insane. I thought the TRN Conch and Zhulinniao Qingluan had insanely good value for the money in terms of the overall package, only for the Falcon Ultra Titanium to basically define what value is.

BUILD & FIT​

And if you thought they did all that to skimp out on the build, you’re absolutely mistaken. This thing is not only beautiful but very well built and comfortable.

Starting with the internals, the Falcon Ultra M.T. features their “patented” 2nd generation ECLIPSƎ Architecture and Ring-Type Magnet Assembly with Ultra-High Magnetic Flux Density 10.7mm Dynamic Driver. Quite the mouthful, like the SPDGM of SImgot. And just like the Simgot, this thing packs quite the punch in terms of sound (which we’ll talk more about later).



As for the aesthetics, this thing is absolutely gorgeous. A full titanium finish aluminum alloy shell that puts some flagship IEMs to shame. Such a unique, clean yet very attractive-looking construction surely makes this one of the most distinct-looking IEMs in the market. And the fact that this also features interchangeable nozzles only adds to the value proposition that this thing has and it’s absolutely amazing.



My only gripe would honestly be the MMCX connector. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great connector compared to other MMCX IEMs and actually feels like it’ll last. But I’ve had far too many bad experiences with MMCX connectors for me to feel confident that that’ll last years of cable rolling.



Thankfully, the cable is quite good. It’s a little stiff and I’m really not a fan of the material as it feels a little rough, but the overall construction is very premium and features a pretty solid modular system that Dunu has used in other IEMs. It’s not as secure as Q-Lock, but Q-Lite feels secure enough to last a couple of modular changes. I don’t like how tangle-prone the cable is, but it feels durable enough not to feel like it’d break itself by tangling. But speaking of tangling, the stuff causes tangles to be quite a common occurence.

As for fit, this is probably one of the most comfortable small IEMs I’ve ever worn. Seriously, its shape perfectly contours my ear which I not usually common with these kinds of IEMs. I have 0 complaints about the fitting of this thing and the seal is also really really good because of that. It’s genuinely the perfect fitting IEM hands down.

SOUND​

Note: Due to the Falcon Ultra having 2 different tuning nozzles, I will be talking about the stock nozzle (Red Ring) in this review and compare it with the blue ring nozzle in its own section

Sound Signature​

The Falcon Ultra features U-Shaped sound signature that is genuinely one of the best timbres in any single DD IEMs I’ve heard. From bass all the way to the treble, I found the sound to be in perfect harmony with each other with the rich, powerful and soothing bass, warm, enveloping midrange and the energetic yet smooth treble presentation.

Source Pairing​

The Falcon Ultra is a VERY easy-to-drive pair of in-ears with a sensitivity of 108db and impedance of 18ohms. However, it’s also a very good scaler when using better, cleaner sources. The bass texture, as well as treble detail, is improved drastically when going from lower-quality sources to higher-quality sources, so I highly recommend pairing this with something good. Particularly, something more neutral and cleaner rather than warmer and smoother. I personally enjoyed using the HiBy R4 with this as it cleaned up the overall sound really well without inducing too much warmth. However, the Topping DX1 did improve bass dynamics CONSIDERABLY at the cost of treble definition

Bass​

When we talk about dynamic driver IEMs, we often expect the bass to sound fantastic. Well, the Falcon Ultra is the perfect definition of how bass should be tuned on a dynamic driver IEM. The bass is genuinely just right with a good balance of subbass and midbass. There’s a little bit more midbass emphasis, so there’s more punch rather than deep subbass rumble. However, the rumble is present when the track calls for it. It’s a very soothing, warm, and thick bass that unfortunately lacks a little bit of texture for my liking. However, it’s a very well-balanced overall bass presentation and I could forgive the lack of texture for how well it transitions into the lower mids.

Listening to Childish Gambino’s Album, “Awaken My Love” was quite the treat with that thick, meaty and rich bass perfectly complimenting the very soulful and groovy tracks. The track Redbone sounds particularly fantastic due to how smooth yet punchy the bass sounds where it was straddling between sounding muddy and being just perfectly warm.

Mids​

In theory, the mids of the Falcon Ultra should suffer due to the rather big bass emphasis and the forward upper mids that I’ll be talking about later. However, listening to it is a completely different story as the harmony of the lower mids to the upper mids is absolutely fantastic. The rich lower mids oozes with richness thanks to the midbass emphasis while the forward yet inoffensive upper mids sound euphonic thanks to the contrast in the lower frequencies. Obviously, this is not a midcentric set in any way. Lower male vocals aren’t the most nuanced or textured as the note weight can get a little too heavy and can mush up the details and mids can suffer in more complex tracks. The upper mids might also be a little bit too forward sounding on mid-forward tracks, but never to the point of shoutiness.

Listening to Amateurish’s album called, “a gentle reminder to rest” on the track Turbulence, the mids have perfect harmony with the bass guitar offering a very rich and smooth sound that envelops your ears in such a thick and bodied bass presentation with the electric guitars and percussive instruments in the upper frequencies offering a very satisfying level of nuance without getting harsh. The only thing that suffers is the midrange definition during the busier parts, especially nearing the end of the track where the ensemble comes together and somewhat drowns out some of the vocals and instruments.

Treble​

The treble of the Falcon Ultra perfectly compliments the warmer tuning of the IEM by slightly boosting the lower treble to compliment the lower mids being quite prominent. This allows the treble to sparkle without sounding edgy, harsh or sibilant. This ends up with the treble being some of the most natural sounding I’ve heard without sounding dark or dull in any way whatsoever. I honestly cannot think of any major flaws with the treble of the Falcon Ultra besides it sounding very safe. Normally I prefer a more sparkly and more energetic treble with better transients and nuance, but I can also see that it really would not fit. It’s not the most airy-sounding set, but its resolving ability is fantastic.

Probably the best way to show how the treble of the Falcon Ultra compliments the bass is with the track Ghost by Chon. The thicker, more emphasized low end is perfectly balanced with the sparkly, snappy yet inoffensive treble of the Falcon Ultra. It offers a decent amount of microdetails without overdoing it. Attack of the cymbals and hi-hats are represented with such finesse and smoothness that perfectly harmonizes with the lower frequencies.

Technicalities:​

I have to admit, the Falcon Ultra really isn’t the most technical-sounding set you can get at this price range. It’s technically capable, don’t get me wrong. But it’s fundamentally a musical IEM where it focuses on providing a rich and soothing listening experience that affects the cleanliness and separation of instruments. However, it’s no slouch as, despite the warmth, it’s still capable of making more complex tracks sound listenable. Probably the best thing about the Falcon Ultra’s technicalities is the imaging and head stage. The depth thanks to the bass paired with the competent resolving ability makes the Falcon Ultra a very immersive and nearly holographic listening experience. Tactility and transients are decently defined, but nothing mind-blowing.

REAL WORLD USAGE:​

Casual Use​

I’m going to say it now, the Falcon Ultra is probably the best casual use IEMs that I’ve ever used hands down. The combination of a comfortable, lightweight fit and a very safe yet fun sound makes this the perfect partner for long listening sessions. Movies sound fantastic with the thicker low end giving a very punchy sound without drowning the dialogue in the midrange and you can appreciate the small details in the sound design with the complimentary forward treble presentation. My only gripe would be the cable, but that’s something you can replace for a better (and probably cheaper) one.

Gaming Use​

Just like movies, gaming is absolutely fantastic on these. Not the best gaming set I’ve heard hands down, but the combination of sound and fit made these some of the best I’ve used when playing multiple games of Valorant. The thick lower mids paired with the forward upper mids brighten out both the footsteps and the sharper sounds while separating them really well. It’s also perfect for immersive games like Sky: The Children of The Light where the orchestral tones perfectly blend with the ambient sounds.

COMPARISONS:​

vs Simgot EA1000​

Let’s go straight up with my favorite IEM of all time. The Falcon Ultra is a smoother, safer more soothing IEM to listen to overall while the EA1000 is more technical, more detailed and more tactile sounding. I still personally prefer the EA1000 due to my treblehead and tactile bass preference, but the Falcon Ultra competes quite closely with the EA1000 as it’s essentially better for people who are sensitive to treble and couldn’t handle the hotness of the EA1000

vs Orivetti OD200​

Two very similar-sounding sets with a focus on warmth and musicality, the Falcon Ultra is ahead in every single department in my opinion. The OD200’s bass sounds more bloated which makes the vocals sound more recessed and distant. The treble is also considerably darker with the air region sounding more rolled off. The OD200’s darker sound makes it smoother and soothing on longer listening sessions, but I personally would rather listen to the Falcon Ultra any day.

vs HiBy x F.Audio Project Ace​

The Project Ace and Falcon Ultra initially have very similar sound signatures. Where they begin to deviate however is the fine details. The bass is more tactile on the Project Ace while the Falcon Ultra has more quantity and smoothness. The mids are more linear on the Project Ace while the Falcon Ultra is more open. The big difference is in the treble. The Falcon Ultra is CONSIDERABLY smoother sounding in the treble compared to the Project Ace. Technically speaking, the Project Ace is better

vs Simgot EA2000​

The EA2000 has a considerably more technical, dynamic, and textured overall sound but worse timbre and tuning compared to the Falcon Ultra. The massive peak on the EA2000 makes it a considerably more offensive-sounding IEM overall despite its technical superiority.

CONCLUSION​

22 years of experience allows a company to create something that sounds so natural and effortless in a price range that usually rewards those who try to do something weird or revolutionary. And while you may argue that the Eclipse tech they flaunt in their driver is the “revolutionary” tech, the Falcon Pro is a fundamentally good IEM by nature.



It’s not a set that claims to be the best in the price, nor does it try to be competitive. Instead, the Falcon Pro just does everything right. From the unboxing experience with the treasure trove of accessories all the way to the very safe, easy-to-love, and fun sound. The Falcon Ultra has all the makings for a very easy recommendation. After my personal experience with the Falcon Ultra, I can wholeheartedly say that this is probably the best beginner-friendly IEM in the market today. And if you want a safe-sounding, well-accessorized, comfortable, and well-built IEM, then the Dunu Falcon Ultra Meteorite Titanium is the best IEM to get right now.

Thank you for reading my review of the Dunu Falcon Ultra Meteorite Titanium. If you would like to order one, consider using the non-affiliated link below:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/1005...1752959.1005006864808202&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa