[silverfishla]

You guys are funny!

The reason for it being the 17th anniversary is actually pretty simple (and a little embarrassing). It was supposed to be the 15th anniversary model, but our engineers decided they wanted to redesign everything and spent 2 more years in the lab! Both the DK-4001 and the 17th anniversary limited edition model were developed around the same time, so it was renamed the 17th anniversary model. It seems a little strange, but we wanted to make sure we honor our supporters with a very special product and give them something that was the best we could make!

Because of the silver finish, it is even harder to make than the DK-4001! We are still waiting for the factory to finish the latest batch of shells before we can inspect, assemble, QC, and ship.

But we are discussing making a new dynamic flagship based on this model, so even if we can't let everyone experience the 17th anniversary limited edition model, the next model will be mass produced!

That’s great to hear that you will make a version of that 17th anniversary for the masses. It was very good sounding and certainly would be liked by many. I’m sure the limited quantity of the 17th anniversary have mostly been reserved.

 

[DUNU-Topsound]

That’s great to hear that you will make a version of that 17th anniversary for the masses. It was very good sounding and certainly would be liked by many. I’m sure the limited quantity of the 17th anniversary have mostly been reserved.

Glad you enjoyed it! We are still figuring out how many can be made available for markets like the US and EU. There were a lot of reservations in China so we are still getting those orders out. Right now, only 5 units are in the US for international distribution, and as far as I know, at least 3 have been spoken for.

But we are satisfied with the performance of our new dynamic coil drivers. They have very good distortion characteristics and we can try to create a lot of value for our customers with the production process. But we are also working on something that may leapfrog our PVD coating techniques. The engineers are very excited! Please keep an eye out for our announcements!

But first, we are working on the successor to the DN-2000 and DN-2000J. We hope to release the DK-2001 by the end of the year, as well as most of our new cables as well, along with our entry level DM480 which has a 3D printed resin shell.

 

[chungjun]

@DUNU-Topsound ,

Any chance of a release of a 'light'-er version of the HULK cable in the near future? Think it would be a hit! (Marketing and sales guys can thank me later).

 

[DUNU-Topsound]

We are releasing the Lyre, which is the cable included with the DK-3001 PRO. It is also made of high-purity OCC copper, with secondary after-treatment. I do not have a time table for when it will be widely available, but it will probably come with only 1 default plug in the package, and other plugs can be purchased later. Our website is a bit of a mess right now, because we are doing a big redesign. But hopefully we will have it up and running very soon, and when it does, we will have it available for purchase ASAP. We will also have more limited quantities of the Chord and Noble cable available soon as well.

 

[gto88]

So, Dunu has 3 version of cables, Hulk, Noble and Lyre?
I thought that DK-3001 PRO comes with Noble version, but it is Lyre?
I don't recall I see this mentioned in DK-3001 Pro ads, shouldn't it be clearly stated.

 

[DUNU-Topsound]

So, Dunu has 3 version of cables, Hulk, Noble and Lyre? I thought that DK-3001 PRO comes with Noble version, but it is Lyre? I don't recall I see this mentioned in DK-3001 Pro ads, shouldn't it be clearly stated.

Yes, we should clarify. Currently, we have four different cables outfitted with modular plugs.

• NOBLE, also the stock cable for the DK-4001
• CHORD, also the stock cable for the 17th Anniversary Limited Edition model
  
• LYRE, also the stock cable for the DK-3001 PRO
• HULK, a standalone cable

The details for the cables are as follows:

• NOBLE, our flagship cable, is a 24 AWG gauge cable composed of individual strands of high-purity (up to 7N) OCC copper from Furukawa (Furutech) and individual strands of pure silver (not silver-plated copper) from DHC. Because the strands are interwoven, the cable itself is completely hand-woven. It also has an OCC copper (non-conducting) shielding layer surrounding the cable strands. This shielding layer is one of the reasons why we do not need to braid the NOBLE cable. We get enough shielding from electromagnetic interference from the copper shield. The cable structure is shown here, where you can see the copper shielding layer surrounding the alternating strands of silver and copper:
  
  
  
  
• CHORD is also a 24 AWG gauge cable composed of individual strands of high-purity (up to 7N) OCC copper from Furukawa (Furutech) and individual strands of pure silver (not silver-plated copper) from DHC. However, it does not have the copper shielding layer. Therefore, we have made it with the traditional round Litz braid, but it is a tighter braid than the one on the LYRE.
  
• LYRE is a 24 AWG gauge cable composed of high-purity OCC copper, with additional secondary after-treatment performed by DUNU. It is braided with the traditional round Litz braid, and is a looser braid than the one on the CHORD.
  
• HULK is a 22 AWG gauge cable composed of 168 strands of high-purity OCC copper for each wire. These strands are grouped into 28 strand bundles in a Type 2 Litz configuration. It is hand-braided with a traditional round Litz braid.

Lastly, there are some more details:

• Because they are not made exclusively for the DK-4001 and DK-3001 PRO and are meant to be compatible with other earphones as well, the standalone NOBLE and LYRE do not have the curved plastic overmolded design of the stock cable.
• Beyond MMCX, they also come in two additional connector options: a 0.78 mm 2-pin, and QDC-style 2-pin. These connector options are commonly offered for aftermarket cables in China.
• The MMCX connector that we employ is our own patented Catch-Hold mechanism, which is more secure, resistant to rotation, and longer lasting than traditional MMCX connector designs. But it is compatible with just about all MMCX pin seats, so there's no need to worry about compatibility.
• They all come with the modular plug system, and the NOBLE and HULK will come included with all four types of plugs: 3.5 mm single-ended, 2.5 mm balanced (Astell & Kern compatible), 3.5 mm balanced (3.5 PRO is a new standard in China), and 4.4 mm balanced/unbalanced (Sony compatible).
• The LYRE and CHORD will only come with one plug included (of your choice).
  
• The standalone LYRE and CHORD are not yet in stock, even in China. We are currently in the process of mass producing them and distributing them to Chinese domestic retailers.
• Standalone plugs will be sold individually soon. Eventually, third-party manufacturers will also produce plugs. Because we hold the patent for the modular plug system, we reserve exclusive rights to the 90 degree plugs, but third-party manufacturers can manufacture straight plugs and other angles of their choice. There have been audiophiles who have given us feedback regarding possible USB Type-C or Apple Lightning plugs. It is unclear whether third-party manufacturers plan on offering these options.
  
• Our own quick-release modular plug system is rated for a minimum of 3000 cycles (the equivalent of changing plugs 8 times a day, everyday, for a year), but basically we have zero problems even beyond 7000 cycles. Most users will not change out their plugs this often.
• Lately, we have noticed modular cable systems highly "inspired" by our design, with a different mechanism. It is also designed to be quick-release, but the latch is rotational. This is not our design, and therefore we cannot guarantee compatibility or quality. But imitation is the best form of flattery!
• We acknowledge that other companies have made modular plug systems before we did. However, we feel we designed a system with the most complete user experience around, and we're very proud of this accomplishment. We hope more people will be able to experience it!

 

[gto88]

@DUNU-Topsound thanks for the detail information.

 

[Moon moon]

Yes, we should clarify. Currently, we have four different cables outfitted with modular plugs.

• NOBLE, also the stock cable for the DK-4001
• CHORD, also the stock cable for the 17th Anniversary Limited Edition model
  
• LYRE, also the stock cable for the DK-3001 PRO
• HULK, a standalone cable

The details for the cables are as follows:

• NOBLE, our flagship cable, is a 24 AWG gauge cable composed of individual strands of high-purity (up to 7N) OCC copper from Furukawa (Furutech) and individual strands of pure silver (not silver-plated copper) from DHC. Because the strands are interwoven, the cable itself is completely hand-woven. It also has an OCC copper (non-conducting) shielding layer surrounding the cable strands. This shielding layer is one of the reasons why we do not need to braid the NOBLE cable. We get enough shielding from electromagnetic interference from the copper shield. The cable structure is shown here, where you can see the copper shielding layer surrounding the alternating strands of silver and copper:
  
  
  
  
• CHORD is also a 24 AWG gauge cable composed of individual strands of high-purity (up to 7N) OCC copper from Furukawa (Furutech) and individual strands of pure silver (not silver-plated copper) from DHC. However, it does not have the copper shielding layer. Therefore, we have made it with the traditional round Litz braid, but it is a tighter braid than the one on the LYRE.
  
• LYRE is a 24 AWG gauge cable composed of high-purity OCC copper, with additional secondary after-treatment performed by DUNU. It is braided with the traditional round Litz braid, and is a looser braid than the one on the CHORD.
  
• HULK is a 22 AWG gauge cable composed of 168 strands of high-purity OCC copper for each wire. These strands are grouped into 28 strand bundles in a Type 2 Litz configuration. It is hand-braided with a traditional round Litz braid.

Lastly, there are some more details:

• Because they are not made exclusively for the DK-4001 and DK-3001 PRO and are meant to be compatible with other earphones as well, the standalone NOBLE and LYRE do not have the curved plastic overmolded design of the stock cable.
• Beyond MMCX, they also come in two additional connector options: a 0.78 mm 2-pin, and QDC-style 2-pin. These connector options are commonly offered for aftermarket cables in China.
• The MMCX connector that we employ is our own patented Catch-Hold mechanism, which is more secure, resistant to rotation, and longer lasting than traditional MMCX connector designs. But it is compatible with just about all MMCX pin seats, so there's no need to worry about compatibility.
• They all come with the modular plug system, and the NOBLE and HULK will come included with all four types of plugs: 3.5 mm single-ended, 2.5 mm balanced (Astell & Kern compatible), 3.5 mm balanced (3.5 PRO is a new standard in China), and 4.4 mm balanced/unbalanced (Sony compatible).
• The LYRE and CHORD will only come with one plug included (of your choice).
  
• The standalone LYRE and CHORD are not yet in stock, even in China. We are currently in the process of mass producing them and distributing them to Chinese domestic retailers.
• Standalone plugs will be sold individually soon. Eventually, third-party manufacturers will also produce plugs. Because we hold the patent for the modular plug system, we reserve exclusive rights to the 90 degree plugs, but third-party manufacturers can manufacture straight plugs and other angles of their choice. There have been audiophiles who have given us feedback regarding possible USB Type-C or Apple Lightning plugs. It is unclear whether third-party manufacturers plan on offering these options.
  
• Our own quick-release modular plug system is rated for a minimum of 3000 cycles (the equivalent of changing plugs 8 times a day, everyday, for a year), but basically we have zero problems even beyond 7000 cycles. Most users will not change out their plugs this often.
• Lately, we have noticed modular cable systems highly "inspired" by our design, with a different mechanism. It is also designed to be quick-release, but the latch is rotational. This is not our design, and therefore we cannot guarantee compatibility or quality. But imitation is the best form of flattery!
• We acknowledge that other companies have made modular plug systems before we did. However, we feel we designed a system with the most complete user experience around, and we're very proud of this accomplishment. We hope more people will be able to experience it!

That's quite comprehensive, great thanks. So in short I think Noble is better than Chord and Chord better than Hulk?

More importantly, Can you elaborate on the differences between the beryllium plated drivers for 3001 Pro, 4001 & 17th as well? I believe the 3 are not identical but not sure what the actual difference is. It is difficult for us to compare. For my 17th, the sound already got a huge improvement from Day 1 to Day 3. Believe most Dunu earphones rqquire a long burn-in...

 

[silverfishla]

The Dunu modular plug design is cool. I got to see it first hand and was impressed by the quality and robustness of its build.
I like how it is like an AKG type locking mechanism and not just an insertion and twist lock.

 

[tomscy2000]

That's quite comprehensive, great thanks. So in short I think Noble is better than Chord and Chord better than Hulk?

More importantly, Can you elaborate on the differences between the beryllium plated drivers for 3001 Pro, 4001 & 17th as well? I believe the 3 are not identical but not sure what the actual difference is. It is difficult for us to compare. For my 17th, the sound already got a huge improvement from Day 1 to Day 3. Believe most Dunu earphones rqquire a long burn-in...

You have a 17th ?!? There are more than a few people here who will be jealous (including me).

My personal expectation is that the Noble is the best cable of the 4 they're offiering because it has the shielding layer. Does it really help the sound? I have my reservations, but I know the science works in its favor. There have been anecdotal cases where people have done comparisons between shielded and unshielded cables, as well as cables of varying degrees of insulation, and I think there have been measurable differences in stereo crosstalk. I just don't know if those differences are audible. I also don't know if the Chord is better than the Hulk, because I don't know how the Type 2 litz design helps or doesn't help, and how a thicker gauge cable will change things. My guess is that a thicker cable will benefit more from these shielding techniques and better insulation, but the thicker gauge will change the resistance of the cable and cause a larger degree of voltage drop across the same length. Is this all negligible? Possibly.

I asked Dunu about the differences between the 3 drivers, and they were hesitant to give away too much because they were worried other companies would emulate their coating techniques. Howeve,r they did say that the thicknesses of the uncoated diaphragms themselves were different for all three, and the PVD coating was also different. They did say that the 17th anniversary one had the thickest driver (not sure whether they mean the diaphragm itself or the coating thickness) and that it was the stiffest. Maybe the 17th model is more subject to mechanical burn-in? I didn't ask them about burn-in times (I almost never do) but I'm pretty sure they recommend 200 hours for their drivers?

 

[DUNU-Topsound]

That's quite comprehensive, great thanks. So in short I think Noble is better than Chord and Chord better than Hulk?

More importantly, Can you elaborate on the differences between the beryllium plated drivers for 3001 Pro, 4001 & 17th as well? I believe the 3 are not identical but not sure what the actual difference is. It is difficult for us to compare. For my 17th, the sound already got a huge improvement from Day 1 to Day 3. Believe most Dunu earphones rqquire a long burn-in...

Well, we don't want to make any assumptions about whether people will think the NOBLE is better than the CHORD or the HULK. There will always be people who believe cables made of a single material like the HULK is better than a mix strand cable like the NOBLE or CHORD, and vice versa.

What we can guarantee, is that we always try to price our products to give as much value as possible to the consumer. A hand woven, mixed-strand wire like the ones found in NOBLE and CHORD is always going to be more difficult and costly to source and make than the HULK. The extra copper shielding layer in the NOBLE is more difficult to produce than the unshielded CHORD. We don't attempt to price according to consumer expectations of sound.

Many people have asked us why we decided to offer aftermarket cables when we are earphone specialists. The reason is that many of our fans, especially in China, have urged us to be a guarantor of authentic sources of cabling. It is very easy to source cables from 1688, Taobao, and JD, but it is difficult to determine whether those spools of cable are authentic. Our customers can be confident that the wires we source have authenticity.

As for the differences in the Beryllium-coated drivers between the DK-3001 PRO, the DK-4001, and the 17th Anniversary Limited Edition model, @tomscy2000 is mostly correct, but let me fill in some details! First, we have to make sure you guys understand that there are lots of factors that impact sound performance in our products. Without giving too much away, the basics are:

• Initial (uncoated) diaphragm mass, diameter, and surface structure
• Magnet and voice coil configuration
• The type of diaphragm coating: we are proficient in titanium, liquid crystal polymer, carbon nanotube, and beryllium
  
• Single or dual-sided coating
• Venting and bass reflex

To answer your question, the 17th Anniversary Limited Edition model has both a thicker Beryllium coating and a different base diaphragm than the DK-4001. The DK-3001 PRO's base diaphragm is the same as the DK-4001's, but the Beryllium coating is thinner. Lastly, the DK-3001 PRO does not have ACIS, so the quality of the bass is also going to be different.

 

[lafeuill]

Congrats on the Hulk, I've been enjoying mine for more than a month and the pairing with my VE8 is perfect. It allowed them to reach their full potential in coherency, outclassing many far more expensive options.

I'd definitely buy at least two more plugs : 1/4 inch jack (6.35mm) and 4pin XLR

 

[newtophones07]

Congrats on the Hulk, I've been enjoying mine for more than a month and the pairing with my VE8 is perfect. It allowed them to reach their full potential in coherency, outclassing many far more expensive options.

I'd definitely buy at least two more plugs : 1/4 inch jack (6.35mm) and 4pin XLR

Great point!

 

[gto88]

Any one can chime in about how much difference of DK-4001 vs DK-3001 PRO regarding ACIS.
I am not bass head, but I still like good bass, so I wonder how much ACIS can do on DK-4001.
I asked because of the difference on price.

 

[tomscy2000]

Any one can chime in about how much difference of DK-4001 vs DK-3001 PRO regarding ACIS. I am not bass head, but I still like good bass, so I wonder how much ACIS can do on DK-4001.I asked because of the difference on price.

Personally I think it makes quite a bit of difference, though it seems other people feel the difference are subtle, e.g. @marcusd from Headfonics seems to feel there is not that much separating the two, at least from his initial impressions. From my perspective, I feel the 4001 is less mid-bass focused and therefore sounds tighter, allowing the sub-bass to shine through. I haven't the 17th but thus far the 4001 has one of the best dynamic driver bass presentations I've heard in an earphone on the gentler side of $1500 --- thus far I've only heard the Solaris and Z1R provide an alternatively good presentation of bass. It's been a long time since I've listened to the RE2000 but I think its bass might also be on a similar level of competency. It's tough to compare presentation against BA bass and planar bass because they each have different strengths/weaknesses.

I feel the 3001 Pro is more typical of its price point (still decent and well controlled, but more typically boomy). Where it succeeds against the 4001 is overall presentation; its mids are forward and upper mids are present, resulting in large, rounded vocals that will please just about anyone. However, it lacks the microdetail the 4001 is able to provide. The 3001 Pro's treble is also more diffuse, resulting in a more ethereal presentation. The downside is that the timbre sounds just that wee bit off. To me I always enter that uncanny valley when I hear the peculiar timbre of the 3001 Pro. That's why I prefer the 4001.