[thirotsugu]

Hi everyone.
 
As written in the title, this is my personal thoughts about the Dunu DN-17 Crater and DN-18 Hawkeye.
 
First I would like to thank Rocky from Dunu for choosing me as a winner for the review contest.
He is a great and generous person!
 
Now to the review.
 

DN-17 Crater

 
Scores:
Build Quality   ★★★★★
Highs              ★★★★★
Mids               ★★★★☆
Lows               ★☆☆☆☆
Sound-stage   ★★★★☆
Accessories    ★★★★★
 
As the scores say, the DN-17 Crater is absolutely not for bass lovers.
I would say that these earphones are very well balanced and easy to listen to.
Due to these characteristics, these work great with songs that are mainly female vocal, piano and other acoustic instruments.
It has a really clear sound and with a wide soundstage and is for detailed listning rather that fun listening.
These earphones best suite, Pop, UK Rock, Classic and other genres that dont require bass.
 
The body of the earphones are metal and feel like they will withstand a lot of abuse.
On the other hand, the cable feels a little thin, which wories me a little.
Also the cables feel sticky and might catch some lint.
 
As other Dunu products, the accesories are amazing.
You get
- 6 pairs of buds
- Airline adapter
- 1/4inch adapter
- Shirt clip
- 2 cases (1x ,metal hard case/1x fake leather pouch)
- Microfiber
 
MSRP is $76
 
 
 

DN-18 Hawkeye (Revised Edition)

 
 
Scores:
Build Quality ★★★★★
Highs            ★★☆☆☆
Mids              ★★★☆☆
Lows             ★★★★★
Sound-stage ★★★☆☆
Accessories  ★★★★★
 
I received the revised edition of the Hawkeyes. I have previously tested out the older ones and was amazed on the
imporvemant they had made with the revised edtion. Better sound quality, more clarity and a little less bass.(But better
on the high end than the previous ones)
 
Compared to the Craters, these are more emphasized on the lower end, with stronger/clearer bass and OK mids and OK Highs.
Due to the bass, this will lower the clarity and the sound-stage but is more than enough for me.
 
These worked best for me with Dubstep, R&B, electornica and songs that require more bass.
Male vocal were quite nice thanks to the bass.
 
Same as the Craters, these have a metal body and feel sturdy. But the cord is the same and as I said, feels a little flimsy.
 
Accesories are almost the same except that the DN-18 has a Semi hard case instead of a metal case:
 
- 6 pairs of buds
- Airline adapter
- 1/4inch adapter
- Shirt clip
- 2 cases (1x ,Semi hard case/1x fake leather pouch)
- Microfiber
 
MSRP is $60
 
Conclusion
Sound quality is well worth the price tag of both of these items.
It just depends on your personal taste. The Craters are for people who prefer clarity and detail,
and the Hawkeyes are for people who like bass and bass heavy music.
So as long as it matches your taste, either one is well worth the money. Maybe get 2 and changing them
depending on what your listening to or how you are feeling.

 

[AstroTurf]

Hey let me ask you this question.

Had you not won the review contest.

Would you purchase either of these for yourself? If so, which one?

And what Brand/Model IEM do yo currently listen to?

What source? Amped or unamped?

Thanks, Jim

 

[thirotsugu]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the comment.
Even if i didnt win the contest, i would of still bought the DN-18 because i am what people usually call a "basshead".

I usually use the Astrio M5 with my RoCoo P,iPod 5th gen/w ibasso P4.

The bass on the dn-18 were not as strong as what you would expect with the atrios, but enough to enjoy your music.

 

[AstroTurf]

Kewl, Thanks for the quick response.

I will say that I am still too new in this hobby to have purchased very many IEMs yet.

I have today though purchased my 4th set of ER-4.

Longterm, I may pick one of these up one day.

Thanks again, Jim