DUNU DN-2000J -- More Than Evolution?

[lavs23]

Can you talk a little bit more about isolation? Do you have experience listening in chatty office type environments. I would guess they are similar to the 2000s which get good reports. See any issues comfort wise with wearing for extended periods/easy seal?

 

[tomscy2000]

  Can you talk a little bit more about isolation? Do you have experience listening in chatty office type environments. I would guess they are similar to the 2000s which get good reports. See any issues comfort wise with wearing for extended periods/easy seal?

 
The isolation is average, not great, but adequate --- that's in direct comparison to custom IEMs. Using Comply foams or the new foam-lined grey silicone tips will net a little more isolation. I haven't done a comparison, but the isolation shouldn't be very different from the DN-2000's. It uses similar construction materials and the diameter of the housings is barely smaller --- not enough to make a real difference in perceived isolation.
 
Comfort-wise, my ears tend to get a little sore after wearing them for an extended period of time, e.g. >1 hour. I think comfort is dependent from person to person, though.

 

[Bayonetwork]

Could you elaborate on this midrange "bite" you speak of? im not familiar with the TWFK character in this regard.
Also you mention poor instrument separation. Do you mean worse than a DN1k or 2k or no better? Are the "bite" or soundstage affecting the separation?

 

[H20Fidelity]

I've just been contacted by someone. Turns out a DN2000J sample was assigned to me and already in transit. Due to the situation I 'will' be reviewing them and giving my opinion for you guys. Looking forward to it. I cannot say no considering its almost here and I'm sure you guys want as many opinions possible.

 

[mochill]

Lol h2ofidelity I can't wait to hear from you as well and brooko

 

[tomscy2000]

 

[H20Fidelity]

Lol h2ofidelity I can't wait to hear from you as well and brooko

 
Well, what I DO have is the original DN-2000 here with me, actually for many months.
 
I can compare and give some impressions between the two. 
 
Behold the specimen.
 

 

[tomscy2000]

Should I withhold commentary on the DN-2000 vs. DN-2000J? I feel like since I've been the sole voice, no one believes me and everyone just thinks I'm some DUNU shill...

 

[H20Fidelity]

  Should I withhold commentary on the DN-2000 vs. DN-2000J? I feel like since I've been the sole voice, no one believes me and everyone just thinks I'm some DUNU shill...

 
Please share Tom, I for one appreciate your material.  By no means are you a shill in my eyes. 

 
You're just the lucky one to get first take on the new hybrid, a rough position to be in. 

 

[Brooko]

  Should I withhold commentary on the DN-2000 vs. DN-2000J? I feel like since I've been the sole voice, no one believes me and everyone just thinks I'm some DUNU shill...

 
Heck no - I'm loving the commentary so far. Luke and I will add to it when ours arrives. In the meantime, I really appreciate your views Tom.  Always articulate and well reasoned.

 

[tomscy2000]

In that case, the 2000J >> 2000.

 

[tomscy2000]

Kidding aside, the 2000J is really a step up over the 2000, unless you prefer the smoothness of the 2000. The 2000J is a little brighter and a little harsher in the treble, but quite a bit more revealing from bottom to the top. The bass is as expected: much tighter, much denser, and much better control.

 

[H20Fidelity]

  Kidding aside, the 2000J is really a step up over the 2000, unless you prefer the smoothness of the 2000. The 2000J is a little brighter and a little harsher in the treble, but quite a bit more revealing from bottom to the top. The bass is as expected: much tighter, much denser, and much better control.

 
That's exactly what doesn't sit well with me - the smoothness of DN-2000 around its mid-range, really a classic example of a veil to my ears. One area which stops me using them despite its positive aspects. I even feel to some extent owning them twice DN-1000 had the more vivid mids, so I'm all for a brighter more revealing concept in tuning. 

 

[tomscy2000]

The XBA-A3 is kind of a bass cannon compared to the A3. For some reason, I still find the A3 enjoyable, despite it having way more bass than what I normally like. However, because of its big bass boost, there seems to be a bit of a slight veil over everything, compared to the 2000J. The mids are less forward except for the lower mids and the uppermost upper mids. The bass is richly textured, but is not nearly as revealing, coming off a bit one-note compared to the layered and nuanced bass of the 2000J.
 
Honestly, there should still be people who like the XBA-A3, as well as the warm, sweet, smooth-ish 2000. But there's no question the 2000J has better clarity, better bass control, better treble extension, and better detail. It's mostly down to preference.
 
People who don't like hearing any treble harshness will go for the 2000. People who want to hear big thick fun bass, will go for the A3. People who want control and resolution will love the 2000J.

 

[tomscy2000]

  That's exactly what doesn't sit well with me - the smoothness of DN-2000 around its mid-range, really a classic example of a veil to my ears. One area which stops me using them despite its positive aspects. I even feel to some extent owning them twice DN-1000 had the more vivid mids, so I'm all for a brighter more revealing concept in tuning. 

 
I think you'll find the 2000J almost everything you wished were improved on the 2000 except with slightly harsher treble and miniscule more amount of sibilance.