DUNU DN-2000J -- More Than Evolution?

[Paulus XII]

Testing 2KJ. Haven't found any issues with treble for now. So far so good, the IEM is outstanding for jazz. Back to listening!

 

[d marc0]

The very moment I peered into the shipping box, I was awestruck by the DUNU DN-2000J's elaborate packaging presentation and rich assortment of accessories on display. I can state with absolute certainty that this is the most feature-rich, professionally packaged listening device I have ever encountered in all my time as an audiophile. If the DN-2000J is so visually intimidating from its prepossessing exterior craftsmanship, is this same standard of excellence mirrored in its primary function, its acoustic performance?

EDIT: Boy, did I speak prematurely, but that is what I get when working simultaneously on sprucing up my apartment for a cleaning check and doing some homework assignments. Unfortunately, some EQ settings were active that I use for my MEE Audio A151, so my excitement was totally off-base and unfounded.  With those sound settings off and balance restored, the DN-2000J's sound was still pretty amazing, but not exactly superior to the TITAN 1, and I also noticed one issue that needs some work. With the standard silicon tips, there is some ultra high frequency treble roll off about 10 to 12 KHz that is abrupt and a strange contrast to the energetic and outgoing lower and mid treble. The Comply tips make this transition from the mid to high treble smoother. But, as a result, the sound loses its one advantage, the energy in the lower and mid treble, and, in fact, it becomes darker than the TITAN 1, making it, for my needs, a bit overpriced compared to its lesser brother. In terms of full-sized headphones, I would call the DN-2000J kind of, sort of like an AKG Q 701 with proper deep bass impact; it is in the same vein as the Q 701 as it has a neutral tone, probably the most neutral in an IEM I have found, a bright lower and mid treble, and a steep drop in the upper treble around 10 to 12 KHz.

Because of this upper treble roll-off, the cymbals are not as bright and convincing as the TITAN 1 and the sound is not as coherent, either. Because of this upper treble roll-off, the edges of sonic images have a blurred look to them when focusing with my sonic eyes, where sometimes things are like blobs. The TITAN 1, on the other hand, does not have this upper treble roll-off and, though its upper treble is sometimes a bit too forward and though I personally believe this just is a recording mastering issue, the edges of the sonic image in the TITAN 1 are more well-defined and more finely etched. Interestingly enough, the soundstage on the DN-2000J seems ultra wide but not very deep just like the Q 701. The TITAN 1, on the other hand, is the opposite: just moderately wide but very deep, likely due to its greater proficiency in the uppermost treble region.

Likewise, though the less costly Phonak PFE with gray filters is inferior in all other respects to the DN-2000J, even its upper treble detail and clarity is far superior. Now, most people would likely not be bothered by the DN-2000J's treble roll-off in the topmost extremes. If you are middle-aged, you would likely not be able to even tell. But for myself, having played flute for almost 10 years and as a young man in my 20s, I instinctively listen to the uppermost treble for air, clarity and focus, so any treble inconsistencies will stand out like a sore thumb, and so this has always made headphone purchases always an interesting pursuit. I got these results regardless of my source, and I know from experience with other headphones handy what I am looking for. So back to seller the DN-2000J goes. It is a nice headphone and all. But for its price, it does not do exactly what I would want or expect. It was certainly a fun ride, and I can officially say I demoed and owned one, but I am shipping it back tomorrow.

I can't blame you for preferring the Titan 1 coz I totally agree with your evaluation. The dn2000j is technically great in most aspects but like I said in the Titan thread, the T1 is Dunu's best tuned IEM IMHO. It may not be technically better, but the tuning and balance make up for it. People complained about sibilance but personally I only experienced it with the titan when seal was not good. It is indeed bright but definitely not sibilant.

 

[Hifihedgehog]

But what about the burn in?   

And, why not keep it and wait until you're middle-aged, or why not use it with your EQ settings for your MEE Audio A151? 

I strongly do not believe in burn-in besides during the first couple hours of use. The problem here is the TITAN 1 does not need an EQ to sound great and I personally do not believe in having to EQ an expensive IEM. I still love DUNU's TITAN 1 but I think they made it such a perfect product that it is something of a task to even outdo it themselves. Thank you, and thank you, everyone for your advice, shared experience, and excitement during my brief foray with this IEM.

 

[Aero Dynamik]

 

But what about the burn in? 

 

And, why not keep it and wait until you're middle-aged, or why not use it with your EQ settings for your MEE Audio A151? 

I strongly do not believe in burn-in besides during the first couple hours of use. The problem here is the TITAN 1 does not need an EQ to sound great and I personally do not believe in having to EQ an expensive IEM. I still love DUNU's TITAN 1 but I think they made it such a perfect product that it is something of a task to even outdo it themselves. Thank you, and thank you, everyone for your advice, shared experience, and excitement during my brief foray with this IEM.

It would seem to me your major complaint is the lack of a neutral FR in the area between 10 kHz and about 18 kHz? Frankly, I find that a bit funny. Now, I can't hear it because I'm (more than) middle-aged - my hearing stops around 12 kHz (in the deepest dip) - and you can't hear it because it isn't (so much) there.
 
Consequently we should then be hearing the DN2KJ in pretty much the same or similar way, right? To make a long story short, I feel the the DN2KJ is one of the most stellar IEMs I've heard (including AKG K3003, FitEar ToGo 334, ER-4S, ES6, SM64, to mention a few) whereas you reaction is basically meh.
 
I must say that puzzles me a bit, making me wonder if we simply have different tastes, or if there's some other explanation. Care to speculate or make a guess?

 

[Brooko]

Different preference and different physiology.  His canals are unique - combine that with insertion depth, tip choice, even choice of source and style of music.
 
Personally I find the DN-2000J to be one of the best tunings I've heard in an IEM (ever).  Doesn't mean everyone will like them.  But I sure as heck do. 

 

[Paulus XII]

 
Personally I find the DN-2000J to be one of the best tunings I've heard in an IEM (ever).  Doesn't mean everyone will like them.  But I sure as heck do. 

 
I totally agree.

 

[Hifihedgehog]

You hit the nail right on the head...

  Different preference and different physiology.  His canals are unique - combine that with insertion depth, tip choice, even choice of source and style of music.
 
Personally I find the DN-2000J to be one of the best tunings I've heard in an IEM (ever).  Doesn't mean everyone will like them.  But I sure as heck do. 

Another aspect I forgot to mention is that I have extremely small ears. My ears are so small that Grado's are completely circumaural, to the point that my ears lobes always touch the plastic. As a result, most Grado's sound veiled to me, which is, of course, strange, but I found that if I hold the earcups at the position that people with average-sized ears would have them, they sound rather decent. Pity that that does not work in practice.
 
That logic applied here, my unusually sized ears with their equally narrow canals also make IEMs a hard sonic commodity to shop around for. In many cases, my small ear size exacerbates the so-called IEM veil to the point that, even when I use Comply tips or the smallest silicon tips, it sounds like I am listening through a padded wall. Only a small handful of IEMs actually have a natural ergonomic fit and feel and work their best in my ears, such as the Phonak Audéo line. I have considered going CIEM but the high investment cost is such a turn-off to me as a college student.

In going forward, I might consider purchasing a full-sized headphone to add to my stable. I do not own an HD 700 but I am quite familiar with its sound and very fond of its build. So, I will probably try catching a Black Friday sale for it on the Sennheiser web store and elsewhere.

 

[WhatToChoose]

  It would seem to me your major complaint is the lack of a neutral FR in the area between 10 kHz and about 18 kHz? Frankly, I find that a bit funny. Now, I can't hear it because I'm (more than) middle-aged - my hearing stops around 12 kHz (in the deepest dip) - and you can't hear it because it isn't (so much) there.
 
Consequently we should then be hearing the DN2KJ in pretty much the same or similar way, right? To make a long story short, I feel the the DN2KJ is one of the most stellar IEMs I've heard (including AKG K3003, FitEar ToGo 334, ER-4S, ES6, SM64, to mention a few) whereas you reaction is basically meh.
 
I must say that puzzles me a bit, making me wonder if we simply have different tastes, or if there's some other explanation. Care to speculate or make a guess?

 
I have actually been strongly considering the sm64s, how would you compare them to the DN2kjs? Or an impression in general

 

[Aero Dynamik]

 

  It would seem to me your major complaint is the lack of a neutral FR in the area between 10 kHz and about 18 kHz? Frankly, I find that a bit funny. Now, I can't hear it because I'm (more than) middle-aged - my hearing stops around 12 kHz (in the deepest dip) - and you can't hear it because it isn't (so much) there.
 
Consequently we should then be hearing the DN2KJ in pretty much the same or similar way, right? To make a long story short, I feel the the DN2KJ is one of the most stellar IEMs I've heard (including AKG K3003, FitEar ToGo 334, ER-4S, ES6, SM64, to mention a few) whereas you reaction is basically meh.
 
I must say that puzzles me a bit, making me wonder if we simply have different tastes, or if there's some other explanation. Care to speculate or make a guess?

 
I have actually been strongly considering the sm64s, how would you compare them to the DN2kjs? Or an impression in general

The SM64 is one of those IEMs that has a special place in my heart. In many respects it is the opposite of the DN2KJ.
 
It is not as detailed/resolving (non the less no slouch in that area) and absolutely non fatiguing.
 
It has a pronounced mid range especially around 1 kHz (the way I heard it) that is very palpable and one of the sound characteristics I really appreciate about it.
 
It's the only IEM I've heard that reminds me of listening to - great sounding - speakers.
 
And, of course, it has that infamous 5 kHz super dip which made rin choi dub it "An Electroacoustic Abomination". I'd say it's one of those phones with a signature that is quite unique and one that you'll recognize instantly. I no longer have it but miss it from time to time and have been considering to re-acquire it.
 
I think EarSonics care a little less about graphs and science than many other IEM creators. Their business is - in a very positive sense - showmanship. Before the "abomination" was discovered the reviews were quite glowing, also from some very knowledgeable Head-Fi:ers. After the discovery, interest unfortunately seemed to fade.
 
Here are my "Lasting impressions" from the SM64 thread.

 

[Aero Dynamik]

  Different preference and different physiology.  His canals are unique - combine that with insertion depth, tip choice, even choice of source and style of music.
 
Personally I find the DN-2000J to be one of the best tunings I've heard in an IEM (ever).  Doesn't mean everyone will like them.  But I sure as heck do. 

I agree, but I can't help but feel that it's a pity that one of the best sounding IEMs I've heard is dismissed so quickly and on those grounds (the above 10 kHz dip). It somehow doesn't seem fair, and I'm afraid our Hifihedgehog might be missing out without realizing it.
 
Various insertion depths, tips, sources, and mods can be applied and can make quite a bit of difference. It seems to me it wasn't really given a fair chance. I don't mind one bit personally. I simply find it strange that anyone can dismiss it so fast. But that's me and our Hifihedgehog can of course do what he pleases and his opinions are as welcome and valuable as anyone else's.

 

[Hifihedgehog]

  I agree, but I can't help but feel that it's a pity that one of the best sounding IEMs I've heard is dismissed so quickly and on those grounds (the above 10 kHz dip). It somehow doesn't seem fair, and I'm afraid our Hifihedgehog might be missing out without realizing it.
 
Various insertion depths, tips, sources, and mods can be applied and can make quite a bit of difference. It seems to me it wasn't really given a fair chance. I don't mind one bit personally. I simply find it strange that anyone can dismiss it so fast. But that's me and our Hifihedgehog can of course do what he pleases and his opinions are as welcome and valuable as anyone else's.

I am quite sure that is all true. Yet again, I do not think I should have to mod a pricey product to reach peak performance. Likewise, my small ears make proper insertion with the default or Comply tips result in muffled sound. Conversely, putting them at a comfortable depth results in a hissy, bass-light mess. That is why I am dismissing it--it simply does not work with my ears.

 

[Paulus XII]

Well, after 16 more hours testing, I got to say this IEM is absolutely stunning, you just can't use any blue or red rings with it or it will sound metallic. Double-flange tips also help alot, especially if you like full, fat bass. Bass quality is unlike anything I've heard to date. I must have got the wrong impression that they didn't have much bass (quantity). With the dual flanges they have as much bass as DN-.1000. You can't fault bass quantity here.

 

[PixelSquish]

  Well, after 16 more hours testing, I got to say this IEM is absolutely stunning, you just can't use any rings with it or it will sound metallic. Double-flange tips also help alot, especially if you like full, fat bass. Bass quality is unlike anything I've heard to date. I must have got the wrong impression that they didn't have much bass (quantity). With the dual flanges they have as much bass as DN-.1000. You can't fault bass quantity here.

yeah the bass quality is mind blowingly good. my jaw still drops sometimes when i hear these things do their thing. so articulate yet so lush. 
 
can't wait for your full review!

 

[Aero Dynamik]

  Well, after 16 more hours testing, I got to say this IEM is absolutely stunning, you just can't use any rings with it or it will sound metallic. Double-flange tips also help alot, especially if you like full, fat bass. Bass quality is unlike anything I've heard to date. I must have got the wrong impression that they didn't have much bass (quantity). With the dual flanges they have as much bass as DN-.1000. You can't fault bass quantity here.

Agree!
 
What double-flange tips do you use? There weren't any stock in the package I believe!?
 
I'm in the process of assessing james444's pair of Venture Electronics (VE) the Duke, and it's in many ways an amazing IEM. Just can't believe it's just a single dynamic micro driver IEM. Anyway, when switching to the DN2KJ what really hits me is its bass. Sure, it isn't neutral, it's clearly elevated, but the implementations is so masterful I experience it more reference - emotionally realistic - than any other IEM bass I've heard. So I definitely agree!

 

[Paulus XII]

  Agree!
 
What double-flange tips do you use? There weren't any stock in the package I believe!?
 
I'm in the process of assessing james444's pair of Venture Electronics (VE) the Duke, and it's in many ways an amazing IEM. Just can't believe it's just a single dynamic micro driver IEM. Anyway, when switching to the DN2KJ what really hits me is its bass. Sure, it isn't neutral, it's clearly elevated, but the implementations is so masterful I experience it more reference - emotionally realistic - than any other IEM bass I've heard. So I definitely agree!

 
Hi Aero Dynamik. I'm using the double flange tips with wide bore that came with the DN-1000 and in fact these are the best for the DN-2000J. Not only for bass, but for a more natural sound in electric guitars, cymbals, etc. I've just found the same tips on ebay here or you can get the MEE ones there too.