This is a dedicated discussion/information thread for DUNU's modular plug earphone cables, which as of September 2021, is referred to as Q-Lock PLUS.
Because we have an entire portfolio of new cables that spans the whole gamut of price ranges with differing materials and setups, we were requested by multiple members to create a centralized space for DUNU cables that utilize our Quick-Switch modular plug system.
The modular cable is not a concept we came up with (a number of other companies have come up with their own solutions in the past). we tackled the idea head-on and came up with a solution we felt best addressed many users' desires to hot-swap between single-ended and balanced connections, as well as between different sources that use different connectors. We desired a convenient, foolproof way to enable users to switch plugs on the fly. The solution was a ring-sleeve system that we patented (CNIPA ZL201821202295.0, WIPO WO2020019499A1). Line up the dots and arrows, grip the textured sleeve, and the plugs will lock and release intuitively.
As of October 2021, we have four different plugs available, in three different colors/finishes:
Plug Colors/Finishes:
* Plugs are palladium-plated for functional and aesthetic purposes
** Also available with only a 4.4 mm Pentaconn Right-Angle plug
Many of these cables come as standard equipment on our current products (paired cables utilize overmolded connectors instead of a generic cylindrical connector), such as the EST 112 (DUW-02S), DK-2001 (DUW-02), DK-3001 PRO (LYRE), DK-4001 (NOBLE), 17th Anniversary Limited Edition (CHORD), Studio SA6 (DUW-03), ZEN (DUW-03), and LUNA (special variant of the NOBLE, codenamed 'STELLAR'). However, we have several standalone products as well, such as the HULK, VIRIDIAN, BLANCHE, and MANDATE. VIRDIAN and MANDATE are only available in Asia.
Because we have an entire portfolio of new cables that spans the whole gamut of price ranges with differing materials and setups, we were requested by multiple members to create a centralized space for DUNU cables that utilize our Quick-Switch modular plug system.
The modular cable is not a concept we came up with (a number of other companies have come up with their own solutions in the past). we tackled the idea head-on and came up with a solution we felt best addressed many users' desires to hot-swap between single-ended and balanced connections, as well as between different sources that use different connectors. We desired a convenient, foolproof way to enable users to switch plugs on the fly. The solution was a ring-sleeve system that we patented (CNIPA ZL201821202295.0, WIPO WO2020019499A1). Line up the dots and arrows, grip the textured sleeve, and the plugs will lock and release intuitively.
As of October 2021, we have four different plugs available, in three different colors/finishes:
- 3.5 mm TRS Single-Ended (compatible with almost everything)
- 3.5 mm TRRS Balanced 'PRO' (compatible with DAPs like such as those from HiFiMAN and more)
[Discontinued, Only Available in Matte Champagne/Black] - 2.5 mm TRRS Balanced (compatible with DAPs from companies like Astell & Kern and more)
- 4.4 mm TRRRS Unbalanced/Balanced (compatible with DAPs from companies like Sony and more)
- USB Type-C with integrated DAC (compatible with Android, PC, macOS/iPadOS devices)
- Apple Lightning Plug for iOS and iPadOS devices
Plug Colors/Finishes:
- Matte Champagne/Black
- Chrome Silver/Grey (currently only with DUW-03 & BLANCHE)
- Brushed Hairline Stainless Steel/Black (currently only with HULK PRO)
The following is a comprehensive chart of DUNU cables offered with our patented Quick-Switch modular plug system, sorted approximately by series number and wire material. The list will be edit/updated periodically to reflect new developments. [Last Update: 06/20/2021]
| DUW-02 | LYRE | NOBLE | VIRIDIAN | BLANCHE | MANDATE | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wire Material | Silver-Plated OCC Copper | Silver-Plated OCC Copper | OCC Copper w/Secondary Fire Refinement | OCC Copper | OCC Copper w/Secondary Fire Refinement | Mixed-Strand Furukawa OCC Copper & Neotech Silver | Mixed-Strand Furukawa OCC Copper & Neotech Silver (higher strand count than CHORD) | High-Purity Silver | High-Purity Neotech Silver | Complex Mixed-Strand, Mixed Material Architecture (Gold Foil, Neotech Silver, OCC Copper) |
Core Count | 4 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 8 + 2 |
Cable Structure | Litz Type 1 | Litz Type 1 wire in coaxial arrangement and HDPE concentric shielding | Conventional | Litz Type 2 (6 groups of 28 strands of wire) | Litz Type 2 w/Aramid Core & Aluminum Shield | Conventional | Conventional (with unique OCC Copper circumferential, non-conducting shield) | Litz Type 2 (7 groups of 8 strands of wire) | Litz Type 1 | Proprietary |
Gauge | 26 AWG | 26 AWG | 26 AWG | 22 AWG | 22 AWG | 26 AWG | 24 AWG | 26 AWG | 26 AWG | N/A |
Braid | Twist | -- | Round Litz | Round Litz | Round Litz | Round Litz | Twist | Round Litz | -- | -- |
MMCX | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
2-Pin (0.78 mm) | ✓ | ✓ | Special Order Only | ✓ | ✓ | Special Order Only | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Plug(s) Included | 3.5 mm TRS (Single-Ended) | 3.5 mm TRS (Single-Ended) | Choice of 1 of the 4 plugs | All plugs included | All plugs included (except 3.5 mm TRRS 'PRO') | Choice of 1 of the 4 plugs | All plugs included | 3.5 mm TRS (Single-Ended) | All plugs included * (except 3.5 mm TRRS 'PRO') | All plugs included ** (except 3.5 mm TRRS 'PRO') |
Retail Price (USD) | $79.99 | $199.99 | $149.99 | $299.99 | $359.99 | $209.99 | $399.99 | N/A (only available in Asia) | $329.99 | N/A (only available in Asia) |
** Also available with only a 4.4 mm Pentaconn Right-Angle plug
Many of these cables come as standard equipment on our current products (paired cables utilize overmolded connectors instead of a generic cylindrical connector), such as the EST 112 (DUW-02S), DK-2001 (DUW-02), DK-3001 PRO (LYRE), DK-4001 (NOBLE), 17th Anniversary Limited Edition (CHORD), Studio SA6 (DUW-03), ZEN (DUW-03), and LUNA (special variant of the NOBLE, codenamed 'STELLAR'). However, we have several standalone products as well, such as the HULK, VIRIDIAN, BLANCHE, and MANDATE. VIRDIAN and MANDATE are only available in Asia.
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