[Zelda]

REVIEW: Dunu DN-23 Landmine

 

 
 

Specs:

Driver: Dynamic 10mm
Frequency Response: 16Hz~22KHz
Noise Attenuation: 26db
Weight: 28g
Plug Size: Gold-plated 3.5mm Stereo plug
Impedance: 16Ω
Sensitivity: 120+2dB
Cord Length: 1.2 m
 

 
 
 

Build Quality & Design:

As expected from any Dunu product, the build quality is top-notch. The housings are made of metal, and on the heavy side. But not as large as the previous models like the DN-12, DN-17/18, or DN-16. They look quite durable. The strain relief is a bit shorter than it should, though. The design is also very nice, something not found even on much pricier earphones. Dunu put a lot of effort here too.
The cable is one of the best I've seen. Thick, very soft and not-tangle prone. Microphonics is really low, even when worn straight-down. And of course there's the "Dunu patented" (so it reads) attached cable wrap, which is very helpful.
The 3.5 plug is well relieved. The same 45º plug used on the first 4 models. Not the large L-plug the DN-19 and DN-17 had.
Surprisingly, there are no R and L mark, just colored rings, Red for right side and Blue for left. I'd expected at least a small bump on the strain relief.
 

 
 
 

Comfort, Fit & Isolation:

The DN-23 straight-barrel design is quite comfortable and fit very easy. The provided hybrid-style eartips provide an instant seal. The other tips are comfortable as well, but they don't isolate and seal like the hybrid ones do. But, due to the extra weight, the seal can break with ease and on the long run even cause some discomfort. The good news are that using the cable up around the back of the ears helps a lot as the cable is strong enough to hold up the earpieces. Ear guides might help even further, but they're not included.
Isolation is good, not great but enough for the daily commute. Above average for a dynamic based IEM.
No driver flex noticed even being a back-sealed dynamic earphone.
 

 
 
 

Accessories:

This is also where Dunu won't disappoint. Every product they release is very well accessorized. Even their cheapest models.
 
The pack includes:
3 pairs of single hybrid-style eartips in S, M, L size.
3 pairs of single wide-bore eartips in S, M, L size.
3 pairs of single narrow-bore eartips in S, M, L size.
1 pair of Double-Flange. BUT these are useless as the tips' core is much wider than the earphone nozzle.
1 soft carrying pouch
1 semi-hard carrying case
Shirt clip
Airplane adapter
3.5mm to 6.25mm adapter
 
And now, the main part of the review.
 

Sound:

 
First impressions:
Right out of the box, with the hybrid tips on, the sound is true to the model name, a Landmine – an Explosion. Too bassy and too boomy. They need some (short) time to settle down.
So, after some burn-in period, or at least a break-in, the overall sound is what you'd expect from the Dunu house, a smooth, easy going and forgiving sound. Not as accurate as the (current) flagship, the DN-19 Tai Chi, but musical and very fun to listen.
 
They're very easy to drive too, compared to most of the dynamic IEMs I tried. I assume it's due to the high Sensitivity and (standard) low impedance.
 
The low end is full, and thick, mainly on the mid-bass. Sub-bass is also very present, but a bit loose and doesn't reach too deep. Of course there's a lot of rumble as expected from a bass oriented phone.
As for the midrange, while not the main strength of the DN-23, it's very well reproduced for a bassy phone. Not necessarily forward, but definitely not recessed. Vocals are sweet, but can't match the previous DN-17 Crater model (- the first batch -) in its lushness and sweetness. Closer to the DN-19 Tai Chi (in the bassy setup) if anything.
And the high end. It's quite a surprise. Why? Because as smooth as other Dunu's products, it has more energy and sparkle. The right amount to be well-balanced with the mids, but not as strong as the bass. Not for analytical listeners or detail lovers at any mean.
Soundstage, is a bit wider than average, but on the whole, the presentation lacks space and separation.
 
In short, the DN-23 Landmine don’t excel in something in particular. They're just FUN to listen. Designed to enjoy music and not analyze it.
 
I must note about the provided ear-tips. While the Landmine aren't tunable as the Tai Chi, the sound is very tip dependant. The overall sound and signature remains the same (unlike the Tai Chi), but is easy to "tweak" each frequency (bass, mids or highs).
 
The Hybrid tips give the most warm and dark sound. The mid/up-bass is more accentuated, while the sub-bass is a bit rolled-off, and less tight. Highs as well are too smooth and sound kind of boring and soulless. But the midrange is what suffers the most as it's more recessed. And also there's some extra bass-bleed into the mids.
 
The narrow-bore single tips give the opposite effect. A colder/thinner tonality and tighter and clearer sound overall. A very slight U-shaped sound at most. The sub-bass is more present, and mid-bass has better control.
 
Finally, with the wide-bore tips the sound is the most 'balanced'. It remains the low-end strength that the hybrid tips offer, together with a wider and cleaner sound similar to the narrow tips. Mids are more forward and engaging.
 
The differences are not day-and-light but worth mentioning.
 
Compared to other bassy/warmish earphones, they have some similarities to FA Eterna with their extra low-end coloration. Less boomy than the Brainwavz M5 (though the M5 sound more clear and detailed), but better than the old Xears TD-III, for example. Can't match the DN-19 SQ level, but for the 2/3 price, they hold their ground pretty well as a good all-arounder.
 
 

Value:

For the sound quality alone the U$D 80 price is a bit high. But when adding the top-notch build quality, excellent accessory set, and comfort and good isolation, the DN-23 Landmine are a solid choice on the $50-100 category. And don't forget the very good customer service.