Hi there,
DUNU launches ZEN, an inward reflection on the path forward
ZEN is designed around ECLIPSƎ, DUNU’s next-generation paradigm for dynamic drivers.
DUNU prides itself on being constantly at the cutting edge of audio technology. Last year, inspired by the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing, DUNU launched LUNA, one of the world’s first and only pure beryllium foil dynamic driver in-ears. As a project developed from an unconstrained budget, in a quest to extract an unprecedented level of performance from one of the most exclusive driver materials available for high-end audio, LUNA’s driver was fabricated with a complex, composite assembly technique, utilizing separate materials for the dome, surround, and attachment points for the voice coil, for which DUNU was awarded an exclusive patent by the CNIPA (ZL20202008721.5).
(Some information is redacted for privacy reasons)
Following LUNA’s success, DUNU set a goal to extend these innovative dynamic driver construction techniques across the company’s entire earphone product line. With ZEN, DUNU introduces the ECLIPSƎ driver platform, a collection of exclusive, next-generation driver technologies. Combining the trickle-down driver fabrication techniques derived from LUNA, an ultra-powerful ring type motor assembly, and refined voicing methods, ECLIPSƎ is a next generation paradigm for dynamic drivers.
A magnesium-aluminum alloy dome with a specific W-shaped morphology serves as the centerpiece of ZEN's 13.5 mm ECLIPSƎ driver and allows ZEN to transcend performance standards at its price point. Furthermore, it is coated via high temperature, filtered, pulsed cathode arc deposition with nanoporous amorphous carbon (nanoDLC).
nanoDLC greatly augments the strength of the alloy dome by filling microscopic pores in the metal with non-hydrogenated, tetrahedral carbon (sp3-hybridized), at levels previously unachievable through plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) techniques classically used on polymer substrates. With nanoDLC, the sound reproduction surface on the ZEN yields physical properties that inch ever closer to pure diamond.
Chief engineer Andy Zhao, never one to settle on his laurels, designed a machine milled, ring-type, neodymium-based magnet assembly that achieves over 1.8 T magnetic field strength at the voice coil, one of the very highest figures achieved across the industry so far. The basis of this ring-type design will serve as the template for all ECLIPSƎ models to come.
With voicing cues taken from extensive feedback relating to LUNA, ZEN signifies the next step of evolution in DUNU’s tuning approach. Whereas LUNA utilized a very purist, traditionally-minded voicing philosophy, ZEN combines a series of response-shaping dampers in conjunction with DUNU’s proprietary Air Control Impedance System (ACIS). ACIS, a bass reflex technique first implemented in the DK-4001, helps reinforce bass frequencies below 100 Hz, providing ZEN with a robust sub-bass response that doesn’t bleed into other frequencies.
Taken together, ECLIPSƎ has allowed ZEN to supersede company expectations for what is possible at its price. “ZEN will appeal to audio lovers who desire a product that nears the level of technical performance set by LUNA, but at a more broad-based entry point,” says Kevin Sun, Global Director of Business Development for DUNU.
On the exterior front, ZEN is a continuation of partnered discussions with industrial designer Moses Xu to express a cohesively themed design brief. This is DUNU’s third such collaboration with Xu, reexamining the curves and lines that have defined DUNU’s product identity over the years for a minimal reduction of those shapes.
Translating the concepts on the drawing board to the physical form meant a return to a medium very familiar to DUNU technicians. Machined from durable, monolithic 316 stainless steel and PVD finished in a scratch-resistant, understated wet black coat, ZEN is a stolid, yet expressive — reflective of ZEN’s overarching product philosophy.
Usage-wise, ZEN continues DUNU’s tradition of bundling a premium cable with the convenient Quick-Switch modular plug system as well as a generous fit kit of different ear tips. ZEN’s designated cable is the DUW-03, an 8-core silver-plated copper cable first bundled with the Studio SA6, now finished with MMCX connectors. Aside from the standard 3.5 mm TRS single-ended plug, a 2.5 mm TRRS balanced plug and 4.4 mm TRRRS balanced plugs are also included.
At an MSRP of $699.99 US dollars, ZEN will go on sale with authorized DUNU dealers worldwide as well as directly from DUNU’s official website before the end of the year.
Media Resources
Thanks, but being the impatient and curious person that I am, I decided to just go ahead and pull the trigger.
Lmao I hope you do find them enjoyable man!Thanks, but being the impatient and curious person that I am, I decided to just go ahead and pull the trigger.
Should be here in a couple of days
Not the case for me. I've tried at least 4/5 aftermarket cables incl. Fiio FD5 cable, Final A8000 SPC cable, Sony Kimber cable, and a couple I bought from AliExpress. All worked without any issues.Hi,
I read in one of the forums that it only works with my own cable. Is this really the case? I'm really weird.
Nice sharing buddy! It now seems quite comfier that C9 has the ability to elevate DD IEM’s performance as well. For the right pairing, the improvement can be huge, and this does not have to be with flagship DD IEM.Posted this in C9 thread, but wanted to share for any current or prospective ZEN owners.
I took delivery of DUNU ZEN today and had a very interesting experience that I would like to share. Thank you @bluestorm1992 in advance for being part of this journey with me and sharing his knowledge and experience with these audio gears.
Cayin C9 is designed for IEMs but I admit, I purchased it to serve double duty for my efficient headphones (Stellia, Z1R, Empyrean, HER10P). Until today, I haven’t appreciated the difference an amp like C9 can do for an iem. Many reviewers classify ZEN as a ‘sensitive’ iem. This leads many to believe that ZEN sips power and all you need is a dongle for them. This couldn’t be farther from the truth in my experience.
Upon first arrival, I unpacked Zen, attached the 3.5mm connector and plugged into my Hiby R8. Upon first listen, I was a bit disappointed. While I could sense INCREDIBLE energy in the mids, the bass just wasn’t there. I quickly played with Hiby’s MSEB and arrived a tuning that was quite a bit better. I quickly discovered ZEN responds very very well to EQ.
I chatted with @bluestorm1992 , I told him ZEN sounds like ‘poking the beast’ but beast was still half asleep. I did respect the tuning direction, very new and I liked the preview I was getting. He asked me to try with C9 as @lumdicks liked C9+Zen pairing. I didn’t see much point at first given the sensitivity of ZEN and low gain on R8 (40 volume) ZEN was plenty loud. But no harm in trying
Attaching 4.4mm ZEN connector, hooking up Eletech Iliad Interconnect (thanks @Eric Chong ) to R8 and I started with the same electronic test track.
HOLY.
MOLY.
MOTHER.
OF.
BALLS.
What???? Everything just clicked. The bass went from ok to electrifying. The power! Treble response was greatly enhanced too and matched the mid energy. The DD’s were pushing so much energy I honestly couldn’t believe it. I had to check if MSEB was active several times throughout my session. MSEB was off, and ZEN was giving me LCD4 levels of energy. The downside. You need something like C9 for this.
What team at @DUNU-Topsound tuned this??? It’s hard to believe the same company that came out with the refinement of Luna has released this RAW unrestrained iem. Why on earth is this called ZEN?? I am definitely not at ease or calm listening to this. This is something else. I still can’t process the sheer energy of what I’m hearing. This is no beast. This is a demon slayer.
“Rip and tear, until it is done.”
Posted this in C9 thread, but wanted to share for any current or prospective ZEN owners.
I took delivery of DUNU ZEN today and had a very interesting experience that I would like to share. Thank you @bluestorm1992 in advance for being part of this journey with me and sharing his knowledge and experience with these audio gears.
Cayin C9 is designed for IEMs but I admit, I purchased it to serve double duty for my efficient headphones (Stellia, Z1R, Empyrean, HER10P). Until today, I haven’t appreciated the difference an amp like C9 can do for an iem. Many reviewers classify ZEN as a ‘sensitive’ iem. This leads many to believe that ZEN sips power and all you need is a dongle for them. This couldn’t be farther from the truth in my experience.
Upon first arrival, I unpacked Zen, attached the 3.5mm connector and plugged into my Hiby R8. Upon first listen, I was a bit disappointed. While I could sense INCREDIBLE energy in the mids, the bass just wasn’t there. I quickly played with Hiby’s MSEB and arrived a tuning that was quite a bit better. I quickly discovered ZEN responds very very well to EQ.
I chatted with @bluestorm1992 , I told him ZEN sounds like ‘poking the beast’ but beast was still half asleep. I did respect the tuning direction, very new and I liked the preview I was getting. He asked me to try with C9 as @lumdicks liked C9+Zen pairing. I didn’t see much point at first given the sensitivity of ZEN and low gain on R8 (40 volume) ZEN was plenty loud. But no harm in trying
Attaching 4.4mm ZEN connector, hooking up Eletech Iliad Interconnect (thanks @Eric Chong ) to R8 and I started with the same electronic test track.
HOLY.
MOLY.
MOTHER.
OF.
BALLS.
What???? Everything just clicked. The bass went from ok to electrifying. The power! Treble response was greatly enhanced too and matched the mid energy. The DD’s were pushing so much energy I honestly couldn’t believe it. I had to check if MSEB was active several times throughout my session. MSEB was off, and ZEN was giving me LCD4 levels of energy. The downside. You need something like C9 for this.
What team at @DUNU-Topsound tuned this??? It’s hard to believe the same company that came out with the refinement of Luna has released this RAW unrestrained iem. Why on earth is this called ZEN?? I am definitely not at ease or calm listening to this. This is something else. I still can’t process the sheer energy of what I’m hearing. This is no beast. This is a demon slayer.
“Rip and tear, until it is done.”
I don’t think they have one or if there’s a plan for one unfortunately.
