Website: Dunu-Topsound
Specifications:
Drivers: 2 x Dynamic 10mm
+ Dual Balanced Armature
Frequency range: 10
Hz-40 KHz
Impedance: 10Ω
Sensitivity: 106±2dB
Connection: 3.5mm
Gold-plated
Cable: 1.2m
Weight: 24g
Price (MSRP): U$D 380
Unboxing:
Accessories: (4/5)
The DN-2002 includes the
following:
- 3 pairs of single silicone tips (S/M/L)
- SpinFit CP100 in all 4 pairs (XS/S/M/L)
- Comply Foam Tx-500 M size
- Earguides
- Carrying case
- Clip
- 6.35mm adapter
- Airplane adapter
As usual, the Dunu's
accessory pack is quite nice. Even though, the DN-2002 set is less generous
than previous models. The addition of SpinFit is a good touch (if they fit
well), as well as the Comply Foam, but a larger selection of tips and sizes
could have been better to fit the current priciest model.
Build & Design: (5/5)
It's a Dunu earphone and
a higher model, so it's simply flawless in build quality. Stainless steel
housings (316L) are surely sturdy, and the rear outer part seems well
covered by a smooth material. As for the design, it certainly looks cool,
nothing too much attention calling or nor too flashy/shinny as the previous
Dunu hybrids or other products, but they surely are on the large side of things
with the extra dynamic driver. Shells are heavy as usual but without sharp
edges and with a more rounded finish toward the inner part for a relatively
more comfortable fit. Cable quality is excellent, thick yet soft (at least
during these summer days), easy to store and doesn't tend to hold much of
memory effect. The addition of the Dunu patented fixed cable-wrap is as helpful
as ever. Y-split is the same as the DN-2000, made of aluminum, and the plug too
is very well relieved. The nozzle is like the previous DN hybrids, rather wide
and missing the lip/stopper at the top, what limits the eartip rolling and
might not suit the small/narrower ear canals. The DN-2002 is the first Dunu IEM
to apply detachable cables. MMCX are not my favorite option, definitely not for
a higher model, as those usually have some connection issues. Dunu designers seem
to be aware of that as the new cable connectors are simply great. They feature
a 'lock patent' which makes the connection very tight and prevents it from
disconnecting; actually, it's so strong that it's hard to tell there's a
detachable cable in there. Moreover, I couldn't manage to disconnect it even
applying some extra strength. Even so, this special MMCX connection is Dunu
proprietary so it may limit the aftermarket/upgrade cable options.
Fit, Comfort,
Isolation: (4/5)
The peculiar housing
shape doesn't necessarily translate in a more comfortable fit. The DN-2002 is a
heavy earphone like most of the Dunu products (with exception of the Titan and
old Tai-Chi) and getting a good and comfortable fit is not an easy task. Both
DN-1000 and 2000 models had some certain sharp ends on them and were also necessary
to wear them in the 'over-ear' setup to relieve some of the extra weight, and
still could be worn for not much than an hour without needing a break. The
shells were also very wide and put some extra pressure to outer ear part. The
new DN-2002 is not much different than its previous siblings, but the small
changes are welcomed, at least for my ears. Unfortunately, the SpinFit tips
didn't work for me at all, and even I finally managed to get a proper seal it
didn't hold for too long; sound results were good enough either. Next I tried
the DN-2000 grey eartips which worked very well with the previous model, but
not that nice with the new 2002. In the end, I settled with the included white
silicone tips that have a more spherical shape and give a better grip. With
these, the DN-2002 is much easier to fit and remains fairly comfortable either
in down or up wearing setup. Personally, I prefer the over-ear fit as it's more
secure and keeps the earphone from falling when walking around. Getting a good
angle is a must; otherwise the (unnecessary) shape can be quite a pain. Driver
flex is not present and isolation is quite good despite the obvious small vents
(maybe a bit lower than the DN-2000 as it's a more sealed back design but also carry
some driver flex).
Sound:
This time the new Dunu
hybrid takes a dual dynamic + dual BA configuration, unlike their three
previous hybrid model ones which had only one dynamic along the dual BA small
Knowles TWFK drivers. These two dynamic are not smaller drivers but 10mm like
the previous ones. After having the DN-1000 and DN-2000 for a long time already
with their strong bass response, I had my doubts about the new tuning of this
last one. Dunu's IEMs are not bass heavy by default, the Titan series can prove
that, and dual DDs doesn't necessary equals to powerful bass either, but warm
sounding they truly are, and both other triple hybrids had more than enough. To
my surprise the DN2002 turned to be quite an amazing earphone, probably the
best tuned of all the Dunu IEMs I've tried, and one of the most balanced and
good sounding universal earphones regardless their price. Moreover, the DN-2002
hybrid results are among the best in terms of coherence between drivers type
and play along in beautiful unison. The DN-1000 had that notorious incoherence,
and even the 2000, while much better, wasn't free of this issue. Unfortunately,
I can't comment about the 2000J as I never got a chance to try it, but the
Fidue A73 (1DD+1BA) was an excellent example of a coherent hybrid, that could
match the DN-1000 in many technical aspects.
Now, as for the
DN-2002 itself; starting from the low end it is very accurate with excellent
control, in a very higher dynamic driver style, with great detail and well
textured. It's very full in body but not overly thick, solid in note
presentation and very resolving in the sub-bass region. The DN-2002 remains
very clean and shows no hint of bloat, which is quite an achievement for a Dunu
product with this strong bass response. While the sub-bass reach is not as deep
as the DN2000, or as immersive or addicting, with this new dual dynamic setup
the lowest frequencies are faster and more effortless. I'm not aware of the
inner configuration of these two drivers but they play along very well.
Tonally, the bass keep the typical Dunu's house warm and rich signature with
enough emphasis but definitely sounds more neutral and realistic, what makes it
easier to enjoy even at higher volumes. As for bass quantity alone, well, it
ended being a lot less that what I was expecting, but turned up to be much
nicer and delicate. The DN-1000 sounds boomy and bloated in comparison and the
DN-2000 has an extra mid-bass kick, while the Titan 1 is a bit light in impact.
The DN-2002 could be rated as being in a ~70 way from the Titan to the 2000,
far from being light in weight but without sounding so extreme.
The midrange of the DN-2002 is perfectly balanced with the bass and
treble. Being under the care of the so-famous Knowles TWFK BA units, the mids
are as usual very clean and slightly prominent with a high level of clarity and
detail, and despite the hybrid setup and Dunu's typical warm sound, they aren't
lacking in transparency or resolution. If anything, the DN-2002 won't have the
extra crispiness or the very aggressive nature that these BA drivers can have.
Compared to its previous siblings, the midrange sounds relatively more linear
and neutral. Changes are not that easily noticed next to the DN-2000, but in an
A/B test the 2000 offers a richer and fuller midrange, while the 2002 mids sound
slightly smoother with a more liquid nature within them. Note thickness is
really good, the perfect mix of both drivers type works as wonder, less thin
than a pure TWFK based IEM such as R-50M or DBA-02/B2, but still less than the
weightier Dunu's hybrids; they deserve a similar score in pure quality as a
well powered Hifiman RE-600, just in a different flavor. Great for any kind of
instruments with the high separation and natural decay, and very nice for vocals being slightly more upfront
and realistic, and probably one of the most intelligible among similar priced
hybrids.
The highs are prominent but with
a noticeably less emphasis for a TWFK based IEM for a smoother and better
balanced overall sound from lows to highs. They're full of energy, highly detailed
and resolving with plenty of sparkle and high sense of air, a tad brighter than
the DN-2000, but far from being as sharp and tiring as the DN-1000. The DN-2002
shares a similar laid-back character with the VSonic GR01, but not as smooth
(and slightly rolled-off) as the Westone UM3X/Pro30 and similar triple-BA that
also share a TWFK inside. It's definitely a very easy to like and refined
treble presentation which gives the right amount of energy to upper
instruments; solid crash to cymbals, great texture to strings and bite to
electric. It sounds refined and resolving all the time.
Even though the DN-2002 is less
bright as the similar BA IEMs, it's still very revealing. It has a more neutral
tonality and the timbre is among the best within universal sets I’ve heard,
while manages to escape from sounding very-analytical. The presentation is very
spacious and airy. The upper end extends very far without effort. Stage
dimensions are large, but not huge, the DN-2000 sounds bigger and more
immersive, while the 2002 has a more competent sense of height for a more
rounded 3D effect and coherent imaging.
Vs DN-2000 &
DN-1000:
So, the new DN-2002
sounds great, no doubt, but how it compares against the previous triple-hybrid
of the company? Well, first of all I found the 1000 and 2000 already well
complementing each other in terms of signature. The DN-2000 showed a strong
improvement over the 1000 in terms of hybrid coherence and other technical
characteristics, but they have a different presentation. The DN-1000 has a more
pronounced V-shaped response and a much more aggressive sound. The DN-2000,
while smoother and more refined it has a slightly stronger mid-bass kick.
Midrange is a win for the DN-2000, and was one of the best a couple of years
ago, falling just a little behind the RE-600 back then. The DN-2002, on the
other hand, takes the most neutral presentation among all the Dunu's offers.
Not as huge sounding as the 2000 but wider than the 1000, and more spacious and
airy than both triple hybrids. Imaging and timbre are more natural and the 2002
also sounds more effortless. Fans of a more 'fun' or colored sound may still
prefer the previous offers, or consider something as a Fidue A73 as well, but
the DN-2002 has a more 'high-end' sound in it.
Conclusion &
Value:
To sum-up, the last
Dunu's addition to the endless hybrid market is an excellent option. Build
quality is top-notch and the MMCX cable is simply excellent. While not as nice
as the previous models, it is still well accessorized. The addition of SpinFit
tips is a good thing, but I didn't find them well matching for the DN-2002. Fit
and comfort can be hit or miss; if good you got a great deal, otherwise you
might regret paying the $350+. Fortunately, for me it was the best of all the
Dunu hybrid series. And yet, the sound quality is the best part of the DN-2002
with its more balanced and coherent presentation. There's no doubt it is a
universal In-Ear well worth the 'Hi-Res' tag. Congrats Dunu!