Dunu Falcon-C - Dynamic Flagship IEM
Once again, a new Dunu in-ear set, and this
time not in the hybrid drivers’ setup fashion. Instead, this new Falcon-C model
is the current dynamic flagship and features a full range single driver of Carbon
Nano-tubes diaphragm, which is a completely new take for the Dunu Topsound
company. It doesn’t stop just there in a new driver, but with a brand new shell
material and design, and unlike the last hybrids models it sits on a more
attractive price bracket. So, how this new flagship performs…
Specifications
- Driver: 9mm Single Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) dynamic
- Shell material: Liquid Metal
- Frequency: 10 Hz ~ 40 kHz
- Impedance: 16Ω
- Sensitivity: 108±3dB
- Cable: Silver-plated copper wire (6N OCC), 3.5mm gold-plated
- Weight: 28g
Price (MSRP): U$D 219.
Similarly to the previous Dunu products, the
Falcon-C arrives in a hassle free package that consists of an outer paper cover
with a flashy metal color theme and the black thicker inner box. While it may
not look as classy as the DN-2002 and DN-3001 packages, it is as good as with
the older DN-1000 and DN-2000 presentation. As usual, the Dunu accessory pack
is very complete as it arrives with a large selection of eartips, case and
adapters. There are no Comply Foam tips this time, but 3 packs of different eartips
including the standard Spinfit CP-100 options.
Design
The design and build quality level have always
been one of the strongest characteristics of the Dunu earphones, and the
Falcon-C is no exception and also presents a whole new design. While the hybrid
IEM models have all used stainless steel for their shells, the Falcon-C is made
entirely of “liquid metal” alloy which boosts some nice improvements above
other metal options. It’s a good sign to see a company implementing new high
quality materials for their now lower priced models instead of reserving that
just for the top models. Better or not, the “liquid metal” has its own merits.
For instance, the surface is more resistant to scratches and also doesn't show
the ‘cold’ metal feel to the skin, it’s also smoother and a lighter in weight.
The included cable is of good quality, too,
and has a more custom cable look on it with the four tightly twisted strands.
It results more comfortable than the DK-3001 stock cables as it doesn’t carry
the long memory wire on it and the fixed earguides (made of simple heatshrink
tubes) are soft enough. The only downside is the more springy behavior and the
strong memory effect it shows even after some days of use, and maybe also the
rubbery surface on the outer coating. Apart from that, it is a good cable on
its own, low in microphonics and easy to handle. The Falcon-C cable is also of
standard MMCX, but the plugs have a very strong connection to the earpieces,
similar to the DK-3001 cables but with a different ‘lock’ feature. If anything,
the usual attached cable wrap is now missing.
Yet, the most positive part on the Falcon-C
lies on the whole new shell form factor. Finally, we can see a well thought
design that has a nice ergonomic shape and makes it the most comfortable
earphone within the whole Dunu’s line, and also among many universal IEMs. The
previous Titan 1 model was also quite comfortable despite the large dynamic
driver inside and still I found the current Falcon dynamic flagship to be even
more comfortable. The nozzle has certain angle towards the earcanal, and while
the shell design doesn’t allow a too deep fit, the level of isolation is really
good.
Sound
Main sources: xDuoo X10, Aune M1s, Lotoo PAW Pico, Hidizs
AP200; Headamp Pico Slim.
It’s been a while since Dunu released a single
dynamic driver earphone. Though the very first models were a mix of single
dynamic and single BA, the real deal began with the Titan line, starting from
the Titan 1 with its open design and nicely tuned Titanium coated driver, full
of details and very airy that gain a very high feedback. However, the main
downside was the lack of isolation due the half-ear shell.
While the Falcon-C consists of a smaller 9mm
diameter it is also the first company model that introduces the Carbon
Nano-Tube (CNT) type of driver. It is certainly not something new, as we’ve
already found those drivers within the large brand such as JVC and
Audio-Technica with the FXD and CKN70 models. However, those were using a
smaller micro-driver unit inside ~6mm, and while did show some strengths of the
CNT type, they also had some limitations due the more compact driver. Right
from the start, I’d say the Falcon-C has some similarities to those previous
models but more in the Dunu fashion found on the Titan series.
As most IEMs the Falcon-C is somewhat
dependent on the eartips used. While the SpinFit provided the easier fit and
seal, I found the sound to be more likeable with the narrow tips, and much
better with the more open grey tips. However, the nozzle didn’t hold very well
the grey tips, so I opted for similar eartips with an open bore for the more
impressive sonic results. The good thing of the Falcon-C is that the nozzle is
of more standard width and has the lip at the top, making tip-rolling much
easier.
A certain period of burn-in seems to play well
for the CNT drivers, and so it is with the Dunu Falcon. The differences are not
really major, but it takes some time to reach the best balance from lows to highs.
Overall, the first thing to notice on the Falcon-C is the great balance and
correct weight from lower bass notes to the upper treble. It shows the certain
Dunu sound with some warmth on it, though in the lean and cooler tonality when
compared to their hybrids models.
Right from the start, the bass strikes with
great quality. It has very good depth and high speed and great control for
busier tracks yet punchy all the way up to the mid-bass. Quantity-wise it is
above of being neutral, but far from overwhelming, presenting wide lively
presentation with the right amount for most genres that still prevents the
Falcon from sounding particularly thin as the Titan 1 was. The DN-2000 is
probably the strongest in mid-bass strength, and even the quad hybrid DN-2002
sounds even fuller and thicker trough the lows next to the Falcon-C.
The whole midrange is mostly neutral, both in
position next to the lows and highs as it cannot be considered recessed nor too
forward, and also in tonality as it doesn’t carry too much warmth but fails to
be cold or thin. Not only it remains very clean from any mid-bass obstruction,
but also has a very strong sense of transparency. The instruments balance and
coherence is excellent, though will sound leaner next to the warm and thicker
sounding DN-2000, but the Falcon-C wins in separation and speed. For vocals,
lower ones (male) sound less pronounced and thinner in texture against to the
upper and female vocals, though there is some extra energy and lack of
sweetness toward the female voices.
In occasions the Falcon-C can emphasize some
sibilance, though it is not as sharp as the previous Titan 1 and DN-1000, or
more v-shaped sounding sets like the RHA MA750 or Echobox X1. Personally, I
found the three Dunu IEMs, Falcon-C, DN-2000 and DN-2002 similarly matched for
voices and overall midrange, each of them with their strengths and weaknesses,
staying behind the pricier DK-3001 upper model.
As for the treble, here’s where the CNT driver
material is easily noticed. The highs are definitely towards the brighter tone,
from the lower treble up to the upper extension, which is very effortless and
well extended in a natural texture. The Falcon-C is a quite revealing earphone
and not too forgiving. The treble needs some break-in time to settle down,
though it still remains above neutral in terms of quantities and can be
energetic with more aggressive tracks. The micro-detail, is excellent and more
than the ~$200 tag would suggest. The presentation is very airy and open with a
wide stage effect and good imaging. The DK-3001 still surpasses in this regard
but for a fraction of the current flagship price, the Falcon-C undoubtedly
stands out on its own as the Dunu dynamic flagship.
Value
Priced just a bit above the $200 range, the
new Dunu Falcon-C definitely deserves the ‘flagship’ tag from a well regarded
company and makes an excellent contender among the so many new IEMs around.
Like any Dunu release, the Falcon-C also has the upper hand in terms of build
quality and now a brand new so comfortable design. More importantly, the sound
quality is really good, well balanced and full in detail. It’s nice to see that
Dunu don’t just keep the best material or design for just the upper models but
can make a product that stands out on its own even among every previous
earphone of the company. Again, well done Dunu!