Firstly I would like to thank Dunu for sending this sample to review, they were the first company I ever wrote a review for and it’s been a while since I last reviewed a product of theirs.
*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings
Gear Used:
JDS Labs Element II > DK-2001
iBasso DX200 > DK-2001
Tech Specs:
Net weight: 14 g
Frequency response: 5 hz – 40 khz
Impedance: 13 Ω
Sensitivity: 109 ± 2 db at 1 khz
Total harmonic distortion：< 0.5% at 1 khz
Wire material: high-purity silver-plated ohno continuous cast (occ) copper litz type 1 wire
Cable length: 1.2 mm
Cable connector: catch-hold® MMCX
Dynamic driver: 13 mm Dynamic driver with dual-sided beryllium diaphragm coating
Balanced armature(s): 3 custom-ordered knowles ba drivers (1 mid-high, 2 ultra-high)
MSRP: $299.99
Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories:
Dunu have always known how to make the unboxing experience as good as possible, the DK-2001 is no different. The box feels premium and everything is well spaced inside, as well as well protected. The packaging gives plenty of detail about the product without looking cluttered, and the colour scheme is bold which I quite like.
Build quality has also never been a problem for Dunu, however their old hybrid series was always crying out to have a detachable cable. The DK-2001 have extremely well made metal housings, and the cable is excellent. It is soft and ergonomic, has great strain relief, uses good material and best of all have a changeable jack. Mine came with both the 3.5mm and 2.5mm balanced jack options, it’s great being able to change the termination without having to change the cable. The MMCX connectors are tight and use their own stregthened design that is fully compatible with normal MMCX connectors. Overall I am really impressed but the level of quality for the price.
Accessory wise you get 3 sets of silicone single flange tips, all of which have a slightly different material which subtly changes the sound. You also get a pair of Medium size foam tips, a leather case (the blue really complements the orange of the IEM’s), 6.3mm adaptor and a wax cleaning tool. More than enough accessories to satisfy everyone, nothing at all is missing here.
Comfort and Isolation:
Once you find the right tips the DK-2001 is comfortable to wear, even for long listening sessions. The housings don’t put pressure on your ears, and the cable is excellent, it also has a chin slider. No issues for me, even with my small canals.
Isolation is also very good, they have a vent due to the dynamic driver but it faces inwards and doesn’t affect the isolation much. Perfect for travelling and commuting.
Sound:
Dunu have made a few hybrid models now, and the DK-2001 is a quad driver array, with a single 13mm beryllium coated dynamic driver, single BA mid/high and 2 BA’s for ultra-high. The BA drivers are custom made by Knowles.
Lows: From the specs you might expect the DK-2001 to have a slightly more bass oriented sound with that 13mm dynamic driver, however this driver is tuned to add extension and mild body rather than overall quantity. You get articulate yet well controlled bass from the DK-2001, more body and impact than the old DN-2000j but they follow in similar footsteps.
There is excellent extension reaching well in to the sub-bass but without any bloat, mid-bass punch is good, not huge but kicks are backed up with appropriate body. They sound balanced and controlled, with a hint of added warmth which lets them lend their hand to all genres.
Midrange: The midrange is expertly separated from the low end, with a natural tonality and realistic portrayal. There is no unwanted interference from the bass, which allows male vocals to cut through with ease and accuracy. There is a slight lift towards the upper midrange which brings out female vocals a bit more, but it’s not a sharp peak and doesn’t add any unwanted sibilance. I think what really stands out in the midrange is how natural they sound, guitars whether electric or acoustic always sound real, the same goes for the vocals. There is also plenty of detail retrieval and you can easily hear subtle details in the recording. No matter what you throw at the DK-2001, the midrange will always remain perfectly balanced between the lows and highs, and they will always sound natural.
Highs: The slight lift in the upper midrange doesn’t translate to a peak in the lower treble, allowing there to be a smooth but detailed transition without unwanted sibilance. High-hats sound excellent, snares snap with precision and there is no unwanted reverb. The top end is snappy and precise, yet has a refined touch that allows it to extend without introducing any fatigue. There is plenty of energy up top, and the tonality is very impressive, yet they are not pushed forward to add a false sense of detail. The DK-2001 really nail how to do treble properly, all the energy and extension without painful peaks, always present, always clear, always tonally accurate yet never fatiguing.
Soundstaging is good, there is enough width and height to allow for some out of head experiences, but the separation and layering are excellent due to the controlled nature of the sound.
Conclusion:
Well for my first Dunu review in a while I am very impressed by how far they have come. The DN2000j were truly excellent, but maybe a little hot for some users. The DK-2001 are more grown up and refined, but without sacrificing engagement and energy. The DK-2001 have tons of detail in a well balanced and natural sounding signature. These are a brilliant, there are a few good IEM’s around the same price, and the DK-2001 are well worth a listen.
Sound Perfection Rating: 9/10 (Balanced, controlled, engaging and well built)
p.s. These put a big smile on my face when listening to them, and got me tapping along with the beat.