Reviewed by PeacockObscura
:
1. Good build Quality
2. Fun bass focused sound signature
3. SUPERB cable cable
4. Attractive design
5. Fit
6.Very natural timbre
:
1. bass boost
2.Upper mids & treble is boosted
3. Not for fans of big bass or lively upper mids & treble
I'd just like to say upfront I believe we are all biased when giving our subjective thoughts about IEMs be it a particular type of signature that works with our music library or how an IEM looks and feels in our ears. On the subject of ears everyone's ear anatomy is different and this effects fit and seal which in turn effects the perception of bass response so I recommend finding the right ear tips that suit your ears to get the best of any IEM. A pause for thought this review is my opinion and as such is not the "cast iron truth" it's what I believe to be my truth others may differ and should have equal weight, no opinion is is the truth it's just an opinion.
Being a reviewer I try to give my subjective opinions on iems, in the hobby at the moment 95% of iems released at the moment are good so the differences between great iems and good iems is all about the nuances. All reviews are based on a single point in time for the reviewer next week an iem can come along and make a mockery of your previous judgement. I might also mention a criticism that's been levelled at me that I have "happy ears". This is true any iem that makes me enjoy my music makes me happy and I like them. The thing is there's a big difference between liking and being transported into the music with my emotions ignited, which brings me to the Dunu 142 the sibling of the Dunu 242. the 142 is the brash partying brother to the sensible studious 242. where the 242 is all about balance and "correct"
playback the 142 is boosted bass driving the signature with boosted upper mids and lively treble adding an overall feeling of excitement that’s difficult to ignore.
My review star ratings are linked to the price range of the iem eg a 5 star review of a $100 iem is not equal to one of a $500 iem. I’m and audio enthusiast with a collection of over 300 iems, 30 different sources with a music collection that numbers over 100,000 tracks and 15 flathead buds I share my impressions as a way to share my enthusiasm for the hobby I approach from the premise of music first technology 2nd, what does this mean? For me the technicalities are not of prime importance but does the music move with this particular iem. I’m a connoisseur of many different sound signatures. The only prerequisite is musicality I’m not a fan of analytical cold playback.
My scale of success when it comes to evaluating iems is; do I get goosebumps when they playback my favourite tunes do they make me feel the music as an experience. There are many good iems but do they give me goosebumps? Unfortunately I have a draw full of just good iems.I want the iem that I reach for without thinking because I instinctively know it will bring the emotional connection I’m seeking from my music.
DUNU have been part of my journey in the hobby from the Vernus through to the Zen, Vulkan and DK3001BD all have delivered in their unique way Dunu don't have a single signature that they stick to they build iems and create sonic sculptures to excite and deliver the most broad selection to entice and satisfy customers looking for an iem to suit their taste.
The 142 is BUILT FOR FUN if you are a fan of boosted bass and exciting treble. This iem plays hip hop, RnB EDM and classic rock with the kind of gusto that keeps you coming back for mores.
The all medium sized resin shell is beautiful with its silver trimmed faceplate it's overall look is not dissimilar to the 242. only it’s a vivid blue rather than the red of it more sensible brother the Dunu 142 comes with a superb cable with interchangeable terminations both 3.5 and 4.4mm the cable is thick and supple very comfortable around the ear and 2pin forgoing Dunu's history of mmcx connections. You get a great selection of premium Dunu eartips and a practical case that fits the iems and cable and still feel pocketable and protected. I have yet to have an unsatisfactory Dunu unboxing experience, it's always a treat. The bonus with the 142 being the inclusion of some collectible animae cards.
The nozzle of the 142 is medium length I used the Dunu Candy tips, they sealed to perfection feeling comfortable and afforded the best sonic properties of the selection of tips for me.
The Dunu 142 like the 242 has slightly warm natural tone and timbre. The 142 is an iem that can cause goosebumps with its boosted -sub-bass giving a really pleasing slam when called upon this an iem that grabs your attention, the way instruments are authentically reproduced and vocals are slightly recessed but still sit perfectly in the pocket really become addictive. The treble borders on aggression just sitting below fatigue levels but is balanced by the ample bass. The mids are a delight, transparent and detailed with layering this iem has technicalities and resolving power above it's pricing.
I'm not a follower of graphs and technical jargon so I leave that to the manufacturer:
Here's what Dunu have to say:
DN-142
Price
$249.99
Three exclusive collectible cards included
1 Dynamic + 4 Balanced Armatures + 2 Planar Drivers (7-Driver)
Tribrid Architecture (Dynamic + BA + Planar)
Dual-System Four-Way Crossover (Physical + Electronic)
Premium-Grade Cabling
Q-Lock Mini Interchangeable Connector System
A single dynamic driver anchors the foundation of the low frequencies, while four balanced armatures deliver smooth, detailed separation across the mids and upper mids. Two custom micro planar drivers extend effortlessly into the highs and ultra-highs — together, this seven-driver system works in perfect synergy. With a precisely engineered crossover network, each frequency band flows seamlessly into the next, achieving fluid, natural transitions and a coherent, uninterrupted soundstage.
A fully independent four-channel acoustic pathway system, paired with an electronic crossover controller, forms a hybrid physical-and-electronic four-way architecture. It precisely manages each frequency range, ensuring exceptional phase coherence and seamless transitions across bands. Whether it’s the subtle finesse of classical music, the vivid energy of pop, or the driving power of rock, every note is rendered true to the artist’s original intent.
The micro planar drivers not only offer stunning treble extension, but are also easier to drive than conventional micro electrostatic units, requiring no specialized equipment to unleash their full potential.
The tuning follows DUNU’s philosophy of relaxed neutrality — refined in texture, never dry or aggressive, with bass that remains clean and naturally balanced. Every tone is rendered true to its source.
Developed in collaboration with leading 3D printing specialist HeyGears. Enabling the precise realization of DN242’s complex acoustic chamber design.
Equipped with a premium grade stock cable
High-purity silver-plated single-crystal copper in a Litz configuration — delivering a smooth, refined tonality and ensuring optimal signal integrity.
Recessed 0.78 mm 2-Pin standard connectors
Q-Lock Mini interchangeable plug system
Three exclusive collectible cards included
Technical Info
Model: DN-142
Shell Material: Resin
Net Weight: Approx. 5.6g (per side)
Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz
Impedance: 37Ω
Sensitivity: 107dB/mW (@1kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.5% (@1kHz)
Dynamic Driver:
1 × Low & Ultra-Low Frequency Dynamic Driver
Balanced Armature Driver:
2 × Custom Midrange Balanced Armature Drivers
2 × Custom Treble Balanced Armature Drivers
Planar:
2 × Custom Ultra-High Frequency Micro Planar Drivers
Cable: 4-Core High-Purity Silver-Plated OCC Copper
Cable Length: 1.2m ± 0.1m
Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin Connectors
Q-Lock MINI Modular Plug System
Includes Two Interchangeable Plugs (4.4mm Balanced, 3.5mm Single-Ended)
Available from Amazon too
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G3GHDVP8 DN142
The 142 is a 1DD x 4BA x 2Micro planar tribrid hence the name 142 is released into a very saturated market with strong contenders from many companies, making it difficult to stand out. The 142 sounds exceptional with a solid bass foundation with slightly forward upper mids and lower treble.
Is it a stand out sound signature? Yes, its terrific tone and timbre singles it out in its price range. The all-round signature works really well with Pop, Rock, EDM and Hip Hop. What sets it apart from all the other pretenders is its unashamed fun bass driven signature deft skill with vocals and authentic analogue instruments , nice build quality, very comfortable fit and a very nice cable. The boosted sub-bass and solid mid-bass While the mid-bass is slightly tucked there's plenty of attack to drums and bass strings the mids are smooth transparent and let vocals breathe along with the very natural tone and timbre that enhances the enjoyment od guitars and piano.
This is not a studio monitor tuning, its definitely fun and engaging . Smooth mids with a boosted treble thats shows good extension in fact the treble is something of a pleasant surprise not in a Brain dance way which is plain old aggressive. I for one really enjoyed the sound very much with my Hip Hop, EDM and 80's pop music genres. The 142 is surprisingly detailed especially when paired with a great sound source like the iBasso DX340 which revealed lots more detail and texture. The bass is warm, FULL and inviting, not soft but with strong dynamics that work very well with quick and densely layered music . The mids are a strength with organic natural smooth playback which means you can listen for hours without fatigue. Vocals, male and female are natural well bodied and sweet. The treble is present extended and strident.
Guitars sound very nice with a good leading edge thanks to the upper mids and lower treble elevation so overall the 142 is a exhilarating and addictive iem with bass heavy music not quite bass-head but close.
Disclaimer
Hifigo was kind enough to send my the Dunu 142 as a review sample I am not affiliated with Hifigo and of course was not asked for any copy checking before publishing, they are seeing this the same time as you. All pictures taken be me or sourced from the HiFiGo Web store . ALL opinions shared in this review are my subjective thoughts.
Make sure to research any earphone before you buy!
The Dunu 142 is available to buy here on the hifigo.com webstore
DUNU DN142 1DD + 4BA + 2 Planar Tribrid Drivers IEMs
I listened with my collection of DAPs and Dongles
Onix Waltz XM10
Shanling M5Ultra
Hiby R4 Evangelion
Lotoo Paw6000
SONY nw-a55
iBasso DX340 with amp17
iBasso 320 with amp14
Fiio M21
Muse Audio M6 Double
Dethronray prelude
Muse audio M6 Double
Cayin N7
Luxury and precision W2 ultra
The 142 is not an easy to drive iem at 37 Ohms, still I had no trouble driving with dongles and DAPs on mid gain. I did notice a real change in the sound quality with the different sources the iBasso DX340 revealed more detail in the treble more texture and layering in the bass the 142 LOVES clean POWER with a signature that reveals the sources characteristics.
Soundstaging, while not the widest iems I've heard in the price range feels accurate neither too cozy nor artificially wide there is accurate detailed layering between instruments and good depth in the stage commiserate with a price point above the 142's $249
Separation is well defined, I was able to follow instruments in songs without it becoming congested or confused pretty decent for a bass driven signature.
When I'm evaluating iems I have a play list of roughly 100 songs of mixed genres. With the Dunu 142 I found myself not not analysing just listening to the music dancing in my seat with its infectious presentation lovely timbre especially with male and female vocals which is always a good sign, there's good cohesion across the frequency ranges . I found they I worked across all the genres . They really excelled with rhythm focused music. Worth mentioning i found there to be zero artificial ba timbre present, showing what an excellent job the Dunu team have done with these unbranded BA and micro planar drivers.
Some of the music Selections I evaluated the Dunu 242 with
Yes /Roundabout
This prog rock classic starting with the bass Maestro Chris Squires signature dexterity on this four stringed driving force of a track the bass has good detail and texture up front and bouncing round my head . Then in comes Jon Andersons crystalline vocals with keyboards drums and guitars dancing around the way the Dunu 142 rendering of instruments and space is admirable the bass is weighted without any bloom or masking to the mids. This is a song designed to showcase layering and the 142 does so with flying colours. Goosebumps all round!
Queen/Wyclef Jean featuring Canibus + Free - Another one bites the dust remix
This rather fabulous remix adds a rap element and remixed instrumental dynamics and arrangements the added bass dynamics really come across with authority with the rapping of Wyclef Jean clean and articulate weaving in between the Freddie Mercury's infamous vocals with the more street orientation to the mix the 142 more than eats up this song with the beats and vocals reverberate your brain. I was genuinely excited by this playback and returned to it on numerous occasions with the 142.
BIG BOI– KILL JILL ,
the Vocaloid singing is played pitch perfect not thin leading you into the huge, huge bass drop before the vocals kick in. This song is a bass heads dream rather than a subtle melodic composition the 142 handles the drop with headshaking force, not clouding/veiling the mids and treble the 142 handles this song well, I enjoyed the playback of this song. This song is quite complex in the layering of voices beats and instrumentation the 142 let's all the individual parts breathe enough to appreciate the whole while still giving ample bass humph to be more than effective bordering on bass-head.
Eagles - Hotel California
This is a song all six minutes plus that needs a skillfully tuned iem to appreciate it's full glory. The dynamics available in this song are far reaching unlike todays everything louder than everything else, this song ebbs and flows with complex instrumentation and percussion. The vocals come in after the chiming guitars as the song progresses the superb harmonising with guitars stretching add to the complex layering the 142 plays this with deft skill the cymbals are crisp and natural the drums are played with perfect decay even though the bass is boosted the dynamics are not overpowering so the balance of the rhythm section and the glorious harmonies is still intact . It's a very engaging playback which again raises goosebumps.
Shawn Mullins – Anchored in You from the Souls Core Revival album
The brass section intro is perfectly presented sweet with extra body and warmth, detailed with great texture and tone, the timbre is beautifully natural. The drums with that slow restrained rhythm anchor the song with skilful authority. Shawn's emotive vocals have a pleasing weight and are the focus and star of the show they are never overpowered by the drums and guitar, the depth of detail really showing the warmth and nuances in his voice. The bass knows when to take a back not boosting the lows unnaturally but ready when the song calls for it.
2 Pac - California Love
This is a song built for the 142, the vocoder intro with underlying beats leading to 2Pac spitting his lyrics with the busy percussive instrumentation dancing in the upper mids and treble adding extra bite, to this classic Hip Hop classic. The layering of backing vocals and beats is quite complex, the Dunu 142 handles all of this with ease I enjoyed the track so much I ended up listening to all 22 tracks of this 2 Pac greatest hits compilation RIP 2 Pac
COMPARISON
For my comparison I'm going to compare the 142 with its sibling the 242, also a hybrid with 1 extra DD to my ears they sound nothing like each other while the 242 as all about balance and restrained transparency the 142 with its excitable bass signature somehow has more authority. The 242 despite its extra DD doesn’t have the slam factor that the 142 has in spades . This 142 is an exciting listen but I never felt fatigued in fact I was able to listen for over 6 hours . The 242 on the other still delivers a pleasing listening experience they just deliver the music in a refined balanced way, you could argue that the 242 works across more genres but conversely they can't match the visceral fun with Hip Hop and EDM that the 142 does, both lead to hours of fatigue free enjoyment just different. There's a $100 difference in price between these 2 and it's my opinion they are Equal in value there's no obvious weakness in either just different signatures for different listening purposes.
CONCLUSION
The around $249 range is full of great sounding iems with more released it seems on a weekly basis the Dunu 142 competes with a sound signature that lets your music dance, swing and party effortlessly. The 142 are a well detailed bass driven iem that keeps the superb mids and fab extended treble Dunu provide. Dunu have produced an iem that stands as a challenge latest crop of bass boosted iems in the up to $500 price range. They are an incredibly engaging iem with a crowd-pleasing sound signature with a dose of excitement that offer good details and an analogue signature . I absolutely recommend you check out the Dunu 142 if you want a well-tuned beautifully presented iem thats worth every penny of its price that plays music with effortless ease.
Remember this is my opinion others may differ. With the Dunu 142 I think most will share my opinion. check out those opinions too.
