Pros:
- Well textured sub-bass.
- Decent mid-range/vocal performance.
- Good treble clarity and extension.
- Holographic staging.
- Solid technicalities.
- Beautiful, well-constructed shell.
- Good value.
- Dunu’s classic accessories.
Cons:
- Mid/upper bass attack is on the soft side.
- Sibilant tolerance isn't that high.
- Potential treble hotness.
DUNU DN142
Driver Configuration: 1DD + 4 Custom BA + 2 Custom Micro Planar (each side).
MSRP: $250
DISCLAIMER
~ This unit is sent by DUNU for a review.
~ Assessment took place after over 150 hours of burn in for better sound stability.
「SOUND-SIGNATURE」
DN142 has a U or W-shaped tuning to the sound. It is more sub-bass focused, upper mid-range biased with an accentuated air presence. That is the vibe I’d get from listening to the DN142.
「BASS ／LOW-END」
► Right away, it sounds like sub-bass-oriented bassline. It's got a strong presence without overwhelming the upper registry. The lows sit in a complete harmony as supportive role. Overall, it is fast enough, well-behaved, well-defined yet engaging to listen to.
► The sub-bass extends down low giving those rumbling, growling and booming sensation a rather deep, powerful and resonating feel to them. They're well textured with a convincing level of pressure and sustain. The subtle air vibration it creates do tingle your eardrum which is a nice touch. Perhaps, this is not the most atmospheric subline. It does not linger or reverberate or envelope your music like a true bass-head set would do. But you'll have plenty of fun listening to dance music, hip-hop or rap with it.
► As expected, the mid/upper bass region will come across sounding more polite in comparison. As you move up, the attack began to sound softer, flatter and lighter. It’s far from sounding anaemic or muffle. It is just doesn't sound as visceral or impactful as I'd like to be.
► Kick-drum in particular, still packed a satisfying punch. It feels big, thick and sturdy and thumpy. With the drum-strike is where it started to fall-off a little. It doesn't carry the same depth to sound distinct. At the very least is not completely muted within the low-end spectrum. Bass-guitar on the other hand, sounds good. It has an accurate sustained tone with a warm tonality. Bass drop is kept clean and clear. It is bouncy enough for a ghetto-bass replay. While bass distortion element is well retrieved.
► In short, for a sub-bass biased low-end, it performs rather well. Yes, the mid/upper bass delivery could be more substantial. But other that, I have no qualms with it. At its core, the 142 bassline is still enjoyable to listen to, despite all my niggles.
「MID-RANGE ／VOCAL」
► It is not intimate, but it is not what I'd call recessed either. Some would deem it to have a neutral-balance mid-range. They best way I could describe it; it’s like seeing the vocalist singing on a small concert hall from a 1st row seat. It is not "in-your-face" type of presentation. I preferred it this way as it gives the stage a good sense of depth. It can be very helpful on complex tracks when various of instruments are played at the same time. The centred vocal imaging is more than wide enough to show its prominence.
► As a result, the mid-range has great clarity and separation. It is more than transparent to highlight micro-nuance on vocal phrasing and instrument plays. The texturing has good blend of crispiness and smoothness. Thanks to its low-end reach, it gives the mid-range an adequate amount of warmth and body to its foundation. It does not exhibit that graininess, harshness or sharpness on vocal transient.
► Male vocals may not be the lushest or the fullest sounding but it's got enough density for it to not sound too thin or hollow. On some occasion, male or deeper female vocals can sound a tad compress with its dynamics. There is something about the voice that makes it sound restraining. The effect is lessened as the voice lands higher up in the frequency.
► Female vocal is on the safe side. Most of the time it carries enough energy, but it can lack extension on higher octave. The upside, it will never get shouty and screamy with its delivery.
► Piano carries a decent amount of note-weight to the tap. Guitar plucks and finger slide can be heard clearly in the mix. There is nice sense of reverb behind the “twang” of the strings. They have a good blend of warmth and crispiness to the tone that is pleasant to hear. The strum of violin sounds expressive that can be trailed from end to end of notes. Trumpet sounds hefty yet lively in the background.
► All and all, the vocal/mid-range performance is not its key strength. But in reality, it is not bad at all. Most people can still enjoy the way it is.
「TREBLE ／ HIGHS」
► In general, it is on the bright side. While the air-extension is good but it’s not the most linear in its response. The lower and upper treble has a significant boost but in between, the mid-treble seems more subdued. And because of that, it does give the high-end element a more contrast.
► That also means that, the peaks and troughs will be more apparent across the highs. The treble response is not the smoothest I've heard. Depending on your pairings and ear-sensitivity, it can give rise to unwanted resonance with high percussion instruments and electronic elements. What is consistent to my ears is the sibilance aspect. It doesn't handle it well. It tends to emphasize Ts and Ss on vocal more than you'd want. It's more apparent on ACG music which doesn't always have the best of mastering. But to my ears it is not detrimental [YMMV].
► The treble transparency is on a solid level. It can lays all those treble complexion exceedingly well. Especially, the trailing-end of the notes. Due to its rather capable analytical prowess, it is not the most forgiving to bad artifacts.
► Cymbals and hi-hats will never a take back seat. They're more frontal with its presentation. And for some reason it does sound one or two notes higher in pitch which makes it less accurate. What stood out to me is the "clanging" and "crashing" of cymbals. The clarity is excellent. It can trace the metallic shimmers effortlessly. And it does not linger unnecessarily as it rolls-off at right moment which is great.
► E-guitars meanwhile, have a nice progressive rhythm to them. It sounds clear yet lively which is suitable for rock & metal genre. The drum-snare can sound a little glassy with its "pops" and "cracks". The attack on glockenspiel seems higher than usual with its dings. As for electronics, it is less consistent with its performance. It can be truly engaging and fun, but it can also be a little hot and peaky on certain tracks.
► It is not what I'd call a safe treble. After a while, my ears do suffer from a slight fatigue. Hence, treble sensitive folks might need to try the 142 beforehand.
► To sum up then, the treble performance has its quirkiness. The definition is there but I wish that it is abit more polished. But I cannot deny, with the right track, it can do wonderous things.
TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE & OTHERS ASPECT
BUILD/ PACKAGING/COMFORT
Just like its brother, the DN242, it is gorgeous to look at. It is well-built and perhaps slightly more comfortable to wear.
It’s got the classic DUNU packaging which we all loved. They’ve provided everything you'll ever need. From multiple choices of ear-tips, high-quality cable with swappable plug (3.5/4.4 +6.3 adapter), cleaning brush and pocketable carrying case.
DUNU DN242 vs DUNU DN142
The 142 sounds like a V or W-shaped version of the 242. The bass presence is a notch higher. The upper mid-range has higher gain making female vocal sound a tad more forward. The upper treble does sound a tad brighter and airier too.
▲ Right from the get-go, the 142 is bassier set of the two. The 142 sounds a tad slower and with greater subbass presence. While the 242 bassline is faster, snappier and punchier with its mid/upper bass attack.
▲ The sub-bass rumble on the 142 has more feel to them. The deep-bass hits lower with greater pressure and tends to linger a little longer. It sounds more atmospheric too. Bass-drop sounds more satisfying with the 142. You'll have more fun listening to EDM, hip-hop and rap with the 142.
▲ The 242 has a slight edge when it comes to mid/upper bass region. It's more linear and consistent with its presence. And surprisingly more engaging too due to its wider transient. It gives its mid/upper bass elements a better sense of clarity and definition.
▲ Bass guitar on the 142 is warmer and better with its sustained tone. But the humming and droning effect of bass guitar on the 242 has higher amplitude. Drum-kits sounds more authoritative with the 142. It hits bigger, fatter and denser but softer. The 242 kicks deeper, tighter and sharper with attack. It offers abit more physicality behind those tactile booms. The same true can be said with its drum-strike. The 242 just slams harder but it just lacks the richness or fullness of the 142.
▲ The 142 is a more sub bass-oriented set. Its more skilful at reproducing those rumbling, droning or humming effect. But the low percussive instrument on the 242 just sounds more impactful.
▲ The 242 is not a true vocal set but it has better mid-range focus. Vocal and instrument sounds more intimate and wider on stage. The vocal fundamental is more consistent with its note-weight and body. Give and take, the male and female performance on the 242 sounds just as rewarding on low or high note of the voice range.
▲ The vocals on the 142 sounds a tad fuller and richer in tone. It is better at capturing vocal reverb too which benefit baritones & male vocals in general. However, it tends to emphasize Ts and Ss on vocals more. This makes the 142 less tolerable with sibilance which is less than ideal. Despite sounding thinner, the vocals on 242 always sounds livelier. It carries a little bit more energy as it reaches higher. The rise and fall on vocal transient are more dramatic which give the listeners a better sense of emotional connection than just lyrical clarity.
▲ The same trend is carried over with its instrument replay. Piano taps and guitar pluck especially, just sounds more satisfying. Meanwhile, flute and violin just sound more expressive on the 242. And it managed to reproduce hand clap and finger snape more realistically.
▲ Depending on your preference, one of them could be your pick. Personally, I'd prefer the vocals on the 242 abit more. Though it sounds thinner, it does come across sounding truer to life overall.
▲ 142 treble is less consistent and not as smooth as the 242. The 142 has higher emphasis on top-end. It gives you the perception of having greater extension to high notes. But, in listening, the 242 is the brighter set of two. Thanks to its more plateau or filled-out treble. Treble elements are much better highlighted.
▲ The 242 is better at expressing the leading edge of notes whereas, the 142 is better at capturing the tail-end of high notes. So, 242 is better at highlighting the surface of high notes but in terms of the depth of it, the 142 has a slight edge.
▲ The "chick-ing" on hi-hats, crashing and clanging of cymbals on the 142 seems more apparent with an octave higher in tone which to me sounds less accurate. But due to its slower roll-off, the shimmering-end of note is clearer than the 242. The e-guitar on the 242 sounds more forward, but I feel like the on the 142 carries a more progressive tone with its rhythm which makes it more exciting. Drum-snare is fuller and clearer on the 242. On the 142, the "pops" and "cracks" of the drum-snare can sound abit scratchy. Glockenspiel on the 242 does sounds more organic with its bell-like dings. Electronic zing, ring, ding and tings has more weight on the 142 but it exhibits some occasion hotness and peakiness on transient. At least, the synthesizers are not as dry as the ones on the 242.
▲ There is no denying that none of them are perfect. They have their own quirkiness that we will have deal with. The 242 can exhibit a slight dryness to its timbre. Whereas the sibilance and some of the peakiness on the 142 is not something I can handle on a long listening session. Both can somewhat cause you fatigue. But the 242 fatigue-point is higher to my ears. And because of that, I'll have to give the 242 a slight win here.
TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE & OTHERS
▲ The SOUNDFIELD on the 242 is slightly wider and a smidge taller but the 142 offers more depth to the stage with a darker sense of background.
▲ Thanks to its extra stage depth, the STEREO IMAGING on the 142 is more accurate with its placement. It sounds more 3-dimensional than 2-dimensional. But the 242 have bigger sound image and a tad sharper with its placement.
▲ As a result, the INSTRUMENT SEPARATION is on the 142 is also better. The spaciousness and the darker nature of its background give its elements more room to breathe. On the 242, everything sounds nearly as loud and closer to each to other. On a busier track, it can sound a little cramp in comparison to 142. But even on that state, the 242 tries to keep everything separated within that limited space.
▲ When it comes to DETAIL RETRIVAL, they do trade blows. The 242 is revealing with its mid/upper bass to mid treble components. But the 142 has the slight edge when trying to render those sub-bass and upper treble elements. Depending on the song, they can out-do each other.
▲ DYNAMICALLY, the 242 in better in most area. I often find the attack on the 242 have higher amplitude. Because of that, the rise and fall, the loud and soft on vocal and instrument have more feel to them. But I cannot deny, on bass heavy tracks, the 142 will sound more engaging.
▲ When it comes to TONE & TIMBRE, the 242 often come across sounding more life-like. Although, you could argue that the 142 has more note-weight and body. But due to its peaks and troughs and inconsistent attack, it can never sound as natural nor as pleasing as the 242. Having said that, the 142 does not sound abnormal or strange which is worth noting.
▲ Speaking of build; In terms of shape, they're identical. However, in person the 242 looks more premium. The red faceplate with its golden ring accent combined with the black resin construction makes it a more beautiful. The 142 simpler design theme is still stunning to look at.
▲ The 142 need slightly more power to achieve the same listening volume. You need to crank it by 2-3 step higher.
▲ Both came with the same accessories and packaging.
▲ Undoubtedly, the 142 offers a more value preposition from its performance to packaging. But the 242 tuning is something that will be appreciate by many. I can tell that DUNU put slightly more effort on the 242. It just sounds more refine albeit, the tuning difference.
" The 142 and 242 is like a yin and yang of one's origin. They don't replace but complement each other. The 242 is the balance, bright persona while the 142 is the warmer, bassy, V-shaped version of itself. They're different enough to own both in your collection. However, if you're forced to choose one; If bass and staging is your priority, pick the 142. But if it is anything else, the 242 is an easy choice."
CONCLUSION
Personally, I feel like DUNU can do much better with the 142. I understand that is 100 bucks cheaper than its brother the 242. I just wish that they could addressed some of the treble nit-picks to make it sound as good as it could. It can sound brilliant on certain tracks, but it can be a little distracting on some. The lack of consistency is what detracts it from being the best in class. To my ears, it lacks a tad of that DUNU's delicacy and finesse that I always have in mind about them. Regardless of my nit-picks, I still think that it is a solid product. I'd definitely recommend you to try them. You might for fall it. Some of my friends did (Despite owning multiple of TOLT set like Elysian and Fatfreq). They already bought one as I am writting this conclusion. And I am happy to report that, they're genuinely enjoying it as we speak.
[MY PERSONAL HEAD-FI GRADING]
1 ★ - Appalling! please avoid this
2 ★★ Subpar offering, there are better options out there!
3 ★★★ Decent with some caveats! Not a bad pick!
4 ★★★★ Not perfect but solid choice! This should be in your shortlist. A nice addition to your collection.
5 ★★★★★ One the best in class! You should go right ahead & buy one! A must have!
DUNU DN142 4★★★★
Spend Less Enjoy HIFI
