:
• Engaging, inviting, energetic U-shape sound that makes your toes tap
• Premium and exquisite looking blue faceplate and shells
• Very nice modular cable and generous accessories package
• Solid imaging and instrument separation
• Not your usual safe sounding target
:
• Average staging and details
• Some may find wanting just a bit more slam and impact to be truly a fun set, while others may find it a bit spicy or bright
• Not the most natural-sounding timbre
Introduction
DUNU releases have often caught my attention and I do feel they deserve a listen because why not? Aside from being always crammed with accessories and value, they are usually tuned out of the usual sound sig targets in the market. The sound of their products are usually distinct, niche, and whatever you want to call it - I have to tip my hat to them as they usually break away from the trends of the safe tuning that usually populate the market. My OG Titan S and S2 are still with me despite already having the SA6 Ultra and mk2 because I feel they fill that space for a certain listening mood, away from the usual 'meta' as they call it. And that is how the more recent DN142 and DN242 makes me feel - they are different from each other but also complementary that they make you want to have either or both fit your IEM arsenal. Let's take a look on both shall we?
Build and Inclusions
I've got to hand it to these sets as both the DN142 and DN242 are classy lookers for their asking price, highlighted by the blue 'ocean-like' faceplate and sky-blue resin shell on the 142 while the 242 has a red faceplate and a black resin shell. Both sport a tribrid configuration of a dynamic driver for the lows + 4 balanced armatures for mids/upper mids + 2 custom microplanars for the highs/ultra highs with the DN242 having an additional dynamic driver hence the model number, consisting a hybrid physical-and-electronic four-way architecture (5-way for the DN242). Both also feature a 2-pin high-purity silver-plated single-crystal copper cable in a Litz configuration and a Q-lock Mini interchangeable termination system with a 3.5mm and 4.4mm plug. Finishing up with a sturdy, spacious zip case that is the same for most DUNU sets like the DaVinci, a cleaning tool and lastly 3 sets of eartips (silicone, candy and S&S) as well as 3 collectible cards - all these accessories as detailed below. As I've said, you will never feel shortchanged by the value you're getting from a DUNU set.
Sound and Comparisons
The DN142 is the outgoing extrovert of the twins. As with countless mentions describing the DN142 as 'fun', I would rather describe the DN142 as engaging and energetic. It is a lively set that has lows that go deep and rumbly but not overly emphasized enough to be of basshead levels. It feels almost U-shaped for me since unlike let's say the DUNU DaVinci which has a certain bass bleed onto the mids, the bass feels properly separated. The mids are clear, albeit a little colored but still goes well with the whole sound overall. Vocals are not lean or sound tinny yet there's no distracting honkiness that goes against it as well. The highs are airy and well-extended, providing a great deal of sparkle and shimmer. Some treble-sensitives might find it a bit spicy but none with intolerable levels that switching to other eartips can fix. The crossovers were done so well that the imaging and instrument separation are more than competitive for its pricepoint. The staging however is a bit on the average in terms of width and depth, creating a more closed-in circular environment. Though what I would say that some would prefer more for this set will be in its midbass presentation, as some would might like more impact and slam to live by its energetic monicker but the trade off for clearer mids for me is understandable.
I would say the common non-highlight between both DN siblings would be their staging as the depth and width is something I wouldn't classify as impressive, yet still not lacking or cramped up either. What I would also like to point out is both of these sets perform technically better than another DUNU set which is the DaVinci, despite having a complex crossover still has that midbass bleed and a bit nasal mids presentation which is apparent but not present on both the DN142 and DN242. Another set that these both trump in terms of being an overall package would be the Moondrop Blessing3, as they do not exhibit the thinness in the mids and do not lack that last bit of bass boost though what the Blessing3 does is make up for its detail retrieval and staging.
Conclusion
Both the DN142 and DN242 make a mark for themselves in a crowd of repetitive safe sound signatures. Having either or both really makes someone's IEM lineup more versatile. You can't go wrong for the value and inclusions you get from either, making you feel that you're getting your money's worth though admittedly, one would have to think twice if the extra $110 difference is enough to spend on the DN242 as it is more of an alternative or complement to what the DN142 offers rather than an upgrade. Do consider that between the two siblings, you either go for the DN142's life of the party or the DN242's anchor balance and tasteful control of a family gathering's chaos. Your choice, but safe to say, it's hard to go wrong for either.
Sidenotes:
IEM set has been listened and tested via the AK Kann Ultra, AK SP3000T, and ifi Go Bar Kensei separately using the packaged S&S eartips over the course of multiple genres across FLACs (16bit&24bit) and streaming (Tidal). Both the DUNU DN142 and DN242 is available in HiFiGo and DUNU's own website for $239 and $349 respectively -
https://hifigo.com/products/dunu-dn...pHhG9nSqAKXA-gqhu3rvcdFOCFvG_yJuU9kn8KXMxdJhw
