DUNU VULKAN II: A Name With A Contrasting Sound Profile
Vulkan is a German and Russian word for volcanoes and these type of land formation serves as an outlet or opening of crust that allows to escape some lava, gases and volcanic ashes and debris from the magma chamber as we view them as spectacular wonders of nature that either we admire for its beauty and its responsible to make land more fertile with rich minerals for agriculture or fear for its destructive power that greatly affects the ecological system within its vicinity. The term “Volcano” is derived from a Latin word “Vulcanus” the god of fire, blacksmithing and volcanoes in the Roman Pantheon of deities, and a patron of the metalworking craftsmen and blacksmiths, and it seems that it's a Romanified version of the Greek God, Hesphaestus as they are in the same field to worship them.
It's been a while since I've reviewed a DUNU set as the last one that I thoroughly assessed was their KIMA II and I actually like its tonality and its overall product packaging. And now I have their latest midrange-level model and it has a multi-driver configuration.
This is the DUNU VULKAN II, a follow-up model of the original VULKAN that was released around 2022, and like its precedent, it has a hybrid driver configuration. Inside of its internal, it has an array of eight (8) drivers of different transducer technology, two (2) dynamic drivers and six (6) balanced armature drivers. The dual dynamic drivers has a varied sizes, a 10mm that solely handles the ultra low frequency and the 8mm that handles the rest of low frequency that it will deliver a deep and fuller bass quality and also, they have their own section inside of VULKAN's acoustic chamber as they have their own acoustic conduits that greatly reduces any chances of interference from the other parts of frequency response for less distortion and overlapping of signals. The balanced armature drivers that were implemented here were sourced from different audio solutions companies, the midrange part were handled by a custom-built Knowles BA in dual configuration (either it is based on a DWFK or DTECH model series) which are known of their exceptional clarity and detailed sound quality from vocals and instruments, while the high frequencies were handled by custom quad BA driver (probably a Bellsing one, on either based from BTC series or from BRC series in which DUNU probably have a hand on its production to tailor for its required quality performance that they want), is will deliver a clear, brilliant and an airy response with an efficient detail retrieval. Aside from drivers and the acoustic tubings for dynamic drivers, DUNU also implemented an advanced 4-way active electronic crossover that enhances the overall resolution aspect across the frequency response to have a consistent, accurate and coherent sound quality with some sense of separation of each frequency band.
The drivers and other components were encased in a solid yet lightweight CNC-milled aerospace-grade aluminum alloy with a medium-size but a bit bulky shell chassis. Its overall design aesthetic reminds me of the BQEYZ flagships, The WINTER models in which I also have them as its metal faceplate panel have those swerving design pattern but difference was that the DUNU's take on its design is to add more of those curvy outlines along with some hollowed oblong-like shape patterns that makes the VULKAN II somewhat of a semi-open back design, and on its cavity base, there is a slight bulge on the upper part that will firmly latch on our concha part in the outer ear and on its bottom area where the metal alloy nozzle is situated, it has a medium length. Unlike the most of the sets that I have reviewed, this set features an uncommon MMCX-connector which is also the interlocking mechanism of the DUNU FALCON as these type of have a more compact, more flexible as you can roll it to achieve an ideal fitting and ease of secure connection from its detachable cable due to its snap-on mechanism but there are some concerns as they are tend to loose some of its snap on-grip mechanism overtime due to wear and tear, but with a high-quality MMCX connector, it is still stable and durable as I have some sets with this type of interlocking latch system.
As for its wearability, the shells offer a comfortable fitting into my lugholes without any discomforts at all as I was able to wear it for a long listening session. And with its secure fitting as its nozzle latches well inside on my outer ear canal, it gives an excellent passive noise isolation that is able to block unwanted external noises from the outside.
Like all DUNU sets that I have reviewed and tested, all of the stock cables that they included are of high quality and the VULKAN II has it too and the cable is quite supple, flexible and it has a resistance from entanglement. The stock cable is made of a high purity single crystalline silver-plated copper wire conductors in a Litz-configuration constructed into a 4-core structure with PVC insulator sheath on each strand as it delivers a seamless lossless audio signal transmission without any microphonics effects or any form of signal distortion. Another thing is that the cable has a modular termination feature as you can easily swap on either 3.5mm single-ended or 4.4mm balanced plug with their proprietary Q-lock Mini interlocking system for a firmer and more secure grip on the adapter plug.
In regards to its product packaging, since this is a DUNU product which is known for its generous inclusion, expect more contents inside of its packaging box as VULCAN II offers a lot of them. The packaging box is rather plain and simple as it has some embossed but almost unreadable printed stylised letters of the brand and its model name in a plain black colour background in the front, while at the back, there are some printed information like product specification in three languages; English, Chinese and Japanese along with company addresses and contact such as email or office telephone number.
Here are the following contents inside of DUNU VULCAN II box:
- Pair of DUNU VULCAN II transducer earpieces.
- Stock cable with modular termination plug.
- 3.5mm single-ended plug adapter.
- 4.4mm balanced plug adapter.
- 6.3mm adapter
- PU-leather carrying case.
- IEM protective mesh case.
- Cleaning tool kit.
- Microfibre cleaning cloth.
- Four (4) pairs of S&S eartips in different standard sizes. (S,M,L,XL)
- Three (3) pairs of Candy eartips in different standard sizes.
- Three (3) pairs of Grey eartips in different standard sizes.
- Three (3) pairs of “Atmospheric Enhancement” eartips in different standard sizes.
- Paperwork like user manual, warranty card and Q.C. stub.
On part of its driveability and output scaling, with an impedance of 35 ohms and sensitivity rating of 123dB of sound pressure level, this set is fairly sensitive that it can be driven properly even from a device with a standard gain mode output that gives sufficient amplification power. In that regard, with enough power supply that was delivered from the source as this set will scale and respond accordingly, it will deliver a full range sound with a firm dynamics on it.
The sound signature of the DUNU VULKAN II has a relatively nearly linear reference-neutral sound profile as if that it was presented in an almost flat response with less colouration on its overall tonality. It somewhat reminds me of an Etymotic in-house tuning which is based on an DF-style target but with some tweaks that makes it sound more neutral and a tad brighter with less bass presence as it makes it a bit more analytical.
LOWS/BASS:
Expected for a neutrally-tuned IEM, the bass response of this one is not that prominent but it still has some quality on its bass as it sounds more precise, incisive and somewhat reverberant as both the sub bass and mid bass were equally presented in this part of frequency response.
The sub bass presence is just fairly felt as those sound waves were generated from electronic and string instruments like synthesisers, drum machines, double basses and bass guitars as they will give enough a sense of fullness and emotional impact on adding some foundational depth on the entirety of the bass region. The mid bass of this one is apparently a bit lacking of some texture on reproducing a full, rich and well-bodied sound on bass-clef instruments and deep male vocals as the bass guitars produces a resonant and sustaining sound, double-basses sound a bit weightless and wafting, and the sound coming from bass kick drums are sustaining and a tad hollow sonic characteristics. About the deep and low-octave male vocals, on both bass and bass-baritones, while they don't have the weight, full and dark timbre that give those type of vocals a dense, woolly and heavy sound, they still have at least those enough deep reverberating voices.
MIDRANGE:
It has a fairly neutral midrange presentation in which it can be defined by some audio enthusiast as relaxed or laidback, but for me it has a well-balanced texture with less colouration not to sound too thick nor too lean as it has an adequate warmth with a hint of energy due to a slight gradual lift somewhere in the upper midrange. Overall, the midrange quality of the VULKAN II is clean, transparent and almost uncoloured as it gives a clear, well-enunciated and natural sound on vocals and instruments.
The male vocals have a sufficient note weight on their vocal texture as the baritones sound smooth, mellow and rich, while the tenors have a clear, emotive and a quite dazzling sound, and then, on the countertenors from their falsettos, they deliver tender, light and ethereal sound. Meanwhile on female vocals, contraltos with their distinctive chesty vocals delivers a smoky and rich sound albeit it is lacking a bit of depth and weight, mezzo-sopranos have a velvety, sensitive and with melancholic quality, and then, the sopranos sound creamy, silvery and crystalline.
On the instruments as most of them sound natural with less colouration that affects their tonal colour, the brasses like the trumpets have that metallic brilliance, while the trombones sound solid and powerful, and the horns have a resounding and velvety sounds from them. The woodwinds as their sound were produced via reed vibration or airstream, concert flutes sound light and graceful while the piccolos have a clear and delicate sound, clarinets sound gentle and lustrous and the saxophones have a sonorous, mild and melancholic sound. As for strings, guitars sound crisp and balanced on every plucking, strumming or other fingerpicking techniques, violins have sweet, clear and vibrant sound from their bowstrings, and cellos have an eloquent, gentle and a bit rounded sound. As regards to percussion instruments, snares sound sharp and precise, tom-toms have lingering and resonant sound with enough warm, field drums sound sonorous with deep and richness on every stroke on its drum head and kettledrums sound velvety and resonant with a hint of hollowness. Pianos have a more balanced sound as they have a rich, sweet and a bit of a lively tone on every note.
HIGHS/TREBLE:
Since this one is tuned-neutrally as it has a smooth and even treble response with sufficient amount of air as there some a little bit accentuated somewhere on between presence section and the brilliance section on treble as it somehow compensates the less emphasis on the upper mids up to presence section to give sense of clarity and definition as it sharpens the articulation on vocals and the attack on instruments on both percussive and rhythm ones. With this kind of tuning profile, there will be no sibilances, piercing nor even a hint of stridency sounds although there are some instances that they sound a bit dry and tinny especially on medium-high volume level.
While the brilliance section of this set has a sufficient amount of air as I mentioned a while ago, It still isn't the most airiest hybrid driver set that I have tested as I've some sets with similar driver configuration with better airy extension. It has just enough sparkle to highlight some of the sound characteristics from selected treble-noted instruments like cymbals, hi-hats, celestas and glockenspiels. The cymbals sound lustrous and bit soughing while hi-hats produce resonant and a bit metallic dry tone from its distinctive chick-y sound, celestas have some soft, sweet and ethereal sound, and the glockenspiels sound more bell-like with lustre.
Overall the treble quality of the DUNU VULKAN II is well-balanced as it doesn't sound too bright and intense nor too dark and dull.
SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING & OTHER TECHNICALITIES:
This is one of the strongest features this set has to offer as this is probably one of the most spacious, almost crystal clear accuracy within its sonic spatial cues and excellent detail quality that I have tested in a midrange level set. It has a perceived roomy soundstage size as it has an expansive and wide lateral span from left to right, good height ceiling and a somehow a good depth for a neutrally-tuned set.
It projects a holographic-like stereo imaging presentation with a well-layered soundscape and remarkable separation on musical elements like vocals and instruments as I can pinpoint their exact placement in an acoustic space that playing a complex multi-instrumental tracks like philharmonic orchestra recordings and jazz will be easily handled with any sense of congestion or veil sounding.
The cohesiveness of its multi-driver set-up is quite impressive on how its dynamic drivers have a fast transient response while maintaining that homogeneity of its overall bass response while the balanced armatures deliver a responsive, clarity and detailed sound on vocals and instruments. As for its resolution capabilities, it has a firm and consistent macro-dynamics as it is able to highlight the dynamic contrast between chorale lines and the instrumental passages as they have different volume level, from the quietest up to loudest sections as it allows more emotional impact to sound more expressive, while on its micro-dynamics, it has a sharp definition on extracting micro-detail, grains and nuances from an audio track like reflection ends on vocals, note textures and instrumental reverb tails.
PEER COMPARISONS:
ZIIGAAT CRESCENT
- One of the latest initial-level midrange sets from ZIIGAAT, and like the VULKAN II, it also has a hybrid driver configuration, albeit it is less expensive as it is currently priced at US$275.
- It features two dynamic drivers with varied sizes in a “isobaric” set-up along with two balanced armature drivers from Knowles for midrange and treble, and they are all encapsulated in a UIEM-type resin shell chassis.
- It is also fully-packed with accessories like a carrying case, more ear tips and stock cable with modular termination feature but its overall quality isn't on par with VULKAN II's more premium-looking stock cable, with more solid build and a tighter and more secure locking mechanism for its swappable termination latch on a plug adapter.
- This one has a more mild U-shaped sound signature as it has more punch and authority on its bass response, a recessed but it has warmer and at the same time, more energetic for fuller and brighter sound on vocals and instruments, and a bit more brilliant and shimmering treble response with better airy extension.
- This one possess good technical aspects as it has a roomy head stage, atmospheric-like stereo with a well-layered soundscape and a good resolution capabilities
AFUL PERFORMER 8
- Another older midrange set from AFUL, and like the VULKAN II, it is also a hybrid driver IEM.
- It has a single dynamic driver for bass and a seven custom balanced armature drivers for mids up to the midrange region, and they are all connected to their proprietary audio technology like advanced active electronic crossover with a high damping air pressure system inside of its medical-grade resin shell chassis.
- This one is also fully-packed with accessories inside and while its stock cable is also of a high quality, it doesn't have a modular termination feature.
- The tuning profile of this set is a mild U-shaped sound signature as it has more rumbly and punchy bass response, more textured midrange as it has a tad warmer and energetic sound on vocals and instruments, and then a bit brighter and airier treble response compared to the VULKAN II.
- On its technical performance, it has a bit intimate soundstage size as I find it at least above-average, a 3D-like stereo imaging presentation and a well-layered soundscape, and a detailed and quite resolving in terms of resolution capabilities.
HISENIOR CAÑO CRISTALES
- The latest midrange set from HISENIOR and a second model of their Wild Series which have a hybrid driver configuration.
- It has a similar driver configuration with VULKAN II as it also a two dynamic drivers and four balanced armature drivers sourced from Bellsing and Knowles, and all of them are connected into a passive three-way acoustic tubes, and then, they are encapsulated in a UIEM-type hypoallergenic resin shell chassis with a laminated wood faceplate.
- This one is also fully-packed with accessories inside of its packaging box like eartips, high quality storage case and a premium stock cable with a modular termination feature.
- The sound signature of this one is a U/V-shaped with a brighter tonality that makes it quite coloured sounding in contrast with a neutrally-tuned VULKAN II as it has more impactful and punchier bass response, a noticeable recessed midrange but it has bit warmer and even more energetic sounding and then a bright, sparkling and airy treble response.
- As for its overall technical capabilities, this one has an above-average soundstage size that makes it a bit intimate but it has a holographic-like stereo imaging with well-layered soundscape and a bit sharper definition on its micro-dynamics aspect.
SOFTEARS VOLUME S
- Another midrange model from SOFTEARS, and it also has a hybrid driver configuration IEM like the VULKAN II.
- It also has a dual dynamic driver in a co-axial set-up and one of these drivers in an inactive and serves as a passive radiator and they are supported by custom Knowles balanced armature drivers that were supported with advanced electronic crossover and air pressure balanced system, and then all drivers and other components were housed in composite shell chassis with tuning knob for impedance mode.
- As expected from a premium audio brand, SOFTEARS offers a good amount of inclusions inside of its packaging box like more choices of eartips, storage case and a premium stock cable with modular termination features.
- Depending on the impedance mode setting, it offers two types of tuning, a low impedance mode with a balanced-neutral sound with some emphasis on low frequency, and a high impedance mode with a neutralish-bright sound profile. Compared to the VULKAN II, in its low impedance mode, it has a more punchy and rumbly bass response, a bit warmer and energetic midrange as some vocals and instruments sound a tad fuller, richer and more vivid, and an airier treble response.
- As for its overall technical performance, both the VULKAN II and this set are almost on par as this one also has a wide holographic sound/speaker size with a well-layered soundscape and a tad sharper definition on its micro-dynamics.
It seems that DUNU created this model as if it's tailor-made for one of my tonal preferences as I preferred a neutral and almost uncoloured sound in which this set perfectly fits the bill. The sound quality of this one is almost linear and with virtually unsullied tonal response with a little to none colouration that the most ardent bass-heads, treble-heads and most casual listeners that were attuned to a fun, coloured and warm sound profile might find this set quite lean, lethargic, boring and too “clinical” on their liking that makes this set more of a niche.
Despite its neutral tuning, this one offers a refined sound quality with a pure, pristine and a very delineating feature with some hints of a tactual and incisiveness on its overall sound profile, along with a remarkable technical performance that can rival some of the best high midrange in market. And if it happens that you are a neutral-headed audio enthusiast just like me, I definitely highly recommend this set for you to try as this one might give you that pleasant neutral sound profile that you really enjoy without batting an eyelid.
DUNU VULKAN II is now available on DUNU's official online store. And I provided a non-affiliated link below if you are truly interested.
LINK:
https://www.dunu-topsound.com/product-page/vulkan-2-launch-special-30-off-code-vk230
More DUNU product reviews?
SPECIFICATION:
MODEL: DUNU VULKAN II
IMPEDANCE: 35Ω
SENSITIVITY: 113dB/mW
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 5Hz – 40KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.25m
PIN TYPE: MMCX-TYPE CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: (MODULAR) 3.5mm, 4.4mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (2) DYNAMIC DRIVER(S), (6) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVER(S)
PROS:
● Solidly-build metal alloy shell structure.
● Despite its bulky profile, it still gives a comfortable fitting into my medium-size lugs that I have a good passive noise isolation.
● Responsive and no distortion performance from its dynamic drivers.
● Both Knowles and Bellsing balanced armature drivers perform well.
● Implementation of multi-way passive and active crossovers that really works.
● Well-packed with quality contents inside of its packaging box.
● Four types of eartips to choose from.
● Premium stock cable with modular termination feature.
● A fairly linear neutral sound that will put a smile on the neutral-heads (including me)
● Precise incisive and clean bass response.
● Well-balanced midrange as it has an ample warmth, clarity and energy on its dynamic texture while maintaining a neutral and less colouration on its overall sound.
● It still sounds quite realistic and natural from both vocals and instruments.
● Rich, clear, expressive and open sounding to almost all vocal types
● Instruments have a sustaining and sweet sound on some string ones, a full, brassy and powerful on some brasses, ethereal, delicate and airy sound from woodwinds, and then, an sonorous and resonant sound from percussions
● Smooth and even treble response with some good amount of airy brilliance.
● Can be recommended to treble-sensitive folk due to its “safe” and almost linear tuning.
● Spacious and holographic-like stereo imaging presentation with a well-layered soundscape within its acoustic field.
● Remarkable resolution capabilities.
CONS:
● Absolutely not recommended for bass heads as it is lacking weight and punch that delivers an authoritative and potent bass response.
● Sorry for audio enthusiasts that adheres to a fun and warm analogue-ish type of sound as this set isn't tuned for them after all as they will find it too lean and sterile sounding
● Treble-heads might find this one lethargic, dull and veiled sound with less airy extension.
● Somewhat a bit unoriginal design of its shells as it has some strong resemblance with the BQEYZ sets particularly on the Winter models. (Check out my review of the Winter II later)
TRACKS TESTED: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)
Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **
Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *
Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *
P.S.
I am not affiliated to DUNU nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.
Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to Mr. EDZ CUIZON and also to DUNU-T for lending me this loan review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.
Comments
Post a Comment