DUNU DN142: Calming Yet Sparkly Tuned Just Like The Dragon Prince

Ao Bing is a one of the main characters from a Ming dynasty-era Chinese mythology and fantasy novel, Fengshen Yanyi also known as The Investiture Of The Gods, and he is dragon prince, and revered as a god of rain as he is also one of sons of a great dragon king, Ao Guang, the bringer of disasters like floods, storms and drought. Along with his father, they demanded the youths from their subjects as a tribute to make them serve for their underwater realm and he is also the main antagonist of the story as he is a main rival of Nezha, a divine child hero.

At the start of this year, I’ll introduce one of the latest models from DUNU and it is from the latest series that they just recently established, the Delicate series which are the models situated in initial-level midrange up to the midrange in a price bracket, and these models have a hybrid driver set-up consisting of three driver technology. There’s no need further to introduce DUNU as we are already aware with its strong reputation of this audio brand in the audio community as credible with decades of experience in the audio industry to create some of the best IEMs in the market.

This is DUNU DN142, their latest initial-level midrange set and as I mentioned a while ago, it has multi-driver configuration consisting of a total of 7 drivers with different driver technology. The driver set-up consists of a single dynamic driver, quad balanced armature drivers and dual “micro-planar drivers” also known as square planar drivers. The dynamic driver that was put here is probably a standard 10mm one with a composite diaphragm that will handle solely the whole low frequency region, while the four custom balanced armature drivers (probably a customised Bellsing), as the custom dual midrange or full-range BA driver will control the lower midrange, and then, another custom dual tweeter BA driver will take the upper mids and some parts of presence section, in support with a two “micro-planars” (they aren't true planar magnetics in a sense but rather its a new type of micro-transducer based on a heavily modified dynamic driver that follows the working principle of planar magnetics while having a power efficiency and high sensitivity; check the Celest Gumiho, Celest Pandamon and See Audio Rinko as they also have the same driver technology albeit an older generation) that will be responsible for the rest of the high frequency region, the middle treble up to the top octave section. Each of the drivers that are assigned individually into a specific frequency response part were connected into a four-way acoustic conduits matching with an active electronic crossover as they will provide an efficient and seamless shifting of frequency signals across the frequency bands with accuracy and coherency that results in a smoother, clearer and more detailed sound.

The drivers were then encapsulated in a medium-size modified UIEM-type resin shell that were moulded via 3D-printing by HeyGears, a well-known 3D printing solution provider that specialises on producing any industrial applications that involves 3D-moulding processes as ensures exact matching of the shells with high accuracy rate, better structure design and consistent smooth finishes as it also design the complex acoustic chamber inside with precision. The shell has blue coloured in different shades as the the faceplate have darker hue on the faceplate with some silver print font and also accents on the faceplate, while the cavity base have a paler hue that with these aesthetics them it really aligns with Ao Bing’s thematic character as a dragon prince of Eastern Sea. The nozzles are made of a metal alloy with a medium length and stocky profile for better insertion on the outer ear canal, and in regards to its interlocking mechanism, it still utilises a 0.78mm bi-pin connector with a recessed socket part to ensure stability and better grip with its detachable cable.

Just like all DUNU sets that I have tested, it includes a stock cable of a premium quality with a modular termination, and the cable itself is quite durable, with a balanced texture and weight profile, smooth finish and a high resistance from  entanglement due to its a bit stiff construction. The cable strands are made of high purity silver-plated monocrystalline copper in a four-core structure that was in Litz braided lay-out to ensure a seamless transmission of lossless audio signal into pure, transparent audio output without any distortion and also, highly-resistant from microphonics effects and external electromagnetic interference due to its PVC sheath insulator on its wire shielding. As for its modular termination, it uses the DUNU’s Q-lock system for a firmer and more secure locking between the termination base and plug adapter, and DUNU provided two plug adapters for the stock cable; a standard 3.5mm single-ended and a 4.4mm balanced.

Regarding its wearability, while the shells chassis are of a medium-size, depending on the stock eartips (I’m using the DUNU S&S on this one) that put up on its nozzles, it offers a comfortable fitting as it rest well into my lugholes without any discomforts. As it is securely latched inside, it will give an excellent passive noise isolation as it is able to block unwanted external noises from the outside.

As expected from a DUNU product, its product packaging is fully-packed with quality accessories inside of its packaging box. Even its packaging box is aesthetically-pleasing as it really fits the theme of the product itself that it has an artistic depiction of Ao Bing in front along with print of DUNU logo and the name of the model, while on the back part, a basic specs of the product in three languages and the company’s address with contact informations.

Here are the following contents inside of its packaging box:

• Pair of DUNU DN142 transducer earpieces
• Stock cable with modular termination
• 3.5mm single-ended plug adapter
• 4.4mm balanced plug adapter
• Canvas cloth storage case
• Four (4) pairs of DUNU S&S eartips in different standard sizes.
• Three (3) pairs of DUNU Candy eartips in different standard sizes.
• Three (3) pairs of DUNU Balanced eartips in different standard sizes.
• Cleaning tool
• Paperwork like instruction manual, warranty card, Q.C. stub and some trading cards that feature Ao Bing in different forms.

When it comes to driveability and amplification requirement, with an impedance of 37 ohms which is quite a bit higher from a standard impedance of a typical tri-brid IEM and sensitivity of 107db/mW, even with a multi-driver set-up, this set is relatively sensitive that it is still considered as an easy to drive IEM that even a device source with a standard gain output will amplify it properly but we should turning up a bit more volume level. Given that it was powered at optimum level, it will convey a sound quality with good dynamics and full range sound within its audible frequency spectrum.

The tonal profile of this one has a U-shaped sound as it has more emphasis on the low frequencies and also on the upper mids and presence section of the treble region. This makes this IEM on a coloured side of tuning which delivers a more fun sound with more exciting and engaging sound quality.

LOWS/BASS:

The low frequencies of this set is definitely elevated on its overall frequency response but the quality of bass has more emphasis towards a sub bass presence over the physicality of its mid bass texture as it noticeable more rumbly with deep reverberation while mid bass texture has enough body but it is more controlled as it sound tighter yet incisive. In that regard, it somewhat reminds me of a typical Harman target 2019 or even the VDSF one on how they tuned their bass response in which I find it thin and unnatural sounding, but there are some advantages on this kind of bass tuning like cleaner transition between mid bass to lower mids and better frequency segregation.

The sub bass section is clearly felt as it has a deep rumbling presence that was generated from sub bass-noted instruments like synthesisers, drum machines, and low-tuned strings like bass guitars, cellos and double-basses. Meanwhile, the mid bass section, it has a sufficient body and thump albeit less weighty that some bass-clef and low-octaved male vocals might sound lacking that rich, warmth and fullness of its note weight which is their ideal timbre that they should have. The bass guitars sound rasping and sustaining but less weighty, while double-basses have resonant and a bit mellow, and then the bass kick drums sound rumbly and thudding but a tad hollow as it also sounds somewhat “dry”. The male vocals like bass and bass-baritones, while they have that deep reverberating voices, they are lacking in darker tone and volume as they don't sound dense and rich.

MIDRANGE:

Even my initial impression, the midrange presentation of this one is definitely recessed and a bit lean as it has less note weight on lower mids that affect some male vocals and percussive instruments but it has an energetic tuning due to slight peak somewhere the upper mids section that will contribute the presence and timbre of some vocals and instruments particularly strings and woodwinds as it adds clarity, crispness and airiness. In general, the midrange quality of the DN142 is clean, transparent and vibrant.

The male vocals as on how they are portrayed here has a less adequate vocal texture that it influences the sound characteristic on baritones and a sub-type of tenor; the baritones while they sound smooth and mild which are excellent for light and lyric baritone-types but it lacking of the plushiness, rich and fuller sound for kavalierbariton down to noble baritone, a spicy, graceful and clear sound on tenors but on dramatic and heldentenor types, they aren't hefty, rich and powerful enough (l listen to Wagner’s masterpieces like the Der Ring de Nibelungen and some of those vocals in a selection opera piece like Die Walküre and Siegfried doesn't have the strength, deep and intensity), and countertenors have that agile, tender and coppery sound from their falsettos as I also enjoy on listening to Andreas Scholl on his rendition of Handel’s Ombra mai fu and on metal genre, King Diamond’s vocals on his band, Mercyful Fate. On female vocals, contraltos have a mild deep resonance on their chesty head voice but it isn't rich, weighty and heavy enough that gives more husky and lugubrious sound (Check out Anggun, Toni Braxton, Tracy Chapman, Stevie Nicks (current) and Annie Lennox as my references for contralto singers), while mezzo-sopranos have a fiery, glowing and velvety, and then on sopranos, they sound ethereal, silvery and shimmering as both lyric and coloratura soprano types sound more airy, spacious and vivacious with agility and fluidity.

As for instruments, on the string ones; guitars have crisp, bright and lingering sound, violins have a vibrant and sustaining sound, and cellos sound clear, lively and a bit incisive. The woodwinds like concert flutes, picollos, clarinets and saxophones, an airy and brilliant sound on concert flutes, a bright and delicate sound on piccolos, an incisive and lively sound from clarinets, and then a reedy and forceful sound on saxophones. Meanwhile on brasses, trumpets sound brilliant, while trombones sound sinister and then the clear and sonorous sound on horns. And then on percussives, snares sound bright and penetrating on every stroke while the toms-toms sound incisive with resonance on every hit on its drumhead, field drums sound tighter yet sonorous and then, kettledrums sound hollow and dry.  When it comes to pianos, they sound clear, sweet and vibrant on this one.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

The treble quality this one seems to be tuned a bit brighter due to the accentuated peaks from the upper mids up to presence treble section as it gives more sharper clarity and definition on the attack on instruments and articulation on vocals albeit it might a bit too intense and energetic to some treble-sensitive folk out there as there are some instances of a tad piercing and tinny sound but not to the point it will sound harsh.

On the brilliance section, the airy extension of this one is rather modest but it has an ample sparkle and shimmer with a substantial amount of harmonics. On selected treble-clef instruments, cymbals sound brilliant with added sizzle, while the hi-hats have a shortened crisp and resonating tone to give its distinctive chick-y sound, then the glockenspiels sound shimmering and penetrating and the celestas have a glistening and glassy sound.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING & OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

This is one of the strongest points of this model and it is its superb technical performance. This model can project a spacious headstage within my aural perception as it has a wide lateral span from left to right, excellent height ceiling and immersive depth from front to rear. The imaging aspect of this one jutted out a holographic presentation with a clear and distinct layering and separation of musical elements on its acoustic landscape as I can pinpoint the exact position of vocals and instruments within its sonic environment that it can play the most complex multi-instrumental tracks effortlessly.

The cohesiveness of its multi-driver set-up is fine as each driver performs well, from the fast transient response of its dynamic driver, up to the precise, accurate and responsiveness of its balanced drivers and micro-planars for a clear and detailed sound along with their respectable power efficiency. The resolution capability of this one is pretty detailed and clear as it has a cogent macro-dynamics that it was able distinguish the varying magnitude of volume dynamic level from the quietest up to loudness on chorale lines and instrumental passages, and a sharp definition on its micro-dynamics as it is able to retrieve fine details, nuances and other subtleties of an audio track like instrumentals reverb tails, vocal delay and notational attack.

PEER COMPARISONS:

AFUL PERFORMER 5+2/7

• One of the latest hybrid IEM from AFUL, and a successor of the highly-rated PERFORMER 8 and it is also more pricey than the DN142.
• Its driver configuration consists of a dual dynamic driver, four custom-made balanced armature drivers and a single micro-planar driver but in a different configuration similar to a balanced armature driver, and of these drivers are supported  with acoustic tubes and their proprietary technologies like RCL Network Frequency Division Corrector and High Damping Air -Pressure system inside of its resin shell chassis.
• Since this is an AFUL product, expect feature-rich inclusions inside of its packaging box, and it includes high quality cable, more choices of ear tips and a storage case.
• While the stock cable also has premium-feel, it doesn't have a modular termination.
• This one has a mild U-shaped sound signature, as its bass response is well-balanced with sufficient punch and rumble, a smooth, well- balanced and clear midrange presentation excellent for vocal and instrumental tracking, and then, a lustrous and airy treble presentation.
• As for its technical capabilities, it projects an above-average soundstage, with excellent layering and separation, and well-detailed resolution capabilities.

KIWI EARS QUINTET

• An old midrange model from KIWI EARS and it also has a hybrid driver configuration and it was a bit priced when it was first released around over US$300.
• It has four driver technologies inside, a single dynamic driver, two balanced armature drivers, a micro-planar transducer (another pseudo-planar driver) and a piezo-electric driver and they are encapsulated in composite shell chassis made of a metal alloy faceplate and a cavity base made of resin.
• The product packaging of this one is rather elementary as it only includes the basic inclusions like carrying case and some spare eartips.
• The stock cable is rather decent but not on par with the DUNU unit’s stock cable in terms of build quality and more features.
• This one has a mild U-shaped sound signature as it has a striking and reverberating bass response, a neutral, clean and a bit energetic midrange although this one is a tad warmer compared to the DN142, and a bright, crisp and airy treble response.
• Regarding its technical capabilities, on its sound/speaker stage projection, while it has wide lateral span and good height ceiling reach, its depth is rather shallow and compressed with less distance from front to back , and it also has a good detailing on its resolution capabilities.

7HZ AURORA

• An old midrange model for 7Hz and like the DN142, it also has a hybrid driver set-up, similar to DN142, and also, this is way more pricey at the time of its release.
• Like the DN142, it also has three types of driver technology inside, one large 12mm dynamic driver, a dual custom balanced armature drivers, and a micro-planar driver (flat panel driver-type) and these drivers were controlled by a three-way active electronic crossover for a seamless cohesive performance, and then they are encapsulated in a large composite shell structure.
• The product packaging is fully-loaded with quality accessories like custom silicone eartips and a high quality, premium-looking cable.
• The stock cable is well-built with a thick texture and weight on it, and also it has a modular termination feature.
• Since this model is quite an eartip-dependent, it offers two sound profiles; a mild U-shaped and U-shaped sound signature, it has a sub bass-focused  with a precise and incisive bass response, a slightly recessed but well-balanced texture midrange as it has both ample warmth and energy that will be beneficial to vocals and instruments, and then a bright, shimmering and airy treble response.
• Just like the DUNU Delicate series sets, this one also has an excellent overall technical performance, from a cavernous headstage projection in which it is even more spacious than the DUNU Delicate series models, a well-layered soundstage with good separation of vocals and instruments, and a superb resolution capabilities.

As I conclude this IEM review, it appears that DUNU expanded their product portfolio, and this model is one of its forefronts of its latest series line-ups. The DUNU DN142 is indeed a good sounding set specific for listeners who want some slight spiciness and a bit coloured tuning for fun, engaging and vibrant sound signature, a solidly-built and fully-packed with accessories that you can use. For sure that it some cons like having a bit energetic tuning that produces some metallic, shrill and a tad piercing might be bothersome to treble-sensitive folk, a noticeable recessed midrange and less punchy bass response, but if you enjoy these type of sound profile, this one will truly satisfy your listening preference as they still sound melodic and enticing to your ears.

The DUNU DN142 is now available in HIFIGO, Check out the non-affiliated link that I have provided below.

LINK:

https://hifigo.com/products/dunu-dn142

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: DUNU DN142

IMPEDANCE: 37Ω

SENSITIVITY: 107dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 5Hz – 40KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1 2m

PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR

PLUG TYPE:  (MODULAR) 3.5mm, 4.4mm

DRIVER UNIT(S):  (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER, (4) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVER(S), (2) MICRO-PLANAR DRIVER(S)

PROS:

● Solidly-build with smooth-finish resin shell chassis 

● Its UIEM-type design profile offers one of the best fitting and comfort into our lugs.

● The cohesiveness of its three driver technology inside executes it flawlessly in terms of melodic and coherent performance.

● The combination of passive acoustic tubes and active electronic crossover works well as we will notice of its overall technical performance.

● Somehow easy to drive due to its standard low impedance rating.

● Well-packed with quality accessories

● Inclusion of three types of DUNU custom eartips

● Premium-grade stock cable with modular termination feature.

● A likeable and exciting coloured sound profile that will pleasing the ears of both casual and audio enthusiasts alike that loves fun, engaging and lively sound quality

● Rumbly, tight and precise sound on its low frequency for cleaner bass response. 

● Energetic, clear and transparent midrange.

● Excellent for tracking vocals like tenor (leggero and lyric types), countertenors, mezzo-sopranos and sopranos.

● Crisp, lingering and airy sound from some instruments like strings and woodwinds.

● Bright and clear treble response.

● Excellent technical performance from the spacious soundstage up to its crystalline and detailed resolution capabilities.

CONS:

● The stock cable is a bit stiff.

● One colour option only.

● Way too coloured sounding for ardent neutral heads.

● Less mid bass presence as it wont have a

deliver a satisfying punch and body on bass instruments and deep low-octave male vocals.

● Noticeably a bit recessed presentation on its midrange region.

● Lack of vocal texture on some vocal types like bass, bass-baritones, baritones, tenors (spinto, dramatic, heldentenors) and contraltos.

● Instances of a bit piercing, shrill and tinny sound on some tracks

● Brilliance air extension is rather modest.

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/HIFIGO 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 MS. VICKY of HIFIGO for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.