DUNU DN242: Gentle With Subtle Vivid Neutral Sound

Nezha, the main protagonist of the Chinese folktale novel, Fengshen Yanyi (The Investiture Of The Gods) is a divine child hero that is known for his petulance, free-spirited nature and anti-authoritarianism as he even challenges his family and even the gods that he is determined to be free from the shackles of the social hierarchy as he lives as he pleased and also fight for his right as an individual to manifest his own destiny. Despite being depicted as an anti-hero, he is also known as a loyal and a protector of the people that show kindness and truly really cares for him despite being mischievous and temperamental. He is a rival of Ao Bing in which the latter was killed later in the story by his own power.

DUNU just introduced their latest Delicate series with a theme that signifies some of the popular legendary folk characters from Chinese mythology, and the models of this new line-up series are situated in the initial-level midrange up to the midrange segment, and all of these models are of hybrid driver set-up usually comprising of three different driver technologies. Again, there is no need to further introduce DUNU as we are already aware that they are a veteran with over two decades of experience in the audio industry and also, they already have a strong reputation in the audio community as a credible and trustworthy audio company as they crafted some of the best IEMs in the audio market.

I recently did a review on their first Delicate series, the DUNU DN142 which is an initial-level midrange set with similar driver configuration but less one driver count, and it was priced less cheaper.  This is the DUNU DN242, and it is a midrange set with a hybrid-driver configuration consisting of 8 drivers with different driver technology arrayed in a resin shell chassis. The driver configuration features a dual dynamic driver, four balanced armature drivers and dual “micro-planar” drivers also known as square planar drivers. The two dynamic drivers that were implemented are the 8mm dynamic driver that handles the entirety of low frequency region,and it was supported by 10mm dynamic driver which is solely responsible for sub bass section, while the four custom balanced armature drivers (probably a customised Bellsing) will manage the midrange region as the custom dual midrange or probably full-range BA driver will control the lower midrange, while the supporting custom dual tweeter BA driver will take the upper mids and other parts of presence section, along with a two “micro-planars” that will be assigned for the high frequency region, the presence section up to the brilliance section (Again, as I mentioned in my previous review of the DN142, they aren't true planar magnetic driver in a sense but rather, it's a new type of small transducer based on a heavily modified dynamic driver that follows the working principle of planar magnetics while having a power efficiency and high sensitivity, and this type of driver was first implemented on the first CELEST AUDIO models from few years ago). The drivers were assigned into different parts of  frequency response and each of them were connected into a four-way acoustic tubing in tandem with an active electronic crossover that will ensure efficiency 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 encased in a medium-size modified UIEM-type resin shell that were moulded via 3D-printing provided by HeyGears, a 3D printing solution provider that specialises on producing any industrial applications that involves 3D-moulding processes that ensures exact matching of the shells with high accuracy rate, better structural design and consistent smooth finishes as it also precisely design the inner complex acoustic chamber as DUNU intended. The shell has a red colourway in contrast with the DN142’s with its blue hue that corresponds with its aquatic theme colour as its faceplate have a red colour on the faceplate with a gold print font and also accents on the faceplate, while the cavity base have a black colour and with these colour choices, it is aesthetically aligned with Nezha’s theme character as a child deity with a mischievous, hot-tempered and aggressive nature yet powerful. 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 Nezha in front part along with print of DUNU logo and the name of the model, while on rear panel, there are some prints of 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 DN242 transducer earpieces
• Stock cable with modular termination
• 3.5mm single-ended plug adapter
• 4.4mm balanced plug adapter
• 6.5mm to 3.5mm 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 Nezha in different forms.

When it comes to driveability and amplification scaling, with an impedance of 35 ohms which is a usual standard impedance for a hybrid driver IEM and a sensitivity rating of 110db/mW, that makes this set quite sensitive and also a power efficient one for easier to drive that even a device source with a usually standard gain output will amplify it properly. With a sufficient power output, it will deliver a sound quality with solid dynamics and a full range sound within its audible frequency spectrum.

The tonal profile of this one is actually quite a contrast with the DN142’s as this one takes more of a balanced-neutral type of sound signature with a tinge of bright tuning. It is like that its low frequency and midrange frequency were about almost equal in terms of presentation, while the high frequency has some of its section with mild elevation just to give a bit of lively sound, and makes this IEM less coloured sounding that emphasises towards tonal accuracy and perhaps, clarity and precision.

LOWS/BASS:

As a balanced-neutral set, the low frequencies of this set is just mildly pronounced on its overall frequency response and the quality of its bass are quite well-balanced as it has a clear sub bass presence and an ample mid bass texture as it will deliver a deep reverberating and rumbly while it has a body and warmth of its midbass that gives a punchy, impactful and precise bass response while maintaining a control and segregation that it wouldn't smudge across the other parts of the frequency response to give that clean sounding bass. With this tuning, this is a bass quality typical to a neutral sounds signature as it usually portrays an even and a well-balanced bass without being too boosted nor too tight sounding.

The quality of its sub bass section is quite delineating as we can clearly feel its reverberating and rumbly response that were generated and produced by these instruments such as synthesizers, drum machines, and low-tuned strings like bass guitars, cellos and double-basses. Simultaneously, on its mid bass section, there is a sufficient body and thump that it has an enough weight that it will give some bass-clef and low-octave male vocals a bit of warmth, full and rich of its note weight. The bass guitars sound rasping and weighty, while double-basses have broad and resonant sound, and then the bass kick drums sound sonorous and menacing on every kick. The male vocals like bass and bass-baritones, while they have that deep reverberating voices, they are still lacking a bit of darker timbre and vocal weight but they have a dense and a tad wool-y sound.

MIDRANGE:

This is truly one of the DN242’s strongest assets that its midrange presentation is neutral, well-balanced and smooth that it has a sufficient warmth on its note weight that gives some richness and a bit lushness on lower mids that will be beneficial to the male vocals and also on instruments like brasses, percussives and even some strings and it also has some energy on its overall tuning due to slight accentuation in the upper mids section that it will contribute some presence and timbre of some vocals and instruments particularly strings and woodwinds as it adds clarity, crispness and airiness. Overall, the midrange quality of the DN242 is even, well-balanced, pure and organic that makes this set more mature sounding compared to the DN142.

The male vocals as on how they are portrayed here have an satisfactory vocal texture that it gives an almost realistic sound  baritones as they sound smooth, rich and lush which makes it more versatile from a rich and weight sound of a noble baritone up to the more graceful, clear and light sound of a light baritone, while on tenors, they have clear and juicy sound that both dramatic and heldentenor types, they sound rich, warm and powerful that listening to Wagner’s masterpieces like the Der Ring de Nibelungen, particularly on some male vocal parts in the Die Walküre and Siegfried, they have a power and strength to project those vocals intensely, and the  countertenors have that a tender, velvety and a bit coppery sound from their falsettos. As for female vocals, contraltos have a deep resonance and smoky sound from their chesty head voice that gives those rich and deep lacrymose sound while mezzo-sopranos have a smooth, glowing and sweet sound, and last but not least, the sopranos, they have a creamy, silvery and bell-like sound that both lyric and coloratura soprano types will have a spacious and airy sound.

As for the instruments as on how they sound, on the string ones; guitars have a bit crisp, warm and sustaining sound on every pluck and strumming, while violins have a sensuous and lustrous sound on every motion with its bowstring, and cellos sound cantabile, sweet and a silky. on the woodwind instruments like concert flutes, piccolos, clarinets and saxophones, a mellow and soft sound on concert flutes, a graceful and delicate sound on piccolos, a melodic and rich sound from clarinets, and then a rounded and a bit warm sound on saxophones. Regarding brasses, trumpets sound with a metallic brilliance, trombones sound full and rounded, and then a sonorous and resounding sound on horns. And then on percussives, snares sound hard and clear on every stroke while the toms-toms have warm and resonant on every hit on its drumhead, field drums sound majestic and then, kettledrums have a rich and velvety sound.  When it comes to pianos, they sound quite balanced as they have rich, sweet and lustrous on them.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

The treble quality has a lustrous, shimmer and airy as it has some accentuated parts on  upper mids up to presence treble section as it gives a reasonable sharpness on its clarity and definition on the attack on instruments, both rhythmic and percussive, and also a well-defined articulation on vocals albeit it might a bit energetic to some treble-sensitive folk out there as there are some occasional mild tinniness but it won't sound sibilant nor strident.

On the brilliance section, it has a good airy extension with some good intensity of its sparkle and shimmer. On the 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 lustrous and bell-like sound.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING & OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

Definitely one of its strongest points as this IEM shares this aspect with its cheaper co-model that it also has an excellent technical performance. This model, like its cheaper sibling, can also project an extensive soundstage 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 in the same price range.
• 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 from 7Hz and like the DN242, it also has a hybrid driver set-up, similar to DN242, and also, this is way more pricey at the time of its release.
• Like the DN242, 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.

To sum up my final assessment of this product, this model is indeed a better set in terms of sound quality compared to its cheaper co-model, DN142 as it has more refined tuning that is more neutral sounding, well-balanced with ample warmth and energy to make the overall sonic quality almost realistic yet accurate sound reproduction. And like its cheaper co-model, it also has superb technical capabilities allowing to feel the perceived spaciousness of its soundstage with a multi-layered layering and good separation of vocals and instruments, and incredibly detailed resolution capabilities. This one is also highly recommended by both veteran audio enthusiasts and casual listeners who want to try high-fidelity sound experience as while it has a neutral sound profile it is also strikingly balanced between precision and musicality that allows one to enjoy listening to their favourite tracks. And If you're looking for a neutral sounding set, this one is also a strong choice for your tonal preferences.

The DUNU DN242 is now available on HIFIGO, Check out for more information by clicking the link that I have provided below after this statement.

LINK:

https://hifigo.com/products/dunu-dn242

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: DUNU DN242

IMPEDANCE: 35Ω

SENSITIVITY: 110dB

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

PROS:

● It has a robust, well-constructed resin shell chassis with smooth-finish edges and surface

● 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.

● This is even easier to drive than the DN142 as it also has a standard low impedance rating.

●  Brimming with quality accessories inside of its packaging box

● Inclusion of three types of DUNU custom eartips

● Premium-grade stock cable with modular termination feature.

● A matured sounding as it has a balanced-neutral tonal profile.

● Rumbly, punchy and striking bass response while still maintaining its cleaner and controlled presentation.

● It has a good texture and body for the natural sound from bass-clef instruments and male vocals.

● Well-balanced, neutral and clean midrange presentation with ample warmth and energy.

● Versatility to all types of singing, either male or female.

● Almost realistic sound on instruments, a crisp, sweet and balanced sound from strings, a metallic brilliance and sonorousness from brasses, a delicate and graceful sound from woodwinds etc.

● Lustrous, clear with moderate airy treble response.

● Like the DN142, it shares a remarkable technical performance from the spaciousness of its soundstage projection up to its crystal-clear and detailed resolution capabilities.

CONS:

● The stock cable is a bit stiff.

● One colour option only.

● Not for audio enthusiasts who wants more colouration on their tonal preferences which fun, engaging and exciting sound 

● Definitely not for ardent bass heads due to its less boomy, with a leaner and less ideal mid bass texture on their liking.

● Occasional slightly mild shrill and metallic sound on some tracks particularly on upper-mids and treble boosted recorded tracks.

●  Despite some slight improvements on its treble air extension compared to the DN142, it is still considered less airy compared to some of its competitors.

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.