Sound:
As sources, I mainly used the Cowon Plenue 2 and iBasso DX200.
For listening I used the largest included light grey silicone tips as well as the included unbalanced 3.5 mm cable.
Tonality:
"Bass and clarity" are the two terms that come to mind when I think of describing the DK-3001's tonal tuning.
Provided that the seal is good and correct, the DUNU achieves an emphasis in the bass of around 10 dB north of the level of an in-ear that is diffuse-field neutral in the low frequencies (Etymotic ER-4S/SR), but has a slightly stronger perceived impact and more punch, especially in comparison to multi-BA in-ears with a similarly powerful boost, for which the texture and softness are responsible in addition to the large dynamic driver (more on this in the "Resolution" section). This bass boost is balanced out by a widely raised, bright high frequency and presence range.
At about 550 Hz, the level in the bass begins to rise and reaches its peak at around 100 Hz. Between 100 and 400 Hz, on the other hand, there is already a certain fullness, which gives the fundamental range a warm tilt that is also passed on to low male voices.
However, since the low-frequency emphasis begins relatively low, albeit rising quite quickly, it leaves the midrange otherwise rather untouched and there are no real masking effects in the lower mids.
The true sub-bass is practically not weaker than the midbass of the in-ear, which is why the DK-3001 is able to build up quite some pressure and reproduce vibrations even at 20 and 30 Hz when the sound information on the recording is there.
The midrange of the DUNU is not recessed, but nevertheless gains a slightly v-shape distant touch and a brighter, clearer timbre due to the quite evenly rising treble from 1 kHz up to the super-high frequencies - in the purest sense of hi-fi this is obviously a discoloration, even though one that is implemented evenly and does not really disturb the listener.
As already mentioned, the level rises evenly from the central midrange to the super-high frequencies; only at 5 and 7 kHz there is a small, wide-is hump that exceeds the rising treble line. The in-ear' treble is subsequently on the brighter side, but without having the sharpness of the DN-2000J, which it should not have had at its price anyway.
Nevertheless, the DUNU is an in-ear that is coloured in the upper midrange as well as in the treble, deliberately balancing between clarity caused by brightness with airiness and an even boost with an evenly increasing treble level. This execution works quite well and is accompanied by virtually no sharpness, which is also thanks to the high detail resolution and the tendency of a rather soft treble character.
A small dip around 5 kHz to create some headroom for the broad treble boost and to make cymbals appear more natural and less metallic wouldn't necessarily have hurt, because for people who are "allergic" to a boost in the mid-highs (or generally to a bright treble tuning) or those who listen to music at a rather high volume, the DK-3001's highs might be just a bit too much.
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DUNU has succeeded in tuning the DK-3001 with the aim of achieving a powerful bass and a clear, airy presentation. In the high frequencies, the Chinese find the right balance between an extensive, bright boost, which conveys clarity and openness while still offering coherence.
Nevertheless, it is obvious that this type of sound signature cannot be the most natural. As well as the in-ear succeeds in compromising here, it does not succeed in generating a realistic tuning and a lifelike timbre, which is obviously the nature of this very tuning. Instead, it applies evenly covering acoustic makeup.
Even if this tuning is done quite well, I think that, for the majority of the more experienced readers, it doesn't necessarily represent the ideal signature for an in-ear, which should possibly function as a mainly/only used model. No, much rather the DK-3001 is an occasional in-ear that should be regarded more as a "sidekick" or "passionate weekend affair" than one (or many) mainly used models with a more even, balanced tuning. Because ultimately, tonally, the DUNU fits better as an easy-going, sonically well-made outdoor in-ear or for acoustic variety then to serve as the only "seriously" tuned in-ear in one's inventory.
Resolution:
From the technical point of view the DK-3001 definitely represents DUNU's strongest in-ear so far.
This four-driver model stands out in particular for its bass, which also has adopted the characteristic "DUNU magic" from its predecessors/cheaper siblings.
So the DK-3001's bass is a bit softer in the impact and decay, but at the same time it convinces with an incredibly high level of control for a dynamic driver without sounding really slow. Especially worth mentioning is the very nice, fine texture, which reminds me of my Audeze LCD-X or the HiFiMan RE2000, albeit with a stronger bass quantity.
This is definitely a unique selling point and should satisfy anyone who is looking for a bass that is not too dry and tight but instead rather physical, visceral, yet well controlled and "natural".
It has to be mentioned, however, that the separation and detail in the low bass doesn't quite reach the level of good Multi-BA In-Ears in the same price range with a similar-ish bass boost (e.g. Fischer Amps FA-4E XB, EarSonics ES3).
The resolution in the midrange as well as the speech intelligibility are high, also due to the tuning with the increased presence range level, but even with compensating EQ correction; although, it has to be said, that the FLC8s, which was already the first lower-priced in-ear to outperform my Ultimate Ears Reference monitors in terms of midrange resolution, delivers an even more detailed presentation here than the DUNU.
The treble of the DK-3001 has got nice micro resolution and presents small details cleanly. The fact that the DUNU can afford the high-frequency boost and that it works better than for example the MEE audio Pinnacle P1's is due to the high detail resolution in the upper frequency range of the hybrid in-ear. In addition, it tends to have a somewhat soft treble character, which also ensures that the in-ear doesn't sound too spiky or even sharp in the upper frequency range.
However, there is one downside, namely the instrument separation in the high frequencies, which is only about average.
Problems with complex, fast and/or densely populated music material do not show up with the DUNU and it remains as controlled as one would expect from an in-ear in its price range.
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Thus the DUNU offers an overall good to very good, although not flawless performance, but the Multi-BA competition in the same price range is also very strong. And then there is the cheaper, but extremely versatile and technically very strong FLC8s. But more on that later...
What makes the DK-3001 special is its very well controlled and beautifully textured Audeze-like bass despite its softness.
Spatial Presentation:
The stage of the DK-3001 is a bit wider than average and leaves the base of my head without reaching my shoulders yet. Therefore, it is large, but not as wide as models like the discontinued Ultimate Ears UE 18 Pro or Eternal Melody EM-2.
Spatial depth is also present on the imaginary stage, although it is somewhat smaller compared to the width (ratio: approx. 70% width to 30% depth), resulting in a rather oval than round shape.
There is no real spatial representation of the height however.
The lateral separation of instruments is good, while one could expect a little more differentiation when it comes to the spatial depth.
Compared to other Hybrid In-Ears:
FLC Technology FLC8s (red-black-green filter combination (strongest bass, strongest midbass, strongest treble)):
The DUNU has the much better cable, while both in-ears sit comparably well and comfortably in my ears. The FLC isolates exterior noise a bit better.
Not to be despised are the numerous possibilities of individual sound adjustment that the FLC8s offers.
The DUNU is tuned clearly brighter in the middle and lower highs, while the FLC with the green filter has the more present upper treble that seems a little more artificial. All in all, however, the FLC is more realistically tuned in the treble, which is also due to a headroom-creating recession in the middle highs.
In the bass, the DK-3001 is even more powerful and impactful. Both in-ears can reproduce the sub-bass powerfully, while the DUNU is more voluminously tuned in the fundamental range.
In the bass, the FLC offers the quicker attack, providing a tighter presentation, while DUNU's hybrid quad-driver delivers a more physical, visceral performance with a more pronounced engaging texture that is rather rare to find.
In the midrange, the FLC8s, which has already managed to outperform even my Ultimate Ears Reference Monitors in terms of detail resolution, also has a slightly higher resolution than the DUNU.
The treble resolution of both in-ears is comparable while the FLC ultimately offers a cleaner separation of individual notes.
The DK-3001's stage is wider and a bit deeper than that of the FLC, which on the other hand scores with the more precise layering, while the lateral separation between the two in-ears is about even.
Fidue SIRIUS:
The housings of the DUNU sit much more comfortably in my ears, which is partially due to the fact that its large silicone tips are actually large and not medium-ish like those of the Fidue.
The Fidue's cable looks more pompous while the DUNU's is more practical and generally better in my opinion.
The DUNU isolates external noise better than the Fidue.
Tonally, the SIRIUS is clearly the more balanced, harmonious, mature and natural in-ear. In comparison, the SIRIUS has noticeably less bass, warmth and less brightness in the high frequencies than the DK-3001.
When it comes to detail retrieval, the DUNU is not far away from the SIRIUS - but this was to be expected anyway, especially since the price of headphones rises exponentially, while the sound quality rises with in the form of restricted growth, which is why you usually have to pay a not inconsiderable surcharge in the higher price range for relatively small improvements and/or simply just a different sound presentation.
The Fidue has the slightly higher coherence, if you compare it directly with the DK-3001. In the midrange it also has a slightly higher resolution, which also applies to the high frequencies, where it offers the slightly better separation.
The low frequencies of the Fidue are tighter than that of the DUNU, while the control for both in-ears is about the same. As far as the texture of the bass is concerned, however, the DUNU is ahead.
The stage of the Fidue is somewhat bigger than that of the DUNU, although not clearly. While there is only a small advantage in favour of the Fidue when it comes to lateral instrument separation, it offers more precise layering.
Conclusion:
The DK-3001 is DUNU's technically best in-ear so far, which should also be expected at its price point. Even though it convinces in sound and technical performance in most areas, potential customers should still be aware of its tuning, because for 499$ some will possibly look for a more realistic tuning with a less present bass and treble, especially since there is a lot of competition in this price range in which the in-ear has been positioned - also in the domain of hybrid in-ears.
It just cannot be denied that the DK-3001 is a "palliator" that applies "acoustic makeup" and clarity, even though it does this quite well in its execution and avoids sharpness and sibilance in contrast to the DN-2000J, which can often sound a bit too sharp in the high frequencies. Instead, the DK-3001 goes for a successful compromise between evenness and brightness.
The DUNU DK-3001 is therefore a well thought-out in-ear, although it is also a "palliator" with a powerful, punchy bass, which offers a unique selling point with its great texture and visceral character, accompanied by a uniformly rising, bright treble that provides clarity, airiness and transparency.
The DK-3001 is DUNU's technically best in-ear so far, which should also be expected at its price point. Even though it convinces in sound and technical performance in most areas, potential customers should still be aware of its tuning, because for 499$ some will possibly look for a more realistic tuning with a less present bass and treble, especially since there is a lot of competition in this price range in which the in-ear has been positioned - also in the domain of hybrid in-ears.
It just cannot be denied that the DK-3001 is a "palliator" that applies "acoustic makeup" and clarity, even though it does this quite well in its execution and avoids sharpness and sibilance in contrast to the DN-2000J, which can often sound a bit too sharp in the high frequencies. Instead, the DK-3001 goes for a successful compromise between evenness and brightness.
The DUNU DK-3001 is therefore a well thought-out in-ear, although it is also a "palliator" with a powerful, punchy bass, which offers a unique selling point with its great texture and visceral character, accompanied by a uniformly rising, bright treble that provides clarity, airiness and transparency.