This and That:
Likely the first and only hybrid earbud on the market; one large 16 mm dynamic driver and one Balanced Armature driver per side. The damped BA driver is designed to fire into the ear canal while the large dynamic driver is behind 26 small holes.
Nice unboxing experience. Many included accessories. Four different kinds of attachment rings (“Bass/Liquid”, silicone attachments with fins (three sizes); “Balance/Musical”, thick silicone rings (three pairs, one standard size); “Airy/Resolution”, thin silicone rings (three pairs, one standard size); “Full/Balance”, foam covers (two pairs, one standard size)) to alter the sound and fit; all types described on the inside of the package.
Quite nice and rather supple cable, although not as supple as the Titan 1's or DN-2000J's. Surprisingly little amount of microphonics (almost none).
Very large shells may be too large to fit most people. Comfort is all right for my large ears and the large shells fit me fine.
This will however definitely limit the target audience even more, as the sound of the hybrid Alpha 1 is even more fit-, seal- and position-dependent than that of typical earbuds.
Sound:
I'm mainly using low impedance source devices for listening.
If not stated otherwise, the sound I'm describing is with the attachment rings called “Balance/Musical”.
Tonality:
Balanced, slightly mid-forward; no sharpness or peaks.
Central midrange evenly slightly forward, lower mids slightly recessed. Male voices slightly lack body. Therefore slightly telephonic midrange. Not wonky and nothing that sounds annoying or off, but the Shozy Cygnus's midrange tuning is more refined in comparison.
Rather neutral to balanced fundmantal range and bass; mild upper bass and lower fundamental range lift compared to a flat in-ear. Definitely not in the foreground.
Audible roll-off below upper bass; therefore no lower midbass and sub-bass, which is normal for earbud standards.
The treble is surprisingly even and smooth. It sounds in line with the rest and appears neither recessed nor elevated.
Doing sine sweeps, one can spot a bit of a lift at 4.8 kHz and 7 kHz, but neither is narrow and that unevenness is only slightly audible on the sweeps but not noticeable with music (the highs sound natural and even, and never sharp, bright or wonky).
Super treble extension past 10 kHz is audibly very limited with a distinct roll-off past 10 kHz.
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So a nice and balanced tuning overall. Lacking a bit of total refinement in the midrange that is a bit telephonic and forward sounding, but still enjoyable. Even though it doesn't sound as refined as the lower priced Shozy Cygnus, I really like the Alpha 1. But as the following paragraphs show, finding the attachments that seal best are crucial for a smooth and even sound, otherwise the BA driver isn't sealed well, which leads to a peaky response.
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Tuning Options:
All attachments provided a somewhat different sound, which may be a result of varying fit, position and seal with most of them.
“Bass/Liquid” (Fin Attachments):
The tips that provide the most comfort provide a just slightly more present fundamental range, however high voices sound strident and edgy and are therefore not very enjoyable. Possibly due to probably somewhat insufficient seal of the BA driver.
“Airy/Resolution” (thin Silicone attachment Rings):
Probably similar lows as my preferred “Balance/Musical” attachments, but the upper mids are even edgier and more strident than with the “Bass/Liquid” tips. Thinner and peaky treble. Likely insufficient seal of the BA driver.
“Full/Balance” (Foam Covers):
Full, warm, bassy, dark sound. Bass about 6 dB stronger than before, however also somewhat lowered resolution.
No Attachments at all:
Literally a “cutting” experience (really, really uncomfortable fit). Best sound though with best balance (midrange less forward sounding). Bass comparable to that with “Bass/Liquid” attachments.
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Resolution:
Very coherent sound; no audible transition between the dynamic and BA driver.
Compared to other good earbuds such as the Shozy Cygnus or Penon BS1 Official, the use of hybrid technology in the Alpha 1 pays off and the resolution profits.
The lows are highly controlled and surprisingly quick, responsive and clean. Combined with the natural sounding bass body produced by the large driver, the lows sound really good and are detailed as well.
The advantages of the Balanced Armature drivers can be definitely heard in the mids and treble, with high speech intelligibility and resolution. Separation is good and precise, too.
Nonetheless, as good as the Alpha 1's performance is for earbud standards, most good similarly priced (BA, hybrid and dynamic) in-ears resolve better. So one shouldn't expect in-ear-like technical performance in the mids and highs (from any earbuds).
Soundstage:
Fairly open sounding to me, nonetheless not the largest for earbud standards. Definitely wider than deep sounding with about 75% as much width as the Titan 1's soundstage, but about only 20% as much spatial depth.
Instrument separation to the sides is good and the bit of layering the Alpha 1 provides is decent as well.
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Likely the first and only hybrid earbud on the market; one large 16 mm dynamic driver and one Balanced Armature driver per side. The damped BA driver is designed to fire into the ear canal while the large dynamic driver is behind 26 small holes.
Nice unboxing experience. Many included accessories. Four different kinds of attachment rings (“Bass/Liquid”, silicone attachments with fins (three sizes); “Balance/Musical”, thick silicone rings (three pairs, one standard size); “Airy/Resolution”, thin silicone rings (three pairs, one standard size); “Full/Balance”, foam covers (two pairs, one standard size)) to alter the sound and fit; all types described on the inside of the package.
Quite nice and rather supple cable, although not as supple as the Titan 1's or DN-2000J's. Surprisingly little amount of microphonics (almost none).
Very large shells may be too large to fit most people. Comfort is all right for my large ears and the large shells fit me fine.
This will however definitely limit the target audience even more, as the sound of the hybrid Alpha 1 is even more fit-, seal- and position-dependent than that of typical earbuds.
Sound:
I'm mainly using low impedance source devices for listening.
If not stated otherwise, the sound I'm describing is with the attachment rings called “Balance/Musical”.
Tonality:
Balanced, slightly mid-forward; no sharpness or peaks.
Central midrange evenly slightly forward, lower mids slightly recessed. Male voices slightly lack body. Therefore slightly telephonic midrange. Not wonky and nothing that sounds annoying or off, but the Shozy Cygnus's midrange tuning is more refined in comparison.
Rather neutral to balanced fundmantal range and bass; mild upper bass and lower fundamental range lift compared to a flat in-ear. Definitely not in the foreground.
Audible roll-off below upper bass; therefore no lower midbass and sub-bass, which is normal for earbud standards.
The treble is surprisingly even and smooth. It sounds in line with the rest and appears neither recessed nor elevated.
Doing sine sweeps, one can spot a bit of a lift at 4.8 kHz and 7 kHz, but neither is narrow and that unevenness is only slightly audible on the sweeps but not noticeable with music (the highs sound natural and even, and never sharp, bright or wonky).
Super treble extension past 10 kHz is audibly very limited with a distinct roll-off past 10 kHz.
- - -
So a nice and balanced tuning overall. Lacking a bit of total refinement in the midrange that is a bit telephonic and forward sounding, but still enjoyable. Even though it doesn't sound as refined as the lower priced Shozy Cygnus, I really like the Alpha 1. But as the following paragraphs show, finding the attachments that seal best are crucial for a smooth and even sound, otherwise the BA driver isn't sealed well, which leads to a peaky response.
- - - - - - - - -
Tuning Options:
All attachments provided a somewhat different sound, which may be a result of varying fit, position and seal with most of them.
“Bass/Liquid” (Fin Attachments):
The tips that provide the most comfort provide a just slightly more present fundamental range, however high voices sound strident and edgy and are therefore not very enjoyable. Possibly due to probably somewhat insufficient seal of the BA driver.
“Airy/Resolution” (thin Silicone attachment Rings):
Probably similar lows as my preferred “Balance/Musical” attachments, but the upper mids are even edgier and more strident than with the “Bass/Liquid” tips. Thinner and peaky treble. Likely insufficient seal of the BA driver.
“Full/Balance” (Foam Covers):
Full, warm, bassy, dark sound. Bass about 6 dB stronger than before, however also somewhat lowered resolution.
No Attachments at all:
Literally a “cutting” experience (really, really uncomfortable fit). Best sound though with best balance (midrange less forward sounding). Bass comparable to that with “Bass/Liquid” attachments.
- - - - - - - - -
Resolution:
Very coherent sound; no audible transition between the dynamic and BA driver.
Compared to other good earbuds such as the Shozy Cygnus or Penon BS1 Official, the use of hybrid technology in the Alpha 1 pays off and the resolution profits.
The lows are highly controlled and surprisingly quick, responsive and clean. Combined with the natural sounding bass body produced by the large driver, the lows sound really good and are detailed as well.
The advantages of the Balanced Armature drivers can be definitely heard in the mids and treble, with high speech intelligibility and resolution. Separation is good and precise, too.
Nonetheless, as good as the Alpha 1's performance is for earbud standards, most good similarly priced (BA, hybrid and dynamic) in-ears resolve better. So one shouldn't expect in-ear-like technical performance in the mids and highs (from any earbuds).
Soundstage:
Fairly open sounding to me, nonetheless not the largest for earbud standards. Definitely wider than deep sounding with about 75% as much width as the Titan 1's soundstage, but about only 20% as much spatial depth.
Instrument separation to the sides is good and the bit of layering the Alpha 1 provides is decent as well.
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Compared to the Shozy Cygnus (no Foam Covers):
Out of the two earbuds, the Alpha 1 sounds clearly more neutral but also somewhat telephonic because of its forward midrange. The Alpha 1 is quite a “love it or hate it” earbud. I really like it but see problems so that I rather would rather not recommend it to most people (due to its size, possible fit problems and forward mids).
The Cygnus is much better suited for the masses (well, not really the masses as I highly doubt the average consumer would spend ~ $90 on earbuds) – easy fit, average/small size, no forward midrange, strong and impactful but not overwhelming bass, smooth and non-obtrusive treble and mids.
The Cygnus has got the somewhat superior treble extension. Out of the two, the Cygnus also sounds more natural, more refined.
When it comes to bass speed and control, both are about in the same league but the Alpha 1’s large 16 mm driver sounds more detailed and generates a really nice, realistic and tactile body sensation although the lows are balanced sounding. The Alpha 1’s clarity and minute detail retrieval are somewhat better as well. However, the Cygnus’ mids sound more realistic and authentic, refined, to me, which is because of the tuning. Overall the two earbuds are not far apart but just different here and there.
The Cygnus' soundstage is slightly wider, however audibly deeper at the same time. Lateral instrument separation is somewhat cleaner and more precise on the DUNU that sounds less blurry in comparison. Nonetheless the Cygnus's stage is better layered.
Conclusion:
A good and super interesting product is what the DUNU Alpha 1 is, however it is definitely not generally recommendable, as besides its comparatively high price and the somewhat forward forward midrange which not everybody will like, its sound is only good with a sufficient seal of the BA driver, which will be difficult to achieve for most people due to the large size of the shells that also require excellent fit and a good seal for a correct sound, so the sound sill be a hit or miss depending on how well the earbuds sit and seal. Therefore, the Alpha 1 is even pickier when it comes to seal and positioning than most other, regular earbuds.
Out of the two earbuds, the Alpha 1 sounds clearly more neutral but also somewhat telephonic because of its forward midrange. The Alpha 1 is quite a “love it or hate it” earbud. I really like it but see problems so that I rather would rather not recommend it to most people (due to its size, possible fit problems and forward mids).
The Cygnus is much better suited for the masses (well, not really the masses as I highly doubt the average consumer would spend ~ $90 on earbuds) – easy fit, average/small size, no forward midrange, strong and impactful but not overwhelming bass, smooth and non-obtrusive treble and mids.
The Cygnus has got the somewhat superior treble extension. Out of the two, the Cygnus also sounds more natural, more refined.
When it comes to bass speed and control, both are about in the same league but the Alpha 1’s large 16 mm driver sounds more detailed and generates a really nice, realistic and tactile body sensation although the lows are balanced sounding. The Alpha 1’s clarity and minute detail retrieval are somewhat better as well. However, the Cygnus’ mids sound more realistic and authentic, refined, to me, which is because of the tuning. Overall the two earbuds are not far apart but just different here and there.
The Cygnus' soundstage is slightly wider, however audibly deeper at the same time. Lateral instrument separation is somewhat cleaner and more precise on the DUNU that sounds less blurry in comparison. Nonetheless the Cygnus's stage is better layered.
Conclusion:
A good and super interesting product is what the DUNU Alpha 1 is, however it is definitely not generally recommendable, as besides its comparatively high price and the somewhat forward forward midrange which not everybody will like, its sound is only good with a sufficient seal of the BA driver, which will be difficult to achieve for most people due to the large size of the shells that also require excellent fit and a good seal for a correct sound, so the sound sill be a hit or miss depending on how well the earbuds sit and seal. Therefore, the Alpha 1 is even pickier when it comes to seal and positioning than most other, regular earbuds.