Kurt reviews the DUNU DN242, a new dual 10mm dynamic, quad-BA, and dual planar driver hybrid universal IEM priced at $349.99.
Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in return for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I thank HiFiGO and DUNU for their support.
You can click here to learn more about the DUNU gear previously reviewed on Headfonics.
This post follows our scoring guidelines, which you can read in more detail here.
DUNU needs little introduction, having consistently delivered excellent audio gear ranging from IEMs and headphones to ear tips and cables for years.
They’ve produced community favorites like the Titan S2, Kima 2, SA6 MK2, and Falcon Ultra, showcasing their commitment to innovation and high-quality audio.
Now, DUNU presents the new DN242, integrating their take on the latest hybrid trend using two dynamic drivers, four balanced armatures, and two micro-planar drivers handling the treble instead of ESTs.
Will DUNU execute this new hybrid IEM configuration successfully, and how does it compare to the likes of the ZiiGaat Luna and XENNS Mangird Top Pro? I found out in my full review below.
Features
The DUNU DN242 features an 8-driver hybrid configuration, combining three different driver types in a 5-way crossover system. This setup includes two dynamic drivers, four balanced armatures, and two micro-planar drivers.
The low end is managed by a dual dynamic driver setup, pairing one 10mm ultra-low frequency driver with one 8mm low-frequency driver. This combination uses dual electronic and acoustic crossovers to deliver deep, clean lows.
Four custom balanced armatures are assigned to the middle and high frequencies, intended to provide centered vocals and layered instruments. This group is split into two custom midrange balanced armature drivers and two custom treble balanced armature drivers.
Handling the top end, two custom ultra-high frequency micro-planar drivers are used. This 5-way crossover network is designed to properly assign each driver group to its specific frequency range.
Design
The faceplate of the DUNU DN242 draws inspiration from the animated film Ne Zha, featuring a vibrant red resin that mimics swirling lava or fire. Subtle orange brush-like marks add texture, enhancing the dynamic and fiery appearance.
This faceplate is beautiful and arguably one of the best traditional designs DUNU has executed. Its expressiveness surpasses many other red faceplate attempts found in competing IEMs.
Embedded beneath the smooth acrylic surface are reflective, mirror-like logos specific to each channel. The left faceplate displays “242,” while the right faceplate features the “DUNU” brand name.
Moving from the faceplate, the shell is crafted from a completely black opaque resin with a glossy finish. It maintains a clean look with minimal markings beyond the necessary L and R indicators printed on the inner side.
The nozzle is constructed from stainless steel and appears to be of average length. Its crown protrudes slightly, creating a distinct lip that ensures excellent locking for ear tips.
A single vent is located near the 0.78mm 2-pin connector on the shell’s top surface. This vent features a unique design, resembling a four-leaf clover with four small holes instead of one larger opening.
Comfort & Isolation
The DUNU DN242 provides a good fit, sitting securely in the ear with only a very slight protrusion outward. It does not feel heavy at all, and its shell curves correctly to match the natural shape of the ear.
Comfort holds up well over time, allowing the DN242 to be worn for hours without inducing fatigue. I would hesitate to use it outdoors due to the eye-catching red color, though it remains a great choice for those who prefer a bolder look.
Using the DN242 for sleeping or lying down is not recommended due to its size. The pressure exerted on the ear when lying on it is quite strong, significantly reducing comfort.
Isolation performance is notably good, effectively blocking a significant amount of external sound. Fan noises nearby become inaudible, and conversations are audibly muted when the DN242 is worn.
Ear Tips
The DUNU DN242 includes three types of tips: light blue silicone tips, DUNU Candy Tips, and DUNU S&S tips. The first two come in small, medium, and large sizes, while the S&S tips add an XL size.
The light blue silicone tips are softer and more dome-shaped than typical silicone, which properly seals the ears. Their flange is shaped differently and can be itchy initially, but it feels correctly molded after a short time.
These tips alter the sound by making the mids more forward. However, this comes at the cost of weakening the midbass punchiness as the bass becomes more contained.
The DUNU Candy Tips are a common offering made from high-quality silicone, making them extremely comfortable while providing excellent isolation. They give a properly balanced experience and do not alter the sound at all, making them the neutral choice.
Lastly, the DUNU S&S tips are the most well-known, featuring a unique tube-like shape and gray high-quality flexible silicone. They arguably offer the best fit, comfort, and sound among the three.
Like the Candy Tips, the S&S tips provide a balanced presentation, but the straight-through fit from their tube-like design is something I highly prefer.
Stock Cable
The DUNU DN242 comes with a 4-Core High-Purity Silver-Plated OCC Copper cable, which connects via 0.78mm 2-pin connectors. This 4-wire braid has a deep brown or bronze color.
The cable is not light and has some noticeable weight to it. This weight results in a slight tugging sensation when moving around.
Despite its weight, the cable is high quality and features a modular plug system. It includes both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations that use DUNU’s Q-Lock system.
The DUNU’s Q-Lock Mini Interchangeable Plug System includes both 3.5mm Single-Ended and 4.4mm Balanced plugs. This system involves screwing the plugs to change them, a secure design that is preferable to simple plug-and-pull systems.
Packaging & Accessories
The DUNU DN242 arrives in a reddish-dark outer sleeve featuring artwork of Ne Zha amidst a stream of fire or lava. The back of the sleeve lists general information, including specifications like impedance, sensitivity, and various certifications.
Sliding off the sleeve reveals a simple, minimalist black inner box. This box features the “DUNU” name printed in a clean, silver font at the center of the lid.
Opening the main box lid shows the DN242 IEM shells seated securely in a black foam cutout. Beneath this foam insert, the main carrying case is stored.
The case is a high-quality, gray fabric-covered hardshell with a zipper. A subtle DUNU logo is embossed on the top.
Inside the carrying case, one side features a net pouch, while the other uses an elastic band to hold items in place. All the accessories are stored here, including the stock cable, the various sets of ear tips, a 6.5mm adapter plug, and a small cleaning brush.
Sound Impressions
The following sound impressions of the DUNU DN242 were completed using a mix of the Colorfly CDA-M2 and Heartfield R1 dongle DACs.
Bass
The bass of the DUNU DN242 is superbly clean and controlled. It is not heavy on the subbass, but it is properly managed to prevent the experience from sounding dry.
Midbass performance is good, with punchiness that varies in strength depending on the track. It can deliver light thuds, normal punchiness, and even high boominess when called for.
The bass is wonderfully detailed as well. It can create a low, droning rumbling with the subbass when the track demands it.
This detail also makes drum hits properly differentiable, making it easy to tell which hits are light or heavy. Bass guitars also have that heavy, true-to-life feel, adding a convincing quality to the low end.
Mids
The midrange of the DUNU DN242 continues DUNU’s preference for brighter and more vocal-forward IEMs. The vocals are bright, and some may find them too bright for their taste.
They are simply “on your face” as they get spotlighted, correctly taking center stage in the presentation. This is a mid-centric focus that I adore, as it captures the breathiness and nuances of the vocals perfectly.
This presentation makes the vocals sound alive, energetic, and lifelike. The timbre is lovely, realistic, and accurate, with no unnatural qualities.
Stringed instruments have the correct tone to them as well. There is a slight, natural lingering to the sound of guitars, violins, and other similar instruments.
Treble
The detail retrieval on the DUNU DN242 is excellent. Listening to tracks like “Bloom” by Galdive is a treat, as soft whispering, subtle bell noises, and water droplets play around the ear with correct dynamic control.
Sibilance is not something I can hear with it, though some might incorrectly attribute the treble’s brightness to sibilance. There is not even a hint of sharpness, which shows the great control DUNU has over the treble.
It does reveal oddities in tracks, so a badly mastered mix will easily show its quirks. The DN242 does not smooth over these flaws, suggesting it might be a good choice for track mixing.
Airiness is great here and contributes to a very open sound. This allows sounds to be realistically placed, further elevating the experience.
Staging & Dynamics
The soundstage of the DUNU DN242 is not impressively wide, but it is properly above average. Unfortunately, depth in the staging is hard to experience, with height placement limited to slightly upward or downward.
Imaging is great, as it uses the available staging correctly. It makes the experience immersive at times by placing sounds slightly up or down, even though it lacks the depth to place them forward or backward.
Tracks never feel cramped at all, and the presentation sounds free and open. The stage never collapses, even when many sounds are being placed in the mix.
Dynamics are great as well, with the DN242 properly controlling every sound to have the correct loudness. This creates a contrasting sound experience that is great for immersion.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
