In this article, Meldrick reviews the DUNU Titan S2, which is a new entry-level dual magnetic circuit dynamic driver universal in-ear monitor. It is priced at $79.99 SRP.
Disclaimer: This was sent to me as a sample 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 we have previously featured on Headfonics.
Note, that this post follows our scoring guidelines which you can read in more detail here.
In today’s review, I look at DUNU’s latest IEM entry in the sub-$100 segment, the Titan S2.
A sequel to 2021’s “DUNU Titan S”, the Titan S2 is an entry-level IEM in DUNU’s product lineup, placing it in the same bracket as competitors such as the Shozy P20 and Kiwi Ears Quartet.
Despite its modest $79.99 price point, I would describe the Titan S2’s u-shaped and slightly warm sound signature as a welcome alternative to the high-contrast high energy competing alternatives out there.
You can learn more about how I came to that conclusion and what the Titan S2 has to offer against the competition in my full review below.
Features
The DUNU Titan S2 is a single dynamic driver universal IEM with a bit of a twist.
It uses a unique dual chamber, dual magnet dynamic driver with a high-rigidity diaphragm to ensure a more precise sound reproduction across the frequency response, while also improving driver efficiency and drivability.
The Titan S2 is rated at 16Ω impedance with an SPL of 107 dB/mW (@1kHz) making it a relatively easy set of earphones to drive from most portable sources.
You will also receive the DUNU’s Q-lock cable, an interchangeable plug cable system, packaged with 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm balanced plugs.
This is paired with a 4-core stock cable wrapped around a nylon mesh, coming together to form a cable that easily beats out the stock cable from higher-priced IEMs in looks and performance.
Design
The TITAN S2 immediately stands out with its gorgeous chromium-plated finish, boasting mirror-like reflectivity that, while prone to fingerprints, is impressively resistant to everyday micro-scratches.
Compared to other IEMs with similar finishes, like the Moondrop Blessing 3, the TITAN S2 is significantly more resistant to scuffs and scratches. The shell is constructed from a dense metal alloy and has a premium feel with a more angular design than most Chi-fi IEMs.
While not as intricate as the Hidizs MP145, the angles add just enough visual flair to break the monotony of other IEM faceplates. A red accent plug with a less reflective metal construction and concave shape sits at the center, accompanied by an engraved DUNU logo below it.
The body and faceplate, constructed from the same material and finish, form a cohesive and stylish unit. Despite the angular design, the average size and strategic placement of the stem ensure a comfortable fit in the ear.
The stem itself has a red metallic finish, similar to the accent plug at the center of the face plate. Aesthetics are inherently subjective; however, the two-tone color scheme is tastefully presented.
It is subtle enough not to detract those who lean towards more minimalist aesthetics; however, it is sleek enough to suit most every day carries.
Comfort & Isolation
The Titan S2 offers decent comfort, suitable for everyday listening without standing out. The Titan S2’s smaller shell, with its ergonomic angles, avoids touching the inside of the ear, preventing discomfort.
The majority of the Titan S2’s bulk and weight extend outward, ensuring no part of the IEM presses against the ear, contributing to a non-intrusive listening experience. While the Titan S2’s comfort is acceptable, lighter competitors like the Kiwi Ears Quartet are significantly more comfortable.
Despite being a vented IEM, the Titan S2 provides excellent isolation performance, comparable to non-vented IEMs. Even without audio, the Titan S2 effectively blocks most medium-volume conversations and road noise. With music playing, it eliminates road noise and conversations.
Even with its metal construction, I experience no weight-related discomfort. Throughout the day, I occasionally found myself forgetting that the IEMs were in my ears.
The stock cable’s thin wire around the ear hooks also ensures that they stay secured around the ear without relying too much on the weight of the cable settling on the ear.
Stock Cable
The Titan S2’s included Q-Lock mini cable is, without a doubt, the best IEM cable I’ve ever had the pleasure of testing. It excels in build quality, usability, and versatility.
Constructed out of a 4-core weave of OCC copper and silver-plated OCC copper wrapped in a nylon mesh, this cable features interchangeable screw-on 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs —a feature typically reserved for more premium aftermarket cables.
The shock-absorbing nylon mesh is soft and flexible, exhibiting no microphonics or tangling issues even when wrapped inside a case. Throughout my testing, I found this cable was the least-tangle-prone stock cable I’ve ever tried.
The nylon mesh stops at the nylon chin splitter, wherein the cable splits into two segments wrapped around a complementary grey sleeve. Each segment has two wires and terminates at the ear hooks just before the 0.78mm connector.
Q-Lock
The other end of the cable showcases DUNU’s Q-lock mini plug system. The attached plug remains firmly in place, even when unplugging it from sources with tight tolerances. Unlike other modular cables, the Q mini system never unintentionally detached itself throughout my usage.
To switch the attached plug, simply twist the knurled ring of the jack counterclockwise and unscrew the plug, making it easily detachable with a light tug. Attaching the other included termination is as simple as following the same steps in reverse.
This is a significant upgrade from other modular cable systems, such as the one used in the BQEYZ Winter Ultra, that use a connector without a lock.
Even during my short test period, the detachable tips of the BQEZY Rime cable would consistently detach themselves from the main cable as I unplugged the IEMs from dongles and amplifiers.
I cannot stress just how impressive this cable is when you take into consideration the sub-$100 price point of the IEMs, cable, and ear tips. Even after my testing period, I used the Titan S2’s Q-lock cable on my daily IEMs which are almost 5x the price.
Packaging & Accessories
The Titan S2 sets the standard for accessory value at the sub-100 USD price point. The Titan S2 comes in a simple red cardboard box with feint geometric patterns and the model’s name underneath.
Aside from the excellent stock cable I discussed earlier in the review, the Titan S2 comes with 2 different sets of “stock” silicone tips, one for balanced sound and one for a slight low-frequency boost. In addition to that, it also comes with DUNU’s own S&S and Candy tips.
The included carrying case is too large to be pocketable and takes up considerable bag space as well, but it makes use of a strong hard-shell design and has a stretchy band on the inside that keeps the IEMs in place even after shakes and drops.
The S&S tips and Candy tips on their own usually go for a combined $25, almost a quarter of the whole IEM cost. Add to that the excellent Q-lock mini cable, and the Titan S2’s value is hard to beat at this price range.
Sound Impressions
The following sound impressions of the DUNU Titan S2 were completed using a mix of the ddHiFi TC35Pro E2 dongle DAC and the FiiO K11 desktop DAC/AMP.
Bass
The Titan S2 delivers deep, impactful bass hits with a satisfying rumble, maintaining excellent clarity without overpowering or muddying the mix. The emphasis on percussive instruments, such as high-end snares and low-end bass, can be attributed to the U-shaped sound signature.
Despite the elevated bass region, it never muddies the sound. However, in more complex tracks, the emphasis on the bass sometimes can overshadow finer details.
Bass lines in funk tracks have good detail and texture with each strum, but they lack the noted weight to match the impactful atmospheric feel of percussively oriented instruments in the sub-bass region.
Sub-bass hits have a chest-rumbling impact, although they are not the most textured. In less proficiently mastered or busier tracks, hits from the floor drum can begin to sound monotonous and one-dimensional.
Mids
The mids on the Titan S2 are noticeably scooped out, resulting in less dynamic range and weight in string instruments and pianos.
Vocals and acoustic string instruments are well-articulated but lack the weight and enveloping soundscape to make them truly stand out. They tend to sound thin and lack dynamics, emphasizing the overall U-shaped sound signature.
Compared to V-shaped IEMs, the Titan 2 presents mid-range instruments with more articulation and fidelity. Keys and other string instruments are presented with more fidelity than most V-shaped IEMs, but they do not have the same impact as more neutral-sounding IEMs.
The Titan S2 is more than capable of articulating the technical proficiency of vocal performances, but it struggles to deliver them with enough note weight and dynamics to give them an impactful sense of musicality.
Skilled singers are still able to translate good vocal emotion, but Titan’s laid-back vocal presentation takes away from its impact.
Upper midrange strings and synths offer good articulation and detail, and they have better note weight than other instruments in the mid-range. Unfortunately, vocals with S and T tones can become somewhat sibilant, and detract from the overall listening experience.
Treble
With its U-shaped sound signature, percussive instruments on the higher end of the frequency response have a strong emphasis. Of these percussive instruments, cymbals are pretty noticeable, with high-end resolvable cymbals that deliver a clear, sharp sound.
Snare hits have a textured and visceral impact. However, on occasion, the treble can get sibilant, and very high-end treble does take on a metallic tonality that can be fatiguing.
In very complex funk tracks, the treble emphasis can sound overly emphasized. In poorly mastered tracks, snare drum hits come off as almost painful and are fatiguing, detracting from the overall listening experience.
Imaging
The Titan S2 excels in imaging and instrument separation, making it easy to position sounds within the soundstage and ensuring each note is detailed.
This is especially true for percussive instruments such as kick drums and snare drums on the lower and higher ends of the frequency response, as a result of the Titan’s U-shaped sound signature.
However, the Titan S2’s soundstage is only moderately wide. It doesn’t achieve the full 360-degree soundscape that larger, airier IEMs or headphones provide, but it doesn’t suffocate the different instruments into a claustrophobic space either.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
