Verdict

It’s easy to get a bit weighed down amongst all the extra bits and attachments that are included with the Dunu DN-2000, but they are all worth trying for greater comfort and a more ‘bespoke’ sound. The hybrid driver arrangement really works to deliver a very engaging and detailed presentation which never strays into harsh territory, and the case is certainly something we’d like to see included with premium IEMs more in the future.

Pros

• Exceptionally sweet sound

• Plenty of accessories

• Options to tailor the frequency response

• Options to alter fit

• Good solid case

Cons

• Tuning rings can be lost

• Casing can cause discomfort if earfins not used

If you’ve heard some of Dunu’s entry-level earphones such as the DN-12 Trident you might be curious about how the in-ear Dunu flagship, the DN-2000 measures up. Dunu’s in-ear offerings are as numerous as they are interesting, but the current cherry on the top, the DN-2000, takes the cake.

Key Features

Like its stablemate the DN-1000, the DN-2000 has a hybrid driver format but packs two balanced armatures and one dynamic driver in per side giving the best of both sonic worlds, like the similarly priced Audiofly AF140.

Accessories are bountiful, with both tuning rings and tips to alter the frequency response, and rubber attachments for improved comfort and fit in the ears. Also included is a pair of earhooks to try and the usual 6.35mm/flight adapters.

First Impressions

Expectations have certainly been raised by the quality of Dunu’s other products, namely the excellent budget model the DN-12 ‘Trident’ and DN-1000; the other hybrid design. For the asking price these have been nothing short of stunning, so the DN-2000 has its work cut out.

Once a preferred combination of tuning rings and tips was found (silver ring, and tip for ‘detail and resolution’), I felt it necessary to try the rubber attachments. These are secured by a small ridge of metal much like a penclip, which ironically can cause a little discomfort if the rubber parts are not used. The rubber parts help to keep the capsules steady in the ear, and certainly make for a comfortable and trouble-free listening session. A down side is the tendancy of the tuning rings to try and escape back to China when the eartips are removed. Just take care and don’t fiddle with the DN-2000 when using ski-lifts for example.

The hard case is also a nice feature. It reminds me of a travelling case for a bar of very valuable soap; it’s very solid and will protect the DN-2000 very well when in transit.

Sound Quality

Bass is fully present and in good proportion to the rest of the presentation with good punch and definition; it stays in place and leaves the midrange and high frequencies free to be the stars of the show for me. Decays are very realistic in terms of perceived space, and the DN-2000 leaves plenty of room in the presentation for these to be followed around by hungry ears! Treble is fairly bright albeit still smooth; mostly the DN-2000 stops short of being too bright but on some tracks there may be a touch of sibilance with female vocals, for instance.

Summary

For the asking price the DN-2000 is a worthy competitor; it will certainly hold its own amongst the other models in that price range and gives a bit more colour to it, given that a majority of alternatives are full balanced-armature models. I welcome the DN-2000 as much as I welcome a further example of a hybrid driver design being implemented so well; loving as I do the different strengths of the different transducer types, it’s a real treat to have both at once. Like a baked Alaska or a sweet and sour stir-fry, there’s a real synergy going on here.

Score: 9/10

The post Dunu DN-2000 Review – High Quality Hybrid appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Audiofly Performance Series In-Ear Monitors

Australian earphone manufacturer Audiofly, have recently released thier range of four beautifully designed Professional In Ear Monitors. Taking on Shure and Westone in this growing Professional monitoring corner of the market is a big job, but the Performance Series IEMs are more than up to the task. The Performance series have been designed to be used by touring musicians or music lovers who demand the very best sound in a tiny package. They all feature multi driver arrangements, with the top two models also sporting a super tough replaceable version of the cable and leather carry case.

Snugs Ear Docks

The Snugs story began like a lot of product innovations, out of dissatisfaction with what was available on the market and a feeling that there must be a better way to do this. Snugs wanted earphones to fit perfectly and never fall out, ever! To shut the noisy modern world and feel like wearing a soft pair of gloves. By creating soft silicone custom fitted sleeves for their favourite brands, as used by musicians and TV presenters, they’ve really nailed it!

How do the Audiofly performance series with Snugs sleeves sound? As you would expect, the whole range has superb detail retrieval and very impressive instrument separation, calm but with crisp highs. Bass is deep and textured but sits accurately in the mix. A great combination of beautifully designed products.

Snugs Sound Revolution featuring The New Union

 Audiofly Performance Series In-Ear Monitors and Snugs Ear Docks

The post Audiofly Performance Series In-Ear Monitors and Snugs Ear Docks appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

The Performance series have been designed to be used by touring musicians or music lovers who demand the very best sound in a tiny package. They all feature multi driver arrangements, with the top two models also sporting a super tough replaceable cable and leather carry case.

The Audiofly Performance Series range includes the following models:

AF120 – dual driver (dynamic + balanced armature).

AF140 – triple driver (dynamic + 2x balanced armature).

AF160 – triple driver (3x balanced armature).

AF180 – quad driver (4x balanced armature).

Looks-wise these are some of the prettiest IEMs we’ve seen! Slightly slimmer with a more luxurious finish than most, the shiny coating on the AF160 and AF180 gives them an almost ceramic look. Comfort also benefits from this gently contoured design. Comply tips are supplied in small medium and large for perfect fit and better isolation than silicone. A full compliment of silicone tips are included though, as well as a 6.35mm adaptor, a cleaning tool and an airline adaptor too.

Audiofly developed a special cable for the Performance range called the Audioflex, which they say is roadworthy and built for the stage. As with most of their Premium range, the cables feature Cordura fabric (like that found in extreme climbing gear) with the addition of a heavy duty Y splitter, a low profile twisted section and a mouldable over ear sleeve before the driver housings.

It won’t make any difference to the sound but the packaging deserves an honourable mention. Audiofly have really gone to town with some of the best looking boxes we’ve seen in a long time.

Finally to the sound – this certainly doesn’t disappoint. As you would expect, the whole range has superb detail retrieval and very impressive instrument separation. There is a common sound at work here, the EQ is flat and stable with calm but crisp highs. As you move up the range you find a lot more body and purpose, although the AF140 – featuring a hybrid two balanced armature and one dynamic driver set up – is simply the best earphone we’ve heard for below £250. The quad balanced armature driver AF180 is the flagship model, it has un-flappable bottom and mids and an extremely confident presentation which is very difficult to fault.

The post Audiofly Release Pro In Ear Monitors appeared first on HiFiheadphones.