I do not even remember when Dunu announced their plans to release several new megadriver hybrids, if not mistaken, since then, it took about two years. Last year, we were pleased with the DN-2002, and this finally saw the light 3001, not to release raw versions is the principle Dunu Topsound, so the refinement of the models takes them so much time. Let’s see what the result was.
Of course, Dunu is no stranger to solving complex engineering problems in the field of personal audio in addition to its own products, the company is also actively involved in OEM production for famous players, but to coordinate 4 different types of emitter — task is highly not trivial, and even fit in a ergonomic design, so very hard. Though I think the intrigue to pull long I lose it, I have to say that Dunu was able to overcome all difficulties and produce the top headphones in its history. The price tag DK-3001 in stores crosses over around $ 500, although in this case it should be noted that not in vain.
Specifications
- Emitters: 1 dynamic (13 mm) + 3 x balanced armature
- Frequency range: 5 Hz – 40 kHz
- Impedance: 13Ω
- Sensitivity: 110±2dB
- Cable: OCC copper, 1.2 m, exchangeable with MMCX connectors, set of 2 pieces — a regular and balanced
- Plug: 3.5 mm TRS, 2.5 mm TRRS
- Weight: 31 g
Packing and delivery
If something Dunu and maintain stability, so it is in the packaging. Tight box of black cardboard on top of the white “cover” printing and is covered with tape, so you can be assured that none of the headphones are not used. Inside are DK-3001, two wires (normal and balanced), nice plastic case, adaptor to 6.3 mm, “air” adapter for 2 monodica and tips. The latter is represented by a pair of foams from Comply, the standard package SpinFit (4 pairs) plus one pair from wearing headphones, 3 pairs of white silicone ear tips and 3 pairs of nozzles of gray (different from white for sound). As you can see, the package even more than you can imagine.
Design and comfortable wearing
After the release of the DN-2002, visibally his fit of tears even some meticulou with experience, designers Dunu realized that it is impossible to live, and strained my creative gland, issuing in a result, the most comfortable headphones in the company’s history and one of the most convenient planting “wagon” at all. Sometimes looking at the housing trehtysyachemetrovym I can’t understand where there are 3 valves — so it’s small and compact (of course, relative, because you still have somewhere to place the 13-mm speaker). Form, I think, clear from the photos: a flat disc with an interesting facet, from which come the corner zvukovoy. The latter, unfortunately, do not have any projections, and may, over time, earphones will be subject to standard hybrids Dunu problem — the sound of the bits remaining in the ears. However, while the 3001 in combination with SpinFit after 3 months of use behave perfectly, or the diameter of the sound channel picked up correctly, or SpinFit cool — I don’t know.
The case of the hybrids made entirely out of metal, according to Dunu, it’s steel and not happen, probably not. Headphones slightly heavier than usual, but thanks to the competent landing problems, this weight gives. Created by DK-3001 exclusively for behind-the-ear wearing, if the same DN-2002 it was possible to put a wire down (and, judging by the placement of decals and logos, this variant and was provided initially by developers), DK-3001 liberties in this respect is not tolerated. In my opinion, this is a reasonable step convenient solutions necessary to impose, even by force. Of course, the build quality is commendable, all performed absolutely perfectly.
Headphones are extremely comfortable to wear, especially if you will select the appropriate nozzle, the problems can be only for owners of very very small ears. Soundproofing — medium, on the one hand, the body of the headset cuts off part of the noise, on the other hand, zvukovoy long and fit not the deepest. In General, for normal city transport and bustling streets DK-3001 will be fine, but in metro, the plane or the launch pad Space-X will not be enough.
Of course, the developers could screw up and make a model of this price category without a replaceable cable. In DK-3001 use standard MMCX absolutely no tabs in the connectors, as in the DN for 2002, so the wire can pick up any. Have Dunu has its own high quality cable with MMCX, but actually bundled the cords DK-3001 is very good. Of course, they are not twisted, are not transparent, are devoid of all audiophile gloss, it’s just very high quality and comfortable standard wires in silicone insulation. They include large areas of memory foam that helps to build a comfortable ear-hook, they don’t harden in the cold, almost microtonal and not confusing. In addition, they are equipped with branded rubber pull-tab for winding — that else is necessary for happiness? Special thanks to the developers for inclusion in the set of wires with a 2.5 mm TRRS is much more useful than a cable with microphone that continue to push many headphones. Seriously, who will buy headphones more expensive than $ 200 for a mobile phone?
Sound
To listen following equipment was used.
- NuPrime DAC-10H and Resonessence Labs Concero HP in the role of DAC and amplifier
- Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2016 as the source
- Fidelia in the role of player
- Lotoo PAW Gold, theBit OPUS#2 and iBasso DX200 in the role of portable players
- Recording high-resolution Lossless-formats (Dr. Chesky have The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)
Before listening headphones were heated for 72 hours.
Coordination of 4 emitters — it is certainly no easy task, and to ensure their coherent operation turns out not all developers (trivial example — sonmische inexpensive hybrid models from China, where the joints ranges of emitters is heard immediately). But for Dunu such tasks do not constitute a problem, which is not surprising with their experience — DK-3001 sound very holistically and integrally, are on par with the best in this parameter models. If to speak in General about applying to this model, the company continues on its vector — the departure from the painted filing and the transition to a more neutral sound. However, DK-3001 still a little taste, thanks to a slight accent on the bass.
Undoubtedly, an important role in the perception of this model, playing tips, fortunately there is plenty to choose from. Comply traditionally a little VSC mute – and RF-band to the delight of HF foby. SpinFit — on the contrary, emphasize the ends of the frequency range, giving the sound more trivalosti. Standard odnoplanovye nozzle teetering somewhere between these two poles, with the gray a little more focus WSC. Of course, it’s all true to my ears, your results may differ simply due to physiology. Exhausting all the options, I settled on SpinFit-Ah, just subjective taste preferences.
The bass DK-3001 deep, strong and massive. Of course, it’s not buschena model created to massage the ear drum, but when necessary, these kids may well snarl, surprising power and bass, and their development. I have already brought some dichotomy in applying the NCH, roughly speaking, the headphones on the supply of this part of the range can be either sharp, or solid. Of course, in a perfect world it is necessary to combine both, but in practice to create a “mass” it is necessary to slightly slow down the speed, which will affect hlestkost. We don’t expect the speed of a heavyweight fighter-light weight. From DK-3001 bass a little biased towards the “masses”, to my ears, this is the best option, as it is more natural from the point of view of transfer of real musical instruments. However, with the resolution and study of the textures of the heroes of this review, it’s nearly perfect, of course, if this is to illustrate the source. The bass is perfectly controlled and adheres to his seat, not getting into the territory of other bands.
MIDs I would probably have described the epithet “transparent”. DK-3001 possess amazingly realistic flow and very large imaginary scene, which allows tools to reveal your character very naturally, closing your eyes, you can easily provide accurate positioning of sound sources. Headphones don’t tend to embellish the flow (microscopic touch of warmth in the midrange sound can be considered a light shade, like a stick of clove in a black coffee), so they convey exactly what is incorporated in the track. Headphones monitor avoid excessive dryness, which is typical for low-cost hybrid models. DK-3001 well accentuate the vocals, emphasizing the emotions of the performers, and they are especially good at delivering the rich tonal character of the instruments.
HF also deserve good words. Of course, this is not the DN-2000J, but in DK-3001 developers have tried to pass the “top” of the most intense, detailed and natural. Absolutely notebooks RF-foby such a step will not like it, but people who are not affected with this disease to accurately assess how accurately and efficiently these hybrids recoup the high frequency range. This style adds to the composition of air, saturates the music is complex overtones and reveals the potential of percussion in rich tracks. Of course, to do this, the tracks must be perfectly written, but perfectly to play the attack and decay.
Traditionally, a few brief comparisons. To compare the incomparable of course, I will not, so those models that look near 3001 logical.
Dunu DN-2000. The first attempt Dunu to do “serious” traindriver hybrids was a success. The DN-2000 has a pleasant, slightly colored with accents on the bass and treble. From DK-3001 similar accents less pronounced due to this new modification sounds more natural and more vovlekayut.
Dunu DN-2000J. A small step to the side, the hybrids with more dry and bright sound. DK-3001 not as bright on the treble and heavier in bass, midrange 3001 also more emotional, while 2000J sound land and contrast.
Dunu DN-2002. Again, step to the side, but this time a big, 2002 put emphasis on midrange, deep bass and the upper edge of frequency band is intentionally omitted, resulting in a nice relaxed flow with a focus on the center of the range. On the other hand — they have no drama inherent in 3001, and the uncomfortable fit it has become almost a legend.
Oriveti New Primacy. Another traindriver hybrids, which have excellent comfort and good tuning. DK-3001 exceed them in bass response, emotion mid-range and extent of HF, but the difference in price is almost 2 times, so New Primacy confident performance in their niche.
Campfire Audio Andromeda. Headphones, have become almost legendary standards of the world IEM. If to put outside the brackets the convenience (and Andromeda is a small business under this option) and appreciate pure sound, Andromeda sound land, especially in the bass. Their bass is faster, more scathing, more neutral mid, and treble a little brighter.
Noble Kaiser Encore. Of course, to compare models with an almost 4x price difference not much useful, but I can’t help noting that the flagship of the famous Noble and DK-3001 shows some common features (although distant). Despite the superiority of the Kaiser in almost all, it also sounds with a slight offset in the warmth and tints of emotions.
iBasso IT03. As with the New Primacy, the price tag there is almost 2 times lower, but still attempts to compare with IT03 DK-3001 (“because they are also hybrids”). DK-3001 sound more emotional, warmer and less dry, offering a more musical flow where IT03 trying to take a bare technicality.
Compatibility
Actually, DK-3001 are fun to listen to, even with simple mobile phones, they do not do the maximum emphasis on the shortcomings of the tract. But for once after listening to them with a good player the upper-middle or high-end segment to go back to something easier is not desirable. It is the players like iBasso DX200 or OPUS#2 is what you need for this model. Of course, low impedance and good sensitivity impose requirements on the source, but at the class of the players problems with DK-3001 will not.
Genre headphones are extremely versatile, but styles with live instruments causing the maximum effect of euphoria: jazz, Blues, folk, classic rock and many other genres find these hybrids to a new life. The recording quality headphones moderately tolerant, 10-point scale, where on 7 points.
A few traditional tracks-examples
Van der Graaf Generator — La Rossa. As I already wrote above, particularly impressive sound in these headphones tracks, rich percussion. But who among us is characterized by active use of such instruments? Of course, art-rockers. To use King Crimson would be trite, so I chose another one mega group, and their track from the album Still Life. A wonderful combination of guitars, drums and brass, laid out DK-3001 “on the shelves” immediately fall in love with and charms.
Postmodern Jukebox — Sledgehammer. Looks like Scott Bradley with his project clocked at full capacity and struggling to reach the rate of one album per quarter. On the fresh record “Fake Blues” it continues to beat everything that comes your way in your charming style that combines cabaret, jazz and Boogie. Not escaped this fate and the megahit of Peter Gabriel, though it is a bit of fun clearly benefited. The cover is very well acted and so well written, so high-quality headphones like the overlooked help him to open up fully.
Miles Davis — New York Girl (On the Corner). The most hardened jazz fans, speaking of miles, immediately mean “Kind of Blue”, at worst something like “Bitches Brew” or “Sketches of Spain”, although the discography of a great artist is much more versatile and it has an amazing diamond like “On the Corner”. Released in 1972 the album is an attempt to mix academic jazz and the swirling rhythms of the streets, which at that time paved its way from the underground to the mainstream. Judging by how many popular hip hop artists then derive from this album samples, Davis was able to combine so many different things in a harmonious and fascinating alloy. This album is full of living energy, eclecticism and unexpected twists of “plot”, full of percussion and other instruments, so DK-3001 cope with it brilliantly, emphasizing all its many facets.
Insights
Yeah, DK-3001 are very expensive by the standards of the Dunu, but their build quality, delivery, comfort wearing and, of course, the sound is fully consistent with this price level and in many respects even his superior. So Dunu Topsound once again proved that they are able to create difficult decisions in the IEM world, and we can look forward to another six months or a year before the next model DK-4001.
Overview headphones Dunu DK-3001 — king of the mountain
Pavel Dmitriev