Headphones Dunu Titan 1 steel for me, perhaps the main event of last year in the world of portable audio. Natural, detailed sound combined with a comfortable form factor and affordable price has brought this model to the forefront of the ratio price — quality. The only thing that marred the joy — open acoustic design. And that Dunu has released two new models, continuing the idea that they are suddenly a good experiment.
I still have a small feeling that Dunu didn’t quite expect the success of Titan 1. At the end of last year, the main marketing activity of the company was accounted for by hybrid ear Alpha 1 who has not received special popularity. On the background of “alpha” “titans” appeared quite unexpectedly, but suddenly it turned out that this earphone that can compete with flagship models from other manufacturers. Open, surround, Titan 1 is characterized by a natural flow, fast and tight bass, clean middle, and nicely detailed treble.
Downloads Titan 1 has reached such heights that even Fiio has decided to launch them under their own brand, slightly changed the cable and the package. Fiio EX1 offered the same sound for slightly less money.
Naturally, Dunu did not waste a moment and produced two new models in the lineup, calling them Titan 3 and Titan 5. Despite the large numbers, it’s not quite “senior” model in the lineup, but rather an alternative to the first audit, offering a different sound. Moreover, new received closed-ear design and interchangeable cables, which are lacking for many users. Another “complaint” on the excessive brightness heard from people who prefer dark and cramped sound, was ignored.
In General, the last premiere Dunu make it clear that their signature sound is bright, with well-drawn vernacetin range. Does then focus on the Asian market with their taste preferences, or is it just the vision of the company — I don’t know. Yet one thing is clear: people with a heightened sensitivity to RF headphones from Dunu contraindicated.
Since 3 and 5 titans complement the rather “wide” than “up”, Dunu put them on a very humane price tag, amounting to approximately $ 135, which is only 20 dollars more expensive than the Titan 1 and primarily associated with the use of replaceable cables.
Specifications
- Emitter: 13 mm titanium coated diaphragm
- Frequency range: 10 Hz – 40 kHz
- Sound pressure level: 110±2 dB/mW (Titan 3), 108±2 dB/mW (Titan 5)
- Impedance: 16Ω (Titan 3), 32Ω (Titan 5)
- Plug: 3.5 mm TRS, l-shaped
- Cable: removable, 1.2 m
- Weight: 24 g
Packaging and delivery package
With box I Dunu everything was always just fine, no exception and the new Titans. Thick black cardboard, a convenient cover for the magnet, traditional Max Barsky on the inner liner — all familiar, familiar and immediately adjusts to a serious attitude to the headphones.
Traditionally, the Dunu didn’t splurge on the kit. In addition to the titans in each box you will find: 9 pairs of different odnoplanovye tips from Titan 5 and 6 at Titan 3 pairs (different design and width of exhaust gases), 6.3 mm adapter, a clip to attach the cable to clothing and a plastic box for storage. Innovation in the delivery of these headphones are special silicone lining on the main body of earphone, which improves the fit by fixing in the ear. Such decisions included the hybrid DN-2000 and DN-2000J, the only difference is in the method of mounting the earphone on. These nozzles require a small getting used to, but markedly improve the “strength” planting that will be useful for running and other active ways of spending time.
Design and ease of wearing
The appearance of new models keeps continuity with Titan 1, it’s the same form factor “with an ear sound”, but with some differences. First, changed the material of the housings: now it’s stainless steel, die-cast. Headphones have become a bit harder, but their mirror Shine looks just fine. Secondly, 3 and 5, the titans are more closed acoustically, the building is now only one hole for the part that’s facing the inside of the ear. Thirdly, as I wrote above, appeared interchangeable cables using MMCX connectors.
The Titan s form factor I can safely call optimal, on the one hand, it allows you to place a large radiator on the other hand — comfort and sound is comparable to headphones plugs. Don’t come to the titans can, perhaps, only to the owners of the smallest ears. For other people of threes and fives will provide a comfortable and seamless fit, the weight is distributed on the outer part of the ear, so headphones are securely fixed and tightly hold in place without creating discomfort.
The cable included in the kit is a simple, but comfortable. It is made without any cloth braids, and other bells and whistles, the role of isolation has black silicone. Proper selection of these parameters allows it not to harden in the cold, not to be entangled in prospectively tangles, and secure t headphones MIC nearly eliminates the effect (a little noise from friction of the clothes, but really very quiet). On the cable there is traditionally an excellent rubber tail to rewind. In the role of interchangeable connectors for cables MMCX act that simplifies the search for replacement solutions.
Sound insulation of new titans — a solid step forward compared to the old (although I’m with Titan 1 feel comfortable). Of course, in the metro they still don’t listen, they need a model with deep in-ear fit, but on a noisy street or on public transport, no problems no except a real risk to fly under the car.
The headphone build quality is traditionally high, there is not the slightest flaws or gaps. Taking into account a replaceable cable, headphones obviously will last the owner a long time.
The sound
To listen used the following equipment:
- NuPrime DAC-10H and Resonessence Labs Concero HP in the role of DAC and amplifier
- Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2013 as a source
- Fidelia in the role of player
- Fiio X5-2, and Cayin N6 as a portable player
- Gr01 VSonic, Dunu Titan 1 and Dunu DN-2000J in the role of headphones for comparison
- Recording high-resolution Lossless-formats (Dr. Chesky The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)
Before listening every headphones were heated for 48 hours.
Since I have combined the reviews of both models Titan in one material (headphone similar both in appearance and in submission), we will first tell you that they sound in General, and then further describe the sound of each model separately.
The first thing you should understand, — 3 and 5 models are not “improved” Titan 1, this was confirmed in Dunu. The heroes of today’s review has a different handwriting, and primarily this is due to the closed acoustic design. It would be desirable to believe in miracles, but make closed headphones that sound as open, practically impossible, so if you liked the openness and spaciousness of sound Titan 1, you will have to stay with them. The rest of the news was interesting, they offer their special sound.
The main difference between 3 and 5 model, of course, is in the bass range. Even graphs of frequency response, which on the Internet a lot, show that above 1 kHz, these headphones are almost identical and all the difference lies in the area below this limit.
Titan 3, in my opinion, closer to the first model. Dunu call them “focus on vocals”, but this is not entirely true. I would call this model “universal”, because in addition to very realistic midrange, and there is a balanced feed for the rest of the range.
The bass in threes — tight, focused and fast. It feels a little thicker than the first model, and thus seems more biting. Well he conveys the texture and volume of low frequency band. Depth is decent, but inferior to “five”.
Mid-range is the most “intimate” among all modern models of Dunu. Not sure how they did it, but very nice headphones push the MIDs to the fore, giving all instruments and vocalists a sense of liveliness and emotion. Sometimes it seems that some of the tracks just played, so interesting 3 titans emphasize their emotional component. It is worth considering that on some brutal genres of Titan 3 can result in too many emotions, yet the Troika — headphones intelligent and not designed for different anger. Scene — very good for closed headphones, both in width and in depth, though inferior to the Titan 1. Instruments are well separated, easily positioned, their character is transmitted very clearly.
Upper frequencies initially struck me as edgy, but, as in the case of the DN-2000J, they just need good monitoring the source range. Any signs of dirt in the player or in the record — and there is a crispness bordering on sharpness. In the case of good recordings, the HF Titan 3 — detailed, fast, airy. They easily play the finest nuances of decay.
Dunu Titan 5 headphones, which is the dream of Basedow. Though their curves and they don’t talk about it, Titan 5 give mind blowing amounts of bass. Of course, this goes to the detriment of the mid frequencies, but still Titan 5 — some of the best in terms of price — quality headphone for lovers of large quantities of bass.
Bass in Titan 5 large, deep, voluminous and massive. In Dunu not only increased their number but also made them a little slower, giving them more weight. This creates a favorite some of the subwoofer effect, on some records, headphones just vibrate the skull (especially if the source allows).
Traditionally, a headphone with a dominant bass, Titan 5 slightly MIDs suffer. Of course, brand radiator with a titanium coating prevents the bass very very ugly naplesfl on mid frequencies, but, due to the dominance of bass, mid T5 loses the intimacy and the resolution of that offer T3. In tunes where bass is not much, five show good resolution in the midrange, coupled with a decent emotion, but it is necessary to tune the bass, MIDs go to the back. Traditionally for bass earphones scene of this model is not particularly large, the instruments seem bigger than in reality.
High frequency range Titan 5 generally coincides with Titan 3, but play a secondary role MF HF this model seem brighter. On the one hand, this helps to compensate for a bass dominant, on the other hand, can sometimes be tiring.
To sum up. Titan 1 — voluminous, balanced sound with a wide imaginary scene. Titan 3 — intimate, involving midrange with tight focused bass, slightly narrower Titan 1, but I am happy with good depth. Titan 5 bass model with a V-shaped sound, deep, powerful bass, compensated HF, the scene is not deep, of medium width.
Compatibility
Headphones just designed for high-quality sources, to cling to their smartphones or tablets — meaning a little, although if you strongly want, then Titan 5 like it is better (if you tolerant to RF). Titan 3 genre almost universal except for very very brutal genres. Titan 5 designed for electronic music, popular styles, in General, those areas where deep and powerful bass will benefit.
The recording quality of the three very sensitive, somewhere by 9 points out of 10, five a little easier, somewhere by 8 points, but a bad recording can not tolerate them.
As usual, some tracks for example.
Marvin Gaye — What’s Going On. This album was R&B and soul, than “Sergeant pepper” was to rock. It’s now R&B has become another synonym for dull pop, but back in 1971, this disc has become a revolution in music which uplifted the music of the African-American ghetto to the top of the charts. The lyrics are written from the point of view of a Vietnam war veteran who returned home and seeing only hatred, malice and suffering. This concept allowed to create sharp social lyrics, placing them in unexpected messages for the genre of soul music. Of course, perform a similar complexity of work could only a great singer, and Marvin Gaye brilliantly coped with the task. Titan 3 is very suitable for this music, conveying every nuance of the vocals of Marvin.
David Maxim Micic — Bilo 3.0. Belgrade “handyman” Micic is known not only as a virtuoso guitarist, but as a keyboardist, composer and even producer. In his works of the classic prog stuff in the style of Dream Theater and Symphony X famously mixed with jazz, classical and ethnic music, creating an amazing fusion of styles, sometimes passing by the brain directly into the soul. Usually David Maxim writes all the music himself, but on the last albums he completes his opus female vocals, which further is good. Of course, Titan 3 show their best side, revealing all the nuances of the guitar and allows you to hear all the passages in detail.
The Glitch Mob — Our Demons. If anyone ever decides to award the prize for the most frequently used in films about extreme sports music, then this trio from Los Angeles clearly will be among the main nominees. Interesting, well thought out sound combined with good melodies quickly brought the “Mobs” in the top leaders of the genre IDM. Naturally, such music kings perform 5 of Titan, covering the listener with a crushing wave of sound and just the same, plunging into the atmosphere of the dance floor.
Conclusions
Of course, everyone was waiting for Dunu “1 improved Titan”, but Titan 3 and 5 were not. The new models are, of course, the development of successful models, but offer a different sound. It’s hard to say which one is better, what worse, all three “Titan” very good in its category, what to prefer — a matter of taste. Glad that Dunu continue to experiment with different options for a good sound at an affordable price and with excellent quality. And, of course, I look forward to promised for 2016 megadriver hybrids.