Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk VS Dunu 242
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk and Dunu 242 use 2DD+2BA+2PLA and 2DD+4BA+2Planar driver setups respectively. Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk costs $400 while Dunu 242 costs $349. Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk is $51 more expensive. Dunu 242 holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 8). Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk carries a user score of 7.7. Dunu 242 has better mids with a 0.9-point edge, Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk has slightly better dynamics with a 0.3-point edge and Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk has better details with a 0.6-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk | Dunu 242 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.3 | 7.1 |
| Mids | 7.4 | 8.2 |
| Treble | 7.8 | 7.6 |
| Details | 8 | 7.4 |
| Soundstage | 7.5 | 7.4 |
| Imaging | 7.5 | 7.4 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 6.7 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 7.8 |
| Technicalities | 8 | 7.6 |
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
Dunu 242 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Jaytiss
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Build impresses out of the box: a premium case, a handsome semi-transparent shell that’s a touch larger than AFUL’s Magic One, a smaller nozzle, and excellent comfort—easy A+. The included DSP cable feels great, while the analog cable comes off a bit cheap for the price. Packaging and accessories sit at an average level overall.
In analog form, this is a Jekyll-and-Hyde situation. Channel matching is spot-on, but the presentation reads flat/neutral to a fault—solid, yet not especially competitive, fitting more a $150–$170 tier for raw value. Versus the original Blessing 2 Dusk, the new Dusk extends better up top with more air, but from bass through upper mids (to ~8 kHz) the older set still vocals better and feels more engaging; upgrading for the analog tuning alone isn’t advised. Alternatives like the PULA PA02 or CKLVX 1DD+4BA hit a similar, clean-neutral aim, while Gizaudio Chopin shows a smarter 5–6 kHz dip, livelier mids, and punchier bass at roughly half the price. Among Crin collabs, it’s clearly more refined than the Dioko, but not a slam-dunk over his other budget-minded sets.
The story flips with the DSP. Engaged, the Dusk becomes an easy recommendation: noticeably more balanced, resolving, and simply fun, earning a “perfect score for value” within the DSP lane. Caveats: Android support is the sweet spot; iPhone compatibility can be finicky, pushing some users to desktop—where manual EQ already exists. Still, the app is simple, the extra tunings are useful, and plug-and-play convenience (no dongle DAC dance) is a win. Bottom line: as an analog IEM, only “good” and overpriced; as a DSP IEM, genuinely excellent—highly worth it if the use case fits.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Dunu 242 reviewed by Jaytiss
8.8
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk (more reviews)
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Super* Review
8.5*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The new Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk borrows the Blessing 3’s ergonomics and accessory spread—spring tips, a lightweight 3.5 mm cable, and a braided USB DSP cable—while switching to a tribrid driver array: 2DD for bass, 2BA for mids, and 2 micro-planars for treble. The shell is medium-large yet secure and comfortable, with a narrower nozzle than earlier Blessings and a cleaner faceplate design. The DSP cable can sweeten tonality, but there are caveats: occasional artifacts, spotty DAP compatibility, and an Android-only app with EQ limits (no tweaks below ~60 Hz or above ~10 kHz).
On the analog cable, tonality lands neutral and mid-centric with a tasteful sub-bass lift and slightly eased presence region—still a touch clinical, but now with added body and engagement. The star is the bass quality: tight, punchy, and tactile without masking the mids. Imaging/separation are clearly above average, and treble has better extension and metallic timbre than older Moondrops. Swapping to the DSP cable warms the mids and adds a bit of mid-bass punch (less brightness, richer tone), trading a hint of separation for extra smoothness.
Comparisons: vs OG Dusk, the new set’s bass is less blammy but higher quality, and the treble timbre is more realistic; vs Blessing 3, this is fuller, deeper, and less thin; vs Hype 4, stage width and bass quantity favor the Hype, but the Dusk keeps vocals cleaner and more balanced. DSP experiments show Blessing 3 + DSP can get very close to the Dusk’s FR, and even the budget Moondrop May narrows the gap—yet the Dusk still wins on bass tightness, treble refinement, and overall technical polish. As an analog IEM around $360, this is the one to beat—an easy 5/5.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelMoondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Audionotions
8
Reviewer Score
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube ChannelMoondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Kois Archive
7.8
Reviewer Score
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Tim Tuned
7.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
7.5
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelMoondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Shuwa-T
7.2
Reviewer Score
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Jays Audio
7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Stock tuning lands in the safe-and-smooth lane: a gently warm balance with a slight treble emphasis, nothing egregious and nothing especially standout. It works well for J-pop/K-pop at mid volume thanks to tamed upper-mids that keep sibilance in check. The trade-off is softer, “vanilla” vocals that miss the last bit of extension, air, and micro-detail; turn it up for more presence and the treble gets spicy—not helped by unit variance that can throw a 16k peak. Cymbal detail is decent with minimal “planar timbre,” but it can get a touch sizzly.
Against the field, Dusk struggles to justify the premium. Truthear Nova plays the same all-rounder role for much less while feeling more open up top; want a bit more top-end than Nova, there’s the Chopin at ~$200. Hype 4 comes off as a more well-rounded Dusk—better low-end texture, a hint more vocal reach, and less sharpness—and Quintet delivers a similar idea for cheaper. Even with EQ in the mix, Blessing 3 can match or better the result (smoother treble, no channel imbalance). Net: the sound is good but not special, and the value calculus isn’t favorable.
The supposed differentiator—DSP—isn’t it. The app feels unstable (settings not applying, frequent crashes), Android-only for adjustments, and awkward with external DAC/amps where EQ may not pass through. There’s a minor noise floor between pauses. Of the presets, “Stock 3.5mm (Analog)” and Bass+ are the only keepers; “Stock USB” is warmer but needs more upper-mids, and the Diffuse Field Tilt lands awkwardly. Phone amps also bottleneck staging; better sources open it up—but then the DSP conflicts. Add in QC concerns, and the verdict is clear: a pleasant, inoffensive listen, yet overhyped and overpriced for what it delivers; a solid sub-$200 proposition, not at its current bracket.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by
Fresh Reviews
5.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming
Score
Youtube Video Summary
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk earns raves for music: a clean, textured, fast low end with real sub-bass punch that avoids bloat, a natural, resolving midrange for male/female vocals and instruments, and crisp, well-controlled treble that delivers cymbal air without harshness. The overall presentation feels well-rounded and technical enough to spar with sets far above its price, evoking “revisit the whole library” vibes. Build and comfort impress too—lightweight shell, transparent chassis with a wood-like carbon faceplate, and an ergonomic fit. Tip-rolling matters: Spring Tips add a touch of openness and air, while SpinFit W1 tightens stage and teases out more bass on the “fish-mouth” nozzle.
Accessories are solid: a standard 3.5 mm cable plus a USB-C DSP cable that’s great for Android/iPad on-the-go listening, though PC gaming revealed instability in some titles (stutters/freezes in Apex Legends and Call of Duty). Day to day, the cable’s braid resists tangles, and the included case/tips round out a tidy package.
For competitive play, performance is mixed. Imaging is good and the bass gives an immersive punch, but the stage skews intimate and heavy effects can mask subtle cues. In Apex Legends, verticality and depth perception suffer—overhead action blends at forehead level, distant slides/grass shuffles fade, and chaotic fights cause layering to mush before quickly recovering. Call of Duty shows similar trade-offs with aerial and fine details under bombardment, while Valorant fares best thanks to tighter maps and fewer simultaneous effects (though horizontal peeks and micro-depth could still be sharper). The takeaway: S-tier for music in this bracket and a fun, cinematic gamer, but not the most surgical pick for top-ranked competitive play.
Fresh Reviews original ranking
Fresh Reviews Youtube ChannelMoondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Dunu 242 (more reviews)
Dunu 242 reviewed by Audio-In Reviews
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Dunu 242 comes in at around 350 dollars and presents itself as a substantial tribrid with dual dynamics, four balanced armatures and two micro planar drivers in a large 3D printed shell. The fiery red faceplate with gold trim and the modular cable give it a very premium feel, even if the cable is a little on the stiff side. Fit is surprisingly secure and comfortable despite the larger shell and thick nozzle, though getting tips mounted can require some effort. Overall build, finish and accessories are very solid and clearly positioned as a higher mid tier all rounder.
On a low impedance source the 242 offers a basically neutral tuning with bass sitting slightly behind forward upper mids and elevated lower treble. Bass quantity is not boosted and will not satisfy bass heads, but it is clean, quick and well balanced between mid bass punch and sub bass extension with almost no bleed into the mids. Lower mids carry enough presence to keep things from sounding thin, yet the focus is clearly on the upper mids where vocals and instruments step forward with very natural tone, just lacking a little extra weight. Lower treble around 5 to 8 kHz brings clarity and bite, but can introduce some edge and sibilance at higher volumes, while the slightly relaxed upper treble still gives a sense of air and shimmer with cymbals rendered in a convincingly natural timbre.
Technical performance is decent for the price, with an average width soundstage and a more intimate sense of depth that keeps vocals and instruments relatively close. Imaging is clear enough to track positions across the stage, even if notes do not always feel sharply locked in place and can sound a little floaty. Compared with sets like Volume S, Studio 4 and Da Vinci, the 242 is less warm and less forgiving but offers more vocal clarity and a brighter, more energetic top half. As a result it comes across as a balanced yet vocal focused specialist that suits listeners who value natural, forward vocals and clean bass over big slam and spacious staging, and who are comfortable keeping volume in check to avoid treble sharpness.
Audio-In Reviews original ranking
Audio-In Reviews Youtube ChannelDunu 242 reviewed by Web Search
7.7
Reviewer Score
The Dunu DN242 (often referred to as “242”) is an eight-driver tribrid IEM featuring 2 dynamic drivers, 4 balanced armatures and 2 micro planar drivers per side, coordinated via a multi-way crossover to cover the full spectrum. With an impedance of around 35 Ω and sensitivity of about 110 dB/mW, it is easy to drive from most modern sources while still benefitting from higher-quality DAC/amps. The lightweight resin shells (~6 g per side) and modular Q-Lock style cable provide a practical, comfort-oriented package at an MSRP of roughly $349, placing it in the competitive upper-midrange bracket.
Sonically, the DN242 presents a neutral-bright, vocal-focused tuning with restrained but articulate bass, a clear midrange and energetic treble. Reviewers consistently note that the midrange is clean and evenly toned, giving vocals strong intelligibility and preserving textural nuance, while the dual dynamic drivers prioritize control and definition over sheer quantity in the low end. The upper mids and treble are described as bright and very resolving, with quick transients and a “spry” character that pushes vocals and leading edges forward, but can introduce a touch of sharpness or upper-treble bloom for more treble-sensitive listeners unless managed with careful tip choice.
Technical performance is a strong point for this price tier: users and reviewers describe detail retrieval as above average, with disciplined, non-boomy bass, stable imaging and a stage that organizes complex material without obvious congestion, even if sheer width is not class-leading. The combination of clarity, separation and midrange focus makes the DN242 particularly suitable for vocal, acoustic, jazz and classical material where precision and neutrality matter more than warmth or powerful slam. However, its moderate low-end emphasis and bright top mean it is less ideal for listeners seeking a very relaxed or bass-heavy presentation, especially given the number of warmer alternatives around the same price.
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA+2PLA
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $400
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Dunu 242 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+4BA+2Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral-bright (vocal-focused)
Brand: DUNU Top DUNU IEMs
Price (Msrp): $349
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Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
7.7Strongly Favorable
Dunu 242 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.6Gaming Grade
ADunu 242 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.7Gaming Grade
AMoondrop x Crinacle Dusk Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- You get a polished tonal profile that stays natural from bass through treble. Subtle tuning choices keep things engaging.
Average Technical Grade
A+- You get an articulate, polished performance with immersive stage depth and great control. There's a sense of polish across the whole spectrum.
Dunu 242 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- It presents a smooth, well-integrated tonal balance that plays nicely with many styles. It maintains natural timbre across the range.
Average Technical Grade
A- The balance of resolution and space feels assured, keeping complex passages coherent. Layering is convincing on most studio mixes.
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewMust use DSP default, much much better than analog
Pros
Very impressive across the board.Cons
Feels kinda "I don't want to hear them for a while" after long sessions. Not sure whyDunu 242 User Reviews
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Pros
- Example pro 1
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Cons
- Example con 1
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