Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua VS Dunu DN242

The Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua retains the Blessing 3’s 2DD+4BA hybrid platform with Moondrop’s horizontally-opposed dual-dynamic bass module, then applies a light retune and a deep-sea blue faceplate aimed at the Japanese market. Moondrop lists the Aqua as a new variant released in Japan on August 1, 2025 with a street price around ¥59,000, and retailer pages note “driver retuning” while keeping the series’ core design intact.

Tonally, Aqua remains broadly neutral-bright with clear upper-mid focus; reports point to subtle bass adjustments versus the original B3 rather than wholesale changes. Resolution and imaging are still the headline strengths carried over from the Blessing 3 platform, with precise placement and good separation for the price class.

Practicalities are favorable: sensitivity and impedance figures make the Aqua easy to drive from modest sources, and isolation is typical for sealed resin shells—effective in the mids/treble but limited for low-frequency rumble. Value is solid but no longer class-leading given the higher price versus the standard Blessing 3, which launched around $320; Aqua earns its keep with refined tonality and technical competence rather than sheer price/performance.

The DUNU DN242 (often shortened to “242”) is an eight-driver tribrid with a 2DD (10 mm + 8 mm) + 4BA + 2 micro-planar array and a 5-way electronic + acoustic crossover. It’s listed at $349 USD and ships with DUNU’s Q-Lock Mini modular cable (3.5 mm & 4.4 mm), in lightweight resin shells (~6 g/side), 35 Ω impedance and 110 dB/mW sensitivity—specs that make it easy to drive from mainstream sources.

Listening impressions from early reviews point to a neutral-bright, vocal-centric balance: clear mids, quick upper-mids/treble, and articulate (rather than boosted) bass. Detail retrieval and treble “sparkle” are recurring themes, while staging is described as precise and reasonably open for the class. These traits are consistent with show-floor notes describing forward upper-mids/treble and high resolving ability.

On value, the DN242’s package (modular cable, accessories) and technical performance are strong for ~$350, but its energetic treble and mid focus may not suit listeners seeking a warmer, bass-tilted signature; some community notes also flag recording quality sensitivity. Within sub-$400, it competes well on clarity and imaging, though its tonality won’t be universally forgiving. Overall, it reads as a capable, detail-forward set with clear strengths—and a tuning that will reward the treble-tolerant more than bass-first listeners.