Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk VS Dunu DN242
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk and Dunu DN242 use 2DD+2BA+2PLA and 2DD+4BA+2Planar driver setups respectively. Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk costs $400 while Dunu DN242 costs $349. Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk is $51 more expensive. Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk holds a clear 0.9-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 6.8). Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk carries a user score of 7.7. Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk has significantly better bass with a 1.1-point edge, Dunu DN242 has slightly better mids with a 0.4-point edge, Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk has significantly better treble with a 1.1-point edge, Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk has better dynamics with a 0.7-point edge and Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk has significantly better details with a 1.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk | Dunu DN242 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.3 | 6.3 |
| Mids | 7.4 | 7.8 |
| Treble | 7.8 | 6.7 |
| Details | 8 | 6.8 |
| Soundstage | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| Imaging | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 6.3 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 7.1 |
| Technicalities | 8 | 6.7 |
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
Dunu DN242 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.8Cautiously Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
7.5
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelBuy Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk on Aliexpress
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Dunu DN242 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
6.2
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The DUNU 242 is a tribrid configuration with two dynamic drivers, four balanced armatures and two micro planars at around 350 dollars, and it comes with the kind of generous accessory package expected from DUNU. The modular cable feels premium and easy to handle, with matching colors and both 3.5 and 4.4 millimeter terminations, while the included case and wide selection of tips make it feel complete out of the box. Shells are on the larger side with a thick 6.4 millimeter nozzle and a shape that is not very contoured, so users with smaller ears may find the fit tricky even though overall build quality feels solid.
In terms of tuning, the 242 presents neutral bass levels with relaxed sub bass and only moderate mid bass presence, so it does not deliver strong slam or impact and clearly will not satisfy bass focused listeners. The mid range is the highlight, sounding balanced rather than recessed or shouty, with clear, dense and full bodied notes that give male vocals depth and instruments a grounded, natural weight, making this the most convincing part of the signature. Treble is forward and lively with pleasing shimmer that adds energy, but it can turn a bit peaky or edgy depending on the track, so treble sensitive listeners may wish it were smoother.
Technical performance is described as decent, roughly in the fifty to sixty percent range, which means resolution and separation are competent but not standout for the price, and competing models can offer more detail, sub bass extension or a more natural overall balance. The 242 fits listeners who want neutral bass, easygoing vocals and a sparkly top end in a compact package with great accessories, and who are willing to accept average technicals and some treble edge in exchange. For those who crave deep, punchy low end, smoother treble or a more obviously engaging presentation at this price, there are stronger all rounders, so this DUNU feels like a specialist choice rather than a default recommendation.
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
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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 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
Moondrop 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 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 DN242 (more reviews)
Dunu DN242 reviewed by Web Search
7.4
Reviewer Score
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.
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 DN242 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+4BA+2Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
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 DN242 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 DN242 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.6Gaming Grade
B+Moondrop 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 DN242 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Tuning lands in a pleasing sweet spot with mostly coherent frequency integration. Tonality stays consistent from track to track.
Average Technical Grade
B+- It offers a competent showing, maintaining cohesion on straightforward arrangements. Complex passages start to challenge it, but never derail the show.
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 DN242 User Reviews
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Pros
- Example pro 1
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Cons
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