Yu9 Que VS Dunu DN242

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Yu9 Que and Dunu DN242 use 1DD+3BA and 2DD+4BA+2Planar driver setups respectively. Yu9 Que costs $409 while Dunu DN242 costs $349. Yu9 Que is $60 more expensive. Yu9 Que holds a decisive 1.3-point edge in reviewer scores (8.1 vs 6.8). Yu9 Que carries a user score of 8.5. Yu9 Que has significantly better bass with a 2-point edge, Yu9 Que has better mids with a 0.5-point edge, Yu9 Que has significantly better treble with a 1.3-point edge, Yu9 Que has significantly better dynamics with a 1.5-point edge, Yu9 Que has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge, Yu9 Que has significantly better details with a 1.1-point edge and Yu9 Que has slightly better imaging with a 0.3-point edge.

Insights

Metric Yu9 Que Dunu DN242
Bass 8.2 6.3
Mids 8.3 7.8
Treble 8 6.7
Details 7.8 6.8
Soundstage 8.1 7.6
Imaging 7.9 7.6
Dynamics 7.8 6.3
Tonality 8.3 7.1
Technicalities 8 6.7
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough Dunu DN242 reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Yu9 Que Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

8.1

Very Positive


Dunu DN242 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

6.8

Cautiously Favorable


Reviews Comparison

Yu9 Que reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 8 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
One of the most refined, fun, engaging, and technically capable IEMs for its price. Treble is very refined and surprisingly not fatiguing. Well-textured bass with strong physicality. Clear, vocals. Refined, non-fatiguing treble with plenty of extension. Class-leading detail and separation. Treble may be too much for some.
Youtube Video Summary

Build & accessories: a hybrid 1DD + 3BA set priced around $399 with a spacious zipper case, multiple silicone tips, pouches, cleaning cloth, and shirt clip. The faceplate’s wavy, stone-like texture looks premium, and the shells use a 2-pin connector. The downside is the stock cable: it’s springy, only in 4.4 mm, and feels below the tier. Fit is serviceable but not ideal—the shell isn’t the most ergonomic, the nozzle lacks a lip, and seating a deeper fit can take a moment; once set, stability is good and tips stayed secure in use.

Sound: this isn’t a “new-meta” curve; it’s a unique, lively tuning. Bass is punchy, dynamic, and highly textured—more physical in practice than the graph suggests, with excellent impact and kick-drum authority. An early rise after 1 kHz pushes vocals front and center for an intimate, engaging presentation without tipping into shout. Treble is refined, sparkly, and well-extended: it is a bright set but avoids harshness, peakiness, sibilance, and fatigue, delivering crisp cymbals and defined transients even for rock and metal at any volume. Technicalities are class-leading under $500 with standout detail retrieval and separation; the one wish is a larger soundstage.

Comparisons & verdict: the Elysian Apostle still wins on bass texture/impact, treble refinement, and overall resolution, but the Yu9 Que offers a convincing “Apostle flavor” at a lower price. Versus Elysian Pilgrim, the Que is fuller and bassier, while Pilgrim’s treble is tamer; versus Volume S, the Que is cleaner, brighter, more detailed as the Volume S trends warmer with more neutral treble; against Dusk DSP, Dusk sounds more natural/balanced but the Que feels more fun and technical. Recommended for those who crave clarity, sparkle, and engagement without fatigue; less ideal if treble-sensitive or preferring a warm, relaxed tonality, and worth demoing for comfort. A top contender and serious gatekeeper around $400—final rating: 4.5/5 with a strong recommendation.


Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

Dunu DN242 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 6.2 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
B- Tech
Neutral leaning tribrid with excellent mids and a lively treble plus great accessories, but light bass and only decent technical performance make it more of a specialist choice at 350 dollars than an easy recommendation. Balanced, smooth and full bodied mids with clear vocals, lively treble sparkle and a very generous accessory package including a modular cable. Light bass with limited slam, treble that can sound edgy for sensitive listeners, average technical performance and large shells that may cause fit issues for smaller ears.
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.

Bass: C+ Mids: A Treble: B- Dynamics: C+ Details: B-

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
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Yu9 Que reviewed by Web Search

uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 8.3 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
A+ Tech

The YU9 Que is a hybrid IEM using 1 dynamic driver + 3 balanced armatures, positioned in the mid-upper price tier with an MSRP around $399. Retail listings confirm the configuration (10 mm LF DD with three Knowles BA units) and current pricing in USD and MYR, placing it among competitors that emphasize tonal refinement over sheer technical fireworks.

Community impressions describe a balanced/neutral tonality with a tasteful bass lift, smooth upper-mids that avoid glare, and treble that leans non-sibilant. Subjective reports on Head-Fi and Reddit consistently frame the Que as an all-rounder that favors coherence and long-term listenability over maximum micro-detail.

Technically, listeners note solid imaging and macrodynamics with competent detail retrieval, though not class-leading for the price. The manufacturer has also published frequency-response plots (IEC711 and BK5128 rigs), which aligns with the community’s take that the Que targets a broadly neutral/balanced signature rather than an aggressive V-shape. Overall value is credible at its MSRP if you prioritize tonal balance and comfort over ultra-analytical presentation.


Bass: A+ Mids: S- Treble: A+ Dynamics: A+ Soundstage: A Details: A+ Imaging: A+

Dunu DN242 reviewed by Web Search

uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 7.4 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A Tech

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.


Bass: A- Mids: A+ Treble: A Dynamics: A- Soundstage: A Details: A Imaging: A

Yu9 Que (more reviews)

Yu9 Que reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 9.1 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
Can lack that Jenesequa "it" factor.
Youtube Video Summary

The YU9 Que sports a premium, durable resin shell in pure black with a metallic-feeling faceplate and a comfortable design featuring an anti-tragus catch. While the build itself feels handsome and unique, the included cable is criticized as wimpy and unpleasant, with a strong suggestion to upgrade it. Accessories are deemed solid, including a nice selection of tips and a particularly praised case with a soft, luxurious interior.

Sonically, the YU9 Que earns immense praise for its exceptional tuning, described as clean, resolute, and non-fatiguing. It delivers strong, textured bass that avoids being overwhelming, coupled with extremely well-done upper mids. While not class-leading in technicalities like micro-detail or instrument separation, its tonal balance is considered sophisticated and reminiscent of far more expensive sets like the Annihilator, even surpassing the Monarch MKII in tuning preference. It's highlighted as a fantastic all-rounder with a smooth, agreeable signature suitable for long listening sessions.

Despite its modest single dynamic driver + 3BA configuration and $409 price point, the YU9 Que is declared a very special and unique IEM, worthy of the hype it received. The review concludes it's a price leader and a highly competent package from a small brand, offering outstanding value and a beautiful, well-executed design that makes it an easy recommendation for those seeking a smooth, non-fatiguing sound.

Mids: S Treble: A+ Dynamics: A- Soundstage: A+

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

Yu9 Que reviewed by Paul Wasabii

Paul Wasabii 8.7 * Score computed by IEMRanking.com
S- Tuning
S- Tech
Polished, speaker-like tuning with tactile bass, clean extension and standout imaging makes it a class-leading $400 hybrid. Minor nitpicks: mids can edge forward, and it prefers a bit more volume and a secure fit. Polished, speaker-like balance with tactile bass, linear fatigue-free treble and excellent imaging for the price. Mids can sit a bit forward and the presentation benefits from higher volume and a deeper, secure fit.
Youtube Video Summary

At ~$400, YU9 Audio Que sets a new bar for the bracket: a 1DD+3BA hybrid with a modest bass shelf, slightly forward mids, and linear treble extension that sounds more speaker-like than typical IEMs. The presentation is exceptionally polished and quiet-backgrounded, yielding crisp separation, convincing imaging, and staging in depth, width, and height that resembles far pricier gear.

The low end brings tactile mid-bass impact with deep, controlled sub-bass, pairing naturally with that extended, peak-free top end; the result is a true playlist killer across EDM, rock, vocal, and classical. Nitpicks exist: mids can sit a touch forward depending on track and the set rewards a slightly higher volume and a secure, deeper fit, while V-shape fans may find it too boring.

Compared with favorites like Dusk, Cadenza 4, and Volume S, Que keeps their strengths but fixes common complaints by delivering fuller bass weight, cleaner openness, and more realistic attack and dynamics. It does not need giant-killer claims to stand out; at this price it is simply class-leading.

Bass: S- Mids: A+ Treble: S- Dynamics: S- Soundstage: S- Details: S- Imaging: S-

Paul Wasabii original ranking

Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel

Yu9 Que reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 8 Reviewer Score
Balanced, contrasty, highly resolving. Very good transients. Tight bass, clean mids, very well extended treble. The only glaring flaw is the one-dimensional imaging - there is very little layering, unfortunately which can make instruments and vocals sound like they're all standing in a straight line in front of you. Nonetheless, an excellent IEM!

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

Yu9 Que reviewed by Fox Told Me So

Fox Told Me So 8 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A+ Tech
YU9 Audio QUE is a $300 hybrid (1DD + 3BA) with a name rooted in Chinese culture—“阙” (QUE, palace), paired with a fish bone logo from “鱼” (YU, fish). Shells are aluminum with a sandblasted, wavy faceplate finish.

Tuning is clean, neutral, and slightly V-shaped: bass is tight, bouncy, and textured; mids sit slightly forward thanks to extra 700 Hz–2 kHz gain, giving vocals a bigger image; treble leans bright with a 4–5 kHz push for clarity, rolling off naturally rather than chasing EST-style air. Sibilance can appear (on “th” or “tsu”), but not harsh.

Stage favors width over depth—impressively wide at the price, with neat, well-ordered placement and strong separation. Resolution is crisp, background clean, every note clearly etched.

Fox Told Me So original ranking

Fox Told Me So Youtube Channel
Bass: A Mids: A Treble: A- Dynamics: A+ Soundstage: A Details: A Imaging: A

Yu9 Que reviewed by Kois Archive

Kois Archive 8 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S Tech
Rating: S- | Value: ⭐⭐ | Gaming: 🎮🎮 | Comfort: 9 fun bass. referency midrange. excellent techs could be bright. cable is meh
Youtube Video Summary

Yu9 Que arrives with a surprisingly premium unboxing: a crush-resistant carrying case with plush padding, an IEM pouch, microfiber cloth, cable clip, and two ear-tip sets (standard silicone and more premium liquid silicone). A quirky 3D-printed nameplate with serial number and a faceplate etched in a topographic-map motif give it character. The shell is on the larger, wider side—comfortable for many, but small ears should test fit first. The stock cable is just okay (some memory, no chin slider), though it’s offered in 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm terminations.

Tonally, this is a neutral-reference set with a tasteful bass lift—clean impact without throwing off balance. Sub-bass has satisfying thump and texture, though bass-heads coming from sets like Kiwi Ears Punch may find it polite. The mids sit even and accurate—no “vocal magic,” yet clearly above average. Treble stretches well into the air with a touch of brightness that adds crispness and a slightly clinical edge, staying shy of fatiguing. Technical chops are the draw: a decently wide soundstage (roughly 3–4/5 by comparison), standout 3D imaging, and strong resolution/separation make it excellent for gaming—worthy of a two-controller nod—though ultimate detail still trails pricier kilobuck options.

Versus peers: Moondrop Dusk (DSP) is warmer with bass that hits a bit harder, while Yu9 Que is the more neutral, reference-leaning take. Elysian Pilgrim offers smoother treble, but Yu9 Que counters with better bass grip, stage, and imaging. AFUL Performer 7 tilts mild V; choose it for extra mid-bass and forward treble, otherwise Yu9 Que wins on technicality. Mega 5 EST chases the meta target yet stumbles in bass/treble; NiceHCK Rockies refines that approach and might be the more exciting alternative if spending slightly more. Bottom line: the hype is justified—a superb all-rounder around $400 with only the cable begging for an upgrade. It’s a clear pick for neutral/reference fans, though those seeking more “fun” might look elsewhere; call it a pragmatic, two-star recommendation amid a crowded market and likely pre-order waits.


Kois Archive original ranking

Kois Archive Youtube Channel

Yu9 Que reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 7.5 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
A Tech
Smooth listen, non-fatiguing, balanced and leans towards neutral, scales good, full, natural, but lacks dynamics/transients and vocal extension. Reminds me of the OG SA6 with a little more treble and low-end, but less mids, and even more pulled back vocals... Similar to the Meta tunings, reminds me of a more neutral Astral/Crescent/Horizon - Good, but a bit overhyped and priced a bit high for a 1DD+3BA, tech is slightly behind the Astrals and should be under $300 imo.
Youtube Video Summary

YU9 Que presents a balanced, almost neutral tuning with a tasteful touch of mid-bass for warmth and punch. Treble is clean and controlled—more clarity than “sizzle”—so detail comes through without harshness, while mids keep vocals natural rather than forward or thin. Technical performance sits in the “solid for the price” camp: separation and imaging are tidy, but not the kind of hyper-etched sparkle that chases wow factor.

In practice, it shines with slower pop, R&B, acoustic and vocal-centric tracks where its coherence and smoothness pay off; those seeking big sub-bass drama or ultra-aerated treble fireworks may find it a touch polite. Versus brighter, more contrasty sets, the Que trades spectacle for musicality and long-session comfort, making value hinge on whether a refined, low-fatigue signature is preferred over maximum excitement at the price point.


Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Yu9 Que reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 7.3 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A- Tech
Exceptional tuning and treble refinement; sets the benchmark at $400.
Youtube Video Summary

Yu9’s Que lands as a “safer Annihilator”: a warmer, scaled-back take that pushes ample sub-bass while keeping the rest tastefully controlled. The low end feels liquidy and bouncy, underpinning an aggressive 1–3 kHz rise with a gentle 3–5 kHz taper, so vocals sit upfront and crisp yet remain remarkably smooth thanks to the extra low-end warmth. Treble is slightly scooped around 5–6 kHz and then climbs in small, well-placed peaks out to ~15–18 kHz, yielding excellent extension that feels on par with sets like Moondrop Variations in this range.

What makes it pop is the value proposition: at $400, the overall resolution, tonal balance, and staging read far pricier—more like the $700–800 bracket. With its engaging sub-bass lift, lucid mids, and airy yet controlled top end, Que comes off as a polished, crowd-friendly tuning that still excites detail chasers. If momentum holds, this looks like the next big thing around the $400 mark.

Bass: A+ Mids: A+ Treble: A+ Dynamics: A- Details: A- Imaging: A-

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel

Yu9 Que reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 8.5 * score rescaled + normalized
2 community members have rated the YU9 Que at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Yu9 Que User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score:

Based on 1 user reviews

8.5

Excellent

Dunu DN242 User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Yu9 Que Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

7.9

Gaming Grade

A

Dunu DN242 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.6

Gaming Grade

B+

Yu9 Que Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A+
  • Tuning feels refined, blending frequencies with convincing realism and engagement. Transitions between registers feel effortless.

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.
Bass A+
You hear powerful yet disciplined low-end slam that extends effortlessly. It marries sub-bass depth with great texture.
Mids A+
The midrange sounds refined and revealing, balancing clarity with emotional weight. Timbre accuracy rivals studio monitors.
Treble A+
Treble reaches superb heights, offering effortless extension and crystal clarity. Every cymbal crash resolves into fine mist.
Dynamics A
You get outstanding dynamic agility, from subtle nuances to big hits. Impact comes with quick recovery.
Soundstage A+
Exceptional soundstage with holographic imaging that lets instruments float naturally around you. It paints a holographic bubble around you.
Details A
Resolution feels both high and relaxed, capturing nuance with ease. There's zero smearing even at high volume.
Imaging A
Depth mapping feels natural and accurate, supporting convincing immersion. Depth mapping feels precise and natural.
Gaming A
Clear spatial presentation handles directional cues effectively. Distinguishes key gameplay sounds while maintaining decent immersion. Value-to-cost may not be optimal for gaming-focused users.

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.
Bass B
Bass foundation is good, adding satisfying punch without losing control. Pop and rock tracks feel lively.
Mids A
Expect lifelike vocals and instruments with impressive nuance and realism. You can easily follow harmonies and backups.
Treble B+
Treble response is good, delivering clarity and sparkle without fatigue. Hi-hats sound lively without sting.
Dynamics B
You get confident dynamics that track both macro swings and rhythmic drive. There's life in every crescendo.
Soundstage A
Immersion steps up dramatically as width, depth, and height integrate into a cohesive hologram. Everything sounds naturally spaced.
Details B+
Good resolution with clear articulation of nuances that keeps complex passages intelligible. Micro-details pop without sounding forced.
Imaging A
Excellent imaging delivers precise, stable placement with instruments occupying tangible points in space. It locks each element into a steady position.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance. Value-to-cost may not be optimal for gaming-focused users.

Yu9 Que User Reviews

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Endoki avatar Endoki
8.5

Tastefully tuned IEM. It gives some unique colorations to the sound, making vocals sound pretty crisp and clean but in a tasteful way. Add a very satisfying amount of bass (including mid-bass!). Treble is top-notch.

Tuning: S+ Tech: A+ Bass: S Mids: A+ Treble: S Dynamics: A+ Soundstage: B Details: A+ Imaging: A-
Pros
Tuning, especially bass and treble. But mids do not disappoint as well.
Cons
I wouldn't describe this as neutral or even reference sounding. Soundstage could be wider.

Dunu DN242 User Reviews

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