Dunu Kima 2 VS DUNU x KOTO ITO

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Dunu Kima 2 goes straight for the dopamine: a single dynamic driver with a DLC composite diaphragm and beefy magnet system that’s being compared to Falcon Ultra—only this time the tuning hits even sweeter. The limited green shells feel properly weighty, the 2-pin sockets are neatly angled, and the accessories scream overkill for the tag: a chic Dunu case, an interchangeable-plug cable that looks and handles like “flagship” kit, and the excellent Dunu S&S tips amid a pile of spares (plus a cheeky waifu placard). The kicker is the price: at around $119, this package reads like a prank on the mid-tier.

Sonically it pours like a great coffee—creamy and smooth yet bold—with an intimate stage that keeps everything “right here,” not stadium-wide, and somehow makes the volume creep up because the presentation stays clean and composed. The imaging punches well above class, vocals project with that “front-row, back-of-the-skull” focus, and the bass hits like a steady heartbeat—present, textured, never sloppy. It’s the kind of single-DD tuning that makes multi-driver sets feel fussy: refined treble, lively macro-dynamics, and zero harshness. In short, a value nuke that can bully most $100–$250 competitors on sound alone—and with this cable and accessories, there’s barely a reason to look elsewhere.

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Dunu’s collab with Japanese creator Kaji Kaji lands as the ITO, tuned nothing like the stereotype of “treble ’til you die.” The presentation leans smooth, warm, and open, with a notably wide soundstage that flatters jazz and intimate acoustic sets—think late-night, bourbon-and-smoky-room mood without the glare. It’s built for relaxed musicality rather than forensic detail extraction.

Low end carries a thick, satisfying sub-bass that stays tasteful—present when the track calls for it, not a constant spotlight. The ITO plays “fun first”: big space, plush tone, and enough detail to keep things engaging, landing beside a “T Pro”-type set but with the clinical edges dialed back to emphasize bass and stage. In short, a “perfect fun IEM” vibe that prefers groove and atmosphere over microscope listening.

Ergonomically the shells are a bit thick, but build and accessories impress: a quality Dunu cable with interchangeable plugs, a case, and a spread of tips (including Dunu SS). The hybrid 2DD+2BA setup (ultra-low DD + low/mid DD, mid BA, ultra-high BA) at around 37 Ω runs well from modest sources and scales nicely; pricing circles the $200 mark, making it an easy recommendation for listeners who want warm, expansive, and genuinely musical tuning without chasing every last micro-detail.

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Dunu Kima 2 keeps it simple with a single dynamic driver and a design that punches well above its price. The CR Edition in vibrant green looks unique and feels premium: a compact metallic shell, recessed 2-pin, and a tasteful gold nozzle that fits comfortably for long sessions. Accessories are stacked—loads of tips, shirt clip, cleaning tool, and DUNU’s quick-swap cable (3.5/4.4) that changes in seconds—plus a leathery cup-style case that’s genuinely excellent. Overall packaging and build quality come off as impeccable and thoughtfully executed.

Tonally, it leans a touch bass-light at times, but the upper mids, air, and detail impress for the money, delivering a clean, even, and musical presentation with pleasing imaging and soundstage. Compared with bass-heavier or older-school V options (e.g., Titan S), this tuning sounds more cohesive and refined; versus costlier sets like Falcon Ultra, it offers a similar sense of open, airy presence at roughly ~$80 less, and it avoids the occasional bass oddities heard on some rivals (e.g., DaVinci). Not a basshead pick—though a small EQ lift near ~100 Hz can help—this is a chill, vocal-friendly set that shines across genres and even light studio work. With its great value, standout accessories, and tasteful tuning, Dunu Kima 2 earns a full recommendation as a bang-for-buck daily driver.

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Build & accessories land in a solid spot for the price: comfortable shells with secure nozzles, clear L/R marks, and a supple modular cable that swaps between 4.4mm and 3.5mm (no USB-C in-box). The hard case is nicely made and pocketable, and the whole package feels durable if not premium. Nothing glaring in QC—just a clean, practical presentation.

Sonically, this is a bold V-shape—huge sub-bass punch with elevated upper mids to keep things lively. The bass can turn boomy/pillowy on some tracks, and a scoop around 300–800 Hz can leave female vocals a touch recessed; treble is clean and controlled, a little dark up top with limited sparkle. Technicalities are decent rather than class-leading—separation and air trail sets like Punch Audio Martillo or Crescent, while tuning kinships show up against DUNU Glacier and even Grand Maestro-style balances. Compared to value darlings (e.g., Truth Ear Pure, Jazzer Defiant), ITO feels more audiophile-flavored fun than an all-rounder.

In DUNU’s lineup it reads as a unique basshead option: very engaging slam, thick note weight, and non-fatiguing treble, but only average mids/technicalities. Think hip-hop/EDM-friendly impact over neutral precision. Verdict: around 3–3.5 stars—competitive at $200 for those chasing thump and excitement; listeners wanting neutrality, vocal presence, or extra air may prefer other picks or a “tactful V” with less bass and less upper-mid bite.

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Dunu Kima 2 shows up at $120 with an accessories suite that punches way above class: a big, usable hard case, shirt clip, cleaning brush, shell “booties,” four full tip sets (including Dunu S&S and Dunu Candy), and a modular cable (3.5 mm + 4.4 mm). The cable’s paracord-sleeved lower half feels stiff and behaves differently from the supple top half, but microphonics are low and the QD swap system is convenient. The CNC stainless-steel shells are well-vented and sturdy; a tiny seam misalignment doesn’t affect comfort. Fit is easy—even on smaller ears—and isolation/pressure are handled well. Bonus flair: the acrylic character stand is pure fun.

Sonically, this is a mid-centric neutral tuning with tasteful sub-bass reach rather than boom. The bass stays accurate and textured, doing what the mix asks without spotlighting itself. Mids are the star: instruments separate cleanly and female vocals get a gentle lift without veering shouty. Upper-mids/treble bring a bit of shine for air and detail; generally non-fatiguing, though very treble-sensitive listeners at higher volumes may notice some bite on bright tracks. Technical chops are strong for a single DD—resolution and imaging match sets like EA500 LM, with stereo separation and a convincing 3D stage that scale nicely with good recordings.

Against peers, KZ Krila (all switches off) mimics the tonality but is harsher up top and less refined. Dunu Titan S2 plays it more V-shaped with extra treble energy; if that felt hot, Kima 2 is the calmer, more balanced pick. CVJ Aria (silver nozzles) sits a touch brighter with less sub-bass; the blue nozzles warm it up, but Kima 2 still has the better driver and vocal delivery. Think of it as a modern, slightly warmer, less shout-prone Starfield with a far better bundle. Verdict: a fantastic all-rounder and beginner-friendly choice if neutral with a vocal focus sounds right. Not for bassheads or sparkle-chasers, and the stock cable could be nicer, but overall it earns a firm “this is brilliant” for value, tuning, and usability.

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Dunu Kima 2 goes for a neutral-warm, relaxing tuning with a distinctly laid-back presentation—very much a chill listen. Resolution sits on the softer side, prioritizing smoothness over bite, so the overall vibe stays silky and easygoing. Fans of similarly mellow sets like the KiRA Ching or the Abyss will feel right at home with this approach.

The trade-off is in the mids: vocals can come across a bit weak and too relaxed, with less power and extension, and the 3–5 kHz region feels tame, so it’s not the most engaging or detailed take for vocal-centric listening. That said, the build and cable quality are excellent, and for those seeking an easy, non-fatiguing daily driver, Kima 2 makes a lot of sense—even if vocal lovers may want to look elsewhere.