Dunu Kima 2 VS Kiwi Ears Aether

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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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Kiwi Ears Aether hits with a 15.3 mm planar that feels more like a compact headphone than an IEM—big, airy, and unapologetically wide. Bass is unmistakably planar-fast with real sub-bass reach, while the top end adds a little sparkle without turning shouty. The midrange stays clean and clear, giving that “speaker-like” scale that makes Pink Floyd, Prodigy, or film scores feel expansive rather than congested.

Build and ergonomics lean large but smart: a roomy shell (no dreaded “wing of death”) that seems to help the staging, a tasteful stone-gray faceplate with pops of color, and a soft, flexible stock cable—nice, though it’s 3.5 mm only. Isolation is decent for a mostly closed design with discreet vents, and the set proves easy to drive, yet still scales audibly with a balanced cable and a solid source. Tip rolling shifts the flavor from relaxed and silky to a touch more forward; either way the presentation stays smooth, wide, and fast.

Value seals it: after guessing around $220 on sound and presentation, the real-world street price sits roughly in the ~$150–$170 bracket, making this an easy recommendation under $200. Aether stands out among planars for being big, relaxed, and immersive rather than in-your-face—great for music benders and late-night movies alike. Unique tuning, legit sub-bass, and that effortless planar snap put it firmly on the short list.

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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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Kiwi Ears Aether enters the crowded planar field at $170 with handsome resin shells, metal faceplates, and thoughtful venting that avoids pressure build-up. The unboxing looks premium but the accessories are plain—generic feeling 4-wire cable, basic case, and two tip sets—underwhelming for the price. Shells are on the large side yet surprisingly comfortable for long sessions and even pass the small-ears test, though very small ears may want a try-before-you-buy.

Sonically, Aether is a neutral-ish planar with a tasteful low-end lift: sub-bass has satisfying rumble without drifting into bass-head territory. The mids stay clean and natural, with female vocals slightly forward but not shouty, while the treble remains lively and detailed without tip-up glare or fatigue. Technical chops are solid—planar-typical speed and texture—with standout imaging and an expansive soundstage that elevates well-mastered tracks and comes surprisingly close to the big-shell staging specialists, all while remaining easy to drive.

In comparisons, Raptgo T10 Pro is warmer with better pack-ins but a smaller stage; Shuoer S12 Pro is more V-shaped with more sparkle, again out-accessorizing but not out-staging Aether. Hidizs MP45 still edges stage size, yet Aether delivers ~95–98% of that spaciousness with far better fit. Versus Tangzu x HBB Wu Heyday (discontinued) and the pricier Wan Legend, tuning is very similar, making Aether the stronger value under $200; Simgot EA42 can approximate the tonality with nozzle swaps but isn’t a direct competitor. Skip this if craving maximum bass/brightness or insisting on metal shells; for listeners wanting a balanced, spacious first planar—or a break from the usual V—Aether earns a confident This is brilliant verdict.

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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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Kiwi Ears Aether arrives as a ~$170 planar with a classy, comfortable shell that seals well despite its larger size and visible venting. The accessories are familiar—typical Kiwi Ears case, okay tip selection—while the cable feels like a real upgrade: soft, pliable, and tidy with a solid 3.5 mm termination. Fit can be great, but smaller ears should note the chunkier housing.

Sonically, Aether leans neutral-bright with a clean midrange, airy treble, and standout micro-detail retrieval for the price. There’s adequate measured bass, yet the added brightness trims some perceived slam, so it’s not for bassheads. Compared with earlier Kiwi planars, it feels more tonally correct, carrying that planar crispness without the shout or glare that often trips sets up around the mid-treble.

In A/Bs, Aether trades blows with Aöso: the latter reads a touch better tuned, but Aether pulls ahead in technicalities—micro-nuances, textural cues, “whispers.” Melody is warmer but less accurate; S08 is darker and cheaper but less balanced; S12 variants push more 5–6 k energy; MP145 is impressive yet bulkier. Overall, Aether scores roughly an 8/10 with a clear note: choose it for a mid-focused, detailed presentation and excellent value in the planar field, skip it if the priority is big bass weight.

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DUNU Kima 2 presents as a very refined single dynamic driver set with excellent build, metal shells and a generous accessory pack including the familiar modular Q-Lock cable with both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm terminations. The Eclipse DLC driver inside feels clearly a step above typical $100-class dynamics, giving the tuning a solid foundation and making the overall tonality come across as full-bodied and smooth.

Sonically, the Kima 2 follows a slight V / Harman-inspired balance with a linear 5 dB bass shelf that prioritizes weight and timbre over slam, feeding into thick but appealing lower mids that keep vocals and instruments nicely grounded. Upper mids are energetic yet controlled, avoiding shout or harshness, while the treble mostly tracks a Harman-like contour, only rolling off a bit early around 10 kHz which contributes to a warm, relaxed character, especially at lower listening volumes.

This slightly undercooked 10 kHz region is the main nitpick, as it holds back perceived technical performance; the mids can sound less sharply focused and microdetail is a touch softer compared with the best single dynamic driver competitors until that area is nudged up with EQ or higher volume. Still, staging is spacious and well-imaged, the tuning is coherent and easy to enjoy, and with a minor treble tweak Kima 2 comes very close to being a true standout one DD option around the 120 dollar mark.

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Kiwi Ears Aether debuts a 15.3 mm planar with a familiar bass shelf and extra ear-gain energy, followed by a gentle dip through 5–8 kHz. The result is clear, engaging vocals and lower fatigue, but a touch less perceived presence and technical bite versus top planar benchmarks like S12 2024. It stays in the learned zone for modern planars: natural, crisp enough, and largely free of distracting planar timbre.

Stock tuning is slightly sub-bass shy to preserve clarity alongside the relaxed lower treble, giving a safe, balanced listen that still sounds recognizably planar. The driver handles EQ confidently; a modest +1–2 dB lift in 5–8 kHz and a similar nudge to the bass restores edge, transparency, and punch without strain. Overall it reads as a safe planar choice—coherent and enjoyable out of the box, with headroom to become livelier for those who want more bite.

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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.

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The Kiwi Ears Aether brings a balanced tuning with a thumpy, well-textured low end, clean vocals, and airy treble. Its large planar driver behaves with a DD-like timbre—more grounded than the typical light, floaty planar feel—so bass hits are punchy yet quick, with no bleed into the mids. Vocals sit naturally (neither shouty nor recessed), and the midrange reads clean and well-layered. Up top, extension and micro-detail are strong without fatigue; there’s a touch of extra sparkle that makes the set slightly brighter-leaning without turning sizzly.

As a mid-volume listen (~65 dB), Aether scales well: energetic K/J-pop or rock/metal with busy cymbals may ask for a notch down, while alt-pop, hip-hop, R&B, indie, and ballads benefit from the clarity and control. Versus smoother planars like Timeless 2, Aether trails slightly in sheer timbre naturalness but returns with a bit more treble detail and overall snap; compared with nozzle-tuned rivals, it threads a cleaner, better-extended middle ground. At around $170, its technical performance and planar bass that doesn’t sound planar make for compelling value—slotting neatly between bass-heavy and leaner sets, delivering texture, impact, and clarity without harshness. Recommended.