KBEAR KB16 Cepheus VS DUNU x KOTO ITO
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
KBEAR KB16 Cepheus and DUNU x KOTO ITO use 2DD+6BA and 2DD+2BA driver setups respectively. KBEAR KB16 Cepheus costs $180 while DUNU x KOTO ITO costs $199. DUNU x KOTO ITO is $19 more expensive. DUNU x KOTO ITO holds a slight 0.4-point edge in reviewer scores (6.8 vs 7.2). DUNU x KOTO ITO has significantly better mids with a 1.1-point edge, DUNU x KOTO ITO has significantly better dynamics with a 1.8-point edge and DUNU x KOTO ITO has significantly better soundstage with a 1.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | KBEAR KB16 Cepheus | DUNU x KOTO ITO |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 6.8 | 8.1 |
| Mids | 5 | 6.1 |
| Treble | 6 | 6.2 |
| Details | 6.8 | 7.2 |
| Soundstage | 6 | 7.3 |
| Imaging | 6.8 | 7.4 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 7.8 |
| Tonality | 5.8 | 7.1 |
| Technicalities | 6 | 6.2 |
KBEAR KB16 Cepheus Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.8Cautiously Favorable
DUNU x KOTO ITO Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.2Generally Favorable
Reviews Comparison
KBEAR KB16 Cepheus reviewed by Jaytiss
2025-09-03
6.8
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
DUNU x KOTO ITO reviewed by Jaytiss
2025-09-11
7.4
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
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.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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DUNU x KOTO ITO (more reviews)
DUNU x KOTO ITO reviewed by Z-Reviews
2025-09-07
6.8
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
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.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
DUNU x KOTO ITO reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7
* score rescaled + normalized
DUNU x KOTO ITO reviewed by Web Search
2025-09-07
7.6
Reviewer Score
DUNU x KOTO ITO is a $199.99 hybrid IEM built with Japanese reviewer Kaji Kaji (“Koto”). It uses a 2DD+2BA array (10 mm bio-diaphragm DD + 8 mm LCP DD, plus two treble BAs), comes with DUNU’s Q-Lock quick-swap plugs, and lists 105 dB sensitivity at 37 Ω with shells at ~6.5 g each.
Tonally, ITO aims for a U-shaped, bass-tilted balance: sub/mid-bass punch is elevated, mids sit slightly back but avoid haze, and treble is smooth with workable extension rather than bite. Early community impressions frame it as energetic and a touch V-leaning versus DUNU’s more neutral sets, which tracks with the collab’s “full-bodied” intent.
Technicalities are competent for the class: dynamics and imaging keep up with busy mixes, while soundstage and microdetail are closer to average among sub-$200 hybrids; driveability is friendly given 105 dB/37 Ω. As a package—tuning, accessories, and fit—it offers good value for listeners wanting engaging bass without sharp treble, though those chasing expansive stage or strict neutrality may prefer other options.
KBEAR KB16 Cepheus Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+6BA
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: Kbear Top Kbear IEMs
Price (Msrp): $180
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DUNU x KOTO ITO Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: DUNU Top DUNU IEMs
Price (Msrp): $199
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KBEAR KB16 Cepheus User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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DUNU x KOTO ITO User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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KBEAR KB16 Cepheus Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.9Gaming Grade
B-DUNU x KOTO ITO Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.4Gaming Grade
BKBEAR KB16 Cepheus Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B-- It sounds pleasant overall, with some uneven spots that hint at room for refinement. Vocals remain pleasant despite the imperfections.
Average Technical Grade
B- Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
DUNU x KOTO ITO Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- The tonal character feels settled and versatile, with just a few gentle bumps. You can listen for hours without fatigue.
Average Technical Grade
B- An honest, middle-of-the-road performance preserves structure without chasing micro-detail. It's respectable for everyday listening sessions.
KBEAR KB16 Cepheus User Reviews
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