Softears Volume S VS Dunu x Gizaudio Davinci

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The Softears Volume S at $320 sets a new tonal benchmark for IEMs in its price range. It arrives in solid packaging featuring a zippered carry case (a bit large but functional), protective earpiece pockets that might feel overkill for some, and two excellent sets of ear tips – including Softears' own highly-regarded Ultra Clear tips. Build quality is generally fantastic, highlighted by a resin shell, a comfortable paracord-style cable with a low-profile, user-swappable termination system, and recessed 2-pin connectors. While the aesthetics might feel a bit old-school to some, the fit is comfortable and stable due to its semi-custom shape and longer nozzle, making it secure enough for sleeping. A small screwdriver-adjustable tuning switch offers a secondary, brighter Harmon-like sound signature, though the default tuning is preferred.

The default sound signature is a warm-tilted neutral, delivering exceptional natural timbre and tasteful bass boost. This bass stands out for its exceptional physicality – punchy and impactful without being overbearing – alongside articulate sub-bass that’s easy to follow. Combined with well-defined transients, particularly in the upper-midrange, it creates a satisfyingly rich and dense presentation. While spatial effects and imaging are competent but not standout, the overall tonality and bass quality are remarkably refined. Comparisons show it offers a better tonal balance and bass control than the bassier Dunu DaVinci, significantly more body and richness than the brighter, thinner Moondrop Blessing 3, and trades blows with the Moondrop Dusk – the Volume S providing superior density and mid-bass presence versus the Dusk's more open, spacious presentation.

Ultimately, the Softears Volume S earns a full five-star rating. It might not be the absolute most technically dazzling IEM, but its fantastic tonal balance, unique bass physicality, and overall refinement make it a compelling choice. For $320, it delivers a sound signature that feels just right – rich, satisfying, and universally appealing – challenging more expensive offerings and establishing itself as a top contender in its class.

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Dunu x Gizaudio DaVinci targets the current hybrid hype with a 2DD + 4BA array at $300, packaged with Dunu’s tidy cable and the new low-bulk swappable termination system, a roomy semi-hard case, and three silicone tip sets. The shell uses stabilized wood faceplates over a smoky, translucent body; the fit is a broadly “universal” medium that benefits from a deeper insertion than usual. Tip choice matters: moving to smaller or grippier tips to seat the nozzle deeper noticeably adjusts treble texture and overall balance.

On the graph it follows a “new meta” contour—linear rise through the lower mids into the bass—but on ear it’s unmistakably the bassy one of its cohort. Mid-bass is elevated enough to crowd vocals and guitar attack, giving the low end a harder thud than sub-bass rumble. The surprise is technicality: imaging and separation are excellent for the price, and bass attack is reasonably tight, so definition stays intact even when the mix gets thick. Treble sits relaxed in level but carries a dry / slightly scratchy timbre; deeper fit and different tips (e.g., Softears UC) smooth it, though a hint of dryness remains.

Against peers like Hype 4, Pilgrim, Canon 2, and the Moondrop x Crin Dusk, DaVinci trades mid presence and air for weighty bass plus sharp stage mapping. For listeners prioritizing a big low end with crisp positional cues, it’s a compelling flavor; for those seeking vocal clarity and more natural treble, alternatives prove more cohesive. Net: a solid 3/5—distinct, fun, and capable, but tuned thicker and drier up top than the all-rounders in this bracket.

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The Dunu x Gizaudio DaVinci brings handsome aesthetics and thoughtful accessories to the table: a supple modular **cable** with easy-swapping terminations and a dark, well-finished **case** that even fits a dongle DAC. The shell presents as **pretty** and well-built, though the flat faceplate and slightly wider nozzle make the **fit** merely decent rather than class-leading; tip rolling helps. Overall build quality inspires confidence, with **recessed 2-pin** sockets and neat finishing.

Sonically, this tuning reads as **balanced-neutral** with a tasteful lift in **sub-bass/mid-bass** and forward, lively **upper mids** that can flirt with **shout** on some material. Graphs show the response hugging target within a couple dB almost everywhere, and the **channel matching** is essentially perfect. Compared to other Dunu sets, it improves on the SA6 MK2’s flatter pin gain and the Mirai’s sharper treble; versus Crin x Moondrop Dusk (analog), DaVinci feels less fatiguing around **5–6 kHz** and more engaging down low. Technical performance is **good**—clean transients, solid air and extension—though not the widest or most spacious in its class.

Stacked against peers, DaVinci trades blows with the **Hype 4** (which projects a bigger stage/“air” advantage), while **AFUL Explorer** offers a bassier, budget-friendly flavor with surprisingly competitive **technicalities**. Expect **forward vocals**, smooth treble past the 8 kHz coupler quirks, and a generally “just-right” tonality; some listeners may still want a touch more **sub-bass** slam. Verdict: a strong **recommendation** for the tuning alone—tastefully neutral, musical, and easy to enjoy—tempered by the note that emerging releases with similar targets (and a bit of **EQ**) may deliver comparable results for less. Demo first if possible, then commit.

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Warm-neutral done right. DaVinci brings a thick, soothing tonality to the mid-fi space, pairing a 2DD + 4BA array and five-way crossover with a high-quality resin shell that’s comfortable and pressure-free. The package is stacked: a sturdy modular cable (secure, tight braid), plentiful tips including DUNU S&S and Candy, 6.35 mm adapter, and a genuinely excellent carry case with elastic strap and net. Fit is easygoing, though the nozzle is thick (≈6.7 mm)—tip choice matters.

The tuning is a gently warm-neutral curve with a deep, enveloping bass that stays tidy, avoids boom, and adds body without bleeding. Midrange is smooth, nuanced, and natural—lower mids carry weight and realistic timbre; upper mids are present but not shouty, gliding seamlessly for a non-fatiguing listen. Treble extends cleanly and “just right”: no glare, good air, ideal for treble-sensitive ears (treble-heads may want more bite on bass-heavy mixes). It scales with source—more power tightens bass and opens the stage—and crucially sounds coherent at low, medium, and high volumes without losing engagement.

Technicalities favor musicality over microscope: stage and depth are satisfying, separation/layering are decent for the price, and the standout is timbre. Versus peers, it’s warmer and more immersive than Yanyin Canon 2 (which is cleaner/brighter up top), smoother and tonally superior to HiBy Project Ace, more fun and less shout-prone than DUNU Falcon Ultra, and more balanced (if less technical) than SIMGOT EA2000. Net: one of the most compelling warm-neutral IEMs under $500—not the most analytical set at ~$300, but a richly engaging, timbre-first listen that’s easy to love for long sessions.

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The Softears Volume S delivers a fantastic hybrid sound in its low impedance mode, characterized as a warm neutral tuning with a lush note weight, good bass punch without bloat, and a slight upper-midrange emphasis that makes vocals pop. This signature translates exceptionally well across both music listening and competitive gaming, offering great separation, layering, and phenomenal imaging for precise positional awareness. While engaging and non-fatiguing, gunfire and intense effects in games like Apex Legends can sometimes feel on the verge of shouty or slightly occlusive during chaotic, high-level scenarios, lacking that last bit of air and resolution in the upper mids.

Gaming performance shines across multiple titles. The Volume S provides outstanding depth perception and accurate imaging for Apex Legends slides and light footsteps, excels in Valorant with its separation and verticality, handles the chaos of Call of Duty exceptionally well, and proves to be a top recommendation for Fragpunk due to its loud, precise, and easily trackable footsteps. The smaller resin chassis offers great comfort and ergonomics, especially for those struggling with fit, though it doesn't feel quite as premium as some metal competitors in its price range.

Significant drawbacks include the utterly dismissed high impedance mode tuning, deemed "absolute garbage" and a headache for gaming, and the fragile tuning mechanism itself, prone to easy damage. The included shoelace-style cable is functional with a removable termination but not a favorite, and the unboxing experience, while decent with a pleather case, extra termination, and two sets of silicone tips, is fairly typical for the price. Ultimately, the Softears Volume S stands as a killer all-around IEM when locked into its excellent low impedance mode, highly recommended for its crossover appeal despite the useless tuning switch and build quibbles.

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Build & unboxing deliver the full Dunu experience: a high-quality interchangeable cable (2-pin with swappable terminations, plus a 6.35 mm adapter), multiple tip sets including Dunu Candy/S&S, and a sturdy carrying case. The unique faceplates make each unit feel one-of-a-kind, and comfort is excellent—wearable for long sessions without hotspots.

For music, DaVinci aims at a sub-bass emphasized, warm tuning with a tactile, resonant rumble that stays controlled. Bass has good extension and texture without bleeding into the mids; the midrange stays clear with natural timbre and standout vocals. Treble is well-controlled—never sharp, never dull—keeping the set non-fatiguing. Stage is on the more intimate side, but the imaging is precise, making positional cues and instrument placement feel confident.

In competitive gaming, that same low-end weight can be a double-edged sword. In Apex and COD the sub-bass resonance adds epic immersion yet can mask lighter cues (e.g., subtle footsteps) during chaotic fights; tip rolling (e.g., SpinFit W1) helps. Valorant fares better thanks to the engine and map scale. Overall placement on the WallHack list is around a B− for competitive play, while for single-player and VR the immersive rumble, intimate stage, and solid imaging make DaVinci an easy recommendation.

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The Softears Volume S emerges as a standout vocal specialist under $500, often described as a "mini studio 4“ due to similar frequency graphs. However, it trades some treble detail for superior scaling and a heightened focus on the mid-range, particularly vocals, while adding a touch more mid-bass oomph. This treble reduction allows the music to breathe, creating a more immersive and musical experience that pulls the listener deeper into the sound compared to the Studio 4, without sacrificing a sense of space or leaving the bass and treble feeling inadequate. Though not bass-heavy or treble-head oriented, the low-end provides enough thump and the highs enough air to avoid sounding lean or dark, resulting in a presentation that's slightly less technical and balanced than the Studio 4 but excels in vocal delivery and engagement.

A key feature is the tuning switch which boosts upper mids and treble while lowering the bass, effectively transforming the sound into a cleaner, more technical version of Harman 2019, even surpassing the Studio 4 in detail retrieval in this mode. However, this boosted configuration can sound shouty, lean, and overly clinical for many preferences, lacking the thickness of the stock tuning and scaling less effectively at higher volumes. The stock tuning, preferred for its vocal prowess, truly comes alive with increased volume. The included clear tips are recommended for a slight treble lift and comfort, and the bundled USBC adapter adds a subtle amount of sub-bass rumble, though the low-end remains clean and controlled, reminiscent of leaner sets like the Pilgrim, not providing heavy slam.

While the Studio 4 remains a solid, well-balanced all-rounder, especially on sale around $350, and alternatives like the EM10 (more detailed), Supermix 4 (better value), the Volume S carves its niche with exceptional vocal performance at higher volumes using the stock tuning. Its main drawbacks involve the confusing switch design (requiring opposite positions on each earpiece for the same tuning with no clear indicators) and the pricing debate; using non-branded drivers suggests a more appropriate price point would be $200-$250 rather than $300. Despite these quirks and marketing claims about the passive radiator's role (its actual impact being debatable), the Volume S delivers a great sounding, flexible IEM offering distinct sonic profiles based on volume level and switch position.

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Warm, thick, and syrupy sums up the Dunu x Gizaudio DaVinci. The low end hits with heavy slam and satisfying impact—great for hip-hop, R&B, and drum-centric tracks—yet the decay is slow, so notes linger and instrument separation tightens up. That mid-bass bloom nudges vocals—especially female—toward a huskier, warmer hue. Treble reaches adequately without sparkle; micro-detail isn’t the focus, but nothing crucial goes missing.

Despite community buzz, DaVinci isn’t a pure basshead monster. It’s more a warm-tilted all-rounder with a thick, smooth presentation—think regular syrup versus exotic maple: pleasurable, familiar, easy to like. Resolution is fine for the price, though the bass texture can feel smoothed and blunted, fusing notes on complex passages. Compared side-by-side, faster sets with snappier drivers can sound cleaner and more separated in the lows and smoother yet more detailed up top.

For listeners chasing fun impact, warmth, and thickness over ultimate precision, DaVinci delivers an engaging, cozy listen—thumpy and enjoyable with enough upper-mid/treble lift to keep things from turning murky. Those prioritizing speed, air, and technical performance per dollar will likely find better fits elsewhere. But if a warm-smooth groove is the goal—and the wood-accented aesthetic appeals—DaVinci makes a compelling, everyday-friendly pick.

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The Softears Volume S offers a dramatic transformation through its impedance switch, requiring a tiny screwdriver to toggle between low (9.8 ohm) and high (31.2 ohm) modes. The low impedance mode is described as painfully clinical, bland, and annoyingly sterile across all tested amplifiers. It’s reminiscent of the disliked original Volume model, lacking any enjoyable tuning despite EQ attempts. This mode only suits listeners craving absolute neutrality, offering little musical engagement.

Switching to the high impedance mode completely revolutionizes the experience. It becomes relaxed, unoffensive, and remarkably smooth, with notes possessing a lingering, church-like resonance that adds emotional depth. This mode presents music with a spacious, uplifting quality and a subtle chest-felt pressure during resonant passages. However, it demands quality amplification to shine and benefits from tip-rolling; the included sticky liquid silicone tips enhance the signature, though alternatives like Azla SednaEarfit can tweak the response. Comfort and build are excellent, though the fabric cable exhibits some microphonics.

Priced around $300, the Volume S earns a cautious recommendation primarily for its stellar high-impedance performance. It requires tinkering with tips and sources to reach its potential and faces stiff competition in its price bracket. While not an outright class leader, it’s a significant upgrade over the original Volume. The package includes a luxurious case, multiple tips, and a branded USB-C adapter, reflecting Softears' typical attention to detail. Just keep it locked in high-impedance mode.

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Dunu x Gizaudio Davinci shows up dressed to impress: a five-leaf maplewood faceplate that’s prettier in person than the promo shots, a deep-set 2-pin socket, and DUNU’s slick Q-Lock Mini swappable plug that threads on like it was always meant to be there. Inside, the party is serious—six drivers with dual bio-cellulose DDs (10 mm + 8 mm) in separate chambers both tasked with ultra-low duties, plus four BAs handling the rest. Accessories hit right: the included DUNU S&S tips make easy work of seal and comfort, while “Render” style tips push a touch more brightness and slam if desired. Build, cable, case—everything feels sorted, not fussy.

Sonically, this is a refined bass-head tuning done right: tremendous low end that stays out of the way until the track calls it, with smooth delivery that keeps mids solid and treble non-fatiguing. The stage isn’t super wide so much as tall, giving music a lifted, “above-and-below” presence while the image sits slightly pulled back—cohesive, never shouty. It plays nicely off a range of sources and doesn’t demand exotic amping to shine. At $299, the package feels dialed: bass quality like pricier sets, tasteful tuning, and quality of life that makes daily use easy. Verdict? A full-send recommendation—the kind of collab that earns the name on the box, high-res sticker jokes notwithstanding.

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Softears Volume S follows the 2022 Volume and steps into a fiercely competitive ~$320 bracket with a seriously premium kit: a gorgeous leather case, modular screw-on terminations, both standard and Ultra Clear eartips, IM booties, and tiny screwdrivers for the on-board potentiometer. The stealthy black resin shells with exposed carbon-fiber faceplates feel solid and fit well thanks to slim nozzles; just note there’s no nozzle mesh. The big caveat is the cloth-sheathed stock cable—ergonomically nice but with heavy microphonics. Two tunings are selectable: low-impedance (≈10Ω) and high-impedance (≈31Ω). The low-impedance mode is the keeper; it’s easy to drive yet sensitive to source output impedance, so a dongle under 1Ω is recommended to avoid unintentionally shifting the tonality.

In low-impedance mode the signature is neutral-natural, a flatter, more mid-centric take on “new-meta.” Bass offers quality over quantity: textured, punchy, and responsive without tipping into basshead territory. The mids are the star—clean, warm-tinged lower mids give male vocals body while female vocals sit forward without shout, keeping timbre natural. Treble is smooth, airy, and non-fatiguing, avoiding metallic glare while preserving sparkle. Technical performance is confidently above average for the price: imaging & stage feel wide and well-layered, with good separation and resolution that rewards attentive listening without forcing it.

Positionally, think “Kato upgrade”: smoother treble, better bass texture, and a refinement that many will prefer. Versus spicier rivals like DaVinci, Project Meta, Dusk DSP, or Mega 5 EST, the Volume S sounds more controlled and “correct,” trading some slam and upper-air fireworks for coherence and timbre. It won’t thrill bass lovers, treble heads, or detail chasers seeking a spotlighted presentation; everyone else gets a superb all-rounder that feels benchmark-worthy—the HD600/650 vibe for IEMs. Verdict: you should buy this if a do-it-all, neutral-natural tuning is the goal; just mind your source impedance and consider swapping the cable to kill the microphonics.

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The Softears Volume S delivers a distinctly colored sound signature with significant boosts in two key areas: the bass and the upper mid-range. Its bass profile is uniquely elevated up to around 300Hz, resulting in a physical, heavy, yet well-defined low end that impresses with substantial note weight and attack, appealing even to bass enthusiasts. Vocals cut through clearly due to the upper mid-range boost, but this tuning comes with a trade-off: a noticeable sense of hollowness and a narrower soundstage that can feel congested on certain tracks, creating a love-hate relationship with its presentation.

The treble offers a safe, natural, and polite character, providing adequate detail without excessive brightness or roll-off, though it may lack sparkle for some listeners. Technically, the Volume S performs at a level comparable to the Moondrop Blessing 3, excelling particularly in the incisive attack and substantial weight behind each note. When compared to competitors, the Volume S edges out the Tea Pro in bass quality, separation, and natural timbre, though the Tea Pro offers a wider stage. Against the Blessing 3, the Volume S trades openness and cleanliness for a more fun, bass-forward and impactful experience. It also presents a more balanced signature than the brighter, more treble-focused Kiwi Ears Astral.

Ultimately earning an A-minus rating, the Volume S is highly recommended for those seeking exceptional bass quality and a fun, colored tuning. However, it might not suit listeners prioritizing a wide soundstage, a neutral signature, or a bright, sparkly treble with forward micro-details; these listeners are advised to audition first.