Dunu 142 - Reviews & Ratings
2 Reviews (A Tier | 8.1/10)
Summary
Across 2 expert reviews (averaging 8.1/10), the Dunu 142 is described as a comfortable mid-fi set with strong accessories, rich sub-bass or warm-neutral bass, clean mids, airy but controlled treble and solid technicalities, though some find it a bit cool or too relaxed.Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.9Gaming Grade
ADunu 142 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral, Warm
Brand: DUNU Top DUNU IEMs
Price (Msrp): $249
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Reviews
Reviewed by: Jaytiss
8.7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Dunu 142 comes in as a striking one dynamic driver, four BA, two planar tribrid around the $250 mark, pairing a sapphire-like blue shell with excellent ergonomics and isolation. The fully blue faceplate catches the light beautifully, the shell is vented yet comfortable, and the build includes a slightly recessed 2-pin connector that feels robust and well thought out. Accessories are strong too: a familiar but well-made Dunu case, a solid tip selection, cleaning tool, and a premium-feeling modular cable with working chin slider and swappable terminations like 4.4 and 3.5 (with optional USB-C from Dunu directly), rounding out a package that feels both premium and cohesive.
Sonically, this is a sub-bass focused set with a slight W-shaped character, offering plenty of low-end, flat and clean mids, and energetic upper treble that keeps things exciting without turning harsh. It is not a mid-bass-heavy IEM and can come across as a bit cool or thin to those who prefer warmer tunings, but the sub-bass impact and air make it engaging and fun, especially for rock, metal and modern pop. Female vocals in particular tend to shine thanks to the scooped middle that keeps things clear and uncluttered, while the treble stays pristine, clean, and non-sibilant. Technical performance is strong, with a wide, open stage, good imaging and satisfying micro-detail, evoking comparisons to higher-end sets like the Monarch MK4 while refining aspects of other Dunu models and peers such as Da Vinci, DK3001, Brain Dance, Ziigaat Horizon, AFUL P7 and various ZiiGaat and Punch Audio offerings.
In the crowded sub-$300 space, the Dunu 142 is framed as a new benchmark: bass is scored around a strong nine, mids an eight with their flat, well-executed character, and treble praised for clarity and extension while remaining controlled. It competes closely with sets like Astral and Daybreak and sits alongside favorites such as Punch Audio Martillo and Ziigaat models, yet distinguishes itself with its balance of impactful sub-bass, airy treble and refined tonality. Despite a touch of lean character that may not suit die-hard warmth lovers, it earns a place on a tightly curated five-star list under $500—one IEM per brand—thanks not only to its sound but also its packaging, cable, case and overall presentation, making it a genuinely special, potentially endgame choice for many who want to grab one beautiful, resolving set and be done.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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7.4
Reviewer Score
The DUNU DN142 is a seven-driver tribrid IEM built around a 1DD + 4BA + 2 micro-planar configuration, positioned at roughly $249 MSRP in the mid-fi segment. The lightweight 3D-printed resin shells (about 5.6 g per side) and Q-Lock modular cable system aim for comfort and flexibility rather than luxury flair, while specifications such as a 5 Hz–40 kHz claimed frequency range, 37 Ω impedance, and 107 dB/mW sensitivity suggest an IEM that is reasonably easy to drive but not ultra-sensitive. Overall build quality appears solid and functional, with the design language focused on the Ao Bing “deep ocean” theme rather than metal housings or ornate embellishments.
Sonically, the DN142 is described as a more relaxed, warm-leaning alternative to DUNU’s brighter DN242, with a slightly elevated mid-bass, a comfortable, rounded midrange, and less forceful sub-bass and upper-treble energy. Community impressions further characterize it as having a broadly balanced, studio-monitor style tuning with a touch of warmth: mid-bass sits slightly above sub-bass, mids are smooth and natural, and treble is present yet controlled rather than sharp or aggressive. This profile should suit listeners who prioritise long-term comfort and organic vocals over maximum sparkle or sub-bass impact, while bass-heads and those seeking a highly energetic treble presentation may find it too restrained.
In terms of technical performance, the DN142’s tribrid driver array and four-way crossover deliver good resolution, layering and imaging for its price, with multiple early impressions noting “a ton of performance on tap” and clean separation even with more complex material. Staging and dynamics appear competitive but not class-defining compared with higher-priced tribrids; the presentation leans more towards controlled, coherent and slightly intimate than vast or dramatically punchy. Taken together, the DN142 offers a warm-neutral, easy-listening tuning with solid technicalities that feels fairly priced in the ~$250 bracket, delivering good but not “end-game” performance relative to much more expensive flagships.
Infos
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Compare Dunu 142 to popular alternatives
VS
| IEM | alt. Score |
|---|---|
|
Dunu 142 vs. Queen of Audio x Eir Aoi Misty Blue
Queen of Audio x Eir Aoi Misty Blue offers better mids, imaging and bass.
|
7.9 |
|
Dunu 142 vs. Ziigaat Odyssey
Ziigaat Odyssey offers better mids and bass.
|
7.8 |
|
Dunu 142 vs. Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua
Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua offers better details, imaging and bass.
|
7.7 |
|
Dunu 142 vs. Kiwi Ears Astral
Kiwi Ears Astral offers better imaging, bass and mids.
|
7.7 |
|
Dunu 142 vs. Epz K9
Epz K9 offers better bass, details and soundstage.
|
7.7 |
|
Dunu 142 vs. INTUAURA Balance
INTUAURA Balance offers better bass and mids.
|
7.6 |
|
Dunu 142 vs. Aful Performer 5+2
Aful Performer 5+2 offers better bass and mids.
|
7.6 |
|
Dunu 142 vs. ZiiGaat Crescent
ZiiGaat Crescent offers better bass and mids.
|
7.5 |
|
Dunu 142 vs. Simgot ET142
Simgot ET142 offers better mids, bass and details.
|
7.5 |
|
Dunu 142 vs. Gizaudio x Binary Chopin
Gizaudio x Binary Chopin offers better bass, details and imaging.
|
7.5 |
IEM Finder Quiz
newAverage Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- The response is even and composed, lending itself to effortless genre hopping. Voices sit comfortably in the mix.
Average Technical Grade
A- It delivers a confident technical showing with defined layers and satisfying clarity. You can follow backing vocals with relative ease.
User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
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