Dunu 242 - Reviews & Ratings
3 Reviews (A Tier | 8/10)
Summary
With 3 expert reviews averaging 8/10, the Dunu 242 is praised for its neutral-bright, vocal-focused clarity, strong detail and controlled bass—described as “half AFUL, half Elysian and all awesome”—though some find its energetic treble and lighter low end less ideal for very relaxed or bassy listening.Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8Very Positive
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.7Gaming Grade
ADunu 242 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+4BA+2Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral-bright (vocal-focused)
Brand: DUNU Top DUNU IEMs
Price (Msrp): $349
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Reviews
Reviewed by: Jaytiss
8.8
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Buy Dunu 242 on HiFiGO
Ad
Price: $349
Buy Dunu 242 on HiFiGO
Reviewed by: Audio-In Reviews
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Dunu 242 comes in at around 350 dollars and presents itself as a substantial tribrid with dual dynamics, four balanced armatures and two micro planar drivers in a large 3D printed shell. The fiery red faceplate with gold trim and the modular cable give it a very premium feel, even if the cable is a little on the stiff side. Fit is surprisingly secure and comfortable despite the larger shell and thick nozzle, though getting tips mounted can require some effort. Overall build, finish and accessories are very solid and clearly positioned as a higher mid tier all rounder.
On a low impedance source the 242 offers a basically neutral tuning with bass sitting slightly behind forward upper mids and elevated lower treble. Bass quantity is not boosted and will not satisfy bass heads, but it is clean, quick and well balanced between mid bass punch and sub bass extension with almost no bleed into the mids. Lower mids carry enough presence to keep things from sounding thin, yet the focus is clearly on the upper mids where vocals and instruments step forward with very natural tone, just lacking a little extra weight. Lower treble around 5 to 8 kHz brings clarity and bite, but can introduce some edge and sibilance at higher volumes, while the slightly relaxed upper treble still gives a sense of air and shimmer with cymbals rendered in a convincingly natural timbre.
Technical performance is decent for the price, with an average width soundstage and a more intimate sense of depth that keeps vocals and instruments relatively close. Imaging is clear enough to track positions across the stage, even if notes do not always feel sharply locked in place and can sound a little floaty. Compared with sets like Volume S, Studio 4 and Da Vinci, the 242 is less warm and less forgiving but offers more vocal clarity and a brighter, more energetic top half. As a result it comes across as a balanced yet vocal focused specialist that suits listeners who value natural, forward vocals and clean bass over big slam and spacious staging, and who are comfortable keeping volume in check to avoid treble sharpness.
Audio-In Reviews original ranking
Audio-In Reviews Youtube ChannelWeb Search
7.7
Reviewer Score
The Dunu DN242 (often referred to as “242”) is an eight-driver tribrid IEM featuring 2 dynamic drivers, 4 balanced armatures and 2 micro planar drivers per side, coordinated via a multi-way crossover to cover the full spectrum. With an impedance of around 35 Ω and sensitivity of about 110 dB/mW, it is easy to drive from most modern sources while still benefitting from higher-quality DAC/amps. The lightweight resin shells (~6 g per side) and modular Q-Lock style cable provide a practical, comfort-oriented package at an MSRP of roughly $349, placing it in the competitive upper-midrange bracket.
Sonically, the DN242 presents a neutral-bright, vocal-focused tuning with restrained but articulate bass, a clear midrange and energetic treble. Reviewers consistently note that the midrange is clean and evenly toned, giving vocals strong intelligibility and preserving textural nuance, while the dual dynamic drivers prioritize control and definition over sheer quantity in the low end. The upper mids and treble are described as bright and very resolving, with quick transients and a “spry” character that pushes vocals and leading edges forward, but can introduce a touch of sharpness or upper-treble bloom for more treble-sensitive listeners unless managed with careful tip choice.
Technical performance is a strong point for this price tier: users and reviewers describe detail retrieval as above average, with disciplined, non-boomy bass, stable imaging and a stage that organizes complex material without obvious congestion, even if sheer width is not class-leading. The combination of clarity, separation and midrange focus makes the DN242 particularly suitable for vocal, acoustic, jazz and classical material where precision and neutrality matter more than warmth or powerful slam. However, its moderate low-end emphasis and bright top mean it is less ideal for listeners seeking a very relaxed or bass-heavy presentation, especially given the number of warmer alternatives around the same price.
Infos
Discuss Dunu 242 with the community
Start an official forum discussion for this IEM. We'll create a new thread titled "Dunu 242 discussion thread" in our IEM Discussion Threads.
Compare Dunu 242 to popular alternatives
VS
| IEM | alt. Score |
|---|---|
|
Dunu 242 vs. Hercules Audio Noah
Hercules Audio Noah offers better dynamics, bass and imaging.
|
8.2 |
|
Dunu 242 vs. Yu9 Que
Yu9 Que offers better bass, dynamics and soundstage.
|
8.1 |
|
Dunu 242 vs. Juzear Harrier
Juzear Harrier offers better dynamics, bass and imaging.
|
8 |
|
Dunu 242 vs. Ziigaat Horizon
Ziigaat Horizon offers better imaging, details and bass.
|
7.9 |
|
Dunu 242 vs. ZiiGaat Luna
ZiiGaat Luna offers better dynamics.
|
7.9 |
|
Dunu 242 vs. Softears Volume S
Softears Volume S offers better bass and dynamics.
|
7.8 |
|
Dunu 242 vs. Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk offers better details, dynamics and bass.
|
7.7 |
|
Dunu 242 vs. Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua
Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua offers better imaging, details and bass.
|
7.7 |
|
Dunu 242 vs. Kiwi Ears Astral
Kiwi Ears Astral offers better dynamics, imaging and bass.
|
7.7 |
|
Dunu 242 vs. Epz K9
Epz K9 offers better dynamics, bass and details.
|
7.7 |
IEM Finder Quiz
newAverage Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- It presents a smooth, well-integrated tonal balance that plays nicely with many styles. It maintains natural timbre across the range.
Average Technical Grade
A- The balance of resolution and space feels assured, keeping complex passages coherent. Layering is convincing on most studio mixes.
User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own review