Dunu DN242 - Reviews & Ratings

2 Reviews (B Tier | 6.8/10)

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Summary

Based on 2 reviews, the Dunu DN242 is a positive pick among reviewers, who feel it delivers a well-rounded experience.

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

6.8

Cautiously Favorable

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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

6.6

Gaming Grade

B+

Reviews

Reviewed by: Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 6.2 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
B- Tech
Neutral leaning tribrid with excellent mids and a lively treble plus great accessories, but light bass and only decent technical performance make it more of a specialist choice at 350 dollars than an easy recommendation. Balanced, smooth and full bodied mids with clear vocals, lively treble sparkle and a very generous accessory package including a modular cable. Light bass with limited slam, treble that can sound edgy for sensitive listeners, average technical performance and large shells that may cause fit issues for smaller ears.
Youtube Video Summary

The DUNU 242 is a tribrid configuration with two dynamic drivers, four balanced armatures and two micro planars at around 350 dollars, and it comes with the kind of generous accessory package expected from DUNU. The modular cable feels premium and easy to handle, with matching colors and both 3.5 and 4.4 millimeter terminations, while the included case and wide selection of tips make it feel complete out of the box. Shells are on the larger side with a thick 6.4 millimeter nozzle and a shape that is not very contoured, so users with smaller ears may find the fit tricky even though overall build quality feels solid.

In terms of tuning, the 242 presents neutral bass levels with relaxed sub bass and only moderate mid bass presence, so it does not deliver strong slam or impact and clearly will not satisfy bass focused listeners. The mid range is the highlight, sounding balanced rather than recessed or shouty, with clear, dense and full bodied notes that give male vocals depth and instruments a grounded, natural weight, making this the most convincing part of the signature. Treble is forward and lively with pleasing shimmer that adds energy, but it can turn a bit peaky or edgy depending on the track, so treble sensitive listeners may wish it were smoother.

Technical performance is described as decent, roughly in the fifty to sixty percent range, which means resolution and separation are competent but not standout for the price, and competing models can offer more detail, sub bass extension or a more natural overall balance. The 242 fits listeners who want neutral bass, easygoing vocals and a sparkly top end in a compact package with great accessories, and who are willing to accept average technicals and some treble edge in exchange. For those who crave deep, punchy low end, smoother treble or a more obviously engaging presentation at this price, there are stronger all rounders, so this DUNU feels like a specialist choice rather than a default recommendation.

Bass: C+ Mids: A Treble: B- Dynamics: C+ Details: B-

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
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Price: $349

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Web Search

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Web Search 7.4 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A Tech

The DUNU DN242 (often shortened to “242”) is an eight-driver tribrid with a 2DD (10 mm + 8 mm) + 4BA + 2 micro-planar array and a 5-way electronic + acoustic crossover. It’s listed at $349 USD and ships with DUNU’s Q-Lock Mini modular cable (3.5 mm & 4.4 mm), in lightweight resin shells (~6 g/side), 35 Ω impedance and 110 dB/mW sensitivity—specs that make it easy to drive from mainstream sources.

Listening impressions from early reviews point to a neutral-bright, vocal-centric balance: clear mids, quick upper-mids/treble, and articulate (rather than boosted) bass. Detail retrieval and treble “sparkle” are recurring themes, while staging is described as precise and reasonably open for the class. These traits are consistent with show-floor notes describing forward upper-mids/treble and high resolving ability.

On value, the DN242’s package (modular cable, accessories) and technical performance are strong for ~$350, but its energetic treble and mid focus may not suit listeners seeking a warmer, bass-tilted signature; some community notes also flag recording quality sensitivity. Within sub-$400, it competes well on clarity and imaging, though its tonality won’t be universally forgiving. Overall, it reads as a capable, detail-forward set with clear strengths—and a tuning that will reward the treble-tolerant more than bass-first listeners.


Bass: A- Mids: A+ Treble: A Dynamics: A- Soundstage: A Details: A Imaging: A

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Compare Dunu DN242 to popular alternatives

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Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A-
  • Tuning lands in a pleasing sweet spot with mostly coherent frequency integration. Tonality stays consistent from track to track.

Average Technical Grade

B+
  • It offers a competent showing, maintaining cohesion on straightforward arrangements. Complex passages start to challenge it, but never derail the show.
Bass B
Bass foundation is good, adding satisfying punch without losing control. Pop and rock tracks feel lively.
Mids A
Expect lifelike vocals and instruments with impressive nuance and realism. You can easily follow harmonies and backups.
Treble B+
Treble response is good, delivering clarity and sparkle without fatigue. Hi-hats sound lively without sting.
Dynamics B
You get confident dynamics that track both macro swings and rhythmic drive. There's life in every crescendo.
Soundstage A
Immersion steps up dramatically as width, depth, and height integrate into a cohesive hologram. Everything sounds naturally spaced.
Details B+
Good resolution with clear articulation of nuances that keeps complex passages intelligible. Micro-details pop without sounding forced.
Imaging A
Excellent imaging delivers precise, stable placement with instruments occupying tangible points in space. It locks each element into a steady position.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance. Value-to-cost may not be optimal for gaming-focused users.

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