DUNU Kima 2 Review
DUNU Kima 2 Review
Introduction:
DUNU Top Sound, commonly known as DUNU, has been a significant player in the audiophile market since its establishment in 1994. The Chinese company is celebrated for its unwavering commitment to audio excellence and precise craftsmanship. Over the years, DUNU has built a loyal fan base among audio enthusiasts worldwide. Their earphones are well-regarded for innovative driver technologies, high-quality materials, and meticulously tuned sound, consistently providing outstanding audio experiences.
The DUNU Kima 2 is a newly released in-ear monitor (IEM) that combines advanced engineering with premium materials. It features a next-generation DLC composite dome dynamic driver and a strong magnetic architecture, similar to the Falcon Ultra, for enhanced performance. Available in standard and Limited-Edition versions, the Kima 2 is housed in a full metallic stainless-steel cavity for durability and a premium feel. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable wear.
The IEM includes a high-purity four-core hybrid cable with monocrystalline copper and silver-plated monocrystalline copper, encased in a shock-absorbing nylon jacket. The cable features DUNU’s Q-Lock Mini interchangeable termination plug system, with both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced plugs.
In this review, I will assess the DUNU Kima 2 in terms of sound quality, design, ergonomics, and value, providing an objective and unbiased evaluation.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank HiFiGO for providing me the DUNU Kima 2 IEM sample for review purposes. I am not affiliated with HiFiGO or DUNU beyond this review and all these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The DUNU Kima 2 In-Ear Monitor is actually priced at $119.99. For additional details, please refer to the link below.
Package & Accessories:
The sleeve cover of the DUNU Kima 2 immediately catches your eyes with its intricate anime-style illustration. The character, with long, flowing hair, is dressed in a detailed outfit adorned with ribbons and frills, and holds an open book. Surrounding her are elements like doves, musical notes, and petals, all adding to the whimsical and magical theme. The background features a full moon and pink clouds, enhancing the dreamy atmosphere.
The main box is in back which has the DUNU branding on the top.
This box of the Kima 2 is including the following contents/accessories;
- 1 x pair DUNU Kima 2 In-Ear Monitors
- 1 x Detachable with Q-Lock Mini interchangeable plug system
- 1 x 3.5mm Single Ended Headphone Adapter
- 1 x 4.4mm Balanced Headphone Adapter
- 3 x pairs of DUNU S&S Ear Tips
- 3 x pairs of DUNU Candy Ear Tips
- 3 x pairs of DUNU Balanced Ear Tips
- 3 x pairs of DUNU Atmosphere Enhancement Ear Tips
- 1 x Acrylic stand
- 1 x Zipper Case
- 1 x Small IEM protection pouch
- 1 x Shirt Clip
- 1 x Cleaning Tool
- 1 x Print Material
Design & Build Quality:
The DUNU Kima 2 showcases a clean design with a full metal stainless-steel cavity, made of S316 grade steel offering both durability and a premium feel. The ear shells are nicely crafted using a CNC machining process and feature refined sandblasting, giving them a sleek and textured finish.
Additionally, there is a Limited-Edition Kima 2 Green Color variant that features a mirror-finish process, adding to its visual appeal.
The faceplate of the DUNU Kima 2 features a minimalist modern geometric design composed of multiple polygonal segments in varying shades of gray, creating a subtle visual contrast. The right earpiece is branded with “Kima 2,” while the left one displays the “CRIZ FACTION” logo. Overall, the faceplate design is distinctive and contemporary, contributing to the Kima 2’s refined aesthetic.
At its core, the Kima 2 is equipped with a next-generation DLC composite dome dynamic driver unit. This driver incorporates a powerful magnetic architecture similar to the Falcon Ultra, providing high magnetic flux density to enhance driver performance.
The inner surface of the monitors includes a sound nozzle with a golden finish, equipped with a mesh in order to prevent dust and ear wax.
Two vents contribute to the overall acoustic performance: one smaller one located near the nozzle and another, larger one near the 2-pin connector, which features a mesh on top.
On top of the monitors is a 0.78mm diameter 2-pin female connector that offers a tight connection.
The Kima 2 comes with a shock-absorbing nylon coated high-purity stock cable featuring four cores of mono crystalline copper and silver-plated mono crystalline copper wires. The cable is encased in a nylon shock-absorbing sleeve for added durability.
The cable is equipped with 0.78mm dia. 2-Pin connctors.
The cable has a gray fabric jacket from the plug to the Y-splitter. The rest of the cable is braided and features metal connectors. The DUNU branding is visible on the Y-splitter.
It uses standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors and includes DUNU’s patented Q-Lock Mini interchangeable termination plug system, with both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced plugs included.
Fit, Comfort & Isolation:
The DUNU Kima 2 is designed to offer a comfortable fit for a wide range of users. Its ergonomic shape ensures that it sits securely in the ear without exerting excessive pressure. With various ear tip options included, users can customize the fit to achieve an effective seal, enhancing sound isolation. While personal ear shapes may affect comfort levels, the Kima 2 generally delivers a pleasant wearing experience.
In terms of passive noise isolation, the Kima 2 provides average attenuation, making it suitable for use in environments such as buses, metros, or trains.
Technical Specifications:
- Model : Kima 2
- Frequency Response : 5 Hz – 40 kHz
- Impedance : 20 Ω
- Sensitivity : 108 dB/mW (@ 1 kHz)
- THD : <0.3% @ 1 kHz
- Driver Type : External Magnetic DLC Composite Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
- Shell Material : S316 Stainless Steel
- Net Weight : approx. 10.5 g (per side)
- Cable Composition : Four-Core Single-Crystal Copper and Silver-Plated OCC
- Cable Length : 1.2 m ± 0.1 m
- Connector : 0.78 mm 2-Pin
- Headphone Plug : Q-Lock Mini Interchangeable Plug System,
- Included Plug :Two Plugs (1x 3.5 mm Single-Ended, 1x 4.4 mm Balanced)
Pairing & Drivability:
The DUNU Kima 2 has an impedance of 20 ohms and a sensitivity of approximately 108 dB. This combination indicates that the IEM is easy to drive and can be used effectively with a wide range of audio sources. It performs well with devices that have lower output power, including ultra-portable DAC/AMPs, USB DAC/AMP dongles, and even smartphones and tablets, making it a versatile option for various listening setups.
Equipment’s used for this review:
- IEM’s : DUNU Kima 2
- Sources : FiiO JM21, FiiO KA15
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
- Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
- Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
- Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
The DUNU Kima 2 is an entry-level IEM that promises a balanced and engaging audio experience, featuring a DLC composite dome dynamic driver and a strong magnetic architecture. It delivers a well-defined low-frequency response with moderate bass quantity and extension. The midrange is slightly recessed but maintains clear and neutral vocal representation. The treble extends well, providing detail and airiness, though it can come across as slightly elevated to some listeners. The Kima 2 also offers an intimate soundstage with sufficient depth and instrument separation.
This review is based on approximately 55 – 60 hours of burn-in using the DUNU Kima 2 with the included Candy Ear tips and stock cable. For this evaluation, I paired the IEMs with the FiiO JM21 (DAP) and FiiO KA15 (DAC/AMP) dongle.
Bass / Midrange / Treble / Soundstage & Imaging:
The DUNU Kima 2 in-ear monitors (IEMs) deliver a well-balanced bass response characterized by moderate levels that extend into the lower frequencies, providing an impactful and satisfying low-end presence. The sub-bass performance is particularly noteworthy, adding depth and rumble that becomes especially apparent in tracks with prominent low-frequency content, such as Daft Punk’s “Doin’ it Right” and Lorde’s “Royals”. Despite the emphasis on sub-bass, the mid-bass frequencies remain tightly controlled and clear, effectively avoiding any muddiness or bloat that could obscure other elements in the mix. This careful balance ensures that punchy and rhythmic basslines are reproduced with precision and clarity, as clearly demonstrated in Michael Jackson’s iconic track “Billie Jean.” Furthermore, the Kima 2 IEMs exhibit an impressive ability to handle fast and complex bass sequences with remarkable agility and definition, a quality that becomes particularly evident when listening to intricate compositions like Gogo Penguin’s “Murmuration.”
Moving into the midrange frequencies, the DUNU Kima 2 presents a slightly recessed profile, which contributes to a sense of spaciousness and airiness in the overall sound. Vocals are rendered with clarity and articulation, allowing individual words and phrases to be easily distinguished. However, compared to IEMs with a more forward midrange tuning, vocals on the Kima 2 may exhibit a slightly reduced sense of body and warmth. The upper midrange frequencies are well-represented, delivering smooth and detailed vocal performances, particularly noticeable in tracks that feature female vocalists with strong upper-range presence, such as Edith Piaf, Adel and Diana Krall. While the lower midrange frequencies are not as prominent as the upper midrange, male vocals from artists like Sting and David Bowie retain a commendable level of clarity and a natural tonal quality.
In the higher frequencies, the DUNU Kima 2 exhibits a treble response characterized by good extension and a sense of airiness, resulting in detailed and lively high frequencies that add a touch of excitement and energy to the overall sonic presentation. Importantly, the treble response is carefully tuned to avoid harshness or fatiguing peaks, a particularly impressive feat for an entry-level IEM. The Kima 2’s ability to handle intricate and layered guitar work in the high-frequency range is showcased effectively in tracks like Opeth’s “Windowpane,” where the complex interplay of guitars and other instruments is reproduced with commendable clarity and separation. While the treble response is generally well-balanced and cohesive with the rest of the frequency spectrum, some listeners may perceive a slight accentuation in the higher frequencies, depending on their individual preferences and hearing sensitivities.
The soundstage presented by the Kima 2 IEMs can be described as intimate, offering a reasonable degree of instrument separation and a sufficient sense of depth. While the soundstage may not be exceptionally wide or deep, it creates a well-defined listening space that contributes to a relatively three-dimensional presentation of the music. Although the soundstage may not be the widest or deepest available in this price range, it provides a good sense of spaciousness.
Conclusion:
The DUNU Kima 2 presents a compelling package for an entry-level IEM. Combining advanced driver technology derived from higher-end models like the Falcon Ultra, a robust stainless-steel build, and a high-quality hybrid cable with DUNU’s versatile Q-Lock Mini interchangeable plug system, the Kima 2 demonstrates a commitment to both performance and value. Sonically, it delivers a balanced and engaging experience with a well-defined low-end, clear midrange, and airy treble, though the latter may be slightly elevated for some. While the soundstage is intimate, it provides sufficient depth and instrument separation for an enjoyable listening experience across various genres. For those seeking a well-built, technically capable, and balanced-sounding IEM at an accessible price point, the DUNU Kima 2 is certainly worth considering.
Pros & Cons:
- + Balanced audio experience with well-defined bass, clear midrange, and airy treble
- + Above average Clarity & Resolution
- + Lively Vocals
- + Good Fit & Solid Built Quality (S316 grade Stainless Steel material)
- + Modular cable design with DUNU’s Q-Lock Mini interchangeable plug system
- + Extensive accessory bundle (Modular cable, Various Ear Tips, Storage Case, Pouch, etc.)
- – The soundstage is intimate rather than expansive
- – Limited Technical Performance
- – Short Sound Nozzle
