Plunge Audio
UNITY DYNAMIC $269.00 usd
Single DD IEM.
Impedance: 32 ohm @1kHz
Sensitivity: 96dBSPL @ 1mW (IEC 318)
Frequency Response: 10Hz -20kHz
Isolation: -28dB
Drivers: Single 9.2mm LSR Dynamic Driver (liquid silicone rubber)
Preamble:
The Plunge Unity Dynamic is my own personal IEM. It will tour with the Canuck Audioholics Review Group.
This is not a full review, more a commentary and introduction to Plunge Audio’s second IEM release.
The Plunge Unity Dynamic, a single DD IEM.
It follows in the footsteps of the OG Plunge Unity, a 4 BA IEM which is now referred to as the “Plunge Unity Stage”.
A Bit About Plunge Audio
(There is lots of additional info on their webpage)
Plunge Audio, is a small independent developer/manufacturer/distributor of semi custom IEM’s, focused primarily on the stage and studio market.
The are located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. And ship worldwide.
Simon Fisk, owner, and driving force behind the Plunge team is a musician with several albums to his credit, and an audiologist, whom originally, was marketing full custom IEM’s.
Due to high cost and lengthy delivery times for full customs Simon developed
And licensed a unique universal shell design, with the in ear stability and comfort of full customs.
Packaging:
The Unity Single Dynamic arrived in a fairly plain cardboard box that doubled as the shipping carton. Environmentally responsible.
** Inside is a very robust oval carry case that could fit in a larger pocket, but designed to be unceremoniously tossed in a kit bag, and go.
** And inside the case; the ear pieces, A silver plated copper cable terminated 3.5mm (4.4mm not available), what appear to be 3 pair Tangzu Tang Sancai ear tips, 3 pair foam ear tips, and a cleaning tool.
The basic essentials, built to last.
Pros and Cons:
The vented “industrial” looking shells are 3D printed nylon which are considerably more robust than resin, and much lighter than metal.
The upward directional nozzle angle is unique to Plunge and are tailored to fit the ears natural anatomy. (See photo)
The shells incorporate an open chamber/open nozzle design. No tubes, no filters, no mesh, just open room.
Similar, in some ways, to the concept of “room correction” setup on a home theatre system, the driver(s) in the IEM are “tuned to the room”.
The vent in the shell fires directly at the Tragus of the ear.
The tragus assists in collecting and directing sounds into the ear, in particular sounds from behind.
These sounds are delayed, which assist us in determining directionality front to rear.
Strictly a personal interpretation, but, I imagine the vented sounds would enter the ear as ambient sound passing by the ear tips, adding dimension to the sound stage.
From Plunge website:
“All while our proprietary tuning and venting system adds air and aliveness around the sound”
2 year warranty on manufacture defects for shells and internals, and 90 days on cable and case.
Each unit is hand assembled, tuned, and packaged.
Ships worldwide, anywhere Canada Post ships.
Unique design and secure comfortable fit.
Staging, imaging, and layering that competes with the best of the best.
No 4.4mm cable termination available.
Equipment:
Plunge Unity Dynamic IEM aged approx. 50 hours.
IBasso DX340 DAP low gain, 3.5mm SE out.
Stock silver plated copper cable, terminated 3.5mm.
Electech Baroque extra wide bore ear tips.
I am not a musician, couldn’t play a note to save my life.
I am an audio enthusiast/audiophile, I love listening to music, and have since I was old enough to know there was music.
So why do I own IEMs developed and marketed toward stage and studio use?
I visited Simon at his shop a couple years ago and auditioned the Plunge Unity Stage (4 BA). (Approx. $650 usd)
I was immediately captivated by the uncoloured and honest reproduction of each recorded track that I listened to, and purchased one on the spot.
When I received a notification of the pending release of the Unity Dynamic, I didn’t hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity to pre order and be among the first to experience it.
There is an FR graph in the photos that is from the 4 BA Unity Stage.
There are no FR graphs currently available for the Unity Dynamic, but, this graph will give some insight to Plunge Audio’s “balanced” tuning philosophy.
Sound:
Bass on the Unity Dynamic is what the recorded track delivers.
Hit it with some sub bass heavy electronic and pour the coal to the volume and it pulls low with an authoritative rumble that will vibrate your cranium.
Switch to some jazz and the double bass is clean and natural and just the right amount.
Mids are filled with macro and micro detail. The recorded track determines positioning on stage.
Sometimes a bit forward and elevated, other times laid back and a little subdued, but never over emphasized.
Vocals are tonally accurate on both male and female.
As with the mids, the track determines positioning on stage.
Highs have excellent micro detail retrieval, air, and sparkle. Never harsh
Staging is open and spacious with a dead silent background. (Source device may impact this)
Imaging and layering are precise and accurate on all three axis.
On par with, or better, than any staging I have heard.
Summary:
So who are Plunge Audio Dynamic IEM’s for”
Obviously for the main target market, musicians and studio techs.
But also for audio enthusiasts who want a clear, mostly uncoloured, accurate and natural reproduction of the recorded source with incredible staging, tonality and timbre.
Compared to the all BA Stage edition I find the Dynamic a bit looser and less defined in the bass region, and less mids forward in the mids and vocals.
The all BA has a little more individuality between the frequency ranges with 4 drivers handling the work load instead of one.
IMHO I feel the Dynamic is the better choice for audio enthusiasts.
It is a highly technical IEM, with good “musicality”
The Plunge Audio Dynamic is an extraordinary IEM well worthy of consideration by those in the music industry, and, audio enthusiasts who feel the tuning suits their listening style and preference.
I’m enjoying it immensely.
Enjoy your music.
Despite KZ site stating the same specs for both, I do find the Bass Model requires just a notch or two more on the volume wheel to match volume with Balanced Model.
