Great photos. Iâm excited about this one.
As always, DUNU never goes cheap on accessories. Kudos!
Is it me or did the S&S tips get softer?
Omar got one too. I know paul is getting one as well, but he is gettin a 142 like me and will get both 142 and 242 together.
Thank you to HiFiGo and DUNU for the sample what a lovely midcentric IEM
Here is the video now that I am officially allowed to release it.
Diminishing returns start here
5 STARS 
DUNU 242
Built to last
Pros:
1. Good build Quality
2. Smooth balanced sound signature
3. SUPERB cable cable
4. Attractive design
5. Fit
6.Very natural timbre
Cons:
1. Midbass boost
2.treble is not very sparkling
Not for fans of big bass or lively treble.
Iâd just like to say upfront I believe we are all biased when giving our subjective thoughts about IEMs be it a particular type of signature that works with our music library or how an IEM looks and feels in our ears. On the subject of ears everyoneâs ear anatomy is different and this effects fit and seal which in turn effects the perception of bass response so I recommend finding the right ear tips that suit your ears to get the best of any IEM. A pause for thought this review is my opinion and as such is not the âcast iron truthâ itâs what I believe to be my truth others may differ and should have equal weight, no opinion is is the truth itâs just an opinion.
My review star ratings are linked to the price range of the iem eg a 5 star review of a $100 iem is not equal to one of a $500 iem.Iâm and audio enthusiast with a collection of over 200 iems, 30 different sources with a music collection that numbers over 100,000 tracks and 15 flathead buds I share my impressions as a way to share my enthusiasm for the hobby I approach from the premise of music first technology 2nd, what does this mean? For me the technicalities are not of prime importance but does the music move with this particular iem.Iâm a connoisseur of many different sound signatures. The only prerequisite is musicality Iâm not a fan of analytical cold playback.
My scale of success when it comes to evaluating iems is; do I get goosebumps when they playback my favourite tunes do they make me feel the music as an experience. There are many good iems but do they give me goosebumps? Unfortunately I have a draw full of just good iems.I want the iem that I reach for without thinking because I instinctively know it will bring the emotional connection Iâm seeking from my music.
DUNU have been part of my journey in the hobby from the the Vernus through the Zen, Vulkan and DK3001BD all have delivered in their unique way Dunu donât have a single signature that they stick to they build iems and create sonic sculptures to excite and deliver the most broad selection to entice and satisfy customers looking for an iem to suit there taste.
The 242 is for me their most satisfying iem yet and I believe it to be the line in the sand where diminishing returns start. To be more exact this iem in my opinion is a flagship iem for a midrange price.
So yes this could very well be many peoples endgame choice. The all medium sized resin shell is beautiful with its gold trimmed faceplate itâs overall look is not dissimilar to the Aful Dawn X. Unlike the Dawn-X the Dunu 242 cones with a superb cable with interchangeable terminations both 3.5 and 4.4mm the cable is thick and supple very comfortable around the ear and 2pin forgoing Dunus history of mmcx connections. You get a great selection of premium Dunu eartips and a practical case that fits the iems and cable and still feel pocketable and protected. I have yet to have an unsatisfactory Dunu unboxing itâs always a treat.
The nozzle of the 242 is medium length I used the Dunu SS tips, they sealed to perfection feeling comfortable and afforded the best sonic properties of the selection of tips for me.
The Dunu 242 is undoubtedly their best yet with its extremely natural tone and timbre. The 242 is an iem that can cause goosebumps with its slightly boosted Mid-bass giving a really pleasing slam when called upon this an iem that grows on you as you listen, the way instruments are authentically reproduced and vocals sit perfectly in the pocket really becomes addictive. Where in the past Dunu have had a treble presentation that borders on aggression with sharp spikes the 242 has a smooth detailed treble that never moves into fatiguing territory. The mids are a delight, transparent and detailed with very layering this iem has technicalities and resolving power above itâs pricing.
Iâm not a follower of graphs and technical jargon so I leave that to the manufacturer:
Hereâs what Dunu have to say:
An Acoustic Feast of Multi-Driver Harmony â Redefining Natural Sound
8-Driver Tribrid Architecture (2DD+4BA+2 Planar)
8 mm Dynamic Driver for Low Frequencies
10 mm Dynamic Driver for Sub-Bass
2 Ă Custom Ultra-High Frequency Micro Planar Drivers
2 Ă Custom High-Frequency Balanced Armature Drivers
2 Ă Custom Midrange Balanced Armature Drivers
Advanced 5-Way Crossover
Precision Electronic Crossover Network
Premium-Grade Cablin
Q-Lock Mini Interchangeable Connector System
Model: DN-242Shell Material: Resin
Net Weight: Approximately 6g (Per Side)
Frequency Response: 5Hz â 40kHz
Impedance: 35Ί
Sensitivity: 110dB/mW (@1kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.5% (@1kHz)
Dynamic Driver:1 Ă Ultra-Low Frequency Dynamic Driver1 Ă Low Frequency Dynamic Driver
Balanced Armature Driver:2 Ă Custom Midrange Balanced
Armature Drivers2 Ă Custom Treble Balanced Armature Drivers
Planar: 2 Ă Custom Ultra-High Frequency Micro Planar Drivers
Cable: 4-Core High-Purity Silver-Plated OCC Copper Cable Length: 1.2m Âą 0.1mConnector: 0.78mm 2-pin Connectors
Q-Lock MINI Modular Plug System Includes Two Interchangeable Plugs (4.4mm Balanced, 3.5mm Single-Ended)
The 242 is a 2DD x 4BA x 2Micro planar tribrid hence the name 242 is released into a very saturated market with strong contenders from many companies, making it difficult to stand out. The 242 sounds exceptional with a solid bass foundation with slightly forward upper mids and lower treble. Is it a stand out sound signature? Yes, its terrific tone and timbre singles it out in its price range. The all-round signature works really well with Pop, Rock Folk and blues. What sets it appart from all the other pretenders is its deft skill with vocals and authentic analogue instruments , nice build quality, very comfortable fit and a very nice cable. The slightly boosted mid bass and solid sub-bass is refreshing in the world of tucked midbass sub-bass dominant releases. While the mid-bass is boosted it in no way gets in the way of the smooth transparent mids that really let vocals breathe along with the very natural tone and timbre that enhances the enjoyment od guitars and piano.
A very balanced studio monitor tuning with slight mid bass over sub-bass . Smooth mids with a tasteful treble thats not lacking extension infact the treble is something of a pleasant surprise after the Brain dance which is plain old aggressive. I for one really enjoyed the sound very much with my classic rock and 80âs pop music genres. The 242 is surprisingly detailed especially when paired with a great sound source like the iBasso DX340 which revealed lots more detail and texture. The bass is warm and inviting, not soft but with strong dynamics that work very well with quick and densely layered music . The mids are a strength with organic natural smooth playback which means you can listen for hours without fatigue. Vocals, male and female are natural well bodied and sweet. The treble is present extended but not strident. The balance of the frequency regions is commendable.
Guitars sound very nice with a good leading edge thanks to the upper mids and lower treble elevation so overall the 242 is a very pleasant and addictive iem with Pop music, Blues and classic rock. If youâre into EDM they might not have enough sub bass and not be what you are looking for.
Disclaimer
Hifigo was kind enough to send my the Dunu 242 as a review sample I am not affiliated with Hifigo and of course was not asked for any copy checking before publishing, they are seeing this the same time as you. All pictures taken be me or sourced from the HiFiGo Web store . ALL opinions shared in this review are my subjective thoughts.
Make sure to research any earphone before you buy!
The Dunu 242 is available to buy here on the hifigo.com webstore
[ DUNU DN242 2DD+4BA+2 Micro Planar Drivers IEMs ]( DUNU DN242 2DD+4BA+2 Micro Planar Drivers IEMs )
I listened with my collection of DAPs and Dongles
Onix Waltz XM10
Shanling M5Ultra
Hiby R4 Evangelion
Sony ZX707
SONY nw-a55
iBasso DX340 with amp17
Fiio M21
IBasso Nunchaku
Muse audio M6 Double
Cayin N7
Luxury and precision W2 ultra
The 242 is not an easy to drive iem at 32 Ohms, still I had no trouble driving with dongles and DAPs on low gain. I did notice a real change in the sound quality with the different sources the iBasso DX340 revealed more detail in the treble more texture and layering in the bass the 242 LOVES clean POWER with a transparent signature that reveals the sources characteristics.
Soundstaging, while not the widest iems Iâve heard in the price range feels accurate neither too cozy nor artificially wide there is accurate detailed layering between instruments and good depth in the stage commiserate with a price point above the 242âs $349
Separation is well defined, I was able to follow instruments in songs without it becoming congested or confused so again accurate.
When Iâm evaluating iems I have a play list of roughly 100 songs of mixed genres. With the Dunu 242 I found myself not not analysing just listening to the music intoxicated by itâs lovely timbre especially with male and female vocals which is always a good sign, theres good cohesion across the frequency ranges . I found they I worked across all the genres in my library always full bodied. smooth and detailed . The space around instruments was excellent . They really excelled with more organic artists like The White Buffalo, Shawn Mullins and Steely Dan. Worth mentioning i found there to be zero artificial ba timbre present, showing what an excellent job the Dunu team have done with these unbranded BA and micro planar drivers.
Some of the music Selections I evaluated the Dunu 242 with
Yes /Roundabout
This prog rock classic starting with the bass Maestro Chris Squires signature dexterity on this four stringed driving force of a track. Then in comes Jon Andersons crystalline vocals with keyboards drums and guitars dancing around the way the Dunu 242 rendering of instruments and space is breathing the bass is perfectly weighted without any bloom or masking to the mids. This is a song designed to showcase layering and the 242 does so with flying colours. Goosebumps all round!
Queen/Wyclef Jean featuring Canibus + Free - Another one bites the dust remix
This rather fabulous remix adds a rap element and remixed instrumental the added bass dynamics really come across with authority with the rapping of Wyclef Jean clean and articulate weaving in between the Freddie Mercuryâs infamous vocals with the more street orientation to the mix the 242 really eats up this song and lays it out , in all itâs glory I was genuinely excited by this playback and returned to it on numerous occasions with the 242.
BIG BOIâ KILL JILL , the vocaliod singing is played pitch perfect not thin leading you into the huge bass drop before the vocals kick in. This song is a bass heads dream rather than a subtle melodic composition the 242 handles the drop well, not clouding/veiling the mids and treble the 242 handles this song well, I enjoyed the song. This song is quite complex in the layering of voices beats and instrumentation the 242 letâs all the individual parts breathe enough to appreciate the whole while still giving enough bass humph to be effective. Maybe not quite as well as a genuine Basshead iem would but well enough to enjoy.
Eagles - Hotel California
This is a song all six minutes plus that needs a skillfully tuned iem to appreciate itâs full glory. The dynamics available in this song are far reaching unlike todays everything louder than everything else this song ebbs and flows with complex instrumentation and percussion. The vocals come in after the chiming guitars as the song progresses the superb harmonising with guitars stretching add to the complex layering the 242 plays this with deft skill the cymbals are crisp and natural the drums are plated with perfect decay. Itâs a masterful playback which again raises goosebumps. The transparent playback removes the feeling of using an iem to listen to experiencing the music.
Shawn Mullins â Anchored in You from the Souls Core Revival album
The brass section intro intro is perfectly presented sweet and detailed with great texture and tone, the timbre is beautifully natural. The drums with that slow restrained rhythm anchor the song with skilful authority Shawnâs emotive vocals which are the focus are the star of the show never overpowered by the drums and guitar, the depth of detail really showing the nuances in his voice. The bass knows when to take a back seat never boosting the lows unnaturally but ready when the song calls for it.
Kate Bush- the man with the child in his eyes
The real strength of the 242 came to the fore with Kateâs breathy etheral vocals that are accompanied by delicate piano that was so natural in tone and timbre they transported me into the studio with her a really marvellous experience that Iâm not used to with such a well-priced iem.
COMPARISON
for my comparison Iâm going to compare the 242 with its sibling the DK 3001BD or Brain Dance, also a hybrid to my ears they sound nothing like each other while the Brain Dance as all about ramming details down your throat with its excitable signature. This Brain Dance is an exciting listen but after only 30 mins I start to feel fatigued. The 242 on the other still delivers those details but in a refined balanced way that leads to hours of fatigue free enjoyment.
The 242 is more tonally balanced with less bravado but way more authentic timbre especially in the treble region where the 242 excels in its fatigue free extension. The 242 sounds the most expensive of the two when the opposite is true.
CONCLUSION
The around $349 range is full of great sounding iems with more released it seems on a weekly basis the Dunu 242 competes with a sound signature that lets your music flow effortlessly. The 242 are a well detailed natural sophisticated iem. Dunu have produced an iem that stands as a challenge to those iems in the upto $1k price range. They are an exceptional iem with a transparent studio monitor sound signature with a liitle added midbass excitement that offer good details and an analogue signature . I absolutely recommend you check out the Dunu 242 if you want a well-tuned beautifully presented iem thatâs worth every penny of its price that plays music with effortless ease.
Remember this is my opinion others may differ. With the 242 I think most will share my opinion check out those opinions too.
I think sođ . It started when the XL came out.
Very close to Cadenza4 but with softer bass.
Dunu 242; The New Gateway
A complete set, even the ear tips are keepers
A excellent proposition on value for money
Detailheads unite!
This is an immersive experience set
Easy on the Ears wide W sound signature designed for long listening sessions
Excellent Midrange and treble resolution for the money
Good Bass resolution; bloat free is guaranteed
Good natural timbral qualities
Excellent out of head stage
Excellent coherence for a tribrid!
Excellent detail retrieval and technicalities
Good 3D effects
Moderately Efficient, a dongle is enough to portray an out of head Musicianâs monitor style staging
This is a keeper
-
Not for bassheads
May require a better than good source player to bring out its best
May require a little more power than usual
Thereâs the impression of album quality dependence. If itâs a bad album, it will be a bad experience.
Specifications:
Shell Material: Resin
Net Weight: Approx. 6g (per side)
Frequency Response: 5Hz - 40kHz
Sensitivity: 110dB/mW (@1kHz)
125dB/Vrms (@1kHZ)
Impedance: 35Ί
THD: <0.5% @1kHZ
Driver Configuration:
1 x Ultra-Low Frequency Dynamic Driver
1 x Low Frequency Dynamic Driver
2 x Custom Midrange Balanced Armature Drivers
2x Custom Treble Balanced Armature Drivers
2x Custom Ultra-High Frequency Micro Planar Drivers
Cable: 4-Core High-Purity Silver-Plated OCC Copper
Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
Plug: Q-Lock Mini Interchangeable Plug System
Includes 4.4mm Balanced & 3.5mm Single-Ended Plugs
The Packaging:
DUNUs DN242 packaging leans into the artistic ethos of musical mediaâbold, expressive, and collectible.
Iâd keep the artwork for posterity. (Pardon the pun)
DUNUâs 242 IEMs continue the trend of album-inspired packaging, where the box itself becomes part of the listening ritual. Much like vinyl sleeves or CD covers that evoke the mood of the music, the 242âs packaging is:
Visually bold and thematic, inspired by Nezhaâs fiery spiritâa mythological nod to rebellion and limitless energy
Designed to feel collectible, with artwork that mirrors the layered complexity of the IEMâs tri-brid architecture.
This approach reflects a broader movement in portable hi-fi: treating packaging as an extension of the productâs identity. Itâs not just about protectionâitâs about storytelling. This is a great tale in the making.
Ergonomics and Fit
Shell size: Compact enough for most ears, yet substantial enough to house the tri-brid architecture.
Concha protrusion: Slight, expectedâprimarily at the pin receptacle zone, which subtly extends beyond the shell contour.
Nozzle diameter: 6mmâideal for secure tip retention and canal engagement.
Tip compatibility: With preferred ear tips, insertion is smooth and stable. Seal integrity is high, with minimal adjustment needed.
The build
Lightweight resin shells: Comfortable for long sessions, yet sturdy enough to inspire confidence.
Premium face plates: Well-rendered with an artsy finishâeach unit feels like a bespoke piece.
No driver flex: Thanks to strategically placed vents just below the recessed receptacle, airflow is optimized and structural integrity preserved.
Elegant gold band: A subtle but striking design element that frames the shell edges, adding a touch of luxury between the face plate and body.
Signature: Wide W
Sonic Profile Highlight
Neutral-bright tuning: Airy, Crisp highs with controlled energy, extendedânever sibilant, always articulate.
Midrange emphasis: A Very Slight lift in the mids enhances separation, especially in vocal layering and instrument placement. Itâs subtle but effective
Bass is neutral, good resolution, it supports the mix in the background rather than dominating on the front
Staging height: Not âin your faceââinstead, it floats the image vertically, like high-end full size over ear headphones. This gives it a lofted, immersive stage rather than a forward, intimate one.
Treble
DN242 exhibits a sensational treble resolution. Itâs north of neutral, analytical, articulate, bright, highly resolving, immensely engaging, extended, never harsh, never fatiguing, open, sparkling. There is excellent Low level and macro details portrayed on this set. Despite its bright showing, the degree of realism is on the high side.
This track is a percussion playgroundâand the DN242 renders it with surgical precision and spatial finesse. Itâs not just about hearing the rhythm; its about feeling the trajectory of every strike.
The percussion is immaculately depicted here. There is a high level of accuracy. Percussion strikes, trail reflection goes down on the floor and bounces up, looking somewhere to bounce back. Effectively creating the excellent extension.
Midrange
Midrange-forward bias, there is a Subtle lift that brings presence without overpowering. Itâs forward, not dominant.
But rather the equally engaging top end complements it.
It is Neutral No bias toward male or female vocalsâboth are rendered with equal clarity and tonal balance.
Clean and detailed, the midrange is pristine, with high fidelity across the spectrum. Tonality is even, and resolution is top tier.
Detail retrieval, both low level and macro dynamics are captured with surgical accuracy. You hear the breath, the bow, the texture.
Grand-scale separation, Instrumental layering is expansive. Each element occupies its own space, contributing to the DN242s lofted stage.
This tracks pacing is a cognitive match for the DN242s analytical prowess. It aligns with how our brain naturally inspects sonic details, neither rushed nor sluggish, but rhythmically ideal for dissecting resolution and tonal layering.
Patriciaâs voice, as rendered by the DN242, is nothing short of sublime. It stands as one of the finest vocal reproductions availableâregardless of price tier. The DN242 captures her tonal purity, breath control, and emotional nuance with effortless fidelity.
Thereâs no colouration, no artificial warmthâjust natural timbre and crystalline projection. The midrange-forward tuning, paired with the DN242âs analytical precision, allows every inflection and dynamic shift to shine. Whether sheâs whispering or soaring, the IEMs maintain composure and clarity, making her performance feel expansive, open, and realistic.
Vocal projection is exceptional, sitting on a high bar of clarity and presence. The DN242 showcases the full midrange, upper mids, and lower treble with seamless brillianceâeach region flowing into the next without harsh transitions or tonal gaps. Itâs a masterclass in coherence.
The piano performance is crystalline. Notes are rendered with high-definition detail, dynamic shading, and emotional engagement. Yet despite its analytical edge, the presentation remains velvety smoothânever sterile, never brittle. Itâs the kind of playback that invites both inspection and immersion.
Bass
The DN242 approaches bass with a neutral, disciplined presentationâa deliberate design choice that prioritizes clarity and control over impact. Even on bass-heavy tracks, bloating is effectively negated, allowing the low-end to remain articulate and well-behaved.
Despite its restraint, the bottom end is far from neglected. Its analytical in natureâdecayed with precision, detailed in texture, and slightly extended to give just enough depth. The bass is tuneful, never overpowering, and always complementary to the overall mix. It completes the sonic scene rather than dominating it, reinforcing DN242s commitment to balance and fidelity.
Despite neutral in nature, itâs articulate, impactful, visceral, textured, tuneful â never skipped a beat, Having its own space on the high head stage.
Technicalities
Letâs dismiss the fact that The DN242 canât be a rockstar, because it can and more than capable.
Clarity and resolution are unmistakably beyond midfi class, but rather Gateway.
This legendary drum solo is a benchmark for technical brillianceâand the DN242 rises to the challenge with finesse.
It captures every nuance of Neil Peartâs performance, from the explosive transients to the subtle decay trails, with uncompromising accuracy and precision.
The DN242s handling of ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) and PRAT (Pace, Rhythm, and Timing) is exemplary. Each strike is immediate and clean, the decay trails are natural and uncompressed, and the rhythmic flow is tight yet musical. The percussion timbre is rendered with realismâneither overly dry nor artificially sweetened. Its the kind of playback that honours Peartâs skill, letting the listener experience the full dynamic arc of the solo.
This isnât just a playbackâitâs a technical reenactment. The DN242 doesnât just reproduce the sound; it respects the performance.
For solo violins, a single dynamic driver often sufficesâits organic timbre and fluidity capturing the nuance of bow and string. But for a full symphony, the demands escalate. You need an ensemble of technologies: balanced armatures for precision and speed, dynamic drivers for foundational bass, and now, planars to elevate the top end with shimmer and air. The DN242 delivers exactly thatâa golden performance through a tri-brid configuration that feels purpose-built for orchestral grandeur.
It may sound cheeky, but the DN242 truly puts harmony in philharmonic. In the referenced trackâJupiter 41âthis synergy becomes undeniable. Thereâs a sense of order and unity, where each driver type contributes without stepping on the others. The result is coherence in motionâa system that breathes and moves as one.
Timbre is natural, instruments are rendered with realism, and the ensemble effect is breathtaking. Strings soar, brass glows, woodwinds flutter, and percussion anchorsâall consolidated into a classic that invites repeat listens. Its the kind of performance that taps into something ancient, something primal. You donât just hear the musicâyou inhabit it.
Tips Selection; Ear Candy
For the DN242, the included stock tipsâS&S and Candies from DUNUâproved more than sufficient. There was no need to reach for aftermarket options, as these tips already delivered the tuning I preferred.
The Candy variety became my primary choice for most listening sessions. They provided a neutral yet accurate bottom end, detailed and articulate without exaggeration. The midrange was equally neutral and highly resolving, offering clarity and separation that matched the DN242âs analytical character. The top end mirrored this precision, extending smoothly with detail and brilliance.
Staging with the Candy tips was spacious and open, never collapsing into a claustrophobic presentation. The result was a balanced, coherent listening experience that reinforced the DN242âs strengths across the spectrum.
A duel of coherence and technicalities
The Acoustune HS1670SS, once the Japanese flagship at $899, still holds its ground as a single dynamic driver marvel. Its shallow V-shaped tuning delivers excellent top-end resolution, a natural midrange, and a midâbassâemphasised bottom endâan exemplar of coherence even today. Yet, when placed against the DN242, the contrast reveals how far triâbrid innovation has pushed the envelope.
Comparative Breakdown
â˘Efficiency & Load: Both are medium efficient. The single DD of the 1670SS is naturally easier to drive, but the DN242 isnât far behind in practicality.
â˘Treble: Both sets qualify as trebleâhead level. The 1670SS offers refinement, but the DN242 pushes amplitude furtherâmore slam, sparkle, detail, and resolution.
â˘Midrange: The 1670SS leans euphonic with a neutralâwarm tilt. The DN242 is more neutral, carrying greater detail retrieval and a higher level of engagement.
â˘Bass: The 1670SS emphasizes midâbass, giving the impression of stronger bottomâend resolution through amplitude. The DN242, by contrast, is neutralâwarm, more accurate, and more detailed in its lowâend presentation.
â˘Staging: Both deliver wide, outâofâhead soundscapes. The DN242, however, excels in stage depth, vertical layering, and headâstage heightâoffering a more threeâdimensional experience.
â˘Technicalities: Both are exemplary in coherence and detail retrieval. Respect is due to the 1670SS for its singleâdriver brilliance, but the DN242 captures more microâdetails, layers them with finesse, and separates instruments with superior clarity.
The pitch vs the real world
The marketing promise was bold: ââŚdeliver a perfect balance of details and musicality. From punchy bass to lovely vocals, detailed instruments, and extended treble, the DUNU DN242 offers an exciting sound that sits perfectly with different genres of music!!â
In practice, the DN242 proves that this wasnât just a pitchâit was a statement of intent. The set truly balances detail retrieval with musicality, offering punchy yet disciplined bass, vocals that soar without bias, instruments rendered with precision, and treble that extends with sparkle but never fatigue. Across genres, the DN242 maintains composure and excitement, adapting without compromise.
DUNU has indeed put their money where their mouth is. The DN242 doesnât just meet expectationsâit resets them. At this point, I should rest my case, because I simply canât stop listening.
Final Words
DUNU has long been an established name in the portable hiâfi industry. Year after year, they continue to release sets that are not only decent and better but consistently costâeffective. The DN242âfondly called Samadhi Fire and now Nezhaâis another testament to their technical brilliance. With each release, DUNU manages to bring prices down while keeping performance high, ensuring their products remain accessible without ever feeling âcheap.â
The DN242 will go down in history as a new gatewayâlevel set that resets expectations. By pushing the price range downward while maintaining highâperformance standards, it firmly establishes itself as an affordable yet truly capable piece of In Ear Monitor Headphones.
This unit was provided to me free of charge. All impressions and opinions expressed are based solely on my personal use and listening experience. I am not affiliated with DUNU or Hifigo in any capacity, nor have I received any financial or nonâfinancial incentive to promote their products.
Equipment Used During Review
Asus ROG Scar Strix 18" (RTX 5080, 2025), iBasso DX260, iBasso DX320 Max Ti, Penon Tail
This is why I want the Brain Dance! 
I want to add a detail monster to the top of my collection, and later on add a bass monster to the bottom. Then Iâll have the extremes and everything in the middle covered. Of course, Iâll get the itch to buy something else sooner or later, especially when 11/11 rolls around. Iâm a sucker for a good sale!
Steve:
Todayâs date is 11/19 â youâre late for 11/11! Unless you are the most patient mofo on Earth and are talking about 11/11/26! 
Product Specifications
Brand: Dunu
Model: DN 142
Driver Configuration:1DD+4BA+2Planar
Cavity Material: Resin
Net Weight: Approximately 5.6g (per side)
Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz
Sensitivity: 107dB/mW (@1kHz) 121dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
Impedance: 370Ί
THD: 0.5% @1kHz
Cable: 4-Core High-Purity Silver-Plated Occ copper
Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
Plug: Q-Lock Mini interchangeable Plug System(includes 4.4mm Balanced & 3.5mm single-Ended Plugs)
The 11/11 sale goes until midnight tonight I believe. I probably wonât buy another IEM until 11/11/2026. I never see any new ones in my price range that interest me anymore. I have enoughâŚalthough it is fun to buy stuff for some strange reason.