Closer Examination

The stock cable that comes with the DUNU DK3001BD not only matches the IEMs very well, it's actually a legitimately good cable in use and sound to where it also feels like one of those multi-kilobuck upgrade cables from some brands that I really don't recommend people going with. There is scope for improvement though, with the initial section being sleeved in nylon and fairly thick, so it can be harder to re-shape. On the other hand, it doesn't matter for microphonics since the cable splits into braided sections thereafter, and you get a highly supple segment there closer to your ears anyway. This is a modular cable using DUNU's Q-Lock Mini system—a cheaper version of the full-fledged Q-Lock Plus we've seen in more expensive DUNU cables, although these are lower in profile and the screw-lock is a nice adaptation anyway. The full Q-Lock Plus system uses more right-angled terminations and a neat push-lock mechanism, for what it's worth. DUNU offers a 4.4 mm TRRRS balanced termination by default, with the IEMs coming with a 3.5 mm TRS single-ended option in the bag. The cable uses high-purity Furukawa OCC (Ohno Continuous Cast) copper conductor, which is refined further through a secondary purification process. The conductor is encased in a nylon damping layer early on before going to silicone for the braided section, and we see the use of metal hardware throughout, including on the more bespoke and branded splitter. The cable cinch comes branded also and actually works as promised in holding the two split sections where you want them. We see the four strands (in sets of two) then headed to the ears where there are pre-formed ear hooks using a clear plastic sheath to keep things looking clean. This cable uses MMCX connectors, although I understand there will be a 2-pin version available soon, if not already by the time this review in published. There are L/R markings on the connector housings to help identify the left and right channels, and I appreciated the attention to detail in giving these the same smooth white finish as the IEM shells. All the analog plugs are gold-plated for oxidation resistance.


Now we get to the IEMs, and this is a case of a set that looks better in person than photos and videos make it seem. In fact, I'd say I liked it a lot when I saw them first on a large projector display with individual pixels showing, and liked it even more when I saw them at the DUNU booth thereafter. This made me quickly realize that these are not cheap trinkets by any means, as there's some heft to these larger shells too. DUNU has gone with CNC-machined aluminium alloy for the shells and faceplates, using a single large block of the metal, before giving them a zirconium ceramic coating akin to those in heating plates since these are known for high strength and durability. It's a smooth matte finish that is thankfully resistant to fingerprints and oils, although I would still clean them regularly and store them properly to avoid any long-term issues to the finish. For what it's worth, I did accidentally drop them ~2 feet on to a hard surface when taking final photos (after testing was finished) and there was no damage visible at all—Meze might want to pay attention.


The faceplates are best considered an extension of the shells here, as opposed to the usual decorative resin ones we see on, well, resin shell IEMs. We see plenty of venting and markings too, with the latter indicating not only the left and right channels but also the MMCX connectors used here. There are screws visible in the middle in a raised section, although I don't know what the 01 in orange refers to here—maybe DK3001? We get DUNU branding here too, although I'd say it blends well with the rest of the decor to where your eyes will be more captivated by the cyberpunk aesthetic ongoing. I totally get that it's a divisive choice though, however I found myself liking it even more over time than I already did first up. The MMCX connectors are flush against the side, where we also see a clear/red plastic ring to further help identify the left and right channels, respectively. I wish the coating, or rather the clean-up done when assembling the shells and faceplates together, was better done though. We see some inconsistent gaps on the side here that leaves some room for improvement. The shells are also on the thicker side, and use a more generic design as opposed to the highly ergonomic shells DUNU has used with other models. This makes the DK3001BD a safer choice in being able to fit inside a wider variety of ear concha, yet you miss out on that near-CIEM style fit the likes of the SA6 MK2 can give if it works for you. The shells have a steel nozzle fit onto the body, and this has a conical section going from 6 mm at the very end to a maximum of 6.5 mm before giving way to a recessed notch that can help secure the ear tips when installed, as demonstrated with the default white bore ones. There is a metal filter on the end of the nozzle to prevent contaminants from entering the acoustic chamber, this would have been accounted for when tuning the set too.


Fitting the various provided ear tips is easy enough because the bores of these ear tips are sized appropriately for the metal nozzle, which in turn has a retaining notch to help keep the tips in place. Try out the various options and sizes provided as well and keep in mind that both ear canals won't necessarily have the best seal with the same size or set, either. You may also end up going for some aftermarket silicone or foam tips if none of these work for you or to try and get a different sound signature in the highs. The next step is to connect the cable by carefully identifying the matching channels and orienting the ear hooks around your ear when connecting the IEMs. Doing so is extremely simple since you just push the male ends of these MMCX connectors—assuming you have this version of the DK3001BD anyway—into the female ones on the IEMs, with a click to help confirm the connection is secure. The MMCX connection offers free rotation too, and I'd argue a well-built MMCX connection is more user-friendly than 2-pin connections too. The connector housing matches the shells almost exactly—you might be irked by the unmatched shades of white though—as does the rest of the cable to make for a predominantly white set.