Closer Examination

There will be more images here than typical, so bear with me if wondering why. However, it is important, especially as we discuss the included cable that comes with the DUNU FALCON PRO. It does look the part, and adding to the appeal is the use of a modular connector system similar to what we saw from a few recent FiiO releases. DUNU calls this the Q-Lock LITE, which is not to be confused with the Q-Lock PLUS used on some more expensive DUNU IEMs. What you essentially get is a friction-fit system using grooves to help with setup and alignment, and arrows both on the outer metal veneer of the plugs and the inner groove. This allows the end user to easily swap between 2.5 mm balanced, 3.5 mm single-ended, and 4.4 mm balanced connectors to the source. All three plugs adopt a 90° physical connector DUNU says is smaller in profile than on the Q-Lock PLUS threaded system. Combined with the 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter, the FALCON PRO has a nice assortment of connectivity options to choose from.

Regardless of what you go with, the cable itself is comprised of 99.9999% pure monocrystalline copper that is silver-plated to form the conductive core. This is then braided in the typical litz cable configuration; four strands are separated into pairs of two past the splitter/cable cinch placed part-way through the cable. There is insulation throughout the length of the cable, making for durable and smooth wiring that won't have the strands separate or snag onto something on your body/dress. We do see clear, thick sheathing on either end for added durability, which helps get the cables to the two see-through, lightly-angled housings for the MMCX connectors. L/R markings on the transparent plastic housing distinguish the left and right channels respectively, and here too do we see gold-plated connectors for oxidation resistance.


The silver and chrome aesthetic employed by the cable carries over to the IEM buds as well, with the use of 316 stainless steel for the shells. The stainless steel housing is cast in a tear-drop shape and then CNC-machined and milled to the exact design requirements. The internal acoustic chamber is similarly milled out of the stainless steel cavity to create compartments to host the hardware inside. The shells are then highly polished for the mirror-like chrome finish on the face plate, although this in itself clashes with the matte finish seen on some of the connectors.


A closer look at the IEM bud housing shows that the face plate has rather significantly beveled edges, which get sandblasted and frosted before it's adorned with what DUNU calls its vintage logo motif. This is the artistic "D" you see here, which does somewhat resemble a pressed symbol going around a currency coin. The currently used logo is also seen, which explains the design language for the product box that I understand will vary depending on whether you get the Chinese or International version. It is an acquired look with some noting that it comes off as a fashion-brand wannabe and others finding it classy. I personally would have rather DUNU stick to a single logo since the mixture does come off as busy to my specific tastes.

The rest of the housing design shows the use of a multi-piece construction glued together to allow for the soldered MMCX connectors between them on one side. L/R markings on the side touch the ear concha, again helping distinguish the two sides if need be. But we then see something more interesting in the form of multiple filtered vents as part of a multi-path airflow management system, which DUNU says allows for targeted damping with controlled airflow both in front of and behind the driver. Next, we get to the steel nozzle, which comes with a machined retainer notch that keeps the ear tips in place when installed. But this too is removable, as seen with the replacement nozzles that shipped as accessories. It is attention to detail that the inlet past the nozzle is filtered too with the damping in mind while preventing contaminants from entering the acoustic chamber even when the nozzle is being replaced. This makes for three sets of replaceable nozzles, each marked with differently colored O-ring seals that also make for spares with different geometries to both the external body and effective diameter of the mesh screen letting the audio signal through. Pre-installed are those marked Reference, with Transparency and Atmospheric Immersion seen installed above for a visual look at the differences.


We saw that the FALCON PRO ships with one set of the white silicone ear tips pre-installed, which I found was the firmest of the three for resisting shaping. It also is the easiest to install since it does not buckle as much as the others under pressure, although it may dig in both direction more as well. The rest, especially the two black-flange tips, are more forgiving to install, but do need a stretch to start things off. Once done with the tips, the next step is to re-connect the cable by carefully pushing the MMCX connectors back in place. The 3.5 mm TRS (or 2.5/4.4 mm TRRS) connector then goes to the source of your choice, and you simply install the IEMs in your ears with the cable ideally going around the back of your ears and head to reduce microphonics. I know there are many who prefer to use IEMs throughout, but I like to use over-ear headphones when sitting down and IEMs/TWS earbuds on the go. I've paired the DUNU FALCON PRO with all the tested portable DAC/amps thus far and personally liked the cleaner profile and handy EQ options with the Qudelix-5K as the source, which has in turn been paired to my phone and/or laptop for audio listening, but not frequency response testing.