The DUNU SA6 MK2 is a highly anticipated product that went through an interesting launch period. HiFiGo appears to have obtained a month of exclusive sales before DUNU itself could start selling it directly, let alone other retailers that DUNU works with. This meant all original marketing was done by the Shenzhen-based retailer which was also responsible for making the limited edition SA6 Ultra a reality before the SA6 MK2 was a thing. HiFiGo seemingly decided to offer discounted units to some people in exchange for reviews and this resulted in several reviews coming out before the media got review samples. As it turned out, all those earlier reviews were highly positive and I suppose you can probably guess where I am going here. It was a smart business move to generate and maintain the hype for the SA6 MK2, albeit it's not one that I agree with personally.

As of the date this review goes live, there are multiple reviews of the DUNU SA6 MK2 from established reviewers and here the story is far more divisive. Many like/love the set whereas others are less impressed. I went from plenty of excitement to somewhat going "huh" in a matter of minutes after having plugged these in and listening to them. First impressions are great—DUNU has a refreshing bold take on the packaging but maintains its status quo of providing some of the very best accessories with its IEMs. You get a cable that sells for $200 by itself, four types of ear tips, and even a neat case that I can see people actually using too rather than simply for storage. The IEMs themselves are also gorgeous using stabilized birch wood and resin in a semi-custom design that looks great and fits very well in my ears—your mileage may vary though. The SA6 MK2 continues the use of six balanced armature drivers from its predecessors as well as a switch on the side to enable a slightly different sound that is worth trying. Personally I was not a fan but it's more to do with the overall sound signature itself and how the switch being on emphasizes some of its issues further.

The SA6 MK2 comes off quite tilted in favor of the lower frequencies and yet has air to add a sense of clarity throughout. This in itself can be a winning formula but there were some things I could not get on board with. In particular, the relaxed upper mids and ear gain which seems to have been what won people over with the original SA6 is taken further here to where female vocals can sound slightly honky and still recessed. Many instruments also feel like they are being played further in the background even though I am familiar with the recordings well enough to know that is not the case. I completely get why the SA6 MK2 is divisive and I can only say you should listen to it first before committing one way or another. As it stands, I am unable to wholly recommend the set for the asking price.