Beautiful shells, light in weight yet well built.
2 tuning configurations via tuning switch – L shaped basshead tuning and a midcentric tuning.
Midcentric tuning is great for vocals/acoustic type genres.
Natural instrumental timbre.
Good technicalities for a budget pure DD setup (in the midcentric config).
2 pin connector – generally better lifespan than MMCX.

Cons:

Average isolation and soundstage.
No tool to flip switches provided.
In basshead tuning, midbass bleeds and sound is quite muddy/veiled.
Can be difficult to drive in the midcentric tuning config.
May possibly have sharp edges for some users in terms of fit.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Right off the bat (no pun intended), the unique part about the SMABAT X1 are the tuning switches that allow it to change from an L shaped basshead set to a midcentric set, thus giving it versatility to suit different music genres and sonic preferences. There are not many budget sets that have tuning switches, and furthermore, there are also not many budget sets that are tuned midcentric, (most are either harmanish/V shaped or neutralish to suit consumer preferences), so the SMABAT X1 does stand out in this area. In addition, the SMABAT X1 also comes with natural timbre and has good technicalities for a budget pure DD set.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: Dual Dynamic Driver (6 mm titanium plated diaphragm + 10 mm composite diaphragm)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 24000Hz
• Impedance: 32 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 110dB/mW
• Cable: 0.78 mm 2 pin
• Purchase links: https://www.smabat.com/products/smabat-x1; https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001945966511.html
• Tested at $49 USD

ACCESSORIES

Other than the IEM, the SMABAT X1 packaging comes with:

• SPC Cable – very well braided and usable.
• Array of silicone ear tips.
• Complimentary USB type C adapter – I got my unit from the official SMABAT shop, so they included a USB type C adapter with each SMABAT X1. Not sure if 3rd party sellers will provide this same adapter, as the adapter came in a separate package from the SMABAT X1 packaging. Please check with your seller regarding the provision of this USB type C adapter. In terms of usability and quality of this USB type C adapter, nothing to write home about, it is pretty generic and I think something like the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro sounds better.

For the purposes of this review, the stock cable and tips were used.

BUILD/COMFORT

The SMABAT X1 is made of a very nice aluminium alloy, the build quality is good and it is very light. It is kind of similar in shape to the Moondrop SSR (maybe it is a tinge larger than the SSR).

Though, I have some friends that tried the SMABAT X1 and complained of sharp edges on the back of the shell of SMABAT X1, and coupled with the stock tips that are shorter, they report that the sharp edges may press on the ear and cause some discomfort. My friends managed to fix this issue by using longer nozzle eartips, so as to “lift” the back of the shell off the ear. FWIW, for myself, using the stock tips and stock cables, I had a comfortable fit and didn’t find any discomfort despite using it for hours (but YMMV as this is somewhat dependent on ear anatomy and types of ear tips used).

I didn’t find any driver flex on this set. I liked that the SMABAT X1 came with a 2 pin connector as they generally have better life span than MMCX types, for those who do frequent cable rolling.

ISOLATION

The SMABAT X1’s isolation is bang average.

DRIVABILITY

I tested the SMABAT X1 with a Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp, Sony NW A-55 DAP (DMP-A50 FEv2 Classic Mr Walkman Mod), smartphone, Shanling Q1 DAP, Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, ESS ES9280C PRO DAC/AMP, and a Khadas Tone Board -> Fiio A3 Amp.

Interestingly, the SMABAT X1 has different amping requirements depending on whether it is in the switch down or switch up mode. In the default basshead L shaped mode (switch up), it is rather easy to drive from a lower powered smartphone. But when the switch is down (midcentric mode), then the sensitivity of the IEM decreases, and it is markedly more difficult to drive. Smartphones can probably still drive the SMABAT X1 at a higher volume in the midcentric mode, but amping will increase dynamics, soundstage and perhaps microdetails.

SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

SMABAT is generally better known for their earbuds than IEMs, and I’m a big fan of their earbuds, having purchased 3 of their midtier earbuds in the past. I think they previously were under the SVARA brand, and SMABAT has quite good reviews for their recent foray into the IEM world, with releases like the SMABAT NCO and SMABAT Black Bat. The SMABAT X1 described here is their next release in their IEM stable.

Right off the bat, the selling point of the SMABAT X1 is of course the 2 tuning options, which is uncommon for a budget CHIFI set. Strangely, the packaging didn’t come with a card pin to flip the switches on the SMABAT X1. But I guess u can use a toothpick or any sim card pin. If one has dextrous fingers or long nails I think you can flip it too without a tool, but I had to dig up a toothpick for this purpose.

When the tuning switch is flipped up (default signature), this gives the SMABAT X1 an L shaped basshead signature. With the switch flipped down, this gives a midcentric tuning, which is very rare for a budget set. (I define midcentric as a tuning that boosts the lower mids/upper mids more than the treble/bass.) Most budget CHIFI seem to be tuned V shaped/harmanish or neutralish to suit consumer preferences, and midcentric tunings are not too common at this price bracket. In fact, the SMABAT X1 is probably one of the cheapest midcentric sets I’ve encountered, my next cheapest midcentric set is the $78 USD 5 knowles BA Hisenior B5+.

In the L shaped switch up config, there’s copious midbass in spades that will please most bassheads in terms of quantity and subbass extension. Subbass isn’t as boosted as midbass. Unfortunately for bass lovers, the midbass bleeds and isn’t the most textured/controlled, it does impinge into the mids and causes a veiled sound. Lower mids are very thick and warm from the midbass bleed, upper mids are very well behaved and actually tame. Due to the not overly boosted upper mids, maybe there is a lack of bite and edge definition for guitars and vocals in this config. Treble is actually dark and nebulous, there’s no sibilance or shoutiness or fatigue, but trebleheads will be displeased with the treble extension and sparkle. Note weight is on the thicker side than in the midcentric switch down config. I’m a basshead and I actually didn’t like this basshead tuning config. I preferred the other midcentric switch down config as I find this basshead config has the quantity of the bass right for bassheads, but the bass is too boomy and bloated (so bass quality isn’t that great). Thus, perhaps only diehard bassheads that want quantity over quality will like this. Those that want a clean and fast bass without bass bloat best look at the alternative tuning switch option. The good news however, is that one can EQ the midbass frequencies down a bit and this does let the rest of the frequency spectrum breathe a bit, though I know purists who will never touch the EQ button, so YMMV. Alternatively, maybe trying an aftermarket wide bore silicone tip may help decrease the bass too.

Moving on to the switch down (midcentric config), it brings a very rare midcentric tuning to the budget CHIFI table. So as per the “midcentric” definition, in this config, the subbass is not very present here, midbass is neutral, mids are comparatively boosted, and treble is only moderately extended. The mids appear much more transparent and detailed in this midcentric config than the basshead config. This is probably cause the midbass doesn’t bleed in this config and this allows the mids to shine here. Vocals, acoustic instruments and guitars are the stars in this config, with vocal being quite resolving and in the centrestage. Despite the boost in the mids, the upper mids are quite safe still, with not too prominent pinna gain noted. With amping, I didn’t find it shouty or fatiguing and I’m quite sensitive to this area (this is with stock tips/cable). Noteweight is moderate in this tuning switch. Treble in this config is moderately extended, there’s mild sibilance, but it is not a very airy or sparkly treble.

As discussed above, midcentric tunings are rare for a budget set and since CHIFI has become very affordable in the past few years, we can probably have a pokemon collection of different budget IEMs with different tunings (eg V shaped, neutralish, basshead, bright, and this midcentric type tuning) to suit different moods, music genres and sonic preferences. Though, I’ve to warn you that midcentric tunings are very very niche, some folks that listen to bass forward music eg EDM may not like it, it isn’t the most versatile tuning, but those that are vocal and acoustic and mid lovers will love this tuning. Though once again, if you find this midcentric tuning too bass lite, EQ can also be used to boost the bass frequencies a tinge, and this does give a bit more warmth and meat to the lower frequencies if you want your bass kick (no pun intended).

Technically, in the midcentric config, the SMABAT X1 has good details and imaging for a pure DD setup, though most multi driver types (multi BA/hybrids) at this price bracket will probably still beat it in technicalities. Clarity and instrument separation/layering are also good (in the switch down midcentric tuning). In the L shaped switch up (basshead) config, the bass does smear into the other frequencies, and it does affect the resolution. Due to the lesser pinna gain in the tuning, especially in the basshead config, notes do have a lack of edge definition/bite, so this might be a pro or con depending on personal preference. It results in a smoother and less fatiguing presentation in the treble frequencies, but those that want some crunch/bite in vocals and guitars might need to look elsewhere. Soundstage is about average in all 3 dimensions and not classleading in this respect, though amping helps increase it a tinge.

In terms of timbral accuracy, the SMABAT X1 is natural for vocals and acoustic instruments, as per its single DD roots. So coupled with the midcentric config, this set will be a great pairing for classical, acoustic, jazz and vocal genres.

COMPARISONS

There are not many budget sets that have tuning switches, and furthermore, there are also not many budget sets that are tuned midcentric, (as discussed, most are either harmanish/V shaped or neutralish to suit consumer preferences), so the SMABAT X1 does stand out in this area compared to similarly priced competitors. As per comparing oranges to oranges, I compared the SMABAT X1 against other DD type IEMs. I’ve left out hybrids/multi BA IEMs as they have different pros and cons among the transducer types:

DUNU DM-480 (2 DD; $69 USD)

The DUNU DM-480 is another set with a dual DD. The DUNU DM-480 is a V shaped set, the resin shells here provide a more ergonomic fit and much stronger passive isolation than the SMABAT X1 and accessories are just as good. When compared to the midcentric (switch down) tuning in the SMABAT X1, the DUNU DM-480 has much better subbass extension and quantity, but it can get shoutier and more fatiguing in the lower treble/upper mids, with more sibilance in the DUNU DM-480.

Soundstage is slightly bigger on the DUNU DM-480, and technicalities are quite close. The SMABAT X1 beats the DUNU DM-480 in the timbre department by quite a bit, and of course, there is no tuning switch option in the DUNU DM-480. The lower mids are more depressed in the DUNU DM-480 and mid lovers and timbre lovers will probably opt for the SMABAT X1 (in midcentric config) over the DUNU DM-480.

HZSound Heart Mirror (1 DD; $49 USD)

The HZSound Heart Mirror is a neutralish bright set which also has very nice accessories and build. On the HZSound Heart mirror, bass is linear and extends deeper. Treble extends more on the HZSound Heart Mirror too. In terms of instrumental timbre and vocal timbre, the HZSound Heart Mirror is better. Technicalities like clarity, imaging, instrument separation and details are better on the HZSound Heart Mirror (when amped). The HZSound Heart Mirror has a smaller soundstage, but has a faster driver in terms of transients.

It has to be mentioned that the HZSound Heart Mirror sounds meh when powered from a lower powered source, but scales tremendously with amping. The switch down (midcentric) tuning on the SMABAT X1, as discussed, increases the amping requirements, and it may actually be more power hungry than the HZSound Heart Mirror in this midcentric config.

Moondrop SSR (1 DD, $39.99 USD)

The Moondrop SSR is tuned somewhat diffuse-field neutral with an upper mids boost. It is infamous for having a 3 kHz area spike, that is more obvious at louder volumes (Fletcher Munson curve). Thankfully, this spike is not present in the SMABAT X1. I couldn’t really tolerate the Moondrop SSR due to the 3 kHz icepick, so I do prefer the SMABAT X1 in terms of tuning. As per the midcentric moniker, the SMABAT X1 has lesser bass quantities, lesser subbass extension and lesser treble extension, but the SMABAT X1 has more detailed and transparent mids than the Moondrop SSR.

In terms of note weight, the Moondrop SSR is thinner. Timbre, imaging, instrument separation and details are about on par (when amped). The Moondrop SSR has greater clarity in view of the more boosted upper mids/lower treble.

CONCLUSIONS

Right off the bat (no pun intended), the unique part about the SMABAT X1 are the tuning switches that allow it to change from an L shaped basshead set to a midcentric set, thus giving it versatility to suit different music genres and sonic preferences. There are not many budget sets that have tuning switches, and furthermore, there are also not many budget sets that are tuned midcentric, (most are either harmanish/V shaped or neutralish to suit consumer preferences), so the SMABAT X1 does stand out in this area. The SMABAT X1 also has natural timbre and good technicalities for a pure DD set.

As for the tuning options, I’m a basshead but I didn’t really like the basshead L shaped config switch. The quantity of bass would suit diehard bassheads, but the bass quality wasn’t that great, I found it too boomy and bloated, and it caused a veil in the music. EQing the bass down and possibly a tip change can salvage this tuning however.

Happily, the other midcentric tuning switch saves the day, and is my preferred tuning in the SMABAT X1. I really liked this config, and would recommend this set for vocal and mid lovers. Vocals and the mids are the star here, the mids are very nuanced and well rendered in this config, with good timbral accuracy. Though as discussed, midcentric tunings are very niche, it may not suit every music genre, but for us in this CHIFI rabbithole, I feel a midcentric set would be a unique addition to the budget pokemon CHIFI collection, especially for those who like vocal and acoustic pieces.

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DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank the Aliexpress SMABAT store for providing this review set. The SMABAT X1 can be gotten here: https://www.smabat.com/products/smabat-x1; https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001945966511.html

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The post SMABAT X1 Review I – Right Off The Bat appeared first on Audio Reviews.

Above average technicalities for a DD setup.
Great subbass extension; High quality bass (in accuracy, speed, texturing).
Wide soundstage width.
Comfortable, ergonomic, great sturdy build.
Superb isolation.

Cons:

Thin note weight for vocals.
Poor timbre for acoustic instruments in mids/treble frequencies.
Overly recessed lower mids – not for vocal lovers.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The DUNU DM-480 is a U shaped dual DD set, boasting superb isolation, above average technicalities (for a DD set), wide soundstage and well extended bass of good quality. While timbre and vocals is not its forte, it would otherwise make a good all rounder daily beater set, especially for transit purposes.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver: 2 X 8mm Titanium Diaphragm Dynamic Drivers (coaxial with isobaric dual push configuration)
• Sensitivity: 105dB +/-2 at 1kHz
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 40kHz
• Impedence: 20Ω
• Cable: 2 pin detachable cable

PHYSICAL THINGS AND USABILITY

ACCESSORIES

In addition to the IEM, it comes with:

1) SPC cable -> cable is on the thinner side, nil microphonics. 

2) Semi rigid case

3) Shirt clip

4) Multiple silicone tips -> there are 2 types of stock silicone tips in different sizes, one with longer nozzle (white tips) and one with shorter nozzle (black tips). I preferred the longer nozzle eartips, as they give better fit and isolation, and hence better bass response, but YMMV as we all have different ear anatomies.

BUILD/COMFORT

The DM-480’s shell is of good resin quality, it looks and feels like semi customs. It has a concha protrusion, which some may like or dislike.

DUNU says the DM-480 is their first IEM to be manufactured via high-resolution 3D printing, using 3D modeling software to design the most optimal shell shape from a large database of scanned ear shapes. Indeed, the DM-480’s shells are light, well fitting, ergonomic and comfortable. 

I did not note any driver flex, despite the DM-480 being unvented (which is pretty uncommon in a pure DD setup).

ISOLATION

Superb. Estimated about 25 dB isolation using stock tips. This makes the DM-480 a superb transit IEM. My gold standard transit IEM is the Audiosense T800 (8 BA) with ~ 30 dB isolation, and the DM-480 comes very close for a pure DD setup.

I used to think that multi BA sets generally had better isolation due to their smaller shell size and being unvented, but the DM-480 can beat some multi BA sets in the isolation department. There’s minimal loss of bass frequencies in noisy environments with the DM-480, which is usually the first frequency to be lost.

DRIVABILITY

The DM-480 can be driven from a smartphone but scales much better with amping in terms of dynamics, details and soundstage. The DM-480 is quite power hungry actually, considering the specs (impedance 20 ohms), it takes about 10 – 20% more juice to drive than some of my other IEMs of similar impedance.

SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

The DM-480 has a U shaped sound profile with boosted bass/treble.

The DM-480 has above average resolution and technicalities for a pure DD setup, it actually sounds much closer to a budget sub $30 BA setup in technicalities than a DD one.

Unfortunately, the DM-480 also inherits the timbre of said BA setups. Usually at the budget to midfi segment, I prefer DD timbre compared to BA timbre, and the DM-480’s timbre is accurate for the driver handling the bass frequencies, but the driver handling the mids/treble frequencies has a poor instrument timbre. It’s timbre loses out to some DD sets like BLON BL-03 and KBEAR Diamond. Note weight is on the thinner side, I personally would have preferred thicker notes for voices and instruments.


Bass:
Bass is linear from midbass to subbass. The subbass really goes low to around 30ish Hz or lower, with an emphatic visceral grunt (that is felt rather than heard), and sounds like a subwoofer.

Quantity wise, the midbass is north of neutral but not at basshead levels. Some might find the midbass quantity lacking, especially if you are coming from bassier sets or are a basshead.

Quality wise, the DM-480’s bass is tight, textured and accurate with no midbass bleed. It has a decay that is on the faster side for a DD bass, and every bass note that is supposed to be in a recording will be heard accurately.


Mids:
Mids are recessed, but still retain above average details and clarity. Female voices are slightly more forward than male ones. Instruments are more forward than vocals, so in view of the recessed mids, vocal lovers should look elsewhere.

There isn’t a large 2 – 4 kHz sawtooth peak typically seen in CHIFI tuning that can cause some upper mids fatigue, which I appreciate.


Treble:
Lower treble is boosted relative to upper treble. Microdetails are good for a DD set, it extends relatively well for a DD setup (better compared to say BLON BL-03 and KBEAR Diamond), though there’s a higher treble roll off. But because of this, it is not fatiguing or harsh, with no sibilance to my ears. I am treble sensitive and rather enjoyed the treble on this set, though maybe trebleheads might think otherwise.

SOUNDSTAGE

Despite the DM-480 being unvented and having a closed isolating design, the soundstage width and height is on the big side. Depth of soundstage is about average though, and isn’t as good as some similarly priced multi BA/hybrid sets.

COMPARISONS

1) BLON BL-03:
– The sound signature of the BL-03 is harmanish with a midbass bump. Midbass quantity of the DM-480 is less than the BLON BL-03. Though the BLON BL-03’s bass is slower and not as accurate, and not as well layered/textured as the DM-480’s bass.
– Timbre and tonality is better on the BLON BL-03, with thicker note weight.
– Technicalities (clarity, instrument separation, imaging, details) are better in the DM-480.
– The BLON BL-03 has a narrower soundstage.
– The BLON BL-03 has much poorer isolation.

2) TFZ No. 3:
– TFZ No. 3 has more subbass quantity/extension and is more basshead than the DM-480. There’s a midbass bleed on the No. 3 unlike the DM-480. The No. 3’s bass is also slower, less accurate and has more bloat than the DM-480’s bass.
– TFZ No. 3 has about equal note weight and timbre.
– Technicalities wise, clarity and details are slightly poorer on the No. 3.
– No. 3 has a smaller soundstage width than the DM-480
– No. 3 has poorer isolation than the DM-480.
– TFZ No. 3 has peaks at the 2 – 4 kHz and 8 kHz which can be fatiguing with longer listening sessions compared to the DM-480.

3) KBEAR Diamond
– Bass speed and accuracy is slightly better on the DM-480.
– Note weight is thicker in the Diamond. Timbre and tonality is better in the Diamond also.
– Technicalities wise the DM-480 is slightly better.
– Soundstage is wider in the DM-480.
– Isolation is better on the DM-480.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

The DM-480 has great subbass extension and accuracy, with wide soundstage width and minimal treble harshness/sibilance. It has great fit and superb isolation.

Maybe vocal lovers might need to look elsewhere in view of the depressed mids. And the DM-480 may concede in the area of note weight/timbre compared to other DD counterparts, but I prefer the DM-480 to most of my other DD sets in the area of technicalities.

For those searching for a set that has excellent analytical technicalities or great timbre/tonality, there may be better stuff out there. But the DM-480 is my current daily transit beater set due to the superb isolation and comfortable build and subwoofer like subbass.

MY VERDICT

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DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Vivian from DUNU for providing this unit for an objective review. The DM-480 can be gotten at the official DUNU Aliexpress store:  https://dunu.aliexpress.com/store/5001057

Retails at $69 USD.

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Cons — Extremely pronounced V-shape resulting in a thin, aggressive midrange (2016-2017 style tuning); non-detachable cable; price.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Dunu DM-380 is an extremely V-shaped “fun” tuned earphone reminiscent of earlier KZ models.

INTRODUCTION

Dunu is one of the best established Asian players having been around for over 25 years. I had read mainly good things about their models and the earphone gods of my youth collectively worshipped this brand. Recently, Dunu have released a new model line with the DM-380 sitting at the bottom end of their line. The company started an aggressive advertisement strategy on Head-Fi.

Dunu’s product pages brag with impressive technical claims such as the DM-380 being Hi-Res Audio, a Triple Dynamic Titanium Driver System. Let’s see what this can do for our ears.

SPECIFICATIONS

RAND: DUNU
MODEL: DM-380
NET WEIGHT: 20 g
COLOR: Gold/Pearl White/Black

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
IMPEDANCE: 16 Ω ± 15%
SENSITIVITY: 110 ± 5 dB
RATED POWER: 2 mW

WIRE MATERIAL: High-purity silver-plated oxygen-free copper (OFC)
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2 mm
CABLE CONNECTOR: N/A (fixed)
MICROPHONE SENSITIVITY: -45 ± 5 dB
DRIVE UNITS: Titanium-Coated, 5 mm (×2) for highs, 6 mm (×1) for lows and midrange

Tested at $49
Product Page: https://www.dunu-topsound.com/dm-380

PHYSICAL THINGS AND USABILITY

The content is minimalistic: the earphones/cable, 3 pairs of silicone tips (S/M/L), a pleather case, and the manual.

The non-detachable silver-plated, high purity, oxygen-free copper cable contains an inline remote and microphone. The earpiece have a unique shape that fit my ears very well. The earpieces are very comfortable. Build is ok but reminiscent of the KZ ATE, a $12 earphone from 2016. The plastic housing with gold paint was apparently designed for the Russian market and it may take some time for the rest of us to get used to.

Isolation is very good. The Dunu DM-380 is driven very easily by my iPhone SE and Shanling M0. The largest included eartips worked great for me.

TONALITY AND TECHNICALITIES

My tonal preference and testing practice

The bass is beefy, really beefy. Surprisingly, it is not overbearing but satisfying, not he fastest (and hence a bit fuzzy), but with a powerful oomph. Good extension, but could be more focussed and measured. Many would perceive the bass as “too much” and it certainly does not contribute to a natural reproduction of the music. Old school, reminiscent of my first Chi-Fi earphones in 2016.

As you see on the frequency response graph(s), the lower midrange is in a valley between the bass and a mighty, sawtooth-shaped upper midrange. That high sawtooth is the feared Chi-Fi peak [explained here] that adds energy to the lower midrange in that is sharpens vocals to an extent that will hurt the sensitive ear.

The vocals department is recessed, thin, and somewhat harsh…it is this case where the listener keeps on cranking up the volume to get more vocals but at the same time the increased harshness causes fatigue. Again, something that has been the signature of the early generations of KZ multis. Vocals need to be denser not to be smothered by the low end and the upper midrange. This creates a skewed tonality. One could say the tonality is kept in check by the balance of power between the low end and the upper midrange.

The signal starts dipping consistently from 5 kHz so that sounds towards the upper end stay behind the over-prominent upper midrange. Cymbals are holding back nobly. Above 10 kHz you have the classic sparkle and fake resolution peaks.

Technicalities are also average. Soundstage is not too wide because of the strong low end, but it is tall, and somewhat deep. Timbre is good sans the bass. The rest is average for the class.

In summary, I have drawers full of budget earphones that are more appealing to my ears.

COMPARISONS

The identically priced Tanchjim Cora suffer from short nozzles and lack of excitement but have a more balanced tonality with a richer vocals department and no offensive peaks. The $38 Blon BL-03 has a much better imaging than these two combined and the discontinued Moondrop Crescent sounds like a real earphone. At $79, the KBEAR Diamond offers infinitely more value in terms of sound, build, and accessories.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

After I had read so much about Dunu products, the DM-380 are disappointing simply by being nothing special. I’d assign a $25 price tag to this model. Considering Dunu’s aggressive advertising, I had expected much more than 2016-2017 budget average. Dunu appears to have somewhat missed the boat in both design and tuning in this model.

The DM-380 is by no means a really bad earphone but I get much better value (and more pleasure) from the cheaper Blon BL-03 or from the $30 dearer KBEAR Diamond. And if you want a real Dunu at a budget price, the only slightly more expensive DM-480 appears to be a good recommendation.

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DISCLAIMER

The DM-380 was provided by Dunu upon my request and I thank them for that.

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About my measurements.

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

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All Our Earphone-related Articles: here

ALL OUR REVIEWS (headphones, earphones, dacs/amps, daps, bluetooth, clean power & USB, microphones, cables/adapters, eartips, earpads, noise insulation): here

Models labelled with “*” are on our Wall of Excellence.

May additions: Gravastar Sirius Pro TWS, BQEYZ Autumn (2), 7Hz Timeless (3), Drop Grell TWS1X, Tripowin Leá, Mifo S TWS, Moondrop CHU (1), IKKO OH2.

April additions: Astrotec Vesna (1), RHA CL2, BQEYZ Autumn (1), KZ x CRN, 2*Hidizs MM2, KBEAR Aurora (3).

March additions: Whizzer Kylin HE03D, IKKO OH10, Tripowin X HBB Olina, LETSHUOER EJ07M, KBEAR Aurora (2), Whizzer BS1, NiceHCK EB2S, NiceHCK DB1, Tanchjim OLA.

Reviews in Alphabetical Order:

1. 7Hz Timeless (1) (Alberto Pittaluga)
2. 7Hz Timeless (2) (Durwood)
3. 7Hz Timeless (3) (Loomis Johnson)
4. Acoustic Effect TRY-01 (Baskingshark)
5. Akoustyx R-220 (Jürgen Kraus)
6. AME Custom Argent Hybrid Electrostatic (Jürgen Kraus)
7. Anew X-One (Jürgen Kraus)
8. Anker Soundcore Liberty Pro 2 (Loomis Johnson)
9. Astrotec Vesna (Jürgen Kraus)
10. Audbos/Tenzh P4 Pro (Loomis Johnson)
11. Audiosense DT200 (1) (Baskingshark)
12. Audiosense DT200 (2) (KopiOkaya)
13. Aune Jasper (1) (Loomis Johnson)
14. Aune Jasper (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
15. BCD X10 (Loomis Johnson)
16. Beats Powerbeats Pro TWS (Loomis Johnson)
17. Blon A8 Prometheus (1) (Loomis Johnson)
18. Blon A8 Prometheus (2) (Durwood)
19. Blon Bl-01 (1) (Baskingshark)
20. Blon BL-01 (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
21. Blon BL-03* (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
22. Blon BL-03* (2) (Loomis Johnson)
23. Blon BL-05 (1) (Baskingshark)
24. BLON BL-05 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
25. Blon BL-05s (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
26. Blon BL-05s (2) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
27. Blon BL-05s (3) (Baskingshark)
28. Blon BL-Max (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
29. Blon Mini (Baskingshark)
30. Brainwavz Delta (Jürgen Kraus)
31. Brainwavz Koel (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
32. BQEYZ Autumn (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
33. BQEYZ Autumn (2) (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
34. BQEYZ KC2 (Jürgen Kraus)
35. BQEYZ Spring 1 (1) (Durwood)
36. BQEYZ Spring 1 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
37. BQEYZ Spring 1 (3) (Jürgen Kraus)
38. BQEYZ Spring 2 (1) (Durwood)
39. BQEYZ Spring 2 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
40. BQEYZ Summer (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
41. BQEYZ Summer (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
42. Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 (Loomis Johnson)
43. Cambridge Audio SE1 (Loomis Johnson)
44. Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 (Alberto Pittaluga)
45. Campfire Audio Honeydew (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
46. Campfire Audio Satsuma (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
47. Cat Ear Mia (1) (Loomis Johnson)
48. Cat Ear Mia (2) (Durwood)
49. Cat Ear Mia (3) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
50. Cayin Fantasy (Jürgen Kraus)
51. CCA C10 (Slater)
52. CCA C10 (Loomis Johnson)
53. CCA C10 Pro (1) (Durwood)
54. CCA C10 Pro (2) (Baskinghark)
55. CCA CA16 (1) (Durwood)
56. CCA CA16 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
57. CCA CKX (Durwood)
58. CCA CX4 Wireless (Loomis Johnson)
59. CCZ Plume (Baskingshark)
60. Cozoy Hera C103 (Jürgen Kraus)
61. CVJ CS8 (Baskingshark)
62. ddHiFi Janus1 (E2020A) (Jürgen Kraus)
63. ddHiFi Janus2 (E2020B) (Jürgen Kraus)
64. Drop Grell TWS1X (Darin Hawbaker)
65. Drop + JVC HA-FDX1* (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
66. Drop + JVC HA FDX1* (2) (Loomis Johnson)
67. Dunu DM-380 (Jürgen Kraus)
68. Dunu DM-480 (Baskingshark)
69. Dunu Falcon Pro (Alberto Pittaluga)
70. Dunu Luna (1) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
71. Dunu Luna (2) (Baskinghark)
72. Dunu Studio SA6* (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
73. Dunu Zen* (1) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
74. Dunu Zen* (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
75. DZAT DR-25 (Jürgen Kraus)
76. Earstudio HE100 (Jürgen Kraus)
77. Earsonics ONYX (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
78. Einsear T2 (Loomis Johnson)
79. Elevoc Clear (Loomis Johnson)
80. Etymotic E2XR (Loomis Johnson)
81. EZAudio D4 (Jürgen Kraus)
82. FAAEAL Datura Pro (Baskingshark)
83. FIIL CC2 (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
84. FIIL T1XS TWS (Loomis Johnson)
85. FiiO FA1 (Loomis Johnson)
86. FiiO FD1 (Jürgen Kraus)
87. FiiO FH1s (Jürgen Kraus)
88. Final Audio A3000* (Alberto Pittaluga)
89. Final Audio E3000* (Baskingshark)
90. Final Audio E-Series Roundup (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
91. Geek Wold GK10 (1) (Baskingshark)
92. Geek Wold GK10 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
93. Gravastar Sirius Pro TWS (Alberto Pittaluga)
94. Hidizs MM2 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
95. Hidizs MM2 (2) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
96. Hidizs MS1 Rainbow (1) (Durwood)
97. Hidizs MS1 Rainbow (2) (Loomis Johnson)
98. Hifi Walker A1 (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
99. Hill Audio Altair • RA (Jürgen Kraus)
100. Hill Audio S8 (Jürgen Kraus)
101. Hisenior B5 (Loomis Johnson)
102. HZ Sound Heart Mirror (1) (Baskingshark)
103. HZ Sound Heart Mirror (2) (KopiOkaya)
104. iBasso IT00 (Baskingshark)
105. iBasso IT00/Tin Hifi T2 Plus/Moondrop Starfield comparison (Durwood)
106. iBasso IT04 (Alberto Pittaluga)
107. iBasso IT07 (Alberto Pittaluga)
108. Ikko OH1 (Jürgen Kraus)
109. Ikko OH1S (1) (Alberto Pittaluga)
110. Ikko OH1S (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
111. Ikko OH10* (1) (Alberto Pittaluga)
112. Ikko OH10* (2) Jürgen Kraus
113. IKKO OH2 (Jürgen Kraus)
114. Intime Sora 2 (Alberto Pittaluga)
115. ISN Audio Rambo (Jürgen Kraus)
116. KBEAR Aurora (1) (Baskingshark)
117. KBEAR Aurora (2) (Durwood)
118. KBEAR Aurora (3) (Loomis Johnson)
119. KBEAR Believe (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
120. KBEAR Believe (2) (Baskingshark)
121. KBEAR Believe (3) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
122. KBEAR Believe (4) (Loomis Johnson)
123. KBEAR Diamond in Japanese (Jürgen Kraus)
124. KBEAR Diamond (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
125. KBEAR Diamond (2) (Loomis Johnson)
126. KBEAR Diamond (3) (Christophe Branchereau)
127. KBEAR Diamond modding (Biodegraded)
128. KBEAR hi7 (Jürgen Kraus)
129. KBEAR KB04 (1) (Loomis Johnson)
130. KBEAR KB04 (2) (Baskingshark)
131. KBEAR KB04 (3) (Jürgen Kraus)
132. KBEAR KS1 (Baskingshark)
133. KBEAR KS2 (1) Jürgen Kraus)
134. KBEAR KS2 (2) (Baskingshark)
135. KBEAR KS2 (3 (Loomis Johnson)
136. KBEAR Neon (1) (Baskingshark)
137. KBEAR Neon (2) (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
138. KBEAR Lark (Jürgen Kraus)
139. KBEAR Robin (Baskingshark)
140. KBEAR TRI I3 Pro (Jürgen Kraus)
141. KBEAR TRI Starsea (1) (Kopiokaya)
142. KBEAR TRI Starsea (2) (Baskingshark)
143. Kinboofi MK4 (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
144. Kinera BD005 Pro (Baskingshark)
145. Klipsch T5 II TWS Sport (Loomis Johnson)
146. Knowledge Zenith ASF (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
147. Knowledge Zenith ASX (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
148. Knowledge Zenith ASX (2) (Loomis Johnson)
149. Knowledge Zenith ED16 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
150. Knowledge Zenith ED16 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
151. Knowledge Zenith EDX (Jürgen Kraus)
152. Knowledge Zenith ZEX (1) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
153. Knowledge Zenith ZEX (2) (Durwood)
154. Knowledge Zenith ZEX (3) (Alberto Pittaluga)
155. Knowledge Zenith ZSN (Loomis Johnson)
156. Knowledge Zenith ZSN Pro (Slater)
157. Knowledge Zenith ZSN Pro X (Jürgen Kraus)
158. Knowledge Zenith ZS4 (Loomis Johnson)
159. Knowledge Zenith ZS7 (Loomis Johnson)
160. Knowledge Zenith ZS10 (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
161. Knowledge Zenith ZS10 Pro (Loomis Johnson)
162. Knowledge Zenith ZSX Terminator (Loomis Johnson)
163. K’s Earphone Bell-LBs (Alberto Pittaluga)
164. K’s Earphone K300 (Alberto Pittaluga)
165. LETSHUOER EJ07M (Jürgen Kraus)
166. LETSHUOER S12 vs. 7Hz Timeless (Jürgen Kraus)
167. Lker i8 (Jürgen Kraus)
168. Lypertek Tevi L3 Powerplay (Loomis Johnson)
169. LZ A2 (Jürgen Kraus)
170. LZ A7 (Baskinghark)
171. MEE Audio Pinnacle P2 (Loomis Johnson)
172. Meze 12 Classics V2 (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
173. Meze RAI Penta (Kazi Mahbbub Mutakabbir)
174. Meze RAI Solo (Jürgen Kraus)
175. Mifo S TWS (Loomis Johnson
176. Moondrop Aria (1) Jürgen Kraus)
177. Moondrop Aria (2) Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
178. Moondrop x Crinacle Blessing2:Dusk (1) Jürgen Kraus)
179. Moondrop x Crinacle Blessing2:Dusk (2) Biodegraded
180. Moondrop CHU (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
181. Moondrop Crescent (Jürgen Kraus)
182. Moondrop Illumination (Jürgen Kraus)
183. Moondrop Kanas Pro (1) Biodegraded
184. Moondrop Kanas Pro (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
185. Moondrop Kanas Pro (3) Loomis Johnson
186. Moondrop KATO (Jürgen Kraus)
187. Moondrop Quarks (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
188. Moondrop Spaceship (Jürgen Kraus)
189. Moondrop SSP (Jürgen Kraus)
190. Moondrop SSR (1) Jürgen Kraus
191. Moondrop SSR (2) (Baskingshark)
192. Moondrop Starfield (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
193. Moondrop Starfield (2) Loomis Johnson
194. Naenka LITE Pro TWS (Loomis Johnson)
195. NF Audio NM (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
196. NF Audio NM2+ (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
197. NF Audio NM2+ (2) Loomis Johnson
198. NiceHCK Bro (Jürgen Kraus)
199. NiceHCK DB1 (Jürgen Kraus)
200. NiceHCK DB3 (Jürgen Kraus)
201. NiceHCK DT600 (Jürgen Kraus)
202. NiceHCK EB2 (Jürgen Kraus)
203. NiceHCK EB2S (Jürgen Kraus)
204. NiceHCK EBX21 (Baskingshark)
205. NiceHCK EP10 (Jürgen Kraus)
206. NiceHCK EP35 (Jürgen Kraus)
207. NiceHCK Lofty (Jürgen Kraus)
208. NiceHCK HK6 (Loomis Johnson)
209. NiceHCK M5 (Jürgen Kraus)
210. NiceHCK M6 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
211. NiceHCK M6 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
212. NiceHCK N3 (Loomis Johnson, Jürgen Kraus)
213. NiceHCK NX7 (1) (Loomis Johnson)
214. NiceHCK NX7 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
215. NiceHCK NX7 Pro (Jürgen Kraus)
216. NiceHCK NX7 Mk3 (1) (Loomis Johnson)
217. NiceHCK NX7 Mk3 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
218. NiceHCK P3 (Jürgen Kraus)
219. NiceHCK X49 (Jürgen Kraus)
220. Oriveti OH500 (Alberta Pittaluga)
221. Paiaudio DR2 (Jürgen Kraus)
222. PHB EM-023 (Jürgen Kraus)
223. Pioneer CH3 (Jürgen Kraus)
224. Queen of Audio Pink Lady (Jürgen Kraus)
225. Reecho Insects Awaken (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
226. RHA CL2 (Alberto Pittaluga)
227. Rose Mojito (Alberto Pittaluga)
228. Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus (Loomis Johnson)
229. SeeAudio Bravery (1) (Loomis Johnson)
230. SeeAudio Bravery (2) (Baskingshark)
231. Semkarch CNT1 (Loomis Johnson)
232. Senfer DT6 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
233. Senfer DT6 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
234. Senfer UEs/NiceHCK Bro (Loomis Johnson, Jürgen Kraus)
235. Sennheiser CX 400BT (Loomis Johnson)
236. Sennheiser IE 40/400/500 PRO compared (Jürgen Kraus)
237. Sennheiser IE 40 PRO (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
238. Sennheiser IE 400 PRO (Jürgen Kraus)
239. Sennheiser IE 500 PRO (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
240. Sennheiser IE 300 (Jürgen Kraus)
241. Shanling ME80 (Jürgen Kraus)
242. Shuoer Tape (Loomis Johnson)
243. Shozy Form 1.1 (Biodegraded)
244. Shozy Form 1.1 vs. Form 1.4 (Jürgen Kraus)
245. Shozy Form 1.4* (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
246. Shozy Form 1.4* (2) (Durwood)
247. Shozy Form 1.4* (3) (Loomis Johnson)
248. Shozy Rouge (1) (Loomis Johnson)
249. Shozy Rouge (2) (Durwood))
250. Shozy Rouge (3 (Jürgen Kraus)
251. Simgot EM2 (Jürgen Kraus)
252. Simgot EM2 (Loomis Johnson)
253. Smabat M0 (Durwood)
254. Smabat M2 Pro (1) (Baskingshark)
255. Smabat M2 Pro (M2) (Jürgen Kraus)
256. Smabat Proto 1.0 (Alberto Pittaluga)
257. Smabat ST-10 (Jürgen Kraus)
258. Smabat X1 (1) (Baskingshark)
259. Smabat X1 (2 (Jürgen Kraus)
260. Sony MH755 (Jürgen Kraus)
261. Sony IER-ZR (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
262. Sony WX-1000XM3 (Loomis Johnson)
263. SoundPEATS H1 (Loomis Johnson)
264. Status Audio Between Pro TWS (Loomis Johnson)
265. SuperEQ Q2 Pro ANC TWS (Loomis Johnson)
266. Tanchjim Blues (Jürgen Kraus)
267. Tanchjim Cora (Jürgen Kraus)
268. Tanchjim Darling (Aberto Pittaluga)
269. Tanchjim Ola (Loomis Johnson)
270. Tanchjim Oxygen* (Alberto Pittaluga)
271. Tanchjim Tanya (1) (Baskingshark)
272. Tanchjim Tanya (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
273. Tansio Mirai TSMR-6 (Alberto Pittaluga)
274. Tennmak Dulcimer (Loomis Johnson)
275. Tforce Yuan Li (1) (Durwood)
276. Tforce Yuan Li (2) (Loomis Johnson)
277. Tinaudio T1 (Jürgen Kraus)
278. Tinaudio T2 (Jürgen Kraus)
279. Tin Hifi T2 EVO (Jürgen Kraus)
280. Tin Hifi T2 Plus (1) Jürgen Kraus
281. Tin Hifi T2 Plus (2) (Loomis Johnson)
282. Tin Hifi T4 (1) (Durwood)
283. Tin Hifi T4 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
284. Tin Hifi T4 (3) (Jürgen Kraus)
285. Tin Hifi T5 (Alberto Pittaluga)
286. Tinker TK300 (Baskingshark)
287. ToneKing Nine Tail (Loomis Johnson)
288. Triaudio I3 (1) (Baskingshark)
289. Triaudio I3 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
290. Triaudio I3 Modding (KopiOkaya)
291. Triaudio I4 (1) (KopiOkaya)
292. Triaudio I4 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
293. Triaudio Meteor (KopiOkaya)
294. Tripowin X HBB Olina (KopiOkaya)
295. Tripowin Leá (Jürgen Kraus)
296. TRN BA5 (1) (Durwood)
297. TRN BA5 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
298. TRN BA5 (3) (Loomis Johnson)
299. TRN BA8 (1) (Baskingshark)
300. TRN BA8 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
301. TRN-STM (1) (Loomis Johnson)
302. TRN-STM (2) (Baskingshark)
303. TRN-STM (3) (Durwood)
304. TRN T300 (1) (Baskingshark)
305. TRN T300 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
306. TRN T300 (3) (Alberto Pittaluga)
307. TRN V80 (Jürgen Kraus)
308. TRN V90 (1) (Durwood)
309. TRN V90 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
310. TRN V90S (1) (Baskingshark)
311. TRN V90S (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
312. TRN VX (1) (Loomis Johnson)
313. TRN VX (2) (Baskingshark)
314. TRN VX (3) (Jürgen Kraus)
315. TRN-VX modding (KopiOkaya)
316. Tronsmart Apollo (Baskingshark)
317. Tronsmart Apollo Bold TWS ANC (Baskingshark)
318. Unique Melody 3DT (Jürgen Kraus)
319. Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 (Baskingshark)
320. Venture Electronics BIE Pro (Jürgen Kraus)
321. Venture Electronics Bonus IE (Jürgen Kraus)
322. Venture Electronics Monk Go (Jürgen Kraus)
323. Vision Ears Elysium* and VE8 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
324. Vision Ears Elysium* and VE8 (2) (Biodegraded)
325. Whizzer BS1 (Jürgen Kraus)
326. Whizzer Kylin HE01 (1) Jürgen Kraus)
327. Whizzer Kylin HE01 (2) (Baskingshark)
328. Whizzer Kylin HE03AL (Jürgen Kraus)
329. Whizzer Kylin HE03D (1) (Durwood)
330. Whizzer Kylin HE03D (2) (Loomis Johnson)
331. Yinyoo BK2 (Baskingshark)
332. Yinyoo D2B4 v2 (1) (Biodegraded)
333. Yinyoo D2B4 v2 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
334. Yinyoo V2 (Jürgen Kraus)

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