In the world of high-end in-ear monitors (IEMs), Dunu has established itself as a notable player, producing some of the most acclaimed earphones in recent years. One such standout in their lineup is the Dunu EST 112, a hybrid IEM that combines balanced armature, dynamic, and electrostatic drivers for a high-fidelity listening experience. In this detailed review, we’ll explore every facet of the Dunu EST 112, from its design and build quality to its sound performance and how it compares to other IEMs in its class. We’ll also look at the frequency response graph (Dunu EST 112 Graph) and analyze how it affects the overall sound signature.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Dunu and the EST 112
Dunu is a brand that has become synonymous with high-quality audio equipment, particularly known for their in-ear monitors. They’ve developed a reputation for producing IEMs that cater to both audiophiles and casual listeners alike. The EST 112 is one of their flagship models, aiming to deliver a well-balanced, detailed, and engaging sound profile using an advanced hybrid driver configuration.
The EST 112 is equipped with four drivers: a dynamic driver for bass, two balanced armature drivers for mids, and an electrostatic tweeter for treble. This combination promises an expansive frequency range and a high level of detail, making it a great choice for listeners who want both warmth and clarity.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that strikes you about the Dunu EST 112 is its design. It’s clear from the get-go that this is a premium product. The IEMs are crafted from metal, giving them a solid and durable feel. They have a smooth, matte finish with subtle branding, exuding a sense of understated elegance. The shell design is ergonomic and shaped to fit comfortably in the ear, even for extended listening sessions.
One of the standout features of Dunu’s IEMs is their detachable cables, and the EST 112 is no exception. The included cable is high-quality, braided, and comes with modular connectors, allowing users to switch between 3.5mm, 2.5mm balanced, and 4.4mm balanced plugs easily. This makes the EST 112 versatile, able to work with a variety of audio sources without the need for adapters. The modular cable system is not only practical but also adds a layer of future-proofing to the IEMs.
The connectors themselves are MMCX (Micro Miniature Coaxial), a popular choice for high-end IEMs because of their durability and ease of use. They allow for a secure connection between the cable and the earpieces while also providing the flexibility to rotate the earpieces slightly for a more comfortable fit.
Comfort and Fit
For any IEM, comfort is crucial, especially if you plan to use them for long listening sessions. The Dunu EST 112 excels in this regard. The ergonomic shape of the ear shells, combined with a relatively lightweight design despite the metal construction, means that the IEMs sit comfortably in the ear without causing fatigue. The nozzle length and angle are well-designed, ensuring a good seal with most ear tips.
Speaking of ear tips, Dunu provides a generous selection of tips in different sizes and materials, including silicone and foam. This allows you to find the perfect fit for your ears, which not only enhances comfort but also improves sound isolation and bass response.
Dunu EST 112 Graph and Frequency Response
One of the most important aspects of any IEM review is an analysis of its sound signature, and the Dunu EST 112’s sound can be best understood by looking at its frequency response graph. For audiophiles, this graph is a critical tool for understanding how the IEMs will perform across different frequencies.
Bass (20Hz – 250Hz)
The Dunu EST 112 features a dedicated dynamic driver for bass, and this is evident in the frequency response graph. The bass is well-extended, reaching down to the sub-bass frequencies (below 40Hz) without losing clarity. The mid-bass region (around 80Hz to 200Hz) shows a slight boost, giving the EST 112 a warm and punchy bass response that adds weight to the music without overwhelming the rest of the frequency spectrum.
In practice, this means that the bass on the EST 112 is tight and controlled. It doesn’t have the boomy or muddy characteristics found in some other IEMs, making it suitable for genres like classical or jazz, where bass accuracy is critical. However, it also has enough impact to satisfy bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or EDM.
Mids (250Hz – 4kHz)
The mids are handled by two balanced armature drivers, and the frequency response graph shows a smooth transition from the bass into the midrange. There’s a slight dip in the lower mids (around 500Hz), which helps to prevent bass bleed and keeps the midrange clean and free of muddiness. The upper mids (2kHz to 4kHz) are slightly elevated, which adds clarity and presence to vocals and instruments.
This tuning makes the EST 112 particularly well-suited for vocal-heavy music. Male and female vocals both come through with excellent detail and natural timbre. Instruments like guitars, pianos, and strings are also well-represented, with a sense of realism and space that’s often lacking in IEMs with less sophisticated driver setups.
Treble (4kHz – 20kHz)
The electrostatic driver in the EST 112 is responsible for handling the treble, and this is where the IEM really shines. Electrostatic drivers are known for their ability to produce incredibly detailed and extended treble, and the EST 112 is no exception. The frequency response graph shows a well-extended treble response, reaching up to 20kHz without any significant peaks or dips.
This results in a treble that is airy and detailed, with excellent resolution and separation. High-frequency details like cymbals, hi-hats, and other percussive elements are rendered with precision and clarity, without becoming harsh or sibilant. This makes the EST 112 a great choice for listeners who enjoy high levels of detail and a sense of airiness in their music.
Soundstage and Imaging
One of the benefits of the hybrid driver setup in the EST 112 is its ability to create a wide and immersive soundstage. The dynamic driver provides a solid foundation for the bass, while the balanced armature drivers and electrostatic tweeters add depth and detail to the mids and treble. This results in a soundstage that feels expansive and three-dimensional, with instruments and vocals placed accurately within the mix.
Imaging is also excellent on the EST 112. You can easily pick out individual instruments and their placement within the soundstage, which adds to the overall sense of realism and immersion. This makes the EST 112 particularly well-suited for genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic music, where a wide soundstage and precise imaging are crucial for an engaging listening experience.
Sound Isolation
The Dunu EST 112 offers good passive noise isolation, thanks to its ergonomic design and the variety of ear tips provided. When you achieve a good seal with the included ear tips, the IEMs block out a significant amount of external noise, making them suitable for use in noisy environments like public transport or busy offices.
While the EST 112 doesn’t have active noise cancellation, the passive isolation is more than sufficient for most situations. The metal shell also helps to reduce external noise leakage, so you can enjoy your music at moderate volumes without disturbing those around you.
Amplification and Source Pairing
Due to the inclusion of an electrostatic driver, the Dunu EST 112 benefits from a high-quality source and, in some cases, amplification. While the EST 112 can be driven from most portable devices like smartphones or laptops, pairing it with a dedicated DAC or headphone amplifier can really bring out the best in its sound signature.
The modular cable system makes it easy to switch between different sources, whether you’re using a single-ended 3.5mm output or a balanced 4.4mm connection. When paired with a high-quality DAC/amp, the EST 112’s sound becomes even more refined, with tighter bass, clearer mids, and more extended treble.
Comparisons to Other IEMs
Dunu EST 112 vs. Moondrop Blessing 2
The Moondrop Blessing 2 is another popular hybrid IEM that competes in a similar price range as the Dunu EST 112. Both IEMs offer a hybrid driver setup, but there are some key differences in their sound signatures.
The Blessing 2 has a more neutral tuning, with a flatter bass response and slightly more forward mids. This makes it a great choice for listeners who prioritize midrange clarity and a more reference-style sound signature. However, the EST 112 offers a more engaging and dynamic sound, with a fuller bass response and more detailed treble, thanks to its electrostatic driver.
Dunu EST 112 vs. ThieAudio Monarch MKII
The ThieAudio Monarch MKII is another hybrid IEM that competes with the Dunu EST 112 in terms of sound quality and driver configuration. The Monarch MKII is known for its excellent detail retrieval and wide soundstage, but it also comes with a higher price tag than the EST 112.
In terms of sound signature, the Monarch MKII has a more V-shaped tuning, with boosted bass and treble, while the EST 112 has a more balanced sound. The Monarch MKII is a better choice for listeners who prefer a more fun and energetic sound, while the EST 112 is better suited for those who want a more natural and balanced presentation.
Conclusion
The Dunu EST 112 is a remarkable in-ear monitor that stands out in the competitive world of hybrid IEMs. Its combination of dynamic, balanced armature, and electrostatic drivers provides an engaging and detailed sound signature that is hard to beat. The build quality is excellent, and the inclusion of a modular cable system adds significant value, making it a versatile and future-proof IEM.
The sound signature of the EST 112 is balanced, with tight and impactful bass, clear mids, and detailed treble that extends effortlessly. This makes it a great choice for audiophiles, multi-genre listeners, and music professionals who want a wide soundstage and accurate imaging.
However, the EST 112 does come with a few drawbacks. Its price point may put it out of reach for some listeners, and it performs best when paired with a high-quality source or amplifier. Additionally, the prominent treble response may not be suitable for listeners who are sensitive to high frequencies.
In summary, the Dunu EST 112 is an excellent hybrid IEM that delivers on its promises of detail, balance, and versatility. If you’re looking for a high-end in-ear monitor that excels across a wide range of music genres, the Dunu EST 112 is well worth considering. Its combination of cutting-edge technology, premium design, and versatile sound performance make it one of the best choices in its category.