The Good Workmanship Of Classic Sound

Ratings

Pros

• Full, rich, expressive, musical and pleasant sound. It is detailed when needed and soft so as not to disturb. It is also delicate, fine in the high end, more physical in the mid and low end.
• Very high standard of construction and design, giving it a great fit and ergonomics.
• Outstanding accessory set.
• Versatility of the 2 filters.
• Interchangeable 2-pin system, thanks to Q-Lock LITE technology.
• The price/performance ratio is near the top of the range.
• The Dunu Falcon Ultra is a safe and easy bet, for any amateur or advanced user.

Cons

• The cable is somewhat stiff and takes some shape.
• Although the interchangeable pin system is very useful for everyone, I find that the anchoring is not that rigid, hard or secure. I miss some element that fixes the connection more permanently.
• No matter how much they push for additional improvements, I don’t like the MMCX connection.

Purchase Link

https://www.dunu-topsound.com/product-page/falcon-ultra

Link to the WEB

https://www.dunu-topsound.com/

Introduction

Thanks to a European tour organised by Head-fi.org I have been able to test two Dunu models. One is the Dunu Alpha 3 earbud and the other one is this present Dunu Falcon Ultra. The Falcon Ultra belongs to the Eclipse series and could be an evolution or a later version of the Falcon Pro. They share the same shape but are now bright blue. Both the driver and the cable have been improved. The driver is the Eclipse model which is 10.7mm in size and its diaphragm consists of a lithium-magnesium alloy dome with second-generation ECLIPSE morphology and fully independent soft-suspension surround. The capsule has a double anti-resonant chamber and is made of S316 stainless steel. They come with two tuning mouthpieces, one pair of steel and one pair of brass. For the cable, the Q-Lock Lite modular system has been used, which includes 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BAL plugs. The connection interface is MMCX with the patented Catch-Hold system. The conductive material consists of 4 strands of high purity silver plated Litz copper. Because it is a Tour and I have received two models to review in less than a week, the following review will be a little more direct than usual for me. Let’s cut to the chase.

Specifications

• Driver Type: 1 x 10.7mm dynamic driver.
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz.
• Sensitivity: 108 ± 1 dB at 1kHz.
• Impedance: 16Ω at 1kHz.
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.3% at 1kHz.
• Jack Connector: Modular Q-Lock Lite with 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BAL plugs.
• Capsule Connection Type: MMCX with patented Catch-Hold system.
• Cable Length: 1.2m ± 0.1m.
• Weight: 20g, 10 grams per capsule.

Packaging

The Dunu Falcon Ultra comes in a medium-sized silver box with dimensions 134x96x70mm. It is quite sober and on the main side there is only the name of the model in the centre, the brand name on the top left, the Hi-Res logo on the top right and at the bottom of the box, a sentence announcing that Dunu will be 21 years old in 2024, since it was established in 2003. On the back is a sticker, also silver, with the specifications. Underneath are the brand’s contact details. The outer cardboard is removed vertically to reveal a black box with the brand logo in white in the centre. After opening the box, a large zippered case with the Dunu brand name in reverse relief can be seen. Underneath is a second level with a black cardboard case carrying a portion of the accessories. To sum up:

• The two Dunu Falcon Ultra capsules with two cylindrical silicone tips.
• Q-Lock Lite modular cable and MMCX Catch-Hold interface, with SE 3.5mm and BAL 4.4mm plugs.
• Zippered carrying case.
• 3.5mm to 6.3mm SE adaptor.
• Cleaning brush.
• Warranty certificate.
• Chinese instruction manual.
• Chinese cable instruction manual.
• Cleaning wipe.
• Perforated cloth bag for capsule storage.
• 3 pairs of Dunu spherical silicone tips size SxMxL.
• 4 pairs of Dunu cylindrical silicone tips sizes SsxSxMxL.
• 3 pairs of blue core silicone Dunu tips sizes SxMxL.
• 3 pairs of green and orange core silicone tips sizes SxMxL.
• Metal plate housing the screw-on nipples.
• 2 threaded brass filter nozzles.
• 4 + 4 red and blue rubber washers for adjusting the filters.

I have not opened the bags with the tips and other accessories as it is a tour. I will use my own personalised tips.
Lots of accessories, as usual with Dunu. Multiple tips of very different types. But I only find the more spherical tips interesting. The cylindrical ones don’t fit me. And there are no foam tips. The zippered case is very nice, but I find it too big. It is worth noting that it has a grid on one side and a horizontal elastic band on the other. Also note that each accessory is inside little bags, the capsules, the cable, each set of tips, the washers, the brush, the adapter… very careful so that everything arrives in the cleanest and most protected way for the user. But, in reality, the set of accessories is very similar to the Falcon Pro model.
Finally, the box has a seal of guarantee and authenticity.

Construction and Design

The capsules share the same external design as the Falcon Pro, but in a very attractive dark shiny blue. The big difference is that this new model has only one small hole near the mouthpieces, not three large ones like the Pro model. The two large holes on the flat base inside are retained. Even the design of the nozzles is similar.
The cable is a bit different on the MMCX connection side, no longer curved but protected by two metal cylinders. Otherwise, it also uses the Q-Lock Lite system, but, in this case, only two plugs are provided. The conductor is made of silver-plated copper and looks dark gold-plated. The splitter piece is coloured to match the cable and has a flattened shape on its larger sides. The pin is a simple plastic piece that does its job well. There is a Velcro strap to tuck the cable in. The cable has a slight tendency to take shape due to its stiffness.
The capsules are made of S316 stainless steel and still have the Dunu motifs on the edge of the outer side. Otherwise, except for the small details mentioned above, they are very similar to the Pro model.

Adjustment and Ergonomics

I could cut and paste my own comments about the Pro model and leave them here. All in all the capsules feel a bit heavy in the hands, but not so much in the ears, although it is somewhat noticeable. The ergonomics are good but the fit is only effective, in my case, with my large foam-filled tips that I make myself. The capsules are well integrated in the ear, without protruding too much, with little or no overhang on the ear parts. The Falcon Ultra are very suitable for long listening, without being uncomfortable, neither by pressure, nor by insertion, nor by rubbing. Only the weight might be a little more noticeable. In addition, with the right tips, a good level of isolation can be achieved.

Sound

Profile

In my opinion, the Dunu Falcon Ultra has changed quite a bit compared to its Pro brother. The first thing that stands out is that they have changed to a much more common, proven and reliable profile, which I’m sure will appeal to a wider audience. As you can see, there are many alternatives that are similar to both frequency responses. The Falcon Ultra moves between a smooth V-U profile where the biggest change is in the projection of the mid-highs and early highs. The blue filter has more extension in this range, which makes it very clear and explicit, but also makes it somewhat more descriptive, analytical and persistent, perhaps more fatiguing. The Gold filter cleans up that excess and manages to subtly reduce the bass to further balance the response in pursuit of a more relaxed and confident profile.
If I have to choose, the Gold filter is the one that best suits my preferences, even though I like the more analytical profile of the Blue. From here on, due to lack of time, I will describe the sound with the Gold filter.
Finally, the Dunu Falcon Ultra are easy to move.

Bass

As a first test I will start with the reproduction of very low frequency pure tones. As a good dynamic driver the sonority is excellent. The performance has a good mix of sensory capability and realistic murmur, as well as a remarkable sense of power and depth. There is no coloured vibration and the note development is continuous, pleasant, dark, perceptible and natural. The test result is outstanding and this implies a better bass range behaviour in general. The hit is precise, concise, tight, dry, fast, subtly rubbery to make it more attractive, but only to the point where it has the right consistency, punch and weight. It doesn’t suffer in complex conditions and executes unfiltered passages with complete naturalness and ease, without mussing up. The decay is very low and its effect disappears quickly.
In short, the lower range is technically excellent, very capable of recreating layers, stratifying and separating bass lines, as well as possessing a remarkable level of presence without losing balance or sounding bass-headed or predominant, just a little warm with the Gold filter.

Mids

Starting with the male voices, they are slightly behind some of the details and elements of the mid-highs. However, even so, they have a fairly full representation, with a body that is not thin, nor slender, but neither is it the protagonist in terms of its physicality. However, the timbre is quite adequate, on the euphonious side, lush, with a point of warmth adorned with a lively sparkle that adds that right point of bright delicacy to stand out in a rich, pleasing and exquisite way. The female voices come closer and become more prominent, shining more brightly. In addition, they are more surrounded by the instrumentation, which is at the same level of presence, but happily separated, thanks to a high technical quality. Although I am describing the more relaxed filter in the upper-mids, the level of transparency and clarity is high, without having to resort to excessive energy in that range. It is a clear demonstration that a good technical driver is capable of providing a sufficient level of resolution, definition and clarity without having to rely on advantageous or excessive tuning in the high tones. A delight I was looking for.

Treble

The Gold filter balances the treble to make it softer, but extended enough to sound natural and quite full. It has a good initial punch, with sparkle and a certain level of energy to create a slightly crunchy feel. As I’ve been saying, the driver has very good technical ability and that shows in the finesse and thinness of the trebles, they are very stylised and delicate, which allows the notes to be thin, separated and although their energy level is restrained, they have that sharp ability that makes them more incisive, but within a high richness and remaining pleasant but subtly sharp at all times. Splendid control decay and, again, a demonstration that it is possible to create very good treble without adding extra energy or stretching the treble too much. Finally, there is an adequate air point beyond normal, but enough to maintain a great harmonic level in its timbre.

Soundstage, Separation

The Falcon Ultra are not noted for having a scene that is too immersive, ethereal or gaseous. In this sense I feel they are more conventional and realistic, without forcing a reality that does not belong to them. That said, the extension on all three axes is clear. The lateral stereo feeling is pronounced, the height is clearly perceptible and the depth is in keeping with the overall proportion. This gives a relaxed, semi-spherical scene, with a noticeable sense of space, but without being analytical or fully defined. There is a halo of warmth that helps to cohere the sound, adding a very pleasing musical point. In this way there is clarity, brightness, very good separation, but without becoming rigidly cold or exclusive. Thus, the detail is perceptible, but not very pronounced, if you look for it, you will find it, it appears, but it is not there all the time. It just allows you to choose what you want to observe depending on how much attention you pay to it. And that is pleasant.

Comparisons

KiiBOOM Evoke

The KiiBOOM Evoke is one of my favourite IEMS this year. With a lower price in its basic version, its configuration is the classic triple driver 1DDD+2BA. The resin capsules are semi-custom and very comfortable and light. I prefer the simpler ergonomics of the Evoke. The cable is good, very flexible, but it is not modular and it is only available in SE version, although I prefer it to the stiffer and more rigid cable of the Dunu. On the other hand, the Dunu’s are a step or two above in terms of accessories.
The Dunu Falcon Ultra are easier to move. Both have a similar FR, comparing the Evoke with the Ultra plus Gold filter. There is more sub-bass in the Evoke and less body in the mids, plus a little more energy in the treble. Very decent performance from both models in the pure tone test, with very similar performance, although with more presence in the sub-bass end of the Evoke. The Ultra’s hit is subtly more rubbery, springy and rounded (in a good way) and I find the Evoke’s a little rougher, dirtier and a little more uncontrolled, with a touch more rawness. The bass in the Ultra is more delicate, smooth, with great punch, but with a cleaner, more velvety surface, with better definition.
In the middle range, the male vocals have more presence, physicality and body in the Ultra. That gives them an extra exuberance in that area that the Evoke lacks. And it’s something that isn’t filled with power. While the Ultra’s feel more balanced with the high end, the vocals can take centre stage in front of the detail, concentrating a higher euphonic level. The mix on the Evoke is a little more unbalanced in this respect, losing a point of musicality. At bottom, the Evoke’s are more detailed and analytical, but they also have that slightly starker BA timbre, which contrasts with the Ultra’s softness and delicacy, which makes for a more pleasing sound, even if those details are not as obvious. However, everything is sweet about them, even the treble, and the soundstage feels a little wider, with an almost equal level of separation, but better matched.
The high end of the Evoke is more evident, with a more extended energy, it is noticeable that they have more present notes in areas where the Ultra is more restrained. However, it is true that they lose that delicacy and become a little more abrupt.
In general, the Ultra’s sound is more complete and fuller, it doesn’t have those hollows or unevenness that the Evoke has because it’s a bit more splashy. The Evoke sound very good and I like their FR a lot, but the Ultra have more musicality, delicacy, a more harmonic, euphonic, fuller, somewhat denser sound, with a richer and more pleasant timbre.

Conclusion

The Dunu Falcon Ultra’s driver has the same good work as its Pro brother, but with an easier and more popular tuning. The Blue filter adds a touch of sparkle in the mid-highs and first treble, while the Gold filter provides the balance I’ve been looking for: a combination of present bass, with a full-bodied first half of midrange, a restrained but very explicit mid-high, without the need to add energy to stand out in terms of clarity, transparency, definition and resolution. Finally, the treble is an example of how to sound delicate, quite full, even crisp, but with a soft and delicate level of intensity. An ode to balance. All this generates a very musical sound, subtly warm, full, euphonic, lush and pleasant. For exquisite ears.

Sources Used During the Analysis

• Burson Audio Playmate II.
• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.
• Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Martha.
• Aune Yuki.