Dunu Luna Impressions
INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER:
The Dunu Luna is an in-ear monitor (IEM) using a single pure beryllium diaphragm dynamic driver (DD) in each earpiece. The Luna retails for $1700. I had the opportunity to listen to the Luna through a review tour organized by Dunu. I am not being compensated for writing this review.
TANGIBLES:
The Dunu Luna is similar to Dunu’s DK series in its overall design silhouette, with a disc-shaped driver housing hanging below a cylindrical cable connector housing. The Luna opts for an understated all-metal build but does not look or feel cheap.
The Dunu Luna comes with a detachable MMCX cable with a modular, swappable termination. This is an elegant system, and I prefer it to a 2.5mm balanced cable with a 3.5mm single-ended adapter, which is more typical. The cable is also aesthetically appropriate for the Luna’s price point, which incredibly is not something I get to say very often.
The review package I received included a Dunu-branded leather zippered carry case. In general, I prefer larger carry cases but the Dunu Luna’s case is impractically large for daily use, even if you plan to transport it in a backpack. The package also included four sets of eartips, two of which were Spinfit tips.
COMFORT / FIT / ISOLATION:
The Dunu Luna is not very comfortable despite its shallow fit. Its faceplates are too large in diameter and press against my small ears. Isolation is average. Secureness of fit is above average.
SOUND:
The Dunu Luna has an upper-mid forward tuning.
The bass presentation is nearly neutral with a slight elevation in the mid-bass. The Luna has great impact and slam out of the box. The Luna’s bass has effortlessly quick articulation while preserving good note weight.
The Luna has an odd-sounding midrange that overly emphasizes the presence region, causing electric guitars to sound like buzzsaws. Female vocals are overcooked and too forward. Despite this, the Luna’s timbre is natural-sounding.
Although the Luna is hyper-resolving across its frequency response, the Luna’s treble presentation is too safe, with very little sparkle. Transient delivery is snappy and agile. The Luna’s instrument separation capabilities are competitive with high-end multi balanced armature (BA) IEMs like the Moondrop S8, though the soundstage is slightly smaller.
MEASUREMENTS:
My measurements were conducted with a Dayton iMM-6 microphone using a vinyl tubing coupler and a calibrated USB sound interface. The measurements use a compensation file derived from relating my raw measurements to published measurements from Crinacle and Antdroid. The indicated SPL readings are not accurate. The measurements are presented with 1/24th smoothing. There is a resonant peak at 8k. Measurements above 10k are not reliable.
EQ:
The Dunu Luna benefits greatly from a sub-bass focused EQ profile, as well as a cut to the upper midrange excess. While I typically use the target created by Head-Fier Toranku, on an all-BA IEM like the Moondrop S8, I find that I prefer slightly more midbass than this target’s bass shelf allows. These changes are not necessary with a DD IEM, and the target sounds amazing with the Luna.
CONCLUSION:
While I hesitate to recommend an IEM that needs EQ at this price point, I am truly excited to see the Dunu Luna’s driver technology filter down into Dunu’s more affordable models.
