{"id":1282,"date":"2026-03-17T17:13:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T17:13:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deepdiveaudioreviews.com\/?p=1282"},"modified":"2026-03-17T19:44:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T19:44:32","slug":"dunu-vulkan-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deepdiveaudioreviews.com\/?p=1282","title":{"rendered":"DUNU Vulkan 2"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
As Clear As Day…<\/span><\/strong><\/article>\n
<\/article>\n
<\/article>\n
Pros<\/span>:<\/div>\n
> <\/span>Superb neutral to bright tuning with phenomenal clarity
\n> Highly competent technical capability
\n> Solid performer with wide array of genres
\n> High quality build
\n> The usual wonderful DUNU accessories<\/span><\/div>\n
Cons<\/span>:<\/div>\n
> Not for bass-heads (but these are not bass-shy either…)
\n> Not for those seeking a more full-bodied or lush tuning
\n> Shells a touch heavy<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
DUNU Vulkan 2<\/span><\/b>RRP: $359
\n2x DD \/ 6x BA <\/p>\n
\"IMG_7734.jpg\"<\/div>\n

Introduction<\/p>\n

A bit behind with this review, and a few others now in the queue \u2013 a busy period of life for a variety of reasons that \u2019 won’t bore you with!<\/p>\n

I\u2019m always excited to experience a new release from DUNU, and I had the pleasure of receiving both the fantastic \u2018Concept R\u2019 CD player along with Vulkan 2 a number of weeks ago. The Vulkan 2 have clocked up countless hours since, and travelled with me as a go-to daily driver for two different holidays. So I\u2019ve had a lot of time to become familiar with their tuning, and circled through my diverse musical preferences.<\/p>\n

I tend to lean towards more neutral focused IEMs over the years \u2013 I like a clean, transparent, detailed sound that doesn\u2019t fall into a clinical trap. I favour sub-bass over mid-bass, and while I appreciate some warmth in the mids, I prefer not to go too lush or heavy. I like a crisp treble presentation that allows for maximum detail retrieval and soundstage expansion. And guess what? \u2013 I\u2019ve just pretty much described Vulkan 2.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve mentioned before the notion of a \u2018technical\u2019 and \u2018musicality\u2019 or \u2018emotive\u2019 dial \u2013 I visualize these like a traditional volume knob from 0-10. If I were to plot Vulkan 2 (calling V2 for the rest of the review) with this in mind, I would go for:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Technical: 8<\/i><\/li>\n
  • Musical\/Emotive: 6<\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    To be clear, this is not a ranking out of 10 \u2013 merely my own measure of sorts as to how I would plot both considerations.<\/p>\n

    The balance I\u2019m suggesting here for V2 along with the overall neutral leaning profile is very much the sort of set I enjoy \u2013 so take that as a caveat for the review, and indeed an early pointer for those of you who that don\u2019t tend to appreciate this type of tuning. V2 is very much about clarity, detail, neutrality, and a touch bright. While bass isn\u2019t the star of the show, it can deliver when needed and I\u2019m not aligned with some reviews and impressions that state otherwise.<\/p>\n

    The V2 was sent to me free of charge in exchange for my honest impressions. As always, with zero influence from the brand on content\u2026 all words and images my own.<\/p>\n

    The V2 is available directly from DUNU, and indeed a variety of stockists globally.<\/p>\n

    \"IMG_7760.jpg\"<\/div>\n

    About Me<\/b><\/p>\n

    I worked in the consumer electronics industry for a large part of my career and have been passionate about music and technology for as long as I can remember. Even as a small child, I would ask my mum to put records on the turntable (Abba, Supertramp, and Planxty if anyone is curious).<\/p>\n

    My music preferences are very varied\u2014anything from classical to techno, indie rock to jazz, and everything in between. In my early teens, I was a big fan of bands like The Cure and The Smiths (still am all these years later). I was bitten by the dance music bug in the early 90s, becoming passionate about genres like techno, house, trance, and IDM. I amassed a huge collection of records and CDs, DJing at various parties and occasional pirate radio station slots. Although it remained a hobby, I still own thousands of records, and my trusty Technics 1210 turntables are still going strong 30 years later\u2014a testament to Japanese engineering!<\/p>\n

    I am not a professional reviewer, just an enthusiast who loves music and the devices we use to listen to it. Over the last few years, I have become obsessed with IEMs and related gear. I’ve bought and sold many, and kept a select few\u2014ranging from the $20 Moondrop Chu to kilobuck sets like the Aroma Jewel, Oriolus’ infamous ‘Traillii,’ UM Mentor, and various beloved single DDs. Through this exploration, I like to share my thoughts with the Head-Fi community, hoping they might be useful to others. However, remember that this is a highly subjective hobby, and your mileage may vary.<\/p>\n

    While I’ve been fortunate to own and try a variety of the TOTL sets on the market, I honestly enjoy lower-priced sets as much – especially as the gap continues to close, many much cheaper sets now offering significant value and further driving diminishing returns.<\/p>\n

    I\u2019ll admit I do suffer from happy ears<\/i>\u2014rarely do I find an IEM that I genuinely dislike. At this stage, there are very few truly “bad” IEMs; it all comes down to individual preferences. Since I listen to such a wide variety of genres, I almost always find synergy with some part of my library. Where I tend to deduct marks is in areas like value for money, poor accessories, or an uncomfortable fit\u2014things that can detract from the overall experience.<\/p>\n

    Specifications:<\/b><\/p>\n

      \n
    • 8-Driver Hybrid Architecture (2DD+6BA)<\/li>\n
    • Advanced 4-Way Crossover with Dual Physical and Electronic Filtering<\/li>\n
    • Independent Dynamic Drivers for Ultra-Low and Low Frequencies<\/li>\n
    • Custom Knowles Dual BA for Mids<\/li>\n
    • Custom Quad BA for Treble & Ultra-Highs<\/li>\n
    • CNC-Machined Aerospace-Grade Aluminum Shell<\/li>\n
    • Premium-Grade Cabling<\/li>\n
    • Q-Lock Mini Interchangeable Connector System<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Unboxing <\/b><\/p>\n

      \"IMG_8283.jpg\"<\/div>\n

       <\/p>\n

      This is an easy segment as always with DUNU \u2013 if you\u2019ve ever owned a DUNU, you\u2019ll know the unboxing experience is second to none. Not important for everyone, but I absolutely love a good unboxing, an exciting moment when a new toy lands.<\/p>\n

      \"IMG_8297.jpg\"<\/div>\n

      Accessories <\/b><\/p>\n

      \"IMG_8301.jpg\"<\/div>\n

       <\/p>\n

      As above, so below \u2013 a given with DUNU also is a wonderful array of accessories that many IEMs at far higher costs don\u2019t even come near. Not only the variety, but the quality is always top-notch and this for me really demonstrates fantastic attention to detail and overall pride from a brand.<\/p>\n

      \"IMG_6222.jpg\"<\/div>\n

      Case<\/b><\/p>\n

      \"IMG_8308.jpg\"<\/div>\n

      The case is an evolution of sorts from what would have come with the likes of the OG ZEN, ZEN PRO, and SA6 \u2013 the SA6 MKII deviated from this and went with a very nice puck-style case which I actually preferred. The V2 case is a touch large, I\u2019d prefer a bit more compact. It does however have that all important inner-net where you can store spare tips etc. It is made from a faux-leather material and has sufficient rigidity to keep the contents safe \u2013 I\u2019ve had it dropped into a backpack on recent travels with no concerns.<\/p>\n

      \"IMG_8312.jpg\"<\/div>\n

      Cable<\/b><\/p>\n

      \"IMG_8525.jpg\"<\/div>\n

       <\/p>\n

      The theme continues here in that the supplied cable is fantastic. DUNU have a great reputation for their cables, and they never skimp in this regard with stock cables. If I were to nit-pick slightly, I would say a touch heavier than my ideal preferences, especially for out walking but the vast majority of cables fall into that category for me anyway.<\/p>\n

      \"IMG_8320.jpg\"<\/div>\n

      The cable has a slight rubber texture, and is very easy to manage. The interchangeable jacks are as always incredibly easy to change, and are secured with the screw lock mechanism.<\/p>\n

      Design and Fit<\/b><\/p>\n

      \"IMG_6238.jpg\"<\/div>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Subjective of course but I love the more minimal but premium looking finish. At 8g per earpiece, they do have a bit of weight to them but I\u2019ve had no issues with fit even in longer sessions \u2013 this will of course depend on your ear anatomy and choice of tips \u2013 I have larger ear canals and as such always have to use the largest available ear tips.<\/p>\n

      \"IMG_6239.jpg\"<\/div>\n

      The shells are made with aerospace-grade aluminium and in my experience are very robust \u2013 while I can\u2019t claim \u2018scratch resistant\u2019 as a definitive statement, I can attest to significant use over the last few weeks but with absolutely no sign of any marks to the shells\u2026 I must note also that this has included poolside listening that included an accidental drop on tiles \u2013 an anxious moment, but all good thankfully\u2026<\/p>\n

      \"IMG_8539.jpg\"<\/div>\n

      The vents serve and deliver a dual-purpose in that they support the large and airy soundstage, along with of course ensuring no pressure build occurs.<\/p>\n

      Listening Impressions<\/b><\/p>\n

      \"IMG_7714.jpg\"<\/div>\n

       <\/p>\n

      First of all, by way of an experiment of sorts in this review, I have deviated from the regular segment of running through low\/mid\/high\/technical \u2013 instead simply discussing as part of the overall listening impressions segment as follows below. Curious if people prefer this or would rather the more typical format\u2026 pop your thoughts in the comments!<\/p>\n

      Diving in… <\/b><\/p>\n

      As noted in the intro \u2013 the V2 is all about clarity, and while there is quite a leaning towards technical competence, it absolutely is not a clinical set. I\u2019m going against the grain here from impressions I\u2019ve read that suggest very little or even shock-horror, \u2018no bass<\/i>\u2019 \u2013 that is not my experience. V2 has delivered what I would consider what a more neutral set should deliver, a well-articulated representation of sub-bass when sub-bass is called for, likewise mid-bass\u2026 but definitely leans a touch more towards sub. Of course V2 isn\u2019t a \u2018bass-head\u2019 set, but I am not left wanting for any shelf of my library, one which includes a lot of bass-heavy music, especially from an electronic perspective. If I were to flip to a set like the Punch Audio \u2018Martilo\u2019, I would indeed note the large jump to the lows, but that is more about the emphasis in that set rather than the V2 lacking. It as always in this hobby is about the perspective of what you listen to on a more regular basis, and allowing time for the brain to settle in to tuning that steps away from that.<\/p>\n

      Clarity again is simply impeccable, absolutely crystal clear – every tiny nuance of detail shines through with precision. Each time I have the pleasure of listening to V2, the word that immediately comes to mind is \u2018clarity\u2019. Going from the likes of the aforementioned \u2018Martilo\u2019 (the subject of my next review), the V2 takes the role of a veritable palate cleanser \u2013 clean, crisp, and transparent. This is applicable right through the frequency range too. The midrange while not lush or thick, still measures well in the emotive department as I\u2019ve noted previously \u2013 vocals and instruments are well rendered, with male perhaps leaning a touch thinner.<\/p>\n

      When not listening to single DDs, often my transducer of choice as some of you might know \u2013 I can be a bit of a snob in a multi-driver set where I love ESTs up top \u2013 hard to beat the balance of detail and ethereal delivery they can achieve\u2026 it\u2019s no surprise as to the abundance of sets on the market now with a dynamic driver down below, BAs in the middle, and ESTs up top \u2013 a winning formula and probably my favourite outside of the humble lone-operating single DD. So the V2 does not tick those boxes being a dual DD and 6 BA set\u2026 but \u2013 the tuning up top is superb; fantastic finesse – crisp, clear, detailed and visceral but never harsh or jarring.<\/p>\n

      Before I move on to the track evaluation segment, I must note that I have found the V2 works very well as an all-rounder for my library \u2013 this being ambient, techno, IDM, modern classical, indie rock, hip-hop to name a few. The neutral to bright tuning can mean that older or poor quality recordings will show up their flaws more readily, but that\u2019s the nature of the beast for this type of revealing tuning. Instruments and vocals are always represented wonderfully, with an engaging tonality. This type of tuning in my experience does a fantastic job of getting across the vibe of the music \u2013 so for example an energetic\/upbeat house track will sound exactly that, exciting and upbeat \u2013 likewise a soothing\/melodic slice of ambient will be delivered with equal expectations\u2026 albeit not aiming to overemphasize perhaps the emotions, hence my 6\/10 on the musicality scale.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \"IMG_7762.jpg\"<\/div>\n

      Tracks (with selected comparisons for each\u2026)<\/p>\n

      Jezebell \u2013 Hung<\/p>\n