REVIEW! The Dunu DK3001BD rocks

[@jesuscostantino2925]

The name "braindance" originates with the original Cyberpunk 2020 tabletop RPG from the late 1980s. And in turn, that was based on a concept from the old "mirrorshades group" of writers who invented cyberpunk fiction back in the early '80s (William Gibson, et al). Needless to say, I'm super excited about this set and the aesthetic.

[@mrfrosty3]

It also a sub genre of electronic music, not used very often now.

[@kona328_BD]

Dusk owner here ain't nothing tearing me away from my Dusk.... Thanks for your great review

[@audio_tron]

The look of these is growing on me. Now, imagine a matte black or space gray stealth version. I’m glad to hear BD cleared the at-home hurdle after its dazzling CanJam impressions.

[@SuperReview]

Matte dark gray would be cool.

[@rubenviegas6358]

Dunu has already announced and posted photos of the 2 PIN version that is about to be released!!

[@appsbyaaron]

You had me at Braindance. You lost me at $500.

[@SuperReview]

Life comes at you fast

[@MariaAudioChick]

🤣

[@MrDomq22]

I need to know if Dunu plans on selling the cable separately 🔥

[@HobbyTalk]

I can 100% see why you’d be blown away by this. I quite like it with a 25ohm adapter.

[@reflection1119]

Ok I'm getting this... As soon as I have worked out my tax bill

[@lordabbadon2107]

I've seen them in a short like 10 days ago and I was do excited to see more about them!

[@tank52086]

The oversized case would be handy if your portable DAC/DAP also fit

[@Bahska]

i appreciate the "can you sleep with this review" i have issues sleeping and rain sounds help a ton. Currently im using the performer 8's but im always on the lookout for something better

[@YurttheSilentChief1]

Braindances from the Cyberpunk universe are pretty much portable VR glasses that the user can use to watch a specific recording through the eyes of the recording person and have the options to feel what that person was feeling in the recording. My guess is that they want to make a slight parallel to the ability of "living" in the music in a way that braindance machines hypothetically can do.

[@moonsofjupiter]

Very well said

[@wyles8961]

Great review. Love the design/aesthetic of these. Not my preferred tuning by a long shot, but could work well for a good portion of my library. I’ve heard/owned enough Harmon and Meta tunings for a while. Picked it up for a good price with 11/11 discounts. I did enjoy the project m a bit, and I’ve got an impedance adapter laying around.

[@yongkykurniawan1089]

What's the difference between dita m and 3001dk? Which one do you like

[@wyles8961]

@ the dk3001db hasn’t come in yet. Will let you know.

[@yongkykurniawan1089]

@@wyles8961 ok. Waiting...

[@wyles8961]

@ the dita m is a solid set, but I finally got a chance to listen to the dk3001bd tonight. For me and my library the dk3001bd is just a better set (detail, treble extension, smoothness). Was worried about the midbass dip, but it’s plenty punchy and the sub bass digs quite deep. The dk3001bd has much better sub bass impact, texture, and extension. It’s a unique, but very enjoyable tuning. Definitely special imo. I let the dita m go, but the dk3001bd isn’t going anywhere

[@KelvinKamsg]

Another nice review, you look enthused with this iem, the ceramic coating looks real nice, perhaps time to give the Cyberpunk game a try? :) Also from what I recall, the Dunu Titan S was supposed to be a tie-in or perhaps "inspired by" Cyberpunk 2077, but the drama around the game's buggy release killed those plans (I can't recall how legit this info is tho).

[@SuperReview]

Oh interesting, I don't remember this lore but sounds plausible. It's funny, they used Cyberpunk 2077 graphics in the 3001BD reveal presentation, but... doesn't seem like it was licensed 🤣

[@TWidXugA]

Brilliant review, thank you! I was curious about the BD (I actually like how it looks). Wondering how the bass tuck sounds compared to variations, hard to understand from the graphs... Tempted to squig the BD's eq into the variations and see what I get, because otherwise your description and the graph are very appealing.

[@tanachip]

Again, nice review, Mark!

[@moonsofjupiter]

Great review. If it didn’t have the mid bass tuck I might’ve been interested. I love cyberpunk stuff and would’ve enjoyed the aesthetic. My name here would’ve been Neuromancer (Gibson’s first novel) if I joined later

[@kaavik47]

I have recently come to realize how important ear tips are with some sets, so I agree that's the first thing you should do with a new item. Focus on the fit, but especially the sound. Compare with your favorite sets. Those big cases are ridiculous, IMO.

[@ipros93]

How would this compare to the Helios or Dunu mirai? Don’t wanna pay $1k+ but looking for that type of tuning which this has

[@hkmrsrg1367]

Wow. Sounds like a really great IEM.

[@Cameri760]

Mark, the Dk3001bd or the SA6 MK2?

[@jymylin2605]

How do you cpmpare with 7acoustic supernova?

[@zeljkosto]

What iems are for intensive music like trance?

[@sofuckingwong]

how does it compare to the flagship glacier in terms of tuning and technicalities? Apparently they use the same DD!

[@SuperReview]

TBH I think I prefer Brain Dance to Glacier.

[@Swoletaku]

I was quite interested in this one. Whenever I’ve EQ’d my Dusk, it had it tuned very similar to the brain dance.

[@studynowPH]

where did you eq'd the dusk? via DSP cable?

[@Swoletaku]

@ The Peace APO on PC. I have an iPhone and currently the Moondrop app where I can make full use of the DSP cable is unavailable to me right now. Next phone upgrade I’m looking into getting an android.

[@NelsonMichael]

Would you say the DK3001 BD's sounds almost the same as the Dusk 3.5mm?

[@SuperReview]

If you like Dusk, you'll like BD, but I wouldn't say they sound almost the same, no.

[@tentheman7974]

Overall performance and specifically detail and staging of BD vs Hype 4 with your Qudelix tuning? Many thx!

[@thaslaya]

I'm liking mine so far and it has really impressive technicalities and timbre but boy I wish there wasn't such an extreme midbass tuck.

[@SuperReview]

Which songs do you find it most absent?

[@thaslaya]

@SuperReview mostly the pop and rock i listen to. It's really clean, but I'm partial to more midbass warmth and weight.

[@Tssukiii]

Would love some vid about your favorite looking/feeling sets Plays a bigger role than most people want to admit I think And you got a good taste about that I’d say hehe

[@Garrettdx1988]

100% No matter how good an IEM is, I won't buy it if I don't like the aesthetic

[@Tssukiii]

@@Garrettdx1988 Very valid To me it is very important, but I do own stuff I don't like aesthetically as well If it's uglier I would pay less for it, it's one of the parameters deciding the value of a product for me F.e. the QDC Emperor is the best IEM I've heard to date, but it is incredibly ugly to me Would never say no to it for 500$ though

[@HiFiASMR]

Can my external squig be added like crins?

[@BlackOutIRL]

Thanks for the review. its gonna be my first MMCX and heard a lot about loose fit and quick wearing out. good to know they did a good job with the MMCX here

[@SuperReview]

I have a theory that Tin Hifi T2 is at the root of like 90% of people thinking MMCX fails more than 2-pin.

[@BlackOutIRL]

@@SuperReview oh im not that long in to IEMs 😅i just figured since i only use one cable at all for my IEMs and MMCX is more secure im gonna take that since on the Mega5est the 2pin felt very loose and made me drop the iem 2 times now luckily only on the table and not when i was outside. Anyways thanks for letting me know that it is not as bad as people might make it seem!

[@dr.mauroguimaraes]

Hey, Marc. Very good review. It’s nice when you’re more spontaneous! I was comparing the BD graph with SM4’s. They are very similar! Do they sound similarly? Do you see good reason to spend 3x more on the Dunu?

[@SuperReview]

Supermix is quite bright for my ear, I didn't care much for it. Brain Dance is the better balance.

[@Weareonenation303]

I think MMCX gets a lot of flak but DUNUs MMCX connectors seem to be of good quality. Prefer 2 pin personally but low quality connectors might snap and there are too many variations of 2 pin connectors for no good reason

[@SuperReview]

Yeah I really only prefer 2-pin because I like that it doesn't spin. I've had both MMCX and 2-pin fail, but neither fails me often.

[@Lead_Foot]

I really like Dunu's recessed 2 pin sockets. They stand up much better to horizontal force. I've fallen asleep with other iems and had slightly bent 2 pins when I woke up. Never with a dunu 2 pin though.

[@danieltee1710]

Hi, is the BD worth it to buy even if i already have a mega5est? thankss in advance

[@SuperReview]

Up to you, but they do have different strengths and sounds. BD is a more exciting, engaging listen.

[@danieltee1710]

@SuperReview Thanksss, I'll add it to my cart, uhmm do you have some recommendations for IEMs that contrasts mega5est? Around 300-500$ range.

[@TOM7952]

Great review. I like the look of it but I understand it's polarizing. Personally I wish they had it in a darker color but it what it is.

[@SuperReview]

It does seem like a design that would work in multiple colorways.

[@reflection1119]

Off white beige.... Full retro... Yummmm

[@marumaru5480]

How's the vocal on this? I tend to listen to everything to be honest, but i'm mostly into J-POP. I've been eyeing it for a while but i'm not sure. Also, i'm a sucker for details.

[@SuperReview]

Really nice with vocals. Will be more of a clinical, "detail" tuning than a rich, warm vocal. But well textured.

[@carlos2004]

lol, you're gushing about these like i was about the kiwi ears orchestra lites after trying them at canjam. i had already tried everything i went there to try (dt 1990, blessing 3, hd600, etc.) and still had about 30 minutes to burn. so i go to the linsoul booth, ask for the most neutral set they have on hand and he hands me the orchestra lite. as soon as i heard the vocals, i knew that was it. long story short, i have a pair of them on currently on the way despite having 10 other iems/headphones on my wishlist for years at this point. and it's shame i missed you at canjam, i did not know you would be attending the dallas one. would've been nice to at least say hi

[@SuperReview]

Oh for the record, the CanJam story in this video is from SoCal, I haven't been to Dallas CanJam. Maybe another year!

[@Randits]

the first thing that came to my mind after reading the name is "the brain dance by animals as leaders" lol

[@lindholdt7550]

Great review as always, Mark. Very cool to feel how enthusiastic you are about this set 👌 We hear some things quite similar, as my main gripe with the Mega5EST is very similar to yours. So I'm interested in hearing how you would say this compares to the Thieaudio Oracle MKIII? That is the set I go to for all around usage, if not the Dusk. Any sense of looking into this Dunu set when I have the Oracle MKIII? Thanks again, and have a fantastic day 🤘

[@SuperReview]

I do prefer the Brain Dance to the Oracle, I think BD is just a lot more impressive technically -- more incisive imaging, and tighter bass response. But it is not quite as safe a tuning, not all will agree.

[@lindholdt7550]

​@@SuperReview Tanks a ton, appreciate that a lot 👍 Guess I'll keep an eye out for a good deal on this in the future then.

[@bernardoandrade88]

Can someone tell me if Unique Melody Mest MkII has better detail retrieval than 3001 BD?

[@huyqui9403]

What cable are you using on the Dusk ? That looks pretty nice

[@SuperReview]

TRI Grace Pro I think it's called.

[@Tssukiii]

How is the detail level compared to the IE600? Definitely my favorite IEM in that price range although I sold it.

[@SuperReview]

Comparable.

[@Tssukiii]

@ damn, that’s nice Will look into it, thank you :)

[@MalandraPugh]

nice review!

[@gadgetgenerationspulkit]

Been a fan of the DUNU DK3001 series since the beginning, I was super excited to try this one out, although due to budget constraints I am going to give a pass.

[@rustyshakelford1466]

The look I can deal with if they offered alternative colors. The price is hard to deal with when the TSMR Shock exists.

[@marcusaranda8251]

I also prefer longer eartips, you have any recommendations?

[@SuperReview]

Spinfit CP-100, W1, or Softears Ultraclear.

[@liammadridista2395]

I kind of get a gamer vibe from the styling of the brain dance and honestly I don't mind it.

[@liammadridista2395]

Oh inspired by cyberpunk that explains why I got gamer vibes 😂

[@SuperReview]

Yeah gamer sounds right. At least it takes up less space than a gamer chair.

[@MalandraPugh]

The JP version of these iems, have two pin connectors?

[@SuperReview]

Seems like they offer both.

[@ooiak3387]

Deciding between dunu and a used monarch mk 2 about the same price. Is the resolution and separation closed to mk2. Leaning towards Dunu but not sure will i be giving up a lot compare to mk2

[@SuperReview]

I would pick the Dunu for the fit alone -- the Monarch mk2 doesn't fit my ears comfortably. Sound wise, the Monarch is more neutral, the Dunu is more exciting.

[@ooiak3387]

@SuperReview thanks!

[@sTuP1]

So 3001-BD sound similar to the Mirai’s? The shell shape looks similar as well.

[@SuperReview]

Mirai's midrange is warmer, and it's overall a more reserved sound vs. the Brain Dance which is pretty exciting.

[@zoovy7252]

how does it compare to my gas station earphones

[@SuperReview]

You could buy 100 pairs of gas station earphones instead. Is this really better than 100 pairs of gas station earphones???? (Yes, it is.)

[@yiluis1316]

May I ask for your opinion on this Dunu vs moondrop S8?

[@SuperReview]

I haven't listened to them directly against each other. I think Brain Dance will sound a bit contrastier, bassier and treblier.

[@AronAddams7]

It looks great. Would be an awesome combo with Hiby R4.

[@anatol1204]

The biggest problem for me in the spicy iems is the edgy sounds when I hear orchestra brass and it's disturbing.Do you think this set has this under control or not ?

[@ImAWSMDanny]

I WANT THIS SET😩

[@SuperReview]

I WANT YOUR REVIEW

[@matthiasp8619]

what music generes do they perform the best. and what about the dusk?

[@SuperReview]

I don't believe in genre-based recommendations.

[@recode8453]

And they gave 2pin option now. nice!

[@hunteer963]

Umm i sometimes wonder what's the point of releasing both MMCX and 2-Pin versions :/

[@SuperReview]

Seems some people are willing to make decisions about buying / not buying an IEM based on the connector. I find it surprising, I wouldn't.

[@hunteer963]

@@SuperReview For me both the connectors have their pros and cons, 2-pins get loose if we do a lot of cable rolling while the MMCX gets connection issues(but I find MMCX to be more reliable of the two). Sadly most of my upgrade cables are two pin now so :/

[@susokraut3169]

Great review, but there were missing more subjective descriptions, it was so balanced and objective, I have no idea how you really felt listen to it.

[@Goober_hai]

How does it compare to the Variations?

[@SuperReview]

I haven't heard Variations in some time, but I find the bass way more consistent with Brain Dance. Variations bass I found sometimes non-existant, and sometimes overbearing.

[@bequanma]

What dap, dac, amp you need to run this?

[@SuperReview]

The bare minimum is fine. $9 Apple dongle.

[@Simpaiii]

not gonna lie, I'm tempted to buy this IEM on looks alone. sorry not sorry.

[@SuperReview]

Yeah it seems more people really dig it than have my initial reaction. Maybe... maybe I'm old.

[@Simpaiii]

@@SuperReview I mean with 34 I'm not the youngest anymore, either lol. Being a pretty big fan of the cyberpunk aesthetic probably helps,though ;) By the way, considering the shell is metal, how's the paintjob? Having the paint chip after half a year (like with most metal Moondrop IEMs I own) would really hurt with these ones.

[@supernaut7946]

If these new iems don't stop boosting the air to high heaven I'm going to throw a fit lol. They've fixed all of the other frequency issues due to the new neutral but that stupid air spike is still around

[@SuperReview]

Just get older.

[@parayl]

is it better than they hype 4? just curious

[@SuperReview]

I definitely prefer it.

[@The_Geek_World]

I dunu if I'll like it but it's worth putting in bucket list

[@StarBuccaneers168]

I liked this set as well. Have you ever played cyberpunk?

[@SuperReview]

I haven't

[@0Roydashme]

So cool looking. Does it sound different to Monarch MKII?

[@SuperReview]

Sounds different yeah, more exciting.

[@raphaelldsantos]

Mark, Brain Dance or IE600? 😂

[@SuperReview]

Oof, I'd probably take Brain Dance.

[@TerryL0623]

@@SuperReview if you can buy these two at the same price, would you still pick BD over IE600?

[@TonkyTronicus]

Was too light in the mid-bass for me, so if you are like myself and value mid-bass thump I recommend looking elsewhere.

[@Garrettdx1988]

It looks like it was designed alongside that Moondrop phone and some of their wireless earbuds

[@AFreezer]

ngl when I first saw it from the thumbnail I legit thought this was a Moondrop 🤣

[@SuperReview]

It do be lookin' like a Moondrop TWS.

[@bvander131313]

To me it looks more like being inspired by the game design of 'Starfield'... 🤔

[@ronyrohan157]

❤

[@TonkyTronicus]

That's kinda funny. I went to Canjam with the sole purpose of listening to these because I loved the aesthetic so much but after listening to them I only thought they sounded pretty good. Complete opposite of your experience.

[@SuperReview]

Ha!

[@055_donisaputra6]

Looks like Dunu Evangelion Series

[@enha_g]

The design is really good, but the price makes me think about it again lol

[@SuperReview]

Yepppppp

[@AliR03]

26:27 get some sleep 🙂

[@SuperReview]

Thank you

[@cassini7677]

just imagined they released with gun metal colour : D it would be more cool

[@SuperReview]

Matte dark gray with white text 😎

[@studynowPH]

I will take the Dusk bcoz 359 vs 500$ Dunu BD, Dusk has better value

[@SuperReview]

Dusk is really good value.

[@ВасилНанков-р6о]

Mini Glacier I guess 😊

[@SuperReview]

IMO it's better.

[@doubleXnickel]

I don't hate the look but not a fan either. Looks like a hot wheels racecar

[@SuperReview]

Ha, that's a good comparison.

[@contebuba]

sounds like a lighter, maybe opened, hype 4... awesome set

[@SuperReview]

I would definitely take this over Hype 4.

[@contebuba]

@SuperReview Nice! great review, as always, man.

[@paulok2153]

Bit fugly lookin, looks like a similar size to the kiwi orch lite.

[@BeyondFunction1]

500 bucks for "when I'm in the mood"? No sir.

[@KiwiNickG]

Would want est not micro planars at that price

[@SuperReview]

How come?

[@garychan927]

Find it weird to call it "Braindance" instead of "Beyond Dream" because the chinese name literally means "Beyond Dream"

[@SJ0754]

The concept mentioned at the event comes from Cyberpunk 2077, which features a VR device that connects to the mind's senses (I haven't played the game but it was discussed during the launch event).

[@SuperReview]

Were you at the launch event?

[@SJ0754]

@@SuperReview Yes-man

[@SuperReview]

@@SJ0754 Yoooo me too.

[@SJ0754]

@@SuperReview Definitely say hi next time!

[@Tealc2323]

In my experience MMCX without anti-swivel lock is a bad idea for durability. All my MMCX IEMS that rotate freely have been getting lose over time. Even the ring trick is just temporarly.

[@SJ0754]

The Dunu's patented MMCX passes more than 5000 times tests for connection. But I agree with the rotation of MMCX as the rotatable nature of such structure.

[@CptMark]

Measuring of a nozzle width should be a standard practice for any IEM review.

[@justanotheraltaccount5644]

Why even listen to a critic who judges a book by it's cover.

[@margaperex7059]

Thanks for the review but your tastes are not coherent; having thin means like that dunu ruins everything else; the megafest remains unmatched to this day

[@SuperReview]

OH YOU'VE HEARD IT???

[@ta114]

Not gonna lie , the design deters me from taking it seriously. 500 flaps and no design put into it.

[@SuperReview]

I mean there's definitely design intention put into this, it's just not a typical IEM design, a bit more "graphic" instead. At least it's not bland?

[@bhavearth]

Too expensive...

[@SuperReview]

Fair.

[@fowchiiiliedpuppiesdied]

I just don’t know anyone who can shell out $500 for something like this. I really don’t. $500. Good God. Musicians and artists can’t afford this stuff. It’s absurd that the people who might truly appreciate the quality of sound, physiologically, can’t afford this. I’m fairly certain tech nerds can, just not the actual artists and musicians these should genuinely, be meant for. I’ve been a musician, producer, and a fine arts professor for years, I can’t afford this. And nothing against the tech nerds, I appreciate you guys, but you don’t seem to appreciate those of us who have devoted our lives to the actual creative process of making music and art.

[@hpwrotethis]

You say this Dunu product rocks but it’s clearly not a rock and it looks likes it’s an iem. Just wanted to point out this small error in the title.

[@SuperReview]

Wrong.

[@hpwrotethis]

Woah, okay I see the error of my ways.

[@Mixail747]

BrainDead IEM

[@SuperReview]

#hagottem

[@ValterSuriZis]

Hi, I follow you and I trust your words. I need your help, Davinci or Tanchjim Origin, which is the better purchase. I want to upgrade because I already have Meze Alba, Kato, Ikko oh10, Aria 1 and Aful Explorer. I listen mostly to jazz and a little soul, funk, fusion, chill..mostly means music without vocals. Thank you, happy work