DUNU DaVinci Review: Best IEM under $300? | vs SA6 Ultra & MK II Comparison 

Moondrop sent me a fake tracking code on AliExpress and then lied about it being shipped out when I asked them. The Simgot options are interesting, too, but their QC has not been great in my experience.

Same for me. When dusk was first announced i was going to get it but then read all the issues and complaints. But now im torn between hype4 or davinci. Davinci has so much value for just $300 with all the accessories it comes with, but its tuning for the higher frequencies isnt my preference. But, the hype4 is exactly my tuning preference with a bigger sound stage but it doesnt come with all the same accessories😭

@@FaZeTartpack Hype 4 is also 100$ more at full price. If only demoing was simpler it would have solved lot of doubts.

I agree, it's an incredible deal. When I listen to it and see the faceplates and accessories, I feel it should cost much more. It competes with higher-priced IEMs in terms of sound quality, cable, and overall build quality. DUNU and Gizaudio really hit a homerun with the DaVinci.

And you can also ask customer service for a free pair of Divinus Velvet Eartips. I placed order today and they were kind enough to give me a pair. Thanks Hifigo

DUSK beats all of these. If you can afford the SA6 MK2 though, get the Pilgrim Noir.

@@apothecy4011 I tried the Chu II DSP and have to say, the app as well as the cable itself were really bad IMO. I heard the Dusk only sounds "worth the price" with the DSP so it gets a NO from me. Elysian I heard had some QC issues in the past so I am still uncertain about anything from them

@@user-tx8xd3cb7o Cable is a gamble. Some are good, and some aren't. App is shit. Dusk + DSP without any QC problem = a tad better than the Prestige LTD (due to bass) and less technical than the Pilgrim Noir with everything else equal to it.

Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad my review helped you with your decision. I agree, SA6 MKII can always be a future addition and an upgrade. Enjoy your new IEMs 🙂

Thanks!

Not that I know of.

The SA6 MK II is one of my all-time favorites. They never leave my side, even when I'm listening to more expensive IEMs. DaVinci is a great addition.

The DaVinci offers a sound presentation that is wide and immersive, wrapping around your head. It creates a spacious and engaging soundstage with good depth, making you feel like you're part of the music rather than having it at a distance in front of you. Hope that helps!

@@Atechreviews that's all I needed to hear, helped immensely in my choosing the Davinci. Thank you! 🙏🏻

@@phetmoz You're welcome! 👍🙂

First of all, neither of them are muddy or bloated. Both are balanced IEMs with a bass boost. The difference is that the DaVinci has more forward vocals and greater treble extension, offering more treble and vocal clarity as well as better resolution and detail retrieval. The DaVinci also has slightly more bass with a stronger slam and rumble. In contrast, the Explorer is less warm and doesn't strike me as a bass-heavy IEM. While it does have pronounced bass, it's balanced with the rest of the frequencies. The DaVinci is also balanced with a bass boost, but the bass stands out and grabs your attention most of the time. (in a good way) Hope this helps!

@@Atechreviews Thanks for the detailed response! In this case, I'll most likely wait for an audition unit for the Davinci. If I find it too warm/bassy, then will get the Explorer! Appreciate your replies!

@@calvinlooi4500 👍

Since I don't have the Hype 4, I can't comment on its sound. However, I can say that, for me, the DaVinci is significantly better than the DUSK 2.

@@Atechreviews interesting I think I will buy the DaVinci, I see so many good reviews about it. Thank you very much!

@@raf.nogueira You're welcome! 🙂

​@@Atechreviews Can you elaborate why DaVinci is better than Dusk 2

I don't have those IEMs, so I can't comment on their sound quality.

I don't have the Hype 4, so I can't comment on its sound quality. Personally, I prefer buying new IEMs, and I believe paying more should be worth it. Perhaps someone who has experience with both can share their insights.

Oh unfortunately that's never going to happen cuz once you buy one you're going to want another and then another and then another

You're welcome! If you're comfortable with the bass, which is excellent but not excessive, I'd recommend going for it. It's the best IEM I can suggest under $300 and is well-suited for many genres. It's also one of the most enjoyable IEMs I've experienced. I'm keeping mine; they're that impressive. A true all-rounder.

The DaVinci will play all genres well, no doubt, but if it happens that your playlist leans a bit more into Pop, Hip-Hop, and Electronic music, then the DaVinci will likely make you even more happy for a long time.

Exceeding expectations, the technicalities are impressive for the price point. The imaging and spatial cues are excellent, with a detailed low end that makes it easier to hear footsteps and other subtle sounds. The treble is smooth, not harsh, and the overall comfort makes this, in my opinion, a perfect set for gaming.

@@Atechreviews Thank you for answering my question mr atechreviews will definitely support u now and in the future God bless you!

@@joshuaserrano885 Thanks! I appreciate it 🙂

Great point! Let me start by saying that the HiSenior Mega5est is a great IEM, but it leans a bit too dark for my taste. The difference between the HiSenior Mega5est and the DUNU DaVinci is like night and day. 1. The HiSenior Mega5est tends to sound a bit dark, while the DUNU DaVinci offers better detailed treble and instrument separation. This could be due to the 5-way crossover or the use of multiple acoustic tubes. 2. The DUNU DaVinci is also more resolving, providing greater detail retrieval than the Mega5est. This difference is quite noticeable to my ears. 3. The bass quality is where the DaVinci truly shines. Its bass is rich in texture, detail, separation, rumble, and tactility. I can feel it as well as hear it and it is so satisfying. 4. The vocals on the DaVinci are so rich and natural. The DaVinci has a natural timbre to it that makes vocals and instruments sound natural. 5. The DUNU DaVinci looks better (subjectively to me), has better accessories and comes with a high quality interchangeable termination cable. After comparing both, I personally prefer the DaVinci and would choose it even if both IEMs were priced the same.

To your description I can't think of a better candidate than the Pula PA02 (the same model you can also get under the name Myer Audio Sliivo D41). Costs 150-180$ depending where you buy it. Well spent money and female vocals shine with it... as well as many other aspects like bass, treble, separation, soundstage... Really one of the best IEMs you can buy under 200.

Hello there, nothing is childish about enjoying Disney songs or any other music. We all have our tastes. If you mainly listen to female vocals like Ariana Grande, Twice, and Halsey, the bass-heavy DUNU DaVinci might not be the best fit. The strong bass emphasis could overshadow the clarity and detail in the mid-range, which is essential for enjoying vocals. While the DaVinci does offer clear and natural-sounding vocals, the bass might be a bit too much for your preference (though I personally love it). For a more balanced sound that highlights vocals while still providing good bass, I recommend considering the Binary Chopin. It has a vocal-forward sound signature with great clarity and detail retrieval and excellent treble extension, enhancing the enjoyment of female vocals. The PULA PA02 is another great option, though it offers slightly less detail. The Truthear Nova is a third option, with less bass and slightly thin-sounding vocals and instruments, but it can still perform well with some EQ adjustments. Of all these, I would personally choose the Binary Chopin for what you described. It falls within the $200-300 price range and offers excellent mid-range performance, ensuring that vocals sound clear and engaging without being overwhelmed by bass and has a lot of clarity and air. Hope this helps!

​@@AtechreviewsThanks, I'll look into Chopin as you suggested😊. Thanks for helping me out😁

@@ANSHGOEL-rk6my You're welcome!🙂

Thanks!

You're welcome! I haven't had the chance to listen to the FatFreq Maestro Mini, so I can't comment on its sound. Like you, I use IEMs for watching movies, and this is where the DaVinci truly excels with its strong bass performance and clarity. While the SA6 Ultra offers more detail, the DUNU DaVinci brings more enjoyment and satisfaction for movies and specific music genres. It has no harshness or sibilance, is comfortable, detailed, and can be used for hours. I really think it's hard to beat at this price.

@@Atechreviews thank you for the answer 👍!!

@@retouthugues4921 You're welcome! 🙂

The DaVinci offers more bass with superior quality, delivering better slam, punch, and impact. Its lower mid-range sounds natural and slightly warmer. In contrast, the Quintet has a more pronounced 4-10kHz region, making it more fatiguing over time. The Quintet also exhibits some BA timbre, which doesn't sound as natural to me, while the DaVinci sounds incredibly natural and realistic. Additionally, the DaVinci provides a wider soundstage with good depth and significantly better detail retrieval than the Quintet.

The Chopin offers less bass and more forward vocals, with slightly less detail retrieval. I feel the DaVinci is safer for Kpop/Jpop and the bass adds a lot to the enjoyment.

You'll need either a DAC/Amp or a basic dongle. I typically use the AFUL SnowyNight along with the FiiO BTR7 for portable use. However, there are other cheaper options available, such as the Moondrop Dawn Pro and Roselsa 9039, which allow you to use the 4.4mm and provide more than enough power. Any basic dongle will suffice, and you can always upgrade later if you wish.

In my opinion, the DaVinci excels in both sub-bass and mid-bass, delivering superior quality and quantity compared to the Mega5est. The difference is significant. Vocal clarity is also better on the DaVinci, as the Mega5est's bass tends to overshadow the mid-range, affecting vocal clarity. Although the DaVinci has more bass, it never overshadows the mids for me. Even the sub-bass and mid-bass are well-separated, possibly due to the 5-way crossover. Additionally, the mid-range on the Mega5est sounds too laid back for my preference, whereas the DaVinci offers a balanced mid-range-neither too forward nor recessed. While I prefer more vocal forwardness, the DaVinci provides good clarity and separation, ensuring the vocals don't feel lacking. The treble on the Mega5est sounded too smooth and a bit dark to me, and attempts to EQ it made it sibilant. The DaVinci's treble is okay, though slightly too close to my ears. The DaVinci also sounds much more resolving than the Mega5est, which has below-average technicalities for its price. Overall, the Mega5est is smooth and bassy, with laid-back mid-range and vocals, but lacks detail and a modular cable. DaVinci has much more bass (could be too much for some people), better bass, more vocal clarity, better treble clarity, detail retrieval and instrument separation. The difference is not small. If you own the Mega5est, don't worry-it's a good IEM, but the tuning and technicalities just aren't for me.

@@Atechreviews Thanks for the explanation , i will take Davinci instead , i trust u bro❤️

Does the frecuency response affects too much???? Why this IEms are superior to standard 20hz-20khz

If you're seeking clarity and detail and aren't concerned about bass, the Tanchjim Origin is the ideal choice. However, if you prefer more low end, then the DaVinci would be the better option.

What do you mean by standard 20 Hz-20 kHz?

@@Atechreviews the 90% of IEMs has that frecuency response

Thanks for the tip! 🙂 I recently got a new mic and use both a foam cover and windscreen. The issue was that I was too close to the microphone. When I stepped back, my voice sounded too distant. I'll work on finding a better balance to make it more comfortable to listen to in the future. Thanks again for your input. 🙂

@@Atechreviews Try DaVinci Resolve 17 to mix your sounds, might help you with the peaking sounds.

@@deparoo Thanks a lot for the tip. I will definitely check it out. 👍

More bass on the DaVinci.

Thanks! I was pleasantly surprised with how it looks. 🙂

Happy listening!

Worth every penny.

They do offer different sound signatures, but I see where you're coming from.

I haven't listened to the Oracle MK I.

Doscinco has a thicker bass but it isn't as technical, refined or smooth in the treble. I think both DaVinci & Hype 4 are a step up from it, more drivers too.

​@@phetmozThank you. And what about the virtual scene?

@@phetmoz 1. Thicker as in more bass or sounds more full? (Hard to know what everyone thinks when using similar words haha) 2. If you had to pick one between the 3 you mentioned for Electronic, EDM, Rock and R&B... which way would you go and why?

May I ask, what is thick, green, and liquid?

​@@AtechreviewsYou are comparing headphones that sound too different in nature. There are no alternative hybrids with powerful bass dual DD in the review.

You're probably right and I have reached the same conclusion. I find the implementation to be vastly superior to the isobaric double dynamic driver. The DaVinci's bass offers incredible texture and separation.

I don't have the Hype 4 so I can't comment on its sounds quality. The Elysian Pilgrim IEM has better sub-bass rumble and more resolution and detail but less mid-bass compared to the DaVinci. The Pilgrim is more balanced and smoother with excellent clarity, making it suitable for long listening sessions. While the Pilgrim excels in sub-bass, the DaVinci offers a thicker, richer sound that is enjoyable across various genres. The Elysian Pilgrim is an upgrade in sound quality to my ears. The DaVinci has a higher quantity of bass, while the Pilgrim has a higher quality bass and more air up top. The Pilgrim has much higher resolution and detail retrieval compared to the DaVinci but its mid-bass is more neutral.

@@Atechreviews which one would you personally choose between Pilgrim and Davinci?

@@yoditonugrahacky765 I have and enjoy both as they have different sound signatures, so here's a simple breakdown for you: The Pilgrim has a neutral mid-bass. If you prefer slightly more bass than neutral, the DaVinci is a better choice as it offers more bass. DaVinci is great for bass heavy genres and movies. The bass is the star of the show with the DaVinci. However, if you prioritize detail retrieval and overall resolution in a more balanced sound signature, then the Pilgrim is the way to go.

The DaVinci does not have more bass than the Explorer; the quantity is exactly the same. However, the quality of the bass is where the DaVinci excels. It offers more texture, better separation, and is punchier with more slam and impact. The DaVinci's bass is also more tactile-you can feel it as well as hear it, especially with bass-heavy tracks like hip hop and EDM. So while the amount of bass is the same, the DaVinci delivers a significantly superior bass performance.

I didn't listen to the Project M, so I can't comment on its sound.

so its the aful p8 in a metal shell?

@@Hijynx87 better. More sub and mid bass than p8. It’s really good. The more I listen, the more I like it. Problem is I’m comparing it to 1k plus iems. It holds its own in some aspects though

I completely agree with you-adding more mid-bass would make it perfect. It already has a fantastic sub-bass rumble, clear vocals, and excellent resolution. It truly holds its own against IEMs priced over $1k.

@@Atechreviews man I was so surprised I prefer it to some of my 1k iems 😅 I love its energetic sound

@@shaunbrady15 Me too. I mean it 100%. It sounds even better to me than IEMs that cost $1600. It is Energetic, airy, detailed, yet never harsh. That is the Elysian house sound for you 🙂

I just listened to the Studio 4 for the first time yesterday. I plan to continue listening for a few days to form a more accurate impression before comparing it. For now, DaVinci has way more bass.

@@Atechreviews looking forward to your review!

I don't have either of those, so I can't comment on their sound quality. Maybe someone else in the comments can provide some insights.

I wouldn't classify it as a problem; it's more of a matter of personal preference. I prefer to hear more vocals than bass. Surprisingly, I'm starting to appreciate it more and more as it offers a unique lower mid-range presentation. However, I agree with you that if the mid-bass were reduced by 1-2 dBs, it would be perfect.

Thank you for the suggestion, If I have the chance, I will try it.

I've curated a playlist with over 100 tracks from many genres (classical, rap, hip hop, EDM, pop, rock, metal, K-Pop, and J-Pop) specifically designed to test various aspects of audio performance. When I find the time, I plan to add them to Spotify and Tidal and share the playlist here.

​@@Atechreviews +1

Hmmm, I don't think so, usually standard 2 pin cables already have that groove. I usually use that groove on the 2 pin to determine the correct orientation/polarity with my cables that doesn't have ear hooks.

Most standard 2-pin cables are designed with a groove to fit that notch, so you shouldn't have any issues. However, I believe switching from a DUNU cable to a third-party cable would be a big mistake. 🙂

Did you watch my review? I mentioned that it's the best IEM under $300 for my musical preferences and tastes.

​@@Atechreviews Yes Exactly only for you , It beats the Timeless AE ? Your taste is questionable. All reviewers the opposite but you have the golden ears ! Well done 👏

@@Rex88282 I don't have the Timeless AE, I have the original Timeless.

He compared it already and said it wasn’t anything special. Not the best under $400, definitely not $700

Poor QC, shady company, and the DSP cable is noisy. None of these properly vent the chamber to protect your ears.

@@shaunbrady15 subjective. For me , it is the best one. Have tried all the iems I mentioned as well.

@@Cujobob Moondrop is QC a gamble, agreed. But if you win it , the Dusk is the second best iem below $1500 after the Pilgrim Noir (which is essentialy a more technical Dusk). I won my gamble , no noise in the cable, and no issue with the set either.

​@@apothecy4011 you can't just say its the best under $1500, that's very subjective, and there's so many hundreds of iems out there you can't possibly have tried all the best ones. Hop off the hype train.