Dunu Kima Classic Review

DUNU Kima Classic review featured

In this review, I’m looking at the Dunu Kima Classic. The Kima Classic is a variation of the original Kima model and features a single dynamic driver. If you’re looking for a comparison with the original Kima you find it here (I haven’t heard it) but read on if you want to know my thoughts on this model. It’s priced at $109.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by HiFiGo for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own based on my experience with the product.

Dunu Kima Classic Review
Verdict
While the audio quality is comparable among its peers, the DUNU Kima Classic boasts exceptional build quality.
How would you rate this product?1 Votes
Pros
Clarity and detail retrieval
Tight, controlled bass
Exceptional build quality
Great stock cable
Cons
Bass lacks authority
Lower midrange lacks fullness
4
Our Score

Dunu Kima Classic

Specifications

Driver: Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) diaphragm dynamic driver
Frequency response: 5Hz-40kHz
Impedance: 32Ω @ 1kHz
Sensitivity: 108±1dB @ 1kHz

In the Box
  • Dunu Kima Classic IEMs
  • Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin SPC cable
  • Zipper carrying case
  • 9x pairs of silicone eartips
  • Cleaning cloth
  • Cleaning brush
  • 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter
DUNU Kima Classic design

Design

The Kima Classic shells look familiar at a glance but there are some differences from the original model, notably the colour. Dunu calls it a coffee-grey finish and the shells look great with their smooth matte finish.

Kima Classic’s external shell design hasn’t changed apart from the colour. They still have faceted faceplates, 2 small vents and 2-pin sockets. If there’s one thing DUNU does consistently well it’s build quality. And the Kima Classic boasts exceptional craftsmanship.

These IEMs not only look great but they also feel great in both the hand and the ears. Kima Classic provides all-day comfort, at least for my ears, making it perfect for longer listening sessions. The passive noise isolation is above average too, so Kima Classic is ideal for commutes and noisy environments.

The included cable is excellent and better quality than you might normally get at this price bracket. It’s a 4-core braided cable in a brass colour with all metal components, except for the 2-pin connector housings. It comes with a chin slider and handles superbly.

Stock SPC cable

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the Hiby R2 II, Moondrop Moonriver 2: TI and the xDuoo XD05 BAL2. Kima Classic is easy to drive so you can run it from just about anything, even straight out of a smartphone.

In terms of sound signature, Kima Classic is slightly V-shaped. Compared to the original Kima, the Classic now has more sub-bass presence and some extra lift in the highs. The result is a clear and vibrant sound with good dynamics and slightly recessed mids.

DUNU Kima Classic graph
Bass

The bass is controlled and fast, even with the added sub-bass presence. Despite that, this is still not a basshead IEM as the quantity of the lows is fairly modest. There’s good texture and the bass extension is adequate, with the ability to produce some rumble. While it may not be the absolute pinnacle in terms of sheer impact, the overall bass experience is pretty satisfying.

Midrange

The Kima Classic’s midrange possesses a subtle recessed quality, yet it compensates with a blend of clarity and density. Male vocals, while leaning towards a more streamlined presentation, maintain a distinct presence. In contrast, female vocals exude a lively tonality without verging into shrillness. This midrange offers a notable sense of spaciousness, owed to its clarity and swift transient response.

Kima Classic nozzles and 2-pin sockets
Treble

The treble of the Kima Classic maintains a forward presence, which is made comfortably manageable by the strategically placed dips in the more potentially harsh or edgy regions. This results in a treble that strikes a balance between being lively and listener-friendly.

It offers a crisp and well-defined high-frequency performance, without veering into sibilance, providing a non-fatiguing profile. Moreover, the treble timbre is admirably natural, devoid of any artificial or sizzling undertones.

Soundstage and Technicalities

The soundstage has consistent, albeit average, dimensions with a decent sense of depth and layering. Detail retrieval surpasses the norm, showcasing an above-average performance. Imaging is on point, providing precise placement that offers clear positional cues, in both music and games.

Inner shells

Comparisons

Kiwi Ears Quartet

The Kiwi Ears Quartet (review here) is a quad-driver IEM with 2DD+2BA. It has a warmer tone – a result of its pronounced mid-bass and full-bodied midrange. Vocals and instruments take on a richer, more lustrous quality compared to the Kima Classic.

Both IEMs have a similar treble tuning but the Quartet’s treble is offset by more fullness in the bass and mids, resulting in a darker tone. The Quartet comes out ahead in terms of resolution while the Kima Classic has the edge in clarity.

DUNU Kima Classic with cable

Verdict

The DUNU Kima Classic IEM stands out as a solid contender in its price range. Its exceptional build quality and the inclusion of a high-quality cable make it an attractive package for entry-level enthusiasts. While it may not be a groundbreaking game-changer in the world of IEMs, it competes admirably with others in its class.


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