In this article, I review the budget-friendly DUNU Titan X IEMs. The Titan X aims to bridge the gap between high-fidelity sound and budget-conscious users; DUNU are calling it “The Market Slayer”, and in some ways, I totally agree. It features a 10mm DLC dynamic driver and a high-density metallic alloy build. At the time of writing, it’s priced at just $35. Let’s see how it performs.
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 Titan X
Inside the Box
- DUNU Titan X IEMs
- Detachable 3.5mm/USB-C 2-pin cable
- Cleaning brush
- Fabric carrying pouch
- 10x pairs of silicone eartips in 3 types
Design
This is where the DUNU Titan X really distinguishes itself from other budget IEMs; the high-density alloy housings with their chrome-plated finish are nothing short of exquisite for the price. While not flashy in their appearance, these shells are built to last. I’ve been carelessly shoving them into my pockets and carrying them around for a week now and there’s no sign of wear whatsoever.
Titan X is comfortable too; the housings are smooth and rounded all over. They’re not too large and the variety of included eartips means everybody should be able to get a good fit. Passive noise isolation is above average, so you can enjoy your music without distractions.
The included cable is better than expected for a budget IEM. It has a tidy, uniform braid, plus it’s lightweight and supple. All of the components are metal, except for the chin slider and overall, the cable handles nicely.
Sound
The Titan X follows a warm take on the Harman 2019 IEM target, not a strict interpretation, but a fuller, more organic side of that curve. If you’re coming in expecting clinical neutrality, look elsewhere. If you want something that sounds like music rather than a measurement, read on.
Bass
There’s plenty of body here, but it’s reasonably controlled, and it hits with satisfying authority. Purists will no doubt turn their noses up at the mid-bass fullness, and fair enough, it’s not the most linear presentation. But it gives the Titan X a sense of naturalness and weight that leaner tunings sometimes lack. It’s the kind of bass that makes you feel the music rather than just analyse it. The trade-off is that the midrange doesn’t get quite as much room to breathe as it might on a flatter tuning.
Mids
The midrange carries some of the warmth through from the bass. There’s good body to instruments and vocals across the board, and tonality is clearly a priority here. Male vocals come across with ample power and authority without losing articulation, think richness rather than boominess. Female vocals are vibrant, though on harshly mastered tracks, they can sound a little shouty in the upper mids. On well-recorded material, though, no complaints.
During busy, complex passages, there’s a mild congestion that creeps in, not a dealbreaker by any means, but noticeable. It’s the result of a tuning that puts tonality front and centre, sometimes at the expense of that last bit of separation and space.
Treble
The treble is somewhat laid-back and forgiving. It’s not going to dazzle you with sparkle or air, and treble-heads might find it a bit too safe. That said, there’s no harshness or sibilance, so even those who are sensitive to treble should find it tolerable. It does enough to add clarity and counterbalance the enhanced bass without drawing attention to itself.
Verdict
The DUNU Titan X is being marketed as “The Market Slayer”, and in terms of build quality, it legitimately beats the competition. As for the sound, it performs well there too, though the budget segment remains fiercely competitive. Looking at the overall package: build, accessories, and sound, the Titan X might not completely “slay” its rivals, but it absolutely earns a place among the top in its price range.