This comparison is one that I’ve been meaning to make for quite a while, but my thesis paper getting in the way kept me from spending the time to compare the two. Thankfully, my downtime during my short vacation gave me the opportunity to spend a few hours with two “similar” sets in presentation. The $499 DK3001BD and $259 Tangzu Zetian Wu The Legend.
For context, the DK3001BD uses a tri-brid configuration with a DD, balanced armature and microplanar drivers. The Legend uses a dual planar configuration. This is an important distinction because this highlights the very fundamental difference between multi-driver hybrids and single driver configurations.
As mentioned prior, both sets feature a “bright-neutral” sound signature. However, doing more extensive testing made me realize how that really only applies to the DK3001BD as the Legend is far tamer in the treble region overall. The Legend was “airy” in the planar sense, but the DK3001BD was properly airy. This might initially seem like the DK3001BD is considerably hotter, but the combination of the physically leaner note weight of the Legend and the DK3001BDs far deeper bass extension puts them much closer when it comes to “raw airiness”.
The main difference and what fascinated me so much was how distinctly different they presented details in the music. I likened the two to visual arts;
The Legend is a very detailed 2D painting. You can see how much detail was put into the painting from the large scale illustrations to the smallest elements. The Legend is capable of presenting music in such a fine, detailed but smooth way that allows you to hear everything that you need to hear in the music. However, it lacks the physicality and tactility that dynamic driver IEMs traditionally has.
The DK3001BD on the other hand is a tactile and physical painting with different layers of material while maintaining a superb level of detail. If there are rocks on the painting, you feel the rough and jagged texture. If there is a grassfield, you feel the smooth but distinct blades graze your skin. If there are clouds, you feel the soft and moistness of the clouds. That’s the level of detail and nuance that the DK3001BD. It’s a far more “tactile” and “immersive” sounding set with how it presents each layer and the microdetail of each note presented. The downside of this is the potential information and sensory overload with how insanely detailed this set is.
Additionally, the misconception that planar IEMs have wide stage is purely dependent on the tuning and how it balances the low end. The DK3001BD has a far more immersive and wide and depp headstage and depth with how tonal balance and drivers interact with the headspace in the music you listen to. The Legend has a far more intimate but equally precise headspace in the music that you listen to.
Despite this, I think it’s important to distinguish the fundamental fact that the DK3001BD is nearly twice the price of the Legend and, again, features a completely different driver configuration. Both sets are great on their own right and are solid value I was just intrigued with the difference between the two and felt the need to compare the two in such an “in depth” manner to how I usually compare two IEMs for the sake of time. More time consuming, yes, but shows how interesting both sets really are.
Anyways, I’ll be posting my full impressions and review on the Legend. If you want to see my full review on the DK3001BD, do check it out on Audionotions or on my YouTube Channel @ OB ODIO Reviews
