WATCH FULL REVIEW HERE:

PROS:

• Best timbre under $200
• Reference-like neutral with a touch of warmth
• Treasure trove accessory and package inclusion
• Tight, linear but tactile bass
• Lush and open midrange
• Smooth but detailed treble
• Amazing build and fit
• Matte finish (biased)
• Scales well but sounds good on lower quality sources

CONS:

• Not the most technical sounding IEM in the price
• Not the most engaging IEM
• In-ear seal in subpar

WHO THIS UNIT IS FOR:

• People who like a reference-neutral tuned set
• People who want a very EQ-able IEM
• Timbreheads
• People who like a complete package

WHO THIS UNIT ISN’T FOR:

• People who want an engaging and fun IEM
• People who want an analytical or high detailed IEM
• People who want a superb sealing
• People who wants a snappier sounding set

GENRES:

• Jazz
• Vocal Pop
• R&B
• Ambient/Instrumental

SHORT REVIEW:

The Kima 2 is such a monumental IEM for me that it became my new 2024 target. A near perfect balance from bass to treble makes this a proper reference set for people like me who enjoys a warmer than flat signature. This is not for those looking for an engaging, fun or technical set, but is a set I can 100% recommend to anyone, especially those starting in audio in 2024 with a slightly deep pocket. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

FULL REVIEW

In the grand scheme of things, having a favorite IEM as a reviewer feels like the equivalent of choosing a political party. People will both praise you for having the same favorite IEM or call you a shill. And it’s not very often that I call something my favorite. For the longest time, Simgot’s EA500 has been my favorite IEM which was then replaced by the EA1000 which, is an improved version of the EA500. Does that make me a Simgot shill? Depends how you look at it. 

But everyone once in a while, a set comes in with either a similar or a completely contrasting sound that breaks the mold of what I enjoy about IEMs. It started with the HiBy Zeta, then the CCA Hydro, then the Moritz Paradise. Now, the EA500 will be shaking in its place with the IEM of today’s review, the Dunu Kima 2. 

DISCLAIMER: The Kima 2 was sent in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not paid or compensated to say anything about the product

WOULD YOU KIMA 2 NIGHT?

We’re all familiar with Dunu. I’m very familiar with Dunu. Heck, I vouch for most Dunu sets for how good value and well tuned most of their products are. They’re essentially the company that provides the best value in terms of overall experience out of all the companies that I’ve come across. I mean, who includes almost $30 worth of eartips on their $79 IEM? That’s just insanity. 

But the Kima 2 is not $79. It’s $120. And $120 is where people get nitpicky about what they define as “good enough”. You can’t just have good accessories and be “good enough”. That’s the main complaint about the Titan S2, and that was only $79. So is the Kima 2 good enough, or can it be the best under $150? 

UNBOXING

This is my first Dunu unboxing with a Waifu. Who knew! And it’s a damn good looking artwork too with the strong pink element dominating the very complex art piece. If only I knew what was about to come. 

Here’s a full list of the inclusions:

• Dunu Kima IEMs
• Modular cable
• Carrying case
• A lot of eartips (you know how Dunu is)
• 3.5mm to 6.35mm adaptor
• Shirt Clip
• Acrylic stand

I mean, what do you expect at this point? I’m not gonna lie to you when I say that during my unboxing of this, I didn’t even bother to individually inspect each eartip anymore because there’s just so much damn eartips. It’s overwhelming, but a welcome inclusion. 

What surprised me is the inclusion of a really high quality acrylic stand. Granted, I struggled trying to get this to go on the stand. But once I did, I was just so impressed that they’d include something like this. Maybe a bit of shape contour would have made this the perfect photography buddy, but I can’t deny that Dunu has provided those waifu lovers something to share on a specific reddit board that I will choose not to name. 

BUILD & FIT

While I tout Dunu for providing great accessories, I don’t think I’ve commended them enough on the ear pieces themselves. Dunu has always been at the forefront for metal built IEMs, even during their MMCX days with the OG Falcon Ultra. 

But I think let’s give the Kima 2 a bit of backstory on its internals and tuning. 

The Kima 2 was based on a set they released 2 years ago called the Vernus. This was a single DD priced at $220 and is closely related to the Falcon series in regards to its external appearance. And while I wasn’t able to try the Vernus, Dunu stated that it directly inspired the Kima 2’s tuning and, I believe, also the build. This also featured the ECLIPSƎ drivers, but the Kima 2 seems to have removed that from their marketing.

I mentioned this because there is a limited version of the Kima 2 that sports a somewhat similar green tint to the Vernus. It’s not quite moss green like the latter, but it’s a similar glossy finish that looks quite unique (but definitely finger print and scratch prone. 

Thankfully, Dunu opted to use a matte finish on the regular version of the Kima 2 which I know many people will appreciate. 

As for the quality of the build itself, this is what you’d expect from a top of the line all metal IEM. And yet this thing only costs $119. Granted, there have been all metal shells before and for much cheaper. But these remind me of the Moondrop Kato in many ways and I’m so glad that Dunu opted for that matte finish. It’s a very blocky and edgy shape that contrasts the bubbly and poppy look of the included waifu, but I know it’s not often that the IEM corresponds to the art. 

One of the aspects that really blew me away was comfort. For an all metal IEM, this thing fit and sealed in my ear better than most resin made IEMs. The fit is deep but unintrusive, the inner shell sits perfectly in my ear and the shape is neither too large or small to cause discomfort. Plus, that all metal shell does not drag in my ears at all. I really can’t think of a con about the build and fit of the IEM at all. 

As for the cable, this is the same one that they used on the Titan S2 and I have to say, this cable is growing on me. It’s surprisingly behave and the choice not to go paracord on the strands that lead to the ears is a great choice. Less problems down the line and no irritation that way. But I have to admit that those strands feel cheap and feel like they’d get stiff fast over time. Thicker strands suffer from this less, but that’s besides the point. 

But once again, I will hype up Dunu’s usage of the Q-Lock Mini and how it’s genuinely the best modular system in the market right now. If Dunu and Effect audio could collaborate to make the best modular system from the interface to the jack, that would sell like hotcakes. 

SOUND

Sound Signature

The Kima 2 features a linear low end, slightly boosted upper midrange and consistent brightness that makes this my new reference under $200. I’m not kidding, the tuning of the Kima 2 is near, if not, perfect to my ideal target and improves upon the set that previous held this title, the Celest Pandamon. But the best part is just how consistent the timbre of this thing is. Under $200, I cannot think of a single IEM with better balance of timbre and technicalities. 

Source Pairing

One of the benefits of a set like this is that it’ll sound pretty damn good on most sources. From lower powered and cheaper sources to more expensive and higher quality sources, it’ll sound damn good. Heck, this sounds good on my VE Avani which most IEMs nowadays can’t really do. But where this really shines is with good and clean power. Tighter bass, cleaner mids and more transient treble makes this arguably one of the best IEMs to pair with whatever source in my collection. 

Volume

This level of neutrality and balance also makes this probably one of the best scaling IEMs in my collection. While it’s no Hades or Legato, these can be cranked to high volume levels with minimal harshness and a fuller and more immersive sound. I found myself cranking the volume quite high on these, but chose to go lower since they sound pretty damn good on lower listening levels. 

Bass

As you might expect from a set that follows my reference neutral target, the bass of this is linear with a bit of a midbass kick. It’s not as big of a kick as other warmer but still linear sets like the EA500, EA1000 or even the Pandamon. But it’s present and my goodness is it tight. I remember when I was reading about the HZSound Heart Mirror years back and people touted the Heart Mirror for how tight the bass was. That could probably be due to the fact that there was barely any, but the Kima 2 proves that you can get good tight bass with enough energy. 

That being said, this is not a bassy set. Nor is it even a relatively warm set. I know because on the tracks that I listened to that were often doused in brightness like Come On, Eileen, these didn’t really give the track note weight. Granted, this also made it absolutely perfect for any track that emphasized bass quality over quantity or just has too much low end to boot. Take IV of Spades’ Hey Barbara and that thick and lumpy bass line at the start by Mr. Zild Benitez. Do I hate that track in most listening impressions? Yeah. But not the Kima 2. But again, don’t expect this to rattle your head. It’s clean, tight and well-extended without much of an engaging weight to kick your head in

Mids

But what’ll kick your head in is how immaculate the midrange of this is. Anything track where the midrange is the focus is brought to its best tonal quality on the Kima 2. From low male vocals like Jacob Collier to the brightest reaches of Mica of Magdalena Bay, the Kima 2 delivers exactly the kind of tone I like. Heck, even Samara Joy and Laufey were perfect on these! 

So much so that I listened to the entire Portrait Album of Samara Joy on these and completely forgot I was doing earphone assessment. I was just vibing and chilling to the smooth and silky tones of the modern Ella Fitzgerald. I also spent a considerable time going back to Laufey because of just how consistent the midrange presentation of the Kima 2 is.

Where it may lack, just like the bass, is overall engagement. The vocals are forward and energetic, but you don’t really get much bite or grunt on any instrument. You get good details and nuance, but not a lot of rough energy that you might find with more specialized or energetic sets. The low end is particularly damp with not much to keep you engaged with low end instruments thanks to the bass-linear presentation. 

Treble

This is where I adored and yawned over the Kima 2. On one end, this is a very well-refined and overall clean treble that allows me to just go ham at the volume knob. No shout, no sibilance and no grainy or edginess to make me wince. It does that while also being supremely detailed with good treble nuance and clarity and a decent level of air. However, these are definitely on the safer side to my personal taste as tracks that I usually find a ragged edge of imperfection is smoothened out a little too much on the Kima 2. 

The perfect example of this is Bed Chem by Sabrina Carpenter. That song is tuned a little bit bright compared to its neighboring songs in Short and Sweet and the edgy percussions were a treat when presented with a bit of maturity. Nothing too edgy but just right. The Kima 2 found itself a little too safe with the song being completely listenable at higher volumes but somewhat drowned out in the low end as the volume goes up. Details are presented nicely, like I mentioned, but I like a bit of edge on lower listening volumes that focus on just those hi hats and cymbals. Regardless, Sabrina’s voice sound fantastic on these. 

Air could also be improved, especially in the top end and the energy could just be boosted a little bit for taste. But nothing much I’d say breaks my love for the Kima 2’s impeccable tonal balance as even in the treble I found it to be silky smooth but crisp. 

Technicalities

And now we find ourselves where the Kima 2 somewhat takes a step down. A set with this impeccable timbre and a somewhat low price? You almost always expect that the compromise finds itself in the technicalities. Granted, this is not a limp set in any sense. You get clean separation, good dynamics, good transients and fine layering. But overall dynamic and transient presentation is not as well-defined as what you might expect from hybrids or more aggressively tuned single DDs in this price point. Its safer than safe tuning with a bit of energy in the top end will bring music to you on a silver platter, but ensures that you get the most comfortable and safest listening experience to avoid you from finding your meal unsatisfactory. That’s the weakest point of the Kima 2 in my opinion, and one where people will be critical over its $120 price range that sets like the EA500LM on the low and Supermix 4 on the high might do better over the Kima 2. 

COMPARISONS:

vs Simgot EA500LM

Probably the first IEM that comes to mind when it comes to single DD beasts under $150, the EA500LM is surprisingly the contrast to the Kima 2. While both sets may be single DDs, the LM is bright, aggressive, bassy and supremely technical at the cost of timbre and tone. The LM is edgier and more engaging to listen to at the cost of sounding more offensive to people who are sensitive to treble. The Kima 2 on the other hand excels at sounding very soothing and calm while offering good technicalities, albeit not any better than the EA500LM. 

vs Intuaura Luna Plume

Arguably the most appropriate comparison due to the fact that they are both timbre focused single DDs with decent techs and fantastic tone. The main difference being the Luna Plume is warmer and more “musical” compared to the Kima 2 which is more neutral. The Plume is a tad less technically capable than the Kima 2, potentially due to the warmth, but is also more engaging and more versatile in terms of its appropriate geenres thanks to the stronger low end. I’d argue that both sets compliment each other despite having a very similar goal and the choice comes down to whether you want pseudo reference neutral or warm and musical. 

vs Dunu Titan S2

What both the Titan S2 and Kima 2 have in common is how easy they are to recommend. Both sets are safe sets with a complete accessory inclusion, great build and fit and easy to like sound. Another thing they have in common is the somewhat lack luster technical ability for the price that, in the case of the Titan S2, became its achilles heel. In the case of the Kima 2, however, the tuning is still quite unique despite that lackluster technical ability and still makes it a compelling set for people who are looking for a reference neutral sound. I enjoy both sets for different reasons, and the accessories are always welcome

vs Oriveti Dynabird

In every sense of the word, the Dynabird contrasts the Kima 2 in every single way. The Dynabird is v-shaped, abrasive, edgy and aggressive. Completely contrasting the safe, soothing and neutral tone of the Kima 2. In a way, this makes them another complementary set. However, the Dynabird also falls to the Kima 2 in how refined the latter is. The Dynabird’s edginess makes it sound like it’s being pushed further than the driver can handle. The Kima 2 on the other hand sounds effortless and smooth while maintaining good detail and nuance. 

vs Simgot EA1000

Slightly unfair due to the $100 jump in the price, but the EA1000 represents the edgier and more technically focused sound that the Kima 2 and the Luna Plume contrats. All in all, EA1000 takes what’s good about the EA500 and EA500LM and cranks it up to 11, including the potentially “offensive” tone. The Kima 2 avoids this problem by taking the Dunu Falcon Ultra’s route of a safe yet engaging tone and getting rid of the engagement. Not a bad thing, but definitely makes the Kima 2 a set for those who just want something safe.

CONCLUSIONS

This is my favorite sub $200 timbre focused set right now, and by a long shot. Simgot may have cracked the code to technically capable single DDs, but the Kima 2 is bar none unbeatable when it comes to providing some of the most consistent tonal presentation in any IEM today. It sounds effortless while still providing good detail and nuance. It’s a vocal and instrumental beast that will never hurt or dishonor your ears, but will still provide you with a fundamentally fantastic listening experience. 

But the elephant in the room is how it might be too safe sounding. I know not everyone cares about that, but it lives in the price range where planar, hybrids and technically focused DDs dominate and the Kima 2 is an outlier by being a timbre first, techs later kind of set. That’s not entirely a con for me, but it will be a con for those seeking a more technical and detailed sounding set. But if you’re like me and just want a set to vibe with and have a consistently soothing listening experience, Kima 2 is unlike anything you’ll ever hear. 

Thank you for reading my review on Dunu Kima 2. If you would like to order one, consider using the non-affiliated link below: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007914635944.html