Introduction
The Dunu Titan S is an affordable in-ear monitor released in late 2021 by the well-respected Chinese audio brand Dunu. Priced at just $79, the Titan S features a single 11mm dynamic driver and aims to deliver great sound and build quality at an entry-level price point. In this review, I’ll be taking an in-depth look at the design, comfort, sound quality, and overall performance of the Titan S to see if it lives up to expectations.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I have not received any form of compensation or incentive to endorse or promote any specific product mentioned in this review.
Specifications
- 11mm Dynamic Driver
- Impedance: 32Ω @ 1kHz.
- Sensitivity: 110dB.
- Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.3%.
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz.
Bottom Line
The Dunu Titan S provides exceptional price-to-performance value with few significant weaknesses for a well-built and great-sounding budget IEM.
In summary, the Dunu Titan S is an excellent entry-level audiophile IEM with impressive design, accessories, and sound made to punch above its budget-friendly price point. It avoids glaring weaknesses and satisfies across multiple music genres, especially for vocal-centric tracks. For shoppers seeking great price-to-performance value, the Titan S is easy to recommend.
Overall Rating
Dunu Titan S
Pros
- great price-to-performance ratio
- Natural, balanced tuning
- very good detail and clarity
- non-fatiguing treble
- excellent build quality for the price.
- Good accessory kit
Cons
- Average soundstage size
- Bass light for some
- Dynamics are slightly lacking.
Suitable Music Genres
Suitable:
- The balanced tuning of the Titan S allows it to excel in most genres, including pop, rock, jazz, acoustic, classical, and vocals.
- EDM and hip-hop listeners may want more mid-bass punch.
Not Suitable:
- Very bass-heavy EDM and hip-hop styles are not ideal matches for the Titan S.
- Those looking for massive bass slam should consider more v-shaped options.
Equalization Tips
- If more bass is desired, a shallow shelf boosting the sub-bass around 50–80 Hz by 2–3 dB can help.
- A -2 dB cut around 6 kHz may help mellow the upper midrange if it sounds harsh on certain tracks.
1. Packaging
- Dunu Titan S
- 10 pairs of eartips
- carry case
- cable
- shirt clip
2. Design And Build Quality
The Dunu Titan S has a unique, cyberpunk-inspired design with angular zinc alloy shells and carbon fiber faceplates. Despite the sharp styling, the fit and finish are excellent, with tight seams and tolerances. The metal construction feels solid and durable. Dunu includes a nice-quality detachable cable and a sturdy zippered carry case.
The cable uses a twisted 4-core copper and silver-plated copper layout and has well-relieved connectors. The custom-shaped 2-pin connectors integrate smoothly into the IEM housing. While the build quality is impressive overall, the cable is a bit thin and prone to tangling.
3. Comfort
Despite its angular, faceted housing, the Titan S is surprisingly comfortable and lightweight. The over-ear fit keeps them securely in place. Noise isolation is about average due to the vented design. Those with smaller ears may have issues achieving a proper fit and seal with the longer nozzles. But for most, the Titan S should be comfortable for extended listening sessions.
4. Sound Quality Of The Dunu Titan S
I. Tonality
The Dunu Titan S has a mildly V-shaped tuning with a neutral-bright tonal balance. The bass has a mild elevation focused on the sub-bass, giving it a clean, controlled sound with good extension. The midrange is forward and lively, with excellent clarity on vocals. Treble is well-extended and airy, adding energy without being overly bright or sibilant.
Overall tonality is quite natural, with instruments having appropriate body and timbre. The Titan S is not as colored or bass-boosted as many competitors, making it more versatile across genres.
II. Frequency Response Graph Of The Dunu Titan S
III. Bass Response
Bass has good sub-bass extension with a mild boost that avoids muddiness or bloating. The mid-bass is lean and tight, avoiding bleeding into the mids. The bass texture is very good, with high levels of detail and control. While the bass impact is not huge, it has good speed and articulation.
Drum hits have a nice transient snap but lack the deep physicality of more bass-heavy IEMs. The bass tuning gives the Titan S great versatility without dominating the mix. However, bassheads may want more mid-bass body and slam.
IV. Midrange Performance
The midrange has a lively forward presentation with excellent clarity on vocals. Both male and female vocals sound natural with good timbre. The upper midrange lift adds energy and intimacy without sounding overly shouty or harsh.
Instruments have a good body and attack. The note presentation is on the leaner side but avoids sounding thin or hollow. The mild V-shape gives the midrange a clean and open sound with plenty of detail and air.
V. Treble Response
Treble is well-extended and energetic without being overly bright or sibilant. There is good presence and sparkle in the lower treble, adding clarity and air. Cymbal crashes have realistic decay and avoid sounding splashy. The upper treble rolls off smoothly, avoiding harshness.
The treble strikes a nice balance between energy and smoothness. Those sensitive to brightness may still find it slightly aggressive with poorly recorded tracks. But in general, the treble tuning is quite non-fatiguing.
5. Technicalities Of The Dunu Titan S
I. Soundstage And Imaging
The Dunu Titan S has an average-sized soundstage that is wider than it is deep. Instrument separation is very good with well-defined placement. Imaging is precise, and instruments are easily localized within the headstage. The stage feels open and spacious but lacks the expansive size of more expensive hybrid IEMs.
II. Instrument Separation And Detail Retrieval
Due to the leaner tuning and good transient response, the Titan S excels at separating out individual elements, even in busy passages. The good soundstage space also contributes to separation. Macro-detail retrieval is very good, with excellent clarity on leading edges and decays.
Micro-details are slightly smoothed over but better than expected for the price. Considering the single DD setup, the Titan S punches above its class in resolution and detail retrieval.
III. Dynamics And Speed
While not the most dynamic IEM, the Dunu Titan S has pleasingly natural dynamics with good contrast between loud and soft passages. Drum hits and fast guitar riffs are rendered cleanly without losing composure. However, the Titan S lacks the sheer impact and driver authority of hybrid designs.
The overall transient response is very quick, with good driver speed on percussion and lead instruments. The well-controlled bass avoids bloat, allowing the Titan S to keep up with fast rhythms and complex passages.
IV. Resolution
The resolution is very good for a single DD IEM. The Titan S reveals details in recordings that many competitors gloss over, from subtle background elements to vocal nuances and textures. However, it doesn't retrieve micro-details as sharply as hybrid designs.
6. Gaming Performance
With its good imaging, resolution, and soundstage space, the Dunu Titan S performs well for gaming. Explosions and gunshots have a good impact, and their positioning is easy to discern. The slightly aggressive treble helps highlight footsteps and other subtle spatial cues. The Titan S provides a nice advantage over cheaper gaming headsets.
7. Comparisons
Dunu Titan S VS Moondrop Aria
Compared to the popular Moondrop Aria, the Titan S has better detail, clarity, and treble extension, while the Aria has more mid-bass body and impact. The Aria is smoother, while the Titan S is more resolving.
Dunu Titan S VS Tin HiFi T3 Plus
The Tin HiFi T3 Plus has more sub-bass rumble but sounds more closed in. The T3 Plus has thicker notes but loses composure more easily. The Titan S is more balanced and refined.
Dunu Titan S VS Tanchjim Oxygen
For more, the Tanchjim Oxygen has better technicalities and a larger stage but is brighter. Oxygen has more bass texture but is less versatile.
8. FAQs
Q. Who should buy the Dunu Titan S?
- The Titan S is great for those seeking an affordable but well-built IEM with balanced, detailed sound quality.
- It's a good option for audiophiles on a budget seeking premium design and accessories.
Q. Who should avoid the Dunu Titan S?
- Bassheads and those looking for a warmer, smoother sound may be disappointed.
- The Titan S is not for those seeking a huge bass slam or a dark sound signature.
Q. Is Dunu Titan S suitable for treble sensitive listeners?
Those highly sensitive to brightness may still find the Titan S slightly fatiguing on poorly mastered tracks. However, the treble is quite smooth and extended compared to most in its class. Proper eartip selection helps tame the treble further.
Q. Does the Titan S work for phone calls?
Yes, the Titan S includes a mic and a single-button remote for call control and voice assistants. Call quality is about average but usable.
Q. How is the fit for small ears?
The longer nozzles may cause fit issues for those with very small ears. Shallower fitting tips can help shorten the insertion depth.
Q. Is an amp necessary?
No, the Titan S is easy to drive from portable devices without an external amp. However, it will scale up nicely with more powerful sources.
Q. Does it include a balanced cable?
No, Dunu does not include a balanced cable, which is understandable given the price point. Aftermarket cables must match the special molded shape of the stock connectors.
Q. Is the Titan S good for working out?
Yes, the secure fit and sweat resistance make the Titan S a good option for exercise. Just be mindful of average isolation.
9. Conclusion
The Dunu Titan S punches well above its modest price point, offering great build quality, accessories, and a natural open sound with surprising technical abilities. While not perfect, it avoids major flaws and works well across a variety of music genres. If you want an affordable, versatile IEM with few compromises, the Dunu Titan S is easy to recommend.
Read More Reviews On Dunu Titan S: Headphonesty