Overview

The DUNU Talos represents the company’s entry into the planar magnetic IEM market with a unique dual-mode design. Featuring a newly-developed 14.6mm ultra-thin diaphragm planar magnetic driver paired with two custom-tuned balanced armature units, the Talos offers switchable operation between pure planar mode and hybrid planar+BA mode. The aviation-grade aluminum construction with CNC machining and N55 double-sided magnetic circuit demonstrates DUNU’s three-decade manufacturing expertise. At 199 USD, it targets audiophiles seeking versatile listening options with premium build quality.

Scientific Validity

\[\Large \text{0.3}\]

The Talos exhibits problematic performance across multiple measurement criteria. THD specification of <0.3% at 1kHz reaches the problematic threshold (0.3% or above) for the IEM category according to measurement criteria. Third-party measurements reveal significant frequency response deviations from neutral [1][2]. Crinacle measurements show vocal-forward midrange with 2.5kHz pinna gain, but overall response lacks neutrality [3]. In-ear Gems analysis identifies critically problematic 8kHz boost in hybrid mode that produces unrealistic timbre brightness and compromises instrumental accuracy [4]. While planar-only mode performs better, the hybrid mode implementation creates measurable problems that affect the primary listening experience. The problematic THD values combined with significant frequency response issues place this product below transparent performance levels.

Technology Level

\[\Large \text{0.8}\]

The Talos demonstrates significant technical advancement through proprietary innovations including N55 double-sided magnetic circuit and multi-vent air flow micro-control system. The dual-mode switching capability represents desirable technology that competitors would likely adopt. DUNU’s 30-year ODM/OEM background provides substantial technical expertise, evidenced by the in-house development of the 14.6mm ultra-thin planar diaphragm. The integration of planar and balanced armature technologies with user-selectable operation modes showcases contemporary engineering approach suited to IEM applications.

Cost-Performance

\[\Large \text{0.1}\]

Superior IEMs are available at dramatically lower prices, fundamentally undermining the Talos cost-performance position. Moondrop Chu II delivers equivalent-or-better measured performance at 19 USD with comprehensive Audio Science Review measurements confirming its excellence [5]. The Chu II provides superior frequency response accuracy (extremely close to Harman target), equivalent low impedance smartphone compatibility, detachable 2-pin cable, and significantly lower measured distortion performance compared to the Talos THD specification of <0.3%. CP = 19 USD ÷ 199 USD = 0.095, rounded to 0.1. The Talos pricing represents over 10x cost premium over a measured-superior IEM alternative that delivers better acoustic performance in all key metrics.

Reliability & Support

\[\Large \text{0.7}\]

DUNU provides standard 1-year international warranty with global support through established dealer network [7]. The CNC-machined aluminum construction and proven planar+BA configuration offer robust build quality with simple structure resistant to degradation. The company maintains direct customer engagement through Head-Fi forums (DUNU-Topsound representative) and has established 30-year manufacturing track record as ODM/OEM provider. Standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors improve reliability over previous MMCX implementations. Support infrastructure includes authorized dealer network with typical 1-3 week warranty processing.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

\[\Large \text{0.4}\]

The design philosophy demonstrates limited rationality due to fundamental implementation flaws. While dual-mode switching represents innovative approach, the execution produces scientifically problematic results in hybrid mode with 8kHz boost causing unrealistic timbre [4]. The cost allocation toward premium materials and complex switching mechanisms does not translate to superior measured performance compared to budget alternatives. The hybrid mode implementation contradicts scientific validity principles by introducing measurable frequency response problems that compromise accuracy. Despite engineering sophistication, the design fails to achieve transparent performance levels while commanding significant price premium over functionally equivalent products. The approach prioritizes mechanical complexity over acoustic optimization, representing irrational cost allocation that does not benefit end-user audio quality.

Advice

The DUNU Talos presents significant cost-performance challenges compared to measured-superior budget IEM alternatives. Moondrop Chu II at 19 USD provides superior value with verified measured acoustic performance across all key metrics including frequency response accuracy, distortion levels, and overall fidelity. Audio Science Review measurements confirm Chu II’s excellent frequency response matching the Harman target with significantly lower measured distortion than Talos’s THD<0.3% specification. The Talos hybrid mode introduces problematic 8kHz boost that compromises timbre accuracy, while the Chu II demonstrates superior measured performance with equivalent functionality (detachable 2-pin cable, low impedance, smartphone compatibility). The 10x price premium cannot be justified when the cheaper alternative provides superior measured performance. Consider the Moondrop Chu II unless you specifically require the premium build materials and dual-mode switching mechanism. Users prioritizing cost-effectiveness and measured acoustic accuracy should choose the superior-performing Chu II that delivers better verified performance at a fraction of the cost.

References

[1] Linsoul - DUNU TALOS 14.6mm Planar & 2BA Drivers Hybrid HiFi In-Ear Earphones, https://www.linsoul.com/products/dunu-talos, accessed 2025-09-24

[2] HiFiGo - DUNU TALOS 1Planar + 2BA Drivers Hybrid IEMs, https://hifigo.com/products/dunu-talos, accessed 2025-09-24, specifications: 16Ω impedance, 100dB sensitivity, 5Hz-40kHz frequency response, THD <0.3%

[3] Crinacle - DUNU Talos measurements, https://crinacle.com/graphs/iems/dunu-talos/, accessed 2025-09-24, IEC-711 compliant measurements

[4] In-ear Gems - Dunu Talos Review, https://iegems.nk-tran.com/2023/01/07/review-dunu-talos.html, accessed 2025-09-24, IEC-711-compliant coupler measurements

[5] Audio Science Review - Moondrop Chu II IEM Review, https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/moondrop-chu-ii-iem-review.55179/, accessed 2025-09-24, comprehensive measurements: excellent frequency response matching Harman target, low distortion performance, 19 USD pricing, detachable 2-pin cable, low impedance

[6] Apos Audio - Moondrop May Dynamic Driver + Planar Magnetic Driver IEM, https://apos.audio/products/moondrop-may-dynamic-planar-iem, accessed 2025-09-24, specifications: 10mm dynamic + 6mm planar hybrid with DSP processing, 30Ω impedance, 65 USD pricing

[7] Head-Fi - DUNU Customer Service and Warranty Information, https://www.head-fi.org/threads/dunu-customer-service-and-warranty-information-help.778624/, accessed 2025-09-24

(2025.9.25)