Dunu Kima 2 - Two Legit to Quit

4⭐️

+ Well balanced U-shaped tuning

+ Bass is quick and resolving but tame

+ Natural, forward presenting midrange is the star of the show

+ Good treble energy without harshness or sibilance

+ Solid technicalities for the price

+ Great accessories

- Would like a bigger and bolder bass response 

- Tuning might be slightly boring to some

- Treble lacks air and extension (could be a pro for treble sensitive folks like myself)

- The limited edition green should have been the default color in my opinion 

- Too much waifu

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This product was provided to me by Dunu in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I receive no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

For further product information, refer to the non-affiliate link below:

https://www.dunu-topsound.com/product-page/kima-2

Gear used: 

●LG v30+

●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra

●Samsung dongle

●Hiby FC4

●Kiwi Ears Allegro 

●Letshuoer DT03 

●Dunu DTC480

●BLON V1

●iFi xDSD Gryphon 

Source:

●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction: 

Dunu has already released two IEMs this year that I was able to review and found to be fantastic. I awarded the Dunu x Gizaudio DaVinci a five-star rating, and it's still one of my favorite sets to date. The more recent DK3001BD, or BrainDance, also received a glowing four-and-a-half-star review. The Kima 2 was released simultaneously with the BrainDance, but this one utilizes just a single dynamic driver and is positioned in the budget tier. It's the newest iteration in the Kima line up which, despite its namesake, is actually the third model following the original Kima and the Kima Classic. It's currently available through Dunu and other retailers for $119. Let's break down this latest release and see if it is as strong as the other two that I reviewed this year.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

Let me begin by stating for the record that I am not a fan of the waifu-style packaging or design. I'm not sure which company started this whole thing (Moondrop maybe?), but it doesn't appeal to me at all. In my opinion, the limited-edition packaging offers a more subtle design with a broader appeal. While I have no experience with the two previous Kima models, this newest one seems to have the same overall shell design and proportions as before. The shell is made of stainless steel and has a raised geometric shape and a matte silver-gray finish. The design is a bit plain and quite the stark contrast to the pink waifu packaging, which is all the better for me. The limited-edition version comes in a deep green colorway with a mirror finish. It's a very fetching color, and I really wish it was the standard option, but the gray version is at least more neutral in appearance. The shells are lightweight, well-built, and their size is a bit on the smaller side. The nozzle is a little short and measures 5.7 mm at its widest part, where there is a lip to help hold tips in place. I would have preferred a deeper insertion, but this one should fit most without issues. In true Dunu fashion, they did not skimp on the amount or quality of accessories here. The stock modular cable is a blend of monocrystalline copper and silver-plated monocrystalline copper. It also features Dunu's Q-Lock Mini interchangeable plug system with both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm terminations. The build and aesthetics are very similar to Dunu's DK3001BD stock cable. However, the Kima 2's cable feels a bit cheaper in hand, and the PVC-coated portion is stiffer with more memory. That being said, I still think it's a great cable, especially for a $120 set. I used it throughout my review. The included case is incredibly nice for the price of this set. It's a larger zippered case and feels sturdy and premium. The light cream color is striking but it may get dirty easily. As for the tips, there are an impressive fourteen pairs in five different styles, including Dunu's S&S and Candy tips. There are also two other types of silicone tips and a single pair of foam. I tried each variant but found the best fit, seal, and sound with my Coreir Brass tips. Dunu rounds off the accessories with a plastic waifu stand, shell protector/divider, cable shirt clip, and cleaning tool. The only thing missing is a cable tie, which I would have liked, but I feel like I might be being greedy at this point.

Sound impressions:

The overall tuning of the Kima 2 is U-shaped, with a slight bass boost and an accentuated upper midrange. It's not the most dynamic or exciting tuning, but it is well-balanced for showcasing the midrange without leaving the bass and treble out to dry. I'd characterize the sound as "comfortable" since there's nothing offensive to be found here. It's also great at showcasing the chosen genre of music. Up-tempo rock and pop still present as lively, but also relaxed. Chill music like singer-songwriter and ballads come across calm and subdued. So, in essence, the Kima 2 is somewhat of a chameleon and makes a decent all-rounder. The note weight is generally in a good spot, not too thick nor too thin. It's surprisingly a bit hard to drive and does need some amplification to reach higher volumes, but it does scale well with power. Detail retrieval is not the Kima 2's strongest trait. It leans more toward the musical, but the detail and resolution are passable for the price. The soundstage presents itself slightly closer to the head and therefore lacks a little in width and depth, although that does lend itself to a more intimate presentation for those who prefer it. The timbre is fairly natural and organic, but rarely some notes have a sort of plastic-y characteristic that's hard to explain. It's almost as if there's a thin film surrounding some instruments and effects, which makes them sound slightly artificial. The imaging is very accurate, not only directionally but also with distance. The dynamics are good, and the balance of the tuning is well preserved at any volume level. The separation may be a touch less defined, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The single dynamic driver responsible for the entire frequency response helps to ensure seamless transients and showcases a cohesive tuning, which can be one of the advantages of single-driver sets.

While I usually gravitate toward warmer sources, in this case, I did not prefer the Kima 2 paired with one because it seemed to overly veil the treble. I chose to use the Kiwi Ears Allegro to preserve the upper-end energy and inject a bit more excitement and crispness into the tuning. I would also recommend using a silver cable or at least a silver/copper mix over one made of pure copper.

●Lows - There's a little more focus on the mid-bass over the sub-bass, but both are still well represented. The sub-bass can dig deep when called for, but it mostly stays present and playful. It's definitely a full-bodied low end with a good thump, but it's not a bass-forward tuning; it's more of a complementary factor. The texture is a tiny bit messy or unkempt, and I think the bass could use more definition and resolution. There's good impact and slam, but it's not overdone or too in your face. The extension is decent enough, but it's not the lowest reaching I've heard in the budget section. The rumble, reverberation, and decay are very nice, and bass notes are allowed to breathe and never sound cut off prematurely. There's a bit of bass bleed into the midrange, but it's not the worst offender by any means. The bass is quick and very well articulate, especially with double bass kicks. Overall, the Kima 2 is not bass-light; rather, it places its trust in each track to showcase the amount of bass with which it was mastered. Intense bass tracks can reach low and rumble with aplomb, but it won't accentuate what's not naturally there. For my personal taste, I would welcome some additional emphasis on the low end.

●Mids - The midrange is clear and forward but also presents a bit more intimately and closely to the head, which is something I really like about this set. Vocals come across transparent and resolving, but I would welcome a little more warmth to help create an emotional connection to the music. While vocals sound very good, they lack a little soul or magic and might sound too flat for some. Female artists cut through the mix a little more than their male counterparts and exhibit slightly more emotion. The fact that the midrange presents a bit closer to the ear compared to the rest of the mix can be somewhat detracting. With busy rock tracks, things don't quite sound cohesive, and vocals in particular sound off. However, with singer-songwriter style music, the vocals actually benefit from this more intimate presentation and help showcase the artists' voices.

●Highs - The treble is mostly tame and not the most airy or extended. It does have some sparkle, and I feel it is in a good place for me, but trebleheads should look elsewhere. Cymbals, hi-hats, claps, and snares come through clearly, but they are a bit subdued and less prominent. The treble is definitely not super energetic or fun, but it matches the overall tuning philosophy of the Kima 2, which is quite calm and relaxed. There is no hint of sibilance, harshness, or thinness, and I did not hear any troublesome notes. The treble response, being mostly warm and fatigue-free, falls well within my preferences, but I appreciate a little more air and extension. However, in the end, Dunu's more cautious approach to the treble is just fine with me.

Comparisons: Credit to Super Reviews and OB Odio for the graphs.

● Aful Explorer ($120) - While both sets utilize a single dynamic driver, they have different tuning philosophies: bassy and somewhat L-shaped versus relaxed and well-balanced. The fit and comfort are better for me on the Explorer as it has a longer nozzle for deeper insertion. I also prefer the shell shape and resin material over the metal build of the Kima 2. Accessories go in favor of the Dunu for its nice modular cable, better tip selection, and a bigger zipper case. As far as tuning goes, the Explorer is bassier with better sub-bass extension and mid-bass thump. The Kima 2 isn't devoid of bass, though, and has a decent punch. It's also more resolving and better balanced with the mids and highs. The midrange of the Kima 2 sounds simultaneously more natural and better balanced as vocals and instruments are more prominent in the mix but also feel less forced. The Explorer has to accentuate the upper mids a bit because of the bolder bass response, which can lead to losing some of the organic quality of vocals and instruments. The lower midrange is cleaner and better separated on the Kima 2 as well. Interestingly enough, I hear more treble sparkle and energy in the Explorer, especially in some slightly irritating/thin "s" notes and cymbals that sound a bit splashy. The Explorer has a little more upper end extension too. The Kima 2 sounds tamer in comparison, but the treble just sounds more natural and better balanced overall. When it comes to technical performance, the Kima 2 wins handedly in most categories. The timbre is more natural and organic, and the detail retrieval, separation, layering, and dynamics are all superior to my ear. I will give the Explorer the upper hand in soundstage, though, as it's noticeably deeper and fuller, though not by a huge margin. This one ultimately comes down to preference for the overall tuning philosophy. In a direct A/B comparison, I much prefer the Kima 2's more balanced take, but the Explorer's unique tuning makes it more appealing for certain genres. However, that also means it's less of an all-rounder and more specialized.

My pick: Kima 2

● Letshuoer S08 ($100) - This is a single driver battle between the planar of the S08 and the DD of the Kima. Both have similar build-quality metal shells, but the Kima 2 is slightly larger and heavier. Neither offers a particularly deep insertion, but of the two, the Kima 2 has a better fit for me. I really like that each comes with a modular cable, but I would give the advantage in overall accessories to Dunu for the better tip selection and case. The S08 has a slightly darker tonality compared to the more balanced Kima 2. It's also the bassier set with a quick and resolving low end and a very enjoyable mid-bass thump and sub-bass rumble. The Kima 2, in comparison, sounds a little bass-light. The midrange of the Kima 2 has a more natural presentation, and the vocals might be slightly recessed compared to the S08, which has a lower midrange dip and earlier pinna gain that pushes vocals forward a bit more. The lower treble of the S08 is much less prominent, which can be good for those who are treble-sensitive, but when compared to the Kima 2, it can sound slightly incomplete, as if some of the frequencies are being neglected. The Kima 2 has a slightly fuller treble response with more presence. The planar driver of the S08 is no slouch when it comes to speed, tactility, and detail, but the DD of the Kima 2 holds up well while offering slightly more natural timbre and a wider, deeper soundstage. I do think both sets punch above their weight and have their own strengths, but the Kima 2 offers a more balanced tuning. The S08 might seem a little darker and more relaxed, but to my ear, it offers a superior bass and midrange response and that pushes it over the top for me. 

My pick: S08

● Aful MagicOne ($140) - Here's another single-driver matchup, but this time it's a DD versus a full-range BA. Those who have read my review of the MagicOne know that I hold it in high regard, which should make for a fun comparison, especially since these two are so closely matched. The semi-custom shell shape and longer nozzle of the MagicOne translate to a superior fit and comfort for my ears, but the pressure build-up due to the lack of a vent may be a dealbreaker for some. I also prefer the resin build of the MagicOne to the Kima 2's metal shell. It's worth noting that the MagicOne is notoriously power-hungry and performs best with some amplification. Dunu's accessory package is superior due to the inclusion of a great zipper case, a wider tip selection, and a modular cable. It's no secret that the single BA configuration of the MagicOne doesn't offer the best bass response, and the dynamic driver of the Kima 2 makes this very apparent when directly compared. The bass of the Kima 2 is much fuller, with better sub-bass extension, weight, texture, and impact. If it were only a bass contest, the Kima 2 would win hands down. However, the real special quality of the MagicOne lies in its midrange. It has incredibly smooth, natural, and well-emphasized vocals that set it apart from just about anything in its price range. Surprisingly, the Kima 2 actually competes well and offers its own organic midrange, but the vocals are less forward, and the mids strike a better overall balance with the rest of the frequency response. The treble presentation is similar in both sets, but the MagicOne does have a touch more air and brightness, especially with some vocal notes, cymbals, and snares, which can be ever so slightly fatiguing over long periods. The soundstage of the Kima 2 does sound a bit wider, but I wouldn't consider either set to sound claustrophobic. Both offer a natural and organic timbre and decent detail retrieval. The Kima 2 does have a slightly more cohesive tuning. Ultimately, if the most enjoyable factor is forward, smooth vocals, the MagicOne is an easy recommendation. But if you cannot bear the implementation of the BA bass, the Kima 2 is a great option to preserve some of that same midrange magic and combine it with a well-balanced and well-performing DD bass.

My pick: This one is difficult, but if forced to choose, I would go with the MagicOne because it offers a more specialized and unique tuning at the cost of versatility.

● Sound Rhyme SP01 ($90) - This is another direct face-off between two single DD sets, but the SP01 offers three distinct tunings with its interchangeable nozzles. Both shells are made of aluminum and are well-built, but the Kima 2 is slightly heavier. I personally prefer the Kima 2's design and shape, but neither offers the deeper insertion that I like. Dunu's accessories are slightly better due to more tip selection and a modular cable. For this comparison, I utilized the "Balanced" nozzle on the SP01, which measures quite closely to the Kima 2 outside of the bass. However, the bass response is not that far off when compared directly. The SP01 offers a fuller bass response with more rumble, reverberation, and a deeper sub-bass extension. The Kima 2 has slightly more mid-bass emphasis and is more tactile with better resolution and texture. The lower midrange of the SP01 is better represented, but the Kima 2 has more emphasis on vocals due to the increased pinna gain. The Kima 2 does sound slightly brighter with better air and extension and is less claustrophobic when directly compared. The SP01 is slightly darker and is a great choice for those who are very treble-sensitive. The note weight is a bit thicker on the SP01, which I do enjoy, but the detail retrieval, timbre, and separation of the Kima 2 are superior. The soundstage is about even, with both having adequate width and depth for the price. Overall, I would recommend the SP01 to those looking for a fun and versatile IEM. However, for my tastes, the Kima 2 offers a better-balanced tuning, increased vocal emphasis, and superior technicalities that make it the more enjoyable set.

My pick: Kima 2

● Softears Volume (~$240) - On paper, this comparison may seem unfair (1DD versus 1DD, 2BA hybrid), but the graphs of these two are quite similar. The Volume is also a few years older, so it's good to see how the newer Kima 2 compares to some of the old guard, especially one that I still consider to be a strong competitor even against today's competition. I prefer the Volume's build combination of resin with a metal faceplate over the simpler all-metal shell of the Kima 2. I really love the green colorway, and the Volume feels a bit heavier and more solid in hand. The insertion depth is also much better for my ears, but the shell size is larger, so it might not be a better fit for some. The accessories are about the same except for the addition of a modular cable with the Kima 2, which is a testament to Dunu's accessory game since there is a large price difference between these two sets. The Kima 2's bass is a little more pronounced with better sub-bass extension and rumble, but it does sound a bit flabby and unkempt compared to the Volume's cleaner, more resolving, and tactile bass response. The midrange of both sets is probably the strongest aspect of their tunings. The Volume has a great balance that brings the mids just forward enough without detracting from the overall equilibrium. Vocals here sound smooth, clear, and natural. The Kima 2 also offers a clean and clear vocal presentation, but when I compare them directly, it comes across as a bit too forward. This could be a good thing for vocal enthusiasts, but those seeking a more balanced approach will likely prefer the Volume. Neither set has a ton of treble emphasis or extension, but the Volume does come across just a tiny bit brighter with more air. As a fairly treble-sensitive person, both sets adhere well to my preference for the treble taking a backseat to the bass and mids while still remaining present. The Volume generally has superior technicalities across the board with a wider and deeper soundstage, better detail retrieval and imaging, and a more natural tone. Overall, I find the Volume to simply be the superior set with better balance and technicalities. However, the Kima 2 costs half the price and utilizes only a single driver, so it can still hold its own. It competes well in its price bracket and may even be the preferred choice for those seeking the more bassy, fun, and dynamic tuning between these two. They definitely sound as if they are cut from the same cloth, and I would consider the Volume to be a direct upgrade to the Kima 2, which makes the choice here quite easy. I'll take the one that offers a more mature and better-balanced tuning with superior technicalities.

My pick: Volume

In conclusion:

The Kima 2 is an impressive release, even among the flood of new products seen in 2024. It boasts excellent build quality, fantastic accessories, and a well-balanced tuning. The bass is punchy but not overbearing, the midrange has a touch of warmth and a natural timbre, and the treble has just enough energy for excitement without causing fatigue. For me, the real draw is how the Kima 2 creates a very musical and cohesive sound that stands out in its price bracket. The transition from bass to mids and mids to highs sounds effortless and seamless. That's what a single driver can bring to the table compared to some hybrid and tribrid models that utilize crossover technology to achieve similar transient effects. Sure, the Kima 2 may not have the best technical performance nor does it have a particularly unique or exciting tuning, but it does offer a certain musicality that cannot be understated for only $120. Personally, I would like to see it improved further by cleaning up the bass texture and performance, injecting a little more soul to help the vocals bring on that emotive quality, and adding a smidge more extension and air to the treble without introducing any harshness or sibilance. As it stands, I find the Kima 2 to be a very solid IEM, and I think it does just enough to set itself apart from others in its price range. I would recommend this one to newcomers and veterans alike who are curious to experience just what a single dynamic driver budget set can do in today’s market. Those looking for a set that can faithfully reproduce all genres of music, and has fantastic accessories as well, should seriously consider the Kima 2.