DUNU SA6 MK2 – Sound
The SA6 MK2 delivers a smooth, tonally balanced signature, accentuated by an elevated bass response. The ”Atmospheric Immersion” switch on each side allows for further bass enhancement, although the well-tuned bass of the SA6 MK2 makes this unnecessary unless you prefer a heavier, bass-head level of bass quantity.
A few important considerations arise before delving into the sound. As the nozzles lack notches, achieving seal with some tips may be challenging. A complete seal, however, is essential for optimal sound quality. After experimenting with the aftermarket BlockEar+ tips and a few included tips, like the S&Ss, I found the best fit for my ear anatomy. For this review, I used Chord’s Mojo 2 and Topping’s G5 as the main sources. The SA6 MK2 is capable of delivering deep and impactful lows, so a good fit is crucial before listening.
The SA6 MK2 offer good dynamism, especially in the lows, due to its elevated bass region. The elevation is most pronounced between the sub-bass and bass regions, reducing towards the mid-bass region. This results in an adequately spacious feel, particularly throughout the midrange. The upper midrange is smooth, detailed, and devoid of any harshness or sharpness. It closely follows the smooth yet adequately detailed midrange, without attempting to overshadow.
The treble, like the upper mids, has good extension and stays well below the sharp territory. It also shows a good amount of energy and does not sound dull or insufficient. The SA6 MK2’s signature can best be described as smooth and inoffensive, with a good amount of detail across the frequency response.
Lows
The DUNU SA6 MK2 delivers impactful and rounded bass, a feat made impressive by the use of two woofers. The IEMs can increase the amount and impact of the bass with the flip of a switch, although I found this unnecessary unless you are a basshead. The bass reaches deep and feels abundant, resulting in a fun presentation especially in bass-dependent genres such as EDM, electronic, and house music. The bass is where the SA6 MK2 gets its excitement factor and it also enhances the depth of the perceived soundstage.
Mids
The midrange of the SA6 MK2 is clean, effortless, and smooth. The bass region lends some of its thickness to the midrange’s note weight, maintaining good tonal balance. The lower mids are less prominent than the bass region, lending a good amount of air into the midrange. This, combined with a smooth and clear midrange, results in an effortless performance that shines with good sources. The timbre may come of a bit thin, especially with analytical sounding sources. Moondrop’s MR2 is one of the examples of this.
Highs
The treble is inoffensive, expansive, and smooth yet detailed. It offers a very pleasant listening experience, showing a good amount of energy and never sounding dull or insufficient, quantity-wise. The SA6 MK2’s presentation is its highlight, retaining an impressive amount of clarity and good detail retrieval while offering a smooth and easy-to-listen signature.
Technical Capability
The SA6 MK2 is a solid choice for people with varied music tastes. It performs well across many genres and has few shortcomings. The SA6 MK2 boasts an impressive soundstage width and depth, and its excellent imaging can layer instruments and the listener can pinpoint them individually. However, it struggles with high-paced rock and metal tracks where a large number of instruments play simultaneously. Despite this, the SA6 MK2’s ability to present a smooth yet detailed sound allows for extended periods of listening without discomfort or sharpness.
Comparison
vs. XENNS Mangird Top ($530 USD)
The XENNS Mangird Top is a nine-driver hybrid, featuring eight balanced armature drivers and a dynamic driver in each shell. The configuration includes Knowles’ 32406 dual balanced armature driver for ultra-high frequency, two E50D dual balanced armature units for high frequency, two Sonion 2600 series mid-high frequency balanced armature drivers, and a 10mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver for bass. Similar to the SA6 MK2, the Top’s shell is crafted from medical-grade German resin and has bespoke, handcrafted faceplates.
When it comes to sound, the Mangird Top delivers a more pronounced bass. However, the DUNU SA6 MK2’s Atmospheric Immersion switch can swiftly up its bass quantity to match that of the Mangird Top. The Top presents a more V-shaped sound signature, characterized by a sharper, more energetic upper midrange to treble region. Although it feels more dynamic, it doesn’t offer the effortless, smooth presentation that is the highlight DUNU SA6 MK2.
The SA6 MK2 stands out as a superior all-rounder, thanks to its smooth presentation, making it compatible with a wide range of genres. On the other hand, the Top excels in bass-dominant genres like EDM, but does not perform as well with other genres. Both earphones are easy recommendations and comparable in their performance. If your listening preferences lean heavily towards EDM and electronic genres, and you appreciate an almost basshead-heavy bass, the Mangird Top could be an excellent choice. However, if you’re after a more balanced performance across various genres, the SA6 MK2 is sure to satisfy.
Last Words
The DUNU SA6 MK2 stands out as a unique IEM due to its rare presentation. It delivers a smooth yet detailed sound signature that harmonizes well with a wide array of music genres. Offering great value for its price point, the DUNU SA6 MK2 is an excellent choice for both audiophiles seeking a smooth sounding addition to their collection and newcomers to the audiophile realm in search of a reliable daily driver. Rest assured, the DUNU SA6 MK2 is a worthy contender that promises not to disappoint.
Pros
+ Effortless, smooth signature with good amount of detail retrieval
+ Good all-rounder
+ Rich accessory package and good quality cable
+ Build Quality
Cons
– Shell size may be problematic for small ears
– Cable sheathing is a bit stiff albeit being of good quality
Page 1: DUNU, SA6 MK2, Packaging & Accessories, Design, Build & Fit
Page 2: Sound, Low, Mid, High, Technical Capability, Comparison, Last Words
