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Campfire Audio Holocene vs DUNU DN-242: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the DUNU DN-242 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: DUNU DN-242 - Outstanding overall at around $349.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

DUNU DN-242 leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • Campfire Audio Holocene
  • DUNU DN-242
HearWiki score
55
84
Sound
7.1
8.7
Value
4.6
7.8
Price (USD)
$650
$350

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The DUNU DN-242 is 5 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Holocene2021
  • DN-24220265 yr newer

Specifications

HoloceneDN-242
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$650
$350
HearWiki score
55
84
Released
2021
2026
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
3× balanced armature
2DD + 4BA + 2PL tribrid
Driver type
balanced-armature
tribrid
Driver configuration
-
2DD + 4BA + 2PL
Driver size
-
10 mm
Drivers per side
3
8
Frequency response
5 Hz - 20 kHz
5 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
5.4 Ω
35 Ω
Sensitivity
94 dB/mW
110 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
94
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
none
none
Voice assistant
-
No
Weight
-
6 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
-
No
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
No
Connector
MMCX
2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

Campfire Audio Holocene

The Campfire Audio Holocene is a triple balanced-armature in-ear monitor with a reference-style, technically focused tuning that prioritizes clarity and detail retrieval. It offers a polished high end and solid build quality, though its low impedance and high sensitivity mean it can be picky about source pairing and may sound dry or sterile with certain gear. Its bass response is somewhat limited in versatility, with some listeners finding it either light or occasionally bloated depending on the setup.

  • Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and resolution
  • Pro:Reference-style tuning with strong transparency and layering
  • Pro:High-quality build and polished design
  • Con:Bass can be light or occasionally bloated depending on source
  • Con:Sensitive to source matching due to low impedance and high sensitivity
  • Con:Can sound dry or sterile with certain tips or recordings

DUNU DN-242

The DUNU DN-242 is a premium wired in-ear monitor built around an eight-driver tribrid configuration, combining dual dynamics, four balanced armatures, and two planar drivers through a five-way crossover for a cohesive, natural sound. Its lightweight 6-gram build and interchangeable 2-pin connector system add practical versatility for audiophile use. Launched in 2024, this model targets listeners seeking detailed, multi-driver tuning without wireless features or onboard controls.

  • Pro:Complex tribrid driver array for layered, detailed sound
  • Pro:Very lightweight at just 6 grams for extended comfort
  • Pro:Interchangeable 2-pin connector adds cable flexibility
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:No inline controls or app support for adjustments
  • Con:Requires a separate amplifier for optimal performance due to 35-ohm impedance

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

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New comparisonCampfire Audio HoloceneDUNU DN-242