Just like most planar headsets, the Timeless requires current. Using it balanced is even better. I quickly discovered this while using it with my A&K Kann Alpha. While it sounded good when using the 3.5mm tap, it showed marked improvement when i switched it to the 4.4mm tap. The bass tightened, more control, better spatial characteristics, etc. Everything seemed to improve.

I would also add that I feel that the stock cable holds back the performance of the Timeless. Switching to a better cable also improves things.

It's true that the Timeless sounds better using a bal output, but I don't have a high-power device with bal, so I'm stuck with a high-power device with unbal. The original cable of Timeless is a shielded wire of coaxial structure, and it is also very good.

Update: Tried with a high power amp with bal today, the soundstage and bass texture are way more better!

Where did you get this nice 7Hz case ?

Got it, it's the bundled 7Hz I99 case.

Yes, bundled with the i99.

were you able to graph this "qualitative leap" between running 7hz from a phone vs from K5Pro ? thanks

What do you mean by "graph"?

frequency response graphs where iem response is recorded using a microphone