CNC Aviation-grade Aluminum Case, a highly durable and ergonomic material.
12mm Woofer Driver+6mm Tweeter/Midrange Driver
The 7HZ Legato is dual dynamic driver IEM that combines the benefits of a high fidelity sound with class-leading performance. The 12mm woofer driver adopts a customized multi-layer composite diaphragm and powerful N52 magnet for that bold, bodied and punchy bass with deep rumble. While the newly-developed 6mm tweeter/midrange driver adopts a double-cavity structure, a custom-made metal diaphragm with high-rigidity and low mass for exceptional treble performance. It is a powerful driver configuration as well as brilliant
CNC Aviation-grade Aluminum Case
The 7HZ Legato features aviation-grade Aluminum case via CNC process to provide a precise fitting. The threaded pattern on the faceplate keeps the earphones away from fingertips and decorates it with modernity. Designed based on ergonomics and using high precision measurements, 7HZ Legato provides both comfortability and durability in wearing experience.
Driven by bringing better details, tonality and sound experience to users, the 7HZ Legato includes a unique crossover design along with 8 Japan-made audio-grade Tantalum capacitors to provide high precision stable performance. The unique crossover is specially-developed in accordance with the characteristics of the dynamic drivers. Combined with the advanced crossover technology and capacitors, the 7HZ Legato earphone surely delivers HiFi sound that is enjoyable to your ears.
OCC+Silver-plated OCC Detachable Cable
The heart and soul of a earphone is the cable. High-quality materials and care are combined for Legato to deliver an optimal listening experience. It features a detachable silver-plated OCC+OCC cable. The detachable also feature allows you to freely choose your preferred cable configuration, so you can have simplicity and flexibility with music players and get perfect sound experience.
The 7Hz Legato have been sent to me by Linsoul in exchange for the publication of this review. As usual, Linsoul have not requested anything specific and I will aim to be as honest and unbiased as humanly possible in this review, however, it is always good to consider the fact that these IEMs have not cost me anything.
You can find a link to the Legato via Linsoul by visiting the version of this review published on my blog (info at the end of this post).
As with all the links I share, it is a non-affiliate link.
To avoid being repetetive in my reviews, you can find all the info about how I create the reviews, equipment used, how I receive the products and how to interpret my reviews by visiting: About my reviews
Intro...
While I haven’t had a chance to try all of the IEMs by the brand, I have tried a few (I believe this is the 5th set from the brand that I have reviewed) and except for the Eternal, the remaining sets have all been good performers in their respective price ranges.
In the case of the Legato, we are looking at a dual dynamic driver which comes in, at the time of creating this review, at just over 100€ on Linsoul. This means that, while not an extreme budget IEM, we are at least looking at a set that is budget friendly.
The Legato uses a 12mm DD for the bass range, while opting for a 6mm DD for the mids and treble ranges. This is not the first time for this driver configuration but it is still a driver combination that interests me, as a fan of dynamic drivers, allowing some freedom between drivers to focus on their respective frequency ranges. So let’s see if 7Hz have made it worth the price.
Presentation…
The Legato arrives in a box showing the IEMs on the front and a breakdown of the internals on the back. Inside this box we find a large storage case, very similar to the one included with the 7Hz Dioko, a planar set of IEMs that come in at around the same price.
Inside the storage case (which could be called a transport case but there is no way you are fitting this in your pocket), we find the IEMs with the cable attached, a decent selection of silicone tips, a user manual and 4 sets of spare filters and grilles.
It is not extraordinary to receive spare filters with IEMs (although it is not really common) but I do think this is the first time I have received both spare filters and grilles.
The included tips are nothing extraordinary either but I found the transparent ones to work for me and that is what I have used throughout this review.
Build and aesthetics…
The Legato features CNC’d aluminium shells that look a lot heavier than they are. The nozzles protrude quite a bit from the shells, allowing a deeper fit with smaller tips in my case. Together with the rounded edges of the shells, I find them to be quite comfortable even for long listening sessions, without feeling any discomfort or them becoming tiring.
As far as aesthetics, these are the most “normal” looking 7Hz IEMs that I have seen to date. In a dark grey, almost gunmetal, colour and a textured faceplate, they look elegant and are not prone to showing every last fingerprint like some other smoother metal finishes. The are quite a bit smaller than models like the Timeless, Eternal or Dioko, and are far better looking (in my opinion of course) than the "toyish" like build of the Zero.
The included cable is also good, both in build quality and looks, matching the IEMs rather well. All in all, I find them to be well built, good looking and comfortable, so I can’t ask for more in the build and aesthetics category.
Sound…
All tracks mentioned are clickable links that allow you to open the reference track in the streaming service of your choice (YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, etc.)
Moving on to how the Legato sound, let’s start with the usual look at the graph comparing them to my personal preference target as a reference:
Now, starting off with the subbass, there is a lot. In fact, there is a lot of bass in general, boosted all the way to where we meet the lower mids. Although there is a lot of quantity, the Legato actually do a decent job of keeping the bass section under control, dealing well with fast moving lines and not becoming overly slow or sluggish in their response to bass heavy tracks.
However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t too much bass for my personal tastes, I’m afraid that there is far too much for me. The subbass is actually ok and I find it enjoyable on tracks that have a lot going on in those lower ranges (I’m sure you can guess my reference track at this point) but when we move into the midbass, it is just too much for me to enjoy it regularly.
I did have a few sessions where I felt like some EDM and enjoyed the result in the lower ranges but these were not the usual occurrence. With music that I listen to more regularly, featuring instruments rather than electronic samples, I found the midbass to be overwhelming.
My usual test of “Crazy” was not as bad as on some other “less capable” sets but even the clarity and speed of the Legato driver was enough to stop me from getting that feeling of nausea from the excessive reverb in the low end of the guitar.
Moving into the mids, I feel that there is a distinct lack of presence. In the lower range of the mids this is due to the wall of bass that proceeds them, but even in the higher end of the mids, there is just not enough to bring vocals forwards and make them stand out. On tracks like “Shot Me Down” by David Guetta, I found it a struggle to appreciate the voice (although the bass rhythm was pretty impressive).
In general the mids are just not present enough, leaving the center of the frequencies to sound rather dull in my opinion.
Moving into the upper ranges, there is again not quite enough presence to add some light to what I feel is a rather dark and bass centric tuning. I feel there is a lack of air and brilliance that is needed to clean things up a little. Cymbals are too dull, pianos are lacking life and, although they do avoid any sibilance, I just feel that the driver that deals with the mids and upper ranges could use a few extra dB to compete with the lower driver.
This also makes for rather a small soundstage, with placement of images that is not really very good, mainly because of that lack of air and brightness. It’s not terrible as far as soundstage but it is below what I have come to expect as average for a set of IEMs.
Conclusion...
If you are looking for a set of IEMs that offer a rather dark and bass heavy presentation, then I think that the Legato could be something very interesting. They can be very impressive in the low ranges, depending on your music taste.
However, the lack of mids and upper ranges is something that makes them not fit well with my personal tastes or personal music preferences, meaning that they are not a set that I would reach for except on specific occasions.
With 7Hz I have found that I don’t have a middle ground with them, out of 5 sets I have tried, 3 I have found to be very good and the other 2, well, let’s just say that they are not my thing. But that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy them, if your tastes fit the sound I described, then give them a try!
Pros: High-quality and quantity of bass
Warm midrange
Smooth treble
Includes a nice carry case and cable
Great value for the price
Easy to drive
Cons: Midrange could have more weight and thickness
Introduction
The 7HZ brand has quickly gained popularity in the audiophile community, thanks to its Timeless and Zero models. Now, they have introduced an intriguing IEM called Legato, equipped with a 12mm woofer and 6mm tweeter. Legato is becoming highly regarded for its exceptional bass performance. In this review, we will delve deep into its performance and evaluate its qualities.
Design and Build Quality
The Legato features a lightweight aluminum shell with a medium size and extra width, providing a comfortable fit. The faceplate showcases an appealing line texture design, enhancing its aesthetics. The use of metal gives the IEM a premium feel, and the build quality is solid and sturdy, suitable for everyday use. The cable, made of thick and soft TPE material, is both durable and pliable. Overall, the Legato is a well-designed and well-built in-ear monitor available in the sub-Rs.10K price range.
Comfort and Fit
The Legato's medium-sized shell offers a good fit, ensuring passive noise isolation. The IEM's nozzle comfortably inserts deep into the ears without causing any discomfort. Individuals with very small ears may experience some fitting issues or discomfort when using the 7HZ Legato in-ear headphones.
Sound Quality
The 7HZ Legato dual driver earphones are expertly tuned to deliver deep sub-bass and clear mid-bass. The midrange is slightly recessed but maintains a warm and smooth treble. The soundstage is wide, providing excellent imaging. Overall, the Legato is a heavyweight contender for bass enthusiasts.
Bass -
Upon listening to the Legato, we were astonished by the immense amount of exceptional bass present in all our testing tracks. The Legato delivers a strong and warm bass presence that surprises listeners without causing listening fatigue during long sessions. It creates a sensation similar to listening to a 2.1 channel home theater system. The 12mm woofer driver produces rich and deep bass with impressive clarity and texture. Whether you are a basshead or not, most Indian listeners will fall in love with the 7HZ Legato. If we were to assign a score to the bass performance of the 7HZ Legato based on its price-to-performance ratio, it would undoubtedly receive a perfect 10/10.
Midrange -
The Legato IEMs present male and female vocals with realistic warmth, unaffected by the strong bass. However, the midrange presence feels slightly overshadowed compared to the bass and treble.
Treble -
The Legato delivers a smooth and non-aggressive treble performance, devoid of harshness or sibilance in the upper treble range. Due to the strong bass presence, the treble may feel slightly less detailed. If you prefer a treble-focused sound signature, the Legato might not be the ideal choice for you.
Soundstage -
The Legato's soundstage surpasses that of the average in-ear monitor in the sub-Rs.10K price range. It creates an immersive experience, making you feel like you are seated in the front row center.
Imaging -
The Legato provides accurate imaging, allowing listeners to perceive the direction and distance of each sound source. The layering effect adds depth to the listening experience, as if each element is playing in distinct layers.
Value and Competition
Within the sub-Rs.10K price range, several popular IEMs such as Moondrop Aria, TinHiFi T3 Plus, KZ ZAR, and Dune Titan S exist. However, none of them come close to the 7HZ Legato in terms of bass performance and smoothness. Additionally, the Legato offers superior accessories, including a better cable, carry case, and eartips. For bass enthusiasts, the 7HZ Legato stands as the top choice within the 10K to 20K budget segment.
Pros and Cons Pros
Pros
Cons
High-quality and quantity of bass
Midrange could have more weight and thickness
Warm midrange
Smooth treble
Includes a nice carry case and cable
Great value for the price
Easy to drive
Conclusion
The concept behind the 7HZ Legato is to provide a bass-heavy IEM with a decent midrange and detailed, smooth treble. It is safe to say that 7HZ has succeeded in delivering this at a price point below Rs.10K. They have set a new standard for basshead in-ear headsets under the 10K price range. If you desire deep, powerful bass, the 7HZ Legato is a must-have addition to your collection. The Legato is easy to drive, but with the addition of a decent external DAC and AMP, it can further enhance its performance. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below. At The Audio Store, we stock the 7HZ Legato and offer a 1-year warranty and free shipping service across India. We also provide various online payment options, including EMI, UPI, and all major cards. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to sharing our next review with you.
Pros: Big, old-school bass, very voluminous and energetic.
- The treble is better than expected, even though it is soft.
- Very good construction.
- Good cable.
- Good insertion and isolation.
Cons: The capsules are large and bulky, protruding from the ears.
- The mids are far away.
- The timbre in the middle range is dark, far from natural.
- The bass is oppressive, tending to displace the rest of the ranges.
- Resolution and definition are average.
Introduction
7Hz is a brand widely known for its Timeless model, one of the most popular 14.2mm planar driver IEMS on the market. Based in Qingdao, 7Hz has released other IEMS models before, such as its "i" series. Today, its products enjoy much more visibility than in the past and each model generates a relative buzz. Timeles AE, Salnotes Zero, Eternal are other successful models. They even have a collaborative model with Crinacle, called Salnotes Dioko. Up to the present 7Hz Legato, a double dynamic driver with a 12mm woofer + a 6mm tweeter/midrange driver. Accompanied by a powerful N52 magnet, the Legato houses a unique crossover, with 8 audio quality tantalum capacitors made in Japan. All of this is housed in an ergonomic aviation-grade aluminium capsule. Let's take a closer look at this new 7Hz model.
Specifications
Driver Type: 1 x 12mm dynamic driver (woofer) with custom 4th generation DLC multi-layer composite diaphragm + 1 x 6mm dual cavity dynamic driver (tweeter/midrange) with custom high stiffness, low mass metal diaphragm. N52 magnet.
Frequency Response: 10Hz-20kHz
Sensitivity: 108dB/v@1kHz
Impedance: 26Ω (1kHz)
THD: <1% (1kHz)
Jack connector: 3.5mm SE gold-plated.
Cable: OCC+ silver-plated OCC
Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm
Capsule Material: Aircraft-grade CNC Aluminium
Packaging
The 7Hz Legato comes in a medium-sized, black, glossy box with dimensions 152x111x55mm. On the main side, you can see the brand's logo, in shiny silver ink, located in the upper left corner. Below and vertically, you can read the name of the model, in gradient gold. At the top is the model description and in the centre are the two capsules. On the back is an exploded view of the inside of the capsule, with explanations in Chinese. Underneath are the specifications, also in Chinese, and finally the brand's contact details.
Inside the box there is only a large, maroon marbled transport box. It's not as big as the KiiBOOM box, it's about halfway there. On the top side is the brand logo, in gold ink, and below that, the model. After opening the zip you find the product and the rest of the accessories. In a nutshell:
The 2 Legato capsules.
1 4-strand cable and a velcro strap.
3 pairs of blue silicone tips, sizes SxMxL.
4 pairs of white translucent silicone tips, sizes XSxSxSxMxL.
2 pairs of mouthpiece filters.
2 pairs of mouthpiece grids.
1 instruction manual.
1 zippered box.
The box has two compartments, on the left side there is a black grid, which goes halfway up. Inside is the manual, the bag with the tips and the filters for the mouthpieces. On the other side, protected by a transparent rigid plastic cover with flaps, are the earphones, with their cable and tips. The IEMS rest on a soft grey cradle, which has an internal design for a perfect pick-up of the IEMS. The case is very large, rigid, strong, sturdy, but a little heavy. To its credit, the headphone cradle can be removed, leaving an open box, which can be used to store a DAP, dongles or other similar products.
Construction and Design
It is worth noting that the Legato has that distinct design reminiscent of the other 7Hz models. The capsules have a large, flat outer face. It is made in a separate piece, with a pattern of concentric circles. Its shape is an equilateral triangle with very rounded corners. The capsules are quite thick and the nozzles are very projected, allowing for a medium insertion. In one corner of the rim is the 2Pin 0.78mm connection. It is on a projected cylinder. The gold-plated connections are inside a piece of rigid plastic. A red dot declares the polarity of the pins. Along the same edge you can read the model, written in white ink. On the other side, also on the edge, there are three holes. You can see how the capsule is assembled in parts. The inner side is thick and round, the entire surface is polished and its texture is subtly rough, resistant to fingerprints because of its slippery treatment. Near the nozzles there is another hole, this time smaller than the side ones. The nozzles are mounted on a projection and are actually short. Their length is 4mm. The inner diameter is 5.5mm and the outer diameter is 6.2mm. They have a grid with spiral spokes and a circle in the centre. Underneath, there is a whitish micro-perforated filter.
The cable has 4 intertwined strands. They are of a dark copper colour. They are quite manageable and do not tend to take shape. The plug sleeve is a cylinder with a surface that matches the capsules. In the centre is the brand logo. The 3.5mm SE plug is gold plated. The splitter piece is another identical cylinder, but this time you can read the model name in white letters. The pin is a ring of the same material and external treatment, small, but very effective, as it slides with difficulty. The cable has guides on the ear, made of semi-hardened plastic. The sleeves of the 2Pin connectors are formed by two metal rings, together with a black, rigid, slightly curved plastic piece, whose design is perfectly integrated with the body of the capsules.
The surface treatment of the capsules and their dark metallic colour are worth mentioning. The flat outer face, the projection of the mouthpieces and the full thickness of the capsules. The weight is also striking, its metal construction and size penalising this aspect. However, this is not a problem for the ergonomics. In any case, the construction is excellent, it has a design with personality, elegant and striking, quite personal.
Adjustment and Ergonomics
As already mentioned, the capsules of the Legato are thick and long. The base where the mouthpieces are located is very projected and allows a deeper insertion. But, from there, the mouthpieces are short and of medium diameter. I tried a medium insertion, with smaller tips. But, the result has not been good in terms of sound. In fact, I had to use my classic large tips, filled with foam, which I make myself. With them I have achieved the full bass sound that the Legato is capable of generating. In the same way, I have also gained in isolation.
It is true that this surface fit allows some oscillation and movement of the capsules in my ears. Also, it is noticeable that the capsules are quite far away from the pinna, and they clearly and visibly overhang it. This does not affect the sound or the comfort, at least not in my case. Because the fit is quite stable and doesn't fall out, the over-ear guides help to anchor the whole thing. By the way, its curvature is very pleasant and does not bother at all over the hours.
Perhaps the most negative point is the length of the capsules and their poor integration with the pinna and the ears, as they are quite far apart.
Sound
Profile
The 7Hz Legato has an L-shaped profile suitable for bass heads. With its two dynamic drivers, a large 12mm driver for bass and a 6mm driver for midrange and treble, its profile is clearly defined. The impression is that the Legato is intended to be a two-way speaker, where it is normal to use one dynamic driver for bass/midrange and one for treble. Here it seems that the larger driver is used for bass, while the smaller one is relegated to the rest of the frequencies. The problem? Clearly, it's the sinking of the mids. Just as the treble is soft, but has a more than acceptable representation, the midrange suffers from the mix of bass, its warmth and darkness. Admittedly, the high end does not help to dissipate this duller, more subdued feeling, but another representation of the upper end would have drawn a clearer U-profile.
Finally, it should be noted that the Legato's need a little extra power for their performance to be superior.
Bass
The sub-bass is the star of the show in the Legato, while the bass-midrange is no slouch either. As these 7Hz are made for enjoyment, their execution is rubbery and rumbling, not technical, refined, fine or detailed bass. The bass is all about impact, the impression it leaves, the presence, the volume it occupies, the power it demonstrates, the weight it possesses.
In the reproduction of pure tones the reproduction is surprising, I expected them to sound more physical and sensory. The reproduction is more realistic at the extreme end of the LFOs than at the higher frequencies. As the Hertzs pass, the bass colour becomes more apparent, which is definitely a negative surprise. At some point I even wonder if both drivers are sounding at the same time and the frequency divider is not activated. In any case, this is, as usual, a specific test, the results of which have a relative impact on the sound of the music in general.
Going back to the description of the lower range, the volume they occupy within the music is large. And this fact can be oppressive for the other frequencies, if the music has bass, vocals and instruments. It works very well for electronic music without vocals. To give an example, Massive Attack songs have the behaviour of Legato bass implicit in their name: they are massive, intimidating and oppressive. Yes, the vocals are there, but they have to bear the volumetric weight of a bass that is like a hot air balloon. Massive Attack's "Better Things" holds its own quite well. The Legato's are able to follow and reproduce this song's shattering bass lines. While on "Sly", it becomes apparent how the bass volume crowds out Nicolette's voice, pushing it to the side.
Something similar happens when I enjoy genres such as Amapiano. In this case, it contrasts that the female voices tend to be of higher range and the mix is balanced, except when the sub-bass appears.
I like the bass, and very much so, but I understand that on certain occasions its size is too much. And the punch, its footprint and the elasticity of its hit doesn't help either.
However, there are times when these Legato's are very enjoyable: they are great companions for sports, walking, running, weight training or outdoor activities. The power and pace of the Legato is a great partner and helps to maintain vigour in these situations.
On technical matters, as I have already mentioned, the Legato is capable of dealing with heavy bass, complex and unfiltered lines. It is able to keep up with the rhythm, even if this can be thunderous and its energy very high. It is not a fuzzy, more defined or too continuous bass, it is relatively agile and fast for its size and weight. But the notes are relatively thick, physical and full of energy, which can be tiring.
Mids
The Legato mids, on their own, i.e. without bass influence, are warm, smooth, relatively thick and dark. I miss a touch of sparkle in the female voices and a more technical approach, rather than melodious, cohesive and harmonious. They have a subdued glow, something that makes them more muted and dense, limiting their projection and clarity. Timbre and sonority are more naturally camouflaged in male voices. This density and physical fullness can even help to generate a closer, more projected and protagonist representation. It is true that the details and nuances of both voices are not very explicit, but I am surprised that the instrumental micro detail is incipient and tries to stand out more than in other, theoretically, more technically skilled ensembles. So, as long as the lows don't suffer from the bass influence, the mids can stand out as a melodious, warm, subdued and slightly dark ensemble.
There is body and physicality in the first half of the mids, the notes are rounded and relatively thick, not too far apart. The level of transparency or clarity in the second half is not very high, contributing to a darker feel to the whole, but free of sibilance and fatigue from excessive bell gain. In this way, isolated listening to the mids can become very musical, melodious, relaxed and smooth, suitable for extended listening. It is true that it lacks a certain higher level of transparency and clarity, so that it is capable of exporting a higher amount of information, as well as a more explicit and shimmering texture. This is not the case; the roundness, weight and thickness of the notes make the texture smooth and velvety, yet full-bodied and with a physical, dense, even opulent rumour.
Treble
The energy of the treble contrasts with that of the bass. There is certainly a lot of power in the low end, but the treble is well represented. They possess a limited level of energy and their vertical extension is not enough to classify them as crisp. But their restraint is not withdrawn in their initial zone, nor in the midrange. Just as in other bass-head ensembles, the treble has only an initial sparkle, followed by a clear drop in presentation, the Legato has chosen to maintain a soft, but prolonged profile. In this way, their sonority is much more realistic and balanced, very much in tune with the colour of the mids. There is a synergy between the two bands and it can well be explained by the fact that the driver is shared for both ranges.
The treble alternates between slight peaks and valleys, but extends with a certain linearity up to 10kHz, which explains why both the timbre of the mids and the treble, despite the warmth and darkness of the whole, has quite realistic characteristics, especially in the first treble. Certainly, for my taste, the first phase of the treble presents itself as a much more accurate range than the midrange as a whole. Although, it could be even better if the sparkle at 6khz were more rounded. Be that as it may, the treble is light in presence, but well represented, even if, at times, a little attention is needed to focus on it.
Lastly, there is a flash of air that I feel is insufficient to give the scene a more ethereal feel.
Soundstage, Separation
The physical sensation and the amount of bass volume create a somewhat polarised scene. The space occupied by the low end is large and certainly oppressive. The energy level is capable of pushing the rest of the musical components aside. The perception is not only deep, but the bass also occupies the foreground and even the side areas. This means that the image is sometimes supplanted, as many elements are displaced by the volume and space occupied by the bass. In lighter bass compositions, the elements return to their natural space, generating a more coherent and realistic image. Although the separation is not very great, the micro detail tends to stand out, to be intuited, but not fully developed. In those songs that we know very well, such nimble elements try to present themselves, but without coming to the fore. But, the good thing is that they don't feel ignored, nor are they imperceptible. In this way a certain technical skill is reflected, which is not entirely sufficient. You know that these details are there, but you need to notice them, or even imagine them. At other times, though, they may not even appear because of the presence and energy of the bass. On the other hand, it also doesn't help that the sense of transparency, brightness and clarity is low. The elements have a tendency to be clumped together by the softness, base and density of the sound. Although, I must also admit that it is not a completely cohesive sound with no gaps, but there is a certain amount of air and space between elements to add quality and realism to the final sound. And I think the quality of the treble helps a lot in these aspects.
Comparisons
Oriolus Finschi
Is there anything new under the sun? Surely there is, but this is not the case. The Oriolus Finschi are 2019 IEMS with a hybrid configuration that combines a 10mm dynamic driver with a Knowles BA driver. They are nothing alike in external construction, the Finschi are made of resin and are lighter. They also belong to a higher price range and could be bought for less than 200$. But how do you compare an IEMS from 4 years ago, worth $170, with a current $110 IEMS? Well, basically, because their FR is quite similar.
In terms of presentation, despite the passage of time, the Finschi had a good set of accessories, with a distinctive case and for its custom fit, filled with foam. The cable was of the period, black, thinner and not very noticeable. Nothing to do with the cable of the Legato. Their ergonomics are superior, as they are smaller and lighter, they fit more perfectly in my ears. The biggest problem is the driver flex.
In terms of sensitivity, the Finschi are slightly more sensitive. If we talk about profile, both are very similar, but I would say that the Finschi are subtly lighter and cleaner in the bass, somewhat more prominent in the mids and quite smooth in the treble. But, it is clear that their sound is not completely the same.
The Legato's bass is bigger and thunderous, it feels more spacious, energetic and powerful. They also have more volume and generate that feeling of pushing the rest of the elements aside because of their oppressive tendency. The Finschi's are not like that, their bass is more respectful and clean, more restrained and dry. It doesn't seem as deep, but it is less rubbery, more technical and agile. If you want bass that fills the scene, as well as power, the Legato is your IEMS. If, on the other hand, you are looking for bass presence, but lighter and more respectful, the Finschi is more appropriate.
The transition between bass and midrange in the Finschi is much better than in the Legato. There is not as much warmth, even though the Oriolus are not luminous IEMS. But there is more cleanness in this band change and a lower incidence of bass in the midrange. Male voices are more physical and fuller-bodied in the Legato, with such a dense and full base. Not that in the Finschi, they are a luminous feast, but they are clearly perceived to be finer and with a more correct and natural timbre. The details are finer and their edges move away from the density and roundness of the Legato, something that gives them a sense of greater dynamics, agility and technical ability. With female voices, this effect is superior. The Finschi offers more clarity and transparency in them, while the Legato remains anchored in that dense base that offers less nuance and liveliness. Without the difference being overwhelmingly towards the light, both timbre and colour in the Finschi are more appropriate, finer and more delicate. The articulation of the notes is more remarkable, as well as their speed and dynamics.
In terms of detail, the Finschi wins because their profile is cleaner and more transparent. In addition, their bass is not as oppressive. It cannot be said that they are an analytical profile, but their level is quite acceptable. Although, at the limit, at the micro level they are not much better than the Legato, in general, they have a higher and, more importantly, more evident quantity, without becoming forced or unnatural. It should be noted that the BA driver works in a very restrained way, achieving a natural tonality, more technical, more resolute, without artifice.
In the treble, I find it amusing to think that the timbre changes for the better in the Legato and that its extension is greater. Meanwhile, the Finschi sound more compressed and clipped. There is not a very high variation in their energy level, but I do feel a more pleasant naturalness in the Legato. Whereas in the Finschi, their execution is more nuanced, generating a shorter, less expansive, more limited level of harmonics. There is also a sense of lower air.
At scene level there is more depth in the Legato, but the image is more defined and precise in the Finschi. Transparency is superior, as is the level of cleanliness, which creates a feeling of greater openness and a more separated, wider and clearer environment. There is more compression and congestion in the Legato, which concentrates the scene and detracts from its expansiveness and three-dimensionality. In the Finschi, on the other hand, there is a higher degree of freedom, which gives it a more ethereal, gaseous and three-dimensional feel.
Conclusion
The 7Hz Legato is a specialised bass IEMS. Not just any bass, but a very voluminous type of bass that reminds me of what loudspeakers were like when I was a kid. For many years I lived with Infinity SM-80s that had a 203mm bass/midrange driver and a 25mm tweeter (only). I used to spend hours and hours annoying the neighbours with electronic music from the late 80's and early 90's. Well, these Legato's remind me of that sound. I had a small room and the bass echoed throughout the place. It's clear that the sound of the Legato has been something sought after, something that tries to remind me of that feeling of my adolescence. But does this sound fit today? Why not. You don't have to be 50 years old to enjoy these IEMS, but you do have to have an idea of how they sound, how invasive their bass is, their level of darkness, their density in the midrange, their greater distance, their rounder and smoother sound. However, if I have to highlight something else about these Legato, apart from their cable and level of construction, it is their treble, something that surprises on its own.
Sources Used During the Analysis
Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.
Aune Flamingo.
Hidizs AP80 PRO-X Red Copper LE.
TempoTec Variations V6.
Xduoo Link2 BAL.
Burson Audio Playmate.
Linsoul Audio Store, offered me this model, in exchange for writing an honest review. I want to make it clear that all my opinions written in this review have not been conditioned by this fact, nor will I ever write anything that I do not really think or feel here. I will only write about my personal opinion in relation to the revised product.
Are the KBear Rosefinch the ultra budget version of these? (only as it applies to sound signature, build quality and accessories with the Legato blow the Rosefinch away)
I wanted to like these more than I did. The bass was great but I could never get a good fit since the shells sat too far away from my ear, regardless of tips.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.