7Hz Sonus

The 7Hz SONUS

The 7Hz company has newly acquired fame, starting with the 7Hz Timeless Planar IEM. Literally the $199.99 7Hz Timeless was the very first Planar IEM to become wildly popular. Having reinvented itself with the 7Hz Timeless AE for $259.00…..and the soon to be made available (price unknown) 7Hz Timeless II. Still the 7Hz company has other talents as found with the wildly popular (single full-range) 7Hz Salnotes Zero. This $19.99 Zero became a sales phenomenon of epic proportions……..almost setting the standard by which all budget single DDs were judged by. 7Hz still didn’t stop there, they introduced the strangely shaped Planar Salnotes Dioko, and the bass heavy 2 Dynamic Driver 7Hz Legato, just to name a few. The 7Hz company in truth makes a Dongle, cables and a few other products. But….they never offered a straight-up Hybrid before?

Strangely they have actually produced a whole slew of DDs, like the 7Hz I-77, I-77 Pro the I-88 the I-99, the 7Hz I-88 Mini and the 7Hz Eternal all with a new and different take on the dynamic driver. My 7Hz personal trajectory includes the Zero, the Dioko and the Legato. Yet as most know Hybrids are truly my favorite way to make IEMs………..so when Linsoul suggested I try out the HYBRID SONUS I was intrigued to say the least.


7Hz SONUS HYBRID INNER EAR UNIVERSAL MONITOR
11.3mm DD + Balanced Armature
Technical Details
Model 7HZ SONUS
Frequency Response 10-20KHZ
THD <1%/1KHZ
Impedance 30Ω(@1kHz)
Connector 0.78mm 2Pin
SPL 109DB/V@1KHZ
Material Medical-grade material front chamber + aviation-grade aluminum back chamber

Now the fascinating thing is just how complete this whole shebang sounds. Truly (to me) it doesn’t sound like a DD, it sounds like a HYBRID, as that’s the point. Yet it’s only 2 drivers in the end, also this simplistic set-up comes with an attractive price of $59.99. Such a build design and price bracket will obviously go into direct competition with a few newly realized HYBRID IEMs.



Comparisons/side-by-sides:
The 7Hz Salnotes Zero single full-range DD $19.99 (original price)
The TANGZU FUDU 1DD X 2BA $89.00
The SIMGOT EM6L 1DD X 4BA $109.99
The SIMGOT EA500 (wait this is not a HYBRID) No, but it sounds like one, so it gets included! $79.00
The 7Hz SONUS 1DD X 1BA $59.99

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/7hz-salnotes-zero-universal-iem.25980/reviews#review-28978
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tangzu-audio-fu-du.26581/reviews#review-31833
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-em6-l.26639/reviews#review-31512
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-ea500.26361/reviews#review-30453
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/7hz-sonus.26673/reviews#review-31895 (this review)

As I post these side-by-side comparison shots it is noticeable that physical differences arise, though weight remains consistent except for the EA500. With the most weight the EA500 comes in at a staggering 11 grams. The SIMGOT EM6L, 7Hz SONUS and 7Hz Zero are all 5 grams in weight with the low weight award going to the FUDU at only 4 grams. Also while I’m at it the new SONUS cable needs to be mentioned. Why? This new ribbon design we will talk about later, but it is also (from pictures) the new style of the 7Hz Timeless II cable, and weights a remarkable 23 grams. Such a cable shows a slightly new style of weight, and maybe has some ergonomic benefits being so very different.

7Hz Zero v 7Hz SONUS:
Now I will start with the 7Hz Zero, as even though in a different price league, how can you not compare the Zero here? Truth to be told, the Zero review page I started has over 50,000 views, quite an accomplishment for an entry level IEM. While both (full-range) DD methodology and Hybrid methodology have their drawbacks and benefits, there is an indisputable magic taking place with the Zero. Why? Distractions that's why! Starting off I will not be the first to exclaim how the sound signature of the Zero is not complete. It is missing top-end sparkle and low-end power. Somehow really it is the bass missing that is probably most noticeable, yet for the money it does so much right in how it’s tuned, and how it holds correct timbre. We are literally distracted while listening to the Zero, forgetting anything missing……and it is safe to say the SONUS will have an uphill battle trying to replicate the pure sales hoopla taking place with the Zero.

Still, three times the money of the Zero, there is a chance for the engineer’s dreams (and our dreams) to possibly come to light? While in reality the Zero came out a while ago in IEM years, way back in early August of 2022. And while 7Hz seemed to have waited to release a Hybrid, they have in many ways improved on the Zero. In short the SONUS has really the opposite charms of the Zero. Yep, details at both the bottom and top-end! But these aren’t any old details….nope! It’s how they are done and how they are placed that takes the cake here! Where the same old ideas of DDs vs Hybrids start to take place here, first it’s the detail and forwardness of the upper midrange and treble frequencies that start to show we are dealing with an entirely different animal with the SONUS. That and the Bass, did I say Bass…..my gosh is it ever present and in full capability to entertain. There is this purity of intent too, that they are doing all this with only 2 drivers……….but more than that there is this exquisite millisecond delay in the bass, that feeling you get with a slight dislocation and separation (of Bass) that is so very lovable?

Also right at the start I want to explain my trajectory with the SONUS and how at the start both the FUDU and SONUS came at exactly the same time, they were meant to compare. And for starters I gave the FUDU 5 stars in a little first impression review and the SONUS 4.5 stars………..but first impressions are limited, namely because of burn-in. That and experience, as I was using the FUDU more and more I found it was totally source dependent, meaning it could come alive from the correct source, but get it an average source and get average results. Also the more I burned-in the SONUS the better it became, the bass smoothed out and the two drivers became more cohesive, that and the BA became smoother. So much so that I’ll spill the beans here……the SONUS gets 5 stars now totally dependent on sound replay ability!

The 7Hz Salnotes Zero:
I put on a slightly different pair of tips to try and get a better fit from the nozzle and the bass came forward, honestly the bass is nice at this point. And while we can vocalize about FR all day long here, it is really the smooth and largely (staged) competent midrange that is pulling our heart strings here. That there is a package of well imagined forwardness of midrange that leaves most satisfied, and people who have never experienced true audiophile IEMs in shock!

The 7Hz SONUS:
First off you can tell they added some length to the nozzles, 10 points! The stage is amazingly bigger due to simply the size of everything. That is actually saying quite a lot as the Zero stage proportions are no joke, way different than you would wrongfully guess for the original asking price of $19.99. Such a forward bass is neither too much or drastic. Following out to the sides is extra SONUS instrument imaging where due to the bass size, and midrange and treble size into the stage ...it's simply wider out to the right and left than the Zero can make. Now it needs to be addressed even now..........that yes, there is a very slight metallic tone to the mids and treble, yet they are so very, very good tonally that even to mention it seems unfair to the SONUS? Yet that is the difference, as we expected, more dislocation, Hybrid dislocation, thus more separation, yet truly everything is well integrated with the 7Hz SONUS, so much so that I don’t want to throw rocks. Could the 7Hz Zero and SONUS be complementary……….? You bet, in that they are both doing great FRs and technicalities, but despite their individual make-up are in nature (they are) going to be different, though it troubles me to call them opposite, as the FR is just so even and correct on both at this place and time?

The TANGZU FUDU v The 7Hz SONUS:
Big bass when it comes to understanding the FUDU, except that bass quality comes from the source, yep very few sonic ideas take place with-in the sidewalls of the FUDU landscape. I mean I will revert back to my first impressions comparing the two……that if you have one TOTL source then the FUDU will bring you everything, it’s just not as well rounded and will not get you such emotion from a standard phone output. I don’t need to continue, except man ...this FUDU response is insane from the right DAP!

The SIMGOT EM6L v The 7Hz SONUS:
While the bass is not as flamboyant as both the FUDU (from a good source) or the SONUS, the bass holds a slightly father back quality that is perfect. I’m getting my Little Brother the EM6L IEMs for Christmas as they are completely his preferred sound. And just like the hand-me-down of my Mom’s big 5 foot tall Floor-standers powering his living room 2 channel system, the EM6L’s are one of my very favorite IEMs of the year. Smooth yet detailed and it’s the big thick midrange and treble itemizations that show the SONUS to offer slightly more brightness. That slight EM6L millisecond delay in the bass…….the one I love often found in Hybrids…..yep, it is here too! There is a smoother midrange imaging that is slightly more utilitarian here…..and due to that treble imaging is slightly more separated and placed outward into the stage.....more BAs. Darn the timbre is super good too, and maybe even better than the SONUS as it’s not pushing the envelope of what BAs can do? There is no winner or loser here, just differences, both get 5 stars from me simply due to their individual sex-appeal.

The SIMGOT EA500 v The 7Hz SONUS:
The heavyweight here……heavy due to weight at 11 grams, it is 1 gram more than 2X the little SONUS weight. But also that metal does something maybe to absorb the extra unwanted frequencies, and promote clarity? I mean due to the way they sit inside your ear there are really no problems. Plus at this point with everyone and their Mom buying a pair, the issue of weight would be at least talked about if it was an issue, but it’s not. Though the treble heat is talked about, and the ways people have learned to go around it. One way obviously is to switch to the other (red-banded) nozzles they give you. Second is to try the tape mod, that or EQ. With me I simply acclimated by listening, meaning it was for the most part mental, to where my mind was comparing to my pervious IEM listening experience. Truly in this comparison battle..........price asked for each IEM doesn’t matter, as to me they are all equal.

The fact that this comparison today is really tough as all of the IEMs are really good.

If anything this comparison will only go to show the subtle differences arrived at by listening, where none of them are wrong, Except with the right source the FUDU, and with many sources the EM6L and 7Hz Zero go and play it safe, they don’t ever try to be more than their place in life, and get accolades by being just great performers. Except the EA500 went there…….Yep, the EA500 chose to boost the treble to a controversial place, a fine line for which it would possibly divide listener preference?

The EA500:
It’s early morning here at Recarmoose Labs and I just drank a big glass of coffee, not a cup, but a glass……because that’s how I roll. The second thing to add to the wake-up call would have to be this EA500. Hello……hello….anyone listening? Wow, the stage is giant, and bigger than I remember. Another thing that is taking place is bass detail. This is an interesting subject, as my pair have more than phenomenal bass, way-way-way more than they graph out to show. And the saddest part is all the graph nerds who are so very strict about thinking what they are going to buy sound exactly like the graph. They passed up the EA500 due to such confusion. And it’s sad. It is sad because the graph is a lie…….at least in my case the graph is farthest from the truth……..sorry the coffee is kicking-in, I’m emotional about this subject. And even the next review I write will not have graphs, as why would I put a misleading set of parameters in-place? Meaning I use graphs when they help show realities present, but avoid using them when they are 80% wrong. That 80% is in small areas so it looks like less, but the mistakes are there. Here the EA500 shows even a lesser bass (graphically) than any recent EW200, EM6L offering, except that the bass is super well defined here. This phenomena results in clearer bass having the feeling of more bass, and it is all about perception, not reality in IEMs. Anyways on to the midrange, as such the mids are expanded out farther but showing a tip-off from the treble heat….and the upper midrange heat. And you know what they say about heat, if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. So.......I will say there is a more technical presentation here that makes the EA500 way better than the SONUS except that could be at the expense of heat…….but I personally have no issue with it. And my Gosh……the coffee is kicking in, that and the EA500….is technically better, what can I say…bigger wider more imaged realism into the stage, and yes, if you compare graphs the bass may seem to be found in the back-seat……..but you remember from your teens how much fun the back-seat can be!

Packaging:
Just so you know there is an extra set of tips that are of a clear silicone make-up on the IEMs in addition to the 4 silicone tips to make a total of 5 sets. In addition there are also 3 sets of black rubber silicone ear-tips. Included is an extra set of four IEM nozzle filters and a case. The cable comes already joined to the IEMs.







Build:
Probably the first thing of note would be the filter system on the nozzles. I in my photography often polish the IEMs so as to not photograph extra dust, in doing so note the very small spikes inside of the outer nozzle filters. Such spikes can grab hold of the outer filter and pull it out. Yet I have never used any extra filter sets with of the extra four included. As they simply allow to be placed back into the nozzle, except just note that it could happen to you with cleaning. The nozzles seem to have three separate layers, the farthest back.........a black foam and the white sticker nozzle filter, with finally the metal partial occlusion (filter) which fits on the end. In the below picture somehow both end filters are not laying flat, but don’t worry as they can be repositioned correctly and are hard to lose. There are two vents on the back, one with a black ring in the middle of the back and one hard to see off to the side. The semi-custom shape and 5 gram weight means they fit wonderfully. While offering half a metal faceplate construction and half resin seems to really work here. There is the 2Pin holder which just like the Zero is at an angle so your cables can tilt in if they are ear-hooked. The IEMs themselves also offer color coding to demonstrate Right and Left on the sides of where the 2Pins go. The cable itself shows raised letters to show which is Right and Left, besides being ear-hooked with polarization of terminals.







Cable:
Unique is my best word for it. I mean where about 99.99 percent of cables are wound, here we are shown a ribbon cable. Such a cable even has two-pin extensions for what purpose in use............I’m not sure, but maybe the cable goes with other 7Hz creations in the future. I say this as the 2Pin receivers are in no need of such inner placement from the cable as they are flush? There is a plastic chin-cinch and see-through plastic plug. There is nothing wrong with this style of plug and any strangeness may come from the uniqueness in cable form held?





Music:

Hans Zimmer
DUNE OST
Ripples in the Sand
48 kHz - 24 bit
Showing its size and spacial properties is seemingly the very first feature noticed. Though I have to say the SONUS is basing most of its value on being well rounded. What I mean by that is true value being able to play off of any source or file quality. And while it doesn’t make a song like Ripples in the Sand as spread-out as I’ve heard it (like the SIMGOT EA500) there is still a nice balance between all aspects of this replay. Of special note would be the sub-bass at 01:11 which is low and effective but not vibrant, but more of a softer and careful style. There a very thought out demeanor that comes-off well calculated and totally non-offensive? Even the vocals held into positioning at 01:28 is not overly forward or set-back but find themselves rather cosy and comfortable? It’s this cosy little room that 7Hz has created for us to live in, not distracting.........yet not boring either?


Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawcznski
Grand Turismo OST
And We’re Off
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
The defining aspect of the SONUS can be found in how the strings are highlighted and positioned right at the 00:13 mark. Really I was looking for a song that would show this ability and here is the example. As to understand what we have here, there have been revelations of bass playback when I was fully taken with such abilities, and the SONUS still offers that.............yet with other songs. Here we are once again concerned with the whole being represented, as such the bass drop at the very start 00:01 is still in its place to be heard, yet not drastically? It is the strings which start to show our emphasis and character.

Contrasts:
It is in fact a thrill that such contrasts can be delineated and described as of now. The separation of bass and the stage of the strings at 00:10…..the vocal choir......my gosh......the choir here? It’s all about the implied total.............and I mean total balance. At 01:07 the rhythm starts and again…..somehow everything is well represented here, yet not the most detailed. I mean, I have to fall back once more on the Hybrid solution, that we are in fact hearing the separation due to the two different methodologies in motion…..the DD and the BA. Any lack of detail while small, is maybe due to the ability of the two drivers to only do so much? Still I have trouble writing that as the SONUS is so very complete and sounds like more than only two drivers in action?


Hans Zimmer
Wonder Woman 1984 (sketch)
The Monkey Paw
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Even the lead-in, even up to the 00:59 mark showing only background effects is nice, and somehow shows the stage to arrive into being bigger than previously guessed? Where of course the strings at 02:05 show a slight metallic tone, that can be forgiven as each thing in the universe is of itself and ultimately of its own nature never masked or always hidden. So how or why should it be any different here? While showcasing the spatial grandeur held in such a piece of recorded music……..such highlights of violins are of a double-edged sword. Thrilling us with their size but also offering a contrast that can only be found with hybrids……that tell-tale tone or better yet separation of tone, becoming both the blackness of night and clarity of day in the same song?


Conclusion:
Well there you have it, another idea and another poetic display of what creativity 7Hz can put forth. While nothing is perfect, there are some perfect moments to be found with the SONUS. I’m guessing they took their time in making a Hybrid because they needed the perfect BA driver, and they needed to match it up with a competent Bass maker? When you hear just how big the SONUS can get with the right file, you truly wonder where all those other drivers are when put into use with more complex designs? In fact I love simplicity, even though you may not guess it. The fact that there is just less noise to get in the way (between you and your music). But more than that, the SONUS has a subtle and versatile quality enabling it to go with any file quality, any DAP or Dongle……even a phone. And when you test as many IEMs as I do, such facts of life become a thing of value. Where the SIMGOT EA500 is more vivid and robust, larger sound and more of a brute, the SONUS is slightly more refined and polite. Where the FUDU has special needs that has to be catered to, yet emits beautiful music when all the requirements are fulfilled. And the SIMGOT EM6L which while driving much in the same direction, finds itself holding back a little midrange and treble vibrance despite costing $50 more and having 3 more BAs involved per side? I mean we are at the point now that has never before existed in history……..IEMs that sound like a million yet all cost close to $100.00. And if you don’t believe me, simply try any of the above, I really don’t care. As each and every one goes ahead to proclaim its place in sonic history, while each having a slightly different taste. And the taste is really what it is all about……..do you want vibrance and more technicalities, and risk the heat in the kitchen, to move forward on the EA500? Do you want a more laid back EM6L smoothness with a slightly warmer bath water to relax in, yet a speaker experience like what the SIMGOT EM6L displays? Or are you sure of your source and are confident that you can handle the less than perfect phone output, in contrast to the regular audiophile sound a DAP does with the TANGZU FUDU? Maybe your game for simply the under $25.00 7Hz Zero action. As much as stuff changes in the audiophile landscape, true values never go out of style. Sure every six months a whole slew of new products come out, but that never undermines what came out just last year………at least with the 7Hz Zero it doesn’t. Maybe you want what a simple yet effective Hybrid can do and are willing to put-up with how it’s intrinsically different from a full-range Dynamic Driver? That difference comes from the sonic realization that there are lower notes and higher notes and the Hybrid methodology embraces that fact of life……showing more contrast in the end. Yet all the above wouldn’t matter if there wasn’t note-weight. Yep, the fact that the SONUS has note weight dialed in. So even when details are showing in the most intense of replay, that note weight is ever present, I wouldn’t like the SONUS if such a technicality was missing.

$59.99
https://www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-sonus

Comes in your choice of three colors.

Technical Details
Model 7HZ SONUS
Frequency Response 10-20KHZ
THD <1%/1KHZ
Impedance 30Ω(@1kHz)
Connector 0.78mm 2Pin
SPL 109DB/V@1KHZ
Material Medical-grade material front chamber + aviation-grade aluminum back chamber
Cable Material High-end silver-plated OCC cable (49 wires per core, 4 cores braided cable)

Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C

7Hz Salnotes Zero
https://www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-salnotes-zero

TANGZU FUDU
https://www.linsoul.com/products/tangzu-fudu-verse-1

SIMGOT EM6L
https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-em6l

SIMGOT EA500
https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ea500

Disclaimer:
I want to thank Kareena at Linsoul for the love and the 7Hz SONUS review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 3.5mm and 4.4mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 3.5mm and 4.4mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
Shanling UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 3.5mm and 4.4mm
Samsung phone 3.5mm
HiBy R3II DAP

Review Of The 7Hz Sonus​

Introduction​

They were able to unwind and create their best product to date, introducing it at a low cost with a tone of praise that is well deserved, thanks to 7Hz, a Chinese company I've known for about two years. With the addition of a full range planar driver IEM, the 7Hz already gained attention, making 7hz Timeless one of my all-time favorites. I can say that they are being sincere and trustworthy with their fans and customers because they have now expanded to a sister brand called the Salnotes to bring a more affordable line up. I'll be reviewing the Sonus from 7Hz today, but first, a few things need to be clarified.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “Sonus.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Sonus based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

Thankfully, the balance armature driver is not jammed inside the nozzle of the Sonus' dual driver setup, which is a hybrid configuration of a dynamic driver and a balance armature driver. The faceplate is made of metal, while the shells are made of resin. Along with the 7Hz logo, the faceplate has two white parallel strips running through the center that are printed with the logo on both sides. The shells feel unbalanced and heavy in the hands. But once they were in the ears and inserted, they fit perfectly, felt light on the ears, and did not cause any fatigue even when being listened to for extended periods of time. A flat, high purity silver-plated cable is provided with the IEM. The cable feels really good in the hand and is not something you would expect to find with a $60 IEM. As a result of the cable's flexibility, smoothness, and attractive appearance, I believe this to be the best 3.5mm cable I have ever seen. The cable has a 3.5mm straight termination plug and two pin connectors on either end. A carrying pouch, a variety of eartips in various sizes and types, a nozzle metal mesh and filter are also included as extras. In terms of the technical details, the sensitivity is 109dB, and the impedance is 30 Ohms. The total harmonic distortion is less than 1%, and the frequency response ranges from 10Hz to 20kHz.

Sound​

This may be the first time I have been astounded by an IEM that only employs a BA and a DD, and coming from the company 7hz, whose sound signature has never let me down, they have ultimately surpassed my expectations and hit me with the best work done. Of course, I am speaking with my preferences and taste in mind. The thing is that typically when I hear IEMs that use only a BA and a DD, which are mostly on the budget side like the well-known KZ, CCA, etc., or any brand typically brings a dual configuration to the market, it sounds simple or artificially expressive and detailed, but oh boy, This may be the best implementation of a BA and a DD I have ever seen. Generally speaking, the sound is neutral with sub bass boost, which enables a great extensive and fuller treble, forward and greatly revealing mid range, and powerful and punchy bass. But when I get into the specifics, I'll be as objective as I can be regarding the sound.

Treble​

I'll start with the treble because it has a lot of range, is expressive, and has good details that are clear and crisp. The vocals really stretch out in the upper treble and make the most of the notes in the higher octaves. The vocals and instruments both sound forward in the mix, and their energy smoothly converses with the mid range, to which I will return later under the mid range section. The instruments, on the other hand, sound sharp and a little metallic to my ears. Even though this IEM is not a "savior," there are subtleties that add a hint of offensive signature to the mix. The vocals sound a little sibilant in the higher frequencies, whether they are in the lower or upper treble. However, I must admit that the BA has been implemented to get the best results possible. When we return to the lower treble, the vocals and instruments are both more revealing and clear. The upbeat atmosphere brings out the best in the vocals and instruments while maintaining their integrity, making them sound clear and detailed. Overall, the treble region is presented as clear, detailed, and crisp while also sounding slightly sibilant, which is a sign of BA timbre.

Mid Range​

Now that the Mid range is more energizing and forward in the mix, it doesn't mean that it sounds bad; on the contrary, it has a transparent response where the vocals and the instruments play in such a harmony that it will refresh you. In other words, the tone and energy are very intricate and expressive sounding rather than warm or relaxing. The lower treble converses well with the lower midrange, giving the response a smooth and clear quality. The upper midrange sounds like it has more energy than the lower midrange. The vocals and instruments sound consistent, evenly spaced, and well-positioned, enabling each component to provide the greatest amount of detail possible for the drivers. Whether they are male or female vocals, they have a characteristic that is more light and lean than thick or organic, but it prevents me from calling them unnatural. The instruments do give the notes some weight, which adds more of a lively and alluring expression to the mix. The lower midrange, on the other hand, is also really well done; granted, the notes aren't particularly thick or dense, but they do set the stage for the higher frequencies' attempt to avoid sounding offensive, which happens very infrequently. It sounds cleaner than other sets because the notes are strange and can only be fully understood with careful listening. The instruments don't sound hazy or mumbled, and neither do the vocals. However, I can definitely hear that the overall mix lacks mid bass, which would have made it sound more organic. But overall, the mid range is presented in a transparent, vibrant, and forward manner in the mix.

Bass​

With the exception of the fact that it doesn't allow for more weight in the mid bass, the bass is really well done. It is emphasized in the sub bass region and extends deep enough to produce a satisfying amount of rumble in the ear canals. Strong and heavy punches can be made with the driver's power as well, and they do feel impactful and difficult. My favorite part of the entire mix is the sub bass because it adds a clean, overwhelming, and satisfying bass response to the track. The slams and thumps in the mid bass, however, could have used more presence even though they still have presence and don't sound particularly effective in the response. It doesn't seem like the lower mid range is affected by the mid bass. The texture and specifics of the bass are also very well established. While less prominent in the mid bass, the bass is presented overall as clear, deep, and punchy.

Technical Performance​

When it comes to technical performance, I should say that these hybrid and dual setups are the best I have heard so far. Everything about the other 1DD + 1BA IEMs is significantly inferior. The drivers don't allow anything to be overshadowed, whether it's the stage or the separation; instead, they reveal every characteristic.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The soundstage is fairly head-level, but because it is holographic and has separation to make the notes sound more distinct, I can easily identify where the sound is coming from. And it's all because of how clear and sharp the imaging is.

Speed & Resolution​

Out of 1DD and 1BA configured IEM, the details are the best I've heard; whether it's the micro or macro details, everything sounds richer and more full-bodied in terms of revelations. The attack and decay of the notes are nicely fast paced, which makes the entire response very clear, and the control and speed are astounding.

Sound Impressions ​

Sources​

Sony WM1A - While maintaining the same level of details and mix clarity when listening with the WM1A, the sound is more calming and tonally preferred. It has a warmer, smoother texture. My personal opinion is that the WM1A tonally corrected the signature, which prevents any offensive sounds from entering the mix. Other than these three, the technicalities feel the same. The stage is larger and more expansive, which makes it sound really cohesive and realistic to hear. The separation is also improved with resolution. So, of the three, I think the pairing with the WM1A is the best.

Tempotec V6 - When using the V6, the response is very transparent and metallic, which adds a slightly disagreeable sound to the mix. The mid range is a little less forward while the treble is sharper and clearer. The bass is consistent. Other technicalities, aside from the stage being wider, feel the same. The V6 and this combination therefore feel good, but not the best.

iFi Hipdac - The sibilance was not reduced, but the weighty notes made it sound more natural sounding. When listening with the Hipdac, the sound became a little darker in the treble while sounding more forward in the mid range. The sub bass remained unchanged but the mid bass presence was increased by the bass. The technical specification felt nearly identical, aside from the details and imaging that felt lacking. As a result, the pairing with Hipdac felt decent but appealing.

Tracks​

Luna Haruna - Glory days
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Rokudenashi - The Flame of Love
LMYK - 0 (zero)
ORESKABAND - Jitensya
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
RADWIMPS - Suzume
Indila - Love Story
Indila - Tourner dans le vide
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Blue Oyester Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Gojira - Amazonia
TV on the radio - Wolf Like Me
Bring Me To The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
Bring Me To The Horizon - sTraNgeRs
Avril Lavigne - Dare To Love Me
Travis - Love Will Come Through
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
DJ Shadows - Six Days (Remix) [feat. Mos Def]
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lil Wayne - Lollipop
Flo Rida - Low
Sebastian Lopez & Flug - Electronic Measures
Federico Mecozzi - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Wayve - Not Enough
Kai Wachi & TeZATalks - Ghost
NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead & Tori Levett - Shady Intentions
Zeds Dead, DNMO & GG Magree - Save My Grave
Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - Supersonic
Skrillex & Nai Barghouti - Xena
Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo - RATATA
Kaifi Khalil, Eva B & Wahab Bugti - Kana Yaari
A.R. Rahman, Javed Ali & Mohit Chauhan - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

As a conclusion to this review, I'll gladly suggest the 7Hz Sonus to anyone who prefers a more detailed, neutral, and clean sounding in-ear monitor with a good amount of sub bass; however, if you're looking for a warm, lush IEM, please stay away from these. But I can assure you that these will still astound you. I think the sound is very good considering the price, especially for an IEM with a 1DD+1BA configuration. I assure you that this is unique and very satisfying.

And as usual, the technical characteristics of the headphones are indicated here and only 1 dynamic and 1 armature driver are responsible for the sound in this model, and the sensitivity of the headphones is 109dB and they have a 30ohm impedance.
And they look pretty good, and in my case they have such a silver back part of the case made of aircraft aluminum with the 7Hz logo and the front part is made of medical material and it is transparent, so literally the entire filling of the headphones and drivers is you can see the armature driver and large dynamic driver here!
Well, there is one acoustic hole located here on the inside of the earphone, but the nozzle of the headphones is quite short, but at least there is a protrusion on it, so the ear pads fit well and don’t fly off anywhere.
Accessories.
Well, there is also a black case that contains two bags, one of which has an excellent set of attachments of different sizes and colors, so you can choose one for yourself without any problems, and this one contains additional filters for headphones!
And of course, friends, where would we be without the included cable, which is really good here, a silver-plated, fairly heavy 4-core conductor that looks rightfully cool, and also has very comfortable shaped earhooks with a 2-pin connector for headphones, and a standard 3.5 plug which looks quite unusual.
Low Frequencies :
I’ll start, as always, with an analysis of the low frequencies, which, in comparison with the EM6L in the Sonus, are less accentuated and not so massive, but friends, despite this, the bass in the Sonus has excellent speed indicators and the texture and resolution are at a good level, in this price category it is really a find, and the emphasis here is noticeably shifted more to the sub-bass, which turned out to be quite deep and moderately elevated, and the midbass is a little bit distant, but nevertheless there is a good punch and a noticeably emphasized textured blow that leaves behind a very neat and smooth aftertone!
And although the amount of bass here is less than in the EM6L, its quality is really at a very high level, I was especially pleased with the fact that it does not interfere with the mid range and, on the contrary, perfectly helps to open up the vocal part without covering the lower middle with its weight.
Mid Frequencies :
But the mid frequencies here are just my respect, right from the first listen this range is felt as very clear and clean with a fairly deep well-developed space and insanely emphasized articulation in the vocals, and the weight and elaboration of the instruments simply perfectly complements the whole picture,and of course it’s worth saying that the upper mids here are not bright, and I definitely like this, since there is a very smooth and neat more neutral tone of the drums with a clear, stable transient.
And pretty drums just complement the whole picture well with their long trails of reverb, and the vocals sound a little closer to us, but don't feel at all closed and locked in one small room on the contrary, his image is very wide and tries to take up as much space as possible, and I certainly like this less intimate voice setting more!
High Frequencies :
Well, the high frequencies are just the icing on this very tasty cake.
There is also technicality here, if you want to listen to heavy genres of metal rock, yes please, if you want to analyze the music and listen to all the details and nuances and without any problems at all, if you want to have excellent detail and without sibilants then please get it.
And I’m really very surprised by the amount of air that is present in this range and how very defined and far this area is captured without any obvious pits, and the cymbals and percussion are simply a godsend, emphasized, with excellent resolution with excellent long trails and as a result we get a very balanced and monitor presentation of this area.
Stage and stereo panorama :
Icygenius was with you, I will be glad if you subscribe to my YouTube channel and watch this full review on 7hz Sonus:

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Linsoul for furnishing this unit. The Sonus can be gotten here (no affiliate links): https://www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-sonus




SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: 1 x dynamic driver + 1 x balanced armature driver (no info on brand/material)
• Impedance: 30 Ohms
• Frequency response: 10 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 109 dB/V
• Cable: 0.78 mm 2-pin, 4-core silver-plated OCC
• Tested at $59.99 USD

ACCESSORIES

Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone eartips
- 5 pairs of wide-bore silicone eartips
- Cable
- Leatherette carrying case
- Spare nozzle filters




Considering this is a sub $100 USD IEM, the included accessories are pretty generous, and everything is quite serviceable out-of-the-box.




While no foam tips are provided, we have 2 variants of silicone tips - a wide-bore and a narrow-bore one - with the former bestowing improved soundstaging and better treble extension, while the latter boosts bass, though with some compression of the soundstage.




The stock 2-pin, 4-core silver-plated OCC cable looks like a tapeworm, but jokes aside, it is well braided with a chin cinch. Unfortunately, it is quite microphonic, and is slightly tangly. I'm not a fan of MMCX connectors at the budget segment, due to their longevity with frequent cable swaps, so 2-pin ones like this cable are always welcome in my book.

The leatherette carrying case fastens via a button. It is quite elegant, though personally I would have preferred a semi-rigid or hard case to protect the contents better.

It is really nice that 7Hz has provided some spare nozzle filters, as these may get damaged or inundated with moisture, and sourcing for the same replacement nozzle filters is literally searching for a needle in a haystack, such are the many aftermarket variations out there.

The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock wide-bore tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.


BUILD/COMFORT



The earpieces have decent build. The inner aspects of the housing are fashioned from medical-grade resin, while the face-plate is composed of aviation-grade aluminum. During ordering, one can opt for a black, red or grey-hued shell.

7Hz markets that the earpieces were designed after precision molding of amassed ear anatomies. Indeed, the shells are light with a concha protrusion, and ergonomics are quite good. For my average-sized ears, I did not encounter any discomfort despite using the Sonus for hour long sessions.



Being a vented IEM, isolation is bang average, though the Sonus should still be usable on-the-go. Occasional mild driver flex was noted during insertion - though this is partially dependent on ear anatomy and type of tips used - and it can be mitigated with trying other types of tips (be it foam or silicone).




DRIVABILITY

I tested the Sonus with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Colorfly CDA M1 DAC/AMP dongle
- Creative Sound Blaster X5
- E1DA DAC/AMP dongle
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone

This IEM is easily driven even off the weakest of sources, though it might scale slightly with amplification.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES


Graph of the 7Hz Sonus via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak

Tonally, the Sonus sports a balanced U-shaped tonality, which is quite all-rounded for most music genres.

The bass is slightly north of neutral. The Sonus is sub-bass focused, with some rumble heard down to 20 Hz if a proper eartip seal is obtained. As it is not a mid-bass predominant IEM, one wouldn't hear a big bass thump in acoustic or electric bass notes, so this IEM is not for bassheads. In terms of bass quality, texturing is good, with a fast bass heard, with minimal mid-bass bleeding.

As per the U-shaped profile, there is just a slight depression in the lower midrange. Listeners will appreciate the clear and transparent midrange in view of no big bass encroaching into this frequency band. Coupled with the solid technical chops, this allows instruments and vocals to be layered nicely on a dark background. Upper mids are forwards without being shouty, with just a 6 - 7 dB ear gain. Indeed, the mids are my favourite part of this IEM's tuning.

Treble has moderate extension, and the Sonus is not an extremely airy or sparkly set. However, the treble is quite well-dosed, and balances the line very finely, in bringing decent resolution to the table, without veering to an overly-fatiguing soundscape. Sibilance is mild, and cymbals and highhats are not splashy.




In technicalities, the Sonus holds its own in the sub $100 USD realm when compared against similarly-priced hybrids. Instrument separation, layering and imaging are quite well-done, with an above average soundstage width (though it is about average in height/depth). Music never sounds congested, even on complex tracks with competing riffs. Micro-detailing and clarity are well portrayed as alluded to.

When it comes to timbral accuracy, there is a slight metallic BA timbre heard when acoustic instruments like brasses and woodwinds come out to play. Vocals have a hint of nasality, but by and large, the Sonus isn't the worst offender in timbre, when compared against some other rival hybrids.


COMPARISONS

Comparisons were made with other hybrids below $100 USD. Planars, single DDs and pure BA types were left out of the equation as the different transducers have their pros and cons.




Tangzu Fu Du

The Fu Du is a bassier IEM, though the bass isn't as tight and bleeds, with worse texturing. The Fu Du is also not as extended in the treble, with less air.

The Fu Du loses in technicalities, sounding claustrophobic in comparison, with worse soundstaging, imaging and micro-detailing.

The Fu Du has a thicker note weight and a more natural timbre, though the Fu Du's shell feels a bit plasticky in comparison.


CVJ Mei

Graphs of the CVJ Mei on various switch settings, via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak

The Mei is a hybrid with 2 tuning switches, to give 4 different tunings on offer; it is more versatile as such. Utilizing the most resolving setting (with both switches activated), this converts the Mei to a neutral bright setup.

On this configuration, the Mei is much brighter and airier, though it is very sibilant and harsh in the treble, compared to the Sonus' better tuned treble. Cymbals and highhats are very splashy on this version of the Mei, and there is an artificial metallic timbre to notes. It is quite aggressive and in-your-face, and treble-sensitive folk probably cannot tolerate this arrangement for more than a few minutes.

However, with this neutral bright profile, the Mei is a bit more resolving, furnishing better soundstaging, micro-detailing and imaging. The Sonus may be a bit more sedate, but tonally it is more balanced, with less fatigue.

The Mei has a bad hiss with some sources with poor noise control, which can be obvious during quieter parts of music tracks.


Truthear HEXA

The HEXA is tuned neutralish with a sub-bass boost. It is less bassy than the Sonus, though the HEXA is a bit grainier in the treble.

Both sets have BA timbre. The HEXA has better imaging and slightly improved micro-details, but suffers from a smaller soundstage.

Of note, the HEXA is substantially harder to drive.

Considering the HEXA is about $20 USD more expensive than the Sonus, the latter arguably has superior price-to-performance, and I would consider the Sonus to be a more cost-effective IEM.




CONCLUSIONS

The Sonus is a well-balanced U-shaped hybrid, which should be agreeable tonally with most consumers, other than for diehard bassheads who like a thumping mid-bass. This IEM also has good technicalities for the coin, and a clean and fast bass with a transparent midrange. Additionally, accessories and ergonomics are very polished, and it is easily driven.




Some nitpicks are mild driver flex during insertion - this can be mitigated with tip-rolling - and BA timbre, though there are definitely hybrids out there with way worse timbral accuracy.

Boasting good price-to-performance ratio, the Sonus is quite competitive against some pricier benchmark hybrids like the Truthear HEXA. Verily, there are not many well-tuned budget hybrids below $100 USD, with compromises in some form or other in most current day releases. The Sonus does most departments well, and I would recommend this IEM to newcomers who are looking to dive into the budget hybrid game.

Introduction

7HZ doesn't require an introduction. They are known for offering value-for-money products. In recent months, 7HZ has been venturing into uncharted territory, experimenting with hardware and sound tuning. Their latest creation, the 7HZ Sonus dual driver in-ear monitors, equipped with 1DD + 1BA driver, is priced at $59.99, approximately 5K INR. In today's blog, we will review the 7HZ Sonus IEM.

Design and Build Quality
The 7HZ Sonus presents itself as a simple-looking IEM with an aluminum faceplate and an inner shell made of medical-grade materials. The faceplates feature two sleek lines in their design and the 7HZ logo on both sides. The IEM shell boasts top-notch quality materials. The included stock cable has a flat design, which helps prevent tangling. It connects with a 0.78mm 2-pin and a 3.5mm audio jack. While the cable is soft and robust, it doesn't quite meet the aesthetics I'd prefer. Fortunately, the provided ear tips are good, and you can experiment to find the perfect fit. In terms of build quality, it's impressive, but there's room for improvement in aesthetics.



Comfort and Fit
The inner shell of the IEM features a few curves that provide a comfortable and secure fit for extended listening sessions. I didn't experience any discomfort during my time using the Sonus.

Sound Quality
The 7HZ Sonus offers a safe, non-offensive sound profile. In my opinion, it leans towards a slightly midrange-forward sound with clean, clear bass and detailed treble. The soundstage is average, but the imaging is precise, which prevents a sense of lacking width on the stage.

Bass
The Sonus delivers sophisticated bass—clean, clear, with a decent rumble. However, it might not satisfy bass enthusiasts. If you're one, you can play with EQ settings to boost the bass since the drivers can handle it.

Midrange
The star of the show is the mid-range. Both male and female vocals sound fantastic on the Sonus. There's ample energy, allowing you to feel the texture and weight of the vocals. I didn't detect any harshness while listening to the Sonus IEM. The mid-range is slightly forward but not overpowering, which I consider an advantage. It leans toward a neutral sound, which works well.

Treble
The treble is clean and clear, capturing all the details. Some tracks even revealed echoes, which is unusual for an IEM in this price range. There was no sharpness or harshness in the 7HZ Sonus—safely tuned treble.

Soundstage & Imaging
The soundstage is average, giving the impression that the music envelops your head with decent height, depth, and width. The imaging is precise, making you feel like the music is coming from different directions. Sometimes it feels like it's knocking inside your head.



Value and Competition

The 7HZ Sonus competes in a very competitive price range. In this price bracket, you have alternatives like the KZ ZS10 Pro X, KZ PR2, and TinHiFi T3 Plus. Let's see where the 7HZ Sonus stands in comparison.

KZ ZS10 Pro X vs. 7HZ Sonus
The KZ ZS10 Pro X is a bit brighter than the Sonus, but I found that clarity and separation on the Sonus are superior. The bass on the KZ ZS10 Pro X is more potent than that of the Sonus.

Moondrop Aria vs. 7HZ Sonus
The Aria has a thicker and brighter sound compared to the 7HZ Sonus. While its bass is more powerful, it lacks the overall sound clarity and separation that the Sonus offers. The Sonus is easier to listen to and has a wider soundstage compared to the Aria.

TinHiFi T3 Plus vs. 7HZ Sonus
The T3 Plus has a warm sound with powerful bass and a smooth midrange. While the Sonus may be lacking in bass, its overall sound clarity and separation surpass the T3 Plus.



Pros and Cons



Conclusion

In my opinion, the 7HZ Sonus IEM is a great investment for those seeking a safely-tuned IEM with a neutral-ish tone. It's easy to drive but has the power to scale up. I recommend this IEM for daily use, especially for beginners and mid-fi audiophiles. We received the 7HZ Sonus IEM unit from Linsoul, and the review reflects our honest opinion. Thank you for reading this review, and we'll see you in the next one.

Ok, first off I bought this iem with my own money and I try to give my honest opinion of anything that I review. I bought mine personally from Linsoul.
7 Hz is an interesting company. They have bold designs and for a while, it seemed like they were coming out with a colorway version of the Salnotes Zero each week. 7Hz is a cool company but it’s hard to know how things will sound. Here are a few graphs of their more recent releases that I’ve listened to and can compare.




I think the tuning is similar but not exactly to is the Aful 8, and this is the reason I bought it. They are both pretty different, but this is in the same general tuning style of the Aful 8. I do feel both require eq to shine, the technicalities and resolution, are much better dynamics of the Aful 8.


Song Choice: Tidal list here:
I listen to a wide variety of music. I pick the songs because of various reasons. But I picture myself locked away like Andy Dufresne from Shawshank blasting music and shut off from the world. It’s a blissful image.
The Marriage of Figaro -The opera song from Shawshank Redemption, terrible recording but fun and gets me in the mood to listen to music.
O mio Babino caro -This is a modern less operatic version but a song with great female vocals.
Video Rigoletto - “La donna e mobile” Sung by one of the three Tenors, great song for high-performing male vocals. Pavarotti is the greatest classic singer maybe ever. Fight me!
Iron man - The sound at the beginning is hard to make sound great, great drums, and cymbals, and if done right it feels like an old-school band.
I Will Survive (1981 recording, I like her voice, and the old vocals, the drums, and various natural instruments really make this a favorite for me.
There is a light That never goes out - Smiths ( A classic, I just love it. It’s mellow, and I can tell a lot of the tuning if this song is done right.)
Jump (I like how the sound effects are in this!)
Star Child Someone recommended this song to me, and I like how funky it sounds and has nice vocals and a mix of music and things going on.
Dicke Titten Ramstein The beginning is amazing and the bass hits hard. Great song. I love rock and metal. The German language fascinates me
Master of Puppets: Very fast song. Helps me determine if the driver can keep up.


Bass (20-60 Sub Bass, 60-250 Hz Mid Bass)

The details of the bass and the impact of the Sonus are pretty ok. It’s pretty anemic and weak in comparison to other sets even in this range. Yet it is enjoyable in it’s presentation, but the poor bass makes me feel that the iem is a bit off in the timbre as well. Tip rolling will help with this, but none of the stock tips really worked for me.


Midrange (250 HZ to 800 HZ Low Mids, 600-200 Hz Mids, 2000-5000Hz Upper Mids)

The midrange is acceptable for this iem, and with the right source, it sounds pretty good. The timbre is good for the price and vocals sound good. It’s great for podcasts and I feel that Music sounds good on these iems, but not perfect. But at times things sound smeared and just not as crisp as I’d like them to. Yet this is a fine iem for the price, and the resolution isn’t extremely poor, but just about right at this pricepoint.


Treble (5000- 10000 Trebble/Highs, 10000 ++ HZ Upper Trebble & Air)

The treble is a good part of this set and this iem has great detail and sparkle for me. I’m able to game, listen to music, and a podcast all at once with this iem. It has incredible details that come across in the treble. Looking at the frequency response I would think it would sound neutral or boring without the 3k spike, but I enjoyed it. All the music that I listen to sounds pretty good on it, and it’s enjoyable, but when compared to other sets, it gets quickly blown out of the water. It’s just the bass doesn’t hit hard enough, or the treble with enough technicalities that it is hard to make things sound great on this iem without eq.

Gaming
I would recommend this for gaming, but only if you have smaller ears. The iem shell seems to not fit in my ears well so I just can’t love it for long sessions. As the fit comes out of an iem easily it can cause the iem to sound worse not being at the right place in your ear. I think you’d be better off with a cheaper iem like the Truthear Zero (Red or blue). It’s a poor recommendation for me and my use.

Shell
The shell is very pretty but it has a few fit problems and seems to fall out of my ears easily. I really like the style of the iem, but in use, I don’t really enjoy it much as it feels like a smaller iem shell and a tiny bit off for me. The resin part seems to tapper down too fast and just feels small and comes loose too easily.

Case
The case is also a highlight. It is fairly spacious and can fit more than just the iem with a nice case. I do enjoy the feel of the leather on my skin, and it fits in my pocket super well that I use the case daily for work to carry my dongle with me and back along with the iem of the day. The button on the case is so satisfying. The case is like a super pouch, very roomy! Actually useful and pocketable!

Cable
The cable is very cool, and feels great on the skin. I fully enjoy the cable and I would definitely pay 25 dollars or more for this cable for another iem. It feels great and never tangles.

Tip Selection
The tip selection of this iem is fantastic and appreciated. I like the colors and selection. I wish more iem would match the effort 7hz has put into their tips. I found this iem to be particularly fit-dependent due to it’s small size. With the right tips, it sounds much better, and I would encourage tip-rolling with this set.


Quick-Fire Comparisons

In this section, I'll quickly compare this iem vs other in the bracket on pure sonic quality.

7HZ Sonus VS. Hexa
Overall Tuning: Slight edge to Hexa
Details: Hexa


7HZ Sonus VS. Truthear: Zero:Red
Overall Tuning: Truthear: Zero : Red
Details: Tied

7HZ Sonus VS. 7HZ Salnotes Zero
Overall Tuning: 7hz Sonus
Details: 7HZ Sonus

7HZ Sonus VS KZ Krilla
Overall Tuning: About tied
Details: About Tied


Sound - Final Impressions

While I think this is a good iem, it is a bit sensitive with sources and tip finicky. It sounds good from a tuning perspective but its timbre and tone are off for me, with some eq it does sound better. Even then it sounds like an EQ’ed gaming headset. (not a compliment) as it lacks detail from a technical perspective. It’s hard for me to get deep into the sound other than to say it is passable for the price, but with things like the Truthear Hexa being had on sale for 60 and the Truthear Red being 55, and probably lower on sale soon, this is a pass for me and for most people. I even think the KZ Krilla I listened to has some things going on that are much better than the Sonus if you are looking for a cheap set that you can just throw around.

Recommended EQ: This iem lacks bass, so I added a Gigachad amount of bass. And wow, this iem actually sounds pretty good. EQ can fix a lot of issues. This iem needs a lot of bass to make it right. There just is something about this iem in that it lacks serious details to make the treble right, that it needs a fair amount of eq.

Preamp: -8.4 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 20 Hz Gain 3.7 dB Q 1.800
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 47 Hz Gain 9.0 dB Q 0.500
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 56 Hz Gain -2.2 dB Q 1.300
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 200 Hz Gain 1.5 dB Q 0.600
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 1800 Hz Gain -1.9 dB Q 2.000
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 5400 Hz Gain -6.6 dB Q 2.000
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 11000 Hz Gain 12.0 dB Q 0.500
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 11000 Hz Gain -10.9 dB Q 2.000
Filter 9: OFF PK Fc 0 Hz Gain 0.0 dB Q 0.000
Filter 10: OFF PK Fc 0 Hz Gain 0.0 dB Q 0.000





Gifting/who is it for:
It’s a well-packaged iem and an easy recommendation with multiple color options. The cable and case are fantastic and enjoyable. It’s also 40 dollars less than say the Legago or Dioko and on par sonically. I’d recommend this easily as a gift iem. While collectors should get this iem to complete their set, or anyone wanting an exceptionally packaged iem at 60 dollars, sonically there are better choices that might do better.


Pairing:
I used a Quidelix 5k for mobile, my dongle dac iBasso DC04 for my laptop, and my JDS labs Element III MK2 Boosted for my Desktop PC. I also tried the iem briefly on the Apple dongle as well. Often times I gloss over this, but this iem is very picky about the source and sometimes it sounded good, other times just like complete garbage. With the EQ dialed in, it’s fantastic and exceedingly enjoyable. Yet this isn’t the iem that sounds good on everything as we all want.

Summary

I’ve recently redone my ranking system to include a gaming/comfort quality, an overall rating along with Crinacle style rating. This is a passable iem and isn’t terrible. I’m giving it an overall rating of 80/100 which is passable for me. Worth a buy, but not exceptional. I personally would recommend to many to stick with a Salnotes zero, unless they really like the cable or case as they are fantastic. I’m giving it a A Tuning as I do think the tuning is pretty good, but not exceptional, and a C+ for technical, but the value isn’t mind-blowing, just good. I just think it’s ok, but it has a point in people's rotation if they want a strong beautiful iem, with a nice silky smooth cable. If you like the packaging the cable is very cool and worth it, as is the case and fun tips added. Is the iem sonically better than a much cheaper say KZ Krilla or Salnotes Zero to use as a banger set? I think not. But it’s really not bad or anything to laugh at.
To me there are different types of collectors, some people want to have 200+ iems, others want to have less. I personally want to have fewer iems not more. It’s hard for me to find a place for this iem in my collection, but I do recognize is as a quality iem for others or to gift to other people. This frequency response might be very similar to the Aful or other neutral sets, but the iem comes across boring in the treble and dull in the bass, but not horrible and a recommend for those with cash to burn for the coolest cable and case I’ve possibility ever seen in a set under 300.
e recently redone my ranking system to include a gaming/comfort quality, an overall rating along with Crinacle style rating. This is a passable iem and isn’t terrible. I’m giving it an overall rating of 80/100 which is passable for me. Worth a buy, but not exceptional. I personally would recommend to many to stick with a Salnotes zero, unless they really like the cable or case as they are fantastic. I’m giving it an A Tuning as I do think the tuning is pretty good, but not exceptional, and a C+ for technical, but the value isn’t mind-blowing, just good. I just think it’s okay, but it has a point in people's rotation if they want a strong beautiful iem, with a nice silky smooth cable. If you like the packaging the cable is very cool and worth it, as is the case and fun tips are added. Is the iem sonically better than a much cheaper say KZ Krilla or Salnotes Zero to use as a banger set to leave out in your desk or to toss around? I think not. But it’s really not bad or anything to laugh at.
To me there are different types of collectors, some people want to have 200+ iems, and others want to have less. I personally want to have fewer iems not more. It’s hard for me to find a place for this iem in my collection, but I do recognize is as a quality iem for others or to gift to other people and hope to see more cables like the Sonus Cable, and more cases like their new Case for the Sonus. Great tech, and great attempt at a new different neutral style, but just isn't what I was wishing for in a budget set.

Thanks for reading. Any feedback is welcome.

Disclaimer: Linsoul provided me with a review unit. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Unaffiliated product link.

Introduction & Packaging​

7Hz Sonus ($60) is an entry-level IEM from 7Hertz, featuring a hybrid configuration of 1 dynamic driver and 1 balanced armature. In the recent releases, 7Hz is more known for using single-type configuration, either DD (or 2 DD) or planar, with the 7Hz Timeless being its claim to fame. Sonus is 7Hz first foray to a hybrid IEM and it is clear that they are trying hard to get it right.



Since the Dioko and the Legato, 7Hz has been experimenting with various packaging and accessories set. For Sonus, I do feel that it hits the right spot. There are 8 sets of extra eartips on top of the default one installed, which are similar to the KBEAR 07 and 08 series of eartips. There are 4 sets of spare filters as well as an excellent leather pouch. However, the best of them all is the cable, a 4-core flat wire, not braided. It is indeed a unique presentation among the typical braided design, yet still maintains a good flexibility, no microphonics, and most importantly sounds great with the Sonus.



The IEM itself is quite understated, a simple resin inner shell and aluminium outer shell with some simple design and 7Hz logo. It is also available in red and white. The body itself is quite large, but understandable considering the 11.3mm dynamic driver. You can also see from the semi-transparent shell that the BA is not in the nozzle or ran in an acoustic tube, but instead both the DD and BA output seem to be mixed in a large acoustic chamber, which would explain the good coherency (more on that later). The nozzle is quite large at 6.3mm at its thickest part.

Sound Impression​

Sources: SMSL H300+D300 stack, Quloos MUB1, Fiio M11S, Cayin RU7
Setup: Large stock eartips (transparent yellow), stock cable
Music Sources: Local FLAC (redbook/hi-res), Tidal Masters, Apple Music Lossless

The IEM has undergone a 20-hour burn-in at a medium volume for prior to the review.
Listening impression is a very subjective experience depending on individual ear shape, choice of eartips, music library, and personal preferences, so your experience may vary.

7Hz Sonus is aiming for a laid-back, relatively neutral and balanced tuning with a very well-extended subbass. It has the kind of tuning that is hard to find faults for, with relatively forward mids and decent overall technicalities. Its timbre is very enjoyable, although out of the box it does have a smidge of that metallic BA timbre. A short burn-in session overnight tamed the slight sharpness and develop into a more analogue-sounding profile. It does have some brightness in the upper registers but far from being fatiguing or sharp, while also having just enough details to hear the tidbits in your music and not being overwhelming your senses. While it is not a technicalities champ, it's a very musical and enjoyable set of IEMs. Due to these characteristics, I find Sonus to be one of the most versatile IEMs under $100, playing well with most genres from orchestra pieces to smooth jazz to pop and electronica.

Bass​

Sonus's bass is more emphasized in the subbass rather than the midbass, giving it a tighter and snappier punch at the beginning, but with a slower decay, preventing it from lacking warmth. There is no aggressive bass shelf and it just glides cleanly to the mids. The bass quantity is not at the basshead level, but if you should choose to do so, you can PEQ a bass boost from 200 Hz and below by 5-6 dB and the driver is capable enough to handle it without much distortion. I really do wonder if 7Hz works on Legato's successor with this driver.

Midrange​

In my opinion, the mids are certainly its main strength with overall pleasant vocal presentation and no shoutiness. There is very little bleed from the midbass, leaving a relatively forward vocal presentation, no matter male or female vocalist. The details in the upper midrange is quite smoothed, but you can still somewhat discern some of the nuances in the instruments in this frequency range.

Treble​

The Sonus has a decent quality treble with good amount of air and extension. It is also quite smoothed out like in the upper midrange and does not have the level of incisive details like from multi-BA setups, but it is still competitive within its price point. It has no problem handling cymbals and hi-hats without being fatiquing.

Technicalities​

7Hz Sonus isn't one of the most technical sets in the market at under $100 price range; I would put something like the 7Hz Salnotes Dioko to be ahead of it. Soundstage is still quite intimate, maybe around 50 cm around the head. Imaging is relatively precise and the layering is sufficiently distinct. Resolution is pretty good for the price but with more emphasis on the macro details rather than the micro details. Overall, I think it is a competent performer technically, but it is not the main focus.

Driving Requirements & Pairing Suggestion​

While it is not hard to drive Sonus (most entry-level dongles can sufficiently drive it), it does scale with better amplification. The bass response gets more energy and opens up the soundstage more. I would recommend a warmer source to add a bit of midbass emphasis to go along with that excellent subbass.

Select Comparisons​

QoA Vesper 2 ($79):
The Vesper 2 is tuned toward warm and dark direction, which is quite the opposite of the direction of the Sonus. I find Vesper 2 to be more laid-back in overall sound presentation, with even more focus in musicality. Sonus does sound to be more technical, but I attribute that mostly due to the tuning direction. I see Sonus and Vesper 2 to be kind of yin-yang of each other and both have its place and purpose in my collection. The Vesper 2 also has smaller shell and nozzle, making it slightly more comfortable for some people. However, if you're not a big fan of the very warm and dark tuning, I would recommend Sonus instead.

Simgot EA500 ($79):
EA500 is the crowd favourite due to the very good technicalities at under $100, with neutral-bright tuning and natural timbre. With the Sonus, the brightness is turned down a little along with some bass improvements. I do find EA500 to be a tad fatiguing with some tracks, but I didn't find any issue with the Sonus. I would personally go with Sonus for an overall balanced listening experience, but if you prioritize technicalities above all else, the EA500 would be a good choice too.

Conclusion​

7Hz Sonus is a great first attempt by 7Hz into the hybrid IEM market. Versatile tuning, decent technicalities, great accessories set, and solid build quality at a reasonable price... I find it hard not to recommend this unit as a daily set. Sonus has certainly taken its spot as my new daily beater set.