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
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very safe-tuned IEM | Aesthetically, 7HZ could improve IEM shell and cable |
| Very good clean and clear sound | |
| Tight bass with a hint of rumble | |
| Amazing vocals | |
| Clean and detailed treble | |
| Overall non-fatiguing presentation |
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.
