Pros: Detail Retrieval, Soundstage, Tuning, Tight Bass, Crystal Clear highs, Tonality

Cons: Potentially fatiguing/sibilant, interesting design choices, Timbre (I’m nitpicking)

Driver Setup: 1BA + 1DD

Price: US$60

Intro

Disclaimer: The 7HZ Sonus was provided to us at no charge courtesy of Linsoul. However, this was done in understanding I was to give my honest thoughts and opinions of the Sonus. The 7HZ Sonus is available for purchase here should you find yourself interested in a pair, or feel free to use your own links.

7HZ produces an interesting release in the 50-100 dollars bracket, the Sonus. It’s a 1DD+1BA hybrid, and while not the most eye-catching IEM, it claims to have a focus on detail retrieval and accurate tonality. From what I am aware, this is 7Hz’s first hybrid IEM.

Accessories

7Hz provides the usual plethora of colourful in-house silicone tips, which are not the most inspiring, but have a characteristically stiff core that suits the IEM and fits well in my ears. It comes with a sleek-looking pouch that is a really nice inclusion at this price point. The cable is also quite interesting, with a flat 4-core structure. Despite the thickness, the cable is soft and flexible, and can easily coiled. It’s also worth noting extra stick-on nozzle filters are included, which is nice if you intend to make this your daily driver.

Build Quality and Fit

The overall build of the IEM is functional and sturdy. It has a metal faceplate and a plastic shell that is shaped to sit rather nicely. It isn’t the most comfortable but it remains functional and more ergonomic than the Timeless. I’m not a fan of the overall aesthetic but I guess that’s subjective. The cable is not really up my alley but I do have friends that really liked the flat cable over the usual braided/twisted one.

Sound

Frequency Response of the 7Hz Sonus

Sources

• Apple Dongle
• Lotoo Paw S2
• Hiby R5

Music listened to

• Chicago
• The Killers
• Michael Buble – To Be Loved
• Gryffin
• Mumford & Sons
• NEEDTOBREATHE
• The Carpenters
• The Vamps
• Nutcracker Suite
• McFly
• Eagles

Bass

Bass is sub bass focused and the beats are punchy and crisp. The midbass is tame but lacks a bit of meat so bassheads might find the weight a bit lacking in this department. However, to me, it was just fine and rather enjoyable. The decay was quite fast, keeping the basslines very clean-sounding, and yet there was satisfying rumble on the bass instruments. The present sub-bass extends well and helps to provide some body to the otherwise top-heavy sound. It is a very tasteful tuning to maintain the clarity of the sound and yet achieve a decently satisfying low end.

Mids

The mids are quite forward and present, and I love how the instruments sound on them. From violins to brass Instruments like the trumpets, to woodwinds like the saxophone. Very textured, and the details are fully captured without compromise, everything is pinpoint accurate and really mindblowing at this price point. Instrumental separation is on a whole other level. I find it hard to find another pair to compare it to within the same price bracket. In terms of technicalities, and accuracy, the Sonus has done them all so well. If I had to find a place to nitpick, it would be that the female vocal timbre is a little off on the higher notes.

Treble

The treble is no doubt sparkly and expressive. The highs are really lively and cymbals and snare hits come through with a swift attack and natural decay. This is enjoyable as it adds character to the sound and makes it more engaging. That said, I do find myself a little fatigued on longer sessions. Sibilance is very slight and only noticeable on certain tracks which are very heavy on the highs.

Overall

I really enjoyed the Sonus for instrumental tracks. It has a very fast response and surprisingly good separation at this price point. The microdetail retrieval combined with the extension of the highs gives it a certain crispiness and airiness which helps achieve a wider-than-average soundstage. If it had a slightly more polished design or aesthetic and perhaps a more comfortable shell, I am sure this would be an instant hit as the tuning and technical ability of the Sonus speaks for itself.

Conclusion

Despite its outdated design and little quirks (sibilance) in the upper mids and highs, the Sonus exemplifies a neutral-ish tuning at an accessible price point done right. Its tuning is versatile for many genres and presents itself as a potential daily driver for many considering its value proposition. The bass boost helps to balance out the activity in the highs very well to put out an all-rounded performance. If what I’ve described suits the sound signature you’re looking for and your budget is right, do give the Sonus a shot. The detail retrieval and overall clarity and separation that the Sonus delivers are arguably the best I have ever seen in the sub-100 price range. 7HZ may be onto something here in this price bracket and for a first attempt at a hybrid IEM, this is pretty amazing.

Overall Grade: A

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