In this article, I review the 7Hz Aurora IEM. The Aurora features 4 drivers per side in a tribrid 1 DD + 1 Planar + 2 BA configuration. It’s priced at $399.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Linsoul for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

7Hz Aurora

Specifications

• Drivers: 1 DD (12mm) + 1 Planar (6mm) + 2 BA
• Sensitivity: 105dB
• Impedance: 30 Ohms
• Connector: 0.78mm 2Pin
• Plug: 3.5mm and 4.4mm

In the Box

• 7Hz Aurora IEMs
• Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin gold-plated copper modular cable
• 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs
• 7* pairs of silicone eartips
• Carrying case
• Carrying pouch
• User manual

Design

Aurora’s shells are 3D-printed in a dark translucent resin. The faceplates are quite interesting because they are created with unique titanium filaments, so every unit has its own distinct design. Mine are quite dark but they look and feel premium.

The shells are somewhat large but they’re reasonably comfortable for me. I found shorter doughnut-style eartips work better for me and give a closer fit. Passive noise isolation is solid, so you can enjoy your music without distractions.

Aurora comes with a lovely gold-plated single-crystal copper cable. The cable is quite thick but it handles well. Furthermore, it’s a modular cable, allowing you to easily switch between the included 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the Cayin RU6, Soundaware M2Pro and SMSL DO300EX. Aurora is relatively easy to drive but benefits from some extra power to take advantage of its highly resolving nature and to get that big dynamic driver moving.

Bass

Aurora’s larger-than-average 12mm dynamic driver effortlessly delivers powerful rumble and punch without breaking a sweat. It’s not an especially forward or enhanced bass in terms of quantity but it’s a high-quality and controlled bass.

There’s more emphasis on the sub-bass, giving you that deep rumble when you need it, but the mid and upper bass remain present, keeping the sound full and adding depth. This makes it perfect for bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop but it’s versatile and agile enough to excel across all music genres.

Midrange

The midrange offers exceptional clarity and spacing, with the balanced armature drivers delivering crisp, fast transients that result in clean, uncoloured vocal and instrument notes. Aurora’s neutral midrange tuning excels in both transparency and separation.

Vocals are a particular strength, showcasing a smooth yet articulate character. They are free of grain or harshness, but retain a natural texture that avoids excessive analytical sterility. There’s a delightful balance struck here. The midrange avoids artificial warmth or thickness, yet it possesses enough body to convey a sense of soulfulness.

Treble

One of Aurora’s standout features is in its treble presentation. It’s well-defined and precise with a quick decay. There’s an abundance of details and clarity on offer yet treble notes have good body and density. There’s no brittleness or metallic timbre and the treble extension is good.

The brighter highs might be fatiguing to listeners who favour a smoother sound signature but to my ears, I find Aurora’s treble exciting and captivating. It infuses the sound with clarity and adds airiness and a spacious feel. I find it works especially well with acoustic instruments and classical music.

Soundstage & Technicalities

The 7Hz Aurora excels in its technical performance. The stage is wide and deep and large in scale. The detail retrieval and clarity are excellent, thanks to the lifted treble. Instrument separation and layering are precise, resulting in pinpoint imaging.

Comparisons

Moondrop Blessing 3 ($320)

The Moondrop Blessing 3 (review here) has a 2DD+4BA driver configuration. It has a darker tone compared to the Aurora – a result of both its sub-bass extension and attenuated upper midrange and treble.

Blessing 3 hits harder in the bass with slightly more blunted or rounded bass notes. Its midrange presentation is more forward with a thicker tone compared to Aurora.

Blessing 3 is neither as bright or detailed as Aurora. Its midrange is highly resolving but it masks some micro-details. Lastly, Blessing 3 has smaller soundstage dimensions and not as much air but arguably has a more natural tone. For what it’s worth, I enjoy both of these IEMs but for different reasons.

Tangzu Nezha ($399)

The Tangzu Nezha (review here) has a 6BA+1PZT driver config. Nezha is an IEM I can appreciate for it’s cozy, natural midrange and high level of resolution but I do miss the physicality of a dynamic or planar bass response.

The most obvious difference is the sub-bass impact but Nezha has more body and fullness in the mid and upper bass region. This fullness carries over into the midrange, giving it a warmer tone.

Nezha’s treble isn’t as forward or sparkly but it has a similar level of detail retrieval. It has a smaller soundstage compared to Aurora’s but it’s organized and has precise imaging.

Verdict

The 7Hz Aurora is an excellent IEM with a clear, detailed, and airy presentation. Its tribrid driver configuration offers a unique audio experience not typically found in more affordable sets. While the asking price might seem daunting compared to some strong, slightly more affordable competitors, those who choose the Aurora will be rewarded with an engaging and highly technical IEM.