In this article, I’m reviewing the 7Hz Sonus IEM. Sonus has a single balanced armature driver combined with a dynamic driver. The word ‘Sonus’ is Latin and it means noise or sound. It’s priced at $59.
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 Sonus
Specifications
- Driver Configuration: 1 dynamic driver and 1 balanced armature
- Frequency Response Range: 10-20KHZ
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): Less than 1% at 1KHZ
- Impedance: 30Ω at 1KHZ
- Sensitivity: 109DB/V at 1KHZ
- Cable: High-end silver-plated OCC cable
In the Box
- 7Hz Sonus IEMs
- Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable
- 7x pairs of silicone eartips
- Storage pouch
- 4x replacement nozzle mesh
Design
Design-wise, the 7Hz Sonus is fairly typical for a budget or entry-level IEM. It has clear acrylic 3D-printed shells and aluminium faceplates. The shells are quite wide and they protrude out from your ears a bit but I find them comfortable and the fit is secure.
The stock SPC cable is a ribbon type. It’s flattened out and looks a bit like a shoelace. Despite that, the cable still tends to get tangled easily.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the Topping E70 Velvet and L70, HiBy M300 and Moondrop Dawn Pro. Sonus is easy to drive and doesn’t have any special source requirements.
The Sonus presents a well-balanced sound signature characterized by a subtle elevation in the low frequencies, a neutral midrange, and a gently laid-back treble. This blend creates a cohesive audio experience for a hybrid unit, devoid of any dissonant dips or peaks. The result is an ear-pleasing presentation that manages to be engaging without a hint of dullness.
Bass
The 7Hz Sonus IEM has excellent clarity in the bass region. It has a good sub-bass extension with a deep controlled rumble that is not overpowering. The punchy mid-bass adds a nice weight to the overall sound but could use a little more emphasis. The bass is tight and fast, making it suitable for genres like rock, metal, and electronic music.
Midrange
Sonus’ midrange is transparent with natural note weight and tone. The mids are spacious and provide ample room for the instruments to breathe. Vocals are vibrant, articulate, and nuanced. Male vocals have sufficient richness and female voices are radiant without being shouty. The IEM has a neutral-ish tone that makes it suitable for a wide range of genres.
Treble
The treble of the 7Hz Sonus IEM is crisp and detailed. The highs are airy, shimmering yet smooth. Treble notes show good precision and resolution. The treble is well-extended and provides a good amount of sparkle to the overall sound without any sharpness or sibilance.
Treble aficionados might find the treble leans a bit on the safe side but I like where it sits between accuracy and comfort. It provides ample clarity and excellent detail.
Soundstage & Technicalities
The 7Hz Sonus IEM has strong imaging and a wide soundstage. It has very good detail retrieval—above average for an IEM with this kind of tonal balance.
Comparisons
Simgot EW200
The Simgot EW200 (review here) has more body in the lower mids but it’s offset by a more pronounced upper midrange and treble. EW200 has more punch in the mid-bass. The soundstage is slightly smaller but imaging is on a similar level.
Physically, the EW200 feels more premium in the hand and the cable handles better. Both punch above their price, in my opinion, and I would have a hard time choosing between them, even with the difference in price.
Moondrop Aria 2
The Moondrop Aria 2 costs around $30 more than Sonus but I wanted to do this comparison because they look quite similar in the graph. Aria 2 has less sub-bass extension and less rumble than Sonus.
It has a more forward lower and upper midrange, emphasizing vocals but as a result, it can sound a bit shouty. Aria 2 has a brighter tonality which helps widen the soundstage but it doesn’t have as much depth. In terms of resolution, I think the Aria 2 is slightly behind and about the same when it comes to detail retrieval.
I personally prefer the sound of Sonus for its tonal balance and instrument separation. Physically, Aria 2 boasts better build quality and materials and has a much nicer cable. However, I find the Sonus more comfortable and secure in my ears.
Verdict
In conclusion, I really enjoy the 7Hz Sonus. Although the build and cable are nothing to write home about, the fit is fantastic, at least for me. The IEM is lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods.
Moreover, the standout feature for me is its exceptional audio quality. It has a powerful but controlled bass that doesn’t overpower the other frequencies. The clarity is great and the treble quality is excellent. The IEM has a balanced sound signature that makes it suitable for a wide range of genres. I think it’s one of the best-sounding sub $100 IEMs at the time of writing this review. As such, this is an easy recommendation from me.