7HZ Timeless II Review
7HZ Timeless II Review
Introduction:
7HZ is a Chinese brand established in 2012 and is located in Qingdao, a province in Mainland China. Initially, the company primarily sold its products within China and did not gain significant international attention until the release of the Timeless model.
The 7Hz Timeless II In-Ear Monitor is the latest planar IEM from 7HZ, following the success of the original Timeless model. This newly released IEM features an upgraded 14.5mm planar magnetic driver with the first dual-sided coated diaphragm. The specialized silver alloy coating, combined with a dual-sided N52 magnet array, enhances planar technology performance.
In addition to its driver technology, the Timeless II includes a tunable nozzle system inspired by speaker phase plugs, allowing users to adjust ultra-high frequencies according to their preferences. The IEM also features a redesigned 7-layer driver enclosure with double rear venting and a secure locking system, ensuring precise tuning, durability, and stability.
Equipped with a 4-core ultra-pure 7N single-crystal copper detachable cable with 0.78mm 2-pin connectors, the Timeless II aims to enhance audio characteristics such as warmth, body, and detail. These features contribute to its suitability for a wide range of audio preferences.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Linsoul for providing the 7HZ Timeless II sample for review purposes. I am not affiliated with Linsoul or 7HZ beyond this review and all these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The actual price of the 7HZ Timeless II is 229.99 US$. More information’s can be found under the links below;
Package & Accessories:
When I received the 7Hz Timeless II In-Ear Monitors, they came in a sleek, rectangular box with a black cardboard sleeve. “TIMELESS II” is prominently displayed in metallic letters. The top corners feature the brand name and logo, and there’s an image of the monitors in the center, showing their textured, metallic finish.
Inside the box are the following items:
- 1 x pair of 7HZ Timeless II In-Ear Monitors
- 1 x 2-Pin Detachable Cable with Modular Headphone Plug Design
- 2 x Modular Headphone Plugs (3.5mm SE & 4.4mm Balanced)
- 11 x pairs of Silicone Ear Tips
- 4 x pairs of Sound Tuning Nozzles
- 1 x Premium Storage Case
- 1 x Print Material (Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card, etc.)
Design & Build Quality:
The 7HZ Timeless II IEMs shows a well-defined design aesthetic with a focus on both form and function. The faceplate, adorned with a distinctive diamond-pattern texture, provides a visually appealing contrast.
The circular metal housing, which is a trademark of the Timeless series is crafted with a two-part design, shows a robust construction and contributes to the IEM’s overall sleek appearance.
At the core of the monitors is an upgraded 14.5mm planar magnetic driver with the first dual-sided coated diaphragm. The specialized silver alloy coating, combined with a powerful dual-sided N52 magnet array.
Upon closer inspection, several design elements become apparent. Three small holes, possibly intended for acoustic tuning or venting, are visible on the inner surface. The presence of clear “L” and “R” markings ensures proper earpiece orientation.
Another small opening near the sound nozzle seems to be dedicated for the planar driver.
A noteworthy feature of the 7Hz Timeless II In-Ear Monitors is the inclusion of a removable sound nozzle system. The Timeless II comes equipped with four pairs of removable sound tuning nozzles, each designed to offer different sound adjustments. Two pairs of the nozzles have a bullet shape. The other two pairs feature classic flat filters with a pattern on the top, offering a traditional look.
The top of each IEM houses a 2-pin connector interface, enabling compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket cables.
Overall, the 7HZ Timeless II IEMs showcase a thoughtful design approach that prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality. The combination of a striking faceplate, robust metal housing, and user-customizable features suggests a product that is not only visually appealing but also engineered for an optimal listening experience.
Modular Detachable Cable:
Upon examining the cable included with the 7Hz Timeless II In-Ear Monitors, I observed that it combines functionality with a thoughtful design. The cable is a 4-core ultra-pure 7N single-crystal copper, selected to provide additional body and warmth to the sound while enhancing transparency and detail. The cable itself has a nice braided design with a pretty soft outer layer, which adds durability and helps prevent tangling during use.
At the top, the cable features detachable 0.78mm 2-pin connectors housed in metallic shells.
The metal parts, including the connectors, Y-splitter, and chin slider, have a dark metallic finish that complements the overall aesthetic of the IEMs. These components are cylindrical in shape with smooth edges, contributing to a sleek appearance.
An important feature is the modular headphone plug design. The cable comes with interchangeable plugs, including both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced adapters. These metal adapters are also cylindrical and attach securely to the base of the cable’s main plug.
This modularity allows for compatibility with a wide range of audio devices without the need for multiple cables.
Fit, Comfort & Isolation:
The 7HZ Timeless II In-Ear Monitors maintain the familiar design seen in the original Timeless and the Timeless AE models. Weighing approximately 5 grams, these monitors are relatively lightweight and fit well in my average-sized ears. I didn’t experience any discomfort even after extended listening sessions.
The passive noise isolation of the 7HZ Timeless II is average, but it is efficient enough for use in moderately noisy environments.
Some Technical Specifications:
- Model : Timeless II
- Driver Configuration : 14.5mm Planar Magnetic Driver
- Frequency Range : 5 – 40000Hz
- Sensitivity : 108dB/1kHz
- Impedance : 15.2Ω
- THD : <0.2%/1kHz
- Connector : 0.78mm 2-Pin interface
- Cable Specs : 4 core Silver Plated Copper Wire Cable
- Cable length : 1.2m
- Weight : 5 grams per earpiece (exclusive cable)
Pairing & Drivability:
The 7HZ Timeless II stands out for its ease of use, much like its predecessor, the Original Timeless. With a low impedance of 15.2Ω and a sensitivity of 108dB, it pairs well with various sources, including USB DAC/Amplifier Dongles like the Shanling UA6 and FiiO KA15, providing a satisfactory listening experience.
However, the Timeless II truly shines when used with more powerful sources. Digital Audio Players (DAPs) such as the FiiO M23 and iBasso DX180 can elevate its performance, delivering richer and more detailed sound. Additionally, desktop DAC/Amplifiers like the Fosi Audio K7 further enhance the audio quality, making the most out of the Timeless II’s capabilities.
Equipment’s used for this review:
- IEM’s : 7HZ Timeless II, Tangzu Zetian Wu
- Audio Sources : FiiO M23, iBasso DX180, Shanling UA6, FiiO KA15, Fosi Audio K7
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Adele – My Little Love (Deezer HiFi)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Deezer HiFi)
- Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Deezer HiFi)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
- Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Dream Theater – Fall into the Light (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Apple Lossless)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Apple Lossless)
- Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
The Sound:
Please note that this review reflects my impressions after a 100-hour burn-in period. My sound impressions, detailed below, are primarily based on the Gold Flat nozzle, which I found offered the best balance of clarity, musicality, and resolution. My listening tests included pairings with sources such as the FiiO M23 and iBasso DX180 DAPs, as well as the Shanling UA6 and FiiO KA15 portable USB DAC/AMP dongles.
Overall Sonic Characteristics of the 7HZ Timeless II:
The 7HZ Timeless II presents a well-balanced sound signature, leaning slightly towards the lower frequencies. I’d describe it as a neutral sound with a touch of warmth, making it versatile enough to handle a wide variety of musical genres. This cohesive sound presentation is particularly noteworthy; each frequency range blends seamlessly into the next, creating a holistic and immersive listening experience.
For example, the Silver Flat nozzle option provides a smoother, less bright presentation, which complements this warmer, neutral signature nicely for those sensitive to higher frequencies. Conversely, the Gold Flat nozzle, with its more detailed and balanced sound, offers a different flavor, highlighting the nuances within that cohesive overall presentation. It’s this interplay between the inherent sound signature of the Timeless II and the subtle tweaks offered by the different nozzles that really enhances its versatility.
Sound Tuning Nozzles Explained:
From my perspective, the available nozzle options offer an interesting variety of sonic flavors, each designed to appeal to different listening preferences. I find the Silver Flat nozzle particularly appealing for its smoother, less bright presentation, making it ideal for extended listening sessions. The Gold Flat nozzle, on the other hand, impresses me with its balanced and detailed sound, serving as a great reference point for evaluating audio quality. While I appreciate the attempt to offer diverse sonic signatures with the Gold Bullet and Silver Bullet nozzles, I have some reservations. Their altered treble responses and potential deviations from a natural timbre raise concerns in my mind about their overall performance compared to the Silver and Gold Flat options. Let’s take a closer look at the sonic characteristics of each nozzle.
Silver Flat Nozzle:
For those who find the Gold Flat nozzle a touch too vibrant, the Silver Flat presents a more relaxed and refined listening experience. It gently tames the mid to upper frequencies, making it an excellent choice for individuals who are particularly sensitive to brighter sounds or experience listening fatigue with overly sharp treble. While offering a smoother presentation in the higher registers, the Silver Flat subtly enhances the lower frequencies, creating a gently contoured V-shaped sound profile. This subtle boost in the bass adds warmth and depth without sacrificing the overall balance. Importantly, despite these modifications, the Silver Flat largely retains the impressive technical capabilities and treble characteristics of its Gold Flat counterpart, ensuring a high-quality audio reproduction.
Gold Flat Nozzle:
The Gold Flat nozzle serves as a benchmark, a reference point against which the other nozzles can be evaluated. It delivers a more forward and detailed presentation, particularly in the crucial mid and upper ranges. Compared to the Silver Flat, the Gold Flat offers a heightened sense of clarity and precision, making it ideal for listeners who prioritize detail retrieval and a more analytical listening style. This nozzle’s balanced approach ensures that no frequency range overshadows the others, providing a comprehensive and immersive audio experience.
Gold Bullet Nozzle:
The Gold Bullet nozzle builds upon the foundation laid by the Gold Flat, maintaining a similar presence in the bass and midrange frequencies. However, it introduces a smoother and more refined upper midrange, softening any potential harshness. This refinement extends to the treble, where energy is reduced, resulting in a less pronounced presentation of fine details. The decay of treble notes is also shortened, contributing to a smoother overall sound. While the Gold Bullet offers an enjoyable listening experience, its overall timbre, while acceptable, may exhibit a slight deviation from the naturalness and accuracy of the Gold Flat.
Silver Bullet Nozzle:
The Silver Bullet nozzle distinguishes itself with a unique treble profile. This characteristic, while intriguing, may not appeal to all listeners. The altered treble response significantly shapes the overall sonic character, potentially deviating from a truly natural and authentic sound reproduction. Consequently, the Silver Bullet might be less suitable for individuals who prioritize a faithful and uncolored audio experience, particularly those who are sensitive to changes in the higher frequencies. Careful consideration should be given to individual preferences before opting for this particular nozzle.
Bass / Midrange / Treble / Soundstage & Imaging:
Bass:
The bass performance of the Timeless II is one of its standout features. The sub-bass has a deep, controlled presence, offering impactful rumble without overwhelming the overall sound, as audible in Lorde’s “Royals”. The sub-bass decay is relatively fast, which helps maintain clarity and avoids muddiness.
The midbass is well-textured and detailed, providing a nuanced low-end experience that allows instruments like bass guitars and kick drums in Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” to shine through with distinct layers. The bass layering is impressive, with each note clearly defined and separated. Gogo Penguin’s “Raven” showcases the bass speed and control in complex passages, demonstrating the Timeless II’s ability to handle fast-paced and intricate bass lines with precision. The planar magnetic driver contributes to the clean, fast, and precise bass response, characteristic of this type of technology. Overall, the bass is both rich and controlled, providing a solid foundation for the music without overpowering the midrange or treble.
Midrange:
In the midrange, the Timeless II maintains a neutral and clear presentation. Vocals and instruments are rendered with accuracy, making the midrange feel balanced and natural. The lower midrange has a slight warmth, adding a touch of richness to male vocals and instruments like the cello and trombone, as heard in Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight”. This warmth gives the sound a fuller, more engaging quality, making it enjoyable for long listening sessions.
The upper midrange is detailed and articulate, allowing female vocals and higher-pitched instruments such as violins and flutes in Diana Krall’s “So Wonderful” to come through with clarity and vibrancy. The Timeless II captures the subtle inflections in Adele’s voice in “My Little Love”, making the emotional nuances of the performance more palpable. David Bowie’s “Heroes” highlights the midrange’s capability to deliver clear and emotive vocal performances, with both lower and upper midrange elements coming together seamlessly. The midrange excels in detail retrieval, capturing the subtle nuances in the music that make for an engaging listening experience. Overall, the midrange of the Timeless II is well-balanced, neither overly recessed nor forward, providing a natural and enjoyable sound.
Treble:
The treble response of the Timeless II is well-extended and detailed, providing a sense of airiness and sparkle to the sound. The presence region is smooth and non-fatiguing, avoiding harshness or sibilance, which can be common in some IEMs. The brilliance region extends well, contributing to a bright yet controlled treble that adds a lively dimension to the music. Instruments such as cymbals and high-hats are rendered with precision, allowing them to shine without sounding piercing.
Radiohead’s “Pyramid Song” is an excellent track to test the upper midrange and transition between lower treble performance of the 7HZ Timeless II In-Ear Monitors. When listening to this song, the Timeless II handles the intricate details and subtle nuances in the upper midrange and treble with finesse, without getting harsh or ear-piercing. Dream Theater’s “Fall into the Light” showcases the treble performance, with the Timeless II capturing the fast transients and shimmering details of the high-frequency instruments. The IEMs also include tunable nozzles, allowing users to fine-tune the treble response to their preference. This flexibility makes it possible to tailor the treble to suit different listening tastes, whether one prefers a slightly brighter or more subdued sound.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The soundstage of the Timeless II is wide and spacious for an IEM, offering a good sense of instrument separation and placement. The width extends beyond the head, creating an immersive listening experience that feels open and expansive. The depth of the soundstage is also commendable, providing a sense of three-dimensionality that adds to the overall realism of the audio. Imaging is precise, allowing for accurate localization of instruments within the soundstage. This level of detail makes it easy to pinpoint the position of each instrument, enhancing the overall listening experience. While the soundstage may not be the absolute widest compared to some high-end IEMs, it is certainly a highlight for its price range, offering a compelling and enjoyable audio experience.
Comparison:
7HZ Timeless II versus Tangzu Zetian Wu:
Both the 7HZ Timeless II and the Tangzu Zetian Wu offer balanced sound signatures with unique characteristics. The Timeless II has a neutral sound with a touch of warmth, making it versatile for various genres. In contrast, the Zetian Wu has a balanced signature with a slight emphasis on the bass, making it fun and engaging for a wide variety of music styles.
In terms of bass performance, the Timeless II features deep, controlled sub-bass with fast decay, providing impactful rumble without overpowering other frequencies. The midbass is well-textured and detailed, highlighting instruments like bass guitars and kick drums with distinct layers. The planar magnetic driver in the Timeless II ensures a clean, fast, and precise bass response, giving it a slight edge in terms of bass speed and control. Meanwhile, the Zetian Wu offers a noticeable bass boost with significant rumble and impact. While its bass is well-controlled and textured, avoiding boominess and muddiness, the warmer tonality of the Zetian Wu results in a loss of clarity and micro-detail compared to the Timeless II.
The midrange of the Timeless II is neutral and clear, rendering vocals and instruments with accuracy. The lower midrange adds warmth to male vocals and instruments like the cello, while the upper midrange brings clarity and vibrancy to female vocals and higher-pitched instruments. The Timeless II excels in detail retrieval, offering an engaging listening experience. On the other hand, the Zetian Wu’s midrange is slightly recessed but remains clear and detailed. Vocals have good clarity and warmth, though they are not as forward as in the Timeless II. Instruments in the midrange are well-separated and defined, with a natural timbre. While enjoyable, the Zetian Wu’s midrange does not stand out as prominently as that of the Timeless II.
The treble response of the Timeless II is well-extended and detailed, providing airiness and sparkle. The presence region is smooth and non-fatiguing, avoiding harshness or sibilance. The brilliance region adds brightness and dimension without being piercing. The inclusion of tunable nozzles allows for customization of the treble response. The Timeless II excels in overall clarity and resolution, with better extension, micro-detail retrieval, and control in instruments like percussions.
In comparison, the Zetian Wu’s treble is well-extended, providing a sense of airiness and detail. It is smooth and non-fatiguing, avoiding any harshness. However, the warmer tonality of the Zetian Wu leads to a reduction in clarity and the fine details that the Timeless II excels at capturing.
The soundstage of the Timeless II is wide and spacious for an IEM, with good instrument separation and placement. The depth adds a sense of three-dimensionality, enhancing the realism of the audio. Imaging is precise, making it easy to pinpoint instrument positions within the soundstage. The Zetian Wu has a moderately wide soundstage, offering a decent sense of space and instrument separation. Imaging is precise, allowing for accurate placement of instruments and vocals. While the soundstage is enjoyable, the Timeless II’s soundstage and imaging have a slight edge in terms of overall clarity and realism.
Conclusion:
The 7HZ Timeless II In-Ear Monitor represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, the original Timeless model. Featuring an upgraded 14.5mm planar magnetic driver with a dual-sided coated diaphragm and a powerful N52 magnet array, it delivers an immersive and engaging listening experience.
The design and build quality are impressive, showcasing a diamond-pattern texture on the faceplate and a robust circular metal housing. The modular detachable cable, with its 4-core ultra-pure 7N single-crystal copper construction and interchangeable plugs, enhances both functionality and aesthetics.
Sonically, The Timeless II delivers a balanced, slightly warm sound signature suitable for various genres. The rich, controlled bass, clear midrange, and detailed, airy treble create a wide, spacious soundstage with excellent instrument separation and imaging. Its impressive sound performance and thoughtful features make the 7HZ Timeless II an excellent value.
Pros & Cons:
- + Excellent, versatile tuning (neutral with warmth)
- + Deep, controlled sub-bass & textured mid-bass
- + Clear, warm, vibrant sound; airy & sparkling treble
- + Spacious sound, precise imaging, good separation
- + Robust metal housing
- + Excellent modular cable
- + Customizable sound (tuning nozzles)
- – Average Soundstage Depth
- – Moderate Passive Isolation
- – The storage case is eye-catching and robust, but a bit heavy
Thank you for the Read!
