7Hz Aurora

The 7Hz Aurora Flagship Universal IEM
Redcarmoose Labs May 16, 2024



The angle of incidence, in geometric optics, is the angle between a ray incident on a surface and the line perpendicular (at 90 degree angle) to the surface at the point of incidence, called the normal.

When opening the Aurora case this component of physics is the first thing you notice. The Aurora will look dark until this exact line of light hits it, then it will light-up. Maybe a big deal to you, maybe not, just depending on how susceptible you are to faceplate aesthetics. Yet…….it is the very first clue that we are dealing with an IEM that is unique and very different from any IEM ever made.

This 7Hz Aurora is very special to me. Reason being it kind of showcases this whole Chinese Value learning curve…….for both them, and me. From their humble beginnings 7Hz created a few winners and a few that were never noticed. I’m not going to list all of their out-put, except I will talk about one IEM in particular. You already know which IEM I am referring too, yep. The Timeless Planar IEM. And even though a few good Planar IEMs came before it, the Timeless is unarguably the single IEM that started this Planar Revolution that we are still experiencing at this very moment.

7Hz:
In 2018 a team of music enthusiasts and engineers got together to test their skills. Somewhere along the way they chose 7Hz as the company name. In 2021 7Hz released the 14.2mm Planar magnetic "Timeless" IEM. The Timeless gained a reputation for best technical resolvability under $300.00. The Timeless, priced at $219.00 seemed like the answer to everyone's prayers? The unique CNC shell and double-sided N52 magnet array didn't hurt matters any! Still the Timeless was/is not perfect...........even with its popularity, there was a chance to add tuning sophistication. Timeless II had a false start. Meaning a few Beta samples were sent out to reviewers and the word on the street was the tuning wasn’t totally great. With roughly 16 other ear-monitor creations 7Hz has been around the block, they have a track record. This isn’t their first rodeo here………and I truly commend them for working on the Timeless II and not just releasing another regular IEM……….7Hz is about being an industry leader and there is no better way I can think of to lead than to (instead) come out with the Flagship Aurora at this exact point in time. In fact with the old original Timeless priced at $199.00 now, we are finding the Aurora exactly double that price.




The Aurora:
1DD x 1Panar x 2BA

I always try to listen to hear if a certain company in question is continuing a certain house sound. And from past multi-IEM output from IEM manufacturers there most definitely can be. Some manufactures specialize in midrange ability, others attempt bass character which can be found to inhabit a few releases. Though with 7Hz I’m not so sure? Meaning you can maybe focus on stage and say all of them have a great stage…….but in my history hearing the Salnotes Dioko, the Salnotes Zero and Zero 2, and the Legato…….each is holding very unique signatures. Now the 7Hz Sonus maybe in a wild in-the-outskirts way might sound a little like the Aurora? Sorry I haven’t heard the Timeless so……I can’t say the Aurora is like a fortified Timeless 1?

So the very best posture to hold here is to look at the Aurora as a single individual entity. It deserves that. Also in hearing it reminded me of a few Headphones and IEMs from the past……except really the Aurora is its own deal here. To name a few the first thing that came to mind was the AKG k701 full-size headphone. This was due to the overboard expanded spatial imaging taking place. The other player to remind me of the Aurora was the Noble Audio K-10 Encore. And this was a little from memory, yet became totally similar once I held them in back-to-back listening trials. I have never seen a response graph for the Aurora, yet the Encore holds this big 5kHz to 8kHz shelf that takes precedence to showcase the IEM tone. And it is in fact this big upper midrange imaging that made me understand how both the Encore and Aurora are birds of a feather. Yet the killer feature here is the Aurora has a separated and delineated focused and careful yet prominent bass action that blows away the k701, and the Encore. This sub-bass expenditure is prolific and shows up more provocative than you can ever image……..somehow out of the blue? I mean during the get to know you period I found the Planar driver to showcase this airy treble and I thought it was unique and cool. The 2X custom BAs went with the 3way crossover to blend the midrange into tonal completeness, yet it was the crazy 12mm bass driver that stole my heart.

Look, the Aurora is a Hybrid, it’s three different driver methodologies and yes, it sounds like different drivers in action. No it is not the most cohesive IEM made, as it’s not trying to drive down that street. To love the Aurora, you have to sleep with it on its own terms. You need to embrace the dislocation inside the bass and relish in the uniqueness found there. Sure Hybrids are my favorite way to go, and the separation of the bass is maybe the closest IEM sounding response I have ever come across to actual speakers making bass in a room………….there is that distance found. Heck……there is separation and actual itemization far out into this stage to every component of replay, every instrument, and every set of vocals. It is what the Aurora is good at and it’s running with it. Look at the darn vent holes on the side……look at the size of the vents and count them……..7Hz is not playing around here…..nope!

The included cable:


What the heck, is this real? In short the 7Hz Aurora cable is the nicest cable I have ever received with an IEM, ever. Yep, things are changing. I have other solid single crystal copper cables which I paid $160.00 as an aftermarket add-on for IEMs………and this single cable is way nicer. The way I verify such claims is I get out the past IEMs I purchased those OCC cables for and try them with the Aurora cable. IEM manufactures are often bigger than the small guys who make cables and can access bigger purchases which proclaim significantly larger qualities of raw materials (copper) and pass the quality on to you. Now I’m not saying all cable companies are on the smaller side, but remember this is 7Hz spreading their wings and offering a no-hold-barred example of what they can do. Maybe a make-up for the Timeless stumbling, I try to make-up with my wife the same way.




Crazy nomenclature printed everywhere that’s chrome. The 2Pins are noted with right and left markers, the ear-hooks are of a supple curve, never causing discomfort. The pure size of the cable and weight of 38 grams would normally mean this particular cable acts like a beast. But no, not at all, due to just how friendly and coil-able it is. Some cable manufacturers try to hide the joining spot where the modular plug joins……..7Hz has tried a new thing with raising a bevel to magically hide it. Where common sense says that raise would be a feature which would in-fact give a handle to pull the plug apart, when in use of the design this is not the case? The cable plug stays joined, probably just due to a good friction hold, as it never comes off until asked. If you never use a chin-cinch then you will be happy as it never unexpectedly moves from its home next to the splitter……never……..unless you pull on it. Every once in a while in this whole review process a component of a product package comes along to make you stop and wonder…….this is one of those times. Probably too because this whole cable is drastically new and way different from anything 7Hz has ever made. Sure they included copper cables before, but never this nice……….I guess you get what you pay for? Yet this cable is more than what typically comes with $399.00 IEMs?



The cable change:
The included cable is nice, but in an attempt to align the signature even closer to perfection here at Redcarmoose Labs I decided to challenge the included cable. Now sure, if the included cable was all you have you will be experiencing 80-90% of what the 7Hz Aurora’s full potential is. Yet being that 7Hz included a copper cable got me wondering. Where sure this IEM is airy and speedy…….but what if we could arrange for even more note-weight?

The Renata Cable:
Look I’m just like you in that I realize 7Hz is including a nice cable with a purchase, but they are not including a $269.00 aftermarket cable. Such a cable really brings out the soul of the 7Hz Aurora! And how could it not, with 2 handwoven shares, 35 cores Liquid nitrogen single crystal silver + 196 cores Furukawa silver copper alloy plated silver.

What the cable does is two fold. It increases density of imaging and creates a fluid expansion into the stage that becomes perceived as added realism. So not only is the bass thicker and denser, the treble is holding more note-weight but also brighter somehow and better sculpted. I know that is a confusing description with the brighter expanded treble and midrange, then adding the needed note weight, put that’s what is so fantastic here. Number one this Renata set-up provides density to the Sony WM1A making it fun, but where it really comes into its own is adding the Renata to the WM1Z. Where the WM1Z is more bass heavy anyway, and this reality of simply a more thick and real bass gets made more which and even more real-life! That funny (extra Blue) Cable Adapter goes one step farther too being it adds weight to the tone and spacial vibrance. But what was truly fascinating is that while the above really worked to add density, the very last part of the review has a story to tell. Yep, that after 14 days of play with the Aurora (and lots of burn-in) I then went back to the mid-centric Sony WM1A with the included cable for the time of my life? There seemed to be just the right amount of deep bass, that and (maybe it's mental burn-in) but the bass was even faster and more trim with the rotated-in Sony WM1A?

Packaging:








There is a hidden box under everything. See the difference here is the foam padded case is only for the IEMs, if you wanted to use it for travel you may try and place the cable under the lid in the screen-pocket? Also inside this hidden box is the cable, the plugs, a manual and a velvet like pouch. The Aurora comes with an additional small set of ear-tips already in place. The unboxing experience is just cool, and warrants the asking price.



Build:
At a stealthy 6 grams a piece weight they are more superior feeling than all those heavyweights you have tried. The other thing is the exact shape here, where I feel bad saying this but the truth is, this is the very best fitting IEM I have ever got from 7Hz…….and from most other manufactures. Look, I know that is a big statement, so let's back-it-up. The Dioko was a nightmare, the Zero, both one and two were strangely shaped. The Legato didn’t have the weight balance that we have here, and the Sonus fit fine, but didn’t have this exact nozzle feel. To me the Aurora is shaped strangely yet strangely in the very best of ways.



Air vents:
What? What is this an open-back IEM?

It darn tootin’ is…………yes!

This Aurora “for all practical purposes” is an open-back IEM. Yep, it sounds and acts like one…..it is one. Though these are not like open back full-size headphones in that you will not disturb anyone while using them. In this case we get that open and falling out to infinity sound, yet 90% of the sound travels out the nozzle. Those three vents have to do something, as the Aurora is one……..probably the biggest staged IEMs I have heard this year…….don’t believe me, buy a pair! The soundstage is enormous!

This all comes down to planning. Meaning the fitment is very well done, each faceplate is of the most lightweight material sitting close to the ear, being the perfect low-weight addition to your collection. As such 7Hz has continued with the angled 2Pin which means any cable you use will tilt in, instead of outward.

Ear-tips:
Here I'm showing the red new wide-bore 7Hz tips in comparison to the purple centered clear silicone I regularly use. At the lower right you see the longer wide-bore clear silicone that is secondary for use when the IEM in question has shorter nozzles, or when you need more contact with the inside of the ear-canal for support, like with the Noble Encore. And finally the blue top row far right, the Tangz Tang Sancai wide-bores.....just another tool in the tool-box to achieve great results. Probably the one major thing to learn from this picture is the barrel length of the new 7Hz, that and they also come in really big sizes, a size bigger than is photographed here. This size I can also use as shown at the end of the review is use, this little trick of offering more middle surface area and goes to get better fitment at times. Also I found great results with the yellow medium bore ear-tips included. Those yellows allowed for a closer IEM fitment and a tighter feel. Cheers!

Music tests:



HIM
And Love Said No: The Greatest Hits
Solitary Man
44.1kHz - 16bit

Right at 00:00 there are little bells chiming. As such this is a portion of the song I have never heard before. I’m sure they were always there, but now we have a relief and separation from the introduction keyboards. Little producer added embellishments holding both sonic dust…….fairy bells of magic……and they are introductions to the very rhythm of the song, only you don’t know that yet. The thing is this is supposed to be Planar timbre here? Only I don’t hear any, as it is not that I have ever heard these bells before, I more or less never consciously paid much attention to them, yet now that I am, they sound natural and come-to-think-of-it real? Actually I don’t know what this instrument is, it sounds almost like a music box, some 13 year old would have? Oh I just figured it out. These sounds are (I’m sure of it) the sounds of guitar strings being plucked behind the guitar bridge. And it is funny to just recognize things in sight, once you know what you’re hearing they sound that much more to be what they are. At 00:07 the full-on rhythm guitar takes focus. Here we are witness to a both more forward rendition (due to tone) and maybe a slight brighter timbre……from Planar action? Where just like the little bell sounds at the start that turned out to be guitar strings, there is a crystal clear rendition here, and a snare drum in beat. Yet of course the is a buried bass, as it is there providing its job, only not of real precedence. Where sure bass will show up, only that is not what this intro is about. To backtrack here there have been two very important elements showing yet not commented on. The guitar strings strummed right at 00:00 and panned in glorious left to right fashion, that and an ominous set of keys which billows to its very own separated space found in the stage. In fact this is the whole Aurora in a nutshell, even right-off.


Timestamps only for digital file.


The Aurora is showcasing high-pitched sounds you never noticed before, and a separation, and execution of stage that lets you literally choose what to focus on.

Up to 00:12 we have the privilege to hear a few guitar overlays until 00:13 when the vocals start. Yet there is no denying that guitar is forward and clear…….clear is an understatement. Vocals are placed well, very clear and consistent. At around 02:03 the guitar leads start, and sure enough we find them separated far-out escorting our mental focus to the far left and right. I mean such things are the entertainment factor to the Aurora. Also I chose this song because it is the strongest in today's song plays which goes to delineate any Planar timbre, because yes…….with a song like this it is there, inseparable apart from the very guitars it is a hold of. Though I have chosen to befriend such character……..and (like real people’s quirks) learn to accept it as part of the Aurora personality.



Doom Eternal OST
Mick Gordon & Chad Mossholder
Phobos Space
48kHz - 24bit

Ok, now we are going to go another direction in playback. To where the Aurora has many skills and to write about them is a reviewers job, no.......to write about them is a reviewers play! At 00:03 we are met with real sub-bass. The way this is mixed into the start we are encountering it coming from many stage originations.



Again timestamps refer to the original digital file here. This isn’t the best bass from the Aurora, as I’m saving that. But what I’m trying to get from this song is an overall appreciation for the Aurora's demeanor. No wait at 00:22 yep, that is the bass we are buying here. The sub-bass rumble the whole gig. And to go back the pure white noise at the start at 00:07 to 00:11………that is what these IEMs do well, where the noise is not scathing but contained and in its own zone found occurring in the stage. At probably 00:27 is where the money is…….in just how the ambient synth washes travel outwards into the stage…….and caress our imagination as to the virtual world we are now entering. Yep those timed sub-bass hits…..I almost forgot about how well they are done…….and consistently showing a flair for the tempo to be fully delineated at 00:22 then 00:32 then 00:42-00:52 etc, etc.

A big part of this testing is actually rolling in different cables and ear-tips to try and understand the total IEM response regardless of ear-tips used or cables tried…….and there is truth found there. At this section of the review I’m using the included cable, and my go to ear-tips the purple wide bore as seen in the close-up tip photograph. These access the biggest stage, but I have enjoyed the red 7Hz ear-tips tremendously and will continue to use them way after the review is written, both large and extra large as seen in the box opening shot.

I’m laughing to myself, as this has become comical………the 03:17 main synth sequences traveling way off to the right and left…..being thrust into pace by the more center driven bass throbs. To where this images could not normally be this big, except they are formed into width, and tallness and depth, and of course traveling forward and back……to make an immersion of sorts…..then grabbing hold of the wicked fast transients which will occur due to the 2BAs holding an edge as well as the Planar drivers fast techniques. Yet due to this song's slight distortion of edges, it is actually like the first song's distortions in guitars…….that the clarity here comes in a wrinkled bag. That bag of wrinkles is maybe the Planar character combined with the music quality…………presented by the drivers to delineate?

In ending this craziness, it is (of course) the full-on stage separation and imaging found within that is the entertainment show, and the Aurora’s ability to take this musical statement apart and to kind-of separate every little tiny aspect. Big round pulsating life forms of washes into the imagination of throbs like the ones at 03:17……those things…..combined with little accents like the ticks…that change fro the first click at 04:05 to the small one at 04:08 to the louder one at 04:10. All these little sounds take place in the center of big…..no huge sonic life forms which make-up the world we are a part of here. The imaging and complexity has me in awe…..to when I finally realize that this song was completely made for the Aurora. Now at 04:27 they were not done with us, no………these sliders of tones…..new now in the song where it was from the start over the top, now it is beyond description? Where to try and phone home………the reason this maybe works so well is the sub bass has Hybrid separation which is unnatural normally a little, but here the seperation is an add, that and the missing lower midrange that the Aurora is known for is helping the upper midrange and treble be that much more separated and imagined. That and the fact the stage from the Aurora is making this song come alive. I could go on……..but the guys in the white coats may come a knocking?



Hans Zimmer & Junkie XL
Batman v Superman OST
Day of the Dead

Look, when I stumbled across this OST I right away knew it would be one special vehicle to get many points across. I mean I may write a lot about this song, but that is because it holds so much about what the Aurora is about……..to me anyway. Even doing my research for this section, this song gave me the chills……..and I mean I know this song, but………well let me start. Though I will say this song is from a very special Head-Fi member. Yep, he was in-charge of all the audio for the movie……everything. I even picked-up a few vinyls from his collection which he sold…..one time at a Head-Fi meet many many moons ago. And it is really not because of him that I like this OST so much. This album is an amazing accomplishment, actually to me way more successful than the movie itself ever was.



The player, the WM1Z, the included cable and purple center wide-bore tips. So remember the first song by HIM that I expounded held a little Planar timbre? Well that is completely gone now, and really wasn’t present in the last Doom Eternal OST either. You could say that is because of real guitars used in the HIM song and I would not argue. Except here we have real pianos used and typically I can pick-out unrealistic timbre in such an instrument. I think maybe part of the issue with the HIM song was the guitars were also heavily tweaked-up. Because here all is well, actually here we are in a form of audio paradise, yep every part of this experience is emotional and profound.

Remember timestamps are only for the digital file. There are two bursts of bass notes, I use these often for reference and have heard them many ways throughout the years. The first bass drop 00:37 holds a few challenges for IEMs. At times I guess what made the sounds, and then when I hear them again, I’m not sure. But in this regard there are a few ways to hear them replayed. BAs will do a cleaner response, holding even crisper edges, yet the other way is with a controlled DD…..and that’s what we have. You should if all is set-up right hear the initial attack, then the reverberations which form a backwash. When you have to ask yourself is it one timpani strike, with an echo or two? And it is not maybe a timpani and it is lower in tone…….really the sound is a mystery, and I could ask my friend what made the sound, but not knowing it all is at times more fun. You see these tones are answering the piano notes…..they are a response, like to a conversation. And to rewind here, those piano notes come-off perfect with the Aurora, at least in timbre they do. Before the piano shows up the strings are on the very outskirts of the stage, showing us the very environment we have chosen to experience. As such this piano has long reveb tails and we can hear them to the fullest extent.

So while other IEMs may be found more realistic, here I’m guessing because the Aurora is so sub-bass forward that the (sub bass) drop at 00:37 is so clear. While it still has DD character, the defining part as far as resolution goes is to separate the drop from the backwash effect. Now to keep track of all this there is a second drop at 00:50…..then a swoosh at 01:07. Now while all this talk of swooshing and bass drops is important for the mood of the song, there is something way more important in regards to the mood. And that my friends is the actual tone of the piano, the positioning of those piano notes and the clarity of each and every subtle note pressure change. Because the piano is played by a human, there are these subtle variances which are held as details in the Aurora. Maybe…….well I don’t know why? But this is a $399.00 IEM and you are receiving what you paid for.

At 01:15 the main strings approach us. Everything now is louder than before. At 01:18 there becomes a bell sound. Now this sound is ultimately super special, as at 01:23 and at 01:28 it is used again but falls slightly behind the scenes. It may have inhabited space before the 01:18 mark, yet what is important is at 01:18 the Planar treble grabs it and makes it sound metallic, not metallic in a bad way……..but metallic in a good way…..there is separation both in origination of the tone and a frequency separation. At 01:38 this “noise” becomes a projectile and is shot from a sonic gun to fly across the inner mind stage! But, we are wallowing in the details, the muck and murk of audiophile neurosis. The real big news here, you know the news your Mom and Dad could relate to are the giant woody strings. Big, bountiful and aggressive…..no wait, aggressive is the wrong word, they are way too woody to ever be aggressive. Let’s just call them 3D. 3D because they hold a few characters of their own. At 01:58 another major bass drop hits, and because they are using them sparingly it is dramatic…….not like the DD,DD,DD of EDM! Still at 02:12 it is a climax to the song so they are now going full-throttle. You know once more I’m thinking the Aurora was made for this song, yet it is 100% different from the last………well that’s always a good thing. At 03:21 there was a scraping of strings way to the outside, farther than I knew the stage went to. There is also a lot of effortless breathing going on, I mean not actual breaths, but kinda like that sound……and I like it. I figured out later those tones were formulated to become the very last remnants of audible hearing, they are almost the lows of the lows to where these sounds are not fully formed but show almost an afterthought of sounds………perfect for the ending.


Left to right:
7Hz Aurora, Night Oblivion Butastur and Noble Audio K-10 Encore

Side-by-sides:
These side-by-sides were fun. Sure the Noble Audio K-10 Encore is a lot more money, but they sell used now for $599.00 so in many ways the price is closer to the 7Hz Aurora. Both the Encore and the Night Oblivion Butastur are 10BA IEMs. So why am I choosing to have them reflect off one another? Probably because the three are in many ways birds-of-a-feather. Obviously the Aurora has the most bass…..but the wild thing was how both the Encore and the Aurora shared this pushed-up upper-midrange. Not only was it alive, that upper-midrange was occupying a similar size into where it was found in the soundstage? Where sure the Encore was more intense, as almost nothing out they sports a shelf of a 5kHz boost up to an 8kHz boost. But it wasn’t until I got them side by side that I realized just how remarkably the same they both are in those regards. Where the biggest difference was the Aurora bass power. Yep, where the sub-bass has a level of detail and clarity, though it isn’t the most clear in the $399.00 price point, still it has amazing detail and a formed dislocated entity separated on-its-own in its very own part of the stage. Where the Encore has a neutral bass and flat midrange which gets even more downplayed by the 5kHz to 8khz shelf. Where the Butastur has less stage formation than the Encore or 7Hz Aurora, there can be the illusion of a bigger stage when the music itself contains such treats. Where yes, the Butastur and Encore were the same holding BA sound creation, the Butastur with it’s toned down treble and midrange BAs offered-up a more realistic timbre. The 7Hz Aurora was slightly more dirty, dirty but fun in imaging……..to where you could be listening to the 7Hz Aurora and enjoy that giant stage, but never worry as much about stridence or sibilance as the Encore. Where the dirty part was often there was a faint edge dirt to the whole signature. This is hard to explain, but while there was ultimately a big stage and clarity due to stuff being way, way spread out into that stage, there was a slight fizziness which became actually endearing. Yes, at times like with HIM those pushed guitars had a forwardness and a slight off timbre, yet it was never that bad……simply a character of the Aurora. With the Aurora being the quintessential Hybrid it sounded like it. Meaning there were obvious way-off creations of instruments, yet things were not as cohesive as the Butastur. As such the Butastur makes its way through life offering a mature careful tune that never takes too many chances yet nurtures your love through correctness and poise. Where the Encore is more wild throwing out a stage, yet that stage filled with frequencies maybe not digestible for all. Maybe best would be to make a list here?



1) 7Hz Aurora, big stage and fluid separation, deep bass and Hybrid dislocations, plus the most satisfying bass.

2) Night Oblivion Butastur cohesive tune, complete and correct, never bad timbre and careful almost to a fault.

3) Noble K-10 Encore most bright, big stage fun and vibrant to a fault, treble not for everyone.

Now even though I put these each into the same category, I do that because of the midrange. To me they each seem very midrange focused, and I like that. Where the Encore is flat in the midrange the missing bass and 5kHz to 8kHz shelf still makes you think of midrange or upper midrange when you reach for the Encore. The Encore I have had for a while putting over 3000 hours of listening time. Even though the 7Hz Aurora has that sub bass, it is still very much upper midrange centered too, where you think of those aspects when grabbing the 7Hz. Where the Butastur has an incredible midrange, to where all of these three do great vocals, with both vibrancy and polish. Where really all three at only certain times make you long for that heavy lower midrange, which none of them truly have. As such maybe in some ways with the tuning..... each and every one of these could be looked at as a more mature idea, where there is a forward clarity through downplaying the lower midrange and center bass action which enables faster pace and more nimble turnarounds while the music is playing.




Conclusion
There you have it. The 7Hz TOTL Flagship earphone. Who am I to say if you will like it or not? I have done all I can to describe it to you. If you read the above you may have a clue that this is my favorite 7Hz so far. I mean how could it not be? The stage is giant, and not just in width, but in total image size that comes from big forward and back, and big up and down positioning. For many of you I can guarantee it will hold the biggest stage you have ever heard. Now while at times it is not 100% filled in, yet you’re so thrilled by the rest you are fully distracted, and happy. I mean I have been following this IEM ever since it was first introduced. And when I had it in my grubby hands I had this innate feeling that I was satisfied……not while it was in my hands, but in my ears. And sure the Aurora is not perfect, but like love, you love someone for their character flaws not their strong points. And maybe that was the goal of 7Hz, to make an IEM different from any IEM on earth. To be original, because the last thing the Aurora is is boring. The Aurora is everything but boring, in fact it may be the least boring IEM I have heard in a year?

The accessories are all really well done, the ear-tips are special and new. I hope they offer them by themselves so others can at least try the ear-tips, even if they don’t get the Aurora. The case is super nice, and when you open the case you question why every manufacturer doesn’t present their IEMs this way. And finally the cable, I know I already talked a lot about the cable…….but just look at it? I have never seen a cable quite like it and I have seen my fair share of IEM cables. And finally the faceplate, just underneath of it lay three (3) profound breather holes, those must be in constant action to provide the revolutionary stage we gain? The actual faceplate is made of something I’m not familiar with. Though one of the best things is wearability, yep I couldn’t scratch it. It is smooth as anything, yet looks painted onto. Yet that is the illusion here. That in fact there is a thin piece of plastic which is rugged and smooth occupying the very surface. Then you have the bevel of the faceplate edge……that edge (to me) is the Aesthetic trademark to the Aurora. Why? Because no IEM I have ever seen has that faceplate edge, and I look at it all the time. All the time when the Aurora is not in my ears. This review took much longer than expected, as I burned-in the Aurora for 125 hours just to make sure I was not missing anything. It changed a little, but really made only a small amount of added smoothness takes place?

My final words:
The Aurora kinda sucks you in. Meaning there were always times at the first few seconds of songs where I thought the Aurora was only going to be so good. Then something happened? Maybe I would call it musicality for lack of a better word? Whatever was going on, I was transported to the very center of the music…..and that center had me looking around and these sonic fish swimming inside this sonic aquarium. Really I was always surprised as just into the beginning of the song, it was way better than I expected? I don’t know exactly what you call that? But it was all good! The fitment at only 6 grams each is amazing, and you know we favor better fitting IEMs to lesser fitting IEMs. And finally they got the nozzle lengths right. How stupid of a little thing is that? But you know it is the little things that matter, and when all the little things add-up…….well then they make something big. And yes, the Aurora is a big deal……..it is the epitome of Chinese Audiophile Value……..the epitome. Don’t belief me, try it on!


$399.00
https://www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-aurora

Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Kareena from Linsoul for the love and the 7Hz Aurora review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Samsung Phone 3.5mm
HiBy R3 II 3.5mm/4.4mm
GO bar Dongle 4.4mm

Phone use:
Oh, one last thing….from a regular phone.

I typically slow down for this. I mean I take this as a really important test. For one many of the IEMs put out today are far different than what used to be placed with phones. Meaning often they sound fuller and have more thickness of character. Taking the included cable and switching to the 3.5mm L-shaped plug was really simple. I always carry around 32GB of phone tunes that I will often hook a Dongle to the phone, or go Bluetooth. Yet here I must say, I’m pretty sure nowadays they make phone use almost a priority for IEM makers. Meaning I can almost hear the engineering bosses tell the staff, if it doesn’t work off a phone, we don’t want it. I say this because while the stage isn’t quite as big as a full-fledged DAP, there are so many nice features to phone playback. You see in many ways the Aurora simply relays what you give it. Meaning I can say that even if the WM1Z bass is big, there is a lot of excess baggage that goes with that weight. Meaning that while the stage was reduced in phone use, the bass was surprisingly deep and tight. It made me almost want this exact bass during the whole review…..because it was cleaner, and even more detailed. So I asked myself, could I be happy with this style of playback when out-and-about? And the answer was definitely yes, as it gave me 75% of the audiophile thrills I wrote about earlier, it was simply very, very good.

More craziness:
You know after I finished this review and pretty much did everything, I got to thinking, maybe I rushed the review? Yep maybe I didn’t give it my all, because an IEM like the 7Hz Aurora deserves the best review possible. And you know what, 7Hz spent a long time making the Aurora and I am truly gifted to be in the presence of such an IEM. And really this isn’t a big deal, but in a way it is. As I continued to use the Aurora I stumbled upon one of my regular test tracks. Normally this completely ambient test track gets respect, but it is not chosen to test IEMs right off as it is just effects and synthesizer? Yet out of all the other test tracks this one had the ability to really showcase what the Aurora was completely about. Yep, all the good and the bad. You see, different from most reviews, after this review was finished I set it back and didn’t publish it……I waited. I postponed and simply listened to music for another day to see if I was missing anything……anything to write that was possibly left out. And this song showed-up.



Gdanian
Induction
Shield Emitter (feat. Tineidae)
44.1 kHz - 24 bit

Anyways, this song is often chosen to describe the layers of bass offered by an IEM. It coincidentally has a giant and moving soundstage. Yet here is the thing, after using the song for a while I started to realize it was incredibly useful to broadcast treble information. Yep, sounds that were mixed in right at 15–17 kHz. I would guess the sounds at times go to 20kHz also. This ends a way to understand high frequency output from IEMs………and quantify such behavior. To where for the 7Hz Aurora the song ended supremely entertaining, yet at the same time helped delineate the topic of Hybrids at times not being totally even in output. Meaning they leave small holes in reproduction, yet the aftereffect is so very musical that most of the time I disregard such issues. Now here we are met with big bass, big bass that more careful playback devices may not hold in such an abstract position. Still the separation seems to enhance what they were going for?

Here like the pictures I’m using the Sony WM1A with the included cable, though I switched to the generic purple wide-bores to really get the very best stage possible. Where with some IEMs the purple wide-bores will not work due to stress put on the lesser amount touching sidewall of the tip. Yep, these tips have slightly less contact area inside your ear-canal. I mean look at them, they are what we call donuts. So manufactures progress to offer longer sidewall ear-tip builds to increase fitment due to sidewall contact.



Shield Emitter:
This song was made for the Aurora, where at the start the bass finds itself politely placed both big yet not so forward……like speakers in a room. This speaker in a room effect will always be one of the single most endearing features of the Aurora, being that as IEM users we are always looking for stage and seem to avoid critical close-up positioning, being the farthest of being like speaker bass. As such this farther away is also not holding the supreme detail of other IEMs……but come-on it’s a 12mm DDs, so as such the performance is what it is. That means it holds a taste of lumbering, which in this style of music adds further ambiance to the thrill.



I do want to point out that during the review I did attempt to change cables and DAPs to try and add physicality at times, yet maybe it is simply getting better brain-burn in, because the mid-centric 1A and included cable have now jumped into position to relay all the bass transients and bass quantity needed here. Plus they are clearer and more tidy offering a both deep and rewarding listen with very little bass fall-off to get in the way of critical pace and texture. Meaning the bass now is perfect, perfect audiophile.

There are pulsations and deep creations going on, yet it is the soaring synth washes, really a lead synth which takes front and center. Yet that’s the magic of this stage……that the stage is so grand this synth stays medium positioning giving that room that comes with offering a world-class stage. While this synth in question actually starts off right at 00:14…….they play with volume and eventually increase the vibrancy which brings it forward even more as the song rolls on. It should be noted that all elements here are drenched in heavy reverb, yet it is this ambient character that makes the song. At 01:08 the bass is clearer and louder…..as really everything about this song's craftsmanship revolves around the evolution of sound elements and the specific introduction of those elements in time.

At 00:27 the super high pitched sound elements are brought-in. This most likely is a created event which signals profound change about to take place……..like birds flying off before an earthquake. Lol. Yep the Planar driver is activated by such events. Now the stories in the front of this review about planar timbre are true. Yet with this song there is none. Where the Aurora offers listeners this double-edged sword at times……where sure, there is a forwardness to the upper midrange and inside of that forwardness lives a little of this off-timbre……but I must confess…….after 14 days of of use my Aurora experience somehow got better and better? Meaning the Aurora is special and unique at any price……and to think they want just $399.00 for this. Of course it’s not perfect, but in its entirety the Aurora does something that I have yet to encounter at any price.

Really at 02:10 we can say we are in the very middle of the sonic statement the performers were attempting. Where sure there are white noise blasts earlier at 01:57 that are somehow in the zone with everything else, meaning that while the Aurora is not the most even skilled player out of all my IEMs…..it does make everything perfectly digestible and fun. Fun because finding ourselves unexpectedly in the very center of this number relays a critical framework of holding every constituent offered up. Showing that stage size really does matter, and maybe matters even more with this style of music?

It is this very subtle sonic noise at 02:23 that is actually a grouping of expression elements, that with the Aurora are sequestered up above the rest of the music. It is this upper treble display that I know they were going for with this tuning. Yet to try and zero in on this Aurora character, you see they were using a Planer driver……for this…..not a small DD, not a BA and not an EST arrangement. Due to such an application the Aurora holds its own thing, its one one-of-a-kind personality that is truly charming in the end. At 02:33 they are now not holding back the treble items for us…..but letting them come alive. (And this genre is called Ambient Bass) That there are small pieces of paper torn……..now. I mean it is maybe not paper, but it sounds like it, the same exact rip being performed over and over again. Your mind creates an auditory illusion here, where the first rip becomes of a higher frequency when in fact the two rips are frequency-wise identical. It is from this exact midpoint the song then travels onward till the very end without consequence other than a few (uneventful) ambient noises………till the end at 05:10. End.

Review Of The 7Hz Aurora​

Introduction​

7Hz, a Chinese firm, has been creating electroacoustic products, specifically IEMs. The business has created several IEMs prior to the release of the Timeless, a full-range planar IEM that catapulted them to prominence. Many people admired and appreciated Timeless for its sound quality and tuning; following their success, they developed several IEMs that were highly accepted in the budget market, including the Zero, Dioko, Sonus, and Zero 2. The business has expanded into inexpensive dongle DACs, releasing 71. Since 7Hz teased the release date for the Timeless II last year, they have instead produced another IEM, their flagship known as the Aurora. Fortunately, I was able to obtain a pair for review, but before I go any further, I'd want to clarify a few points.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. As I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “Aurora.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Aurora based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

The Aurora has a tribrid arrangement with four drivers on each side: one 12mm dynamic driver for bass, two bespoke full-range balancing armatures for mids, and a special micro planar for highs. The shells are on the larger side and composed of resin, while the faceplate is constructed of damascus titanium. It is a little troubling for persons with small ears because the shells are large, and the nozzle adjustment made it difficult for me to establish a suitable seal and comfort while wearing them, but after tip rolling, I was able to find comfort and an isolating fit with Azla Sedna Fit Crystals. The cable given is a modular 2-pin cable made of single-crystal copper. The cable feels nice and plasticky, yet it isn't heavy in your hands. The other included accessories include an elegant storage box, a selection of eartips, and modular plugs (4.4mm and 3.5mm). According to the technical specs, the impedance is 30 Ohms and the sensitivity is 105dB. The frequency response ranges from 5Hz to 40kHz, and overall harmonic distortion is less than 0.2 percent.

Sound​

Trust me when I say that Aurora is a literal detail monster, as every aspect of the presentation oozes out details and clarity with a versatile tuning that allows the intricacies and nuances to shower over the mix, bringing excellent clarity and transparency to the presentation. Though I notice that the existence of such notes results in sharp characteristics, I have never experienced a metallic nature. The crispness and air in the treble area, as well as the lively tone of the midrange, combined with a large stage that allows notes to breathe and sound full, result in remarkable detail retrieval. The nicest thing of the entire response is that the definition and tonal balance are nicely established, resulting in a lean yet coherent-sounding presentation. If I look at the graph, it appears frightening with peaks and dips over the treble area, however, such a presentation produces a vibrant and enticing response that isn't overly bright while also including crisp and sparkling aspects of the notes. On the other side, the midrange sounds broader and clearer without adding hotness or peakiness to the mix, while the bass may become a touch too controlled but still present enough to make the response feel full-bodied. Let's go further into the sound and learn more about it.

Treble​

The treble area is really funky, whether literally or figuratively, with peaks and dips that enact a new profound feeling of clarity and revelation, and while it does its job, I still find it a touch weak at times while revealing at others. When it comes to the upper treble, the sound is crisp, sharp, and detailed, with strong extension and airy presentation, but in certain sections it is suppressed, which I believe brings out some portions of the songs extremely effectively while subduing others and providing a perplexed response. The lower treble appears to be quite active and exciting to listen to, with voices that sound upfront and bright, while the instruments feel a touch subdued, with subtle nuances. Tracks like Kenka by Kuijira Yumemi feature vocals that may come over as peaky, but that is not the case in Aurora. In truth, the vocals sound completely clear and well established, as do the backing vocals, but an array of instruments sounds a touch subdued, with the nuances suppressed, particularly between 4kHz and 7kHz. However, tracks like Spiral by LONGMAN sound incredibly refreshing and tonally pleasing because they enable guitars and percussion to sound distinctive and prominent without interfering with the vocals; the whole response is engaging.As a result, the overall presentation of the treble area sounds crisp, clear, and revealing, despite being slightly inconsistent in tone.

Mid Range​

In the mid-range, I feel custom-tuned balanced armatures were the best decision; the response in this region does not sound metallic or hot in any manner, but rather tonally agreeable. Whether they are vocals or instruments, both provide a lifelike presence to the mix, making the overall response more revealing and calming without taking away the enjoyment. The upper mid-range is full of vitality, allowing the voices and instruments to take a forward approach that is vivid and detailed without sounding abrasive or rough. The intricacies are highly noticeable in this range, which sounds refreshing and intriguing to the listener. Even though the graph represents the upper mid-range feels very much prominent in the mix and the lower mid-range subdued, but when listening to it, the upper mid-range is well controlled but it shows a forward approach, while the lower mid-range brings a clean response without any vague or weighty response but dense enough to sound thick as instruments like bass guitars or vocals, especially male vocals sounds heavy and rich in terms of natural tone of each note arising. Tracks such as Kizuna No Kiseki by MAN WITH A MISSION and Lead Me On by FLETCHER, whether male or female vocals, have a very rich and full-bodied response even when they sound open and spacious, and the instruments sound as revealing as the vocals and distinct from vocals, allowing nuances to come across and fill the response completely. The forwardness of the vocals allows for an engaging and immersive experience. As a result, the mid-range area is presented in a natural, compelling, and comprehensive manner.

Bass​

Let me tell it honestly. The bass is excellent, and the potential for scaling is very astounding. The bass is quite comprehensive and precisely adjusted to deliver an assertive, noticeable and definite response without feeling ineffective since it subdues the warmth of the mid-bass. The majority of IEMs in this price range offer either highly playful/fun-sounding bass or well-controlled and clear bass. In terms of bass quantity, Aurora's bass lacks weight and organic heft to the notes; yet, the bass is highly textured and detailed, and its impact and power are solidly established. The focus is on the sub-bass, with the bass being deep enough to produce a rumbling sensation when necessary, and the punches being forceful enough to create a full response as well as a sense of resolve. The bass notes are very distinct, allowing for a smooth yet detailed response, but at the expense of warmth and a heavy presence of mid-bass, the slams and thumps lack the characteristics that contribute to a weightless response, but this has little effect on the lower mid-range thanks to the custom dual mid-frequency BAs. In songs like The Reason by Hoobastank, the drums can seem lacking in presence compared to the vocals and other instruments, with the toms and kick drums feeling light and lacking weight. Conversely, in Somewhere I Belong by Linkin Park, the bass has a clear and articulate response, though the impact and heaviness of the bass notes could be stronger. Overall, the bass region is controlled, detailed, and well-articulated.

Technical Performance​

In terms of details, speed, and resolution, I don't believe any other IEMs, such as the Hype 4 or Blessing 3, are even comparable. I'll have to test the Pilgrim to provide comment, but for now, I believe it's the finest in its class. It does not fall short in terms of stage imaging or separation, but it is comparable, if not superior, than the IEMs stated above. Let's be more specific.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The stage features a holographic presentation that is big enough to create an open and airy atmosphere; the notes are crisp and lucid, demonstrating excellent imaging. The distinctness of the notes creates an excellent feeling of separation between the notes, allowing you to determine the source of the sound with ease.

Speed & Resolution​

As I previously stated, the resolution and detail retrieval are among the greatest I have heard; macro and micro nuances are readily revealed, and the attack and decay of notes is extraordinarily fast-paced, almost unnaturally so, but it still sounds authentic.

Sound Impressions ​

Sources​

Sony WM1A - While listening to WM1A, response spreads out further in the left and right directions, resulting in a more expansive and airy response. The treble sounded smoother and more coherent, while the mid-range sounded more open, allowing the bass to sound more lively and, with warmth added, making the overall bass sound organic and genuine. The details were a little suppressed, delivering a more rounded response, which caused the vocals a touch off-toned on several tracks like Sukinishinayo by ANLY, Kamihitoe by URU, etc.



SIMGOT DEW4X - while listening to the DEW4X, the response sounded a little crisper but not sharp, The stage depth was affected while the width felt more spread out. The treble sounded airy and extensive with pumping details, and the mid-range sounded a little less forward. The bass also felt more centred but had the same impact and physicality.



QUESTYLE M15i - When listening to this pairing, the response sounds calm, allowing for an expressive and open-sounding response with better control over the revealing nature of the notes, allowing the notes to sound as natural as possible with a presentation spread out far and wide, where the upper mid-range pours everything while remaining airy and spacious. Listening to tracks like Gotye's Somebody That I Used To Know and Love Will Come Through, the vocals sounded incredibly real and detailed while yet being open and light without disrupting the tonal balance. In the end, what may have sounded analytical and impartial came off as well balanced and resolved. The bass felt a touch light but more textured.

QUESTYLE CMA18 - Aurora's response was able to have the appropriate breadth and depth when listening to this pairing since the response was presented more frontally and backward. The vocals and instruments sounded more expressive than previously; with CMA18, the refinement in the notes increased in terms of details and contrast, providing more transparency and linearity throughout the response. The notes were clearer and revealed certain elements.

Tracks​

Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring to Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - Runaway
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Goyte - Somebody That I Used To Know
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

To conclude this review, I have nothing else to say except that the Aurora is a literal detail monster, not by sounding sharp, lean, or offensive in any way, but by thoroughly and carefully tuning it to sound more natural and professional in terms of technical and tonal performance, which it does flawlessly. I'm completely captivated by the sound signature and the detailed focus presentation, which allows for clear vocals and instrument presentation while being expansive and airy and not affecting the bass's effect on the overall mix. This IEM has my wholehearted approval for anyone who does not want to spend more for details like TOTL IEM but at a third of the price; nevertheless, folks who want warm and more coherent or smooth sounding IEMs ought to try these first before making a decision.

7Hertz or 7Hz is one of the audio companies that has its paradigm shift moments in the audio landscape in 2021. If you are a long timer in the audio enthusiast scene, who will ever forget their first product, the 7Hz Timeless which was considered as the gamechanger of the planar IEM market and a dual dynamic driver basshead-favoured set, the LEGATO.



To be honest, I only have a few product reviews on 7Hz items that I've published so far and this content will be a third one. This product that will be featured here is their latest midrange product and compared to other 7Hz products that I've reviewed in the past, this one is quite different.



This is 7Hz AURORA, their latest product that will cater the midrange segment and it is a hybrid driver set-up IEM earphone. This set has three types of drivers that were implemented inside and these are dynamic driver, new generation micro planar driver and balanced armature driver. Each type of driver was assigned to a specific part of audio frequency as it has its own distinctive electro-mechanical performance. The 12mm dynamic driver has a composite material on its diaphragm as its delivers a clear, deep and rich bass quality while the customised dual balanced armatures (probably a newer generation of Bellsings) is capable to deliver a crisp, clear and brimming sound on the midrange frequency and then the new generation micro-planar driver (I have some intuition that this might a flat panel driver but need some more confirmation about this particular driver) will add more clarity, well-detailed on its resolution and copious amount of brilliance air. It seems that all these drivers were connected into three-way crossover circuitry for smoother, coherent, seamlessly flat and less distortion on its frequency response curve.



In regards to comfortability, despite its large frame for an IEM, the AURORA can give a very comfortable wear and comfort to my lugholes that I was able to wear it on long listening sessions. Passive noise isolation is quite excellent on this one as it really seals off some external noises from the outside.



The drivers and other components were encapsulated in a composite shell chassis in which the cavity base is made of an opaque 3D-moulded imported resin while its faceplate is a metal alloy with some titanium filament to give distinctive pattern-like banding on some steel forging process. The general dimension of the shells are on the large size just like most multi-driver hybrid sets and it has three ventholes on the top part for escaping some excess air pressure generated from its high performance dynamic driver. Regarding its interlocking mechanism for cable connection, it uses the standard 0.78mm bi-pin connector as it is the most stable and easier to detach.




As for its stock cable, it is truly a premium grade cable which is quite thick, durable and supple that it offers a less susceptible on entanglement. This one has 4-core gold-plated monocrystalline copper wires that were shielded with PVC insulators that are twisted and braided, and it has a modularity feature where we can change its termination plugs for output versatility that most modern audio devices have. The available modular termination plugs are 3.5mm single ended and 4.4mm balanced that were angled into a L-shaped form.



As for product packaging, the AURORA has a medium-sized rectangular box with some illustrations and information prints like basic specification and company addresses. The contents inside were well-arranged and organised as it gives a pleasant overall presentation.



These are the following contents inside of 7Hz AURORA's packaging box:

• Pair of 7Hz AURORA IEM transducers
• Stock cable
• A white-coloured pill-shaped carrying case
• Ear tips casing
• A pair of medium-sized balanced bore ear tips.
• 3 pairs of narrow bore ear tips in different standard sizes.
• 3 pairs of new generation of 7Hz high quality flexible silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
• User's manual

In addition, I would like to introduce the latest 7Hz ear tips and they are made of pliable high quality silicone ear tips which gives an improvement of its brilliance extension, dynamic range and an increase of soundstage perception. It really offers me a very comfy feeling while having an excellent grip into my ears due to its tacky surface.



The 7HZ AURORA is actually easy to drive as it will amplify a good amount of audible volume level even from a device with decently normal gain output. But powering up on this set on the sources with a better amplitude level will sound even more fuller and vivid. I would like to share about this IEM on pairing and synergy on some sources, if I paired it to a more warmish-neutral or balance-neutral sources with some specified audio ICs like AKMs and Cirrus Logics, there are some noticeable smoothness and subduing those “digital glares”.



As for its tonality, The AURORA has a mild U to U-shaped (depends on the ear tips) sound profile with somewhat balanced presentation in all parts of the frequency range.


(Graph measurement was provided by @baskingshark , credits to his effort)


LOWS/BASS:

The bass response of this set is reverberating, precise, tactual and clean. It shows the quality of its bass region that makes this set's defining tuning. While it appears that it focuses more on subbass presence, it still balanced out with the ample texture on its mid-bass to give some semblance of authority and slam.

The deep, vibrant subbass presence can be perceived clearly on how it responds from subbass-focused instruments like low tone bass guitars, synthesisers, octobasses and drum machines. An adequate mid-bass texture somehow gives a sufficient note weight on instruments like bass kick drums, bass guitars, double basses, bass trumpets and male vocals like bass and bass-baritones. Bass kick drums have resonant, rumbly and sustaining sound on every stroke that even it can cope up with the fast double bass kicks on extreme metal tracks, bass guitars and double bass have rasping, sombre and resonant as both sets can be an accompaniment with music ensembles, the former instrument is for modern genres like rock, jazz and pop while the latter is for classical, operas and orchestras. Bass trumpets have metallic and a less fuller sound as it should have on its usual register, and as on male vocals, while it doesn’t have that depth and dark tone to give that guttural and booming voice but at least it has an ample weight with little vibrato to give some dense and wool-like sound on bass and bass-baritone vocals.


MIDRANGE:

As on how it renders its midrange presentation, it is quite discernible on how it is slightly a bit notch on the overall frequency range of this set but it has a well-balanced texture on its note weight to give some heft and density on instruments and vocals with an energetic and shimmery sound on it to add more clarity and openness on high-pitched female vocals, strings and some woodwinds.

On male vocals, baritones have a smooth, velvety and lushness on their vocals which are excellent on both light and lyric types of baritone voice although while other types of baritones like Kavalier baritone, Verdi baritone, dramatic and noble baritones sounds somehow natural but they are a bit too mellow, milder and less powerful as these voices needs more warm and note density. Tenors vocals are excellent on this one as all tenor voice types either it is leggero, lyric, spinto, dramatic and heldentenor have a spiciness, brassy, dazzling and tinny sound on them while countertenors have a graceful, tender and softness on their vocals albeit a tad brighter to this set's energetic tuning nature.

As on female vocals, while contraltos have this smoky and full voice on this set, I wish that they have more weight and depth on them as it is a typical timbre characteristic on this particular vocal type. Mezzo-sopranos have those intense and bold sounds while maintaining a velvety and tender vocals as they convey a melodic and soothing quality. Soprano vocals are probably the AURORA's most strongest forte on how it depicts the quality of this particular vocal type whether it is coloratura, lyric, soubrette or dramatic ones as they sound crystalline, silvery and shimmering.

On how the instrument sounds on this set, it appears that they all sound organic and detailed as it is able to capture some of its tonal colouration but some added brightness. Strings instruments like guitars, violins and cellos, there's a crisp, presence and bright sound on every plucking on the notation strings of guitars, while the violins have a sparkling and vibrant sound on every motion on its bowstring and a clear, lively and incisive sound on cellos. When it comes to woodwinds, flutes have bright, rich and silvery sound, have intense and brilliant sound, clarinets have bright and expressive sounds that evokes some pastoral theme on some orchestral tracks and saxophones have lively and reedy sound on them. As for brass instruments, trumpets have brilliant and vivid sound while trombones have penetrating and metallic sound, horns have a resounding, brilliant and metallic sound, and tubas have resonant and rumbling sound on them. Then on percussives, snare drums have clear, precise and sharp sound on every stroke, tom-toms have resonant and reverberating sound albeit it somehow lack of warmth, field or tenor drums have majestic, sonorous and reverberating sound on them, plate bells have some metallic and rich of overtones on them and kettledrums have dry, rumbling and substantial sound. Pianos have a well-balanced sound as it has a bright and even tone on its characteristic.


HIGHS/TREBLE:

Probably, one of the highlights of the AURORA's tuning to showcase its treble response. It is definitely on a brighter side of tuning but not that too intense or glaring that might ruin the overall balanced sound of this set. It has some emphasis on the upper-mids up to the presence part of the treble region to give a definition, detail and clarity on vocals and instrumental attacks. Despite the mild boost on those particular regions, I don't hear any stridency and the sibilance is kept under control although in some sibilant-laden tracks, I've encountered some occasional hissing sound. This type of tuning should take caution by some treble-sensitive folks out there due to its energetic and intense tuning of this set.

On the brilliance part of the treble, there's a copious amount of harmonics and well-defined sparkle and excellent treble air extension. On how it affects the tonal colour on each corresponding musical instrument, cymbals have bright, metallic and brilliant sound while hi-hats have a shortened buzz and sizzling sound. Glockenspiels on either mallet-types or keyboard variant, have this shimmering and brilliant sound on them and celestas have bright and lustrous sound that gives those “heavenly” and royal ball-like atmospheres.


SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

As I ascertain regarding this set in terms of technical facets, this is truly its strongest asset on why this set is such a remarkable performer in these aspects. We could clearly perceive its vast, spacious sound field with wide lateral span, excellent height reach and good depth distance from front to rear.

It does project an atmospheric and three dimensional stereo presentation where I can accurately locate the placement of instruments and singer(s) in a well-layered soundscape with excellent separation on each element.

The cohesiveness of its tri-brid drivers works pretty well on how these drivers work in unison with a homogeneity performance. Dynamic driver has fast transient to deliver a pristine bass response while the balanced armatures gives a smooth yet detailed output that works in support with added airy ambience from the micro planar.

Resolution capability wise, both macro-dynamics and micro-dynamics are commendable on this set as it shows a solid note texture while having a sharp definition of micro-detail retrieval on how it extracts the nuances of notation attacks, vocals ends and room effects like reverberations.


PEER COMPARISONS:

AFUL PERFORMER 8

• AFUL PERFORMER 8 has a hybrid driver set-up consisting of a single dynamic driver and seven (7) balanced armature drivers. Unlike the Aurora, it doesn't have micro planar driver and its shell chassis is entirely made of medical-grade resin shell with a sandstone-like colour theme and also.it has a smaller size compared to the AURORA which makes it more suitable to all ear type sizes. While it also has quite well-accessories like the AURORA and also has a premium quality cable but it doesn't have a modular termination plug feature.
• As for tonality, it has a mild U-shaped sound profile but in some way it has an almost balanced-neutral type of sound that I'm quite adhered to. Compared to the AURORA, it has a bit tighter bass response, a less colouration on timbre and more natural sounding vocals and instruments on its midrange presentation and smoother and even treble response albeit it has less airy extension.
• On technicalities, the PERFORMER 8 has a bit narrower and less spacious sound/speaker stage if it is compared to the AURORA. But the rest of most technical performance, it has a similar capabilities collated with the compared set.

KIWI EARS QUINTET

• This is probably the closest one that I currently have in my collection of multi-hybrid driver set-up and I can definitely compare it with the AURORA. QUINTET also has a micro planar driver aside from dynamic drivers, piezo-electric bone conduction driver and balanced armature drivers that were arrayed inside. It also has a composite shell chassis like the AURORA although it is more compact and its faceplate is quite more minimalist. Knowing KIWIEARS, they are a bit meagre in terms of accessories and its stock cable seems decent but doesn't have a modular feature.
• This set has a mild U-shaped sound signature and it seems it has less coloured sounding compared to the AURORA. It has more subbass-focus bass response as it has more rumble with a decently textured midbass just to give enough slam, a linear and more neutral midrange presentation with a hint of transparency and a bright treble with good sparkle and air on it.
• On the facets of its technical capabilities, while it has a pretty wide sound/speaker stage size, my main concern was its depth as it is quite lacking in my opinion. But at least it has a remarkable stereo imaging presentation, layering, separation and coherency. It seems that it has a sharp micro-detail definition but its macro-dynamics is less solid.

To sum up my assessment about this product, for the past few days, I'm quite impressed with the overall performance of the 7Hz AURORA as it gives me that engaging factor to enjoy its coloured tuning. The most thing that I truly amazes me was it's overall technical performance as if it reaches some of the best midrangers and probably even some TOTLs that I've tested so far, spacious sound/speaker stage, atmospheric stereo presentation, layering or whatever technicalities we know to determine its performance of playback.

While there are some improvements in terms of tonality and its timbre as there are some noticeable colourations like a bit too energetic that causes some tinny and brazen sound characteristics to some vocals and instruments as it might be an issue to some treble-sensitive folk. But with its balanced tuning with good bass quality, transparent, vivid and spacious vocal presentation on the midrange and a detailed, sparkly airy treble response, these particular tonal aspects are enough to outweigh those concern unless if you want a neutral head, treble-sensitive or wants a more colouration on its particular sound profile.


7Hz AURORA is now available at LINSOUL, if you are interested in this product, there's a provided unaffiliated link below.

★★7HZ AURORA - LINSOUL★★


For more 7Hz product review, check out the following items that were outlined with links.

■ 7HZ LEGATO

■ 7HZ ZERO II

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: 7HZ AURORA
IMPEDANCE: 30Ω
SENSITIVITY: 105dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 5Hz – 40KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m
PIN TYPE: 2-PIN TYPE CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: MODULAR 4.4mm, 3.5mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER + (2) BALANCED ARMATURE + (1) MICRO PLANAR.


TRACKS TESTED: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **
Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *
Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *


P.S.

I am not affiliated to 7Hz  nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to MS. KAREENA TANG of LINSOUL for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.