This is my first experience with an IEM from 7Hz, so, I was curious to see if this little underdog could be another budget-friendly winner. Does the Legato offer a wow factor for the price, or is it destined to be forgotten along with so many other $100 IEMs?

What’s in the Box?

• 7Hz Legato IEMs
• 2-pin silver-plated OCC cable (3.5mm termination)
• Semi-hard case
• Silicone ear tips (S/M/L)
• Filter set
• User manual

Look and Feel

While the 7Hz Legato may not feature extravagant aesthetics, it sports a reasonably sophisticated look with its elegantly minimalist silver faceplate. Constructed from aviation-grade aluminum, the faceplate showcases an intricate threaded pattern, which is nice artistic touch to an otherwise understated design. In terms of fit, the seal was super snug, and the IEMs felt perfectly comfortable in my ears even after a couple of hours of wear.

Design

Beneath the surface, the Legato incorporates a dual-dynamic driver configuration with a crossover design; a 12mm woofer is paired with a 6mm midrange tweeter. The Legato has incorporated its own technology to deliver a deep and controlled bass, while the driver design on the tweeter aims to enhance the precision and detail of midrange and high frequencies. We’ll see if the Company has succeeded.

Sound Impressions

Soundstage

Not too much going on here. While it feels like there’s some significant scale to the stage, the expansiveness is mostly limited to the stereo field. There is minimal depth to the soundscape, and while there is some vague imaging happening on the vertical axis, there is little height to speak of. That all being said, there was a certain majesty to the presentation, especially with respect to live classical performances or any kind of anthemic tracks.

Low-End

While the bass is impactful, abundantly deep, and warm, the delivery can be a touch lazy at times. There’s a little bloat going on that can blanket higher frequencies on certain tracks. And on fast modern tracks, the bass seems to be struggling to keep up. That said, there’s a rich color to the tone of instruments in this range, lending deep timbral textures to acoustic instruments.

Mids

While there is a bit of body to the midrange, the low-end is what provides the legs for this sound signature. In fact, there’s little low-mid presence here, and most of the attention is given to the upper mids. Still, the tuning feels meaty enough for those who like a comprehensive sounding mix. And while the lower midrange frequencies can feel cloudy at times, there’s a commendable level of separation as we creep into the treble. Overall, I found midrange elements neatly layered and well defined.

Highs

In the high frequencies, the Legato seems to find a nice balance between transparency and smoothness. Vocals have fluid quality, and treble peaks avoid any sharpness. However, there’s a slightly removed feel to the treble, as if it’s missing volume at times. So, the high-end may not be ideal for those who like a super vibrant and active quality. Rather, the Legato’s highs will suit those who are particularly sensitive to treble frequencies.

Summary

While the Legato may not be the next Moondrop Aria, it certainly delivers a crowd pleasing sound signature with its thunderous bass, lively mids and smooth, easy highs. The Legato not only presents a a sonic profile that you can listen to for hours without, but also one that brings a satisfying warmth and smoothness to any track you throw at it.

You can buy the 7Hz Legato at Audio 46.