7Hz Legato Review

October 31, 2023 4:35 pm

Out of all the notable ChiFi brands out there, 7Hz has the most unique catalog so far. They deal in generously priced IEMs that can be both dynamic and planar. Their output has been very interesting so far, with the Timeless and Dioko being some of my favorite budget IEMs. They have a new dynamic driver IEM called the Legato out for $109. Can it be a new favorite?

What You Get

Legato IEMs
2-pin silver-plated OCC 3.5mm cable
Zipper case
Multiple sets of s/m/l silicone ear tips
User Guide

Look & Feel

7Hz IEMs have designs that are almost unparalleled by any other manufacturer. The Legato doesn’t look quite as wacky but still has a high-grade look that shoots well above its price. Its shell is made from aviation-grade aluminum which brings elegance as well as durability to these IEMs. Its faceplate possesses a threaded pattern that acts as both an aesthetic flourish, and a way to keep away fingerprints. The shape of the Legato brings an ergonomic feel that should fit well in any set of ears.

Design

This is a dual-dynamic driver configuration. It integrates a 12mm woofer driver and a 6mm midrange range tweeter. The larger driver uses a composite diaphragm with an N52 magnet, while the smaller driver uses a metal diaphragm and a double-cavity structure. It also includes a specific crossover design that uses specialized Tantalum capacitors that retain the fidelity of the signal flow.

Soundstage

There are moments where the Legato is able to present a wide sound field. These moments of expansion make the soundstage feel grand, but it’s not a consistent quality. Knowing what 7Hz is capable of, I was sure that the right tracks would bring it out more, but only certain mixes permitted it. The limitations of the Legato are made noticeable by its solidity. It doesn’t always feature the best separation, even when the layering is given a good dimension. In effect, the imaging comes across as linear, with everything appearing inside of your head.

Low End

The bass on the Legato is front-facing and heavily bodied. It presents thick frequencies that are dark in their timbre, and slam down hard. Midbass frequencies are the most prominent, with only subtle foundations in the sub-bass to keep the lows lifted. Most of what you get from the bass comes to the surface, which still results in a smooth tone that’s easy to read. There are punctual bass notes that make themselves very clear, supplying the sound signature with significant weight.

Mids

With the prominence of the mid-bass, it’s accepted that the midrange will probably have to make some room. That’s exactly what you get, as the mid-frequencies offer a similar timbre, responding with more warmth. Of course, this makes some of the instruments that come through the Legato seem a bit foggy, but the mids are still handled with a respectable level of organization. Noting feels messy, even when sections of the frequency response lack fidelity.

Highs

While it features a noticeable presence in the mix without any significant roll-offs, the highs are bare. They establish some good height, but the frequencies are far from punctual. Everything comes through with low gain, resulting in very little room for even the simplest textures. It’s smooth though, and is easy to digest, never enacting brightness or harsh tones for those who are sensitive to it.

Summary

The Legato doesn’t quite reach the highs of other 7Hz IEMs, but it still offers an engaging sound with a fantastic build. For the price, some of its qualities really shoot beyond its limits, but other aspects like the midrange and high frequencies don’t make a big impression on me. As an affordable set of IEMs for bass lovers though, the Legato will surely do its part.