The original 7Hz Timeless was launched in 2021 as one of 7Hz’s first offerings and has become a popular planar magnetic single-driver IEM. It has also been one of 7Hz’s more expensive offerings. Timeless II, the new version, was launched in late 2024 and is similarly priced at $229.
MAIN TAKEAWAY
- Full-bodied yet highly detailed bass
- Great tonal balance
- Refined and versatile
The Timeless II features an upgraded 14.5mm planar magnetic driver, which is slightly larger than its predecessor. According to 7Hz, the new diaphragm is the first dual-sided-coated diaphragm employed in an IEM, utilising a special silver alloy coating. Combined with a powerful dual-sided N52 magnet array, this new driver delivers increased responsiveness. The new planar drivers are housed in a redesigned, 7-layer acoustic enclosure with double rear venting and a secure locking system. The diaphragm is directly mounted for increased rigidity, stability, and tighter surface tension.
Unlike the original, the Timeless II features a range of interchangeable tuning nozzles. They have quite unusual shapes, according to 7Hz they are inspired by speaker phase plugs. The new nozzles are intended to allow users to adjust the higher frequencies to their liking.
The cable is also upgraded from the previous version. With a 4-core ultra-pure 7N single-crystal copper cable, there’s supposedly enhanced warmth, body, and detail. Another thing is that the Timeless II employs 0.78mm 2-pin connectors on the IEMs, whereas the original Timeless used MMCX connectors. There is a good selection of included ear tips but I use my preferred 3rd party SpinFit CP145 tips.
7HZ TIMELESS II SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver: 14.5mm planar magnetic driver
- Impedance: 15.2 ohms
- Sensitivity: 108 dB/V@1KHz
- THD: <0.2%/1KHz
- Frequency Response: 5-40000Hz
- Weight per earbud: 5 g
- Connector type: 0.78 mm 2-pin
- Cable: ca. 1.2 m 7N 4-core single-crystal
- Termination: interchangeable 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm jacks.
- In the box: earphones, metal storage case, cable with 3.5mm and 4.4mm jack adapters, 10 pairs of silicone ear tips in 3 sizes, and user manual
Price when reviewed $229.00. you can check out the current price and availability here:
- Linsoul: 7hz Timeless II
- Amazon: 7hz Timeless II
The review unit was sent to us by Linsoul for the purpose of this review.
BUILD AND COMFORT
The 7hz Timeless II looks similar to the predecessor, but has a new pattern on the faceplate. The IEMs are made of metal but only weigh 5g each. While the black paint makes them feel less like metal, it is nice to know that they are hard to break. The big circular decorative faceplate makes it seem bigger than it is because there is a flange that protrudes to make the circle complete, while the housing itself is smaller and ergonomically shaped to fit in the ear. They fit me quite well, and I have no complaints when it comes to comfort.
The cable is very nice, not too thick, not too flimsy, and looks good. It comes with interchangeable termination, where the 4.4 mm balanced pentaconn is pre-installed. To change the termination jack, you have to pinch the tip of the jack (the golden part) firmly and unscrew the cover (anticlockwise).
There’s a circular tabletop storage box included, which is quite heavy and has the same pattern on top as the faceplate of the earphones, which is a nice touch. Although it is very nice as a stationary storage box, it is not optimal for portable use, and you should get something else for throwing in your bag.
NOZZLES AND TIPS
The Timeless II comes with four different pairs of nozzles, each offering subtle differences in sound. However, there isn’t much information on their intended effect.
While nozzle selection isn’t my highest priority, I did spend some time evaluating each pair.
There are two main types, which I’ve dubbed “flat-headed” and “dual-nozzles.”
- Flat-Headed Nozzles: The golden flat-headed nozzle, featuring a flower-petal type cutout pattern, is mounted by default and can thus be considered the standard nozzle. Its steel-colored counterpart has larger cutouts and delivers a similar sound, with a slightly higher amount of bass without losing presence in the midrange and treble. While not identical sounding, the differences are subtle and may go unnoticed without careful listening.
- Dual-Nozzles: Both pairs of dual-nozzles share the same unusual shape but differ in tip hole size. The steel-colored nozzles have larger holes, while the golden pair features smaller ones. The golden nozzles result in a darker sound with less air compared to the standard flat-headed nozzles, while the steel version with bigger holes has is somewhere in between.
For the rest of this review, I will use the standard nozzles, the ones that came pre-mounted. I find them to sound the best and most neutral, and they are the most likely the ones most people will use.
EAR TIPS
The Timeless II comes with a selection of ear tips. Keep in mind that ear tips can also significantly affect the sound, and when combined with the included nozzles, they allow for fine-tuning to your preference.
Personally, I choose to use my preferred SpinFit CP145 tips for most of the listening. They fit my ears very well and can be used across different earphones, which gives consistency when reviewing
LISTENING IMPRESSIONS
All listening impressions before are based on the pre-mounted nozzles and the SpinFit CP145 tips, paired with a Topping A90 amplifier and an ADI-2 DAC FS as the source.
New Life Baby Paris by Mala
The soundstage is impressively large, and there is a good sense of depth. The bass is rock solid and slightly bloomy. The detail level, especially with the percussion elements, is very high.
Maple Noise by Green Serene
This track sounds very dynamic, and the bass is fantastic. It is very spacious, and the percussion is extraordinary snappy. The soundstage is large, and the imaging is excellent. The Timeless II delivers fast transients and a very detailed treble.
Happy Ending Borrowing Yours by Fire!
This is a very noisy and chaotic jazz/rock improv track. Basically, the first 5 minutes is just a bunch of instruments making a lot of noise. The soundstage is huge, and I can barely believe I am listening to a pair of IEMs. The detail level is impressive, and even though it’s a very busy track, you can distinguish instruments relatively easily.
Limit to Your Love by James Blake
The soundstage is huge. It is wide, tall and deep. The bass is also huge, pretty thick but well controlled. Blake’s vocals are clean and well separated from the rest.
Bored by Deftones
The guitar in the intro has a nice warmth to it and when the band hits, it is with a very nice meaty sound. The vocals are clean and neutral. Percussion is snappy. 5he guitar riffs are very satisfying, I rarely hear this track this well rendered.
Reload by Ministry
This industrial metal track also sounds fantastic. There’s a well-balanced fullness to the busy guitar riffs, yet everything else is still clean sounding.
As Before by Olga Konkova
The cajôn drum has exactly the right sound, it’s tight and meaty at the same time. The piano is clear, but not excessively crisp, the same is the case with the female vocals. I find it to be a very balanced presentation and as with the previous tracks the soundstage is very large.
It Could Be Sweet by Portishead
The bass is full-bodied yet reveals nuances that most earphones do not. The female vocals stand out nicely. There is no exaggerated sibilance, as it often can be with many earphones. .
Escape Route by Boris Blank
Excellent soundstage with great imaging. The instruments are well balanced, and the bass is very good. Full-bodied and detailed presentation.
Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 III by Paavo Järvi
The kettledrums are rich, and yet the resonances are easily heard. The soundstage is huge, the imaging great. The strings and wind instruments are rendered with delicacy and nuance. Well balanced.
Summer 3 Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter
The large soundstage, balanced tonality, and high detail level make this track very enjoyable. The strings have good attack without sounding harsh in any way.
WRAPPING IT UP
Sound Signature
The sound signature is quite neutral with a slightly elevated low end and a warmish midrange. I find it to suit all genres of music I have tried very well, which is unusual.
Treble
The treble is detailed and airy. Sibilants are never overly harsh. The Timeless II is free from the glare often associated with planar magnetic earphones in the treble and upper mids.
Midrange
The midrange is slightly warm yet clear and articulate, offering excellent detail without any hint of edginess.
Bass
The bass is outstanding—bold and full-bodied, yet incredibly detailed and nuanced.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage is large for an IEM and is both tall, wide and deep. Imaging is also very good, with great separation of instruments and a black background.
Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre
I find the Timeless II to have a high level of detail across the board and a very neutral and natural timbre. Articulation and dynamics are also very good.
COMPARISONS
Associated equipment:
- Amplifier: Topping A90
- Source: RME ADI-2 DAC FS
- Tips: SpinFit CP145
LETSHUOER S12 PRO and S12 Limited Edition vs 7Hz TIMELESS II
Like the original 7Hz Timeless, the S12 PRO ($129) has been a long-term favourite amongst enthusiasts and a reference planar magnetic driver IEM. The S12 Limited Edition ($199) was released last year, and even though it shares the same driver and design, it has slightly different tuning and sounds a bit warmer and more refined.
First, I compare the 7Hz Timeless II to the S12 Limited Edition. Moving through my playlists, it becomes apparent that they have a lot in common. The tonality is very similar, and both are great-sounding earphones. However, the Timeless II tends to have an even bigger soundstage, a blacker background, more fine detail, and better dynamics. Sometimes the difference is negligible; sometimes it is quite apparent.
When comparing the Timeless II to the original S12 PRO, the tonality is more different. The S12 PRO has a rawer edge to the upper midrange and treble, but not more detail. I think the S12 PRO is a very good-sounding planar, but the S12 Limited Edition takes it more in the direction I prefer.
My full reviews of the two Letshuoer planars:
Check out the current price and availability here:
- Linsoul: S12 Limited Edition
- Amazon: S12 Limited Edition
- Amazon: S12 PRO
- Linsoul: S12 PRO
KIWI EARS KE4 vs 7Hz TIMELESS II
The Kiwi Ears KE4 ($199) was launched in 2024 and features a dual 10mm dynamic subwoofer, combined with two balanced armatures. Notably, both the midrange and lower treble are taken care of by a custom balanced armature driver, and a different balanced armature driver handles only the highest treble frequencies.
Despite their different driver configurations and constructions, there are no huge differences between the 7Hz Timeless II and the Kiwi Ears KE4. The tonality is quite similar, with both offering excellent detail and imaging, although the Timeless II often has the edge. The most noticeable distinction lies in the better bass quality of the Timeless II, which exhibits the rich textures and precision typical of high-quality planar magnetic bass. In terms of quantity, both models provide a certain amount of added bass.
The midrange on the KE4 tends to sound warm and slightly thicker, but the Timeless II also has a warm character, making the difference relatively minor. I greatly enjoy the treble on both models, it’s very clean and articulate while also being adequately smooth.
In summary, the Timeless II has noticeably better bass and appears slightly cleaner across the entire frequency spectrum, while the KE4 exhibits a thicker tonality, particularly in the bass and mids, adding a certain richness.
My full KE4 review: Kiwi Ears KE4 Review
Check the current price and availability here:
- Linsoul: Kiwi Ears KE4
- Amazon: Kiwi Ears KE4
KIWI EARS QUINTET vs 7Hz TIMELESS II
The hybrid driver Quintet ($219) is, as the name suggests, a five-driver IEM, which has been a reference in its price class since it was launched in 2023.
The Quintet has a crisper, brighter tonality compared to the bassier, warmer Timeless II, though both lean close to neutral. Their treble is equally detailed and precise, with the Quintet offering slightly more energy and articulation, depending on the track.
Compared to the Quintet, the Timeless II delivers a warmer, rounder mid-range, while the Quintet is sharper with a stronger sense of attack, especially for strings. Despite its warmth, the Timeless II does not sound overly dark.
While the Quintet has excellent bass, the Timeless II offers more quantity and even better quality with outstanding definition and articulation. Even though the Quintet may often provide a larger soundstage, the Timeless II isn’t far behind and imaging is equally good on both.
My full Quintet review: Kiwi Ears Quintet Review
Check the current price and availability here:
- Linsoul: Kiwi Quintet
- Amazon: Kiwi Quintet
AMPLIFICATION
I’ve been using the Topping A90 desktop amp for all my testing so far, but now it’s time to check out some portable options::
With my POCO F5 phone’s headphone output, the sound is OK, but not great. It’s a bit cold and harsh sounding. The tiny Jade/FiiO JA11 dongle does a better job, but it’s still on the crisper side. I move on to the xDuoo Link2 Bal2, which has the same tonality but better resolution.
The THX Onyx, on the other hand, works very well. It’s authoritative and smooth, detailed and slightly warm. The Letshuoer DT03 sounds similar to the THX Onyx, but not as resolved. The Dragonfly Cobalt is different but great, very clean and certainly not adding any warmth.
Finally, the Chord Mojo sounds excellent—equal to, or better than, my desktop setup. It’s very relaxed and dynamic, nuanced and clean. It’s the best of the portable amps/sources I’ve tried, followed by the THX Onyx and Cobalt at a shared second place, and the DT03 on third place.
In conclusion, the 7Hz Timeless II sounds pretty good even with modest sources, but to really shine it needs (and deserves) a quality source.
CONCLUSION
The 7Hz Timeless II is a stellar planar magnetic single-driver IEM that sets a high standard for its category. The bass performance is exceptional—slightly elevated but never overpowering, delivering impressive texture and definition, complemented by a subtle, pleasing bloom. The midrange is beautifully balanced, with a gentle warmth that enhances the overall tonality. The treble is refined and delicate.
In short, the Timeless II is planar magnetic excellence. It delivers a clear, precise sound with natural warmth and a highly appealing character, making it suitable for all genres. Highly recommended.
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- Linsoul: 7hz Timeless II
- Amazon: 7hz Timeless II
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