7HZ Legato - Smooth Operator

Many thanks to Linsoul Audio and 7Hz for providing the Legato. For more info click here:
www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-...
Timecodes:
00:00 Intro and Close Up
00:35 Not a lean Harman
00:55 Easy to Drive
02:58 The Exception
04:18 Sound
04:36 Basshead Not Basshead
09:00 Mids
12:04 Treble
13:25 Stage

[@fiddlix]

Paul, a fantastic review. The Tone Deaf Monk was the only other reviewer I heard that specifically mentioned the power requirements of this set. My experience has been when you shoot the juice to it, this app really comes alive.

[@PaulWasabii]

Normally I would say it scales well, but in this case, it is more like a light switch. There is a point you need to hit to wake it up and then you once you hear it, hard to listen to it at lower volume or lower power. Ironically, it behaves like Michael's C3 that he did for me. I didn't get it until I turned the dial to the right and it projects out. Very binary like Legato.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

yeah bois

[@honeyblunt5150]

Get Lucky is a great reference point, nice to not hear the same 5 songs mentioned in each video like some reviews. I really like your analytical breakdown of the expectations vs reality when it comes to the strengths and weaknesses of these offerings

[@PaulWasabii]

I am usually at the other end, people ask why I mentioned random pop songs. Get Lucky is a popular test track. But on Legato, you have to find tracks that are aligned to how its tuned.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

its a really high ranked setup indeed sound very pleasing regardless player/usage

[@giannisapostolopoulos9217]

Paul this is the most 'to the point' review I've seen with regard to the Legato so cudos! In other news there is a new Kiwi Ears set out with 2 dd and 2 BA for close to 100 monies i'd really like to know your thoughts about!

[@PaulWasabii]

Thank you. Me too on that new Kiwi Ears. I should be getting one, but maybe a couple weeks out as Linsoul is on holiday until mid-week this week. I haven't quite figured out their pattern of the time between reservation cards and when they have them in their warehouse to ship.

[@alp786]

The legato needs to be driven via a powerful DAC or DAP and it's best heard via a balanced 4.4 cable.Give it a try and sounds good across all music genres.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yep, solid advice on those portables that have more power on balanced out.

[@RealSykes]

I've never owned a pair of quality IEM's and this recently popped up on my radar as a killer budget set. I don't own a DAC/AMP and while I see the value in getting one, not keen on diving all in out of the gate. Do you think it's worth getting these and just driving direct from mobile device, portable, etc. And then at some point get a DAC/AMP?

[@PaulWasabii]

Legato actually needs more power. Just as a starter set, the new BLON Z300 is one, Kiwi Ears Cadenza, or SIMGOT EA500 if you want to jump into a more expensive model.

[@theallseeingeye9388]

Id suggest a LG V series mobile phone.

[@RealSykes]

@@theallseeingeye9388 As much as I appreciate the suggestion, I already own a decent phone and not keen on buying one just for a dedicated dac. I also want to use my IEM's on other devices like my Steam Deck. At a minimum I plan to get the Apple Dongle and keep looking for a decent DAC/AMP.

[@dougmorato]

Nice review! Have you had the opportunity to compare these to Fatfreq Maestro Mini? I already own the Mini and I’d like to know if it’s worth it getting Legato as well.

[@PaulWasabii]

I don't have the Mini but I believe Timmy at Gizaudio said no.

[@davidcoons89]

I’ve got both. I’d say the legato is a much more laid back and less energetic listen. Depends on if that’s up your alley but the FF Maestro Mini is a different tuning altogether.

[@iDTecKt]

@@davidcoons89 I listen to drum and bass etc, is the Maestro mini worth it over this Legato? i will be using it on my phone with a small Dac

[@davidcoons89]

@@iDTecKt the FFMM do take a reasonable amount of power to drive. Nothing excessive or crazy but you may find yourself wanting a small dingle at least for proper listening volume and headroom. Depends on your devices and listening levels and preferences etc. The maestro mini are absolutely hands down the better iem tonally and definitely technically. Legato are truly pretty subpar even at their price. That said you’re not going to be getting four times the perceived value over the legato with the Minis. I would legit say I think it’s literally over twice as good as the Legato tho. Best wishes with whatever set(s) you end up with. I don’t mean to say that the Legato are terrible or anything, I just think there are far better examples of a well done basshead sound sig and better values of other styles of tuning at the same price as the legato so I don’t see them as offering any real value. In fact the knot reason I haven’t sold my set is bc I like the cable and case they came with and use them even tho I don’t use the IEMs themselves. Best wishes and happy listening bro!

[@kontrolenthusiast1099]

Do the HBB Z300 do the same thing a fraction of the price of the Legato? I'm a higher volume listener and am pretty happy with unknown Canpur Joyful 1&1 DD & Ba, (HZsound Heartmirror DD, E-Audio Ba). Only Hi-Fri Audio reviewed and graphed it, can you take a look?

[@PaulWasabii]

Not quite, Legato has a lot more bass. If the price of Legato is not within your budget, then Z300 is a nice one. Legato is a bit more expensive and also needs to be paired with an amp of some kind. Z300 is more of a general plug-and-play set.

[@mishiro6170]

I have the opera factory/kbear os1 pro which you reviewed a while back, is this a good upgrade? I keep hearing stuff like the legato is more on quantity and not quality, which makes me worry because I feel the same for my os1 pros... Like I know there is big bass but I just feel like it's lacking something (the slam perhaps? idk) Can you think of other basshead iems within like the 100$ price range too? I feel like fatfreq iems is the only real basshead upgrade, but that cost way beyond my budget.

[@PaulWasabii]

Legato is smooth bass, not slam. KZ Castor black version has some slam to it and cheap. KBEAR Rosefinch is another one that is big bass. Juzear Clear also but up there in price.

[@xeruskun]

I'm getting dejavu from the title of the video...seems like I've seen it somewhere but in another IEM..

[@PaulWasabii]

You are correct, I did have another title in my head and opted for the safer choice. I typically spend too much time thinking about titles and I edited myself on this one. I hang my head in shame.

[@abhishekbhardwaj7764]

Hi Paul, Old subscriber here...I want to know your recommendations for best iem under 50$..your pick please ...want to upgrade KZ ESX 10th anniversary edition (after your recommendations as it has widest soundstage and great sub-bass).

[@PaulWasabii]

There are a few but the recent KZ D-Fi rolled back the bass a bit, ZVX has a bit more. Most of the recommended under $50 sets end up in the Harman gang like Kiwi Ears Cadenza or Tangzu Wan'er. Both good picks. I like the Blon Z300 too, HBB knows how to do a fun set with a nice bass presence. My first thought after ESX, try either ZVX which is a different driver, tighter or Kiwi Ears Cadenza and hear what the most popular tuning sounds like at that price point. Or wait for the next KZ model, not sure what is next.

[@abhishekbhardwaj7764]

@@PaulWasabii thanks Paul, you are the best

[@chinmayrasam]

Will the Poco F5 be able to drive this? It has a 3.5mm jack and Hi Res Audio support.

[@PaulWasabii]

I have no actual idea but you can watch other reviews, most people said the same, it needs more power than your phone will do. It will sound ok, but people aren't looking for ok at $100usd.

[@chinmayrasam]

@@PaulWasabii how much should I spend on a DAC? Another thing. One big phone reviewer mentioned that he was able to drive Moondrop blessing 2 directly from the Poco F5 without any issues and they sounded great. Considering that Blessing 2 is way more expensive, the Legato should not be an issue. That's what my layman thinking tells me. Am I Wrong?

[@eloy5808]

​@@chinmayrasamyou are wrong When a unit requires more power, a phone might not be able to fully drive it to get the sound that it can give It is not about the price

[@amanieux]

6 months later (an eternity in chifi :) ) is it still a good pick for rumbly bass + clean mids ? or is there now something you like more ? thanks

[@PaulWasabii]

Legato is such a hard one as I read all the reviews and see people struggling to find the pairing. I think a safer set is that XSL X-One but there are a couple of tunings. One is bassier than the other. I'd EQ that over Legato which doesn't have the impact. I sent my Legato to Mike Bruce and he gave it a quick no. The tuning is really a preference on that one.

[@amanieux]

I tried the xks x one it kacked trebble abd even with michael bruce mod it was still too boomy for my taste

[@choydeliverer7162]

CCA Hm20 vs Legato, which one would you prefer?

[@PaulWasabii]

I'd prefer Legato but probably harder to drive and harder to get tips, source, etc right. Cool set, but you can read reviews on it, some people had success, some never found the right balance.

[@choydeliverer7162]

Thankss, thats fine with me. It would also force me to find my first dac/amp. Thinking of getting the moondrop dawn pro or the dc03 pro

[@choydeliverer7162]

Update: Finally got the Legato, changed the stock accessories with the Nicehck BlackCat cable and Moondrop spring tips. With an ESS chip Shanling UA4 dongle, it is now my favorite set to listen

[@user-fh4zd1wq6f]

Жунгачу

[@peterchios9637]

Simply use Fiio Module for portable power.Use Dac at home.Problem solved unless you like wired ones for portable use then you wont get the power they deserve. (SHINE ON 💎) 🎼☮️👊🇨🇦

[@PaulWasabii]

Right, it needs some juice to shine as you say.

[@choydeliverer7162]

is the Moondrop Dawn Pro enough to power the Legato?

[@peterchios9637]

This is a hope I can help comment like I said in past comment I use the Fiio Module and those Legato sound brilliant. (KEEP SHINNING 💎) 🎼☮️👊

[@choydeliverer7162]

@@peterchios9637 what model of Fiio dac do you use for the legato?

[@peterchios9637]

@choydeliverer7162 It's the UTWUS5....I also have UTWS3 I prefer the 5 for a few updated things can't go wrong with the 3 either its awsome as well. 🎼☮️👊

[@The_Theist_Scientist]

What a shame, I should have bought the 7hz Legato instead of the $1,300 Sony IER fcking Z1R as my basshead and saved money

[@PaulWasabii]

Legendary set and always a used market for it too. I think some people like the sound, hate the fit so some sets float around until they find their match.