Thanks for the list suggestions! I was consulting HeadConcert.com’s IEM list too. Bookmarked your suggestions.
It’s less about loyalty and more about finding another set that will wow me, plus complement the FH3 (which are pleasing for my sense of sound + made a good impression being my first serious IEM). Watched Currawong’s review of FH7, among others, and the way he in particular described the FH7 strengths (especially instrument separation, placement/imaging) sounded appealing.
Love the Timeless, listen to a bit of everything but more on the edm/hip hop side. My Sundara just collects dust since I go it.
In what aspect?
You’ve forced me to revisit some timeless reviews. Haha. Noticed it’s on sale right now too.
What’s your amp/dac or dap setup for the timeless and do you run ‘em single ended or balanced?
Tempotec Sonata HD Pro single ended. I got the Fiio Ka3 to run balanced but I didn’t notice a significant difference in sound and I had issues with that amp so switched back.
Expanded search.
Now considering: Blessing 2, Blessing 2: Dusk, 7hz Timeless, KATO, FD5, FH7, Thieaudio Legacy 4, Raptgo Hook-X
Stretches: Sennheiser IE 600, Moondrop Variations
i think all thats legt is asking what do you like out of the FH3, heavy bass, the V signature, the clarity (because I’ve used them before and they are bassy but clear), or is it an extra factor like soundstage
It’s really the quality of the sub bass rumble while managing the clarity of, let’s say, a plucked guitar that got me with the FH3. The stage is a fun bonus when a certain track places a sound further outside my head.
I could be getting this wrong, but I think I like a bassy neutral, or mild V that doesn’t recess/veil the mids/vocals.
So here’s my experience and rec…
I found FD3 Pro inferior to FH3, and found both of them limited/problematic. FD5 absolutely blew my mind for how much further beyond its technical abilities are compared to anything else below $300(especially for FPS gaming)… but the treble is just too sharp for general use, even with a copper cable, so I can’t rec it unless you’re a hardcore FPS gamer.
FD7, this thing is a BEAST. BIG bass. Not as expansive, airy, or sharp as FD5, but all together there’s still plenty of air and space, lending to a certainly better sound. But it’s $599, too, so there’s that…
Today I opened up my Hook-X, and I really like these things. The treble resolution/detail is outstanding, and I’m hearing new details in music. Coming from Timeless(which I liked a lot before), Hook-X is a more pleasant sound, with no excessive treble issues. The treble and details are significantly better and quite accurate. It’s definitely bright, but doesn’t cross the line for me. Quite revealing, and addictive, treble. Bass levels are moderate/OK. There’s decent impact/kick, though I wish it had a little more meat. Depth and imaging are great. I think this is a super interesting, engaging, clear sound actually worth buying(for everyone), that lets you deeply explore more of the treble side of the Universe (you may not have known existed), while still offering moderate levels of bass, a good balance, and a modular cable, at only $240. It’s a more engaging, enjoyable sound than Oracle, and has way more detail and clarity than the Kanas Brothers and Starfield flavored IEMs.
B2 wasn’t for me, for sound or fit. L4 had a good, standard sound, but that’s all I got out of it. I like L3 more.
Thank you for the suggestion. I dig the unique driver configuration and modular cable on these. I didn’t know about the Hook X at all.
I guess my only hesitation would be some reports about QC issues. They sound like a winner otherwise, based on what others, including the guy I bought my FH3 from have said to date.
Think I’m leaning toward complementing my FH3 with either these or the Timeless.
Timeless v2 is rumoured to be released next month btw, I’d probably wait for that.
I think that stuff is all way overblown. I never worry about the QC talk. You have a warranty, and probably return policy. Ignore it. In all the IEMs I’ve had so far, the only QC issue was a dead channel on my FH3 cable, and I would never actually use that cheap cable anyway.
I am SUPER excited to see what 7Hz does next, ever since I got my Timeless! So hopefully that will be a reality soon : D I certainly prefer the warmer, bassier balance of Timeless over the cooler, more detailed Hook-X, but that detail is unbelievably good… Hook-X even has more detail than FD7, but as a whole FD7 is some levels above both of them, with great bass, balance and detail.
Also to note, I tried FHE, and I’m kind of like, “where is all of that huge bass…??”.
Wanted to check in here to tip my hat to you. Got the Hook-X, and like most, I am HOOKED. You got the ball rolling on my deep research for this set.
I’ve forgotten about other IEMs I was considering buying, though HBB did argue the 7hz Dioko (Timeless V2) would complement the Hook-X, if someone owned both.
The only thing I had to do to unleash the Hook-X was switch to a tip that had a deeper insertion. The stock tips were too shallow. Once I switched tips, ran the Hook-X 4.4mm into my trusty hip dac, I rode off into the sunset.
I suspect some people who are underwhelmed by the Hook-X may need a deeper tip.
Can’t call it this, unless it sounds better than Timeless ;p
If you picked up the Dioko or are going to, I’d be interested in your thoughts.
Definitely passing haha. I want to see something going in the opposite direction of price(and performance, obv). Not the more affordable and weirder direction.
I’d recommend the seekreal airship since it pretty much does everything you need but better than the FD5 at $180. Haven’t heard the FH7 but you can’t go wrong with the airship’s tuning (and it’s alot cheaper).
Thanks for the rec. Watched a video on that set. Looks solid.
Pulled the trigger on the Raptgo Hook-X recently and been enjoying that very much.
Will add it to the list of DD considerations: KATO, IE600, AirShip, FD5, FD7.
I took the same route. Highly recommended!
Are you sure? Are you crazy?? Otherwise definitely FH7! 