Manufacturer independent

7Hz

China

Helped ignite the affordable planar-IEM boom with the 2021 Timeless, and delivered one of the most acclaimed value IEMs ever in the sub-$25 Salnotes Zero (co-tuned with reviewer Crinacle).

7Hz (often branded “Salnotes” on its budget line) is a Chinese in-ear monitor manufacturer known for high value-per-dollar IEMs spanning ultra-budget to mid-tier. It broke into wider recognition in 2021 with the Timeless, a 14.2mm planar-magnetic IEM that helped kick off the affordable “planar war,” and reached mainstream popularity with the sub-$25 Salnotes Zero, tuned in collaboration with reviewer Crinacle. The brand name references the ~7Hz theta brainwave frequency. Products are distributed globally through partners such as Linsoul, HiFiGo, and Shenzhen Audio rather than a large direct-sales operation.

At a glance

Type
Manufacturer
Headquarters
China
Price range
Budget
Makes / sells
in-ear monitors
Known for
planar magnetic IEMs, budget IEMs, dynamic driver IEMs, high value-per-dollar tuning
Website
the7hz.net

Notable products

  • 7Hz Timeless — 2021 14.2mm planar-magnetic IEM (~$220) that became a benchmark for affordable planar IEMs and helped spark the budget planar boom
  • 7Hz Salnotes Zero — Sub-$25 single-dynamic-driver IEM, widely praised for value; tuned with input from reviewer Crinacle
  • 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 — Updated 10mm dynamic-driver Zero collaboration with Crinacle
  • 7Hz Legato — Dual-dynamic-driver IEM
  • 7Hz Timeless II — Upgraded 14.5mm planar-magnetic successor to the original Timeless
  • 7Hz Dioko — Planar-magnetic IEM
  • 7Hz Aurora — Tribrid flagship IEM (~$399), top of the current lineup

Sources: Frieve Audio Review — 7Hz company profile · Linsoul Audio — 7Hz collection · Linsoul Audio — 7Hz Timeless (original) · Linsoul Audio — 7Hz Salnotes Zero · Linsoul Audio — 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 · The Headphone List — 7Hz Legato review · Headfonics — 7Hz Timeless II review