TinHIFI T7 IEMs Review – Single Dynamic Compression Magic
TinHIFI T7 is a $199 USD pair of IEM In-Ear Monitors with a single dynamic driver at the core, here to set a new standard for what this price range should sound like. Today we will review the Tin T7 IEMs and see how it fits in the market of today.
Introduction
Tin HIFI is a popular manufacturer of Earphones from China, part of the main Chifi IEM scene, having produced some of the most popular IEM models for years in the entry-level range, including their Tin P1 Max II and Tin T2. They make their products available on Amazon, Aliexpress, Linsoul as well as other Hifi and Chifi sale channels.
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Product Link
Amazon – https://amzn.to/4a6qjzi
Aliexpress – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3jH72wZ
Build Quality And Design
TinHIFI T7 is a different IEM from what the company did in the past, following a new structure, new shape and new looks as well. T7 features five-axis CNC Machining, ultra-high vacuum deposition, and a 10mm ultra-linear gold-plated diaphragm driver at the core. Although the official website is rough at the edges in its wording, T7 has Dual Magnetic Circuits and an all-copper sound nozzle, with a hyperbolic acoustic cavity.
Cable is premium, and they come with an OFC or Oxygen Free Copper cable, 0.06/54C. This cable has interchangeable modular connectors, both 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm balanced. Besides this excellent cable, T7 also comes with a premium transport / storage case. I believe this is the first pair of IEMs that sport a gold plated diaphragm at the core, and this single dynamic driver is basically the highlight for T7. Cable is connected to the IEMS using an MMCX connector, which is a rare sight these days, but still modular nonetheless.
Spec wise, T7 has a 10mm dynamic driver, and an impedance of 22 OHMs, with a SPL of 112 dB, theoretically being very easy to drive. Rated power is 3mW and max THD is 1%, with an ebony wood panel for the shell.
Subjective Usage
Tin Hifi T7 has a unique fitting, it is a medium-insertion pair of earphones, but it needs a bit more, like warning to go for a deeper fit. This makes the fit somewhat light, they don’t have a very strong seal, and despite there being ventilation, they have some driver flex if you push hard on the IEMS or cover the port while inserting or taking them out of your ears.
Passive noise isolation is very strong, and T7 has between 20 and 25 dB of passive noise isolation, which is excellent. They leak very little, and while the shells are light and comfortable, the cable is quite heavy and thick, showing quality, and it is modular which is excellent. Overall, the transport case and large number of eartips, although a bit basic, will get you a good comfort if you tip roll.
Sound Quality
Pairings – I have paired the TinHIFI T7 with a collection of sources, FiiO K17, Audioengine HXL, Shanling Onix Beta XI2, Surfans F35 Music Player DAP, iBasso D17 Atheris, Burson Playmate 3, Rose Technics RT-5000, and Luxsin X9.
Although it has a theoretically low impedance, T7 is quite hard to drive and will push sources high if you use the SE cable, but with the balanced cable, it will be super easy to drive. It should be noted that it is sensitive to hissing and will easily show hissing and background noise with IEMS, a result of both the low impedance and high SPL.
Overall Signature – TinHIFI T7 sounds V-Shaped, dynamic, engaging and fun, with a colorful voicing, boofy somewhat strong bass, and a sharp, crisp treble with high energy. It is an excellent choice earphone for rock, EDM, Dubstep, Electronic, Pop and new music, but not my 1st choice for classical, orchestral or acoustic music in general, although it can work with those too well thanks to a strong instrument separation.
Bass – At the basse, we have the bass, which is somewhat boofy, strong, big, and natural in decay. T7 can paint a very relatable bass, which sounds natural, a bit sloppy, a bit long, but satisfying and real, with a full body. This bigger bass extends to the midrange, and it starts at about 30 Hz, which is excellent in this price range. Energy of the bass is strong right up from 40 Hz, which gives it a very natural presentation.
Midrange – T 7 has a crisp, vivid voicing, with a uniquely forward, in-your-face presentation of both male and female voices. This brings music to life and creates a feeling of liveliness, makes lyrics really easy to understand and easily reveals details and information that are otherwise not evident with other IEMs in the same price range. This is where I feel like it operates much higher than the price point would indicate, but it has a boutique, a bit unnatural signature that dips the lower midranger with a few narrow range dips, and also has a few narrow peaks in the upper midrange. They are hard to describe and seem to be resonance dips and peaks, likely connected to the unique copper + Alu body, and gold plated driver.
Treble – Top end is crisp, sharp and has a ton of energy, with T7 pushing life and energy into all music, perfect for rock, metal and new music, where you want to hear the treble. Treble energy peak is around 10 kHz, and starts at 8 kHz, with extension climbing as high as about 15 kHz.
Dynamics And Textures – T7 is a dynamic, punchy and vivid sounding pair of IEMS with excellent resolution and a somewhat evident texture. Dynamic Driver and a single DD at that is super cohesive, but it is a bit on the slower end of natural, so some textures feel sloppy, while treble has a slight metallic tinge / resonance which once again complements rock and EDM and metal a lot, but does not work as well for other styles, especially classical where it gives a bit too much metallic resonance to most acoustic instruments.
Loudness Saturation Gradient – T7 sounds better at higher volumes, as there the bass overcomes the midrange and treble brightness, creating a balanced and fun tuning. At lower volumes, it is quite sharp and neutral, as the marketing material of Tin HIFI describes them, which makes me think that they mostly wanted to describe them at a low-medium volume as that is where they have the lowest THD or distortion, but honestly even at high volumes, THD is not noticeably high, and you can push the volume safely up to 110 dB without any audible sonic degradation.
Soundstage – T7 creates a nice layering and strong separation, but a mostly natural, if even a bit intimate soundstage. This helps with certain styles like EDM and Rock that sound focused and like a “wall Of sound” while at lower volumes, it can sound a bit compressy and still wants to get a wall of sound, but you really cannot do that quietly. Overall, if you enjoy new music, you will be okay.
Value and Conclusion
Tin HIFI T7 tried to somewhat push cake and also cook and also eat it on their website, prompting T7 as if it was a 300 USD IEM priced at 200 USD, quoting their own words – which is not bad per se, but with how much is happening in the market of today, I believe that only a 3rd party would typically word things that way. Overall, T7 has excellent performance, but since they stole that expression, I’ll take one from my backpocket and say that T7 performs more like a boutique earphone with an entry-level price but midrange performance. Accessory list and build quality surely is uniquely good.
At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a boofy bass, vivid voicing and sharp treble, V-Shaped nice sound, strong separation and a great value, TinHIFI T7 is a great choice and remarkably interesting single DD Chifi IEM.
PROs
- Slightly loose fitting that doesn’t get uncomfortable
- Clean and crisp sound
- Great value
- Nice cable
- Excellent transport storage case
- Cohesive sound
- Dynamic and punchy
- Vivid, clean vocals
Cons
- Driver flex can be present
- A bit odd tuning, boutique as I’d call it
Product Link
Amazon – https://amzn.to/4a6qjzi
Aliexpress – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3jH72wZ
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Full Playlist used for this review
We listened to more songs than those named in this playlist, but those are excellent for identifying a sonic signature. I recommend trying most of the songs from this playlist, especially if you’re searching for new music! The playlists are different for Spotify, Tidal and Youtube, and based on the songs I enjoy and are available on each!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_cjBXGmwSHSdGcwuc_bKbBDGHL4QvYBu
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5J3oloz8Riy9LxEGenOjQ0?si=979ba4f082414be7
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/330fd544-8e5b-4839-bd35-676b2edbb3d5
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