7Hz Timeless II Review: Planar Magnetic IEMs for Everyone

The 7Hz Timeless II has 10,000+ reviews on JD.com with a 4.5/5 rating at ¥799 ($110). Users praise the planar magnetic driver’s lightning-fast transient response and exceptional detail. The main complaints are the large shell fit and basic stock cable. Conclusion: ✅ Worth Buying — the best entry-point into planar magnetic IEMs, offering flagship-level speed and clarity at a mid-range price.

Introduction

The 7Hz Timeless II is the follow-up to the original Timeless, which became a landmark product in the Chi-Fi IEM market. Like its predecessor, the Timeless II uses a planar magnetic driver — a technology typically found in full-size headphones — in an IEM form factor. This gives it fundamentally different characteristics from traditional dynamic or balanced armature IEMs: faster transient response, lower distortion, and unique bass articulation.

At ¥799 ($110), the Timeless II brings planar magnetic technology to a more accessible price point. It competes with the S12 Pro (another planar), FiiO FD11 (single dynamic), and Moondrop Aria 2 (single dynamic) in the ¥700-1,000 sweet spot. With 10,000+ reviews and a 4.5/5 rating on JD.com, it has become one of the most popular planar IEMs in China.

Specifications

Spec	7Hz Timeless II	S12 Pro	FiiO FD11	Moondrop Aria 2
Driver Type	14.5mm planar magnetic	14.2mm planar magnetic	10mm DLC dynamic	10mm LCP dynamic
Impedance	16Ω	18Ω	32Ω	32Ω
Sensitivity	106dB	104dB	110dB	120dB
Frequency Response	20Hz-20kHz	20Hz-20kHz	20Hz-20kHz	20Hz-20kHz
Cable	4-strand OFC (2-pin 0.78mm)	4-strand silver-plated (MMCX)	4-strand OFC (+2-pin 0.78mm)	4-strand OFC (+2-pin 0.78mm)
Shell	CNC aluminum + resin	CNC aluminum	Stainless steel	Resin (hand-painted)
Weight (per side)	9.2g	8.5g	7.8g	8.0g
Price (JD.com)	¥799 ($110)	¥899 ($124)	¥599 ($82)	¥699 ($96)
JD Rating	4.5/5	4.4/5	4.4/5	4.5/5

Design and Build Quality

The Timeless II uses a CNC-machined aluminum alloy faceplate with a clear resin body that shows the planar magnetic driver inside. The build quality is excellent — precise machining with no sharp edges or rough seams. The nozzles are metal with a lip for secure ear tip attachment, though they’re on the wider side, which may be tight for users with smaller ear canals.

The shell is relatively large — a necessity for the planar driver. While the ergonomics are improved over the original Timeless, users with smaller ears may find the fit challenging for long listening sessions. The stock cable is a basic 4-strand oxygen-free copper cable in a 2-pin 0.78mm configuration — functional but below the quality of the IEMs themselves.

“The build is gorgeous — the clear body with the planar magnetic grid visible inside is beautiful. The aluminum faceplate feels premium. But these are BIG — if you have small ears, the fit might be an issue for long sessions.” — JD.com user

Performance

Planar magnetic speed is immediately apparent. Cymbals, drum hits, and plucked strings have a crisp attack and clean decay that dynamic drivers struggle to match at this price. The bass is tight and articulate rather than bloated — kick drums punch with texture and definition. The soundstage is wide with good depth, though imaging precision is slightly behind the very best multi-driver IEMs at twice the price.

The Timeless II has a mild sub-bass boost with a natural midrange and controlled treble. It’s more balanced than the original Timeless, addressing the slight upper-mid peak that some found fatiguing. The planar driver responds well to EQ, making it versatile for different tuning preferences.

“The speed of this driver is addictive. Double bass drums in metal tracks sound crystal clear, not muddy. Cymbal crashes have that ‘air’ and decay that cheap drivers can’t reproduce. For ¥799, this is planar magic.” — JD.com user

User Reviews by Theme

Theme 1: Performance/Quality

“Coming from the Moondrop Aria 2, the Timeless II is noticeably faster and more detailed. Bass is tighter, treble is airier, and the soundstage is wider. You can hear the planar difference immediately.” — JD.com user 💡 Users consistently highlight the planar driver’s speed and detail as a clear upgrade over similarly priced dynamic driver IEMs.

Theme 2: Durability

“Daily use for 4 months — no driver failure, no channel imbalance, no loose MMCX (2-pin connection holds well). The aluminum faceplate is scratch-resistant. Solid build.” — JD.com user 💡 The build quality holds up well over time, with no widespread reliability concerns reported.

Theme 3: Value for Money

“This is the best $110 you can spend in audio. Previously, planar IEMs cost $300+. The Timeless II brings planar performance to a price where anyone can experience it.” — JD.com user 💡 Users universally praise the value proposition — it democratizes planar magnetic technology.

Theme 4: Common Complaints

“The stock cable feels cheap — thin, tangles easily, and the pre-formed ear hooks are stiff. I replaced it with an aftermarket cable within a week. Factor that into your budget.” — JD.com user “The shells are large and heavy. After 2 hours, my ears start to feel pressure. If comfort is your priority, try the smaller Moondrop Aria 2 instead.” — JD.com user 💡 Stock cable quality and shell size are the two main criticisms from JD.com reviewers.

Purchase Recommendations

✅ Worth Buying: The 7Hz Timeless II is the best entry point into planar magnetic IEMs. Essential for detail-oriented listeners, metal/rock fans, and anyone who values transient speed.

💰 Premium Pick: For better fit and included cable quality, the S12 Pro at ¥899 ($124) offers a more refined package with a silver-plated cable and slightly smaller shells.

⚠️ Budget Warning: If you prioritize comfort over driver technology or have small ear canals, the Moondrop Aria 2 at ¥699 ($96) offers a smaller, lighter shell with excellent dynamic driver tuning.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Excellent planar magnetic speed and detail	Large shells may not fit small ears
Tight, articulate bass	Basic stock cable quality
Wide soundstage with good depth	Heavier than dynamic IEMs
Improved tuning over original Timeless	No carrying case included
Premium CNC aluminum build	Wide nozzles (may need smaller tips)
Good EQ flexibility	Less forgiving of poor source quality
Affordable entry to planar technology	Not as resolving as $300+ planar options
2-pin cable connector (standard)	Non-detachable nozzle mesh

FAQ

Q1: Do planar IEMs need a powerful source? The Timeless II has 16Ω impedance and 106dB sensitivity — it runs adequately from phones and basic dongles. However, they scale significantly with a better DAC/amp — the planar driver benefits from clean power and current delivery.

Q2: How do the Timeless II compare to the original Timeless? The Timeless II has a more balanced tuning (less upper-mid peak), slightly smaller shells, and improved cable integration. The core planar driver performance is similar — the II is a refinement, not a revolution.

Q3: Are these good for gaming? Excellent for gaming — the fast transient response and wide soundstage provide good positional audio in FPS games. Footsteps and directional cues are clear and well-separated.

Q4: What ear tips work best? Spinfit CP100+ or CP145 tips are popular choices that improve comfort with the large shells. Foam tips (Comply or memory foam) can help with seal if the fit is loose due to shell size.

Q5: What cable should I upgrade to? A 4-strand or 8-strand silver-plated copper cable (like the NiceHCK 8-core) improves both aesthetics and feel. The 2-pin 0.78mm connection is universal, so a wide range of aftermarket cables work.