TIN HIFI T7
RRP: $199
Single Dynamic Driver
RRP: $199
Single Dynamic Driver
Introduction
Anyone familiar with my reviews and general impressions over the last few years will know I have a huge sweet spot for the humble single dynamic driver – there is something very addictive about the cohesive nature of the sound and how reminiscent it is of 2-channel systems. I believe it is also to do with how I’ve mostly experienced music for numerous years decades… the old buds that once came with Walkmans back in the late 80s and 90s, on-ear headphones, over-ear headphones, and again that 2-channel experience – especially when sat in that magical sweet spot. My curiosity for single DDs really does know no bounds, and I’m also on the hunt to hear various favours, at both ends of the price scale.
I have been aware of TIN HIFI for quite a while as they are certainly a popular brand in the community and most known for single drivers. The T7 caught my attention on release as it was pegged as their flagship and initial impressions I had read were very positive. The opportunity then arose from Linsoul to review a set and I was of course delighted to jump – thanks as always to Lili and the Linsoul team.
I usually link to the review provider but the T7 isn’t appearing on the Linsoul website at the moment – it is however available on various other stores, google as always…
About Me
I worked in the consumer electronics industry for a large part of my career and have been passionate about music and technology for as long as I can remember. Even as a small child, I would ask my mum to put records on the turntable (Abba, Supertramp, and Planxty if anyone is curious).
My music preferences are very varied—anything from classical to techno, indie rock to jazz, and everything in between. In my early teens, I was a big fan of bands like The Cure and The Smiths (still am all these years later). I was bitten by the dance music bug in the early 90s, becoming passionate about genres like techno, house, trance, and IDM. I amassed a huge collection of records and CDs, DJing at various parties and occasional pirate radio station slots. Although it remained a hobby, I still own thousands of records, and my trusty Technics 1210 turntables are still going strong 30 years later—a testament to Japanese engineering!
I am not a professional reviewer, just an enthusiast who loves music and the devices we use to listen to it. Over the last few years, I have become obsessed with IEMs and related gear. I've bought and sold many, and kept a select few—ranging from the $20 Moondrop Chu to kilobuck sets like the Aroma Jewel, Oriolus' infamous 'Traillii,' UM Mentor, and various beloved single DDs. Through this exploration, I like to share my thoughts with the Head-Fi community, hoping they might be useful to others. However, remember that this is a highly subjective hobby, and your mileage may vary.
While I've been fortunate to own and try a variety of the TOTL sets on the market, I honestly enjoy lower-priced sets as much - especially as the gap continues to close, many much cheaper sets now offering significant value and further driving diminishing returns.
I’ll admit I do suffer from happy ears… rarely do I find an IEM that I genuinely dislike. At this stage, there are very few truly “bad” IEMs; it almost always comes down to individual preference. Since I listen to such a wide variety of genres, I nearly always find synergy with some part of my library. Where my scores reflect deductions is in areas like value for money, poor accessories, or an uncomfortable fit - things that genuinely detract from the overall experience, rather than subjective tuning differences.
Specifications:
Driver Unit: 10mm Ultra-Linear Gold-Plated Diaphragm
Sensitivity: 112 ± 2dB @1kHz 0.126V
Frequency Response: 10Hz–20kHz
Maximum Distortion: ≤1% @1kHz 0.126V
Impedance: 22Ω ± 15%
There is a lot of detail on how this IEM was developed on the TIN HIFI website HERE should you wish to dive into that detail.
Unboxing
A very nice unboxing experience that feels like something above the price point.
Anyone familiar with my reviews and general impressions over the last few years will know I have a huge sweet spot for the humble single dynamic driver – there is something very addictive about the cohesive nature of the sound and how reminiscent it is of 2-channel systems. I believe it is also to do with how I’ve mostly experienced music for numerous years decades… the old buds that once came with Walkmans back in the late 80s and 90s, on-ear headphones, over-ear headphones, and again that 2-channel experience – especially when sat in that magical sweet spot. My curiosity for single DDs really does know no bounds, and I’m also on the hunt to hear various favours, at both ends of the price scale.
I have been aware of TIN HIFI for quite a while as they are certainly a popular brand in the community and most known for single drivers. The T7 caught my attention on release as it was pegged as their flagship and initial impressions I had read were very positive. The opportunity then arose from Linsoul to review a set and I was of course delighted to jump – thanks as always to Lili and the Linsoul team.
I usually link to the review provider but the T7 isn’t appearing on the Linsoul website at the moment – it is however available on various other stores, google as always…
About Me
I worked in the consumer electronics industry for a large part of my career and have been passionate about music and technology for as long as I can remember. Even as a small child, I would ask my mum to put records on the turntable (Abba, Supertramp, and Planxty if anyone is curious).
My music preferences are very varied—anything from classical to techno, indie rock to jazz, and everything in between. In my early teens, I was a big fan of bands like The Cure and The Smiths (still am all these years later). I was bitten by the dance music bug in the early 90s, becoming passionate about genres like techno, house, trance, and IDM. I amassed a huge collection of records and CDs, DJing at various parties and occasional pirate radio station slots. Although it remained a hobby, I still own thousands of records, and my trusty Technics 1210 turntables are still going strong 30 years later—a testament to Japanese engineering!
I am not a professional reviewer, just an enthusiast who loves music and the devices we use to listen to it. Over the last few years, I have become obsessed with IEMs and related gear. I've bought and sold many, and kept a select few—ranging from the $20 Moondrop Chu to kilobuck sets like the Aroma Jewel, Oriolus' infamous 'Traillii,' UM Mentor, and various beloved single DDs. Through this exploration, I like to share my thoughts with the Head-Fi community, hoping they might be useful to others. However, remember that this is a highly subjective hobby, and your mileage may vary.
While I've been fortunate to own and try a variety of the TOTL sets on the market, I honestly enjoy lower-priced sets as much - especially as the gap continues to close, many much cheaper sets now offering significant value and further driving diminishing returns.
I’ll admit I do suffer from happy ears… rarely do I find an IEM that I genuinely dislike. At this stage, there are very few truly “bad” IEMs; it almost always comes down to individual preference. Since I listen to such a wide variety of genres, I nearly always find synergy with some part of my library. Where my scores reflect deductions is in areas like value for money, poor accessories, or an uncomfortable fit - things that genuinely detract from the overall experience, rather than subjective tuning differences.
Specifications:
Driver Unit: 10mm Ultra-Linear Gold-Plated Diaphragm
Sensitivity: 112 ± 2dB @1kHz 0.126V
Frequency Response: 10Hz–20kHz
Maximum Distortion: ≤1% @1kHz 0.126V
Impedance: 22Ω ± 15%
There is a lot of detail on how this IEM was developed on the TIN HIFI website HERE should you wish to dive into that detail.
Unboxing
A very nice unboxing experience that feels like something above the price point.
Accessories
A good selection of tips bundled which include a selection of silicone and foam in a variety of sizes to fit most if not all ears… I’ve noted before my own rather large ear canals, especially my right ear which typically means I don’t use any stock tips!
A good selection of tips bundled which include a selection of silicone and foam in a variety of sizes to fit most if not all ears… I’ve noted before my own rather large ear canals, especially my right ear which typically means I don’t use any stock tips!
Case
I like the case – it has a premium look and feel and a decent size to store the T7. It does however miss that net to store bits and bobs – this is something I’ve noted before as a small frustration for me as I always like to pop things like spare tips in, especially when still experimenting with various options. Also, I find the zip can be a bit temperamental to open and close.
I like the case – it has a premium look and feel and a decent size to store the T7. It does however miss that net to store bits and bobs – this is something I’ve noted before as a small frustration for me as I always like to pop things like spare tips in, especially when still experimenting with various options. Also, I find the zip can be a bit temperamental to open and close.
Cable
A nice cable too – not too thin or think and behaves well. There is a tidy modular system to switch between 3.5mm and 4.4mm and the cable terminates to MMCX.
A nice cable too – not too thin or think and behaves well. There is a tidy modular system to switch between 3.5mm and 4.4mm and the cable terminates to MMCX.
Design and Fit
The shells are very small and the ergonomic design feel comfortable in my ears even for longer sessions. The nozzle is made from copper, with the inner surroundings then from aluminium – this matt black finish looks very premium and presumably quite resistant to scratches. The outer side is an ebony wood finish with a polished and protective layer – a right pain in the butt to photograph and capture the wood finish!
