HISENIOR MEGA7: A Paradigm Of A Modern Neutral Tuning

HISENIOR is an audio company that became one of the most sought after by audio enthusiasts and audio professionals alike as they offer some of the well-tuned sets with excellent craftsmanship on their product line-up. Their highly-popular MEGA5EST is the testament of their success that its tuning and its overall sound quality strongly influences the modern-style of neutral tuning derived from a modified Diffuse Field target. And now, I have their latest midrange flagship model that will be the main feature of this product review, The HISENIOR MEGA7.

The HISENIOR MEGA7 is an IEM earphone with hybrid driver configuration that incorporates two types of transducers, a dynamic driver and a balanced armature driver. The drivers that were implemented inside consisted of a single dynamic driver and six balanced armature drivers sourced from different known audio solutions. The dynamic driver that was applied here is a 10mm dual-chambered biocellulose diaphragm which also known as composite paper cone diaphragm known for their durability and rigidity with some good moisture resistance and offers better damping for producing more deeper, reverberating and natural sounding bass that allows sub bass depth reach up to 5Hz, and it was supported with a dual Sonion 37AP series BA receivers and another dual Sonion BA driver, E50DT which is a wide range tweeter for a full, clear and clean midrange that still retains the clarity and almost lifelike-tonal colour on vocals and instruments, and a Knowles RAB full range BA driver (either its a standard 32257 series or the latest or more premium 32066) which is known for its power efficiency, precision and wide range output for better clarity and detail on its high frequency. These drivers are then connected in a 4-way crossover passive acoustic conduit for a precise, layered and pure sound separation that greatly reduces distortion. Another feature of this IEM was its APRM (Air Pressure Release Mechanism) that allows the release of some excess build-up air pressure in the acoustic chamber to reduce listening fatigue as it also retains the elasticity of its overall sound quality.

The drivers along with its other components are encapsulated in a skin-friendly, hypoallergenic imported resin shell which is in a medium size with a UIEM-type design profile. On its top, there’s a large vent hole that let escape a plethora of air pressure that was accumulated due to its high performance dynamic driver, while on its faceplate, it has some glittery-like finish on its surface with the an embedded design of the latest logo of HISENIOR in a silver colour. The cavity base part, there’s a stabilising fin to insert on the conch area for a firmer clinch that allows better fitting, while it has a metal alloy nozzle in a medium length for better insertion in our ear canal. Like all the current HISENIOR models, it still applies a 0.78mm 2-pin connector as its interlocking mechanism for ease of attaching and unfastening with its detachable cable and also, it is pretty stable.

The MEGA7 has a premium stock cable in which HISENIOR marketed it as The ORCA upgraded cable that can be purchased separately. The build quality of this cable is quite excellent as it has a thick, supple and entangle-resistance that it has a 4-core structure 24AWG 6N-UPOCC copper litz wiring with a PVC insulator sheath. The quality of the cable and its material inside ensures a seamless audio signal transmission for clearer and pure audio quality without any distortion or interference as I don't encounter any microphonic effects at all. While it doesn't have a modular termination feature, HISENIOR takes a different approach on this one as it offers an adapter for 4.4mm balanced to 3.5mm single ended.

Regarding its wearability, with its UIEM-type shell structure and its lightweight, it offers a comfortable fitting that allows me to wear it for a long listening without encountering an ear/listening fatigue (I was even able to wear it for over 5 hours straight while browsing on random music streaming). With a secure fit as it latches firmly on my lughole, I was able to achieve that excellent passive noise isolation as it blocks unwanted noises from the outside surroundings.

In regards to its product packaging, just as we will expect for a midrange model, the MEGA7 is stuffed with quality accessories inside of its packaging box. All the contents were organised and placed with their own compartment.

These are following contents inside of its packaging box:

• Pair of HISENIOR MEGA7 transducer earpieces

• Orca Premium Cable

• Orca’s Adapter Cable (4.4mm to 3.5mm)

• Manatee leather storage case

• One (1) pair of memory foam eartips

• Three (3) pair of “Smooth” silicone eartips in different standard sizes (S,M,L)

• Three (3) pair of “Balanced” silicone eartips in different standard sizes (S,M,L)

• Cable clip

• Microfibre wipe cloth

• Cable organiser

• Paperwork like user manual, warranty card and QC stub

When it comes to amplification requirements, the HISENIOR MEGA7 is fairly sensitive that it can be driven with a standard gain output from a typical power amplifier. An optimal setting, it is sufficiently powered that it sounds very dynamic with a good headroom that prevents any instances of clippings or distortions.

The MEGA7 has a refined neutral sound signature that somewhat aligns with the modern take of DF-style of tuning target. And to be honest, this is one of my favourite sound profiles as I believe that it is the closest thing for a reference on having a precise and accurate audio reproduction for a balanced, natural and almost flat sound. It has some slight emphasis on low frequency and then a more linear midrange and high frequency presentation.

LOWS/BASS:

Just as I expected from DF-style sound profile, it has an adequate bass presence, definitely not prominent but it has enough presence just to reproduce the striking, rumble and body on the bass-clef instruments and low-octave male vocals, while maintaining that control and precise bass attack. And sorry bassheads, this tuning isn't exactly what you are looking for as it doesn't have that boomy and vigorous bass attack that adds more warmth and punch on the basslines and grooves.

• This one has a balanced bass presentation as it has sub bass presence and a sufficient mid bass texture.

• With such an audible presence of its sub bass section, it is capable to deliver a deep reverberating sensation that were produced from certain instruments from both electronic and strings such as synthesisers, drum machines, bass guitars and double-basses.

• The mid bass texture of this one is fairly satisfactory enough to give a body and a bit of warmth on bass-clef instruments and low-octave male vocals, but in some occurrences, it might lack a bit of volume and punch particularly if you want that thunderous impact of bass kick drum.

• When it comes to instruments, a rasping sound from double-basses, a bit hollow and resonant sound from bass guitars and a thudding yet soft kick bass drum, and then on male vocals like bass and bass-baritones, while they deep resonance from their singing voice, it seems that it is lacking a bit of dark tone and texture for a full-bodied and dense sound.

MIDRANGE:

The midrange is firmly neutral, with a rather balanced texture as it has enough warmth and energy along with a clear, clean and transparent presentation. With a balanced texture, it seems that it might not give that rich and fullness on some male vocals and few instruments, it still retains an almost accurate timbre and tonality on most vocals and instruments.

• While male vocals somewhat a bit lacking of the volume and depth as I noticed on some sub-types of baritones and tenors, they still sound smooth, light and pure as the baritones, most likely light and lyric ones has mild, sweet and mellow sound, tenors have a graceful and juicy with a bit of dazzling sound, and countertenors have an agile, light and tender sound from their falsettos.

• On the female vocal part, contraltos appears to have less vocal weight on the to give that distinctive chesty register voice as they sound less hefty and a bit lean, while mezzo-sopranos have a musky and glowing sound from their voice, and then the sopranos have that silky, creamy and ethereal voice as they project their high register to sound more airy and expansive, albeit it doesn't seem sound brilliant and less thrilling on coloratura sopranos (check out Diana Damrau’s Mozart: Zauberflöte’s Der Höller Rache to prove my point).

• In reference on to instruments, woodwinds like concert flutes, piccolos, clarinets and saxophones, they have less brilliance and intense that they should sound like as they sound a bit mellow but they still have light, graceful and ethereal, whereas the brasses such as trumpet, trombones and horn, they sound full, round and ponderous respectively.

• String instruments as on how they sound, guitars seems to have full-bodied and rich sound, the violins have a sensuous and full sound and cellos have a sonorous and gentle sound, while on percussion, snares sound snappy and crackling, tom-toms have a mellow resonance sound, field drums have that smooth silky sound and kettledrums have that velvety sound on every stroke.

• The piano seems to have a rich, full and sweet tone on them that makes them a balanced sounding.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

The tuning of the treble of this one is smooth, even and yet moderately airy which is the usual trait of a DF-style of neutral tuning but HISENIOR takes some slight adjustment on this that makes it a bit distinctive by having a slightly accentuated brilliance treble section. That makes this treble tuning more friendly towards treble-sensitive folk.

• There's a noticeable slight bump from the upper mids up to the presence section to give some sense of clarity and definition for the attack on instruments and articulation on vocals.

• With its smooth tuning, there's not a hint of sibilance, piercing and harshness that makes it more pleasant for a long listening session especially if you are treble-sensitive.

• That bump somewhere in the brilliance section somehow gives that shimmer and sparkle.

• On the instruments that were notated on the treble staff, cymbals sound more lustrous, hi-hats have a crisp, warm and snappy sound, celestas have pure and mellow sound and glockenspiels have a lustrous and bell-like sound.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING & OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

The MEGA7 is absolutely a technical set that was its main strength as its selling point aside from being a reference neutral sound IEM. This aspect shows that HISENIOR seriously takes some time on working to improve it further that makes it even more capable to delineate every facet of its overall technical performance.

• Its perceived soundstage is quite spacious with my aural perception as it has a good extension on its lateral span from left channel to right channel, a good height reach on how I hear those sources, and then an immersive depth on the distance of instrument placement from front to rear.

• Its stereo imaging projects an atmospheric 3D-feel presentation with a well-layered soundscape in which I can accurately locate the exact placement of vocals and instruments with some excellent separation on it that playing some complex tracks will be easy-peasy for this model.

• The cohesiveness of its hybrid driver configuration is commendable that its dynamic driver is able to execute a fast transient response of its bass attack while the balanced armatures are able to deliver a clear and detailed sound with efficiency.

• When it comes to its resolution capability, it has a solid foundation on its macro-dynamics as it is capable of highlighting the varying degree of its volume dynamic level on both chorale lines and instrumental passages from the quietest section up to its loudest part, while its micro-dynamics is pretty effective at extracting fine details and other subtleties from a track like vocal delays, notational attack and instrumental reverb tails with precision and sharpness.

PEER COMPARISONS:

SOFTEARS VOLUME S

• This is an old hybrid driver IEM that SOFTEARS that is still offered in the midrange bracket, and it is a bit cheaper than MEGA7.

• Like the MEGA7, it has two types of driver technology inside, a dynamic driver and two balanced armature drivers housed in a composite shell chassis.

• This is fully-packed with quality accessories like different types of eartips, stock cable and PU-leather storage case.

• It features a tuning knob that adjusts its impedance mode that offers two types of sound profile; a low impedance with a balanced-neutral sound and a high impedance that aligns with neutral-ish bright sound.

• On its low impedance mode, compared to the MEGA7, while it has a balanced bass presentation, it has a bit more mid bass texture, a tad warmer and rich midrange as I noticed a bit dense vocal texture on male vocals, with a smooth but less sparkling treble with a modest amount of air.

• This is also a technical set on par with MEGA7 as it also has a spacious soundstage, a well-layered soundscape in holographic stereo imaging and a detailed resolution capabilities.

DUNU VULKAN

• Another strong midrange contender from DUNU and like the MEGA7, it also has a hybrid driver configuration.

• While it shared a similar driver set-up with the MEGA7 but it had more driver inside with two dynamic drivers and six balanced armature drivers sourced from Knowles and a custom one (probably Bellsing) encased in an aluminium alloy shell chassis.

• As expected from a DUNU product, it is stuffed with quantifying accessories like premium stock cable, leather storage case and their custom eartips like Candy and SnS.

• It also has a DF-target type of neutral sound albeit it has that almost flat on its overall presentation with a hint of bright.

• It has tighter bass response, almost linear and a bit leaner midrange with a clean, energetic and transparent sound for vocals and instruments, and then a lustre and airy treble response that makes it more analytical sounding.

• This one also has strong technical capabilities as it can project a more spacious perceived soundstage, a well-defined layering on its atmospheric 3D stereo imaging presentation and a sharp detailing on its resolution capabilities.

HISENIOR CAÑO CRISTALES

• One of the latest models from HISENIOR and part of the WILD Series of model line-up and like its MEGA series counterpart, it also has a hybrid driver set-up.

• This model has two dynamic drivers and four balanced armature drivers encapsulated inside on a UIEM-type of resin shell with laminated wood on its faceplate. 

• Just like the MEGA7, it is jam-packed with accessories inside but its premium stock cable features a modular termination to interchange with different types of plug.

• This one has a coloured tonal profile as it takes a V-shaped sound signature that makes it a more fun, engaging and lively sound.

• The bass response of this one is impactful and punchy, while its midrange is definitely recessed but it has a warmer and even energetic sound than the MEGA7 and then a bright, sparkling and airy treble response.

• When it comes to its technical performance, this one has a moderately roomy soundstage, a well-layered soundscape on its holographic stereo imaging and a sharp micro-detail definition.

In conclusion this product assessment, the HISENIOR MEGA7 is definitely a compelling choice if you are looking for a reference sound that can be used in both casual hi-fi appreciation on critical listening and audio professional works like stage and studio monitoring at a reasonable price. And to be honest, I have some biases on tonal profiles and it happens the DF-target neutral sound and its derivatives are one of my favourites sound signatures as it aligns with my preference tuning curve of an almost flat, even and accurate while maintaining that natural sound but HISENIOR did some adjustment on this one that stands out a bit over some DF-target style IEMs as it has some slight emphasis on its lows that makes it a bit musical but still retains that balanced and neutral sound.

For sure this type of sound profile aren’t for everyone as some might perceived it as boring, plain and lethargic as it is lacking of excitement that a coloured tonality known for with a fun, engaging and lively sound, but for neutral-headed audio enthusiast like me, this is a pure bliss given its sheer tonal balance and excellent technical performance that if you want to experience a TOTL/Summit-fi level of reference sound and a proficient technical performance, this is one of the closest thing that I could recommend without breaking your bank savings.

The HISENIOR MEGA7 is now available, I provided a link below if you are interested in purchasing this set.

LINK:

https://www.hisenior-iem.com/products/mega7-uiem

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: HISENIOR MEGA7

IMPEDANCE: 21Ω

SENSITIVITY: 103dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10Hz – 40KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m

PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR

PLUG TYPE:  (MODULAR) 3.5mm, 4.4mm

DRIVER UNIT(S):  (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER, (6) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVER

PROS:

● Its imported resin shell is quite solid yet lightweight with some hypoallergenic on it that makes it more skin-friendly

● The UIEM-style form factor will give the best comfortable fitting and sealing in almost all ear types and sizes.

● Fully-packed with quality accessories inside of its packaging box.

● Inclusion of a high quality stock cable along with a termination cable adapter.

● Premium Manatee storage case. 

● Fairly easy to drive despite its multi-driver configuration and also due to its high sensitivity and low impedance rating.

● A modified DF(diffuse field) target reference neutral sound will be pleasant to neutral heads  without being too sterile or analytical sounding.

● Deep reverberating and precise punchy bass quality

● Well-balanced, smooth and clear midrange presentation.

●  It has that sufficient fullness and body on the note weight on its vocal texture for both male and female. 

● Almost life-like and accurate sound on vocals and instruments

● Smooth, lustre and well-extended treble response

● Exceptional technical performance.

CONS:

● Absolutely not for audio enthusiasts who are into more coloured, fun and engaging sound.

● Not for bassheads due to its lack of heft and authority on its bass response.

● Its stock cable doesn't have a detachable termination feature as you will rely on the adapter but it adds a bit more weight on it.

● And also not for ardent treble-heads as it lacks the bright and shimmering treble response that they are looking for,

● Well, a modified DF-style target neutral sound profile therefore it might sound too boring and with lacklustre tuning due to its less warmth and energetic presence.

TRACKS TESTED: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *

Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**

Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **

Mountain - Mississippi Queen *

Queen - Killer Queen **

Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'

Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'

Pearl Jam - Daughter **

Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *

Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*

Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *

New Order - Blue Monday *

The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *

The Madness- Buggy Trousers *

Metallica - Motorbreath **

Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *

Destiny's Child - Say My Name *

Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *

Mozart - Lacrimosa *

New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *

Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*

Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *

Exciter - Violence and Force *

Diana Krall - Stop This World **

Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*

The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**

Suzanne Vega – Luka **

Lauren Christy – Steep *

Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *

Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*

Type O Negative - Black No.1 *

Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **

Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *

Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to HISENIOR nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to the GARETH CHAN for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.