iBasso IT07 Review: The Raw Gem in Premium In-Ear Headphones

Experience the exceptional sound and build quality of iBasso IT07, a flagship in-ear headphone with unmatched natural audio and deep bass.

Introducing the iBasso IT07: A Flagship Marvel

The iBasso IT07 in-ear monitors (IEMs) stand out as iBasso’s 2021 flagship model, boasting an impressive setup of seven dynamic drivers and six balanced armature drivers. Priced around $950 USD, they compete closely with high-end counterparts such as Final Audio A8000, Meze RAI Penta, Light Harmonic Mera Signature, and Dunu DK-4001. Typical sources pairing well with the IT07 include the iBasso DX220 MAX, FiiO M11 PRO, and Lotoo Paw 6000.

In 2021, iBasso reinvented its approach to IEMs by designing the IT07 with a complex four-way crossover that assigns the dynamic driver to handle low frequencies, while the Tesla magnetic driver and balanced armature units take care of mid and high frequencies. You’ll notice the bass is slightly more prominent than the mids and highs, delivering a rich and satisfying low end.

Included with the IT07 are various acoustic filters and ear tips, as well as a specialized acoustic chamber and tube that help bring each driver closer to your ear canal, refining the sound while keeping the drivers compact inside the shell. Despite their sophisticated design, the IT07’s seven drivers are actually smaller than many competitors’ setups featuring fewer drivers. The package also includes a balanced cable with a 3.5 mm adapter, a detail often omitted in marketing materials.

Unboxing the iBasso IT07

The packaging of the iBasso IT07 immediately impresses. It feels premium and thoughtfully designed, surpassing even the packaging of some elite models like the HIFIMAN RE2000 Silver. The box includes:

• iBasso IT07 in-ear monitors
• A metal carrying case
• Fully balanced MMCX cable with 3.5 mm adapter
• Three sets of acoustic filters
• Fifteen pairs of ear tips
• Warranty card and user manual

Though there are no replaceable faceplates, the ear tips are excellent and come in a broad range of sizes, making them compatible with many third-party tips. The approach to fit and customization appears to work brilliantly for most ears.

Build Quality and Design Excellence

The IT07 features a resin body with a metal nozzle and a sleek, elegant design. The InTune logo is metal-coated with thick lacquer, adding to the premium feel. The IEMs sport replaceable threaded filters that allow subtle tuning of the sound signature, with four filter sets included.

Here’s a quick rundown on the filter sound signatures:

• Silver filters: Provide the most natural, clear, and detailed sound with excellent treble—highly recommended and used for all sound notes.
• Black filters: Bass-focused but also enrich the midrange for a smooth, dense, and passionate sound, ideal for jazz, classical, or downtempo, though less sharp for rock.
• Gold filters: The bassiest option with creamy, thick sound, perfect for rap and electronic genres but may feel overemphasized for some.

The MMCX cable connection is sturdy, with vents on the IEM body preventing driver deformation, ensuring comfort over long listening sessions. The cable remains supple without squeaks, even in cold weather.

Though smaller than many multi-driver competitors, the IT07 shells are middle-sized and ergonomically shaped to eliminate sharp edges. Noise isolation is solid—you won’t hear much outside sound, including your own voice, though there's minor sound leakage if played very loudly.

Sound Quality: A Slight U-Shape with Power and Precision

The IT07’s sound signature leans slightly U-shaped, focusing on bass and treble while keeping mids natural and detailed. Bass extends impressively down to 20 Hz, delivering a powerful, room-filling presence with high speed suitable even for technical death metal.

Remarkably, the IT07 handles a wide frequency range without distortion, making it a robust partner for EQ tweaking. Bass boosts do not muddy the mids thanks to the neat crossover between dynamic and balanced armature drivers.

The midrange is laid-back but highly detailed, with a minor dip between 1-2 kHz that prevents sibilance and harshness. The mids regain warmth by 3.5 kHz, adding depth and fullness. Instrument tonal accuracy rivals that of high-end planar headphones, with excellent separation and clarity.

The soundstage is natural and realistic—not exaggeratedly wide or narrow—with outstanding stereo imaging pinpointing audio origins perfectly. Higher frequencies sparkle gently with a characteristic peak around 8-9 kHz, controllable via filters, and remain smooth and non-fatiguing, great for complex jazz or classical tracks.

Comparisons: Finding Your Perfect Match

The IT07 competes against other elite multi-driver IEMs like the Meze Rai Penta, Light Harmonic Mera Signature, Dunu DK-4001, and Final Audio A8000. Each has strengths, but the IT07 often excels in price-to-performance ratio.

iBasso IT07 vs Final Audio A8000

The IT07 offers a richer accessory set, balanced cable options, and a fuller bass response without sacrificing clarity. The A8000 is more analytical and brighter but can be fatiguing for some. The IT07 suits those seeking smoother, organic soundscapes.

iBasso IT07 vs Meze Rai Penta

The IT07 comes with better packaging and more tuning options, with a slightly smaller but still comfortable body. Rai Penta offers a wider soundstage but leaks more sound and isolates less. IT07 is more versatile, especially across genres.

iBasso IT07 vs Light Harmonic Mera Signature

The IT07 presents a smoother, natural sound with better isolation. Mera Signature is brighter and more energetic but demands a high-quality source to shine. IT07 holds its ground as a more universally enjoyable option.

iBasso IT07 vs Dunu DK-4001

DK-4001 impresses with modular cable design and wider soundstage but is less isolating. The IT07 boasts deeper and more impactful bass, with superior detail and focused imaging, making it sound more cohesive and natural.

“iBasso IT07 has an unusually good price-to-quality ratio for a high-class IEM, and you never feel like you are overpaying.” – Review Insight

Pairing Perfectly: Best Sources for iBasso IT07

Recommended companions include the iBasso DX220 MAX, FiiO M11 PRO, and Lotoo Paw 6000. The IT07 remains enjoyable even with budget sources like FiiO BTR5, Lotoo Paw S1, and iBasso DX120, but high-end DAPs reveal their full potential.

• With FiiO M11 PRO: Brighter DAC complements the rich, dense IT07 sound, enhancing openness and width without hiss.
• With iBasso DX220 MAX: Delivers exceptional clarity and a clean, natural sound with relaxed treble and strong mids and bass.
• With Lotoo Paw 6000: Balances smooth mids with deep, detailed bass and crisp highs, ideal for extended listening.

Value and Final Thoughts

The iBasso IT07 impresses with its exceptional value, offering top-tier build quality, rich packaging, and a sophisticated sound signature. The inclusion of multiple filters, a high-quality cable, and plenty of ear tips adds to the complete experience.

While foam tips weren’t personally preferred, they’re provided for those who value that comfort. The screw-in filters and modular construction show thoughtful engineering and design effort, aiming to impress from every angle.

The sound is natural, smooth in the mids, and powerful in the bass, while the treble sparkles gently without fatigue. Crafting such a complex yet airy signature is a remarkable feat.

In conclusion, if you want premium in-ear monitors with natural sound, filter customization, deep bass, and smooth highs, the iBasso IT07 is an excellent choice and ranks among the best ever made.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes the iBasso IT07’s sound signature unique?
  The IT07 features a slight U-shaped sound with powerful bass, natural mids, and smooth yet sparkling highs, enhanced by a sophisticated four-way crossover.
• Can I use the IT07 with budget audio sources?
  Yes! The IT07 performs well even with affordable sources, though it shines brightest when paired with high-quality digital audio players.
• Are the ear tips replaceable with third-party options?
  Absolutely. The IT07 comes with standard-sized tips, making them compatible with many third-party ear tips for a customized fit.
• How does the filter system affect sound?
  Different filters subtly alter the bass and treble balance, allowing you to tailor the listening experience—silver for clarity, black for smoothness, and gold for bass emphasis.
• Is the IT07 comfortable for long listening sessions?
  Yes, the ergonomic design and compact shell ensure comfort over extended use without any sharp edges or driver deformation.

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