TRUTHEAR Hola

Disclaimers

I bought this iem with my own money. This review is completely subjective.

Sound-Tonality and Technicalities

Man... this iem just plays lifeless. It is too relaxed and lacks treble. Have a bad detail production and bad resolution for the price. Soundstage is quite narrow and claustrophobic. It's just... A bad iem for 20 dollar price range.



Conclusion

Don't buy this iem because you have better options like salnotes zero 2. Hola is a bad performer in this price range for me.

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Shenzhen Audio for furnishing this unit.
The Truthear Hola can be gotten here (no affiliate links): https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/...gh-performance-dynamic-driver-in-ear-monitors



“Hola” (ho·la), Spanish for “hello,” is an interjection used to attract attention or to shout encouragement or exultation. The term 赫, the Japanese name for these IEMs found on the packaging, has connotations of “brightening, illumination, or sparkling.”


SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: 1 x 11 mm polyurethane suspension + LCP (liquid crystal polymer) dome composite diaphragm dynamic driver
• Impedance: 28 Ohms
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 120 dB/Vrms
• Cable: 0.78 mm, 2-pin, 3.5 mm, oxygen-free copper cable
• Tested at $19.99 USD

ACCESSORIES

Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
- 4 pairs of wide-bore silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
- Leatherette soft carry case
- Anime waifu card

Considering the HOLA retails below USD$20, the accessories are quite decent. There’s even an anime waifu mascot - her name is "Shiroi," which means "White" in Japanese. The waifu card has other in-depth and salacious details on it!




Two types of silicone tips are provided. Unfortunately, there are no foamies included, but I can close one eye considering the HOLA retails for such little coin. The narrow-bore silicone tips boost bass quantity but compress the soundstage, whereas the wide-bore ones increase the upper frequencies and open up the soundstage.



The tips come in a nice little tray, and personally, I prefer the wide-bore tips to add some spice and openness to the treble and help offset this IEM's unadventurous tuning.




A stock oxygen-free copper cable is included, which is quite serviceable. It has a moderate thickness and is tangle-free, though microphonics are present. There’s a chin cinch for added stability during usage. I am happy it is a 2-pin connector, as I faced longevity issues with MMCX cables especially with frequent cable swaps.




There are many budget challengers that do not include a case in the accessory line-up, so it is a nice touch from Truthear to have one included. The leatherette case has a nifty magnetic clasp instead of a traditional button. It is quite elegant but might not withstand a crushing force. It may focus more on looks over functionality, as the storage space isn’t too large either.

The following review was completed with the stock wide-bore silicone ear tips and stock cable. Aftermarket accessories were not used so as not to add confounders to the sound.


BUILD/COMFORT

The housings feature a half-moon shape, with a hexagonal/star-like motif gracing the face plate. CNC (computer numerical control) anodized sand-blasted aluminum alloy is used to manufacture the shells. The HOLA’s acoustic cavity is DLP (digital light processing) 3D printed from HeyGears. This is pressure-casted, hand-grinded, and then spray-painted externally. After that, it is glued onto the face plate.




The HOLA is very light, and ergonomics are top-notch. A small concha protrusion adds some grip during usage. The inner aspect of the shells are smooth without any awkward protrusions. I did not experience any discomfort during longer listening sessions.

Despite being vented, isolation is above average. I did not encounter any driver flex, but YMMV, this may be dependent on ear anatomy and the type of ear tips used.


INTERNALS

The HOLA utilizes an 11mm polyurethane suspension composite liquid crystal dome diaphragm dynamic driver, with dual-cavity magnetic circuit N52 magnets.


DRIVABILITY

I tested the Hola with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Colorfly CDA M1 DAC/AMP dongle
- Creative Sound Blaster X5
- E1DA DAC/AMP dongle
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone

The HOLA is moderately easy to drive, though it will scale with amplification in terms of dynamics, soundstage, and bass tightness.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES


Graph of the Truthear Hola via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler peak.

Tonally, the HOLA has an L-shaped signature, with the bass having a boost compared to the higher frequencies.

Timbre is pretty natural, with vocals and acoustic instruments sounding unadulterated. Aerophones have a nice vibration at the tail-end, and percussion instruments incorporate membranous rumble. Note weight is on the thicker side.

When compared against other ultra-budget single DD rivals, the HOLA is mediocre in technicalities. Soundstage has good depth, though it does not have great height or width. Imaging is decent enough, but instrument separation, clarity, and micro-details are weak. Edge definition and transients are blunted. The HOLA embraces an analogue and pleasant signature over an outright analytical soundscape.



The HOLA is sub-bass focused, and the quantity is north of neutral but not at bonafide basshead levels. Sub-bass extends moderately, with some rumble. The mid-bass isn’t the most emphasized, so the HOLA does not fair that well with mid-bass focused genres such as EDM and hip-hop.

In terms of quality, bass texturing is below average, and can sound one-noted and undefined. Bass speed is moderate, with minimal mid-bass bleed.

The lower midrange is a tinge recessed. Thankfully, this region is relatively transparent due to no marked mid-bass bleed impinging on it. With a 6 dB pinna gain, the upper mids are not zealous, to say the least. In the mix, vocals lie in the background, so vocal lovers may want to consider an alternative set unless EQ is up your alley.

The HOLA is diametrically opposite from their Japanese name of 赫 (meaning bright or sparkling) and the upper treble borders on dark. The lower treble continues on from the small upper midrange mound, but the upper treble drops off after that. The HOLA is smooth as silk, and sibilance is absent. Our treble-sensitive brethren will like the tuning on offer, but treble-heads will likely grumble at the lack of pizazz and flair.


COMPARISONS

Comparisons were made against other ultra-budget single DDs. Pure BAs, planars, multi-driver types, and hybrids are left out, as the different transducers have their own pros and cons.




Kiwi Ears Cadenza

The Cadenza features a warm Harman tuning. The Cadenza has more upper mids and lower treble, and vocals sound more forward.

These two adversaries are well accessorized and comfortable, with natural timbre. Both are not technical tour de forces but the Cadenza takes the lead in imaging, micro-details, and instrument separation, albeit the HOLA has a more expansive soundstage.

I consider them sidegrades, as the Cadenza weighs in at almost double the retail price, and the HOLA has arguably a better price-to-performance ratio.



7Hz Salnotes Zero

The Salnotes Zero is tuned neutral bright. It is more sterile and analytical, with a thinner note weight. The Zero has a more extended treble and is brighter in tone.

The Zero is harsher, more sibilant, and not as smooth as the HOLA. The Zero has less bass quantity, but the bass is tighter and faster.

Edge definition, layering, imaging, micro-detailing, and transients are superior on the Zero, though the HOLA has a deeper soundstage.

Timbre is less organic on the Zero, and the Zero is less comfortable due to perpendicular edges in the shells. In contrast, the HOLA is a cut above in timbral accuracy and fit.



Tangzu Wan’er

The Wan’er is a warm neutral set. It has marginally less bass and slightly more upper mids and treble than the HOLA.

Both IEMs have natural timbre, in keeping with their single DD roots, though the Wan’er is a hair better in technicalities.

They are both well accessorized and have good comfort, and I consider them sidegrades.



CONCLUSIONS



The HOLA is relatively well-accessorized, with a quality build and above-average isolation. The conservative tuning, coupled with a snug fit, renders the HOLA suitable for long listening sessions, with nary an ounce of fatigue. Ironically, the HOLA’s namesake is a misnomer - it is not bright nor sparkly. In fact, this IEM veers towards the boring side of the spectrum, and treble-heads or micro-detail seekers best be seeking something else to ignite sparks of excitement.

Indeed, there may even be a cri de coeur for the HOLA lacking the technical panache to punch above its weight. Although the soundstage is quite expansive compared to other ultra-budget entrants, the HOLA has middling technicalities and fails to usurp higher-tier single DD contenders.

The HOLA is more suited for beginners new to the ChiFI circuit. It falls in the category of being a decent sub-USD$20 daily beater but is no market disruptor. In essence, it is a jack(rabbit) of all trades but master of none.

For recalcitrant ChiFI consumers who have been around the block and back, I would advise you to keep your powder dry and save the twenty bucks for a more substantial upgrade down the line.

The Truthear Hola is a budget model that competes at the entry level with a price tag of $19. (You have to pay $1 extra if you want to get a mic). For the price segment, they offer you sufficient accessories and it is a product that can be worthwhile if it is a signature you are looking for. First of all let's remember that this affordable price range is very tight with models such as 7hz Salnotes Zero, Tangzu Waner, Simgot EW100, Moondrop Chu and Chu 2 among many others. Every time I blink, the IEM market is already launching a new product. What does Truthear propose with Hola? Let's see!

To begin with, let's take a look at the package and what it includes:




Okay, the unboxing gives you a very good feeling. Superior to any popular earphone for this price in my country, at least. Plus the box art is gorgeous :3
As shown in the picture, the box includes:

• The Hola IEMs (obviously) lol
• 7 pairs of eartips.
• 2 pin cable.
• Faux leather bag (basic but welcome)
• Manual
• Warranty card
• Card with waifu

If we talk about the build, the shells are not surprising but I have seen similar products with a worse plastic. It feels like a regular plastic although not as good as the Salnotes Zero. Still, they won't give you the feeling that they will break. It is simply a black design, very discreet and with a print that looks like a star (or something like that). I like that serious design, but you have to consider that the material is a magnet for fingerprints and oil.
The pin connector is slightly recessed but I found no problems using other universal cables I have. The included cable is the best I've seen for this range of price. It's a step above the Salnotes in my opinion. It is not a cable that tangles easily.



Both the product and the presentation are in my opinion very attractive. Of course, always considering what you are paying for.

Fit and Comfort:
As for comfort, I have no complaints, it is excellent. The shell fits in my ear quite well and I can wear them for hours.
It's so convenient that I can even lie down with them.


Now let's talk about what really matters: sound. For this review, I used three dongles as a source: the BGVP T01s, the iBasso DC03 Pro and the Truthear Shio. I share the graph as a reference (only as a reference, the review will be according to what my ears tell me).



Technical side:
Personally I find that nothing in this price range is particularly outrageous.
The product delivers a correct image. On the other hand, separation is decent but that's about it. Timbre is natural. The resolution is good considering the tuning they have.
The product is easy to amplify, even without a dongle. Of course, it is always advisable to use one to make them shine a little bit, otherwise they remain as a fairly regular product.

Sound:
The Hola's have a very warm, smooth and easy-listening signature. It's a very relaxed sound that I personally like.

Bass: They have a rather nice enhancement although some might find them a bit exaggerated. This will depend quite a bit on your taste. These frequencies have a very good extension, smooth and with a clear emphasis. Perhaps it lacks just a bit of texture and is some may find that it is not the cleanest or fastest bass but personally, I like what the Truthear team has done with these frequencies. The bass gives a good rumble when needed and you don't get that thin feeling that some people prefer to avoid in some rhythmic music. Transitions from low to higher frequencies are very smooth.

Mids: Very good, they are not heard to be recessed despite having an increase in the previous frequencies. Female and male voices are pleasant to listen to. The instruments are well represented at these frequencies, I have nothing to mention at this point. The mids are crystal clear.

Highs: Well, I previously reviewed the Salnotes Zero. Their highs were bright. In this case, we have a fairly safe tuning. It is important if you are sensitive to treble. I consider that you are in a safe shelter here. The extension is enough.

For me, it is a good product to consider. It has good accessories, a very secure sound signature, decent technicalities. As of today, it is a few months since these IEMs were released but it is still a safe buy. There are those who buy this kind of products not to be an expert audiophile but they are looking to get into this niche of products to get a decent sound. (Or at least in my country it is really a niche and these products are getting more popular).
Currently, I still find Truthear Hola as a very easy product to recommend. It even works as a cool gift for our friends or loved ones we want to give a decent product they can enjoy uwu