Truthear Gate

TRUTHEAR GATE : Everything is adequate, no need to complain, comfortable​

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Hey guys! Here we have an IEM that I find quite interesting, both in terms of design and sound quality.

Could this be a recommendation? Maybe. Personally, I quite like this IEM, though if you're looking for something exceptional, there isn't much that stands out. Similarly, there aren't many complaints either—there’s not much to criticize about this IEM.



We're actually a bit late reviewing this, as others have already done so about two or three months ago.

Alright, let's get started. Here's my review of the Truthear Gate.


DISCLAIMER & THANKS TO
First off, I want to say a big thank you to Intium Indonesia for providing the IEM unit for this review. For those of you in Indonesia looking for an IEM and often ask, "Bro, any recommendations for a store with good service and a clear warranty?" You can check out this store. If you're in the DKI Jakarta area, especially North Jakarta, you can also drop by Intium Indonesia’s physical store—yes, they have a physical store, not just an online shop.

As always, this review is going to be very subjective, based on my personal taste and impressions after using this IEM for about 3 weeks, while also comparing it to my other IEMs. Intium just entrusted us with the IEM for review, without any specific brief or requests.


PRICE
The price of the Truthear Gate is around Rp350.000 IDR in Indonesia, which is around $20 or $22 USD.


SPECIFICATIONS
For the specifications, this IEM uses a 10mm Single Dynamic Driver configuration, which they claim features their latest technology, the Carbon LCP Diaphragm. It has a sensitivity of 122dB, impedance of 28 Ohms, and a frequency response range up to 45,000 Hz. The cable is detachable, using the standard 2-pin 0.78mm connection.


PACKAGING
The packaging is attractive, and it has become a trend for Truthear and Moondrop to include anime characters or waifus on the front cover. Truthear models like Hola, Hexa, Shio, Zero Blue, and Zero Red, as well as Moondrop Chu, all feature anime art.



On the back, we're presented with a frequency response graph, which is somewhat similar to the Simgot EW100P, if I remember correctly. At the bottom, there’s a brief overview of the specifications.



The top, bottom, and sides are predominantly black, with only a bit of text present.




INCLUSIONS
As for the inclusions, they're pretty standard—nothing too special.
- The IEM unit is the Truthear Gate; we have the black version here, but if you prefer white, it's also available.
- The cable unit has a 2-pin connector and a 3.5mm single-ended jack.
- The eartips include 7 units: 3 small bore and 4 wide bore.
- Lastly, there's a pouch for storing or carrying the IEM.


BUILD QUALITY
As for the build quality of the IEM, it’s actually quite standard. Everything is made from resin or plastic, from the housing and faceplate to the nozzle. The resin isn’t particularly high quality, but I do like the appearance of the faceplate, which is very clear and transparent. Although, to be honest, there’s nothing special about the internals. It does allow us to see the dynamic driver, internal wiring, and connectors. This transparent design seems to be quite popular right now; I also have the KZ Merga and KZ Libra with a similar clear design.



What bothers me a bit is the placement of the "Gate" lettering and the Truthear logo. Why is it placed so far to the edge? It would have looked better if it were slightly more centered. I don’t know if it’s my OCD or what, but it’s frustrating to see the placement look so random.



Also, if the shape of the dynamic driver had a cooler design, like the internal dynamic driver of the KZ Merga or even the EDX Lite, which has a plate that looks like a racing car wheel at the top, it would look much better than this very plain design.

But overall, there are no issues with the build quality, even though there’s nothing to be particularly proud of either. It’s just average.

The eartips are also pretty standard, made of black silicone. We get 4 pairs of wide bore tips and 3 pairs of small bore tips. As you probably know, this will significantly affect the sound. The small bore tips will provide a warmer sound compared to the wide bore tips, which will direct the sound more towards a brighter or more open character.



The cable is quite good for my taste; it features an OFC material for the internal wiring and is covered with a black rubber-like material, making it flexible, not stiff, and resistant to tangling.



What I particularly like is that it comes with a volume button, which is something that's becoming quite rare in other IEMs. In fact, as far as I remember from all the IEMs I've reviewed on my YouTube channel up until this review was written, this is the first one that includes a volume button on the microphone.



This is really helpful when we’re listening to music from our phones, as we don’t have to adjust the volume on the phone itself or through the volume button on the DAC dongle. We can just click the volume button on the cable, which is simple but very useful.



The jack is L-shaped, gold-plated, and has 4 poles.

The connector from the cable to the IEM driver uses the standard 2-pin 0.78mm model.

You can listen to the audio recording from the microphone on my YouTube channel.

As for the pouch, I think it’s nice because at this price point, many other IEMs only provide a simple pouch made of velvet fabric.



Truthear consistently offers a pouch made of synthetic leather like this, which is a great touch. It’s similar to the pouches that come with the Truthear Hola, Hidizs MS3, and Hidizs MP145, which all feature the same design.




FITTING
In terms of fitting, these IEMs are very comfortable. The shape of the housing is not unusual, and once inserted into the ear, they immediately find a good fit. The seal is sufficient, the grip is adequate, and they feel relatively lightweight. The resin cuts and joins are smooth, with no rough edges.

Overall, the fitting is excellent, and wearing them for extended periods doesn’t cause any discomfort. The cable is also relatively immune to microphonic effects.


SOUND QUALITY
When it comes to sound quality, let's discuss it while comparing it to other IEMs. This time, I’m reminded of an IEM we reviewed on YouTube about a year ago: the Simgot EW100P, which was one of the early releases when Simgot became more aggressive in the market.



If you’ve already listened to the Simgot EW100P and remember its tonal characteristics well, you can skip this review because the sound is quite similar. However, the technical aspects here are slightly better.

Low / Bass
In terms of low frequencies or bass, this IEM follows a Harman Target-like tuning, providing a sufficient quantity for both sub-bass and mid-bass. You can definitely feel the impact as the bass hits, creating a sensation of air pushing against your eardrums. The low frequencies are well-represented, but they aren't overly aggressive.

The transient speed is decent—not slow by any means. Whether you're listening to fast-paced metal tracks with double pedals or intense bass-heavy EDM songs, it handles them without falling behind. However, it doesn’t deliver an overwhelmingly satisfying experience with heavy bass; it’s not boomy or rumbling. Overall, the bass performance can be described as versatile—suitable for various genres but not specifically tailored to excel in any one of them, while still being enjoyable across different musical styles.

What’s clear is that the Gate offers clean and well-controlled bass that doesn’t interfere with the mids or vocals.

Mid & Vocal
In the midrange and vocal performance, male vocals sit nicely in the center, presenting a balanced position without being too recessed. On the other hand, female vocals are slightly more forward in the mix. The thickness of the vocals feels just right, again delivered cleanly without being dry. The articulation of each lyric is clear, although shoutiness can occasionally occur in certain tracks with a lot of screaming. The emotional dynamics are well-captured, but when the shouting becomes excessive, it can introduce a bit of shoutiness. However, the sibilance in the articulation of "S" sounds is relatively safe.

Overall, the vocals on the Truthear Gate feel dynamic yet light, transparent, and clear. They share similarities with the vocals on the Simgot EW100P, but here, you won’t encounter the graininess that can sometimes be present in the Simgot EW100P.

Other midrange instruments, such as guitars and pianos, are also presented clearly and maintain a good position in the mix, not overshadowed by the bass. Overall, the sound remains clean and transparent, similar to how the vocals are represented.

High / Treble
For the high frequencies or treble, the Truthear Gate offers a satisfactory performance. It doesn’t make the overall sound of the IEM dark at all; there’s no sense of darkness here. However, it also doesn't come off as overly sparkling or excessively crisp. Once again, there are similarities to the treble of the Simgot EW100P, which provides decent detail without being overly aggressive or piercing.

Cymbals maintain a fresh and vibrant sound, without reaching a harsh or sharp level. When it comes to violin performances, like Lindsey Stirling's "Carol of the Bells" or "The Arena," they remain enjoyable, though they may lack the biting intensity found in models like the KZ Castor Harman, TRN Conch, or CCA CRA series. Overall, the treble strikes a nice balance, providing clarity without overwhelming the listener.




TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
For the technical aspects, the Truthear Gate doesn't stray far from other IEMs in the 200 to 300 thousand IDR price range, but it offers a slight improvement over the Simgot EW100P, which has a similar tonal profile. The soundstage is quite spacious, with good instrument separation and clarity, allowing each instrument to be heard distinctly.

The overall clarity is good, though not on par with the EW200. However, it's still considered clean and clear, with solid resolution from low to high frequencies. The imaging is also satisfactory, not too flat or overly three-dimensional, providing a satisfying listening experience.


CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this IEM is tuned safely, with its technical aspects aligning well with its tonal quality and price. It can be used for listening to a wide variety of music but isn't particularly specialized for any specific genre. My conclusion is similar to the EW100P that I reviewed about a year ago; the special feature of this IEM is its minimal complaints regarding fitting, tonal quality, and technical performance. Although technically, it is slightly better than the EW100P.

Overall, in terms of tonal balance, for those of you who have a diverse playlist listening to various genres—ranging from Pop, Rock, Dangdut, EDM, Classical, Instrumental, to J-Pop and K-Pop—the Truthear Gate is an all-rounder. It won’t make any of those genres sound significantly worse, providing a comfortable listening experience. However, it doesn't excel in any specific genre either.

For basshead friends, it’s clear that the Truthear Gate won’t deliver the booming bass found in the Castor Bass or the punchiness of the CCA Polaris. However, the Gate does present a cleaner bass response while still reaching lower frequencies. It just doesn’t have that same thickness in the bass.

For those of you who are mid-centric or vocal-centric listeners, the Truthear Gate might still be a good fit. However, if I personally want to focus solely on vocals without worrying about the bass, I would still prefer the Tanchjim Zero.

As for trebleheads, this may not be the ideal choice. However, for those looking to obtain good detail without the crunchiness, the Gate should work well. It strikes a balance that offers a pleasant listening experience without overwhelming brightness.

Is it recommended? It is highly recommended for those who prioritize comfort during use and enjoy a mixed playlist. The fitting is very comfortable, it's lightweight, the cable is flexible, and the inclusion of a volume button is a feature that is very rare in IEMs, even those priced from the hundreds to the millions. Listening to any song—from bass-heavy tracks, vocal-centered music, instrumental pieces, double pedal metal, soft vocals like Raisa or Isyana, to powerful vocals like Ariel Noah and shouting vocals like Taka from One Ok Rock—everything sounds pleasant.

I have also decided not to sell it in the near future; I want to enjoy this IEM for a few more months.




CLOSING
Okay, that's it, friends. That's all for this review of the Truthear Gate. If you liked this review, please give it a like and share it with others who might need a reference. But remember, it all comes back to your personal taste. That's it for this review; we’ll meet again in the next one. Thank you very much.

Introduction:-



A gateway to the iem world?



Hey guys, today I am going to review the new budget iem from truthear which is called gate. It comes at $19. The gate is a replacement for the ever so popular hola

I have also shared a video version of the review at YouTube any support there in form of a view, A like or A subscribe is greatly appreciated. But if you so wish to read the written version you can read this.




Before I start the review I want to say a huge thanks to Shenzhen Audio for the review unit. But all the thoughts and opinions you are about to hear are my own. Please check them out below via the unaffiliated link to shenzhen audio

Buy them here (Unaffiliated link) :-

Shenzhen Audio Website :- https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/truthear-gate-dynamic-driver-in-ear-headphone

Shenzhen Audio Aliexpress :- https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256806917152060.html?


I will be as usual following my bullet style format for better readability for those who are dyslexic and in general find it hard to read long paragraphs. I follow this guide in general from the British Dyslexia Association.


Lets get started!

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Build, Comfort and Accessories:-

1. The outer packaging of the gate is very simple and it has this waifu.



2. The Box comes with the iems, a set of narrow bore tips, a set of wide bore tips and the fantastic pouch



3. The pouch supplied is very nice! It has this metal clapse around the rim and shuts tight when closed, this is a very nice case specially for the price.



4. It can fit a smal dongle dac like the fiio ka11 and the iem



5. The cable supplied is very good it terminates to 3.5mm at one end and 2 pin at the other.



6. Also bonus points for the cable for it having a chin slider which works very well



7. The gate are really comfortable to wear and I have had no problems wearing them for 6-7 hours.



8. There is a minor driver flex specially on the left side for me, although this might vary depending on the persons ear anatomy.



9. I really like this transparent shell design the gate has, and it is something unique for this price range.



10. I said that the iems are comfortable, but seeing the inside design does make me confused as to why the iems couldn’t have been even more smaller to fit even smaller ears. Because there are some people out there who has even smaller ears than average and they might have issues with the size of this. Just a thought!



11. Also they are really easy to power

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Sound Impressions:-

1. I have used all the stock accessories for the testing. I have also used the narrow bore tips



2. The overall sound is very close to Harman 2019 with a tad bit lower bass than it.



3. I really like the sort of north of neutral sound signature of the gate. Although some could find it to be a bit thin overall.



4. What it does is it makes it very easy to play for all genres.



5. The gate also performs really well as a low volume set. As someone who listens to low volumes I really appreciate it



Bass-



1. The bass of the gate is ok-ish for my personal taste



2. People who like neutral sound might find it to be perfect



3. The bass is more sub-bass focused than mid-bass





4. When listening to the song crack crackle by classy the gate had a decent amount of thump and punch, I personally would have preferred a tad bit more amount of sub-bass here



5. The mid-bas is done very tastefully here, and it goes quite well along with the sub-bass



6. When listening to the instruments from the 1985 live album by cassiopea, the instruments don’t sound that crispy or rather they sound a bit lifeless.



7. For example adding a tad bit of bass via eq or via xbass mode from the ifi go blu the entire bass region sounds very lively.



Mids-



1. The mids of the gate in my opinion are really good



2. Although the male vocals take a back seat than most of the song



3. But the thick richness of Chris cornelles and Bill withers voice comes across very well, it was a bit surprising to me.






4. Now coming to female vocals, they sound really good.



5. When listening to Sakura and Hanawa Sakura by ikkimonogakari, The vocals were really crisp and lively.



6. The female vocals are done really well, but for someone who doesn’t like shouty upper mids might find a bit of an issue here specially at higher volumes.



7. The entire mids is done quite tastefully in my opinion



Treble-



1. The overall treble is smooth, apt for the price



2. I would say that the amount of treble is quite good but…



3. The treble at some songs sounds a bit uneven and unpolished. Again I know these are under $20








4. But this is the one of the small gripe I have with the set.



6. For example when the instrument section of the song blue bird by ikkimongakari, which was also an opening for naruto. They sound a bit unpolished and meh.



7. Again do remember these are only $20 and the treble isnt so bad, that you cannot listen to them its just that they are tad bit unpolished in some songs



7. I did tip roll them, and with the divinus velvet tips the bass sounded a bit more fuller and the treble seems to sound a bit more cleaner. But then again the divinus velvet tips are the same price as the iems.




Soundstage, Technicalities and Imaging:-



The soundstage of the gate is average overall. They seem to have better depth than width. When listening to galactic funk live by cassiopea the claps by the audience had a good space, but the spacing of the instruments sounded a bit cramped. Again these are only $20 iems, but still thought of mentioning



Technicalities for the gate is really good, almost most genres sounded very good and clean over here.



Imaging was average too for the price, the left to right transition and vice versa was quite ok for the price. Again please remember the price.






Gaming Test:-

Since these don’t have much bass when a lot of bombs were exploding or anything thumpy like kicking a door etc. was happening they sounded really clean and they didn’t overwhelm me like with most bassy iems. The sense of soundscape was average and I could gauge a good understanding of the footsteps around me with the gate. When there was a lot happening in the scene with bombs exploding and guns firing at average to higher volumes the gate did sound a bit piercy and sense of space did fall for that moment. For occasional gaming sessions these were quite good.

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Comparison and Recommendation:-

1. v/s Moondrop Chu 2 – The all metal build quality of the chu 2 is much better than the gate. Also both the cables of the chu 2 and gate are very similar and I really love them! The chu 2’s are a tad bit bassier than the gate, while the female vocals are much better in the gate. I think so both of these compliment each other very well.



2. Sadly I haven't tried the zero or zero 2, but going by the graph these look a something in between the zero and zero 2





3. I think so for the price, these are quite good specially if you want a bit neutral sounding iems



4. I personally would recommend them for the price, for the fantastic pouch and the cable alone!



5. I really love the cable and pouch provided, you can buy the gate just for it and be happy.



6. So that is my review of the Truthear Gate, If you have any question please do comment below. Like and subscribe to my YouTube Channel is a great way of supporting me as it helps me a lot! I hope you have a great day ahead, bye!

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If you have any questions please feel free to ask me and also if you have any issues regarding this format of review please do comment I will try to mend it. Also sorry to those who are used to reading long paragraphs of review in headfi. I hope my review was upto the mark, I appreciate any feedback.

Again a big thanks to Shenzhen Audio for making this review possible.

Have a great day ahead, Bye

Truthear is a renowned brand that makes affordable earphones, like the well regarded Nova. Their latest release is the Gate, an entry level earphone with a super friendly price.



The Gate adopts a N52 magnet, double-cavity internal magnetic circuit dynamic driver, with a brand-new carbon LCP high-rigidity diaphragm. It uses a 10mm internal magnetic circuit dynamic driver with frontal-cavity filter optimization and diaphragm specialization. The LCP diaphragm material is more rigid than the standard LCP diaphragm, improving high-frequency sensitivity. The ultra-thin PU further enhances the bass texture and ensures safe diaphragm operation. A large CCAW ultra-thin coil is used to ensure a lightweight and reliable suspension system.

You can read more about the Truthear Gate by clicking here.

https://truthear.com/products/gate



Non Audio stuff

The ear-shells of the Truthear Gate are entirely made from plastic compound in either black or white color with transparent faceplates that allow a view of the internal structure. You can clearly spot the driver and the tiny cables. The Gate is compact sized, featherweight and comfortable, you can wear it for hours without even noticing its presence. The ear-shells fit well and are stable thus providing good passive noise attenuation. The plastic feels a little cheap and looks prone to scratching but for the price I wouldn't expect more.



Cable

For such a budget earphone it comes as a surprise that it features a detachable cable with a 2-pin interface that has a sunken female cavity for better reliability. This is an oxygen-free copper cable of typical quality with a twisted geometry and rubber outer sheathing. The cable looks quite reliable, it is soft, lightweight and it doesn't get tangled. You have the option to order it with or without a mic and inline controls.



Accessories

Except for the cable, the package includes a small carrying pouch and two sets of silicone ear-tips. One of thick diameter in four sizes and another of thin in three sizes. An inclusive bundle for the price.



Audio stuff

The Truthear Gate is rated at 28Ω with a sensitivity of 122dB/V so it is easy to drive. You can use entry level USB adapters, like the FiiO JA11 or a full sized USB DAC dongle like the Truthear Shio.

Just like the Truthear Nova, the Gate has a casual-balanced tuning that adheres to the Harman adjusted target curve. This means that it is more balanced and natural sounding than most entry level earphones that tend to have too much emphasis on the bass and the treble.



The Gate has a good sub-bass extension that will leave you pleased and sound satisfying with all kinds of bass tunes. Additionally, the sub-bass is not that emphasized and doesn't dominate over the higher frequencies that retain good clarity and presence. The mid-bass is a little prominent and not that neutral but it doesn't bleed into the mid-range, it is a little out of tune by reference criteria but it will not disappoint with classical music. The sound signature is mildly warm and very enjoyable with all kinds of music while retaining acceptable tonal precision.

The bass is quite fast, fairly tight and controlled with satisfying physical impact but don't expect miracles when it comes to resolution, definition and layering. Still the technical performance is more than satisfying for just $16.99.

The mid-range is present, spacious and well defined with good resolution and articulation for the category. The timbre is quite natural and harmonious, the upper mid-range is emphasized to add some extra clarity and sparkle but it doesn't sound too aggressive or fatiguing. Female vocals and certain instruments will sound a little more prominent in the mix but generally speaking the music is reproduced with balance and sufficient realism.

The treble is surprisingly smooth and controlled but you don't feel it as lacking in extension and energy. The Gate is a vivid earphone, crystal clear, transparent and luminous enough with adequate detail retrieval but it doesn't sound bright or sharp on the treble. The treble timbre is not that artificial but the textures are rather lean while they have a touch of metallic sheen and lack of refinement.

The soundstage is exceptionally open and spacious with decent imaging, the Gate easily outperforms most of the competition in this regard while it sounds surprisingly realistic and lifelike given its entry level status.



Conclusion

Plain and simple, the Truthear Gate is absolutely fantastic, an ultra budget earphone with a surprisingly balanced tuning, very good sonic performance and technicalities for the category. It is a great alternative for people who can't afford the Truthear Nova, as they have the same sound signature, and an excellent option for anyone else who likes to get a taste of high quality sound by spending just a few bucks. The Truthear Gate is hard to beat, it is the new value King and represents a bargain that none should miss.

The review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

The price of the Truthear Gate is $16.99 for the version with a mic and $16.14 without. You can buy it from Shenzhen Audio

Truthear Gate steps forward as a successor to the Hola, promising improved audio performance while compromising on build quality. Packaged with anime-inspired flair, it adds personality to your collection, though accessories are basic, and the cable feels notably cheap.

Packaging:



The Gate comes in a square black cardboard box with a white slipcover featuring a samurai-inspired waifu.


The rear face of the slipcover showcases the Gate’s frequency response and lists its technical specifications

Let's dive into what gates offer.
This iems comes in a minimalist. Inside, you'll find:
- The Iem
- Ear tips
- Oxygen Cooper Cable
- Some warranty and instructional papers
- Additionally, the package also includes a polyurethane faux-leather pouch


Design & Build Quality:


The Gate's design, while subjective, doesn't match Hola's build standards. It feels plasticky and budget-oriented, especially compared to competitors in the same price range..

Sound Quality:
Despite its shortcomings in build, the Gate delivers where it matters most—in sound.

Bass:

The Truthear Gate features a warm sound profile with deep, resonant bass. It provides a solid foundation with a rich mid-bass and clear sub-bass rumble. The bass is engaging but may lack the texture and punch of higher-end models. The bass can sometimes feel a bit subdued compared to more impactful options, lacking the punch and definition that bass enthusiasts might crave.

Mids & Highs:

The midrange is clear and spacious, though it can be slightly recessed and may distort at higher volumes. Vocals are well-rendered but not overly dynamic. The treble is smooth and detailed, offering a fatigue-free listening experience without much sparkle. mids' slight recession can make them feel less present and emotionally engaging. The treble, while smooth, might come across as too subdued for those who enjoy a brighter sound with more brilliance.

Technical Performance:

The Gate offers a wider soundstage compared to its predecessor, the Hola, with good imaging and decent instrument separation. While not the most expansive, it provides a solid performance for its price. The soundstage, while wider than the Hola, may still feel somewhat limited and lacks the depth and layering found in higher-end models. Instrument separation, though decent, can become congested in more complex tracks

Pros:
+ Warm and Detailed Sound Signature: Provides a deep, resonant bass and clear, spacious midrange, along with smooth treble.
+ Improved Soundstage and Imaging: Offers a wider soundstage and better imaging compared to the Hola, enhancing the overall listening experience.
+ Fatigue-Free Listening: Treble is detailed yet smooth, making it comfortable for extended listening sessions.
+ Budget-Friendly: Offers significant audio performance improvements at a lower price point.

Cons:
- Subpar Build Quality: Feels plasticky and budget-oriented, lacking the robustness seen in competitors.
- Cheap Cable: The included oxygen copper cable feels notably cheap and may affect overall durability.
- Basic Accessories: The accessories are minimal, with a basic faux-leather pouch and standard ear tips.
- Distortion at Higher Volumes: Midrange can slightly distort at higher volumes, which might be noticeable to some listeners

Final Thoughts:

Truthear Gate may not excel in design or build quality, but it stands out with its impressive sound performance. It's a budget-friendly option that prioritizes audio fidelity, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, the Truthear Gate offers an affordable entry into quality audio, ideal for those who value sound performance above aesthetics.

Where to Buy: You can purchase the Gate from various online retailers, including shenzhenaudio

My Rating:
- Low: ★★★★✮
- Mid: ★★★★☆
- High: ★★★★☆
- Technical: ★★★★☆ (4.7 /5)
{☆ 0 point, ✮ 0.5 point, ★ 1 point}

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>>I am brazilian and I speak portuguese, so forgive my english, I’ll use translation tools to help<<


INTRO:

Introduction and Disclaimer:​

The Truthear Gate is an in-ear monitor (IEM) with a single dynamic driver in each earpiece. The Gate is currently on sale for $16.99. ShenzhenAudio sent me a review unit in exchange for my evaluation.

Unboxing and Accessories​

The Truthear Gate comes in a square black cardboard box with a white slipcover. The front face of the slipcover features a samurai-inspired waifu. The rear face of the slipcover showcases the Gate’s frequency response and lists the Gate’s technical specifications.
The Gate includes six pairs of eartips in two varieties. Each variant comes in small, medium, and large sizes. One variant has a more conventional bulbous shape with a longer stem, and the other is shorter and wider, with a more open bore. In terms of feel and quality, both varieties are a step down from the white silicone used in the eartips included with earlier Truthear IEMs. I used a pair of the Celest 608 eartips included with the Kinera Celest Pandamon 2.0 I recently reviewed during my evaluation instead.
The Gate also includes a Truthear-branded square black pleather carry pouch with a magnetic closure, which works well and is appreciated at this price point.

Design, Build, Comfort, Fit, and Isolation​

The earpieces have a scale-shaped cross-section with a pseudo-custom fit. The faceplates are transparent, providing a clear view of the internal wiring and the 10mm dynamic driver. The Truthear logo is printed in white on the left faceplate and “GATe” is printed in white on the right faceplate. There is a medium-sized bean-shaped vent near the edge of the inner face of each housing as well as a smaller circular vent right next to the nozzle. There is no directional labeling on the earpieces. The nozzles have a medium-sized lip to secure eartips. The earpieces are on the thicker side and are not quite as comfortable as other Truthear IEMs I have reviewed. They are low-profile enough to wear while lying on one’s side but are probably not the best choice for this use case. Isolation is poor. On the other hand, the earpieces fit securely but provide minimal isolation.
The cable is flexible but prone to tangling. There is a chin-adjustment choker, which I recommend making use of. The cable has an L-shaped 3.5mm jack with robust strain relief. There is no strain relief at the Y-split, marked with the Truthear logo in white. The cable has pre-formed ear guides, and the 2-pin connector housings have raised directional markings. The 2–pin connectors are deeply recessed. The cable is not very microphonic even without using the chin-adjustment choker.

Sound​

The Truthear Gate has a U-shaped tuning with a gentle sub-bass elevation and a plateau-style ear gain region emphasis. There is also an audible peak in the upper treble that adds a bit of an unpleasant bite to treble transients.
Sub-bass extension is good, with a fair amount of rumble, and the sub-bass to mid-bass transition is smooth and gradual. While cleanly articulated, percussion is lacking a little in impact. Bass resolution is fairly average and bass texture is poor. There is no mid-bass bleed.
Compared to a similarly-priced IEM like the Moondrop Chu II, the Gate sounds flat. The Chu II sounds more three-dimensional, with greater separation between vocals and midrange instrumentation and greater contrast between the bass and treble. With that said, both male and female vocals are quite intelligible on the Gate. Male vocals have body and some texture but suffer from what I can only describe as glare along their trailing edge. This seems to be an artifact of the upper treble peak. Female vocals do not seem to be as affected by this. I love how the Gate renders female vocals, which come across as rich, vibrant, and detailed without being breathy or sibilant. The measured dip in the presence region helps to prevent distorted electric guitars from sounding too overdriven, though there is a tiny bit of analog percussion compression. Midrange timbre is just slightly on the dry side.
While one-dimensional bass, some degree of percussion compression, and dry timbre are ubiquitous with budget single dynamic driver IEMs, I find the Gate’s uneven treble harder to overlook. Ultimately, the root of my issues with the Gate is that the balance of the treble sub-regions is off. Ideally, each treble peak should be slightly less prominent than the last, even if the upper treble has good extension. The Gate has an appropriate amount of lower treble relative to the upper midrange, but there is an audible dip in the mid-treble immediately followed by a significant upper treble peak. This peak overshadows the lower treble. The result is the glare that follows male vocals as well as the biting sensation that accompanies the excess air. On the other hand, overall detail retrieval is great, as are soundstage width and instrument separation.

Conclusion​

As recently as a year ago, I would have been delighted to have an IEM that sounded like the Truthear Gate to arrive on the market for such a low price. However, competition at the $20 price point is cutthroat, and while any IEM at this price point comes with compromises, the ones that the Gate makes are suboptimal for my priorities.
The Truthear Gate is available for purchase at the link below:
TRUTHEAR GATE 10mm Dynamic Driver In-Ear Headphone (shenzhenaudio.com)

note: this review is my own opinion this is not a review unit I bought it myself blah blah blah.

I apologize this review was originally going to be longer but that was before when trying stock tips I had a lot more to say about the nuance of the sound and how the treble affected the presentation. I do not have such thoughts now after switching tips to double flange which improved seal and overall sound quality(for me). I’ll get into it a bit later.

You already know probably if reading this that the Gate is a budget entry from Truthear replacing the Hola. On its own merits I thought it was fantastic, even before switching tips.

Build/Comfort

I can’t comment on these too much except in a vacuum because I don’t have its predecessor the Hola. I’ll take everyone’s word that the Hola was built better. These are built just fine, plastic feels maybe a *little* cheaper than the zero:reds but they don’t seem bad at all especially for the price. Build seems slightly better than my wan’ers…the included cable is 100x better than wan’ers, fantastic. The carrying pouch is nice too.

I have a small nitpick for comfort in the sense where the shell shape is great but I wish in general that IEMs have a longer shape to allow for deeper insertion. Zero:red had a long enough shell and the chonky nozzle doesn’t bother me.
The standard tips provided are small narrow bore and wide bore. I tried narrow bore tips first and I liked them but the wide bore fit and sounded maybe a bit better. Wide bore tips are what I used originally to judge the sound.
Note: standard double flange tips certainly provide more than enough of a deep insertion now.

Sound

Like I said my experience with double flange tips has changed things a bit but i’ll try to give my initial review impressions too. The tips really only affected sound from 7khz upwards so my impressions from around 20hz- 6khz are more or less the same although the better seal has brought out tiny bit more bass and warmth than initially perceived. I mixed in some comparisons to my best sounding gear ya I know it’s a little disorganized…sue me(please don’t)

Bass

Alright this where things are gonna start getting real flipping nerdy
Please let me geek out here because this goes into a bit of theory surrounding bass and lower mids curves and i love talking about that shizz…711 couplers in general *say* one thing, however the perception of it is completely different. IEMs have a bass bleed compared to real life humans(most of them anyways…sharur doesn’t count)

the good news? This bleed also extends into the lower mids”mud” region. So IEMs naturally bleed mud and a muddy looking bassline may actually sound perfectly normal.

This leads me to my grand point: *The gate sounds like it has a proper subwoofer bass shelf without being muddy*

Compared to the esteemed, dare I say legendary hd650? The gate has less warmth in the midbass but more subbass impact. To say this bass is good is an understatement. It is *excellent*. No bleed, but also no sterility and coldness. bravo truthear

Mids

because of the controlled bass and the extended upper mids/presence, the midrange has a lot of room to play here. Overall the mids sound about as separated as the zero:red and moreso than the hd650. In some ways these sound more open than those cans. very impressive for the price

Treble

Treble is undoubtedly the hardest part of any sound device to get correct. The gate(especially with proper tips) gets treble correct. with original wide bore/narrow bore tips these were my impressions
Doing a sine sweep curve 2khz bumps up a little from 1khz and stays relatively constant and consistent to 5khz. at sround 7-8khz there is a bump and then it dips at around 9khz and rises after 10khz. Then finally somewhere in that upper treble is another bump before my hearing cuts off(30 yo boomer memes are real)
The gate are definitely forward in the upper mids and treble region by a couple of dbs compared to a “true” neutral set such as the zero:red. I don’t mind this overall as I find the zero to be slightly laid back and especially as a guitar player do not mind “Harman-esque” 2-6khz region if done properly, which the Gate does.
now that being said…time to get into some more nerd crap…because head related transfer function

Let me start with a graph to show what i’m talking about

So a set I reviewed before, the ziigaat nuo is overlayed over the gate with wide bore tips. Now we’re getting into the weeds.
From 20hz to about 5khz these two sets measure somewhat similarly with the gate taking a slightly brighter tilt, and that shows up in my impressions. Now I’m sure you’re all looking past that in the treble region and thinking “Holy crap Gate has a big hole at 10khz. Nuo is endgame! I’ll take that treble extension any day”

tldr: microphone measurements don’t account for an individuals HRTF. Long story short the Nuo to most ears has *too much 9-12khz energy*.

The Gate with normal tips to my ears indeed has a slight dip starting at 9khz-10khz and then rises back up to normalish levels. So the truthear(sorry couldn’t help myself) is somewhere in the middle of the two graphs.

but.

We can do better.
Shallow insertion tips will typically have a resonant peak somewhere between 6-8khz.
…what if we align the resonant peak with where the naturally occurring dip on the Gate lies?
Spoiler alert: magic is what happens.

With double flange tips that peak is shifted further deeper and higher right around where the gate dipped with normal tips.
What does this mean? It means perfection. I’m not kidding. It just means smooth treble all the way to where my hearing cuts out. No perceived peaks or dips anywhere.
The trade off is that the gate is slightly less bright but more tonally correct and even the soundstage opens up.

This is the best sound reproduction device I have ever heard. Granted take that with a grain of salt, I have not heard many things, especially high end.
I don’t really care to now. I’m done. I’ll keep tabs on this hobby but in essence the gate to my ears with proper tip selection is…”good enough”
Good enough is when my hd650 get obliterated in technicalities and are on par if not better in tone and timbre.
it’s over. I don’t need more. Hopefully you can find the same. Find an iem and tip combination which suits your HRTF and leave this hobby forever lmao.

TL;DR: Neutral bright goodness that shines without blinding in an extremely affordable package

Overview/History
Hi all.

I've been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to review the Truthear GATe and wanted to share my impressions and overview. While I don't usually lean towards that neutral/neutral-bright sound signature, variety is the spice of life and I don't believe in having a library full of one-note IEMs.

In fact, I think having a flight (while absolutely terrible for your wallet) helps reset your palette so you're able to keep enjoying your music when/how you like it.

The Truthear Hola has always been heralded as one of those budget entry level IEMs (in the same vein as the TangZu Wan'er) that is hard to beat. But, in the ever evolving world of Chi-Fi releases, IEMs are constantly getting lost in the shuffle or hype. Enter the Truthear GATe which has replaced the Truthear Hola in the budget range (especially since the Hola has been discontinued).



The Truthear GATe is a 10mm Dynamic Driver with a proprietary "Carbon LCP Dome Composite Ultra-thin PU" diaphragm material. Here's some of the specs (so you don't have to search yourself):

Driver: 10mm Dynamic Driver
Diaphragm Material: Carbon LCP Dome Composite Ultra-thin PU Diaphragm
Impedance: 28Ω±15%@1kHz
Sensitivity: 122dB/Nrms@1KHz
Total Harmonic Distortion: THD≤1%@1kHz (94dB)
Frequency Response Range: 10-45kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
Effective Frequency Response Range: 20-20KHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)

Disclaimers: I would like to thank Cloris from ShenzhenAudio for providing me with this review unit. I was not given any instructions nor influenced on my review and all thoughts/opinions are my own.

Build Quality, Comfort and Accessories
Photo dump time!









The Truthear GATe is an extremely attractive IEM with a clear window into the inner workings of the IEM. It comes with a sleek (albeit kind of finicky) carrying case, an awesome cable (that I believe is the same one that came with the Hola) and typically would come with eartips. Unfortunatley, mine didn't come with any. But, as someone who does a LOT of tip-rolling anyways, this isn't a big deal to me.







The GATe fits extremely comfortably in my ear; it's on the smaller side which means that it's easier to have it in your ear all day vs a lot of the bigger/chonkier units out there.













Tip Rolling
With the size of the GATe being on the more comfortable side, I was able to fully tip roll and find the best that worked for me.

This is a bit of a spoiler (if some of the things above didn't already do so) but the GATe leans neutral/neutral-bright (even if it doesn't graph that way) so I spent time with a more neutral set of tips as well as more predomintant bass heavy tips to fully enjoy my time with the GATe.

Spinfit W1: Usually, the Spinfit W1 work better for bassy IEMs. I thought that this made the GATe lose a bit more of the bass while elevating the already tuned brightness. Probably not what I would recommend in this case.
Final Type E - Clear/Red: My favorite tips - the Type E Clear/Reds have a tendency to keep all the mids/highs but tighten up the sub-bass a bit for me. These worked decently and kept the overall signature of the GATe. If I was going to recommend a set to keep things as neutral/transparent as possible, this would be the set.
TangZu SanChai - Balanced: These worked okay with the GATe but I found that it didn't actually help the bass as much as I had hoped for. Probably my least favorite combo.
Dunu S&S: The Dunu S&S usually helps a lot with the mid-bass level (over sub-bass) but the GATe didn't get any extra oomph on the mid-bass. S&S though really helped widen the already vast soundstage on the GATe so if this is what you're looking for, this works well.
Kiwi Ears Flex: The Flex are amazing for bass and taming the treble a bit while being super comfortable. This is probably my second favorite tips to use with the GATe as it helped further smooth the treble while bringing that mid-bass feeling a bit more.
Azla SednaEarFit Origin: My favorite tips for the GATe. Holy moly, there were a lot of impressions that said that the GATe had good sub-bass and the Squigs all had me confused to what was wrong. Putting the Azla Origin on, though, changed the game completely for me. My favorite tips. But, again, keep in mind that this is essentially like EQing the IEM from neutral to trying to warm it up. This worked for me and may not work on the same level for you.



I also have some Penon and just received the Radius Deep Mount but I struggle with the Penon on fit and haven't had enough time with the Radius Deep Mount to provide an impression with those.

Cable
Okay. Holy moly. This stock cable is nice. As a lover of cables (Xinhs, NiceHCK, Tripowin, iviPQ, etc.), I rarely will use a stock cable because I've already got a great line up that cover terminations and what I need.



But, the GATe's stock cable is -really- nice. It's almost worth the price of admission for just the cable itself with how it feels. It's just perfectly soft enough (without feeling flimsy) and extremely comfortable with the ear hooks.



I've used stock cables on IEMs that are more than 10x-20x the price that I absolutely dislike with a passion (Hype 4, Dusk) and the GATe's is a perfect combination of form and functionality that I wouldn't feel bad with using as a primary travel one to take a beating.

Sound
So, how does the GATe sound? Like a flat window into your audio.

If you're looking for a 'gateway' to analytical listening, the GATe is it.


*Low hanging fruit pun, I had to take my shot*

Gear Tested On: Primarily streamed music via either dedicated Streamer, Laptop or Phone
Phone chain: Pixel 8 Pro -> Abigail Pro
Phone chain: Pixel 8 Pro -> Shanling Onyx XI1
Streamed Music Chain Workstation: Laptop -> JDS Labs Element 3 MK2 (Boosted)
Streamed Music chain: WiiM Mini -> JDS Labs Atom DAC+ -> JDS Labs OL Switcher -> Geshelli Labs Archel 3 Pro

*My Audio Preference and Score Disclaimer*: To preface my breakdown, here's my sound preference. I tend to prefer warmer sound. I enjoy good sub-bass extension with enough mid-bass to feel the music. I prefer more fuller sounding mids to match my library. My preference is for smooth treble extension; while I'm not treble sensitive, I'd probably lean more towards 'safer' treble tuning for longer listening. I also tend to listen at either medium to louder listening volumes (reasonably loud).

In addition, all scores listed below are typically (unless otherwise stated) rated/scored as it relates to it's peers in the same price group.

Lows/Bass: The GATe is a primary example where the measurements would tell you that the GATe would be have a good amount of bass but, in actual application, this is not really true.

The bass is there but really takes some exploration to find it. When I was first listening with the Type E Clear/Red, I wasn't getting enough of it and felt it was probably too bright in a signature. With some tip rolling, though, and using the Shanling Onyx XI1 (which is a warmer source vs the JDS Element 3 which is very transparent), I found my nirvana with the GATe.

It's not for bassheads and it's not going to satisfy my typical bass tastes that I would typically seek with even like the Xuan NV, KZ Vader, etc. but, for the package you're getting, I'm pretty satisfied with the GATe's bass once I found the right combination. The mid-bass is still a bit anemic and you won't get that dynamic punch but the sub-bass is good while you're getting great energy everywhere else.

Bass Score: 6/10 - TL;DR: Needed to tip roll/source roll for the bass. Felt lean/anemic without it.

Mids: Mid-range is extremely detailed. Everything that plays in the mid-range frequency comes off very clear and clean.

Instruments shine very well through here and I think the star of the show would be female vocals.

Mid-bass can be a bit thin sounding (even with better tips and a warmer source) so male vocals don't come through as well as female vocals. While they sound OK for the most part, there's an extra depth to male vocals that does sound a bit lost. They still sound natural but just a bit thin where you'd expected a boomy voice singing the lyrics.

Mids Score: 7.5/10 - TL;DR: Very solid if a little lean due to the missing mid-bass. Female vocals shine.

Treble: Sparkly. Detailed. Airy to a degree. Without piercing your ears like an ice pick.

I don't think that the GATe will be fully for trebleheads as it still maintains a neutral tone that just happens to be keep the treble elevated without being offensive. But, tip rolling again can really open up the treble without being concerned of any harshness in the upper range tones.

Everything plays out extremely well for instruments and the upper mids.



Treble Score: 8/10 - TL;DR: Bright and competent without being treble murder. Didn't ever feel like I needed to put some shades on to avoid those brights.

Detail, Separation, Imaging, Overall Timbre, Etc.: Overall, I would say that the GATe performs extremely well especially amongst it's peers.

The GATe is very detailed and provides good instrument separation and imaging that envelops you in your music. It can sound very wide (very spherical) in how it surrounds you while sounding very natural.

I think it's a bit wider than a lot in this price range and competes even with some of the $50+ dollar range IEMs with it's soundstage.

Technicalities Score: 8/10 - TL;DR: Great amongst it's peers in the same range, wide and spacious

Library Hit List: Some of my favorite tracks were based around rock music and female vocals. Some of my favorite tracks:

Fleetwood Mac - Rumors
Florence & The Machine - Dog Days Are Over (This can be very borderline treble murder and the GATe handled it extremely well)
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
TOTO - Rosanna
Jackie Wilson - Higher & Higher
Mai Yamane & The Seatbelts - The Real Folk Blues
Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child o' Mine
Camille - Le Festin

Comparisons: In this price range, I can primarily compare it to the KZ Vader and the TRN Orca. But, rather than go into a long detailed breakdown comparison, I'm going to come out and say it.

Spoiler alert: I like those both a -LOT-. But, they also play closer to my preferred sound signature (on the switches I have on) so that is a personal bias coming through. Where I may enjoy the KZ Vader/TRN Orca more, people that are looking for a more neutral tuned IEM would prefer the GATe more.

I would talk more about both the KZ Vader/TRN Orca having better bass but I, personally, use the switches that enhanced the bass in the first place and everything would sound extremely close if I took those bass switches out. But, I think the GATe handles the treble better out the gate (ugh, pun unintended) when switches are off and has a smidge better technicalities.



Other Things to be aware of:
Really, I don't think there's much else to go over or concerns that I have with the GATe.

The GATe plays well with whatever source, the bass can be tuned with just a simple tip rolling to bring out the bass while everything still sounds great, and there isn't really any quirks to it.

In fact, I think for a budget friendly IEM, I would highly recommend it. I would even recommend buying the GATe just for the cable itself because it's that nice (to me) and it's amazing looks (I'm a sucker for that transparent view).

Special Sauce/Personal Bias Score: 9/10 - TL;DR: For people that want a neutral/neutral-bright tuning, this is the one. Also, cable super good.

Conclusion:
Overall, the Truthear GATe is an extremely great package of an IEM with both a transparent character in it's musical presentation and it's looks. Sporting one of the better stock cables out there, it's absolutely worth the flyer if you're looking for something to break up your warm line up or if you tend to prefer the more neutral/neutral-bright sound signature.

I can't say if it's fully a true successor to the Truthear Hola but the GATe holds up on it's own very well.



Final Weighted Score: 7.7/10 - With consideration for how difficult it is to adapt an out of 10 score to an out of 5 rating/star system, this was rounded up as it's above a 3.5 - this is a solid C+ from me.

Edit on 08/14/24: reducing score to 3.5 as it doesn't make sense to round up given its at 7.7 and not closer to the 8 side.

Thanks for reading!

Truthear Gate Budget King​

Truthear Gate is truthear’s successor to “Hola”. They won’t disappoint you for the price. It follows the latest tuning trend balanced tuning with slight bass boost. Read the full review to get in -depth idea for your next/first purchase.

Disclaimer : Huge thanks to SHENZHEN AUDIO for providing me with this review unit. My review stays unbiased as always, as it may influence your purchase decision.​

Inside the box:​

• TRUTHEAR GATE
• Carrying Pouch (good quality)
• High-quality Oxygen-free Copper Cable
• Ear-tips * 4pairs (S, M, L, XL) (Wide Bore)
• Ear-tips * 3pairs (S, M, L) (Narrow Bore)
• Warranty card * 1

Specs:​

Driver: 10mm Dynamic Driver
Diaphragm Material: Carbon LCP Dome Composite Ultra-thin PU Diaphragm
Impedance: 28Ω±15%@1kHz
Sensitivity: 122dB/Nrms@1KHz
Total Harmonic Distortion: THD≤1%@1kHz (94dB)
Frequency Response Range: 10-45kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
Effective Frequency Response Range: 20-20KHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)

Build and Comfort:​

Transparent faceplate with PC+ABS injection cavity. The build might feel cheap due to its plastic-y build. The transparent faceplate looks very much like modern transparent design trends.
Trust me when you wear them you might even forget they are there! It is very lightweight and comfortable to ear. You can sleep wearing them.

Sound​

Bass: It has the right amount of bass imo with a good punch. If you can provide power then the punch of the bass increases. The bass has a nice texture(faster transient speed.
) and lacks depth a bit.. The sub bass is done nicely as well. You will be able to feel the bass in HipHop at the same time the sub-bass of classical instruments as well (e.g. Tabla).:

Treble :​

The treble is smooth and airy. They used big vents to make the treble airy. It has a natural timbre, a bit on the thinner side.
Male vocals sound better than female vocals. Vocals are forward.
Instruments sound natural but if you are looking for treble sparkle then it’s missing here.
Lower notes are not well pronounced. But if you focus, you can listen to them.
Overall the treble is non fatiguing. You can listen to them for hours.

Sound signature:​

It has a balanced tuning with a slight bass boost. Currently released most iems are following this trend.

Technical aspect :​

Surprisingly it has a wide soundstage with good imaging. In other words you can easily distinguish among different instruments that are being played. Also tell where the sound is coming from. For price you couldn’t ask more.

Eartips:​

End of the day it's a budget iem. So I used stock wide and narrow bore tips. The wide bore tips provide a wider soundstage and instrument separation. But I feel like it kills the minimum energy required for bass to sound fun. So, Narrow bore tips all the way.

Final Verdict :​

If your budget is around 20$ and you can’t decide what to buy? Buy truthear Gate. It plays all genres quite well.Fun and engaging sound. You won’t be disappointed.


Purchase Link : https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/truthear-gate-dynamic-driver-in-ear-headphone

Disclaimer:​

Thanks Shenzhenaudio for sending Truthear Gate as a review unit. They didn't provide me anything to influence this product. I will be unbiased and share my thought about Truthear Gate

I would like to mention one more thing:This review is based on my personal music preference and sources cause music preference varies person to person and sources

If you want to buy one of this visit https://shenzhenaudio.com/ or you are from Bangladesh https://geekmartbd.com/

Technical Specifications:​

- Driver Type: 10mm DD
- Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz
- Sensitivity: 122 dB
- Impedance: 28Ω
- Cable Length: 1.2m
- Connector Type: 3.5mm
- Weight: 15g

Box Contant:​

- IEM drivers
- A leather carrying pouch
- Soft, well-braided cable (OFC)
- Total 7 pairs of eartips (4pairs wide bore ,3pairs narrow bore)
- Paperworks

Design and looks:​

The Truthear Gate keeps things simple design-wise, opting for a lightweight plastic build that feels surprisingly sturdy. It doesn't boast any fancy curves, but the transparent faceplate adds a modern touch. The included cable is a real win - it's soft, braided, and tangle-resistant, making it comfortable and convenient for everyday use. While the design might not win any awards, it prioritizes functionality and comfort at its budget price point.

Fit and Comfort:​

The Truthear Gate seems to be a champion in comfort for its price range. Reviewers mention a lightweight design that conforms well to ears. The shape helps create a snug fit that blocks out some external noise for better sound isolation. This comfortable fit makes them ideal for listening for extended periods without fatigue. However, it's always important to remember that ear shapes vary, so what feels great for one person might not be perfect for everyone.

Testing Sources and pairing:​

DAP:​

PLENUE R2

DAC-Dongles:​

Moondrop Dawn Pro
EPZ TP30
Fosi Audio DS1

Eartips:​

Dunu S&S:​

I like the pairing of S&S and Gate, they provide excellent bass performance being tight and clean , vocals got proper room for shine , treble don't become shouty and for precise imaging instruments heard very lively .

TRI Clarion:​

With this tips sound becomes more open and feels a bit holographic also get vocals get more body but bass performance may not satisfy most people.

Dunu Candy:​

This tips helps the bass section to get more body and thump also instruments really performance great but vocals may feels a bit compressed.

Sound Quality:​

Sound Impression:​

The Truthear Gate in-ear monitors offer a clean and musical sound with a bit of an analytical edge, emphasizing detail and clarity over warmth. This makes them an excellent choice for budget-minded listeners who prefer a crisp, detailed sound. The soundstage is impressively open, providing a wide and immersive listening experience, and the imaging is notably accurate for the price. The treble is smooth and non-fatiguing, while the bass is well-controlled, offering a good balance without overwhelming the mids.

Bass:​

The bass presence of the Truthear Gate is on the lighter side. There's enough sub-bass to provide a basic foundation without overpowering the mix. The mid-bass offers some punch for instruments like bass guitar, but it doesn't bleed into the mids, maintaining a clear and balanced sound. This characteristic makes it a suitable choice for listeners who prefer detail and clarity in their music.

Sub-bass:​

The sub-bass extension of the Truthear Gate is decent, especially considering its price point. It delivers a rumble that adds depth to the music without being overpowering. This makes it suitable for genres that benefit from a clean and tight sub-bass presence, such as rock and acoustic music. For instance, when testing with "LYTD" by Daft Punk, the sub-bass provided a solid foundation without overshadowing other elements of the track. However, for electronic music with deep bass lines, it might not deliver the earth-shattering impact that some listeners crave.

Mid-bass:​

The mid-bass on the Truthear Gate is also on the lean side, offering enough impact to keep the music engaging without muddying the mids. This focus on clarity makes it a good option for genres that rely heavily on defined bass lines, like jazz or certain types of metal. When testing "Just The Two of Us" by Grover Washington, Jr., the mid-bass provided enough punch to drive the rhythm but stayed clean and distinct, ensuring that the mids remained clear and undistorted. This balance is crucial for maintaining the overall integrity of the music and ensuring that all elements are heard distinctly.

Male Vocals:​

Male vocals on the Truthear Gate come through clearly and precisely, thanks to its clear and detailed mids. This clarity ensures that vocals are well-defined and stand out in the mix. While some might find the male vocals a touch bright, they do not feel harsh, maintaining a good balance between presence and smoothness. The reverb on male vocals is also handled well, adding a natural depth and resonance to the voice. When testing with "What You Won't Do For Love" by Bobby Caldwell, the vocals sounded clean and engaging, providing a pleasant listening experience. The crispness of the mids allows for male voices to retain their natural warmth and richness without becoming overbearing or muddy.

Female Vocals:​

Similar to male vocals, female vocals benefit significantly from the clarity and detail of the mids on the Truthear Gate. Female voices have enough sparkle and airiness, making them sound vibrant and lively. This adds a sense of openness and space to the music, enhancing the overall listening experience. When testing with "Power of Love" by Laura Branigan, the female vocals were clear and articulate, with a pleasant brightness that added excitement to the performance. The balance in the mids ensures that female vocals are neither too forward nor recessed, providing a natural and enjoyable sound. This makes the Truthear Gate a great choice for genres that feature prominent female vocals, such as pop and classical music.

Instrument Separation:​

Instrument separation is a strong point for the Truthear Gate. The clear and controlled sound signature allows listeners to distinguish between individual instruments even in a busy mix. This clarity makes listening to complex music more enjoyable, as it enables you to focus on specific elements or appreciate the interplay between instruments. For instance, when testing with "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, each instrument stood out distinctly, from the piano and guitars to the intricate vocal harmonies. This level of separation adds depth and dimension to the listening experience, making it easier to follow each part of the composition.

Treble:​

The Truthear Gate's highs, also known as the treble, are where its budget-friendly price tag might come into play. The treble leans towards being bright, which means it produces a crisp and detailed sound. This can be a good thing if you like your music to sound clear and analytical, with all the tiny details shining through. Think of it like being able to hear every cymbal strike and the subtle nuances of hi-hats in a drum solo. However, the brightness can also be tiring for some listeners, especially during long listening sessions. To test this out, I listened to Dream Theater's "Pale Blue Dot" and focused on the treble instruments. This helped me understand how clear and crisp the Gate can be in this range.

Soundstage :​

Imagine a concert hall. In the ideal world, headphones would recreate that spacious feeling where the music seems to come from beyond your head. The Truthear Gate punches above its weight in this area for a budget IEM. While it won't create a massive soundstage like high-end models, the sound goes beyond your headspace. This creates a sense of openness and separation between instruments. Think of it like having a bit more breathing room in the music, where instruments aren't crammed together but have some space around them. This can make the listening experience more immersive and enjoyable.

Imaging :​

Imaging refers to how precisely headphones can pinpoint the location of each instrument within the soundstage we just discussed. The Gate performs decently here, but it's not the most pinpoint accurate. You won't be able to map out the exact location of every instrument on the stage like a high-resolution photo. However, it gives you a good general sense of where things are positioned. To test this, I listened to Grover Washington Jr.'s "Just The Two of Us." The Gate was able to distinguish between the saxophone in the center, the bass guitar on the left, and the piano on the right, even if the placement wasn't razor-sharp.

Who should go for this IEM:​

- Clear and Crisp sound
- Analytical sound in budget
- Great detail retrieval
- Immersive soundstage and precise imaging
- Comfortable fit
- Want open sound

Look elsewhere if you need these :​

- if you’re a basshead
- want more musical presentation

This my thought about Truthear Gate. Let me know your thought about this IEM
Till then keep listening
Bye..

Truthear is a relatively new brand in the IEM market, but everything they've released so far has been impressive. Their collaboration with Crinacle on the Zero IEMs has definitely helped, but their consistent quality suggests they are either very experienced or supported by industry giants.



After the discontinuation of the Hola, a successor was anticipated, and Truthear answered with another ultra-budget IEM, the GATe. Priced at $18.99 ($19.99 with a mic), the GATe has big shoes to fill and stiff competition to overcome.

Disclaimers​

The Truthear GATe was provided to me by Cloris from shenzhenaudio.com for free. As I always say, everyone has biases, so take everything you read with a grain of salt. I'll strive to be more concise and to the point in my reviews from now on. If you have any questions, please ask in the comments, and I'll do my best to answer them.

Packaging, Build, and Accessories​

In this ultra-budget segment, packaging and accessories are often minimal, but the GATe still manages to impress. Unfortunately, I haven't tried the Hola, so I can't compare them in terms of accessories or sound. From what I've gathered, the GATe uses the same cable as the Hola, which is one of the best in this price range. It's very soft and doesn’t retain memory. The IEMs and cable come in either black or white. Besides the cable and a set of tips, you get a magnetic carrying pouch similar to what Hidizs offers with their IEMs. I don’t recall getting a carrying pouch with any IEMs below $20, let alone one of this quality.



The GATe has a beautiful design with transparent faceplates. The insides aren't as attractive, featuring only a single dynamic driver, but I appreciate the look. The shells are entirely made of plastic, which might be a step down from the Hola. I don't mind it, but former Hola users might feel a bit betrayed. The shells have a small wing that helps with fit security without being annoying.

Sound Quality​

Tonality​

This time around, Truthear went with a clarity-focused tuning for their ultra-budget offering. On first listen, the clarity and vividness stood out, but it felt bass-light. The GATe isn't devoid of bass; it actually has more bass than some older ultra-budget IEMs like the Moondrop Chu and 7Hz Salnotes Zero. However, the upper mids and treble are more prominent than the bass. The GATe scales well with volume and comes alive, a sentiment confirmed by a few of my friends.

The mid frequencies on GATe are very well-tuned. As I mentioned, the GATe's clarity-focused tuning makes the mids its best feature. The treble isn’t harsh, peaky, or piercing, but there is a slight unevenness that affects the timbre a bit.

Technicalities​

Discussing technicalities for ultra-budget IEMs might seem pointless. There are technically better or worse IEMs in this price range, but ultimately, you get what you pay for. In the GATe’s case, it has decent imaging and staging capabilities. The timbre is slightly off but not too bad. The clarity-focused tuning helps reveal a good amount of detail, but the drivers' resolving capability can barely keep up. However, these drivers are pretty good among other ultra-budget IEMs since the GATe scales well with volume.

Comparisons​

Truthear GATe vs. Tangzu Wan’er​

• Wan’er has more bass, but GATe’s bass is better defined and textured. Wan’er’s bass is less controlled and the weakest point of the IEMs, though it extends deeper into the sub-bass and rumbles more.
• Wan’er is warmer, thicker, and has more note weight. GATe’s note weight is sufficient, but some listeners might want more.
• Wan’er emphasizes its mids more and is slightly shoutier. GATe is more balanced and scales better with volume, sounding clearer and crisper.
• GATe is more prominent in the treble overall. Wan’er has lower treble energy. While neither is particularly sibilant, GATe is more susceptible to sibilance with volume. Still, GATe has more snap and shimmer, while Wan’er sounds blunted in comparison. However, Wan’er might suit those sensitive to treble better.
• Wan’er has a better timbre overall, but GATe has a wider and more spacious presentation. Wan’er feels more in-your-head, while imaging is more focused and precise on Wan’er. GATe has better detail retrieval, revealing more nuances.

Truthear GATe vs. EPZ Q1 Pro​

• GATe is slightly warmer and thicker, with a more impactful bass. Q1 Pro has more sub-bass extension.
• Q1 Pro has more prominent mids and is shoutier in the upper mids.
• GATe has a more relaxed and slightly blunted treble. Q1 Pro sounds livelier without being harsh or sibilant at moderate volumes, but GATe can be pushed more without becoming harsh.
• Q1 Pro is more technically capable, with better timbre and resolution. Q1 Pro has a slightly wider and deeper soundstage. Imaging is also more precise on Q1 Pro.

Conclusion​

I enjoyed the Truthear GATe more than I expected. Usually, after reviewing unimpressive products, I set them aside, but the GATe convinced me to keep them around. They have a comfortable fit, scale well with volume, come with a very good cable, and include my favorite type of pouch with a magnetic closing mechanism. According to other reviews, they sound vastly different from the original Hola, so perhaps both could have been kept around. Nonetheless, I'm quite happy with what Truthear has delivered.

Introduction​

The Truthear Gate is an entry-level in-ear monitor (IEM) designed to offer high-quality sound at an affordable price. Positioned as a successor to the popular Hola model, the Gate features several upgrades and changes to enhance its performance and appeal. With a single dynamic driver and a focus on balanced sound, the Gate aims to attract both newcomers and budget-conscious audiophiles. It retails at a modest $18.99, making it a compelling option for those seeking quality audio without breaking the bank

Context​

I tried the Gate with the Xduoo XD05 Basic, ddHiFi Tc44c, and the LG V60, in regular configuration and with pure copper, mixed cable, and numerous tips such as Divinus Velvet, Spinfit W1, 145, TRN T, and Penon Orange. I enjoyed it best with Penon Orange and TRN T tips.


Disclaimer

‘Shenzhenaudio’ sent me this IEM for review purposes. And there is no guidance by the respective company about what to write and what not. The whole review is my unbiased experience and honest opinion with the sound I listened to.

One thing more. The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear using different IEMs. Your experience may vary due to personal preference and physical differences like the shape & depth of the ear canal.

Note: I use this set of iems with this cable, eartips, and sources. That is the basis for my overall review.

If you want to buy this iem, visit Shenzhenaudio. If you are from Bangladesh, you may visit GeekMart.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

● Driver Type: 10mm DD
● Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz
● Sensitivity: 122 dB
● Impedance: 28Ω
● Cable Length: 1.2m
● Connector Type: 3.5mm
● Weight: 15g


WHAT’S IN THE BOX

● Truthear GATE Iems
● Soft, well-braided cable (OFC)
● Wide bore ear tips
● Narrow bore ear tips
● Carrying pouch
● User manual

Build Quality​

The Truthear Gate sports a transparent shell made from a PC and ABS composite, replacing the 3D-printed resin housing of its predecessor, the Hola. This material choice, while more cost-efficient, does not compromise on durability. The transparent design not only provides a modern aesthetic but also allows users to see the internal components, which is a nice touch for tech enthusiasts. The included cable is of high quality, featuring a twisted design with a glossy black sheath that is both supple and tangle-resistant. Overall, the build quality is impressive for its price range, balancing robustness and style effectively.

Fit and Comfort​

The Gate’s design prioritizes comfort, featuring a lightweight shell and a standard-shaped nozzle that fits well in most ears. The package includes a generous selection of ear tips in various sizes, ensuring a good fit for different users. The IEMs are comfortable for extended listening sessions, thanks to their ergonomic shape and lightweight construction. The secure fit also helps in providing a good seal, which is crucial for optimal sound quality and noise isolation

Sound Impressions​

The Truthear Gate delivers a neutral-bright sound signature with a slight sub-bass boost. This results in good resolution and detail retrieval, which is impressive for its price point. The overall sound is clear and balanced, with a spacious soundstage that exceeds expectations for a budget IEM. While it may not have the warmth of its predecessor, the Hola, the Gate’s sound profile is engaging and suitable for a variety of music genres.

Bass​

The bass on the Truthear Gate is well-controlled and detailed. It offers a punchy and textured low-end that enhances the listening experience without overwhelming the other frequencies. The sub-bass provides a satisfying rumble, making it enjoyable for genres like pop and R&B. However, bass enthusiasts might find it lacking in sheer power. Overall, the bass response is balanced and refined, contributing to the Gate’s overall cohesive sound signature.

Mids​

The midrange of the Truthear Gate is clean and mostly neutral, with a slight boost in the upper mids. This enhances vocal clarity, making both male and female vocals sound articulate and engaging. The midrange maintains a good balance, ensuring that instruments and vocals are distinct and well-defined. While there is a slight recession in the lower mids, which can result in a thinner note weight, the upper mids add brightness and energy without becoming harsh.

Treble​

The treble region is where the Gate's sound signature deviates a bit from its predecessor, the Hola. The Gate has a touch more emphasis in the upper treble, which can add a bit of sparkle and detail. However, some users may find it fatigued during extended listening sessions, especially for listeners sensitive to bright highs.

Instruments​

Instrument separation on the Truthear Gate is commendable, allowing each element within a track to be distinctly heard. This clarity is particularly noticeable in complex musical arrangements, where instruments are well-organized and easy to distinguish. The Gate’s ability to maintain instrument separation without smearing details contributes significantly to its overall sound quality, making it an excellent choice for listeners who appreciate detailed and layered music.

Soundstage​

The soundstage of the Truthear Gate is impressively wide for an IEM in this price category. It provides a good sense of space and depth, creating an open and immersive listening experience. While it may not offer the 3D holographic imaging of higher-end models, the Gate’s soundstage is more than adequate for its price range. The imaging is precise enough to place instruments and vocals accurately within the sound field, enhancing the overall listening experience.



Comparison with Truthear Hola

Compared to the Truthear Hola, the Gate offers a different sound signature and build quality. The Gate's sound is noticeably brighter, with a more detailed midrange and a less pronounced bass. The build materials have also been changed from 3D-printed resin to PC and ABS composite, making the Gate more cost-efficient. The cable remains the same, offering good tangle resistance and microphonics. Overall, the Gate provides a more detailed and brighter listening experience, while the Hola was known for its warmer sound

Gaming Performance​

The Truthear Gate performs well in gaming scenarios, thanks to its detailed and balanced sound signature. The wide soundstage allows for accurate spatial awareness, crucial for identifying enemy positions and environmental cues in games. The clear midrange ensures that dialogue and in-game sounds are crisp and easily distinguishable. However, the slightly recessed bass might not deliver the same level of impact in explosive scenes as some gaming-specific headphones. Nonetheless, the Gate's performance is impressive for its price, providing an immersive gaming experience

Conclusion​

In conclusion, the Truthear Gate is a strong contender in the ultra-budget IEM market. It offers a balanced and engaging sound signature, impressive build quality, and comfortable fit. While it may not have the warmth of the Hola, its predecessor, the Gate’s neutral-bright sound profile is well-suited for a variety of music genres. With its affordable price and solid performance, the Truthear Gate is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore high-quality audio without a significant investment.



Thanks for joining me on this deep dive into the Truthear Gate! I hope this review helped you decide if these versatile IEMs are a good fit for your listening preferences. Happy listening!

★ Introduction :-

Truthear is quite new but it is reputed Chifi audio brand. They specialize in producing quality audio gears for fairly budget friendly customers. Truthear's products are renowned for their descent sound quality, durability, and stylish design, catering to both music lovers and casual users alike. They have gained a strong position in the audio industry for their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. But the most interesting thing is that this is my first review of a Truthear product I'll try to highlight all aspects of this IEM in my review. So that it is convenient for you to understand how equitable it is for this price category.




★ Disclaimer :-

This review unit was sent to me from @shenzhenaudio . I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product.The entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.


★ Box Content at a Glance :-

The unboxing experience of Truthear Gate was descent enough . All kind of accessories were present out of the box. Truthear has no room to complain in this regard



1. A pair of Gate IEM ×1
2. Two types of different size eartips.
3. Carrying pouch ×1
4. multi-core oxygen free 2pin copper cable.

The IEM comes in a rather simple box. Out of the box comes the IEM, carrying pouch, stock cable and two types of several pairs of eartips. The unboxing experience I got from such an entry budget IEM is really commendable.

★ Specifications :-

~ Driver :- 10mm Single Dynamic Driver.
~ Impedance :- 28Ω±15%@1kHz
~ Sensitivity :- 122dB/Vrms@1KHz
~ Distortion ratio :- 1%@1kHz (94dB)
~ Frequency response :- 10-45kHz
~ Connector :- 2pin 0.78mm
~ Cable type :- multi-core oxygen-free copper cable with L-shape single end jack.


★ Design, Build & Comfort :-

Truthear Gate IEM typically uses polycarbonate material for its shell design , similar to other IEMs in the $20 range. That's why it looks so cheap. On the other hand uses a transparent plastic as a faceplate on the back, Where there is Truthear branding on the left side faceplate and Gate branding on the right side. Which allows easy visibility of the driver unit inside. But fingerprints and scratches can easily get on this faceplate due to which it tends to blurry, Which will look very awkward. But the minimalistic carrying pouch that comes with it is very helpful to protect the IEM from scratches. Although the space inside it is relatively less due to its small size, but it is quite capable of protecting the IEM because its quality is not very bad as a stock pouch, so it can be called usable. But the build quality of this IEM isn't quite as shaky as it seems.

Moreover, the stock cable that comes with it is quite good and can be said to be durable. Its stock cable is multi-core oxygen-free 2pin copper cable Because the connector is very recessed, it sticks to the IEM very tightly, so there is almost no chance of it opening suddenly. The Rubber coating has been used as the build material of this cable due to which it is quite soft and fairly twisted free. But this cable will become unusable due to its rubber coating bursting after long usage. However, the shell of this IEM was very comfortable due to its light weight. Due to which it can be kept in the ear for a long time. Among the two types of eartips that come with it, the wide bored eartips seem to be usable with which initial listening can be done. But after market eartips would be better suited for the best fit, sound and isolation. I've tried several eartips on it so I noticed that using Cp100+ eartips or Trn T eartips with it gives better results.


★ Sound Aspect :-

Truthear gate basically safe harman tuned set. The internal configuration of this set has single dynamic drivers which handle the entire sound frequency. Where sub bass is more than mid bass but control and quality is pretty good. It typically provides a balanced U-shape sound profile with fairly good representation of lows, mids, and highs, ensuring fun & engaging listening experience.

Credit :- Super*Review

Where the presence of minimal coloration can be observed in the upper treble and mids region. This set is very easy to drive so it doesn't need powerful amplification. It can be played well from the earphone port of any smart phone, but it gets a little better sounding when using a dongle dac. But in that case it would be wise to use any neutral sounding source.

★ Gear used :-

1. Cayin Ru7
2. Questyle m15
3. Quloos Mc01
4. Epz Tp50
5. Fosi Audio Ds2 ~ 2024
6. Tanchjim space lite
7. Hidizs Sd2

• I also tested this set by plugging into the earphone port of my redmi note 12 smartphone.


Now, I will discuss the sound in detail, I will start with the Low end of this set, i.e. the bass....


★ The Bass :-

Gate is basically a sub bass focused set, which can create a deep & rumbly environment. This is why sub-bass notes resonate fairly clearly, which is able to create clear weather for some delicate bass-notes and drum hi-hats. On the other hand, the mid bass section is largely disappointing because there is a noticeable lack of impact and a lot of texture is missing. So the sound of the kick drum seems too dull. However, it is able to give good performance in genres like pop, edm, dance, hip-hop.

★ The mids :-

The Vocals section is a strength where these sets shine. It deliver clear, detailed & forward upper mids, with a good sense of warmth and presence. At the same time the lower mids were slightly recessed. As a result, the male vocal sounds a bit fuller compared to the female vocal. Although there is a slight margin of boost in the 4-5khz region which gives the female vocal extra energy which results in some tracks sounding a bit shouty. However, the overall mids section does not seem too unnatural. So, better performance can be found in pop, edm & hip-hop than acoustic, classical & jazz type genres.


★ The Treble :-

The treble extension of this IEM is mediocre, reaching into the upper registers where there is some lack of air. But can keep the sound harsh or sibilance free. It maintains a smooth manner in the lower treble which avoids any kind of fatigue. Treble notes are fairly controlled, ensuring a pleasant listening experience even during long listening sessions. But there is a bit of boost towards 10khz which makes the high frequency notes a little more crispy. By doing this, the treble sparkle is somewhat presented , but the instruments character is somewhat disturbed. Then it becomes difficult to portray distinguish the subtle nuances of vocals, cymbals and instruments such as violin or guitar.

★ Technicalities :-

Technically this set is not able to perform as expected. The height of its sound stage is a little better than the average but the lack of depth was noticeable. Although the imaging was good, it was difficult to understand the presence of directional audio, that means the instrument placement was not exactly at the pin point position. So it won't be ideal for competitive gaming naturally. Even detail, macro detail was also of average quality. Moreover, tonality & timbre good but not very matured. If one does not give too much priority to the technical aspect then I think it will be suitable for many.

Overall rating out of 5 is what I would give

Bass : 3.8/5
Mids : 4/5
Treble : 4/5
Technicalities : 3.5/5
Build & Astheatics : 3.8/5

★ Comparison :-

~Truthear Gate VS Epz Q1 Pro ~

Gate sub 20$ price range IEM but it has some strength due to which sound wise it comes close to Q1 pro, But both have some differences. Although the Q1 Pro is sub bass focused, but its sub bass rumble is quite prominent compared to the gate. In the mid bass section, neither of the two is strong, lack of impact & texture was noticeable. On the other side mids section of both the upper mids boosted but some touch of warmth can be noticed in case of gate due to which the vocal sounds seems a bit pleasing but Q1 pro feels a bit less musical due to lack of warmth.

Besides, the Q1 Pro performed better in the treble region. especially lower treble is pretty safe than upper treble. The gate will be slightly behind the position of the upper treble. Both showed average performance in technicalities. Although the sound stage is average, the depth is comparatively better than gate. But the imaging of the gate will go a little further. In terms of tonality & timbre, Q1 pro is a bit more matured, but both lack micro detail.


★ Conclusion :-

Sub 20$ price bracket is very competitive. Many chifi brands have released many of their offerings in this category, But now with the arrival of the gate, all the previous records are almost broken. It has actually managed to perform better than the price. So, I think it will undoubtedly be a good option for those who are planning to buy something in this price range and think that they will use it regularly and also do not give much priority to gaming. I would recommend it buying from my side. I hope my shared info will be helpful for many people to make a purchase decision.

I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience

Truthear Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)

ShenzhenAudio (link isn’t affiliated)

TRUTHEAR GATE: YOUR GATE TO THE MELODY
_____________________________________________________


INTRO

The Truthear GATE earphones are an impressive entry into the budget audio market, offering a great blend of sound quality and comfort. These earphones are designed to provide a balanced sound profile, with a slight emphasis on the upper mids. One of the standout features of the Truthear GATE is its lightweight design, which ensures comfort even during long listening sessions. The earphones are built from high-quality plastic, making them durable yet lightweight. The soft, well-braided cable adds to the overall durability and reduces microphonics, enhancing the listening experience. Although the included ear tips are basic, they do a decent job of providing a good fit and noise isolation. The Truthear GATE aims to deliver high-quality audio at an affordable price, making it an attractive option for both casual listeners and audiophiles on a budget.


CONTEXT:

In a market dominated by high-end earphones with premium price tags, the Truthear GATE stands out by offering quality audio performance at a more accessible price. These earphones are ideal for everyday use and ensure that all types of music sound good, from rock and pop to classical and jazz. As we all know it, ‘Hola-2’, I was really interested in testing it because I love my Hola very much. But the listening experience is bittersweet. I missed the warm & bold bass of Hola, but the Gate provides a very sweet midrange, which is a good point. In my testing, my Planue R2 did a great job, as did the Hiby R3. When I paired the IEM with my Moondrop Dawn Pro, the mids opened up a bit. My ifi Hip DAC 2 made it slightly thicker in the bass region. I shuffled the cable and ear tips too to find the best synergy. I'll go into more detail about this in a later part of this review.




DISCLAIMER:

Shenzhenaudio was kind enough to send me the Gate to review. I am not affiliated with the company, and of course, I was not asked for any copy checking before publishing. All opinions shared in this review are my subjective thoughts.

One thing more: The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear using different sources. Your experience may very due to personal preference and physical differences like the shape & depth of the ear canal.

For your personal purchase -

Geek Mart is the place if you are in Bangladesh.
Check out Shenzhenaudio if you live elsewhere.


GEAR USED:

● DAP: Cowon Planue R2, Hiby R3
● DAC/AMP: iFi Hip Dac 2, Moondrop Dawn Pro
● Smartphone: POCO X3
● Music Sources: Local FLAC & DSD files

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION:

● Driver Type: 10mm DD
● Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz
● Sensitivity: 122 dB
● Impedance: 28Ω
● Cable Length: 1.2m
● Connector Type: 3.5mm
● Weight: 15g


WHAT’S IN THE BOX:

● Truthear GATE earphones
● Soft, well-braided cable (OFC)
● Wide bore ear tips (SS/S/M/L)
● Narrow bore ear tips (S/M/L)
● Carrying pouch
● User manual






UNBOXING EXPERIENCE:

Unboxing the Truthear GATE is a straightforward and satisfying experience. The IEMs come neatly packaged in a sturdy box, ensuring they are well-protected during transit. Upon opening the box, you're greeted with the IEMs themselves, which are securely placed in a foam insert. The good-quality oxygen-free copper cable is attached to the IEM. Additionally, the box includes seven pairs of ear tips in various sizes and types. Overall, the unboxing experience feels premium and well thought out, reflecting the quality of the product inside.










BUILD QUALITY:

The Truthear GATE impresses with its build quality and design. Made from high-quality plastic, the IEMs are lightweight yet durable. The design features a transparent faceplate, adding a touch of modernity. The soft, well-braided cable not only looks good but also feels robust and tangle-resistant. The cable's glossy black sheath is both supple and durable, ensuring it can withstand daily use without issues. The ear tips included are basic but functional. Overall, the GATE's build quality and design exceed expectations, especially considering its budget-friendly price point.








FIT & COMFORT:

When it comes to fit and comfort, the Truthear GATE excels. The lightweight design ensures that the earphones sit comfortably in your ears without causing any fatigue, even during long listening sessions. The soft, well-braided cable is a good feature, as it doesn't create any pressure over the ears and minimizes microphonics (the noise created by the cable rubbing against clothing). The ear tips, although basic, provide a decent fit and noise isolation, making the earphones suitable for various activities, from commuting to working out. Overall, the Truthear GATE offers a comfortable and enjoyable listening experience, making them a reliable choice for everyday use.




SOUND IMPRESSION:

The Truthear GATE delivers a balanced and engaging sound signature with a slight emphasis on the upper mids. This translates to a warm and enjoyable listening experience, suitable for a variety of musical genres. The bass is well-bodied and controlled, adding depth and richness to the music without overpowering other frequencies. Vocals are clear and present, while the airy and detailed treble adds sparkle without becoming harsh. For the price point, the GATE offers impressive instrument separation and a surprisingly wide soundstage, allowing you to distinguish individual instruments within the mix.




Let’s dive deep …


SUB-BASS:

On the Truthear GATE, the sub-bass impresses with its good body and authority. Listening to "Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake, the bass lines in the song are delivered with a satisfying depth that adds to the overall richness of the track. Importantly, the sub-bass does not bleed into other frequencies, ensuring that the mids and highs remain clear and distinct. The result is a well-rounded listening experience where the bass enhances the music without overwhelming it. This characteristic makes the Truthear GATE particularly enjoyable for rock and metal genres, where a strong bass presence is essential.


MID-BASS:

The mid-bass is well-balanced, ensuring that it complements the rest of the frequency spectrum rather than dominating it. "Guilty of the Crime" by Eagles showcases the Truthear GATE's mid-bass capabilities. The mid-bass delivers an enjoyable thump that adds energy to the track, creating a lively listening experience. What stands out is how the mid-bass manages to provide this punch without bleeding into other frequencies. The guitar riffs and vocals remain clear and distinct, allowing the full complexity of the song to shine through. This balance makes the Truthear GATE a great choice for those who enjoy a dynamic yet balanced sound, where every element of the music is given room to breathe.




MALE VOCALS:

The GATE reproduces male vocals with a natural timbre and a touch of brightness in the upper mids. This subtle emphasis adds texture and presence, making male vocals sound engaging and powerful. Mark Knopfler's "All That Matters" highlights the GATE's ability to render male vocals with texture. Knopfler's voice comes through with a slight brightness that adds to the power and presence of his performance. The IEM captures the nuances and emotional depth of his voice, making the listening experience more engaging. The slight emphasis on the upper mids ensures that vocals are prominent and clear, even in tracks with complex instrumentation. This makes the Truthear GATE an excellent choice for vocal-centric genres like folk, country, and rock.


FEMALE VOCALS:

Female vocals are equally well-represented on the GATE. The vocals are smooth and free of harshness, making for an enjoyable listening experience. Whitney Houston's "Saving All My Love for You" is a testament to the Truthear GATE's handling of female vocals. Houston's voice is presented with a sweet and energetic quality that captures the essence of her performance. The IEMs deliver the texture and clarity needed to appreciate the full range of her vocals, from the soft, intimate moments to the powerful crescendos. This clarity and sweetness make the Truthear GATE a fantastic option for listeners who enjoy female vocalists across genres like pop, R&B, and jazz.


INSTRUMENT SEPARATION:

The GATE's ability to separate instruments is impressive for a budget IEM. "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd is a track that tests the Truthear GATE's instrument separation. The IEM handles this challenge admirably, allowing each instrument to stand out distinctly. The guitars, keyboards, and vocals are all given their own space in the mix, creating a rich and immersive listening experience. This separation enhances the track's emotional impact, as every detail is clear and easy to appreciate. The Truthear GATE's ability to maintain this clarity even in complex arrangements makes them a great choice for those who appreciate detailed and nuanced music.




TREBLE:

The treble on the GATE leans towards the smooth and airy side. Using "Man on the Silver Mountain" by Rainbow as an example, the cymbals and hi-hats come through with a clear and crisp sound, adding brightness and detail to the music. However, they avoid being harsh or sibilant, which can cause listener fatigue during extended listening sessions. This smooth treble presentation makes the GATE a good choice for those who find overly bright or analytical IEMs fatiguing.


SOUDSTAGE:

Soundstage refers to the perceived width and depth of the music. While not the widest on the market, the GATE offers a surprisingly good soundstage for its price point. Take "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin for example. The GATE creates a sense of space where you can distinguish the placement of instruments within the mix, from the swirling keyboards on the left to the pounding drums on the right. This immersive effect adds to the overall listening experience, making you feel like you're right there in the concert hall.




CABLE & TIP ROLLING:

Here comes my favorite part. I went straight to my custom made pure copper cable collection, and ah! the Gate shows a bit warmth in the bass & lower mids regions, as well as with the budget-friendly OCC cable ‘NiceHCK MixPP.’ And after using various ear tips, I settled with the Spinfit Omni for comfort and Dunu Candy for good-bodied bass. It’s not necessary to spend a lot on accessories like cables & ear tips for a 19 USD IEM, but if you have some in your collection, feel free to experiment.


Who Should Get the Truthear GATE?

● Budget-minded audiophiles seeking a balanced and engaging sound.
● Listeners who enjoy a variety of musical genres.
● Users who prioritize comfort and a secure fit for extended listening sessions.
● Those who appreciate a smooth and non-fatiguing treble presentation.

Maybe Look Elsewhere If:

● You're a basshead and crave earth-shattering bass.
● You prefer a super wide and expansive soundstage.
● You desire a highly analytical and detail-oriented sound signature.



CONCLUSION:

In the ever-growing field of budget IEMs, the Truthear GATE stands out as a thoughtful and well-rounded performer. It doesn't try to be everything to everyone, instead focusing on delivering a balanced and engaging sound signature that caters to a wide range of musical styles. While it might not be the ultimate bass monster or boast the widest soundstage, the GATE truly shines when you consider the price tag. It offers exceptional value for the money, delivering sound quality that rivals some IEMs that cost significantly more. While some might prefer a more analytical or aggressive sound signature, the GATE prioritizes a comfortable and enjoyable listening experience. If you're a budget-conscious audiophile looking for a versatile and balanced performer, the Truthear GATE deserves a serious look. It might just become your new go-to for rediscovering your favorite music collection.

I got this product as a review unit from Truthears. Except from the review unit I did not receive money or any other necessities to influence the review in anyway.

This is my honest and unbiased opinion on Truthears Gate. My likes and dislikes on this IEM are based solely on my own personal experience.

If you're interested in buying Truthears Gate checkout SHENZHENAUDIO

It comes with a small box. On top of the box you'll see an anime style ninja girl who's about to swing her sword. Thankfully I'm not injured by her. Anyways the packaging was nicely done. Inside the box you'll get:

• Truthears Gate Drivers

• 7 Pairs of Eartips (4 Wide 3 Narrow)

• 2 core OFC Copper cablw

• Caring Pouch

• User Manual

• Warranty Card

I didn't expect a budget IEM to have a warranty card. Glad to see they thought about the users.

It was quite a rainy day. By the time I received the product, it had stopped raining slowly. I was on a bike with one of my brothers while returning home. The road was slippery to begin with, and he was riding too rough. Somehow, I reached home safely, but by that time, my legs were no more. I just plugged in the Truthears Gate and listened for 6-7 minutes. I was too tired, so I went to bed that night.

Waking up the next day, I remembered, 'Oh, it's been 8 hours and I didn't even listen to them!'

Reaching for the IEMs was a pain as my legs were numb. After getting them, I just plugged them in with my TP30 and Dunu Candy eartips (talk about overkill). I was listening for like an hour when I remembered that I hadn't had breakfast yet. I'd have to say, they're good sounding.


The Truthears Gate is a single dynamic driver with a cheap plastic shell. The faceplate on them are transparent. So you can clearly see the dynamic driver used inside. You can clearly see two words running down from the two pin connectors all the way to the drivers. On one faceplate you'll notice a text "Gate" is labeled and on the other one you'll see the Thuthear's logo.
While I really like the transparent look of it, I didn't really liked the branding especially the "Gate" text, as it doesn't go well with its aesthetics. The inner part of the IEM is smooth finished. I really like the mesh used on the nozzles. It's black and look symmetrical.

The unit I received is black. There's one another white variant as well. I personally like the black colored version more compared to the white one. As the black one will not change its color in the long run.

I find the stock ear tips from this IEM to be very useful. They are nowhere near the aftermarket ear tips level, but they're definitely quite usable especially with this IEM. Three of them are narrow bore and four of them are white bore.

The cable doesn't look premium but it doesn't look cheap either. It's a two core oxygen free copper cable (OFC). The part from the splitter has somewhat memory while the lower part doesn't have memory even after rolling. The splitter is usable, it's possibly made of plastic and coated with aluminum. While the cable doesn't look premium, the sound quality is quite impressive.

I'd be honest, I didn't like the caring pouch that they've provided. It's made out of leather and definitely looks premium. But the usability is so difficult. It's attached via magnet to close itself. Opening the pouch is the hassle to begin with. Secondly fitting the IEM. As the magnets are strong, while fitting inside if you let them go, it will close in a blink of an eye. But the quality of the pouch is great and might protect your IEM from water.



Comfort wise they'll get a really high number. The drivers are light as feathers. Being light with a small form factor makes it an ideal option for the people with small ears. Both the cables and the drivers didn't bother me even after using them for a long period of time. I've even tried to wear them on bed laying on one side. It's manageable but not recommended.


• EPZ TP30

• Moondrop Dawn Pro

• Jcally Jm7

• DDHIFI TC44C


I personally wouldn't encourage you to buy a pair of tips or cables for a budget IEM. Especially if the stock cables and ear tips provided with the IEM are good enough. While it's still usable without a dac dongle, I would still recommend you to buy one whichever you use regardless of the price (As long as it's not under $10)

Eartips:

• Stock
• Final E (Black)
• Spinfit CP100+
• Dunu Candy

Cable:

• Stock
• Kbear 4 core balanced Copper cable

Yeah I've tasted this IEM with a 2 to 5 times pricer cable. Just when it was getting too good I stopped my self and paired them with the stock cable, so the whole review remains authentic. But I'll definitely use them after this test. ^^


The sound quality of Truthears Gate is pretty good for for the price. It's a warm sounding IEM that has good vocals and decent technicalities for its price. It's really versatile and can perform well with most types of genres. Let's see how they really perform.

Sub Bass:
The sub bass is more forward compared to the mid bass. Despite the quantity it's really well controlled. You'll definitely notice details on sub bass. The bass hits deep without creating any fatigue. The separation between mid bass and sub bass is rather poor. The sub bass is quite fast and feels natural. Makes it ideal for most listeners.

Mid Bass:
The mid bass presence is definitely less compared to sub bass, as it seemed to be a sub bass focused IEM. The slams and kicks it provides are enjoyable but definitely not for bass heads. It's fast and doesn't bleed too much with the mid section. Mid bass lacks texture and proper body. But as a budget contender, it's rather acceptable.

Overall Bass:
Overall the bass is the highlight of this IEM. It's fast and clean. Never overwhelm with mid-range for being well controlled. Anyone who loves bass will definitely find it enjoyable.


The bass of Truthears Gate is nothing short of spectacular. It is both fast and provides a clean presentation, making it a really great choice for quality bass lovers. The mid-range remains untouched, as the bass is really well controlled. It never overshadows other frequencies. For bass enthusiasts, this IEM would be a treat. Overall I'm quite happy with the bass performance. But warning for bass heads, the bass isn't muddy and overwhelming, so might not suit your taste if you're one of them.


Mid-range:
The Midrange is clean. The lower mids are kind of laid back. The warmth from the bass makes the overall mid section sweet and delightful. But it never crosses its line to bother instruments on mid-range. While the lower mid is laid back, the upper mid is somewhat forward. I think mainstream listeners really enjoy this type of tuning, not that I hate myself!

Male Vocals:
The vocal section on Gate is one of the highlighting points. It's forward in a way that most listeners enjoy, including myself. Male vocals sound smooth with good details. On most tracks I could pick up details that many contenders in this price segment couldn't. The is rather sweet then being textured. The positioning of the vocalist is great. It doesn't treat the vocals like any other instruments, so you can enjoy any lyrics even on tracks that play heavy instruments. I'm pretty impressed with the vocals.

Female Vocals:
The female vocals sound sweet. You can definitely pick up details on most tracks as the upper mid-range is forward. Only in a few cases and scenarios the sharp ("ss/shh") vocals can bother. As the bass is well controlled some vocalists with higher notes will lack sweetness.

Overall Mids:
Even being a mainstream IEM the mids performance is satisfactory. Mids lovers will enjoy it as well as most listeners. But as it isn't a mids oriented IEM, it wouldn't be the best choice if you're looking for the best mid-range performance.

Treble:
The treble section has a decent amount of sparkles but never felt like it can be sharp or even close to sharp. The treble section is safe for most treble sensitive fellows, yet enjoyable to most listeners. As the treble is a bit laid back, it's not that resolving. The upper treble on the other hand is more relaxed and less extended. As you might expect it lacks air in the treble. The details are fine but not the most detailed set at all.

Instruments:
The gate handles instruments quite well. Instruments like piano and keyboard sound delightful. You'll notice each note being presented to you in a way that it feels like someone is playing that instrument in front of you! The separation between instruments is amazing. String instruments like acoustic guitar and ukulele sounds nice as well. Electric guitars on the other sound good in most cases but can distort on higher notes. Drums lack impact, making it safe for most listeners but less enjoyable for metal lovers.

Soundstage & Imaging:
Soundstage wise it feels like it's wide but the depth is lacking. You can feel it more on the width. The imaging on this is great but nowhere near the pin point. There's a slight dilemma, as the depth of the soundstage is rather low, I couldn't precisely locate all the instruments. But in most cases they're locatable.

Media consumption & Gaming:
If you're going to use it for scrolling on social media or you tube, this might be a really great option to use, as it's comfortable and mainstream sounding. Which suits the audio format of those applications. Watching movies using the gate can be a good option as well. Because of the sub bass, you'll enjoy the immersive experience. Also the clear vocal presentation makes it an ideal option.

On FPS gaming, it's easily a great option locating your opponent's gun firing sound. Foot steps are locatable but not always. For example, you're on the first floor and your opponent is on the second floor, it would be quite problematic to locate them in this scenario. Even tho it's not even a deal breaker for casual games, serious players should choose something else over this.

• If you love sub bass
• If you like transparent design
• If you're looking for a laid back sound
• If you love vocals
• If you need an IEM for versatile uses
• If you don't know what type of sound you like

• If you're a Bass head
• If you are a Treble head
• If you're an Esports player
• If you like more energetic sound


In the budget category this IEM would do great, as it is the most versatile IEM by far I've tested in this price point. But if you have a very specific taste which doesn't go align with my description, it might not be the best choice for your taste. Regardless, with a good design, decent packing and the great sound quality, I can recommend them with ease.

Thank you for reading all the way. Let me know your thoughts on this IEM.

Keep on listening ·͜·♡

Truthear Gate review

I am an audiophile from sunny South Africa

These in ear monitors was send to me by Truthear as part of the Audio Geek Reviews South African tour. This review is totally my own opinion and I receive no compensation in any way from the company as my integrity and name are much more important than any financial gain. With that being said dealing with Truthear is a real breeze and communication from them via Facebook messenger and email was top notch and the package took two weeks to arrive at my door via courier

Unboxing

These IEM sell for R290 in my country and I know the packaging should be reflective of the price so the cardboard packaging with the very cool Waifu artwork on the front is such a treat for me. There is also a graph for the graph nerds at the back and all the specs pertaining to the monitors. On the inside it is an all-black color affair with a black sponge holding the two monitors and cable on display. The rest is just a little box with your tips and then the user manual. Pretty cool packaging for the price and what exited me most was at the bottom of the box you get the most awesome leather drawstring less carry bag.



Specs

Driver: 10mm Dynamic Driver

Diaphragm Material: Carbon LCP Dome Composite Ultra-thin PU Diaphragm

Impedance: 28Ω±15%@1kHz

Sensitivity: 122dB/Vrms@1KHz

Total Harmonic Distortion: THD≤1%@1kHz (94dB)

Frequency Response Range: 10-45kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)

Effective Frequency Response Range: 20-20KHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)



Connectivity

The Truthear Gate only comes in a 3.5mm termination so I reviewed them by hooking them up to Oppo A78 Pro and LG V30 cellphones, Hiby m300 Dap and Epz TP20 Dac/Amp. The 3.5mm is a P-TYPE connector and I prefer those pretty much. I also had them to the gym hooked up to my little mp3 player. You can also connect them to any tablet or pc & laptop. You can also order them with or without a mic option.



Look & Build

In design there is an old saying “Less is more” and I have to say Truthear knocked this out of the park. When I first opened the box I thought “Yeah Lo-fi” Then I started listening to these and every time I looked at them the simplicity in the design started to grow on me. The Faceplate is see through plastic and gives you a peak at the 10mm Carbon LCP driver. I also love the cable as its this rubbery type of material that does not tangle easy. The all black ear tips round the aesthetics off beautifully and the product actually looks a lot more expensive than it is. The Black leather storage bag is the star of the show for me and I really love the way that these simplistic monitors display with the carrying bag.



Sound

On my first listening impressions I could immediately hear that Truthear went for a safe Harman tuning which is fine by me for a daily driver entry level set. These monitors are not source dependent and sounds good on Dac/Amp or Phone alike. I subjected these to all genres and found that they even produced nice sounds on a Jazz album like Jazz at the Pawnshop — Arne Domnerus which shocked me a little bit because you do not expect this level of sound at this price point. I found the sub bass a bit lacking so these are not really for bass heads. The bass was nice and controlled and did not bleed into mids or dominate the spectrum. The highs are very well controlled and rolls of nicely and there is no piercing sharpness or fatigue I detected. So all and all this a single driver implemented very well.

At the gym the Gate with its chin slider on the cable fit really nice and did not slip once. I do not like to use Bluetooth devices so I still go with cabled iem’s to the gym. I just slip the cable underneath my shirt and it works really well. The Gate did all the metal, hard rock, rap and edm music I could throw at it and kept my head bobbing between gym sets.

I also used the Gate for many an evening easy listening session while working on the computer listening to my favorite 60’s and 70’s rock which the Gate produced so well. With this non fuzzy tuning the Gate is a safe bet for most people and I don’t think there is anything I can fault regarding how these sounds at this price point.



Conclusion

I would definitely recommend the Truthear Gate in ear monitors as I feel that the value you are getting for R290 or $18 far exceeds the very entry level price. These work great as a daily driver or gym pair. They are for anyone basically that listens to music. You won’t use these for your audiophile analytical projects but for everyday use these are really great.

Introduction​

Truthear is well known for products like the Hexa, NOVA, ZERO and ZERO:RED, but also for the HOLA, which were discontinued and replaced with the GATE, the set that we’re gonna discuss in this review.

Disclaimer: the Truthear GATE were sent to me by ShenzenAudio so that I could write an honest review. This review represents my personal opinion on the set, it isn't promotional or paid content and I don’t get any revenue from the sales of this product.
At the time of the review, the Truthear Gate were on sale for 16,99$ at ShenzenAudio.

Click to expand...

Technical Specifications​

• Driver Configuration → 1 x 10mm DD (LCP + PU)
• Impedance → 28Ω@1kHz
• Sensitivity → 122 dB/Vrms@1kHz
• Frequency Response Range → 20Hz-20kHz
• Total Harmonics Distortion → <1%@1kHz, 104dB
• Cable → OFC cable with 0.78mm 2-PIN connectors
• Plug Type → 3.5mm TRS jack

Packaging​

The packaging looks pretty good and contains:

• The Truthear GATE
• The OFC detachable cable with 0.78mm 2-PIN connectors
• 2 sets of silicone tips (one set of narrow bore tips, one set of wide bore tips)
• A small pleather pouch
• User manual

Design, Build Quality, Comfort and Isolation​

The Truthear GATE are entirely made of 3D printed resin and sport a look-through plastic faceplate. The shell shape is the same as the previous budget model from Truthear, the Hola, with the only difference being a slightly longer nozzle on the GATE (very small difference though) and different materials used since the Gate feel pretty cheap.
The isolation is just average whereas there’s really nothing to complain about comfort since there are no sharp edges and the nozzle is not particularly wide.

Cable​

The cable does its job, it sports a chin slider and it’s rather flexible, but it’s nothing to write home about.

Sound​

GEAR USED FOR THE TEST

• DAC: Topping E30
• AMP: Topping L30, Fiio A3
• Mobile phones: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Xiaomi Mi A3, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Moondrop May’s DSP cable with PEQ=0
• Dongle: Apple Type-C dongle, Fosi DS2, Hidizs XO
• Portable DAPs: Benjie S8/AGPTEK M30B
• Bluetooth Adapters: KBEAR S1, KZ AZ10
• Other sources: Presonus AudioBox iONE, Elgato Wave XLR

Do they need an amplifier?
No, they don’t strictly need an amplifier but they scale with some more power and the overall sound seem to improve a bit with better note weight.

Sound signature
The Truthear GATE follow a soft U-shaped signature with some sub-bass emphasis and upper midrange boost, along with some spice in the upper treble.

Lows
The sub-bass has pretty good extension and digs pretty deep, yet without providing a true “headshake”. The bass is slightly behind the sub-bass, it has good speed and control and average textures. It’s not a basshead IEM for sure, so you’ll be better off with other IEMs if you’re looking for a basshead set in this price range.

Mids
The lower midrange could use a bit more warmth for more depth but it doesn’t sound off. Acoustic instruments come across nice even though they lack a bit of body in the lower note due to the relatively controlled bass. The upper mids is forward and female vocals usually become the stars of the show with a pleasant energy around them. Trying to push the limits of the upper midrange, the most prone-to-sibilance tracks struggle to find fertile soil, and I could hear a few prolonged “S” just a couple times in dozens of hours of listening sessions with these. If there’s one caveat, then it’s related to the female vocals not having a bit of warmth in their lowest registers.

Highs
The highs don’t feel “closed-in” but the upper-treble spike is not enough to perceive the GATE as truly “open-sounding”. In addition, that specific upper-treble spike (which is located above 10kHz) sometimes adds a “plasticky” effect to some hats, a thing that bothers me a bit yet not enough to be a dealbreaker.
When it comes to the detail retrieval, the GATE do a nice job and provide enough information in most tracks, even though they’re not the set with which you’ll be able to pick-up the smaller nuances.
I wouldn’t say that the GATE will certainly suit those with sensitive ears since there’s some spice in the upper-treble, but I can confidently say that they are not harsh-sounding nor super bright so those who can stand a bit of treble sparkle should probably give these a try.

The soundstage is average for the price range and the same applies for the imaging.

Some comparisons:​

Truthear GATE vs Truthear Hola
The GATE have better sub-bass extension, less mid-bass focus with better bass speed, slightly less warm lower mids, a more emphasized and vivid upper-midrange and a slightly brighter treble response that is generally a tad more detailed. The Hola, instead, are warmer overall, with a punchier and more full-bodied midbass, generally warmer male vocals a smoother treble roll-off (and there are no cases in which some cymbals become “plastic-ky”).
In terms of soundstage, the two sets are comparable but the GATE sound a slightly wider stage. The imaging is very similar with the GATE showing a bit more precision in a couple occasions.
Comfort and isolation are identical, and the same applies for the stock cable.
Should one upgrade from the Hola? No, if you have the Hola the GATE isn’t a big upgrade, so I’d stick with that. If you don’t have any of the two, instead, and would like to try a Truthear budget set, then the GATE is a nice alternative to the discontinued Hola, even though the overall timbre is slightly different.

Truthear GATE vs Celest Wyvern Abyss
They are not tuned in a very different way if not for Gate’s upper end peak. The Wyvern Abyss strike a better balance across the whole spectrum and play a notch above with better imaging and soundstage, even though the Gate are a tad more detailed at times (even though that introduces a few weird inconsistencies in the timbre).
The Wyvern Abyss have better build quality and look like a much more expensive product even though the price difference is not crazy.
Comfort is subjective, as usual, but the Gate are easier to keep in smaller ears for long listening sessions. The isolation, instead, is hands down better on the Wyvern Abyss. Abyss’ stock cable is better also.
The Wyvern Abyss are more expensive but they are worth the ~10$ difference in my opinion, especially when it comes to the imaging and instrument separation.
I'd pick the Wyvern Abyss.

Truthear GATE vs Hidizs MS1-Galaxy
The MS1-Galaxy are more V-shaped, they have better low-end extension and punch and they are warmer with less treble sparkle than the GATE. The GATE win when it comes to bass speed, resolution, detail retrieval, separation and vocals performance. The soundstage is slightly bigger on the MS1-Galaxy, whereas the imaging is better on the GATE.
The build quality is not very different, even though MS1-Galaxy’s shell look a bit more refined. In terms of design, I prefer the look-through faceplates of the GATE but this is very subjective.
Comfort is very similar, isolation is slightly better on the MS1-Galaxy.
If I had to get one, I’d get the GATE for the more versatile signature and the better overall resolution. The MS1-Galaxy basically win when it comes to the low-end energy and body, but that’s it.

Final Thoughts​

The Truthear GATE are not as disruptive as the old Moondrop Chu used to be, but it’s also true that the market already has a lot of offerings from different brands, and whether you decide to go for one or another, it’s very hard to find very different performance in the same price brackets (except for a few cases).
After the success of the Hola, Truthear is back with the GATE, a set that brings a few improvements to the table, even though with some quirks.

The timbre is not “perfect” and the technicalities are only average for the price, but the overall tuning is pretty good for the price and this was basically the “formula” that made the HOLA successful. In fact, I think that "GATE" is kind-of the right name to use for this set, as it's basically among the smartest sets that one could buy to begin the audio journey.

The Truthear GATE is an affordable IEM that serves as a successor to the previously sold HOLA in their product lineup.
The Gate arrives in a simple box adorned with attractive artwork on the front. Inside, you'll find the Gate, the same cable as the Hola, two types of tips each with a different size bore, available in various sizes, and a pouch. I found the lightweight build of the gate to be comfortable using the medium tips, I experimented with wide and narrow boar tips finding I liked the latter of the bunch. While the transparent faceplate might not be traditionally attractive, I believe it has a certain cool appeal. Considering the cost, the build is decent, and at normal volumes, the isolation is found to be above average.

I evaluated the GATE across a wide range of devices, focusing on portable ones as they would serve well as travel IEM or a good spare. The equipment utilized comprised the Tempotec V6, Hidizs XO, Thruthear Shio, ifi Hip-Dac 3, and Fosi SK02.

My impressions of the sound:

Bass: I found the Bass to be lighter than the Hola, yet it still delivers a very good bass with control, excellent detail, and texture. The Mid-Bass delivers a quick impact, while the Sub-Bass provides a substantial rumble.

Midrange: The midrange delivers outstanding clarity and a nearly neutral performance, with a slight warmth in the lower mids and a subtle brightness in the upper midrange. The vocals possess a transparent quality and, although thinner than the Hola, they maintain a substantial presence in the notes with a pronounced forward position.

Treble: The highs are relaxed and not at all harsh, which makes the upper brightness of the mids less fatiguing and more enjoyable. The treble extends well and is reasonably detailed, although it lacks the energy I would prefer.

Soundstage and technicalities: It is noteworthy that the GATE features a wide yet not as deep stage. Nonetheless, it boasts commendable separation and detail, with imaging that is notably above average in terms of accuracy.

Specification
Driver: 10mm Dynamic Driver
Diaphragm Material: Carbon LCP Dome Composite Ultra-thin PU Diaphragm
Impedance: 28Ω±15%@1kHz
Sensitivity: 122dB/Vrms@1KHz
Total Harmonic Distortion: THD≤1%@1kHz (94dB)
Frequency Response Range: 10-45kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
Effective Frequency Response Range: 20-20KHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)



My final thoughts on the New Truthear GATE:

The Gate provides an excellent mix of technical prowess and enjoyment for under $20. With the inclusion of a pouch and cable, it represents great value and would serve well as a beginner IEM or as a spare for travel. Given its sound quality and comfort, it's difficult to find fault at this price point.

Disclaimer: Shenzhenaudio provided me with a review unit. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Introduction​

Truthear Gate ($19) is the latest IEM from Truthear, somewhat of a spiritual successor to the very popular Hola that was released last year in 2023. It features a 10mm dynamic driver with N52 magnet and LCP composite diaphragm.

Back then, the sub-$20 market was extremely competitive starting with the release of Moondrop Chu, which was followed up by heavy-hitters like 7Hz Salnotes Zero, Tangzu Wan’er SG, Simgot EW100P, and of course Truthear Hola. Among the competition, Hola stood out for being the only one offering the darker, smoother tonality.

Now, in this year of 2024, the revival of the sub-$20 market seems to be less intense, but with all other manufacturers lining up their successors, Truthear decided to discontinue Hola silently and released the Gate.

Will Gate improve on the Hola? Let’s find out!

Packaging, Build & Specifications​

Driver: 10mm Dynamic Driver
Diaphragm Material: Carbon LCP Dome Composite Ultra-thin PU Diaphragm
Impedance: 28Ω±15%@1kHz
Sensitivity: 122dB/Vrms@1KHz
Total Harmonic Distortion: THD≤1%@1kHz (94dB)
Frequency Response Range: 10-45kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
Effective Frequency Response Range: 20-20KHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)

Truthear Gate comes with a similar-sized packaging as Hola, and almost identical accessories set. Aside from the IEMs, you’ll find two types of eartips (standard and wide bore) with the standard ones in S/M/L sizes and wide-bore ones in XS/S/M/L sizes, bringing a total to seven pairs of eartips. The included cable is the same 1.2m OFC cable terminated in 3.5mm jack as the one that came with Hola. Lastly, there is the same black, faux-leather magnetic clasp carrying pouch as the one included with Hola too. I’m glad that they kept the quality accessories the same.

My verdict on the accessories: they’re generous and good enough quality that newcomers probably won’t feel an immediate need to upgrade. I have no complaints other than hoping that it came with a 4.4mm option, that would make it a step up to what Hola offered.

The build, however, does seem to be a downgrade compared to Hola. The Gate seems to have used a thinner plastic that feels more hollow and cheaper compared to its predecessor. While it’s something I would not care about for the price point normally, in light of the Gate being the successor of Hola, I just feel that I have to highlight this change in build. That said, aesthetically, I actually like Gate more than Hola, with the see-through backplate showing the entire driver.

Sound Impressions​

Sources: 7Hz 71, Fiio KA11, Fiio M23, Hiby Digital M300, Xduoo XA-10
Setup: Stock L size standard eartips, stock cable (3.5mm)
Music Sources: Youtube Music, Tidal Masters, Apple Music Lossless

The IEM has undergone a 24-hour burn-in at a medium volume prior to the review.

Listening impression is a very subjective experience depending on individual ear shape, choice of eartips, music library, and personal preferences, so your experience may vary. I personally listen mostly to pop, jazz, some rock, and very limited metal.



Short summary of Truthear Gate is that it’s a laid-back, smooth IEM that leans slightly on energetic upper midrange. It’s a great choice for easy listening and not too punishing for less-than-ideal mastering/recording.

I would describe the tuning of the Gate to be slightly warm-neutral with relaxed transients. Comparing the Gate and Hola side-by-side, Gate pulled the bass slightly back and opened up the upper midrange slightly, making it better technically over the darker Hola. By my personal preferences, I feel that Gate is an upgrade to Hola.

For bass region, Gate is pretty reserved, with a decent texture. It is more subbass-focused with gentle transition into mids, giving a more leaner impression. The bass is also not fast, more of a mellow presentation, making it more suited to laid-back tracks like lo-fi or slow jazz.

Moving into midrange, Gate is clean and detailed in its presentation. Due to the pulled back bass, the midrange has better opportunities to shine. Male and female vocals are crisp and expressive. There is an extra bite in the upper mids that is sometimes quite rough and sibilant on certain tracks (notably the “Hope is the Thing with Feathers” from Honkai Star Rail OST, which I have been listening to a lot lately). Personally, I think the mids is the standout feature of this IEM.

The treble is just average, more in line with its price range. I honestly don’t really expect much in Gate’s treble performance, but it is definitely serviceable. I find it pretty relaxed with moderate extension.

Technicalities-wise, Gate is also pretty average for the price. It definitely improves on resolution over Hola, bringing it up on par with the current competition. Soundstage is still “bubble around your head” kind, with good layering. Timbre is natural, as expected from a solid single DD.

Bass: Subbass-focused, smooth, mellow
Mids: Clean, detailed, can be a tad sharp in uppermids
Treble: Relaxed, decent extension
Technicalities: Medium soundstage, good layering and resolution, natural timbre

Measurement taken on clone IEC711 coupler with a foam tip

As for pairing, I would say that the Gate has pretty good scaling. On a desktop environment, it does come more alive, with the dynamics noticeably improved, especially in the treble region. However, it is easy enough to drive with something like the 7Hz 71 dongle. I would recommend something more neutral to make use of its versatility and laid-back nature, but going with a warmer source would work as well.

Select Comparisons​

Truthear Hola ($19):
The most obvious comparison would be against its predecessor, the Hola. In comparison, Hola is noticeably warmer and darker, making it even more laid-back compared to the Gate. The dynamics in Gate is more energetic and lively, with cleaner mids. However, the transients are quite similar, so Gate does share a little bit of the laid-back nature. However, overall to my taste, Gate is the superior option.

Moondrop Chu 2 ($19):
Another popular entry into the current sub-$20 battlefield is of course the Chu 2. Comparing the two, Chu 2 is more V-shaped than Gate, with faster transients and overall sharper note definition. I would say Chu 2 is the more technical of the two, but Gate has a more natural timbre; on some tracks Chu 2 might sound quite a bit metallic. I think the differentiating factor between the two would likely end up in preferences: do you want a more laid-back or intense IEM?

7Hz Salnotes Zero 2 ($25):
Well, we can say 7Hz gave up on the sub-$20 market and moved up to $25, but the comparison is still quite interesting. Zero 2 is also sounding more V-shaped compared to the Gate, but less bright compared to the Chu 2. Timbre-wise, both Gate and Zero 2 are quite on par, but Zero 2 does exhibit better dynamics with more slam in the bass and better treble extension. On the other hand, the mids do sound more forward with Gate, so if you’re a vocal lover, I do think Gate would be a better option.

Conclusion​

Gate did improve a lot on the sound department over the Hola, somehow going into a more neutral route instead when the fellow successors of its competitors (Chu 2 and Zero 2) went to a more V-shaped direction. It’s quite interesting to see that Truthear seems to be going the opposite direction from the competition in both generations. That said, given the generous accessories, enjoyable laid-back tuning, and affordable price, I will say that the Gate is a safe buy and easy to recommend for anyone looking for a solid entry-level IEM.

The Truthear Gate is a significant update to the well-regarded but discontinued Hola but is it an upgrade. The Gate aims to deliver the same high-quality audio experience that made the Hola popular, but with a more cost-effective packaging and some different materials used to save on manufacturing costs.

But is it any good? Read on to find out.





Note: There are a couple of options with the Gate, 2 colours white and black, and you can order with or without a microphone. I have been listening to the basic black version for this review.

Introduction​

The executive summary is they did a great job with the subtle different tuning compared to the Hola and in my opinion it is actually slightly better. And at no point do you feel like you are getting a lesser product than the Hola as the cable and accessories are effectively the same.

But let’s get into the details.

Unboxing and Build Quality​

The Truthear Gate comes in a simple box with a nice cover Waifu :

Sliding it out of the cover you get see the box:



I do like the new trend of printing the frequency response on the back of the box:

Opening the box you get the Gate’s nicely displayed - showing off their transparent shells:

Unboxing everything you get a generous selection of ear tips in various sizes to ensure a good fit for different users.



The included cable is excellent, featuring a twisted design with a glossy black sheath that is both supple and tangle-resistant, making it one of the best stock cables available in the ultra-budget IEM category.

The cable itself is probably worth about $10

The IEM shells are lightweight and comfortable, made from clear plastic that allows you to see the internal components.

As a technology nerd, I always appreciate being able to observe the inner workings, although the visibility of some glue is a minor aesthetic drawback.

Overall, the build quality is solid, and the design choices prioritize user comfort and practicality.


The shell itself is the same shape as the Hola and I found the very comfortable.

To give you an even better feel for the size and shape of the Gate Shell here is a short video with some other popular IEMs, from left to right, I am showing the Truthear Zero, Salnotes Zero, the Gate and the Moondrop Chu II :



I would pay special attention to the angle of each IEM in this video as that in my experience is crucial to a good fit, a good seal and long term comfort with IEMs.

Here is another little video of the Gate:



Overall, given the rumours that Truthear were cutting costs to get the Gate to market I am impressed with the overall package you get.

Sound Quality​

Now onto the most important aspect just how good does the Gate sound. In summary, for a $20 IEM it sounds fantastic with an excellent balanced sound, maybe a slight midrange emphasis which I do like, and it could do with a little more upper treble, in fact after my initial listening I did add a slight upper treble shelf for my preference.

Bass​

The bass on the Truthear Gate is well-controlled and slightly less pronounced compared to the Hola, which suits my personal taste perfectly. The sub-bass provides a playful touch without overwhelming the rest of the sound spectrum. The bass packs a punch and retains a level of detail that is impressive for its price range. I really like listening to the new Album from ‘Aurora’ ‘What happened to the heart’ on the Gate, lots of excellent bass in various tracks on that album.

Midrange​

The midrange is mostly neutral and clean, with a slight boost in the vocal region. This results in a spacious and clear sound, with an upper-midrange lift that adds brightness without harshness. Vocals are articulate and rise clearly out of the mix, providing a balanced and enjoyable listening experience. Listening to Elliot Smith “Waltz No 2.” on the Gate was an absolute joy with the vocals and keyboard really standing out.

Treble​

The treble on the Gate is smooth and neutral, free from harshness but also lacking some sparkle. This can make the overall sound slightly dry and less exciting for those who prefer a brighter treble. However, the clarity and detail are commendable, making the Gate suitable for extended listening sessions without causing fatigue. For those who desire more ‘zing,’ applying a bit of EQ can enhance the treble to your liking.

Soundstage and Imaging​

Despite its relaxed treble, the Truthear Gate offers an impressively wide soundstage for an IEM in this price range. The imaging is precise enough to provide a good sense of space and instrument placement, although it does not reach the level of more expensive models. The overall resolution is good, making it a strong contender in the budget IEM category.

Specifications and Measurements​

• Driver: 10mm Dynamic Driver
• THD: ≤1%@1kHz (94dB)
• Impedance: 28Ω±15%@1kHz
• Sensitivity: 122dB/Vrms@1KHz
• Frequency Response Range: 10-45kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)

Frequency Response​

The Gate has a nicely balanced frequency response and a nice


Comparing to the Hola you see a slightly different “tilt” with slightly less bass and a little more treble, for me this gave the Gate a more detailed presentation without feeling I was missing anything. A nice subtle change:

Comparisons​

Here are some comparisons with other IEM’s that I thought people might want a comparison with:


The Zero Red has that subtle mid-bass dip to separate the bass from the midrange and has more upper treble (which is often called ’technicalities’ ) but the Gate shows an excellent balanced frequency compared to many other IEMs:

Distortion Measurements​

So Truthear published some distortion measurements which were roughly inline with my measurements, but I did see a slightly more distortion in the treble region but still incredible low distortion:

Showing these distortion as a percentage you can again see the treble distortion but its is less than 0.5% so nothing to worry about:

Group Delay​

Again group delay shows nothing of concern;

Rating​

Given its exceptional sound quality, great cable, comfortable design, and amazing price, I rate the Truthear Gate a pragmatic 5 stars. It offers outstanding value for money and is a solid choice for anyone looking for high-quality audiophile IEMs in the budget category.

Conclusion​

At just $18.99, ($19.99 with the microphone) the Truthear Gate is a fantastic investment for audiophiles building a collection and first time casual listeners alike. It combines a great cable, a comfortable fit, and impressive sound quality, making it well worth the price. Whether you’re new to the world of IEMs or looking for a reliable spare, the Truthear Gate is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint.

I will be packing the Gate for my summer holidays.