The Truthear Gate was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. 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
Truthear is a brand known for producing budget-friendly earphones, such as the highly praised Nova model. Their most recent offering is the Gate, which is an entry-level earphone available at an exceptionally attractive price.
The Gate features an N52 magnet and a double-cavity internal magnetic circuit dynamic driver, incorporating a newly designed carbon LCP diaphragm that has high rigidity. It utilizes a 10mm dynamic driver with an optimized frontal-cavity filter and specialized diaphragm. The rigidity of the LCP diaphragm material surpasses that of standard LCP, resulting in enhanced sensitivity in high frequencies. Additionally, an ultra-thin PU layer improves bass texture while ensuring the diaphragm operates safely. A large CCAW ultra-thin coil is implemented to provide a lightweight and dependable suspension system.
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Appearance, fit and build quality
The ear-shells of the Truthear Gate are constructed entirely from a plastic material, available in black or white, featuring transparent faceplates that reveal the internal components. The driver and fine wiring are easily visible. The Gate has a compact design, is extremely lightweight, and offers exceptional comfort, allowing for extended wear without discomfort. The ear-shells fit securely and provide effective passive noise isolation. While the plastic may appear somewhat low-quality and susceptible to scratches, it is reasonable given the price point.
Stock cable
It is unexpected for an earphone in this price range to include a detachable cable equipped with a 2-pin interface that features a recessed female connector for enhanced durability. The cable is made of oxygen-free copper, showcasing standard quality with a twisted design and a rubber outer coating. It appears to be quite sturdy, being soft, lightweight, and resistant to tangling, however it is mildly microphonic. Additionally, you can choose to purchase it with or without a microphone and inline controls.
Accessories
In addition to the cable, the package comes with a compact carrying pouch and two sets of silicone ear tips. One set features thicker tips available in four sizes, while the other set includes thinner tips in three sizes. This makes for a comprehensive offering given the asking price.
Listening impressions
The Truthear Gate has an impedance of 28Ω and a sensitivity of 122dB/V, making it easy to drive. It is compatible with basic USB adapters such as the FiiO JA11, as well as larger USB DAC dongles like the Truthear SHIO.
Similar to the Truthear Nova, the Gate features a casual-balanced tuning that aligns with the Harman adjusted target curve. As a result, it offers a more balanced and natural sound profile compared to many entry-level earphones, which often overemphasize bass and treble frequencies.
The Gate offers impressive sub-bass extension that is sure to satisfy listeners across various bass-heavy tracks. Notably, the sub-bass is well-balanced, ensuring it does not overshadow the higher frequencies, which maintain great clarity and presence. The mid-bass is slightly elevated and lacks complete neutrality; however, it does not interfere with the mid-range. While it may deviate slightly from reference standards, it still performs good with classical music. Overall, the sound signature is gently warm and highly enjoyable across different genres, while still achieving a commendable level of tonal accuracy.
The bass response is notably quick, reasonably tight, and well-controlled, delivering a gratifying physical presence. However, one should not anticipate exceptional performance in terms of resolution, definition, and layering. Nevertheless, the overall technical quality is quite impressive for a price of only $16.99.
The mid-range is characterized by a spacious and well-defined presence, offering satisfying resolution and articulation for its category. The timbre is quite natural and harmonious, with an emphasis on the upper mid-range that enhances clarity and brightness without becoming overly aggressive or tiring. Female vocals and specific instruments may appear slightly more pronounced in the overall mix; however, the music is generally rendered with a balanced and mostly realistic quality.
More listening impressions
The treble exhibits an unexpected smoothness and control, yet it maintains a sense of extension and vitality. The Gate delivers a vibrant listening experience, characterized by clarity, transparency, and a luminous quality that allows for sufficient detail retrieval. However, the treble does not come across as overly bright or harsh. While the treble timbre is relatively natural, the textures tend to be somewhat lean, featuring a slight metallic sheen and a lack of refinement.
The soundstage offers an impressive sense of openness and space, accompanied by good imaging capabilities. The Gate significantly surpasses many competitors in this aspect, delivering a surprisingly realistic and lifelike audio experience, especially considering its entry-level status.
In the end
The Truthear Gate stands out as an exceptional budget earphone, offering a remarkably balanced sound profile along with impressive audio performance and technical capabilities for its price range. It serves as an excellent alternative for those who find the Truthear Nova out of reach, as both models share a similar sound signature. Additionally, it is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking high-quality audio without a significant financial investment. The Truthear Gate is truly a formidable contender in its category, earning the title of the new value leader and presenting an opportunity that should not be overlooked by seasoned or experienced users alike.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Casual-balanced tuning
+ Extended bass with satisfying technicalities
+ Present mids and smooth treble
+ Good resolution and clarity
+ Open and spacious soundstage
+ Super light and comfortable
+ Detachable cable
+ Plenty of accessories for the price
+ Ultra budget and exceptional value for money
- Totally plastic construction feels cheap
- The ear-shells are prone to scratching
- Flat soundstage
- Lack of refinement
- Dry and little metallic treble
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