TRUTHEAR GATE Review
The new GATE is designed as a cost-effective and comfortable IEM. Its appearance has been redesigned, the weight of the cavity has been reduced, and the diaphragm and acoustic structure of the driver have been further optimized. Meanwhile, GATE uses a 0.78mm 2pin interchangeable design for convenience and expanded playability.
To optimize the structure and diaphragm rigidity of the driver, GATE uses a 10MM internal magnetic circuit dynamic driver with frontal-cavity filter optimization and diaphragm specialization.
Diaphragm: GATE uses a new carbon LCP diaphragm material, making it more rigid than the standard LCP diaphragm, and improving high-frequency sensitivity. The ultra-thin PU further enhances the bass texture and ensures safe diaphragm operation.
Structure: The structural strength has been optimized to fully utilize the acoustic characteristics of the new diaphragm while minimizing the deformation of the 10mm speaker during metal stamping. This ensures consistent production and acoustics.
Coil: A large CCAW ultra-thin coil ensures a lightweight and reliable suspension system.
The GATE features a brand-new diaphragm material and optimized acoustic structure, resulting in minimal linear distortion and improved high-frequency extension compared to previous models. It ensures excellent frequency-amplitude response with HRTF characteristics, delivering a balanced, durable, and enjoyable sound with reasonable bass gains.
Furthermore, the GATE exhibits exceptional nonlinear distortion, with measured distortion in most frequency bands being less than 0.2% under non-anechoic room and 104dB SPL. This results in a clean background and allows for personalized EQ adjustments without any negative effects.
The GATE’s cavity design has been fine-tuned based on HOLA, further optimizing the appearance with a transparent faceplate. The PC+ABS composite injection cavity ensures overall lightweight and provides a stable and reliable size and structure. In addition, GATE has brand-new ear tips for admirable listening and maintains the short-size ear tips to minimize the in-ears uncomfortable effect. All these efforts are aimed at delivering a better audio experience.
GATE ships with multi-core high-quality oxygen-free copper cable, 2pin thick-twisted-pair with high-quality cable-skin for a tangle-free experience, and combines with universal 0.78mm 2pin socket (the cavity is female sunken type) for a convenient and reliable usage.
Unboxing
- 1. TRUTHEAR [GATE] * 1
- 2. High-quality Oxygen-free Copper Cable
- 3. Ear-tips * 4pairs (S, M, L, XL) (Thick Diameter)
- 4. Ear-tips * 3pairs (S, M, L) (Thin Diameter)
- 5. Manual * 1
- 6. Warranty card * 1
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)
- Price: $16.99
I would like to thank Shenzhenaudio for providing me with the review sample of the TRUTHEAR GATE.
Sound
The TRUTHEAR GATE has a balanced sound signature with a fairly even spread of bass, mids, and treble. It’s easy to drive as well, so feel free to plug it straight into your phone or laptop.
But it’s the tone and timbre that make this budget earphone stand out in the crowded budget space. The naturalness and tonal accuracy found here are rare for something in this price range.
And it’s the lifelike presentation that makes these so immersive and engaging. TRUTHEAR GATE will have you listening to music new and old and wondering why everything sounds so good.
Lows
The bass is lifted slightly above neutral in quantity. There’s a good blend of slam and thump that gives the bass notes a nice natural note weight. In a technical sense, TRUTHEAR GATE’s low-end performance is an integral part of the overall delivery. It extends well enough to provide ample sub-bass power and rumble when necessary.
The mid-bass thumps with confidence but doesn’t linger or leave a train of thick air in its wake: it has a physicality but it’s disciplined and always stays in control. Furthermore, it’s a cohesive part of the overall sound and never sounds separated or dissonant.
Mids
TRUTHEAR GATE’s midrange is tuned for naturalness over clarity. It’s articulated and nuanced but has a pleasing warm undertone. As a result, instrument and vocal notes have a neutral note size that’s organic and transparent.
There’s ample clarity in the midrange but the focus is on musicality and tone. Despite that, however, this midrange performs well in a technical sense too, with good instrument separation and spacing.
Vocals are placed up front and rise clearly above everything else. This makes them engaging but leaves enough space around the center image for other layers of sound. The tone of vocals and instruments sounds just right – neither too thin nor thick. There’s a subtle lift in the upper mids that adds presence and vitality without shouty.
Treble
Most of the treble focus is on the lower range. It sits just behind the upper midrange in terms of forwardness and is fairly spritely but generally smooth.
It’s a gorgeous treble tuning that has a hint of warmth giving it a natural tone. And despite its smoothness, the treble is adept at revealing details; not by being bold and upfront in its presentation but simply as a result of its evenness.
Sure, it might not be the most glamorous or sparkly of trebles but it’s easy on the ears and free of sharpness. It’s a wondrous treble that blends naturally because of its coherency and finds an ideal balance relative to the bass and mids.
Technicalities
TRUTHEAR GATE’s soundstage is modest in dimensions with an almost even mix of width and depth. Although it’s not particularly wide, the depth of the stage enhances its layering and imaging ability.
The instrument separation is better than most IEMs in its class. This improves the overall resolution and lets more details filter through. While it can’t compete with more expensive sets, it’s quite exceptional for a $20 ($17 until the end of June) earphone.
Sum-Up
The GATE is as cheap as chips and boasts an incredible value proposition at just $17. The build is good, they come with a detachable cable (unlike some competitors), and they boast a unique neutral-bright tuning. Technicalities are okay for the price, and the midrange is quite balanced, with fast and tight bass and good clarity on display.