Truthear GATe, Worth to Buy?

The Truthear GATe, provided for review by Truthear, has a lot to prove. The Truthear Hola redefined the budget segment with its impressive performance, and the GATe aims to build on that legacy. As always, my opinions are entirely my own. Don't forget to explore Truthear's catalog after reading this review.

Upon unboxing the Truthear GATe, you'll find the IEMs themselves, a robust cable, a handy pouch, and six pairs of ear tips. The design of the GATe shares some similarities with the Hola but introduces fresh elements, such as a glossy plastic finish and a transparent faceplate, diverging from the Hola's matte finish. The unique design might be polarizing, but it adds a distinct character to the GATe.

Build Quality and Design

Despite its budget price of $19, the GATe's build quality feels somewhat lacking compared to the more premium feel of the Hola. The plastic construction, while adequate, doesn't exude the same level of durability. However, the cable is a standout feature. It's arguably the best cable you'll find under $50, outperforming even the cables included with higher-end models like the Truthear Red or Hexa. The cable's sturdiness and quality are truly impressive.

In terms of comfort and fit, the GATe excels. It's lightweight and almost imperceptible when worn, although its noise isolation isn't top-notch. This can be improved with tip rolling, and I found that the W1 and Azla tips worked particularly well for enhancing isolation.

Technical Specifications

The GATe is equipped with a 10mm dynamic driver, and it's easy to drive without the need for an external DAC or amplifier. The overall design and driver setup are geared towards delivering a balanced and enjoyable listening experience.

Sound Quality

Now, let's talk about the sound. The Truthear GATe features a U-shaped tuning that leans towards a V-shape, a common tuning in this price segment. However, it manages to distinguish itself by sounding more neutral and bright compared to the warmer and more relaxed tuning of the Hola.

Bass

The bass on the GATe is tight, controlled, and clean. It offers solid mid-bass thump and texture, providing a satisfying rumble. While the bass presentation is leaner than that of other similarly priced IEMs like the Moondrop CHU2 or Zero 2, it shines in its precision. The attack, decay, and speed are impressive for a budget IEM, reminding me of the Hexa's performance.

Mids

The mids are clean and well-separated, with a slight boost in the upper mids and treble energy compared to the Hola. This results in a brighter sound, making vocals and instruments sound lifelike and engaging. The balance of warmth and energy in the mids makes the GATe an excellent choice for vocal-centric genres.

Treble

The treble is airy and detailed, adding a nice sparkle without sounding sibilant or harsh. The GATe's treble performance contributes to a spacious soundstage and good imaging, which is a pleasant surprise at this price point.

Performance and Comparisons

In terms of soundstage and imaging, the GATe surpasses the Hola, offering a more open and immersive experience. Its neutral sound signature makes it a strong contender for the best budget IEM for gaming, providing good resolution, detail retrieval, and dynamic range.

Comparing the GATe to other budget market leaders:

• Truthear Hola: The Hola has a fuller, more relaxed sound with more bass, while the GATe offers a brighter sound signature with better space and imaging.
• Zero 2: The Zero 2 is more V-shaped, making it great for pop and rock music with pronounced bass and treble. The GATe, on the other hand, is more balanced and natural, excelling in mid-focused content like vocals.
• Moondrop CHU2: The CHU2 has a bassier profile, whereas the GATe feels more open and technical. The CHU2 is better for a fun, balanced sound, while the GATe caters to those who prefer a more neutral and clinical sound.
• Tangzu Wan'er: The Wan'er and GATe share a similar sound profile, but the GATe leans more towards a reference type with good vocals, while the Wan'er is more vocal-forward.

The Truthear GATe stands out as a solid IEM in the budget segment, offering excellent performance for its price. Despite some shortcomings in build quality, it delivers in sound quality, comfort, and cable quality. The GATe is particularly well-suited for gaming and detailed listening, making it a top contender in its category.

For $19, the GATe is hard to beat, with the Tangzu Wan'er being its closest competitor in terms of sound quality. I give the Truthear GATe a solid 4 stars. If the build quality were improved, it would easily earn a 5-star rating. Nonetheless, it comes highly recommended for anyone seeking a high-quality, budget-friendly IEM.