Truthear GATE $17 IEM Review

[Tres]

Just trying Gate eq-ed to JM1 target from Crin squig, the result is very nice, they loose some of their bite on upper mids but get more fullness still maintaining some of the snappiness i like, anyone complaining for their "shoutyness" would probably enjoy it:

Is there an app for android on which to make these changes ?

 

[Jimbob54]

Is there an app for android on which to make these changes ?

A few but you could look at Wavelet for system wide changes (but doesnt work with all streaming apps- definitely does with spotify) or my preference is UAPP which has integrated tidal, qobuz and local file streaming, 10 band PEQ etc.

 

[Gary_G]

uhh, anyone have a trick that allows tips to be attached ??? Arghhh
I've even bought aftermarket tips(supposed to fit) and they're too narrow to fit over the big flange on the earbud !

PUSHHHHHHHHHH

 

[Miley_B]

Hahaha. Very standard ASR style response. You’re right, but what I’d like to rule out first is any load dependence that the MacBook headphone output might have. I can fully max out the volume with it and I could easily handle more so it’s clearly current limited.

I would check your setup. On my 2021 Macbook a comfortable level for typical program material for me is -30dB, maxed out is too loud for me for even a second.
My MB headphone amp has a low and high output that switches depending upon the load, across a sensible range of loads it outputs roughly 1V on the low output and 3v on the high output (both channels loaded 1%THD). I rate it quite highly.

 

[Matt_Holland]

I would check your setup. On my 2021 Macbook a comfortable level for typical program material for me is -30dB, maxed out is too loud for me for even a second.
My MB headphone amp has a low and high output that switches depending upon the load, across a sensible range of loads it outputs roughly 1V on the low output and 3v on the high output (both channels loaded 1%THD). I rate it quite highly.

To be fair I’m playing very loud it’s just these IEMs are so clean it feels like I can just keep pushing louder and louder.

I added a bit of LF lift from 250Hz and below and they take it without any stress. It’s like having subwoofers strapped to your head!

 

[Tell]

Is there an app for android on which to make these changes ?

Poweramp does it, it even has a PEQ. It's systemwide so should work with everything. Wavelet was also suggested but personally I never got it to work.

 

[sejarzo]

uhh, anyone have a trick that allows tips to be attached ??? Arghhh
I've even bought aftermarket tips(supposed to fit) and they're too narrow to fit over the big flange on the earbud !

I almost always use the largest tips available, so I can turn invert and more easily see what I am doing with the nozzle portion rather than just brute forcing it. I don't think the small end of the tips supplied with many of these can be inverted without permanent damage, though. I also use a tiny dab of silicone treadmill oil to help get them to slide on.

My Gate is still in transit but I fully expect to have as much problem with it as I do with the original Salnotes Zero. There's really no good reason for the barrel on the tip to be so narrow--it could be much larger and still attach so tightly that it would not come off accidentally.

 

[sejarzo]

Poweramp does it, it even has a PEQ. It's systemwide so should work with everything. Wavelet was also suggested but personally I never got it to work.

I started using the original Poweramp years and years ago for playback of local content but I have never seen anything in the settings that allows that app to apply PEQ to YouTube or systemwide. I just scrolled through the new setting menu after the last update and found there is a newer separate Poweramp Equalizer app available--is that what you are referring to? Thanks!

 

[Tres]

A few but you could look at Wavelet for system wide changes (but doesnt work with all streaming apps- definitely does with spotify) or my preference is UAPP which has integrated tidal, qobuz and local file streaming, 10 band PEQ etc.

Thanks. Wavelet works (also with autoeq.app) in combination with Spotify. Amazon doesn’t.

 

[Tell]

I started using the original Poweramp years and years ago for playback of local content but I have never seen anything in the settings that allows that app to apply PEQ to YouTube or systemwide. I just scrolled through the new setting menu after the last update and found there is a newer separate Poweramp Equalizer app available--is that what you are referring to? Thanks!

Ah yes that's what I'm using, not sure if the PEQ is payed or not though, but if it is it's worth it imo
For playback I use GMMP or Blackplayer EX.

 

[Tres]

Poweramp does it, it even has a PEQ. It's systemwide so should work with everything. Wavelet was also suggested but personally I never got it to work.

Thank you, I’ll give it a try

Are the auto eq’s any good ?

 

[iGmole]

This is stupidity. Just got today. Best IEM ive ever heard! Using FiiO btr7 and stock cable and tips. No eq, no nothing, just raw dawging it. Best I’m I’ve tried and I’ve tried many. You can hauk touh this shit! Stocking stuffers hell yeah!!!

Oh come on, why can't you all just say it sucks so the 3 week wait from Aliexpress doesn't feel this bad?

 

[goblino]

The more information you can give the better your responses will be, with so little information to base advice upon any responses will have to be quite generic. Following a quick search of your past activity I think your issue is with nozzle diameter? The Gate probably isn't worth switching to from the Truthear Reds if this is the primary issue. For me personally I find the shallow and inclined angle of the Zero:2 nozzle is the best fit of the IEMs that I own, however I don't have any issues with nozzle diameter.

I appreciate your response, what recommendations do you have in mind?

 

[1337wafflezz]

I def don’t want to spam but a lot of people’s complaints about being too bright and/or uneven treble are definitely alleviated(actually completely solved for me) by using deeper insertion tips. Seriously if you don’t have EQ I suggest giving it a try! Gate has a dip around 9-10khz that can be cancelled out darn near perfectly by pushing the ear canal resonance peak to that same area(but that requires a deeper seal, aka double/triple flange).
I’m thinking the tang sancai narrows would also work like a charm but that’s speculation
What I can say for certain is that my triple flange definitely bump up the lower mids and give the sound some serious heft. And the bass is ridiculous now, almost TOO much. Def a darker tilt but amazing clarity. So freaking smooth and natural sounding

 

[Oso Polar]

I def don’t want to spam but a lot of people’s complaints about being too bright and/or uneven treble are definitely alleviated(actually completely solved for me) by using deeper insertion tips. Seriously if you don’t have EQ I suggest giving it a try! Gate has a dip around 9-10khz that can be cancelled out darn near perfectly by pushing the ear canal resonance peak to that same area(but that requires a deeper seal, aka double/triple flange).
I’m thinking the tang sancai narrows would also work like a charm but that’s speculation
What I can say for certain is that my triple flange definitely bump up the lower mids and give the sound some serious heft. And the bass is ridiculous now, almost TOO much. Def a darker tilt but amazing clarity. So freaking smooth.

I'm not sure why to go through all different tricks to fix Gate if Zero 2 are just $5 more and better right out of the box?

 

[gvl]

Oh come on, why can't you all just say it sucks so the 3 week wait from Aliexpress doesn't feel this bad?

They suck without EQ. Once you hear it you can’t unhear it.

 

[1337wafflezz]

I'm not sure why to go through all different tricks to fix Gate if Zero 2 are just $5 more and better right out of the box?

I can’t comment on the zero 2 but i’ve used zero red with the bass adapter. Theoretically should be pretty similar to the zero 2 maybe? But it was definitely too muddy for my liking. red with bass+ has the thump and slam but not nearly as resolving as what I’ve dubbed…”gateymotics” so to speak lol.
zero red without bass adapter is better but I still prefer the timbre and just that amazing bass and dynamics of deep insertion gate.
They’re my favorite pair. Ever.
maybe at some point I’ll grab a pair of zero:2 but what originally stopped me was complaints about the shell

 

[A Surfer]

That mostly (almost only) happens with IEMs that have resin shells/nozzles and feature no ridge at the top of the nozzle. The Gate has a ridge that keeps the eartip in place, so in order for it to get stuck, you'll need to create a "vacuum", which is not easy.

The Gate's nozzle and fit isn't that deep anyway, it's not something to get worried about.

That is very reassuring. Thank you. I just may be able to try these then. Cheers.

 

[iGmole]

They suck without EQ. Once you hear it you can’t unhear it.

Thank you, I can wait with indifference now.

 

[Oso Polar]

I can’t comment on the zero 2 but i’ve used zero red with the bass adapter. Theoretically should be pretty similar to the zero 2 maybe?

I don't think so. I don't have Zero Red, I only have Blue. They sound different to Zero 2 without EQ. And with high impedance source (= bass adapter) they have significantly more bass (boomier but not deeper), way too much. Without EQ I prefer Zero 2, with EQ I really like both from sound quality point of view. Zero 2 are more comfortable and sound seems to be smoother. Amir's EQ makes Zero 2 sound even better even though it is very minimal EQ.

at some point I’ll grab a pair of zero:2 but what originally stopped me was complaints about the shell

Yeah, they chose very strange angular shape, definitely not the best. Still I find Zero 2 more comfortable to wear compared to Zero Blue (or Red - they have the same shell) because the shell is smaller. Gate is even smaller and without sharp angles, so even better. Cable is much better. But sound without EQ (and with EQ as well - Amir or Maiky76) is IMHO worse than Zero 2 or Zero Blue.