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Truthear GATE $17 IEM Review

Rate this IEM:

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 7 2.3%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 7 2.3%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 18 6.0%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 268 89.3%

  • Total voters
    300
These vs Nova or 7Hz Zero 1/2?
IMO Nova was too bright, Zero 1 more mid centric, Zero 2 too V shaped. Gate is more bass light and slightly shouty which makes ambiance and soundstage stand out amazingly. But again, cheap chassis might bother some, to me it is just super comfortable and cool looking. Cable is excellent.
 
OK, I am curious. As the owner of the 7Hz Timeless Amir just reviewed and the past owner of 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 (which I returned) I just ordered these IEMs. I found the Zero:2 lacking something which I found in the Timeless. I want a pair of these to see if I can subjectivity quantify a difference. Hmmm…

Martin
 
@amirm How is the cable quality? For $17 I am ordering them regardless but want to know if I should add an aftermarket cable.
Cable is great, fantastic if you consider the price range.

Just bought it for around $17 USD include shipping. I choose the option with mic. Could this be the replacement for 7zh zero 2?
More like for the 7Hz Zero 1
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I really like Gate stock sound, pinna gain can be a bit hot according to preferences, for me it's not a problem and makes the sound very "snappy".

Pleased to see the THD measurement is so low, value for money is stellar and my only complaint about them is that they replaced the Hola instead of joining them in Truthear offering.

Thanks @amirm for another great review!
 
@amirm Would it be possible to include nozzle size measurements in IEM reviews?
It's usually not listed in product specs, and imho relevant for finding an IEM with proper fit and comfort.
stem: 5.4 mm
lip: 6.3 mm
taken with digital caliper

length is medium-low, they are shallow fit iems.
 
Gate is woth getting just for the cable, its a real pleasure to handle and doesn't tangle in my pocket.

Truthear is fantastic. The Hexa is still one of the best sounding IEM's to my ears.
That's a great one that made me stop buying a new IEM every few months.
 
I bought the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO (blue) a few years ago on recommendation from Amir and have been extremely happy with them, especially when EQ'ed. So much that I use them more than my 560s and ATH-M50x for a daily driver.

However, I think they are starting to lose the balance (right sounds louder). Would getting the Gates be at least as good without EQ and likely even after EQ? I guess I can't even get a new cable for much less in any case.

Edit: It seems like they both only vary very little from the IE 2019 target. If there is also less distortion in the Gates it seems a very decent replacement, indeed. At least on paper.

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I bought the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO (blue) a few years ago on recommendation from Amir and have been extremely happy with them, especially when EQ'ed. So much that I use them more than my 560s and ATH-M50x for a daily driver.

However, I think they are starting to lose the balance (right sounds louder). Would getting the Gates be at least as good without EQ and likely even after EQ? I guess I can't even get a new cable for much less in any case.
IEM sound is super hard to predict due to final FR reacting highly to individual anatomy. Overall Gate has a clearer sound with less bass. Most dynamic driver IEMs have porous filters in the nozzles which will clog over time. Shenzenaudio offers replacement filters for Truthear IEMs through Discord channels. If this is a concern, consider other IEMs with Knowles dampers in the nozzles instead.
 
IEM sound is super hard to predict due to final FR reacting highly to individual anatomy. Overall Gate has a clearer sound with less bass. Most dynamic driver IEMs have porous filters in the nozzles which will clog over time. Shenzenaudio offers replacement filters for Truthear IEMs through Discord channels. If this is a concern, consider other IEMs with Knowles dampers in the nozzles instead.
Thank you for your response. By "filters," do you mean these small metal grids? If so, I probably have the extra pair that came with them somewhere and could check if I can replace them for any effect.
 
@amirm,

Thank you for the many reviews recently, amidst the rest of your life.
 
Now the "ZERO" needs to be tested. :)

View attachment 439795
What do you mean? Both Truthear Zeros were already tested.



If you mean Zero Blue 2, it was just released, so no review yet.
 
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