The HEXA are a neutral set with a sub-bass boost – unusual tuning among the budget fare. Are they too good to be true?
In the budget IEM arena, new hype trains get released every week. Unfortunately, most of these turn out to be overrated or side-grades at best – many are not talked about a mere week after launch and end up as a footnote in audio forums.
Manufacturers have wised up and caught on to the preferences of consumers. Tunings now routinely incorporate the relatively safe Harman curve. Like pizzas that are generally palatable (even if not the finest), companies push out multiple releases, which consumers gobble up.
- Decent accessories, including a standing waifu
- Solid build, very comfortable and ergonomic
- Great isolation
- Unique neutral tuning with sub-bass boost
- Fatigue-free
- Very coherent
- Top-notch imaging and instrument separation
- Natural timbre
- Compressed soundstage
- Lack of mid-bass thump might not suit EDM/hip-hop aficionados
- Sub-optimal stock cable
- May not be easy to drive from a weak source
The latest trends are to feature a waifu anime babe on the packaging or approach a big name to collaborate with, thus ensuring some sales!
Verily, the HEXA do feature an anime waifu, but their tuning goes against the grain.
They embrace a neutral tonality with a sub-bass boost – this is very rare at the budget price point. Tonality aside, read on to find out if the HEXA’s technical performance is commensurate with this unique tuning.
Company Overview
Truthear is a new kid on the ChiFi block and was just conceived in 2022. Truthear’s first release, the Truthear Zero, was pretty well received and was a collaboration with the famed audio reviewer Crinacle.
Technical Specifications
- Form: IEMs
- Drivers: 1 x 10mm liquid crystal polymer (LCP)/polyurethane dynamic driver (DD) and 3 x customized balanced armature (BA) drivers
- Impedance (Ohm): 20.5Ω +/- 15% (@1kHz)
- Sensitivity (dB): 120dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
- Frequency Response (Hz): 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Removable Cable: Y
- Cable: High-purity, silver-plated cable
- Source Plug: 3.5 mm TRS, single-ended
- Cup/Shell Plug: 0.78 mm, 2-Pin
Packaging
In the box
- Truthear HEXA IEMs
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
- 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
- 2 pairs of foam ear tips
- Leatherette soft carry case
- Anime waifu desktop poster
For a sub-USD$100 IEM, the accessories are more than decent. I’ve seen similarly priced competitors with way fewer goodies!
One is truly spoiled for choice with the various ear tips on offer.
The narrow-bore silicone tips boost the bass frequencies but compress the soundstage. The wide-bore ones increase the upper frequencies and air, and also expand the soundstage a tinge. As we will read below, the HEXA’s soundstage is not the most expansive, and I personally prefer the wide-bore tip pairing.
Cable
A 4-strand silver-plated cable is included and is very thin and tangly, with microphonics. It is somewhat disappointing, but it’s not difficult to source an alternative aftermarket cable as the HEXA use standard 0.78 mm, 2-pin connectors.
The distal terminals have ‘R’ and ‘L’ lettering to delineate the right and left connectors, respectively.
Case
The leatherette case could be more functional and seems designed for its looks rather than practicality. It is exceptionally soft, and the contents inside may not withstand pressure if compressed.
Design
The HEXA derive their namesake from the hexagonal (six-sided) shell design. This design is not just for show, and we will discuss why in the ‘Comfort’ section.
The housings are fashioned from CNC (computer numerical control) anodized sand-blasted skin-friendly medical-grade resin. They are DLP (digital light processing) 3D printed from HeyGears, via an intricate surface-grinding process, which allows precise replication of acoustic structures and waveguides.
The shells have ‘L’ and ‘R’ lettering to delineate the left and right sides of the earpieces, respectively.
Comfort
Comfort and ergonomics are excellent. I’ve used the HEXA for hours on end without any discomfort.
Truthear advertises that the hexagonal design is intentional – it allows maximal compression of the shell cavity, thus providing lighter weight and a smaller volume, leading to improved comfort. Indeed, their marketing claims do not seem to be hyperbole!
In addition to the small profile, no parts come into contact with the ear’s auricle and concha, which may cause discomfort in other shell designs.
Isolation is very good, considering the HEXA are vented. They will make a suitable pair for stage monitoring and outdoor usage. I did not find any driver flex, but YMMV, this may be dependent on ear anatomy and the type of ear tips used.
Internals
The bass frequencies are handled by a 10mm DD, featuring a polyurethane suspension composite liquid crystal dome diaphragm with a dual-cavity internal magnetic circuit N52 magnet.
Truthear advertises that this DD’s voice coil is weighted to reduce unwanted resonances. This somewhat increases the IEM’s resistance, but on the flip side, it creates a punchy bass.
Three customized BAs apiece cover the rest of the midrange and treble frequencies.
Truthear HEXA Sound
The HEXA are quite difficult to drive for a hybrid.
Weak sources can power them decently, but the HEXA truly scale when amplified with regards to dynamics and soundstage. Dynamics can be a bit blunted if the HEXA are not fed adequate juice.
The HEXA sport a neutral tuning, with a sub-bass boost.
True to form, this kind of sound signature is unique and very rarely seen in the budget segment. In comparison, most rivals habitually push out Harman or V-shaped pairs of IEMs to suit consumer preferences.
Acoustic instruments and vocals sound organic. The HEXA’s timbre is very natural, with no typical BA timbre or metallic nuances noted. Note weight is on the slightly thinner side.
Some budget hybrids show their true colors when complex or fast movements come into play – they exhibit incoherency, such as the DD bass being slower than the BAs or the timbre varying between driver types. The HEXA are highly coherent – they sound like a single driver set, with no peaks or troughs heard.
In technicalities, the HEXA perform well, showcasing pinpoint imaging, lightning-fast transients, and marvelous layering with sublime instrument separation. Micro-details and clarity are pretty good, though the height and depth of the soundstage are a point of weakness, being below average.
I have tested IEMs with a huge soundstage but fuzzy and nebulous imaging; given a choice, I would definitely take a set like the HEXA, which make up for a more intimate soundstage with precise laser-like imaging.
Bass
The HEXA are sub-bass focused and are a tinge north of neutral. The sub-bass extends moderately, with just a slight rumble. The mid-bass is scooped out, so bassheads, and those that listen to mid-bass focused genres such as EDM and hip-hop, might need to consider alternatives.
Bass texturing is average, but the bass is very agile with no mid-bass bleed. Even on very complex or fast bass movements, no smearing is noted.
Midrange
The midrange continues on from the neutral mid-bass. This region is very transparent and clear, aided by the lack of mid-bass bleed. Layering is top-notch, with individual instruments and vocals easily pin-pointed on a dark background.
The upper mids are a tinge forwards without any shoutiness. Though, due to the aforementioned thinner note weight and not uberly-boosted upper midrange, vocals may sound a bit less bodied.
Treble
The HEXA’s treble is smooth and safe for our treble-sensitive brethren. There is no sibilance, and high hats and cymbals are not splashy or overly emphasized. Micro-details are still present, and the HEXA do not “cheat,” unlike some ChiFi IEMs that artificially boost the treble to give fake clarity.
Granted, this type of treble doesn’t display the most air or sparkle, and perhaps the HEXA are not ultra-detailed. But on the other side of the coin, the HEXA can be used for hours without fatigue.
With their magnificent imaging, solid ergonomics, first-rate isolation, and neutral sonic profile, I highly recommend the HEXA to musicians looking for a budget pair for stage monitoring or audio work.
Comparisons
I compared the HEXA against other hybrids in the sub-USD$100 range. Pure BAs, planars, and single DDs are left out, as the different transducers have their own pros and cons.
Vs. TRN VX Pro
The VX Pro are tuned to a profound V-shape. These have huge bass and sound more “fun,” albeit the bass bleeds and is slow – the DDs cannot keep up with the faster BA drivers, and marked incoherency rears its ugly head.
The VX Pro’s midrange is more recessed as per the V-shaped signature. The VX Pro boast more treble quantity and extension, with sibilance in spades – a very aggressive, in-your-face character is there to greet the listener.
In technicalities, the VX Pro are slightly better in soundstage but are a step or two behind the HEXA in imaging, instrument separation, and transients.
The VX Pro sound less natural in timbre, with a metallic sheen noted in the higher frequencies. They also have quite pronounced driver flex, which may be a deal-breaker for some, though they are easier to drive than the HEXA.
Vs. TRI Meteor
The TRI Meteor are U-shaped, and bassier, with a thicker note weight. The Meteor have a deeper sub-bass extension, but the bass is quite flabby and boomy, with mid-bass bleed encountered.
The Meteor are not playing in the same league when it comes to technicalities. Clarity, imaging, instrument separation, micro-details, and transients are multiple steps behind the HEXA. Soundstage is slightly more expansive on the Meteor, but the hazy imaging and dearth of clarity make the music sound veiled and opaque.
The Meteor have driver flex, which is not found on the HEXA. The former are easier to drive.
Vs. TRI Starsea
The Starsea incorporate tuning switches and can be converted to four different sound signatures – thus, they can field a spectrum of sonic profiles, from neutral to U-shaped to V-shaped. Hence, the Starsea are more versatile than the HEXA.
The Starsea have a better soundstage but are weaker in imaging, instrument separation, and transients. The bass isn’t as tight, with a less natural timbre.
There are complaints from consumers that the Starsea may give a sensation of pressure in the ears during usage (inadequate venting), and driver flex, which isn’t the case with the HEXA.
Vs. TRN ST5
The ST5 feature a deep V-shaped tuning. These have more treble and bass, though the bass bleeds and is ponderous. As such, the ST5 display incoherency in complex tracks, with the DDs handling the basslines unable to keep up with the speedier BAs handling the upper frequencies.
The ST5’s midrange is recessed and obscured by the aforementioned mid-bass bleed. Mid-lovers best stay away. Sibilance and fatigue are noted in the treble regions.
In technical aspects, the ST5 have a better soundstage but lose to the HEXA in imaging, instrument separation, transients, and layering. Timbre is less natural on the ST5.
The ST5 are easier to drive, but they have driver flex. The ST5 come with a modular cable for various balanced and unbalanced connectors, but I’d opt for the HEXA any day for their superior tuning, even though the stock cable isn’t the best.
Where to Buy
Conclusion
The HEXA are a really special beast. I am pleasantly surprised by such a budget gem, after burning through multiple meh budget side-grades this year!
Eschewing the dime-a-dozen V-shaped or Harman-tuned signatures, the HEXA embrace a tranquil neutral profile with a sub-bass boost. Despite packing multiple drivers, the HEXA are highly coherent, with an organic timbre.
Imaging and instrument separation are excellent, though admittedly, the HEXA have an intimate soundstage. Accessories are generous (including a standing waifu for our Otaku pals), and the build and ergonomics are splendid.
With outstanding isolation, solid comfort, and terrific technical performance, the HEXA may even be an affordable option for musicians searching for a stage monitor.
The HEXA are, unfortunately, not perfect. Besides the soundstage woes previously alluded to, the included cable is thin, tangly, and microphonic. Additionally, if your library consists of mostly hip-hop and EDM-focused tracks, the lack of a mid-bass hump might also make the HEXA sound anemic.
However, looking past these quibbles, the truth prevails, and the HEXA stand out from the budget pack with a distinctly coherent and fatigue-free sub-bass boosted neutral soundscape. They amalgamate admirable technicalities and timbre into a compact profile and have my vote for the best budget hybrid of 2022.
hi I love your review
Could you make a comparison between hexa and titan s , terms of stage and layering presentation? cause i feel titan s lacking in depth and height
Thanks a lot!!!!!!
could you compared to titan s and olina, term of stage presentation?
Hi Sir
So I just did A/B testing.
In terms of soundstage depth/height/width, the Olina is the best by quite a distance. The 2nd best would be the Titan S, then last place in soundstage is the Hexa.
The soundstage is one of the few weaknesses on the Hexa.
good review, Thanks!
good review, Thanks!
Hi Bro, I always love your view and trust what you hear… I still love my HZ Heart Mirror that I got after reading your review and our chats…
How much improvement of this Hexa to Heart Mirror?
Another Q is… I wonder whether you have heard KZ PR1? I know it’s apple vs orange but my ears are very adaptable, so if you’ve heard KZPR1, what’s your opinion of this Hexa compared to them?
Hi Sir
Thanks for your kind words!
Unfortunately, I haven’t tried the KZ PR1. I will try to audition a set one day!
Anyway for your first query, the HEXA and Heart Mirror are quite different in tonality. The Heart Mirror is neutral bright, with greater treble extension, sparkle and air. The HEXA is neutral with a sub-bass boost, and has greater sub-bass than the Heart Mirror.
The Heart Mirror hence comes across as more bass light, and the treble can be a tinge sibilant and fatiguing if you are treble sensitive, whereas the HEXA is more laid back and smooth.
In terms of technicalities, both sets have a more intimate soundstage. Imaging and layering and instrument separation is better on the HEXA, though the Heart Mirror has better clarity and micro-details.
I read recently that the original Heart Mirror is not in production any more. The company is pushing the Heart Mirror Pro, which is harmanish with worse technicalities than the original Heart Mirror! Better treasure your set!
Got it…
so Hexa cannot be said as an improvement over Heart Mirror…
Too bad if HM is really discontinued.. It is probably a niche product, but we really need this kind outliers to enrich our audio experience… It’s really boring to have so many IEMs now sound quite a like one to another…
Hopefully you’ll have a chance to listen to KZ PR1… I read/heard that it is quite an outlier as well…
Thanks.. and wish you in always be a good health and sprit to share with community…
Thank you Sir for the kind words.
Yes there are too many sidegrade Harman type IEMs nowadays, and agree with you that some special IEMs with a unique tuning will really stand out from the weekly sidegrades.
Cheers!
How would you not compare it to the Truthear Zero lol….makes no sense as that is its direct multidriver competition.
Hi Sir
The Truthear Zero is not a hybrid, but a pure DD setup: https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/truthear-zero-earphone-dual-dynamic-drivers-pu-lcp-composite-diaphragm-in-ear-headphone
So it doesn’t contain any BAs. Also the Truthear Zero is in a different price bracket.
I generally try not to do A/B comparisons for IEMs that utilize different drivers, as the different transducers have their pros and cons. So it’s kind of an apples to oranges comparison as such.
How does the level of detail compare to the er2se?
Hi Sir/Mdm
The ER2SE has better resolution, but then some might not be able to tolerate the deep fit in terms of comfort, so YMMV.
Hi,
Which of the below would be the best to listen various genres?
1. Dunu Titan s
2. Olina SE
3. Hexa
Hi Sir/Mdm
The Titan S is a neutral bright IEM, and lacks a bit in the sub-bass. Generally it would be good for classical, jazz, acoustic, OST types. It isn’t that great for bass forward music genres like EDM or hip hop. The upper mids/lower treble can also be a bit bright, so treble sensitive folk might have a minor issue. It is very analytical, so it can make a good option for those who want to analyze music for critical listening.
Olina SE is quite all-rounder for most music genres, very balanced. Does timbre, tonality and technicalities at least above average. Quite a likable IEM, maybe except for basshead music.
HEXA is neutral with a sub-bass boost. So for mid-bass forward music like EDM and hip hop, it is also not the best option. The treble is on the smoother side, so if you are treble-head, it might not be the ideal pair.
I guess the Olina SE is probably the most useful IEM to listen to various music genres, as most music types will sound decent on it, compared to say specialists like the Titan S.
Hi Sir,
I already have the letshuoer s12…how will you compare the hexa against the s12 in terms of technicalities, details, soundstage and staging? I am not a basshead so additional bass (from the DD driver in the hexa) is not a concern for me..i like a detailed & clean sounding set.
Hi Sir/Mdm
The S12 is ahead when it comes to technicalities, soundstage and micro-detailing. It sounds cleaner, with greater clarity.
S12 however, is more V shaped, so it has greater treble/bass, but the mids are more recessed. Hexa is neutral with sub-bass boost.
The S12 is more fatiguing in the treble, and that is something to consider if you are treble sensitive. Also its timbre is a bit less natural (planar timbre).
Hello, thanks for the review!
In term of technicalities (soundstage & imaging especially) is the Hexa better than the Aria SE?
Right now, I’m looking for upgrade from the Chu. I have the aria SE, it has good soundstage and pretty ok imaging (I use it for FPS games and it is perform pretty well) but the tonality a little bit too safe for me, especially on the treble area and the mid-bass focus somehow makes the Chu have a tad cleaner sound. I also heard that hexa is somehow similar to blessing 2 and that’s actually interesting. Do you think Hexa is a good upgrade from Chu and sidegrade from Aria SE? Thanks
Hi Sir/Mdm
In terms of technicalities, the HEXA is definitely better than the Aria SE. The CHU has a bit more clarity than the HEXA, but the HEXA otherwise is an improvement in most departments including timbre, note weight and rest of technicalities.
Yeah the HEXA can hit about 80% of the Blessing 2’s sonic performance, such are the technological improvements in the past year! The HEXA has an intimate soundstage, that’s my biggest issue with this set, but otherwise, it is a hybrid that I would grade as one of the best under $100 USD.
Can you recommend some ear tips and upgraded cable for this headphone?
Hi Sir/Mdm
Is there anything you would like to change in the HEXA’s sound signature? Eartips affect not only comfort, and isolation, but they do affect the frequency response. Personally, I find the included stock tips are quite adequate.
For cables, I think the stock cable here is disappointing. You can search on Aliexpress for NiceHCK 8 core copper cables, those sell around sub $10 USD during sales, and are very supple and tangle free, with no microphonics.
Hi Baskingshark!
First of all, thank you for this detailed review and respect for all your efforts and patience!
I have already ordered the Hexa to see what the hype is all about. Currently driving the IKKO OH10, OG Olina and the Tin T3+ with Sony NW-A55. I’m not a basshead but I do love some bass in the mix. I’m more of a V shaped person I would say. How would you say the Hexa compares to the OH10? I’m talking more about technicalities, detail retrieval etc.
OH10 so far is king for me, but vocals can sound a bit lean at times.
My gripe with T3+ is, it has a somewhat veiled relaxing treble with my pairing, it’s not bad but cymbals can sound a bit uninteresting at times as they lack shimmer.
Happy with the Olina though, it has the largest stage of any IEM i’ve tried so far and for that reason alone it’s a keeper!
Thank you again for what you do! Cheers!
PS: I’m just looking for something with a different taste, it does not have to be an upgrade through and through. Also would you recommend a planar like 7Hz Timeless or Shuoer S12 instead of Hexa if i’m looking for technical performance?
Hi Sir/Mdm
The IKKO OH10 is much more V shaped than the HEXA, which is neutral with sub-bass boost.
OH10 has way more bass thump and quantity, though its upper midrange /lower treble is a bit hotter.
OH10 has superior soundstage any day, soundstage is a weakness on the HEXA. In terms of imaging, micro-detailing and instrument separation, perhaps HEXA wins slightly, but it is quite close.
The original Olina is still one of the soundstage kings at sub $100 and not many IEMS at that price bracket can defeat it in soundstage alone.
Planars like the S12 and Timeless will beat the HEXA handily in technical chops. Planar transient speed and resolution is their strength, though these planars generally have poorer timbral accuracy, and may lack in bass excursion.
So yes, if techinical performance is a priority, both Timeless and S12 (go for the Pro version) are good contenders. Timeless is slightly more resolving, but has worse soundstage depth and timbre. Timeless is also more pricey, so in my book, the S12 Pro is really a good planar to try. I seen it at below $90 USD during sales, so maybe wait for a sale to get it!
I have this hexa for 2 months.
Sadly i have a small ear which make me can’t use this for long hours. Only 1 hour and my left ear feels a little bit pain but very annoying.
It’s not the nozzle but the body of hexa which press my left ear lobe too much.
Can you compare hexa size with olina se or simgot ea500 ? The body of earphones especially.
Thank you very much.
Hi Sir/Mdm
Maybe you can try a longer nozzle eartip eg spinfits, so that it pushes the IEM body away from the ear? Something like the Spinfit CP100 is more V-shaped, whereas the CP145 is more neutral.
As for the size comparison, the Olina SE is shorter than the HEXA’s shell, but the nozzle is a bit shorter. The body width is a bit thicker for the Olina SE. In terms of comfort, I find the Olina SE a tinge more comfortable.
Between the HEXA and the Simgot EA500, the EA500 is heavier and is slightly shorter than the HEXA. HEXA has a slightly longer nozzle.
Do you have a local audio shop that perhaps allows you to audition IEMs? Hopefully, you can try these, as nothing beats physically trying out the earphone on the ground!
Hi Sir,
Can you compare ea500 vs Hexa in terms of staging, separation, soundstage and technicalities?
I am assuming ea500 has better mid bass going by other reviews…
Hi Sir/Mdm
The EA500 (on both tuning nozzles) has more mid-bass than the HEXA, but HEXA has more sub-bass below 40 Hz.
The EA500 is also brighter in the upper mids/lower midrange. Both sets aren’t soundstage kings, but the HEXA is slightly better when amplified (the HEXA is harder to drive than the EA500).
Hope this helps!
When it comes to technicalities – the HEXA is superior in detailing, imaging and instrument separation.
Hey,
So I’ve been in the market to buy a pair of Sub 100$ Neutral IEMs. I’m primarily a music producer (mainly hip-hop) and do some live gigs as well and will be using it for both. Will probably do some mixes on it as well hence the need for a neutral signature. I don’t care about emphasised bass or trebles. All I need is a good pair with a neutral sound and good technicalities.
I’ve come down to Dunu Titan S, Hexa and the Simgot EA500. I’m caught in a dilemma and I’m unable to choose out of these three. Please help. Thanks.
Hi Sir/Mdm
Based on your requirements, I think the HEXA will be a suitable set. It is neutral with a boosted sub-bass, isolation is decent and technicalities are good for sub $100. It beats the Titan S and EA500 in technicalities, and those two also have weaker isolation, though they are cheaper and are a bit more boosted in the treble.
I do use the HEXA for stage monitoring and audio work occasionally (my main pair is a Sony M9), but the HEXA is adequate for sub $100 for audio work IMHO.
But if hip hop is your main genre, generally I would prefer a boosted mid-bass in this region? The HEXA is a bit anemic in the midbass with all the bass focused in the sub-bass (<60Hz). Are you open to doing a bit of EQing to boost the midbass region if need be?
Hello, I recently broke my KZ AS16, which I had purchased after extensive research– especially including your (headphone honesty). So I’m looking for a replacement. What I am looking for
1. An extremely neutral output– you said it is a scalpel and I agree. I used it for multiple genres plus for listening to audibles @ high speed. The clarity and fast transient response allowed me go easily go 1.5 to 1.75x .
2. It could be driven by phones directly.
Also, can hexa use kz B or C cables. Otherwise please suggest suitable cables
If you have a B or C cable, you will need a DAC of some sort. These aren’t digital devices, they take an analog signal
I am looking to replace my broken Monoprice Quintet buds. I think my roommate either got them wet or played the too loud and one bud doesn’t work at all.
Noting that Monoprice doesn’t even sell them any more my first question is: Is this failure possibly the reason?
I liked the way they had lots of bass but good detail and not fatiguing. So far this seems like the best replacement even if it is about 30% more expensive.
Finally I’m using a FIIO over the ear Bluetooth set with these, will they drive them?