TruthEar Hexa-Neutral, Analytical IEM, Competes w/Titan S & Dauntless?-Honest Audiophile Impressions
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
- The TruthEar Hexa is a neutral, analytical IEM that attempts to compete with the DUNU Titan S and Kotori Dauntless, does it best them?
Purchase:
Hexa: shenzhenaudio.com/products/tr...
Titan S: shenzhenaudio.com/products/du...
Dauntless: kotoriaudio.com/collections/e...
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Test Tracks: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/p...
Tingvall Trio “Beat” - piano tonality
Sinne Eeg “We’ve Just Begun” - multiple layer soundstage
Molly Johnson “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” - female vocal tone
Leslie Odom Jr. “Under Pressure” - male vocal tone
Eric Clapton “Change the World” - soundstage, layering and placement
Yo Yo Ma “Ecstasy of Gold” - acoustic instrument timbre
Adam Baldych “Spem in Alium” - acoustic instrument timbre
Pain of Salvation “Stress” - bass and percussion balance
Michael Buble “When I Fall in Love” - orchestral dynamics
Patricia Barber “Code Cool” - sibilance check
Christian Scott “New New Orleans” - shouty upper mids
Tool “Chocolate Chip Trip” - imaging
Hans Zimmer “Why So Serious” - sub bass extension
Marcus Miller “No Limit” - bass control
Dave Holland Quartet “Conference Of The Birds”- bass check
Ilhan Eshkeri “47 Ronin”- orchestra and bass dynamics
Hans Zimmer: “2049” - sub bass extension
Cher: “Believe” - sibilance
Stanley Clarke - “Passenger 57 main title” - percussion, bass, separation and placement
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra - “The Pine of the Appian Way” - soundstage, imaging, separation, dynamic range
Houston Person - “You are my Sunshine” - tone and timbre
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![If you can't hear this then you're not an audiophile [See description for link to followup video]](/img/n.gif)
I forgot to mention why I used the stock wide bore tips. I didn't use foam tips. I used the wide bore tips because they fit me a little better than the narrow bore tips and I also found that they added a smidge more air and space along with a tad more energy and sparkle in the treble.
Cool. Glad you enjoy Apple Music.
@@justinip9832 love final audio e series tips but I don’t necessarily think they bring more energy to my ears at least. They do bring out a little more bass but you lose a bit of that sparkle in the treble. JVC spiral dots are wide bore and those are great if you’re looking for a bit more clarity and slightly larger soundstage
Hi, I was wondering if this would be a good choice for R&B-like male vocals?
I listen to vocals only and was looking at these Hexas and the new Delcis at this price point.
@hmf33 it's a bit leaning into the cold side in the upper mids and treble. Vocals also lack a bit of body weight and sound a little thin. The Hexa is more of an analytical listen then an enjoy listen.
Sorry Ivent not heard the Delci.
@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks! Pretty much all I need to know 👍
I've had the hexa for almost 3 months now and watched several reviews about them but this is the most accurate review of them all. Strongly agree with his description of the hexa's sound.
Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated.
Very informative review! I'm listening to this video on my Titan S--which I think is still really hard to beat for the price. Every time I bring it out, I'm surprised by how good it is. (You would think that I would learn after a while.)
Right on! Titan S is a very special IEM.
Thank you very much Dave, I was anxious for this review. I saw too much hype about this IEM, and I was expecting your feedback to confirm if it’s good or not. Best regards!
My pleasure, you're welcome. Glad you found the review useful.
The dauntless was my second purchase as I entered into the hobby and to tbh I haven't listened to it in a while. I'm going to pick it up again! Thanks for the excellent review as always and the reminder on the dauntless.
Dauntless is a great value in my opinion.
You're welcome for the review.
GO BILLS! Nice review, Dave.
Good to see Dave. thanks for the review. Also i cant support the channel but i'm grateful other members can. i thank them for that.
I understand about support. Thank you for the comments and watching, that helps as well. You are welcome for the review. I am glad you enjoy the channel content.
Great review Dave...Good to see Dauntless is still at the top of its game at this price point. Accurate tone and timbre like you said - that's what comes to mind whenever I think of Dauntless in my collection...Glad I didn't take the call to buy following the hype for the Hexa...It would have been a totally redundant and inferior set I guess, after having the Dauntless...Thanks a ton for the comparison, as I'm still eyeing buying the Hexa, but not anymore!!!
Yes, the Hexa is redundant if you have the Dauntless or the Titan S unless you want that different approach to presentation. But as I mentioned in the video, I would stick with the Dauntless. Glad you still enjoy the Dauntless, one of my favorite IEM as well.
Everytime I want to buy an IEM, I come here to listen to your reviews and I always give up on buying it. HAHAHA. Thanks for saving me lots of money.
My pleasure, you're welcome. Glad you find the channel content helpful.
I suspect you are a fellow WNYer. If so, being not impressed by hype and going for the truth is kind of what I find folks from the area are. I was born in Buffalo and try to visit every year in the fall. I am stil looking for a good IEM and appreciate and really find your approach believable with no-nonsense reviews. Keep it up.
@johnmcvicker6728 I grew up in Medina, NY and lived in Western New York until I was 23. I visit the area at least once a year.
Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. Glad you enjoy the channel content.
Hi Dave! I have the Aria Moondrops in my collection but they are too dark for my taste and I was looking for something with a more present midrange and more spatiality in the sound. I've been looking forward to your honest opinions on this product! Thanks to your review I understood that they are not for me, I didn't know whether to buy them or the titan s but at this point it is clear to me that the Dunu are right for me. Thanks so much Dave! YOU ROCK👍❤
My pleasure, you're welcome. Glad you found the review helpful. Look forward to hearing your impressions of the DUNU Titan S.
You won’t be disappointed by the Titan S. To me, it’s clearly superior to the Aria.
@@halbrooks7517 I think so too! Unfortunately at the time I chose the arias because the Titan S were never available in my region (Italy) or they were double the price😱.
Thanks for your feedback!👌
7hz timeless
Now Ive got to find your Katori Dauntless video! Lots of buzz on the Hexa, but I now know to trust your ears.
Link in the video
@@TheHonestAudiophile Duh on me, I searched and found it. Now I know.
Most of the more current videos, I put a link in the video when I do the comparison or else a link is in the description.
Hello Dave..
Big fan.
I already have the Dunu Titan S.
I am a big fan of movie soundtracks and i have come to understand that iems with solid technicalities with decent tuning is highly essential for this.
Especially in the busier passages.
While I'm really enjoying the Titan s , i was wondering if there's anything in the sub 100$ range that has more technical prowess than the Titan s.
Your opinion?
Glad you enjoy the channel content.
You could check out these:
Kotori Dauntless
Best audiophile reviewer i have ever seen.👌👌
Thanks 🙏
Great review, Dave. Thanks for this. I am passing this. Could you do a review of the AFUL Performer 5 hybrid from Hifigo. Appreciate your efforts. BTW I have pulled the trigger on the AFUL P5 and very impressed .
Thank you for the suggestion. If funds become available or a P5 is provided for review, I'll for sure give it a listen and review.
Great review again! I own an ER2XR, and am considering adding the hexa into my collection. I was wondering what's your opinion on comparing these 2?
Hexa is brighter and has a wider stage, slightly better detail retrieval and resolution. The ER2XR has more accuarate tone and timbre.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you!
My pleasure, you're welcome
Hello, I want to use these for playing/recording live drums and instruments. I have a mic/interface setup, I know you said they have a good seal and they're comfortable, but you did mention you can hear some outside noise even with them on? You think noise bleed from drums would be a problem, or is the seal good enough that as soon as sounds comes out, it will block out any outside noise?
Hmmm, good question. Drums are pretty loud but the Hexa should do just enough isolation to not cause issues. Look forward to your impressions.
Hi Dave great review and as a long time Dolphins Fan we are all praying for the recovery of Damar Hamlin 🙏🏼
Good news on Damar Hamlin today, he is awake, alert, talking and breathing on his own. Still in critical condition but good signs of improvement.
@@TheHonestAudiophile ❤️
Do you like this better than a tinhifi t3plus for example?
I have dunu titan S and I love the tuning of this iem do you think that going to hexa is an upgrade or should i stay in my dunu ?
Hexa has a thinner note weight, colder presentation and is more aggressive in presentation.
I just got the hexa today, I’ve had it in my ears for about 12 hours straight now. It sounds excellent to me, it might even replace the final e4000 as my favorite, I don’t know but it’s very close so far. I just love how crystal clear it sounds through my iPhone.
Glad you enjoy the Hexa. Thanks for the impressions.
Hi Dave, I have a Kinera Gramr cable and use it extensively with my sub 50$ IEMs.
I am looking to buy Truthear Hexa, they both have 0.78 mm 2 pin connection, but Gramr is known for incompatibility issues with IEMs that have a depth near its connector.
Can you, by any chance, confirm whether they're compatible with each other? Thanks for the great review.
Sorry I have no experience with the Kinera Gramr.
@@TheHonestAudiophile bummer. Thanks though.
Hope to get one at some time.
Could you compare the Hexa to Tripowin Olinas? Which many have said that Olinas got the best technical performance for single DD IEMs under $100 USD
Here is a link to my Olina review: th-cam.com/video/b2QdWapzu9Q/w-d-xo.html
I honestly don't remember enough about the Olina. I haven't heard them since the review.
hello dave. is my reecho & peacock spring day is better than hexa what is your experience?
I honestly don't remember anything about the Reecho and it's been a very long time since I reviewed it. Here is a link to my review:
th-cam.com/video/_wYZjZdvCS0/w-d-xo.html
After having the Hexa for a couple weeks now, Its a IEM you can fall asleep to. But i do seam to ise them more than the Reds.
Interesting. Thanks for the impressions. I can fall asleep with the Red more than the Hexa. Glad you enjoy the Hexa.
I don’t have the Dauntless or the Titan S but I do have the Hexa. My take on the Hexa is much like yours. My biggest gripe is it needs more in the mid bass and lower mids. The Hexa is so close but so far away.
Thanks for the impressions. "so close but so far away" is a good way to put. Thanks for the impressions.
Thanks for sharing.
I paired my Hexa with the qudelix 5k which cost more than the Hexa but has come in handy over & over again.
@@deadline7610 I have the Qudelix 5k too and that Bluetooth/amp dongle is incredible with its EQ option…epic..!
@@fiddlix I wish i had a better grasp of the parametric eq in the 5k. Can't find any videos for the 5k eq on youtube :)
Have you seen any ?
@@deadline7610 not for the parametric eq. The Qudelix forum may can point you in the right place. It’s not difficult. But not self explanatory.
Need your thoughts on the Simgot EA500.
If an EA500 is provided or the funds become available, I'll gladly listen and review it.
I want to use IEMs for Video-Editing.
If I understood you right in your review, the DUNU Titan S would be better than the Truthear Hexa for Video-Editing projects, right?
The Hexa is more neutral and analytical. The Titan S has better tone and timbre and are mid forward. The Titan S is better for monitoring and the Hexa is better for mixing and mastering.
Keep in mind I am not a professional in these areas and have very limited experience tinkering within it. I do run a soundboard weekly for my church.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Pretty much spot on, the Hexa are very balanced, which is why after just acquiring them, I'll probably use them in the context of mastering tracks, since my PC headset is too warm (Often the case with gaming headset, even enthusiast ones)
Rule of thumb is that if that something sticks out in the mix with these, especially in the lower end of the spectrum, it's probably gonna stick out A LOT on more dynamic, common output devices.
Still gonna try them for gaming though, since imaging is pretty good, they must be good for FPS
@KRACHDUFE Glad you enjoy the Hexa. Thanks for the impressions.
Is the male/female vocal better than aria/titan s or atleast similar? If its not a huge upgrade vocal note weight wise I wont consider buying it. Tbh I only care about the vocal (:
I prefer the vocal presentation of the Titan S over both the Hexa and Aria. The Hexa is the lightest in note weight between the three.
THANKS MATE valuble review honest ,for what your experience is and must not be easy job at all when you have so many sounds to hear ,expensive and not.....) saying that once i had the p1 plus now stolen with another 5 pairs of balanced cables but i saved the dac and remained with only TIN 3 AND ARIA ,unfortunately my budget allowed me to buy the titan S for 64Euros and i was undecided between the hexa and Titan ....I like mature neutral sound not coloured . I hope i made the good choice ,but i wanted tell you once as you said the TIN P1 PLUS require power ,i abbinated them with E1DA 9038 SUMUS which is powerful enough the hear the smooth bass ruble of the P1 as the E1DA 9038 latest edition which i prefer much more than the Fiio BTR5 2021 which didn't drive so well as the E1da which i reccomend and if you have the chance review it as it is siple but very efficint and cost effeticve.Cheers
Thanks for the comment, the kind words. Thanks for the suggestions.
Thanks for watching.
would you say these are more analytical and detailed than the Tin T2 originals? what are your thoughts?
The Hexa comes across more analytical but not natural like the T2 and I find that they are similar in detail retrieval with a slight edge to the Hexa. I prefer the T2 over the Hexa.
@@TheHonestAudiophile What about the Dauntless vs Tin T2? Are the Dauntless much more detailed? I would like to get an upgrade of the tins, i feel the detail is good but i need better highs and more bass.. especially the sub bass which is lacking in the tins...
@@ziggy8757 Dauntless has more bass and more presence up top. Derail retrieval is a smidge better.
Thanks buddy. Sold me with the Dauntless,
My pleasure, you're welcome.
is the sound similar to Blon-03?
I really loved Blon-03 sound its really wide and with adequeate bass no harsh TREBLE
Not even close, the Hexa is better detailed and resolving, is more neutral, doesn't have the robust note weight of the Blon, bass is not nearly as impacting, treble is more extended but may seem more elevated and peaky. Overall the Hexa is more analytical than the Blon and lacks the fun factor.
@@TheHonestAudiophile woah thanks for honest feedback... i''m looking something closer to Blon-03 sound
@avatr7109 Tin Hifi T3 Plus would be the one to consider
Hexa is more natural than blon 03? Hmmm interesting, since blon 03 is known as the most natural in timbre in the budget iem market
Do you think switching from Tin hifi p1 max to Hexa is an upgrade? If not, what should be the next headphone after P1 Max? What is your suggestion?
Upgrade from P1 Max is Moondrop Kato and for a little more the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you..
@takosan699 my pleasure, you're welcome
I like these more than my kato. I guess i prefer neutral bright tuning
Glad you enjoy the Hexa.
👍👍
Thanks for this one …I was thinking of it …but I’d heard the same thing ..at tad thin ..and is missing bottom end grunt.
An ok iem if you’re not too demanding.
Thanks again for the video ☕️👍
My pleasure, you're welcome.
Since this is a natural IEM, can it be EQed to sound better than other engaging IEMs? Because reviewers don't mention this.
The Hexa can be eq'd to sound to your liking. I don't eq though as I prefer to listen to gear in stock form.
how do i put the tips on i just got theese and im so confused
They just slip on, very easy.
Already procure my hexa, pretty satisfied, hope it would last
Glad you enjoy the Hexa.
How's your experience after 2 month of usage?
Before Hexa, I used the Raptgo Hook X. Now I’m sticking to the Hexa. They sound clearer in highs and mids.
Glad you enjoy the Hexa.
Te HEXA, Dunu Titan S, OLINA SE or another like Aria etc ? Thanks :)
Comparison to Titan S made in video.
Haven't heard Olina SE.
I'd select the Hexa over the Aria.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks Friend! Do you intend to test OLINA Se ? (Or does it not look like an interisting iem?)
I'm not actively pursuing the Olina SE but if one is provided to the channel, I will give it a listen and review.
@@TheHonestAudiophile the Oleana OG lacked adequate resolution in the mid range. IMHO. Your mileage may vary, etc. But you see, I'm old. So how do the rest of you see it. The highs are gone, so the mid-range is where I live. And you will all be here, at this point, some day soon. So I want much resolution, but ...tone. Gotta have it. I want it all. Can't have all. So I'll take mid-range. But tone. Amperex 7316.
@@gerritfridericksohn4627 here is my og Olina review: th-cam.com/video/b2QdWapzu9Q/w-d-xo.html
Any suggestion on better iem overall with good staging detailing and also slam bass?
Similar price range?
@@TheHonestAudiophile yes around 100$
I have 7hz sonus in mind but i am not sure because hexa seems to be better in almost everyway except for the mid bass , so i am confused . I like my sound to be punch bassy and engaging too😅
I've not heard 7hz Sinus.
Another to consider is the TRI Meteor but you won't have quite as much details as Hexa.
Simgot EA500LM is another option (review coming soon)
@@TheHonestAudiophile will wait for simgot review then , thanks for the reply .
1 thing I really don't like is the Phillips screws on the face plates. They look so cheap. They should definitely have chosen hex screws instead.
Thank you as usual for very honest review 👍
You're welcome, your welcome. I understand about the screws, doesn't bother me much.
how will hexa sound through normal type c connector through samsung phone
Sorry, I have no idea as I do not have a Samsung phone or a USB-C connector/dongle.
@@TheHonestAudiophile then can you please tell me how does these(truthear hexa) sounds through laptop or macbook air or windows pc without using external dac. And how much of difference is there with or without using dac. As I didn't find it anywhere in other videos.. and I'm thinking to purchase my first iem and I don't have any dac.
I have tested the Hexa with my Chromebook without a dongle DAC/Amp and it is doable but not preferred. I recommend using a dongle dac/amp.
I'm considering getting the Hexa but I'm not sure if I'm better off grabbing the Dauntless, Titan or go a little bit extra for the Blessing 2.
I listen to metal mostly, I prefer a brighter sound signature though, and I care about imaging more than anything else. What would you recommend? Thx
Titan S, Dauntless and Hexa aren't really special for metal. Blessing 2 isn't really a metal IEM in my opinion. Xenns Mangird Top is amazing for metal. BUT keep in mind, I don't listen to a lot of metal. Between the Titan S, Dauntless and Hexa for metal I would lean to the Titan S.
Is it good for rock, metal songs?
I prefer good soundstage and good instrument separation.
It is okay with those genres but it won't have the bass impact that give rock and metal their emotion.
@@TheHonestAudiophile how is tinhifi t3 plus compared to it?
T3 Plus has more bass impact, more note weight and the Hexa is more detailed and resolving but has a more analytical tuning. T3 Plus is more musical.
@@TheHonestAudiophile which one should I get?
T3 Plus or hexa?
I listen to rock and metal most of the times and I prefer good soundstage and instrument separation with natural vocal and instrument sounds.
Please suggest me one.
I'm so much confused
And I'm from Bangladesh
T3 Plus in my opinion sounds better between the two for rock and metal.
Eles tocam fácil com smartphones? :)
No idea, my phone doesn't have a headphone output so I have to use dongle.
Yes. I use them with my iPhone 6s Plus
Most people are gushing over the Hexa, with the only negative being the tuning isn’t someone’s preference. It’s refreshing to hear some actual concrete critiques. Thank you for keeping it honest 👏👏👏
My pleasure, you're welcome. Honesty is the best Policy!
I bought them now :D Sound was a little thin and unengaging - just like you said, missing that extra something. Until I switched the cables with the ones that came with my Hidizs Mermaid MS2. Holy shite! John Barry - Goldfinger and I'm rocking in my chair with all the delicious Titan S details on top. Mermaids are still a bit more musical but I don't like their "darkishness." Titan all the way! Absolutely loving them. Thanks for your review again!!!!!
A question for anyone. Have you ever broke an iem by dropping them? Or maybe stepping on them.
You have no Idea who much my Blon Bl03 suffers because of mu clumsy hand. But, now I treat my Hexa like a baby.
Kindly give us your opinion on denon ah-d7200
If a Denon AH-DA7200 is provided for review or the funds become available I will gladly review them.
@@TheHonestAudiophile you can always ask around if anyone got them
Tried 'em, very quickly returned 'em!
Totally understand.
Which is the perfect IEM under 100$. With excellent highs, mids, lows, details & technicals...
Several different options that have the abilities but I don't believe anything is capable of being perfect.
LetSHuoer Galileo
Akoustyx R110
Kotori Dauntless
Tin Hifi T2
Etymotic ER2SE
Tin Hifi P1 Msx (if you have a quality, powerful source)
Here is a link to my ranking grade list, please check out the ranking grade tab first.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=sharing
Nope not falling for that again, I was/am SO disappointed with the Zeros that this sound exactly what I don't want to run into again. The TRUTHEAR zeros are borrrring. Unlike the salnotes zero which is what prompted me in the first place to get the TRUTHEAR version. Hexa, no go.
Thank you for the comment.