In this article, I’m reviewing the Truthear HEXA IEMs. HEXA is a hybrid quad-driver earphone with 1DD+3BA. It’s priced at $79.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Shenzhen Audio for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own based on my experience with the product.

Truthear HEXA

Specifications

• Driver: 1DD+3BA
• Diaphragm of dynamic driver: PU + LCP
• Impedance: 20.5Ω土15% @1kHz
• Sensitivity: 120dB/Vrms @1kHz
• THD: THD≤1% @1kHz (94dB)
• Frequency response: 8-40kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
• Effective frequency response: 20-20kHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)
• Price: $79

What’s in the Box

• Truthear HEXA IEMs
• Detachable 2-pin SPC cable
• Faux leather carrying case
• 6x pairs of silicone eartips
• 1x pair of foam eartips

Design

HEXA’s shells are crafted with precision, featuring 3D-printed resin shells that are transparent and have a sleek matte finish. And let’s not forget the metal faceplates – triangular shaped and made with anodized aluminium with a black matte finish that looks stealthy but sleek.

There’s a small vent just in front of the sunken 2-pin sockets that keep the sound flowing smoothly. And the triple-bore nozzles, though without a lip, are flared at the end to keep your eartips securely in place.

Don’t let the angular design fool you, these HEXA shells are incredibly comfortable and provide a stable fit that you can wear for hours without any discomfort or pain. Plus, the passive noise isolation is top-notch, making these earbuds perfect for those noisy commutes or loud environments.

The stock cable is a standard 4-core design with a black TPU sheath. All the components of the cable, including the metal chin-slider and 2-pin connector housings, are matching in colour. The silver-plated copper cable is lightweight and supple, which makes it easy to handle and free from microphonics.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the xDuoo Link2 Bal, Topping E70/L70 and the Hidizs AP80 Pro X. It doesn’t require extra amplification but it can scale slightly with a better quality source.

The Truthear HEXA’s sound signature is a nice blend of warmth and neutrality, making it perfect for those long listening sessions where you don’t want to feel fatigued.

Bass

The bass on these IEMs plays a large part in their satisfying sound. There’s an emphasis on the sub-bass and it can get a pretty good rumble going. The mid-bass may be slightly attenuated, but it doesn’t sound lacking, although bass guitars don’t get much love.

Softened leading edges give kick drums a sense of impact and depth. HEXA may not have the fastest or most technical bass tuning, but it serves the overall tuning perfectly.

Midrange

The midrange of the HEXA is neutral, but slightly darker due to a dip in the lower treble. The resolution is excellent, thanks to the control of the bass, the separation of instruments, and the multiple-driver configuration.

Vocals are clear, but the HEXA does not have the typical sharp clarity of entry-level ChiFi IEMs. Instead, it prioritizes tone and does not try to impress with excessive detail retrieval or an overly forward midrange. Instead, it creates a darker backdrop to enhance the musical notes.

Treble

Truthear has opted for a safe treble tuning with the HEXA, resulting in softened, inoffensive highs. You won’t hear sibilance or sharpness up here but at the same time, you won’t find any glimmer or sparkle either.

Despite this laid-back nature, the HEXA still delivers ample details, though not with etched precision. What it does provide is comfortable, all-day listening without any treble fatigue.

Soundstage and Technical Performance

I’ve touched on the technicalities above, but I’ll say again that the overall resolution and instrument separation are strong points for the HEXA. The imaging, on the other hand, is only average and is restricted by a narrow and intimate soundstage.

Comparisons

Moondrop Aria

The Moondrop Aria (review here) has a single dynamic driver. Although these 2 IEMs have a very similar graph, they both sound vastly different.

Aria has less sub-bass extension but more mid-bass punch. I find this kind of bass tuning engaging over a broader range of music genres, compared to HEXA’s drier mid-bass. Aria’s bass also has snappier attacks and a little more texture.

The Moondrop has thicker notes in the lower mids, offset by an upper midrange boost. This gives Aria some additional clarity and brisker leading edges, resulting in more bite on vocals and electric guitars. At the same time, HEXA has thinner midrange notes but a darker tone. HEXA’s superior resolution is notable here and most evident in its instrument separation.

Treble lovers will find more verve and shimmer in Aria’s treble, while those who are treble-sensitive will appreciate the HEXA’s smoother highs. I find Aria’s soundstage more expansive and placement more precise compared to HEXA’s confined stage.

Tin Hifi T3 Plus

The Tin Hifi T3 Plus (review here) has a single dynamic driver. It has a punchier mid-bass and slightly rolled-off sub-bass. T3 Plus’ lower midrange isn’t as forward but it has more bite and contrast. Vocals pop more on the T3 Plus due to better layering between the bass and midrange.

The T3 Plus has a smooth treble but it’s more forward in the mix due to the pulled-back lower mids. This results in a livelier and more dynamic presentation compared to the HEXA’s more linear sound signature.

The T3 Plus has a more immersive soundstage and superior imaging. Voices and instruments occupy a more clearly defined position on the stage, even though its instrument separation isn’t as good as HEXA’s.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Truthear HEXA is an impressive IEM that boasts a sleek and comfortable design with top-notch passive noise isolation. The sound signature is a nice blend of warmth and neutrality, making it perfect for long listening sessions.

The mid-bass is a tad shy and the midrange is neutral but slightly darker, providing excellent resolution and instrument separation. The treble is softened and inoffensive, delivering ample details without any fatigue. The soundstage and imaging are decent, although it is a bit narrow and intimate. Overall, the Truthear HEXA is a solid choice that can compete with the best IEMs in the sub $100 range. Recommended.