Truthear Pure - A Small Step in the Right Direction

 3.5⭐️

+ Warm neutral tuning with a bit of meta flair 

+ Small bass boost ensures the low end is well represented 

+ Midrange is great for showcasing instruments

+ Darker rolled off treble without a hint of sibilance 

+ Stock cable is a nice improvement over past models

- Will be too warm and colored for purists 

- Bass performance leaves something to be desired

- Vocals are a little underrepresented and can be a bit lifeless 

- Could use more treble extension and air to help balance the warmth

- Technicalities could be better even at this price

- Needs a proper carrying case

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This product was provided to me by Shenzhen Audio in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gear used: 

●Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

●HiBy R3 II

●Various DAC/amps

Source:

●Listening was done using Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD and local FLAC files. 

Introduction: 

Truthear has become quite a household name in the budget IEM sector over the last few years. Mostly recognized for their three collaborative offerings with renowned reviewer Crinacle, Truthear has also released other well-received sets, including the renowned Hexa. The Pure is their latest offering, which is a direct update to the Hexa. This one features a slightly different tuning but utilizes the same single dynamic and three balanced armature driver configuration of its predecessor. The Pure is available through Shenzhen Audio as well as other worldwide retailers and currently sells for $90. Let's break down the Pure and see how it builds upon the Hexa's legacy and forges a path of its own.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

The Pure's packaging is very similar to other Truthear sets. The box art features the brand's waifu mascot, and the unboxing experience is simple enough but doesn't feel cheap. The Pure's shell is almost identical to the Hexa but with a few small changes. It retains the same semi-translucent resin body, recessed 2-pin connection, and metal faceplate, but this time the faceplate features some more design elements to draw the eye in the form of raised horizontal lines. The size is the same, about average, but the nozzle width is a little smaller here than on the Hexa, measuring 6 mm at the widest point. The overall fit is reminiscent of the Hexa, though, and I find it quite comfortable. There is also a larger vent on the bottom of the Pure's shell, which helps alleviate pressure build-up. As for the accessory package, there's a lot of familiarity here, too. The Pure comes with seven pairs of tips in total: six silicone in two styles and one pair of foam. While I generally like Truthear's tips, in this case they didn't provide the best fit and seal, so I opted to use the JVC Spiral Dots. The carrying case is the same faux leather pouch that Truthear has included with some of their other models, and as I've stated in the past, I don't really care for it. It doesn't offer much in the way of protection, and the button closing system doesn't feel great to use. At least the stock cable received a much-needed upgrade. Gone is that thin, black, cheap cable of past models. Instead the Pure comes with a 2W cable, which is much better built. While I generally prefer my cables on the thicker side, this one is soft and pliable, and the silver color is a nice complement to the black shells. The only other accessory of note is a plastic card featuring the mascot. All in all, I think the Pure has decent accessories, but I would really hope Truthear retires the pouch-type case in the near future.

Sound impressions:

I would describe the Pure's tuning as neutral warm with a slight bass boost and a touch of meta flavor sprinkled in. The note weight is pretty thick and syrupy. I'd actually say it's closer to molasses, which is a bit too much for me, even as someone who prefers thicker note weight. It's a fairly easy set to drive, though, and can get loud from a simple dongle. The detail retrieval is above average but not fantastic or standout for the price. The soundstage has decent width but lacks a little in depth and comes across a bit flat. The timbre has just a touch of an unnatural tinge and sounds slightly off to my ear, but overall it's not too bad. The imaging is quite strong and the layering is done well too. Unfortunately, the dynamics are just okay. I find that the Pure definitely comes to life more at moderate to higher volume levels, but low volume listening is still enjoyable if not a little boring. Another area that could use improvement is the separation as some notes tend to run together in complex tracks. Overall, I'd say the Pure's technicalities are fine, and I don't have any major complaints, but it doesn't stand out among the better performers in the sub-$100 price bracket.

I find the Pure to be moderately source-sensitive, and taking the time to find the right synergy is a worthy endeavor. The iFi Go Link Max help s the dynamics a bit and also plays well to the Pure's innate musicality, but unfortunately, it doesn't do much for the resolution or texture of the bass. The HiBy FC4 adds a bit more depth to the bass and also a little more excitement and life to vocals, but there is also a slight edge to them that doesn't always hit my ear quite right. My synergy of choice is the EPZ TP35, which slightly enhances the bass definition, pushes vocals forward just a hair, and adds an extra layer of excitement.

●Lows - If you've watched or read other reviews or impressions before getting this far, you may have heard some describe the Pure's bass as muddy. I'm not sure that I necessarily agree with that sentiment, but I do find some notes to be a little ill-defined, especially in sub-bass-heavy genres. There's still a decent amount of impact, rumble, and reverberation for me, but either the speed is too sluggish, the decay lingers a little too long, the resolution is subpar, or it's a combination of the three that leads to a less than ideal presentation. It's kind of like looking through glasses that aren't the right prescription, where the edges of things get blurred, making it difficult to discern the finer details. Bass notes also sound like they're missing a definitive start and stop point, which leads to a somewhat smeared or run-together presentation. There is decent sub-bass extension, but the mid-bass really does take the majority of the spotlight. It also adds a very warm and colored tonality to the entire frequency response, which I typically like, but in this case I don't think it's executed very well. There's also some bass bleed too because the Pure lacks a typical mid-bass dip that makes for a cleaner bass-to-mids transition. Overall, the bass is a letdown for me, not so much in quantity but in its performance and balance. To be fair, it's far from the worst bass that I've heard in this tier, but I was really hoping for better, and it leaves me wanting.

●Mids - The Pure's midrange also has its ups and downs, but I do think it performs more admirably than the bass. As someone who prefers a forward upper midrange, the Pure doesn't have the vocal presentation that I'm drawn to. Vocals have a nice smooth presentation and aren't necessarily recessed, but neither are they as prominent as I usually like. One positive trait is that they never sound shouty even at higher volume levels, but they do fall a little flat from an engagement standpoint and come across somewhat lifeless or at least missing a certain spark. Female artists fare a little better than their male counterparts, which can get slightly drowned out by both the mid-bass and lower midrange. Where the Pure really shines is in instrument presentation. The tonality and timbre of everything from piano and strings to brass and woodwind have a very musical quality that draws me in. Guitar strums in particular sound fantastic. I do find that the lower midrange is slightly overemphasized, which leads to a slightly imbalanced midrange presentation, but the added weight for instruments in this range is nice. If the Pure's bass left me a little disappointed, its midrange picks up the slack and is what keeps me coming back for more, most notably its instrument presentation. I would really like to have some more upper midrange emphasis though to help bring vocals to life, and a cleaner bass-to-mids transition would be welcome too.

●Highs - The treble does a pretty good job of adhering to the Pure's warmer, slightly dark presentation. It has a moderately fast roll-off, which I generally prefer, but I think the Pure's level of warmth really warrants better extension and air to help balance it out a little better. There is no real sibilance to worry about, even at high volumes, but the somewhat peaky treble presentation poses a bit of a problem from a balance standpoint. On some tracks, cymbals are a little recessed compared to things like snares and claps, and on others, the opposite can occur. The good news, though, is that no notes are particularly incisive or harsh, and cymbals are never splashy, though I did notice that they can be slightly metallic-sounding on poor recordings. This is not an energetic and airy treble, so those that prefer that style of top end will be left wanting. But I do find that the treble matches fairly well with the overall theme of the Pure's tuning. That being said, there are improvements that could be made, namely better air and extension, slightly more impactful and crisp snare hits and cymbals, a bit more sparkle, and an overall better balance could go a long way toward making the treble better.

Comparisons: Credit to Jaytiss and Super Reviews for the graphs.

● Ziigaat Lush ($180) - Here we have two sets with similar hybrid configurations: the Lush's 1DD, 4BA against the Pure's 1DD, 3BA. As far as the accessories go, both sets have adequate inclusions but nothing extraordinary. I do prefer the Pure's cable because it has a bit of a tighter weave and feels more premium, and the Pure also comes with more tip options, but the Lush has a more useful zipper case compared to the pouch that accompanies the Pure. When it comes to the build quality, the Lush is slightly larger with a more traditional resin build featuring Ziigaat's standard sparkly faceplate, whereas the Pure has a resin body with a metal faceplate and adopts a more utilitarian black aesthetic. Personally, I prefer the looks of the Lush, although the Pure does fit me a little better. Tuning-wise, these two graphs are pretty similar, and both have a somewhat flat, meta-style frequency response, but the Lush is more engaging, while the Pure sounds a little more clinical. In the bass, the Lush is better balanced with a little more rumble and reverberation and mid-bass impact, and a slower decay, which all lead to a more natural-sounding low end presentation to my ear. The Pure's bass is more sub-bass focused and might be a touch more resolving, but it comes across a little sterile in comparison. The midrange is one area I feel the Lush really excels, while the Pure is just adequate. Vocals are smoother and much more expressive on the Lush, with a subtle warmth that I really like. The Pure just doesn't do the same justice to vocals, and they sound more clinical and a bit emotionless. Instruments though can benefit from the increased focus on detail as things like guitar strumming are somewhat more punctuated and can be heard a little more clearly with the Pure. In the lower midrange, the Pure exhibits better separation for instruments in orchestral arrangements but the Lush has a better sense of cohesion and a bit more note weight. In the treble, I wouldn't consider either to have a bright tuning and neither has any trouble with sibilance or harshness. The Lush does sound a bit better for me since it rolls off more evenly, while preserving just enough sparkle and energy for my taste. The Pure follows a similar downward trend but the peakier treble response leads to slight imbalance between things like cymbals and snares. As for the technicalities, the Lush has a more natural timbre, a deeper soundstage, and better imaging, layering, and dynamics. Both compete well in note weight and detail retrieval, but the Pure has a bit better separation. This matchup comes down to the overall balance and presentation style. One is more clean and clinical, while the other is more engaging and emotive. I do find that the Pure sounds very good for the $90 price tag, but it simply doesn't move me the way the Lush can. This is why I almost always prefer musicality over technicality, but in this particular matchup, I think the Lush also has better technical performance in many categories, which only adds to its appeal. This matchup also serves as a reminder that a frequency response graph should only be used for cursory insight into how two things compare, but it won't tell you everything about how a set will sound. While these two have similar tunings on paper, the Pure is missing that sense of musicality, engagement, and, well, lusciousness that makes the Lush so good.

My pick: Lush

● Meze Alba ($160) - The matchup pits the Pure's 1DD 3BA hybrid configuration against the single DD of the Alba. Both sets feature decent enough accessories, but the Pure has a slightly more robust cable that I prefer and more tip options. The Alba has the superior case compared to the Pure's carrying pouch, though it's still quite small. When it comes to the build quality and design, the Alba has a smaller yet sturdier metal shell, while the Pure has a resin body with a metal faceplate. Aesthetically, I'm more drawn to the more premium-looking white shells of the Alba rather than the somewhat utilitarian-looking black design of the Pure. Fit-wise, the deeper insertion of the Pure is better suited for my ears, but those with smaller ears may prefer the Alba. When it comes to the overall tuning, these two don't graph super closely, but they do generally adhere to a similar target. I would say that the Alba has more of a U-shaped tuning, while the Pure is closer to a meta-style tuning. The Alba is also the more energetic-sounding of the two, whereas the Pure has a warm neutral presentation. In the bass, the Pure is more full-sounding with more mid-bass presence and warmth, while the Alba has a bigger rumble, deeper sub-bass extension, better resolution, and a cleaner texture. The Alba is also more impactful with a slightly quicker and more natural decay. The bass of the Pure sounds a bit sluggish in comparison. The midrange is where the Alba shines best, and when compared to the Pure, it has a much better balance, and the emphasis on vocals is right up my alley. The Pure's midrange is quite warmed over thanks to the almost intrusive mid-bass and the later dip in the lower mids. The Alba has a more traditional U-shaped midrange response with a slightly scooped lower mids section into a linear and even pinna gain rise. This helps put a spotlight on vocals and instruments alike, which aligns well with my usual preferences. The Pure unfortunately sounds a bit too smoothed over, and the warmth and heavier note weight tends to act like an anchor around the necks of some otherwise light and well-balanced vocal performances. The treble might be the one aspect of the Pure's tuning that I actually favor. It's more rolled off, like I usually prefer, and I think there's still a decent enough sparkle and air to sound balanced with the other frequencies. The Alba definitely comes across brighter with better extension and much more air, but it can be a little much for me at times. It can also be a little incisive at times, but neither really exhibits any sibilance to worry about. As far as technical performance goes, the Alba dominates in just about every category, though the Pure does have more note weight. This matchup essentially comes down to the overall balance and tuning preference. Being an evolution of the Hexa, the Pure was never going to deviate too much from the more neutral roots of its predecessor, but I do think this newer version makes some nice changes from the original. Unfortunately, when directly compared to the Alba, it simply comes across a bit too flat and boring for me, especially when it comes to the midrange presentation. I do like the fit of the Pure better, but the Alba is in a higher tier when it comes to musicality, engagement, and overall enjoyment for my taste. Sure, the price is higher, but I personally think it's justified by the better technical performance and build quality.

My pick: Alba

● Juzear Defiant ($100) - These two sets have identical 1DD, 3BA hybrid configurations and are only $10 apart in price. Both have decent accessories with similar tip options and nice cables, though the Defiant's modular terminations make it more versatile. The Truthear pouch is far from my favorite carrying solution, and I much prefer the sturdier zipper case of the Defiant. When it comes to build quality, the Defiant has a more traditional resin build, while the Pure has a combination of a resin body with a metal faceplate. They are similar in size, but the Pure does offer a slightly deeper insertion, which fits me better. From a design standpoint, I prefer the Defiant's more colorful, eye-catching faceplate to the Pure's simpler black design. While the graphs of these two sets aren't super close, they do follow a similar curve outside of the mid-bass and lower midrange. The Defiant is definitely the more lively-sounding of the two with more of a U-shaped tuning, whereas the Pure has a warmer and more laid-back neutral tuning. In the bass, the Defiant is more sub-bass focused and has a more traditional mid-bass dip that helps to make it better separated from the midrange. The Pure has a very linear bass response with more mid-bass quantity and a sense of fullness but a little less impact and a slightly slower decay. The Defiant also has improved rumble and reverberation and is slightly more resolving, though it has a bit of a messier texture. In the midrange, vocals are positioned a bit closer to the head on the Defiant, but they're also a little smoother and more exciting. The Pure has a warmer overall tonality, which I usually prefer, but I think it's pushed a bit too far in this case and undercuts the naturalness of vocals, making them sound a little flat and lifeless in comparison. The Defiant has a more traditional dip in the lower mids, which makes the entire midrange sound a little better balanced, especially with instruments. As for the treble, the Defiant comes across as the brighter of the two, though I wouldn't call it bright. It also has a more energetic and exciting top end that is more engaging, as well as better air and extension, which both help the Defiant's treble sound more "correct." The Pure rolls off a little harder, and the lack of sparkle in combination with the extra warmth from the mid-bass leads to a darker overall presentation that I admittedly usually prefer, though in this case it just doesn't hit my ear right. In the technicalities, the Defiant has better timbre, soundstage, imaging, separation, and dynamics, whereas the Pure has better detail retrieval, layering, and note weight. This matchup ultimately comes down to the mid-bass and lower midrange and the overall presentation. While I do like the Pure's sense of warmth and relaxed style, honestly, the Defiant is just plain fun, and its tuning style checks a lot more boxes for me. The Pure might have a slight leg up in technical performance, but the Defiant has a slightly better accessory package too, which puts it a bit further ahead. I do think they complement each other, though, and both have their own strengths and weaknesses, so a case could be made for owning both. However, if forced to choose, I'd take the Defiant nine times out of ten.

My pick: Defiant

● Truthear Hexa ($90) - Seeing as the Pure is a direct successor to the Hexa, this is the matchup I was most looking forward to. These two not only have identical driver configurations but also shell shapes and build qualities, so I won't waste any time comparing those aspects. The Pure does have a better cable, but the rest of the accessories are basically the same. Aesthetically, they are a little different. I think I prefer the Hexa's simpler faceplate design, and the brand name "Truthear" is smaller and doesn't use all caps like on the Pure. Also, the Hexa's nozzle is a little wider which may cause fit issues for some. When it comes to tuning, these two are definitely cut from the same cloth, but still have their own personalities. The Hexa is more of a cool neutral, while the Pure is warmer and has slightly decreased upper midrange and treble emphasis. The bass might be where the most obvious difference lies. Though the graph shows a somewhat subtle difference, the added mid-bass of the Pure makes a decently big impact on the overall tuning. Neither really has significantly boosted bass, but the Pure's slam is a little bigger. The warmth is also an upgrade for me over the Hexa's colder and more boring presentation, though the Hexa does have slightly better resolution and a cleaner texture. The midrange holds more subtle tuning changes, but again the impact is bigger than it might seem at first glance. The Hexa definitely pushes vocals a bit more forward, and the entire midrange sounds a little cleaner and better separated from the bass. However, this is where the Pure shines best, thanks to the more intimate and emotive vocal presentation and a better balance of instruments between the lower and upper midrange. As for the treble, the Hexa has more overall energy, air, and extension, whereas the Pure rolls off a little more sharply. The Hexa also has more instances of harshness on certain vocal notes, though I would say neither have any real sibilance issues. The Pure's treble is more my speed on paper, but I will admit that it could generally use a bit more air, and I would appreciate snappier snare hits, which is something the Hexa does quite well. When it comes to the technical performance, these two trade blows, but I'll give the Hexa the nod in detail retrieval, dynamics, and separation, while the Pure has better note weight, layering, and timbre. This matchup essentially comes down to the small differences in tuning and the overall presentation. The Hexa comes across as a little more neutral, less engaging, and more clinical sounding (i.e., boring). The Pure was created from the same DNA, but it manages to improve upon a few of the issues I had with the Hexa, although I think it could have been better executed. If the Pure had a bit more bass quantity and less linearity, it would stand out even more from the Hexa, and they might be more complementary, in which case I could see the merit in owning both. However, as it stands, I feel like most people will fall into one camp or the other, and I personally prefer the Pure. The warmth of the Pure works much better for me than the colder Hexa.

My pick: Pure

In conclusion:

With the release of the Pure, it looks like Truthear are now the proud parents of twins, although I think the Pure and Hexa are closer to the fraternal kind rather than identical ones. These two sets may come from the same gene pool and have very similar appearances, but their tunings are different enough to easily distinguish one from the other. The Pure may be the more musical and artistic twin in that its tuning is a little warmer, more soulful, and more emotionally charged, whereas the Hexa is the more analytical and detailed one due to its resolving nature and slightly cold and calculating sound signature. The Pure does still retain a similar cleanliness to that of the Hexa, but it also has a less boring presentation, which I much prefer. I find that the Pure works well for folk and acoustic music and it really shines in orchestral arrangements and other instrumental genres. Unfortunately, the darker treble and lack of vocal emphasis make me hesitant to call it as a decent all-rounder. Ultimately, I do think the Pure is a small step in the right direction from Truthear, but it's not the giant leap I was really hoping to see. It simply lacks the musicality and engagement factor that I'm drawn to. I'll admit that I do enjoy it more than the Hexa, but that was never a high bar for me, and at this price point, I would take the Juzear Defiant over both. That being said, the Pure is not a bad IEM by any stretch, and I think it fills a nice little niche in the sub-$100 price bracket. I can recommend it for those looking for a neutral warm tuning that provides fatigue-free all-day listening without breaking the bank, but I doubt it's one that I'll find myself reaching for very often.