Kurt reviews the TRUTHEAR PURE, an affordable single 10mm dynamic and triple balanced armature driver set of in-ear monitors priced at $89.99.
Disclaimer: This sample unit was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I thank Shenzhen Audio and TRUTHEAR for this opportunity.
Click here to learn more about TRUTHEAR products, previously reviewed on Headfonics.
This article follows our website’s scoring guidelines, which you can read here.
TRUTHEAR is a relatively young IEM manufacturer that entered the market in 2022. We have covered some of their previous models, including the HOLA and the NOVA.
However, it was their TRUTHEAR Hexa that quickly established the brand as one to watch in the audio community, praised for its treble performance and hybrid configuration.
Now comes the TRUTHEAR PURE, priced at $89.99 and positioned as the successor to the Hexa with an updated driver setup and refined tuning approach.
Can the PURE maintain TRUTHEAR’s momentum and compete with notable IEMs at a similar pricing point, such as the MOONDROP RAYS and the DUNU KIMA 2? I found out in my full review below.
Features
The TRUTHEAR PURE uses a 1 dynamic driver and 3 balanced armature hybrid configuration, building on the foundation established by the Hexa.
At its core is a specialized 10mm dynamic driver featuring a silicone suspension composite paired with a liquid crystal dome diaphragm, powered by an N52 rubidium magnet in a dual-cavity internal magnetic circuit structure.
The dynamic driver uses a copper voice coil instead of the more common copper-clad aluminum found in many bass drivers. This choice helps appropriately increase impedance, allowing for better frequency crossover with the balanced armature drivers.
The midrange is handled by a composite full-frequency balanced armature driver, designed specifically to establish an accurate connection with the dynamic driver’s frequency band.
The treble is managed by a customized balanced armature driver like the WBFK series, focused on improving the detail retrieval and improving resolution in the treble region.
Uniquely enough, the nozzle structure incorporates a filtering function created through high-precision DLP-3D printing technology.
This helps in creating a three-frequency hybrid crossover system that allows each of the four drivers to operate effectively within their designated frequency ranges.
Design
The TRUTHEAR PURE keeps the triangular form introduced by the Hexa but makes it more defined with boxier shaping and sharper edges. It looks closer to an evolution of the original concept, where the geometry feels more deliberate and structured.
The faceplate is matte black with diagonal ridges cut across its surface, giving it more depth and texture than the plainer Hexa design, while the shell uses a smoky black translucent resin made with DLP 3D printing from HeyGears.
This translucent finish allows the internal structure to subtly show through, adding visual interest without overcomplicating the look.
Markings are minimal, with the “TRUTHEAR” logo printed on the right faceplate in clear white text. Small L and R indicators are placed on the inside, easy to read without distracting from the external look.
Vent placement has been adjusted, now appearing cleanly integrated along the shell and close to the nozzle. The design helps regulate pressure while blending into the housing without drawing attention.
The connector uses a recessed 0.78mm 2-pin mount, ensuring a snug and reliable fit with aftermarket cables. A short nozzle with a lip and fine mesh filter completes the design, striking a balance between stability, fit, and durability.
Comfort & Isolation
The TRUTHEAR PURE is relatively small, which helps it sit naturally in the ear without any protrusions or sharp edges. Despite the angular triangular design, nothing stabs or presses uncomfortably, making it great for prolonged usage.
The shell finish itself is smooth and pleasant against the skin, adding to the sense of comfort. Even during longer sessions, the combination of small size and ergonomic shaping keeps it from causing fatigue.
Comfort, however, depends heavily on tip selection, as the PURE requires very specific tips to achieve a proper seal. Once the right tips are used, the fit feels secure and the smooth resin shell rests gently against the ear.
Isolation is where the PURE struggles, as the triangular shape prevents it from fully sealing the ear canal. Voices and surrounding noises still pass through easily, reducing its effectiveness in noisy environments.
This makes it a poor choice for commuting or outdoor use, where external noise is hard to block. On the other hand, the fit and lightweight shell make it an excellent option for lying down or even sleeping.
Ear Tips
The TRUTHEAR PURE includes three sets of silicone tips in small, medium, and large sizes, along with one pair of foam tips. The silicone options are divided into balanced and wide-bore styles, with the balanced tips having a darker gray shade and the wide-bore tips featuring a longer flange.
The balanced tips provide a better fit in practice, as they sit more comfortably in the ear and avoid irritation during longer sessions. They also seal just enough to give the PURE a workable level of isolation, which is important given the IEM’s triangular shell design.
The wide bore tips, while functional, tend to loosen the seal and allow more sound to escape, which reduces isolation further. They do change the presentation slightly, but the fit can feel less secure compared to the balanced option.
The foam tips seemed like they would solve the seal issues, but instead, they impeded the sound. Treble especially felt muted, making it the least favorable choice among the included tips. For most users, the balanced tips remain the most practical and reliable option.
Stock Cable
The included cable is a silver-plated, oxygen-free copper coaxial type with a clean braided design that feels sturdy and well-made. It uses a 0.78mm 2-pin sunken connector and terminates in a standard 3.5mm plug, the same approach taken with the Hexa.
It does not feature modular plugs, microphones, or DSP functions, keeping the cable simple and functional. While this limits flexibility, it matches the straightforward nature of the Pure’s design.
The splitter carries subtle TRUTHEAR branding, adding a small but polished touch to the overall look. The clear insulation allows the silver strands to show through, giving it a sleek and modern appearance.
In use, the cable resists tangling and remains easy to manage, even when carried loosely. It feels like a well-paired accessory for the Pure, neither overbuilt nor underwhelming for its role.
Packaging & Accessories
The TRUTHEAR PURE comes in a slim rectangular box wrapped in a full-color sleeve. The front shows the same bunny girl artwork previously seen on the Hexa box, now placed on the right with the PURE model’s name on the left for a clean but recognizable presentation.
Turning to the back reveals product details, specifications, and company information printed in white against the black background. Sliding off the sleeve exposes a matte black inner box with only the PURE text centered in silver, keeping the design minimal and refined.
After lifting the black inner box, you’re met with a white cardboard sleeve that contains the warranty, user guide, and the bunny girl card from the Hexa’s box art. Beneath this sits the IEM shells securely placed alongside the leatherette carrying pouch.
Once the pouch is removed, you’ll find the complete set of ear tips arranged on a black tray. No other accessories, like a cleaning brush, filter replacements, or extra parts, are included in the package.
The cable is stored inside the pouch, which is the same style commonly included with other TRUTHEAR products. While it has become TRUTHEAR’s iconic accessory, it could definitely be improved since it functions more like a pouch than a proper protective case.
Sound Impressions
The following sound impressions of the TRUTHEAR Pure were completed using a mix of the Heartfield R1 and the Colorfly CDA-M2 for both source and amplification.
Bass
The low-end on the TRUTHEAR PURE takes on a more neutral and restrained approach, never aiming for heavy slam or physical rumble. It still provides a steady presence, adding foundation without pulling focus.
Control is its strength, staying consistent across tracks without spilling over or sounding bloated. Rather than chasing power, it focuses on accuracy and balance, keeping basslines clean.
Quality outweighs quantity here, with drums and subbass notes coming through with enough body to be convincing. They don’t push for weight but instead keep a steady grip that makes them sound precise.
Decay trails naturally, letting notes fade without smearing into the mix. This gives definition to textures and layers, making the bass feel serviceable even if it lacks excitement.
Mids
Warmth is the main trait of the Pure’s midrange, giving vocals an intimate but slightly unusual tone. They don’t sound fully natural, sometimes coming off lifeless despite the forwardness in presence.
Note weight is abundant, with both male and female voices carrying thickness and body. At times, it can be too much, making vocals feel heavy-handed rather than lively.
Instruments benefit more from this tuning, with guitars and violins sounding expressive and well-toned. The timbre works in their favor, adding realism that makes the strings feel convincing.
Even with the warmth and weight, vocals don’t stand out the way they should. They hold their place in the mix but never elevate the midrange into something engaging.
Treble
The TRUTHEAR PURE leans toward a smoother and darker top end, avoiding sharpness but never reaching far enough in extension. This keeps things safe, though it limits the sense of openness.
Details can show up clearly at times, but the retrieval isn’t consistent and can fall short. The unevenness makes the treble feel somewhat underwhelming overall.
Percussion is kept controlled, with no real sibilance or harsh peaks. Yet cymbals and highs don’t always sound natural, occasionally taking on an artificial edge.
Air and sparkle are minimal, holding back brightness that could have balanced the warm tuning. More extension would have gone a long way in lifting the presentation.
Staging & Dynamics
There’s fair width to the soundstage, but height and depth don’t fully develop. This creates a presentation that feels wide enough but lacking in dimension.
Placement of instruments lands well, with imaging sharp enough to follow most elements. When tracks get busy, though, the picture softens and loses its clarity.
Lighter arrangements allow good spacing, keeping instruments distinct and easy to follow. Once the mix grows dense, some overlap occurs, and separation takes a hit.
Energy shifts are handled smoothly, though the PURE doesn’t deliver much impact. It becomes more engaging at higher volumes, while lower levels hold back excitement.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
