Intro
I don’t think you need any introduction to CCA. They’re KZ’s sister brand and I believe you guys are seeing a lot of IEMs from both KZ and CCA almost every month. Yes, models after model, not sure what’s the strategy here. That aside, let’s check out how CRA sounds.
Packaging
Packaging is bare minimum as expected from the budget range, cable, eartips and IEM itself. Nothing much to shout out about and also to nitpick for its asking price.
Build/Comfort
CRA itself is made out of plastic, it is very light and I have no issue wearing it for long listening sessions. No weird edges that cause discomfort.
Source
Ibasso DX160 -> CCA CRA (Swap to 4.4’s SPC cable)
Tidal MQA -> Audirect Beam 3 Pro -> CCA CRA (Stock cable)
Sound (Based on my experience with balanced cable)
CCA CRA has a balanced tone to my ears and setup. Not too bright nor warm, very easy to listen to and like. Let me put it this way, on stock form with SE, it is good enough but the potential is not maximised, when i swap to balanced cable and it’s safe to say the difference is very audible in terms of more control on the bass and also noticeably bigger soundstage.
Bass
Sub bass rumble is average and you are able to feel it when its called for, don’t expect it to rumble like bass head kind of IEM of course
It’s a little thin and very evident on tracks like Post Malone’s I Fall Apart. The bass sounded quite tinny.
Both sub bass and mid bass doesn’t attempt to overpower each other and the transition is balanced
Bass is fast enough to not cause the bass to feel muddy/bloated
Occasional bass bleed (Track dependent (EG - Linkin Park’s Somewhere i Belong))
MIds
There’s a slight recess on the vocal
Good enough details
A little splashy to my ears
Average mids performance
Treble
There’s a slight graininess to my ears, and it's quite obvious
Good amount of air and sparkly treble
No sibilance
However where you crank the volume up, it will get a little harsh
The extension is average and nitpicking it is just unfair given its asking price
Soundstage/Imaging
Soundstage is very tip dependent, it's a known fact for most of the IEMs, i’m using the stock tips and the soundstage is quite wide however lacking in depth to my ears.
HRTF is average
Imaging is good enough as i’m able to pinpoint the instruments, however it does suffer a little from busy track
Driveability
Very easy to drive
Doesn’t benefit much from amping, however source does color the sound a little
Pretty much it will work with anything you have but it will definitely benefit from good source
Final Thoughts
Will it beat IEMs twice of its asking price? Let’s be real here, no, it will not.
Is it good for it’s asking price? Yes, it is. In my opinion, this is a good set for those who are new in this hobby and still exploring what kind of signature they are into.
It will not break a hole in their pocket for sure as it cost only $23, and that’s fair given its performance.
If you already have several other IEM at similar price points, this is just another sidegrade.
I am giving this a 4/5 based on the price performance ratio for this IEM and i think it is fair.
If you are interested in having one, head over to KZ’s site to grab a pair.
*A big thanks to KZTWS for sending CRA over in exchange for my review. My opinion and thoughts remain unbiased and not influenced by KZ in any way despite receiving the unit F.O.C
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