CCA CKX Review – Hunky Dory

INTRO

CCA has not impressed me (or some of my other com-padres) so far based on my limited samplings of the CCA CA16 (jumbled) and CCA C10 Pro (remix), but that finally changed with the CCA CKX. First impressions are always important and once the CCA CKX is plucked from the box the heftiness in such a tiny package will put a grin on your face. Sound is very familiar and improves upon the C10 Pro with a less aggressive midrange rise giving listeners a better balanced signature with tighter bass control, improved clarity throughout the midrange treble transition all in a solid compact form factor. A surprising feat for a $69 hybrid 6+1 configuration.

THE PACKAGE

The cable included with the CCA CKX is similar to the KZ ZSN pink color, not the smaller diameter KZ ZSN other color if anyone remembers the cable difference history of budget offerings. The eartips are white starlines instead of the typical black, so anyone familiar with what has been coined as “starlines” is an acceptable tip, firm and grips well. What had me grinning was the earphone though, the metal shell feels very sturdy and polished in the unassuming matte styling which I thoroughly enjoy. It feels heavier than other metal styled contenders such as the TRN V90 or the BQEYZ Spring 2, however the size is tiny comparatively. People who desire a smaller IEM should definitely consider the CCA CKX because I couldn’t find anything in my collection of universals that are the same sizing. Isolation is average for me since it does not fill my ear as much, but the lower provide helps with wind noise.

SOUND

CCA CKX boasts boosted powerful bass with controlled seismic capabilities maybe ever slightly dull. If I were to describe it in paint sheen I would give it an eggshell maybe satin rating. It can sound overly thick on electronic and pop music, but it provides throbbing basslines enough for those that don’t want to be considered bassheads. It sounds less bass peaky than the CCA C10 Pro leaning on thump over midbass bump. As we follow the basslines into the lower mids on the CCA CKX there is some coloration making things sound full if not a little thick. Upper mids sound snappy as if someone turned up the contrast knob, beware of poorly recorded tracks- clipped vocals will be exposed as scratchiness. Some smoothing would tame this a bit, but perhaps this is the allure of the CCA CKX and the use of the less common 30017 BA driver which was also used in the TRN STM. The CCA CKX follows the trend for IEMS tuned using a Harman curve ditching the scooped out middle treble region aka presence region and instead letting this area shine. This can go good or bad depending how much they let loose on the popular 30095 BA driver. When utilized, an IEM can sound very energetic and lively which the CCA CKX has achieved. One of my previous budget favorites the TRN V90 is overshadowed easily by the slightly smoother yet still edgy CCA CKX, there is a cost difference of course. Comparing the CCA C10 Pro, they are similar in this area but the CCA CKX does take it up ever so slightly due ot less peaky upper midrange allowing other areas to balance it out.

TECHNICALITIES

Timbre on the CCA CKX is a bit plasticy. Instrument separation is good we loose some definition in the treble, I sort of wonder what it would sound like if the extra 30095 BA in the nozzle were eliminated. Perhaps it would clean up this area of weakness. Coherency otherwise is good for a multiple driver hybrid, I think the treble is the only area that feels a little busy with cymbals sounding too splashy and washed out. CCA CKX staging is wide, depth is shallow since it is forward sounding, but layering is nice and even. Powered easily from a portable phone or DAP, amplification not needed but always appreciated. My Sony A55 powered it just fine as did my LG V30.

FIN

Well done, the CCA CKX is very mature and unassuming which is something to be appreciated for those tired of larger shaped universals. The sound signature is very familiar, bassy and energetic without sounding too recessed more V signature tuned to western ears. Value-wise they are plopped into the right pricing bracket. The size of the CCA CKX packed into a solid shell with a medium midrange rise achieve a nice to have recommendation from me.

SPECIFICATIONS

GRAPHS

• Various eartips -Starline (blue), Widebore Silicone (pink), Foam (green)
• CCA CKX vs CCA C10 Pro
• Impedance Plot

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DISCLAIMER

CCA let me save some of my hard earned newspaper delivery funds by providing this set to me. Get it from Amazon, Aliexpress or any other option.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

About my measurements.

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