CCA DUO Review (2) – Sidekicks Need Not Apply
INTRO
Should you spend the $40 on a pair of CCA Duo, that is why we are here. CCA seems to draw parallels to some unknown competitor (Truthears X Crinacle Red seems to be the rumor) of another dual drive and claims to do it better. I found myself a little duped based on their graphs showing the second driver was for bass coverage. Instead what I find is an unusual tuning for CCA, with a very lean bottom and a bright top much like you might find at a Taylor Swift concert.
SOUND
Since this is a second round review of the CCA Duo after my fellow founder of Audioreviews, no point in rehashing the similarities and instead will focus on differences. The sub-bass is hardly detectable on mine, and actually when I measure them I wonder if the second bass driver is even connected. Not sure this sidekick driver is actually needed. There is a 3db rise from 1khz reference, but given the 10db pinna gain rise at 3khz It gets left behind.
Midrange is forward and has sufficient capabilities to render a spaciousness and is the major redeeming quality of this $30 earphone. The tuning seemed promising towards the upper end except that cymbals sound like two pieces of paper rubbing together, slight exaggeration. I can appreciate the quantity, but not the quality. Overall it does not seem in balance with the bottom end so consider the CCA DUO a neutral bright tonality. Neutrality does not guarantee absence of coloration however.
Specifications CCA Duo
Drivers: dual magnetic dual-cavity dynamic driver (7 mm + 7 mm) Impedance: 18 Ω ± 3 Ω Sensitivity: 106 dB/mW ± 3dB @ 1 kHz Frequency Range: 20-40,000 Hz Cable/Connector: silver plated/2pin 0.75 mm with 3.5 mm plug Tested at: $39-40 Product Page/Purchase Link: kzts.com |
PACKAGE CONTENTS
The shell design is actually 3D printed utilizing individual sound channels, however not to be confused with sound tubes that have some absorption properties given they appear to be part of the plastic 3D printing. CCA boosts about not up-charging for this technological achievement and maybe there is only a slight increase in pricing compared to the shells used from a few years ago where driver output is loosey goosey in the shell cavities.
The design of the CCA Duo shell adopts a 45degree angle to fit snuggly into the ear. Its actually a different design than their normal universal. It most likely follows what is required with two dynamic drivers as apposed to a more compact solution of dynamic balanced armature setups. The crossover can be seen through the shell and looks rather complex for such a simple 2 way. Still somehow I feel there is some smearing occurring that muddles up the treble, unless that is the result of the driver handling treble duties.
OUTRO
We used to get better sounding earphones for less than $20 a few years back, even with the quirks in the case design of the Moondrop Space Travel, your money is better spent on a pair of doorbuster wireless earphones with average ANC than these rather bland dual dynamics. I would also contend the BLON BL-03 with aftermarket tips is still a better buy, or their older CCA Lyra with a tighter fitting shell, a single dynamic for a cheaper price.
The CCA CRA+ follows a similar tuning trajectory with better cohesion, warmer and a simple single driver. The CCA DUO is the more spacious sounding setup so if you want a wide and emphasized soundstage this is probably the standout feature if that is your thing. I am not really sold on the CCA DUO even though the target curve appeases me, the Lyra is more appealing or the CRA+ for those that want the extra treble.
FREQUENCY RESPONSE GRAPH
DISCLAIMER
Sent to us by KZ for our evaluation. Get it from KZ Store and other retailers like Amazon, Aliexpress, etc.
Our generic standard disclaimer.
