CCA CA16 Pro "Start of the First Note"
CCA CA16 Pro "Start of the First Note"
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Disclaimer
I'd like to thank KZ for providing me a review unit of the CCA CA16 Pro.
Jeff from KZ sent this unit for my honest opinion and assessment.
Rest assured that this review will be bias-free.
As always, since our ears have different shapes and resonances, your mileage may always vary.
Preliminary
I've used the CA16 Pro for 1 week, played various tracks ranging from rock to bossa nova. Since the stock tips didn't fit me well, I'm using a Sony EPX11 medium tips in my review with the stock cable. My main source/player will be the Avani (ALC5686 DAC). Specific sound changes in the source and other tips that may change the sound will be listed in the Mods section. My library mainly contains Japanese music, so if you're a fan of them like me, we might have the same experience. :)
My Target Sound Signature
I like IEMs with brightish neutral to Harmanish tuning to them. However, V-shaped or U-shaped will also work as long as there are sufficient technicalities. Congestion, bass bloat, and muddiness are a big no for me.
Equipment
Avani DAC (Realtek AL5686)
Samsung Galaxy Note 9
Thy Frequency Spectrum
This is my 5th KZ/CCA iem, and I didn't expect this sound from a KZ IEM at all; I mean, KZ ZEX also surprises me, but this is a different scenario; it's their usual V-shaped, but the tuning is pleasant and very detailed, mid-bass is as minimal as it can be, and the sound is big and commanding. It's even trading blows with my favorite IEM (Heart Mirror). Moreover, it's playing my Toho Bossa Nova tracks like a CHAD (this is very hard to accomplish with V-shaped IEMs). Overall, I'm very impressed with what KZ /CCA did to this IEM.
Bass: 5/5
Wow, the bass isn't as enthusiastic as my C12s and ZEX, but it is tight and deep. Sub-bass has more quantity than mid-bass, and mid-bass bleed is kept at minimal. Punch is quite visceral, but it will not fatigue you like other KZ sets; the bass is quite enjoyable, to be honest. It also stays on the back of my head instead of presenting itself forward and bloating the frequency spectrum. The only gripe I have with the bass is that it lacks texture. It's somehow smoothed out.
Comment: I just noticed that in some tracks (like An Ordinary Day by ShibayanRecords), the sub-bass will rumble quite hard. It does not bloat the other frequencies (still very detailed), but its quantity is too much for me.
Midrange: 4.25/5
Recessed, male vocals occasionally sound thin, while female vocals are a delight to listen to. Instruments fundamentals are still well defined and detailed, but I kind of want more weight to them. Vocals lacks emotion but enjoyable due to the details it provides.
Comment: The mid-range presentation is quite dry in some tracks; might not suit vocal lovers.
Treble: 5/5
My favorite part of this IEM. Very detailed while avoiding harshness, has enough air to avoid congestion. Instruments harmonics pop out subtlety in that vast and deep sound stage. Harshness may occur at higher volumes (around 70% up) but is very pleasant with lower volumes. The treble presentation kind of reminds me of my TC200 earbuds, sparkly, full of clarity and detail.
Technicalities
The coherency between the 7 BA drivers and 1 DD is quite okay; you can still detect where the dynamic driver ends (around 350 Hz) but is not that catastrophic like the C12s and ZSN Pro.
Soundstage is quite impressive; it's wide and deep like you're in a concert; it's a very holographic-like experience.
Separation is also excellent. Instruments have their own space in that wide soundstage without mushing each other. You can also notice the music's layers (how one instrument distances itself to another instrument/vocal).
Driver speed is also speedy (yeah, of course, it's BA); it makes you focus on the attack and decay of specific instruments like guitars.
Imaging is above average; you can locate where the instruments are coming from within the holographic stage; it's not as laser-precise as Heart Mirror but still quite good.
Naturalness
The sound is quite far from being natural. However, the coloration it provides is quite enjoyable and exciting. It makes you wanna jam/dance with the music. I also think that the tuning of this IEM is more catered to stage monitoring, where every little nuance/detail is much preferred.
Music Analysis
Playlist for the Test Tracks: https://music.apple.com/ph/playlist/test-tracks/pl.u-oZylD69FGm3JmKX?ls&fbclid=IwAR3hmHfOWpqNAtxXI8HKaDXaBvwfIVjFLVNTpLJeNnjhRYcuNaqYp9f0reQ
1. Daydream by Kenshi Yonezu (Played in Tidal Masters)
[Male Vocals, Staging, Imaging]
The details of the starry night background at the start are fantastic. It does not sound congested or compressed at all. It feels like I'm in a wide soundscape. Kenshi's voice is relatively thin; however, you will be amazed by the staging of the instruments and the singer. It's on point like you're listening to a concert. The bass is quite tight and punchy, and it stays on the back of my head instead of taking the stage from Kenshi. Microdetails are still audible; like at 01:11 forward, the cowbell is still audible even with the bass rumbling as hard as it can.
Replay Rating: Excellent
Comment: This track is quite sad but played dynamically by the CA16 Pro, it makes me wanna bang my head on….lol
2. Howl at the Moon by Yorushika (Played in Tidal Masters)
[Female Vocals and Bass Response]
This is one of the tracks that shows the real sub-bass quantity of CA16 Pro. The bass in this track is hitting quite hard while remaining clean and tight. It has more rumble than punch. Due to that bass, CA16 Pro makes this track more dynamic and energetic. Moreover, Suis' voice is quite a delight to listen to, it's soo sparkly like my Heart Mirror, and you can still hear minor nuances while she's singing. CA16 Pro also plays this track with enough air that allows instruments harmonics to pop out and avoid sounding too compressed.
Replay Rating: Excellent
Comment: What I observed with CA16 Pro is that the bass quantity changes dynamically with the song. CA16 Pro will give you the BASS with significant quantity and rumble when the song calls for it. But if the song is mid to treble centric, CA16 Pro will provide you with details instead, and the bass will be subdued. I also think that, that phenomenon with the BASS is what makes KZ ZAS too bassy for others.
3. Escape by Yorushika (Played in Tidal Masters)
[Female Vocals, Stage, Treble Quality, Mids Quality]
The guitar at the start is so detailed that you can hear the guitarist hand plucking the strings. Again, Suis' voice is quite mesmerizing. It's so clear and sparkly, like in Howl at the Moon. The bass in this track is tight and clean and does not take the front stage whatsoever. There's also ample space between the drums, bass guitar, piano, and vocals. It does not sound compressed at all. CA16 Pro layering with this track is fantastic. The cymbal crashes are also good, it has proper death and life. The stage is also wide and deep; it kind of reminds me of my Tingo TC200.
Replay Rating: Excellent
4. Sololique by ShibayanRecords feat Milka (Played in HibyMusic)
[Female Vocals, Treble Quality, and Imaging]
Daamnn, Milka's voice in this track is soooo good. I'm quite in love with how CA16 Pro portrays her voice. The stage in this track is so wide that the flute, drums, and piano have their own distances within the stage, quite unreal. The replay is not that natural compared to Heart Mirror, but dammmnn the sound is dynamic and huugeee. I can't explain even further; it is just that good.
Replay Rating: Superb, Amazing, Unreal
5. An Ordinary Day by ShibayanRecords feat witch (Played in HibyMusic)
[Female Vocals, Treble Quality, Bass Quantity and Imaging]
"Oh no, the bass is too much with this track, why KZ? You have that one strike with Sololique whyyyy??"
Witch's voice is still sparkly and detailed like Suis and Milka, but the bass is too much. You can still hear the other instruments, and the stage is still wide and airy; however, the bass distracts me so much that it makes me lose focus on the different parts of this track.
Replay Rating: Meh
6. Utakata to Mayu by ShibayanRecords feat Fukami Chie (Played in HibyMusic)
[Staging, Imaging, Treble Quality and Female Voice]
"And we're back at it again… Just be consistent with Toho Bossa tracks, damn it!"
The replay of this track is excellent like Soliloque, Fukami's voice is quite mesmerizing, lovable, and sparkly. The staging is also huge and wide; the flutes, drums, and saxophone are quite euphoric to listen to. The position of the singer Fukami on that wide stage is on point. It's like I'm in the front seat of their concert. That's it; the experience is the same as Soliloque.
Replay Rating: Superb, Amazing, Unreal
7. Kakera [Pieces] by Itowokashi (Played in HibyMusic)
[Guitar Timbre, Male Vocals, Treble Quantity and Control]
This track is played with ease and control by CA16 Pro. Even Heart Mirror, CCA C12, and BL—03 can't play this track well due to the chorus' mix of cymbals and electric guitar. The imperfections in the chorus are shown by HM with no mercy, which makes the track quite harsh to listen to. However, CCA CA16 Pro treble control is amazing that it's a treat to listen to this track again. This is the first time I heard microdetails at 00:59 (chime-like sound). I did not notice that chime sound in any IEM I own except CA16 Pro. Male vocals are quite thin, but it's acceptable to me since the overall atmosphere of the track is played wonderfully by the CA16 Pro.
Replay Rating: Excellent
8. Dizzy on the Comedown by Turnover (Played in HibyMusic)
[Timbre, Male Vocals, Mids Quality, Driver Speed]
Quite a euphonic replay by the CA16 Pro. It does not sound like the ZEX, where its replay is warm and nostalgic. It has a different flavor; it plays this track with airiness and clarity. Layers within this track are amazingly portrayed by the CA16 Pro. Male vocals still have that thinness but are offset by how good CA16 Pro stages the instruments. Amazing replay.
Replay Rating: Excellent
9. Camomille Moody Afternoon by ShibayanRecords (Played in HibyMusic)
[Timbre, Imaging, Staging]
The ultimate test for timbre, staging, and imaging by the legendary ハム (Hamu), and would you look at that a KZ/CCA iem that plays this track well. The instruments are not that natural-sounding. However, the energy and dynamics that CA16 Pro provides in this track are excellent. The sub-bass is there and kicking, but it does not congest other parts of the frequency spectrum. The upper range instruments like violin and flute are also quite detailed and harsh less. The staging of instruments is also quite good. Each instrument is portrayed with physicality and depth within the stage. I might be too repetitive to say this, but CA16 Pro layering is quite nice.
Replay Rating: Above Average
IEM Comparison
MY IEM BENCHMARK
CCA C12 (Superseded by KZ ZEX): For bass attack and quantity.
Heart Mirror: For stage depth, driver speed, imaging, and treble quality.
Blon BL-03: Lower mids performance and timbre.
KZ EDX: Bass quality and price to performance correlation.
Tingo TC200: For stage tallness and width. (Yes, it's an earbud, cause why not?)
ZEX vs CA16 Pro
Lower mids still goes to ZEX. However, when it comes to technicalities, stage, female vocals, and bass rumble, CA16 Pro wins by default. CA16 Pro wins and smashes ZEX like a mashed potato.
Blon BL-03 vs. CA16 Pro
Timbre still goes to BL-03. BL-03 has more natural replay on instruments, while CA16 Pro is much more dynamic and energetic. Technicalities like driver speed, soundstage, and imaging goes to CA16 Pro. Still depends on you on what signature you want; energetic or natural. For me, CA16 Pro wins.
KZ EDX vs. CA16 Pro
CA16 Pro is the sigmachad version of EDX. If you want an overall EDX upgrade, go for CA16 Pro, you will not regret it. CCA CA16 Pro wins while babysitting the EDX.
Heart Mirror vs. CA16 Pro
I don't really like to compare these two. Let's just say both have different flavors? In my opinion, Heart Mirror still has that fantastic timbre and detail retrieval (you can't really replicate that dynamic driver timbre using BAs). However, CA16 Pro's nuanced bass, engaging sound signature, and wider sound stage are also pulling me in. I can't choose. Tie.
Tingo TC200 vs. CA16 Pro
This is quite an experience for me; CA16 Pro is the only IEM that reminds me of my beloved TC200. I really like TC200 staging and treble sparkle, and CA16 Pro takes that formula and adds bass to it, which I had wanted since the beginning when I obtained my TC200. CA16 Pro and TC200 soundstage is kind of the same, with TC200 having more airiness and CA16 Pro revealing more micro details and layers. CA16 Pro wins, an IEM sidegrade for TC200 lovers.
Mods
The stock tips included with CA16 Pro are garbage. Change them immediately. Even the backup tips are unusable.
1. Sony EPX-11
The best ear tips for me so far, make the CA16 Pro more balanced. Adds weight to the lower mids and fixes the treble thinness in some tracks.
2. Spinfits CP145
More stage and more treble. Brighter than Sony EPX-11, the bass is toned down, and the upper treble is a little boosted.
3. KZ Starline Tips (The one included in KZ iems)
Harsh treble, not recommended.
4. Default tips
Does not fit my ear well, uncomfortable.
Cables
I've tried the CCA CA16 Pro using my Nicehck 8 core cable and Heart Mirror Stock cable; however, the differences I've noticed are quite subtle, so if you really want to somehow change the sound of CA16 Pro, just use different ear tips.
Source
CA16 Pro will reveal more layers when connected to a dongle like Avani/CX-31193 or amp. However, CA16 Pro will still sound quite energetic and dynamic even with low-powered sources.
Recommend Tracks/Genres
Some Toho Bossa Nova Tracks
Jazz and Blues
General and Modern Pop
Rock
Hip Hop
Techno
Live
Shop Links
Overall Rating
Overall Rating
Recommended!
Recommended!
S+ (Relative to My IEMs)
(Currently 1st place in my IEM collection together with Heart Mirror)
S+ (Relative to My IEMs)
(Currently 1st place in my IEM collection together with Heart Mirror)
A+ (Relative to Price)
(Accessories are bare-bone, kind of expecting more for $60)
A+ (Relative to Price)
(Accessories are bare-bone, kind of expecting more for $60)
Final Words
Hey, thanks for reaching this part! Hope you enjoy the read, even if it is quite long. :)
Addendum
Comfort
The wings on the shell kind of irritate my right ear. I had to take the CA16 Pro for an hour to relieve the stress it causes. Additionally, the stock tips with the combination of the hook of the stock cable, pushes the IEM out of my ear and to oblivion. My experience may differ to yours, but I hope KZ/CCA implements an HM-like or a more straightforward shell instead, cause this shell design is not that universal, in my opinion.
Accessories
Barebone, for this price range, I think people will expect more. My Heart Mirror packaging is better than this IEM packaging, and please the tips, return the old KZ Starline tips.
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