CCA Trio
Intro
Hello, today I have one of the latest iems from the very popular audio brand KZ/CCA named the CCA Trio. As most of you know, CCA is actually a sub-brand of KZ Audio and usually works in tandem with KZ. Some folks think that CCA is the slightly more upscale brand of the two. Of course, there is no solid proof of such a claim, but many folks feel that way. I will say this, CCA is probably KZ’s biggest competition and vice versa, so they have the budget market cornered folks. Anyways, I was very happy to be getting this latest 3DD multi-driver iem as I was very curious how well CCA would be able to pull off a triple DD set. KZ/CCA has had past experience in dealing with triple dynamic drivers as years ago (2 years) they crafted the KZ DQ6 which consisted of one 10mm DD and two 6mm DD’s. It had some issues and some questions that I’m not going into here but I’m sure it did very well in sales. Next, they had the offshoot of the DQ6 in a collaboration effort with HBB (Hawaiian Bad Boy) from YouTube’s “Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews” called the KZ X-HBB DQ6S. I never actually heard that set but from what I was told the treble was tamed and there was a general refresh of the tuning. Honestly, KZ/CCA has had so many multi-drivers sets and hybrid sets that I’m pretty sure no company on earth has released as many. Basically, they’ve had the experiential working knowledge to… figure things out.
KZ/CCA
I’ve conducted many reviews of this brand in the last few years and for the most part I’ve come away impressed enough to say that each of their iems competes. In their price points that is. Below is a quick look at some of those reviews.
– AS16 Pro
– VXS
– CRA+
– PR1 Hifi
– EDCX
– Linglong
– ZVX
– D-Fi
– Duo
– EDXS
– AS24
– Krila
– AZ20
– ZAT
– Rhapsody
– PR3
So yes, I’ve seen the progression of KZ/CCA iems over the course of the last couple years and I cannot help but think that they’ve certainly figured out this whole “iem making” business. They will always release more than anyone else and each will always be an incremental upgrade over the last in each series. This one I’m reviewing today is especially cool. I will always be a huge DD fan and I’m even more excited over a 3DD configuration. So, without further ado, the CCA Trio everyone…
Non-Affiliated Purchasing Links:
Disclaimer:
I received the CCA Trio from KZ Audio as a review sample and in exchange I will conduct a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have not received any payment or any other form of compensation for this review. This set is a review sample iem. KZ has not requested to pre-read any review and doesn’t have any control over “what” or “when” anything gets published to mobileaudiophile.com. All thoughts within this review are my own, though please take note that I will always have my own biases. This is impossible to get around. I try to be as objective as my subjective self can be, but this is an opinion piece folks. Thank you to KZ and thanks for reading.
CCA Trio Pros
-Build Quality is good for the price
-3DD’s
-Tuning switches (may be a con to some as well)
-Organic timbre
-Nicely balanced and fun sounding set
-Rich and well controlled bass
-Midrange is very expressive and musical
-Natural sounding treble, good extension
-Imaging
-Soundstage
CCA Trio Cons
-Not the most detailed (average)
-Tuning Switches (also a pro for some)
-Nothing feels like a huge “con” at this price
Gear used for testing
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
Packaging / Accessories
This should be rather short as CCA doesn’t usually add in the most elaborate unboxing experience. However, we know this, and this should not be a surprise to anyone. The Trio came to my home in a small black box. Once you open the box you’ll see the Trio. Under the earphones is the cable, the tuning switch tool or “Sim-card tool” as well as the eartips. Nothing crazy going on and it’s the usual from CCA.
Eartips
As always, it’s a good thing to get some more KZ Starlines tips and that is exactly what is packaged in the box of the Trio. CCA provides three sets in total of the Starlines (S, M, L) as well as one set of medium sized foam tips. Now, I love Starlines and when you need them, they can be perfect. However, I instead went with KBear 07 large sized tips. I do feel the Trio benefits from the 07’s as the upper midrange calmed down a hair and the bass becomes the slightest bit punchier and more impactful. That said, you are more than fine simply using the provided KZ Starline tips.
Cable
The cable is the same KZ/CCA cable we’ve seen for years. The same QDC style 2-Pin SPC cable in a white/opaque sheath or outer liner. The cable is perfectly fine for any listening needs on 3.5 single ended. In fact, I used this 3.5 cable for any single ended listening. I did end up using the TRN Redchain modular cable as it pairs perfectly in aesthetic and color matching. Most of my listening is done using 4.4 balanced and so the Redchain is a good cheap cable that works like a charm, sounds good with the Trio and looks dope. Cables matter. That said, if you only have enough money for the Trio and the Trio alone, then you will be perfectly fine using the included cable.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build / Design
The CCA Trio is built with some good materials as this is one area that most CCA sets do well against the rest of the market. Usually they are built well, surprisingly well actually. The Trio is no different. Built using a clear hard plastic for the shell and CCA chose to use a very nice alloy faceplate. The faceplates look very nice with the usual stylistic approach. You’ll notice a cursive “Trio” written on the faceplates and a raised surface with three long vents as well. On the back of each unit is the four tuning switch manifolds. Discreet enough and looks cool too. The Trio has this gun metal color on the faceplates, which is very cool. Overall, the Trio is built very well and designed just as nicely. Certainly, one of the better-looking sets in the $40 price point. To add to that, the build is very ergonomically sound, but also pretty darn big too. So, keep that in mind. The Trio has to house 3 dynamic drivers and so of course they are pretty big. The nozzle is medium length as well. All things considered, CCA did a great job crafting this set, it’s good looking and is built well.
Tuning Switches
To the Chagrin of many of my fellow hobbyists and us reviewers, CCA once again went with tuning switches to change up the sound to small degrees to suit your preferences. Folks, I’ve been through enough of these tuning switch reviews to know that there is never a good way to go about explaining them. At least not in an efficient manner. However, CCA makes it all pretty easy to understand. The Trio has four switches in total, 1,2,3,4. For review purposes “1” means a switch is “on”, and “0” means a switch is “off”. So, if I were to have the first two switched on and the last two off, it would look like this… “1100”.
What do they do
Switches 1 & 2 operate the bass region by pushing them up. Switch one adds a dB or two and switch two adds a dB or two to the low-end. Simple as that. Next, switches 3 & 4 do the same thing but instead of adding to the low-end, they add db’s to the mids and highs. Each switch only represents a dB or two and so it isn’t the greatest change, but it is a change. Out of all the configurations, I happen to like the first three switches up and the last one down. I actually like listening to the Trio in the “1110” configuration the most. To be honest, I also like all switches up (1111) as well. However, for critical listening purposes I mostly listened with “1110”. Like I said, KZ/CCA makes their switches pretty easy to understand and simple.
Customizable Audio Experience with 4-Level Adjustment
CCA Promotional
The CCA Trio introduces a built-in professional filter with a 4-level switch, allowing listeners to customize their audio experience. Whether seeking deep, resonant bass or bright, airy highs, a simple toggle of the switch can satisfy any preference, offering a diverse auditory landscape that caters to all genres and moods.
Internals
I don’t know much about the three dynamic drivers inside of the Trio’s housing. In fact, all I can really tell you is that each shell sports three 8mm dynamic drivers. Naturally the Trio are of good size to accommodate these drivers. CCA also added in a three-way electronic crossover to separate each 3rd of the mix. There really isn’t much more to say other than I feel the Trio has some 1uality drivers inside.
Full-Range Output with High-Performance Triple Dynamic Drivers
CCA Promotional
The CCA Trio earphones feature an innovative set of three 8mm dynamic drivers, each meticulously tuned to deliver unparalleled audio performance across the full sound spectrum. From deep bass to crisp highs, the CCA Trio ensures every note is captured in stunning detail, offering listeners a truly immersive sound experience.
Precision 3-Way Crossover Technology
With precision electronic three-way crossover technology, the CCA Trio achieves a flawless segregation of bass, mid, and high frequencies. This advanced design allocates each frequency range to its dedicated driver, minimizing interference and delivering a pure, balanced sound that remains faithful to the original recording.
Fit / Isolation
The CCA Trio are pretty large folks. So, take that into consideration if you have trouble fitting larger earphones. I quite literally had zero issues getting an awesome seal and a good fit. I have no idea how this set will fit your ears but I’m willing to bet they will fit okay, with minimal fidgeting around in your ears. This body style and shape has been used many times in the past by KZ/CCA and it is one which works. Isolation is about average. This is not a set meant to attenuate all outside noises. However, they aren’t bad.
Drivability
The CCA Trio is rated at around a 15–20-ohm impedance with a sensitivity ranging from 101-103 dbs of sensitivity. These values fluctuate depending on the switch orientation you may be using. Generally, the Trio is very easy to drive. Using my Fiio UTWS5 doing basic chores around my house had plenty of headroom and the UTWS5 only provides about 50mW at 16ohms. That was also a good pairing. I do find that a touch more output and use of better sources really helps a lot. This should go without saying. Using the Aful SnowyNight was a very nice pairing as the tonalities of both seemed to mesh very well. The IFi Go Blu also is great for the Trio. Honestly, out of all my sources I found that none of them really sounded “bad”. I feel the Trio is an easy set to pair with most source tonalities. All of my daps paired pretty well too. The Trio is one of those sets which is like a “tweener” in its tonality. Warmish/neutral seems to work well with most sources from my experience.
What do you need
I honestly don’t feel you need anything crazy powerful. Like most sets, the Trio did sound a bit tighter and slightly more refined with a touch more juice. That said, I’m sure the Trio will sound perfectly fine off of a simple 3.5 phone jack. Obviously, if you have a more refined source then the Trio will sound that much more refined itself.
Condensed Sound Impressions
From the get-go I was impressed by the Trio. Let’s just get that out of the way. The Trio has a warmish-neutral tonal color, probably leaning more to the warm side, but not straight up warm. There’s some levity and air to the sound as well which counters that warmth very well. I would call this a slight V-shaped sound to a U-shaped sound depending on your switches. The sound is smoother than crisp and more musical than anything else. In fact, musicality is probably the Trio’s greatest strength which is a good thing to be for a set of earphones. The Trio has some good energy too with more expressive macro-dynamics. Nothing dull about the sound on this set. I hear a good dynamic balance without any one area of the mix masking over any other area to a detrimental degree.
Quick Sound between the 20’s
The bass has plenty of thump and rumble but also has tighter control than I expected. It is certainly atmospheric but not laggy or muddy. There is a nice emphasis which has the quantity to keep things fun and interesting but is also clean enough to manage more complicated tracks. The midrange is nicely open with a very convincing and realistic timbre. The mids are smooth across the board with fairly well-defined note edges and good transient attack through sustain. The mids have a more substantial note body and don’t come across thin or dry in any way. Open, nice air between instruments and musically adept. The treble has some brilliance to it which adds needed levity and openness to the sound. Details emerge pretty well even though the treble is pretty smooth. Not crunchy or crisp. The stage has good width, better than average as well as good depth which makes for a more 3D type of listen with decent layering to my ears. Details aren’t the Trio’s superpower, but they also aren’t bad at all. Separation is about average to slightly above average from the smoother portrayal of my music, but imaging is actually very good.
Bass Region
The bass can bang folks, it can rumble, and it has some decent speed and impact. Not to basshead levels but still nicely emphasized in a way that the listener can have some fun. In general, I probably wouldn’t refer to the low-end as “speedy”, but for what it is I hear some nicely textured and more concise transients. Actually, I feel the transients come across more organic, unprocessed, yet also corporeal with a little vigor. Not perfect, not dry, fast, or precise in its note speed, but it also isn’t slow and lethargic. The bass has a slightly softer leading edge as it isn’t rock hard, you don’t have glass lined note outlines. Hammer wrapped in a sock type. However, inside of that slightly softer crested notes is a nicely dense, compressed and rigid note body. There’s weight to it. There’s fullness within the bass region. The bass has a certain richness to it that is tangible with good extension into the lowest of lows. That all said, I’m not calling this basshead. It’s just a more elevated bass. Enough to be fun, enough to satisfy on hip-hop tracks with nice bass drops or grumbling bass guitars.
Sub-bass
The sub-bass does have a more reverberant and haptic feel as the extension down low is pretty darn nice. Now, this is a $40 iem so let’s keep some perspective as I write, and you read. If you dig a pretty deep sub-bass, that doesn’t overtake anything else, and doesn’t encroach upon other areas while keeping pretty tight reigns on its cadence and note definition then… You may like the Trio. Again, not basshead. I may have to repeat that a few times. I’d call it just above moderately deep in pitch. Listening to “Heavy is the Ocean” by Bush, I love the feel to the bass right at the outset of this song. The grumbling and guttural bass is just enough to be felt in my ears, as the bassline heads towards the main verse. Like I said, just above moderately deep. The sub-bass is textured with a hearty fullness.
Mid-bass
I feel the mid-bass is only slightly more emphasized than the sub-bass region, but they actually play in concert very well. I like the quantity tuned into the Trio’s mid-bass as it is just enough to bring upon a nice bass drop in the track “2040” by Lil Baby. The bass guitar has that fullness to it that I like in most any track I put on. Like in the track “West Texas is the Best Texas” by The Panhandlers. The Trio pumps out some nicely bulbous kick drums too. For instance, the kick drums (which hit in a bullish sequence) on the track “Billie Jean” by Weezer are wonderful. They are convex and condensed, with that good hollow boom and rebound. It’s hard to find faults here actually, for the price that is. I feel the mid-bass offers a relatively tight note structure with natural sounding decay. Not too fast and not slow or prolonged. The transients fit the overall theme of the lower half of the mix. Atmospheric, fun, but pretty clean for a $40 iem. This mid-bass will also not come across as basshead but it does have that fun element to it. Another nice thing is that the mid-bass only slightly warms up the midrange as it doesn’t really bleed into it in a negative way for my tastes.
Downsides to the Bass Region
The biggest issues with the bass will come from fans of…well… less bass. Those who enjoy that crystal clean and refined low-end that keeps an unblemished midrange with no bleed… will likely not be impressed. There are plenty of folks who really don’t enjoy an emphasized low-end. There are instances in bass heavy tracks where portions of my music are slightly masked but nothing too egregious and horrible. For the most part this is a fun low-end that keeps a nice dynamic balance with the rest of the mix. Also, straight up bassheads will probably keep moving.
Midrange
Musical. That’s the midrange. It’s musical, it’s smooth and it isn’t oversaturated in pinna glare. At least in my “1110” dip-switch orientation. That can change a little bit with the last switch turned on and the low-end switches turned off (0011). At any rate, I like how CCA chose to tune this set. The note weight has nice authority to it. There is substance there. It isn’t some papery dry and thin sounding set. Yes, CCA sacrificed a little bit of separation, but it was worth it. For what the Trio is, I find resolution to actually be pretty nice. Not perfect though. Perfect resolution is reserved for a different kind of tuning. This is just like I said, it’s musical, melodic, and emotionally charged with what sounds to me to be an organic timbre. Warm-neutral throughout. Slightly warmer in the low-mids and gaining some levity, air and vibrance as you head into the upper-mids. Nothing that strikes me as unbalanced, strident or offensive either. The midrange is not recessed to any great degree as the sound field is closer to the listener. I wouldn’t call it forward per se, but simply not as recessed as some V-shaped iems in the Audioverse.
Lower-midrange
The low-mids offer up nice male vocals with some good heft to them helping men to sound like men. Deeper voices which resonate in the lower register like Avi Kaplan in “First Place I Go” sounds awesome. His voice is deep as it hangs around partially into the bass region too, but the nice thing is that his voice is clear and without any form of a veil. In “Azalea Blooms” by Muscadine Bloodline, the lead singer comes across smooth and highlighted against the backdrop of a beautiful harmonica and strumming acoustic guitar. The Trio does a nice job of keeping the emotion in a song. I find that thinner and dryer sounding iems don’t really push that feeling quite like a warmer and melodic sounding set. The Trio is the latter. Dermot Kennedy‘s track “Rome” is another that sounds better on the Trio than with some other notable sets. His voice can very easily sound too knife-edged and sharp at the crest of his notes. His voice is just that way. Anyways, on the Trio I hear a crispness but it doesn’t derail into a grainy, sharp or metallic sounding mess. I won’t say that the Trio is a low-mid lovers dream, but for $40 it isn’t bad by any stretch.
Upper-Midrange
In the upper-midrange I find that CCA kept a close eye on where and how much pinna rise they were going with. I feel the Trio takes me just up to the point of vibrance and puts a cap on it. I don’t hear anything that is overtly glaring or shouty. Again, maybe in the right switch settings you’ll get a bit less of a tonal balance but where I listen at the upper-mids are at a very nice level. Enough to add shimmer but not enough to turn the volume down. Note weight still has somebody to it and notes in this region hold onto that emotional sounding atmospheric type of replay. Listening to Gabrielle Aplin in “Half in Half Out” is a pleasurable experience with the Trio in my ears. Her voice is whispery soft, feathery even. She sounds realistic, natural to the ear and the melody which follows her voice sounds wide and engaging. Ashley Monroe sings “Hands On You” and her voice is forward with nice timbre. Warm, but not without some glow to it, some added luminescence. The bass which surrounds her is deep and authoritative which adds a great contrast to her silky vocals. Females sound nice on the Trio.
Further thoughts on the midrange
The midrange is not one that will change your life, but it is good for what it is. This is not a midrange dominant iem and so there are certainly sets that display even better midrange characteristics. Most midrange instruments come across nice, for the most part anyways. Strings, percussion, woodwinds…. All come across rather naturally depending on your switches. Let’s put it this way, I hear nothing that is a huge turn off. Tonality and timbre are great and the midrange carries some nice musicality for $40. Like I said, most instruments come across decently separated, not like some sets created for a more technical approach. Better than one should expect a $40 V-shaped triple DD to sound. Actually, I think midrange separation is better than I expected. Imaging is also very good, and the stage has nice depth in this range which is a nice thing to hear.
Downsides to the Midrange
As far as issues go, not everything is for everyone. This is true no matter the cost. I realize that I’ve said some pretty nice things thus far about the Trio and I wouldn’t walk any of that back. It’s a nice sounding set. However, some folks want that analytical and flat sound. Some people want an even darker, more robust sound as well. Separation of instruments could be even better than the Trio presents them, and even detail retrieval in the midrange could be better as well. Of course, you have a slightly smoother, richer and decently weighted sound, which doesn’t always bode well for most technicalities. That said, the Trio has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of concerning its midrange tuning. Separation is better than it should be, Imaging is great, details are also better than they should be and the sound is natural, clean enough and resolute for the tuning.
Treble Region
The treble region is also a smooth affair with an adequate amount of brilliance while creating a nice and cohesive balance with the rest of the mix. I hear some nice resolution up top too with fairly nice detail retrieval, decent separation and again we have good imaging (as far as I can tell). Extension is nice, I don’t hear anything splashy. For instance, the secondary harmonics of a cymbal strike don’t sound like sheened out splashes of treble. Flute sounds melodic and even resounding at times with likeable and pretty realistic timbre. Violins sound silvery and melodic as well. Nothing scratchy, abrasive or out of tune to my ears. Again… as far as I can tell. Understand, these are my subjective impressions and opinions so do take that into consideration. It’s not a perfect science figuring out what “is” or “isn’t” good timbre. It’s all in the ears of the beholder. What I like is the subtle warmth yet moments of brilliance when a track calls for it. Like I’ve stated multiple times, the balance is such that no one area of the mix stands tall above the rest, but also… each area is represented very nicely. That includes the treble region.
Not for treble-heads, but nice…
This is not going to be a set that brings out all of the treble heads though. Of course, it’s not every day that you hear good treble under $50. The Trio does a lot well, I’ll say that without skipping a beat though. I would think that treble junkies would want an even more spiked treble experience, more shining brilliance, more treble bite and crispness and a quicker decay. However, with all that said, the Trio illuminates details very nicely with better than adequate separation of instrumentation in the treble region. There’s space for instruments to spread their legs… so to speak. There’s room to operate and cleaner lines along note edges. I don’t hear a ton of grain or tiny auditory particles floating around the sound field. Obviously, the recording will dictate a lot, source will dictate a lot too, but for the most part the Trio handles the treble region much better than I expected. At this point, the Trio is looking more and more like a good all-rounder.
Downsides to the Treble Region
Speaking of downsides, I would first say that treble heads will likely want more of an emphasis up top. More clean and structured bite for treble notes. The Trio comes across a bit smoother rather than crisp and so note definition is a bit smoothed over and not as precise as a set tuned with the treble quality in mind. I could also say that decay is a bit more natural rather than snappy and super tight. However, at the end of the day it all comes together nicely for the Trio and the treble experience is actually quite good.
Technicalities
Soundstage
This is an area that I was surprised to see defy my expectations. I was expecting a more congested stage, but the Trio proved me wrong. I actually hear very nice width. Extending past my ears and stretching the stage in a slightly more realistic manner than I’ve been used to for these prices. Depth is also something which surprised me. There is actual depth that comes across as a 3D rendition of my music. It leans holographic which is really awesome to hear. All in all, the stage is very nice. You have good extension both ways and a more expressive mid-section with decent macro-dynamics which all seems to give depth to the sound to my ears. This is not a flat plane of sound but instead there is some convexity, some roundness.
Separation / Imaging
Separation is right above average as a whole. Some areas are better than others though. Also, some tracks are better than others too. Separation isn’t perfect when listening to congested tracks all the time but that’s to be expected. Though, by-and-large the Trio does better than many sets at creating a distinction between instruments and vocals. This is especially great considering the type of tuning we have on this set. Smoother and richer doesn’t usually equate to above average separation. Imaging is even better. I hear good imaging in fact. I’ll tell ya’ folks, I am surprised at how well the Trio does in all categories of Technicalities.
Detail Retrieval
I know I’ve already gone over this, but detail retrieval is definitely above average for the $40 price point. The only caveats would be heavily bass driven tracks and seriously congested tracks. Everything else is quite good. The Trio does a nice job at bringing out the subtleties in my music. Breath in a mic, the rebound from strings, different harmonics, the crowd in live tracks etc. are all better than expected. All the while the sound is actually fun, expressive, macro-dynamics are boisterous enough and there is actual fun energy. This is a great set for the price folks. Trust me (okay you don’t have to trust me) I don’t review anything I don’t like.
Is it worth the asking price?
I couldn’t (with a right mind) declare the Trio “not” worth the measly $40 it cost to own this set. The Trio is simply another great addition to the under $50 price bracket. To think that KZ/CCA tuned a 3DD set to sound this good is a huge testament to them. My hats go off to all the sound engineers and tuners. Is it perfect? C’mon, I’m not saying that. I’m also not saying it’s best in its price point or “tops in class”. Not saying that. I am trying to get across to the reader that the Trio is a benefit to any collection if what I’ve described aligns with your preferences.
The Why…
The bass is fun, tight enough and impactful enough. Midrange is smooth, tuneful and musical without leaving out the technical stuff. The treble has such a nice transition from mids to treble, nicely toned-down brilliance, good extension. The stage is above average, Imaging is nice too. Separation of elements within the stage are decent too. Believe it or not, the tuning switches do subtly change the sound. Build is good enough. The look and appearance are dope. Yes, it’s worth every last penny.
Competition
However, the under $50 price point has to be one of the most difficult price points for any iem. There are a whole host of great sets that do a wonderful job of replaying music. Sets like the Simgot EW200 (EW200 Review), CCA Rhapsody (Rhapsody Review), Truthear Zero Red (Mahir’s Zero Red Review) EPZ Q1 Pro (Review coming soon), EPZ Q5 (Q5 Review), Rose Technics QuietSea (QuietSea Review), Celest Pandamon (Pandamon Review), BGVP P05 (P05 Review) among many others (yes, I know I left many out). Also, if you spend about $20 more you get into the Artti R1 territory which is another 3DD iem and it is marginally better in almost all regards, not to mention the other sets hovering just one price point higher. The point is, it’s a tough price bracket to try to stand out. The benefit of the Trio’s tuning is in its dynamic balance. It can be an all-rounder type set and can replay many genres well. I think for the price and even against the competition, the CCA Trio is an easy set to rec. Worth every penny.
Ratings (0-10)
Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the CCA Trio ratings below, that would be $35-$50 iems of any driver configuration. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5-6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $35-$50 US is a pretty large scope of iems and so seeing a “9” (for example) should be a special thing. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.
Aesthetic
–Build Quality: 8.9 Build is nice
–Look: 9.0 Understated and cool looking
–Accessories: 5.5 CCA not known for good unboxing.
–Overall: 7.8
Sound Rating
–Timbre: 9.3 Timbre isn’t bad at all for a $40 iem.
–Bass: 9.1 Fun, deep, authoritative bass.
–Midrange: 9.1 Musical, easy in the ears.
–Treble: 8.9 Non-Offensive, smooth, clean.
–Technicalities: 8.7 Better than expected.
–Musicality: 9.5 Musicality 1st iem.
–Overall: 9.1🔥🔥🔥
Ratings Summary:
Folks, I spend too much time deliberating amongst myself about each rating. I don’t think that the Trio ratings above will cause much of a stir, unless you simply don’t like the sound. I rated the Trio against any and all iems between $35 and $50 US. That’s a boatload of iems, folks. I don’t really feel I have many ratings that would garner much anger from the crowd. The Trio is a good set, plain and simple. If you are in the market for a fun set, with a nice balance, within the price range, then it’d probably be good to at least include the Trio into that searching. I don’t think I would change a thing about the ratings. However, if I was pushed to change anything I’d possibly say the “Treble” could be a hair higher. Also, depending on what you enjoy, the “Bass” rating may be a bit higher than some would like. That’s about it.
Conclusion
To conclude my full written review of the CCA Trio, I first have to thank KZ/CCA and Tyvan Lam for providing the Trio in exchange for a feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I cannot thank you enough.
Final thoughts on the Trio
Looking at the landscape of iems under $50, I cannot fathom a world that the Trio isn’t at least in consideration for one of the better sets in this price point. It does a lot correct, and I love to see where KZ/CCA goes from here. If for whatever reason you are really wanting to try out a triple dynamic driver iem, but don’t have a ton of money to spend then I certainly feel that the Trio is worthy of your time. Another fine job from KZ/CCA. This set is a certain recommendation.
Other perspectives
Please seek out other reviewers’ perspectives on the CCA Trio. It’ll only benefit you. Don’t just stop at my opinion, because my opinion is only one opinion. Yes, I think this set is fantastic, but others may dislike it. That’s the nature of the hobby. We are all very much different. Each one of us. We all have different likes and dislikes, musical libraries may be different, hearing ability may be different too, and a number of other areas which speak to the differences in every opinion. I think you’ll be doing yourself a “solid” by scrolling through Google looking for reviews. With that said, I’m done. I hope this review has helped. By the way, I ran out of time to conduct comparisons so hopefully I can get those edited in later. With that, I hope you are all well and good. Stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!