CCZ Solo DC02 Review
Intro
Today I am reviewing the CCZ Solo DC02 ($24) from CCZ Audio. The DC02 is another budget iem from the brand trying to bring quality audio to folks who are living life on a budget. Or I suppose for those who like to collect iems. At any rate, the DC02 comes to market with an MSRP of $24 (non-mic version) or $25 (mic version). So, it’s definitely in the ultra-budget category and one that I’m happy to reveal here in the form of a review. I’d like to thank Keephifi for providing the Solo DC02.
CCZ
The audio brand CCZ has been around for a hot minute, crafting iems and products that usually land around the budget segment. I have actually owned quite a few products from the brand; however, I haven’t reviewed any of their products yet. They have had a number of fairly well done iems over the last year or so. Sets like the CCZ Melody, CCZ Coffee Bean, CCZ BC04, CCZ DC01 Pro, among a handful of other sets. All of them are priced similarly, all ultra-budget oriented and each a valuable part of a collection. CCZ knows who they serve, and they know their audience and honestly… it works. The Solo DC02 is no different. It’s a budget set that is going to run head-on against a litany of pretty darn good sets. At any rate, I look forward to checking out the DC02 and comparing against similarly priced iems. With that, I think I’m ready to get into the review. Without further ado, the CCZ Solo DC02 everyone…
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DC02 Pros
-Build Quality is great for the price
-Nice minimalist design
-Full and thick note weight
-Musical and fun iem
-Deep, weighted low-end, very bassy sound
-Smooth midrange, melodic, warm, engaging
-Treble detail & extension is not bad for $24
DC02 Cons
-The bass is close to basshead levels and obviously not everyone enjoys this
-Treble can become peaky in the right track. Other than that, it is reasonably non-offensive
-Not the most detailed or defined bass region
Gear used for testing
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
Packaging / Accessories
Unboxing
Not much to report here, especially with an ultra-budget iem. Obviously, you aren’t going to get the most luxurious unboxing experience. In fact, for this price I would much much rather that brands put the money into the earphones than the box, or eartips. The box that the DC02 came in is a small white box with a picture of the DC02 on the front. Nothing different from almost every other budget boxes. Some specs on the back too. Nothing out of the ordinary. So, open the box and you’ll see the Solo DC02 sitting within a plastic formed tray. Take off that layer and you’ll see the cable and eartips. Honestly folks, that’s it. Unboxing complete. As it should be.
Accessories
The Solo DC02 came equipped with three pairs (S, M, L) of black silicone eartips. These tips are narrow bore with a somewhat flimsy flange, non-rigid stem and they simply didn’t seal for me. I found it much more beneficial to tip-4oll and use my favorite KBear 07 tips. What a difference! I highly suggest you tip roll. The mids feel a hair more forward. Bass has more density and pointed attack. The treble is relaxed a hair more as well oddly enough too. Next, CCZ provides a standard black SPC 3.5 2-Pin cable. I swapped cables right away to a balanced BQEYZ cable and the difference was very quick. Again, I highly suggest that you swap cables if you have the means to do so. Now, if you simply cannot spend a dime more than please know that the in lauded cable works perfectly fine. I am a low-level cable snob, to a very slight degree. I do feel that the cable swap helps quite a bit, and I feel that it’s worth it for you to contemplate also doing so.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build Quality
The DC02 has a mostly usual type of build. Very universal in shape, nothing unusual but instead it fits the budget design language. However, the materials feel as though they aren’t really “budget” per se. It has an all-resin body which is 100% transparent so that I can easily see the inner workings. The faceplates were crafted out of a zinc alloy material which is also fingerprint resistant due to the slightly rough finish. Yet there’s an almost robust feel to the faceplates. If you’ve ever felt a chinsy and weak material used in other budget iems than you know, they can feel very cheap. Especially at $20 – $30. However, the DC02 is anything but cheap feeling. Like I said, they feel robust, solid, and durable too. I also very much appreciate that CCZ has the presence of mind to add a rubber pad to keep the earphones from rubbing on the outer ear making them feel uncomfortable. It really is a good idea. Also, I feel it’s a small addition to the design which makes this set feel and look like it isn’t an ultra-budget set. I found the nozzle to be about medium length and didn’t reach too deep nor feel too shallow and the nozzles are right around 6 mm in width. I’m not saying the build will blow your mind, but the DC02 is nicely built for the price.
Design
As far as the design goes, the DC02 is fairly plain. You could call them minimalist too I suppose. Now, the DC02 has a fairly plain faceplate yet has a very small “CCZ logo” and “DC02” imposed on the corner of them. Again, the Shells are fully transparent and so you can see the inner workings quite easily which is always a nice touch. However, I feel this is a nice-looking set even with the plainer appearance. I like that the DC02 isn’t flashy, steampunk, etc. Just a simple looking set, and also a nice-looking set in my opinion.
Internals
CCZ decided to outfit the Solo DC02 with an “upgraded” 10 mm PU+PET Composite Diaphragm Dynamic Driver with dual NdFeB magnets which makes this a dual-magnet circuit. Supposedly CCZ upgraded the 10 mm driver with a thicker diaphragm than the DC02’s predecessor. At least that’s what the promotional material states.
Fit / Comfort
The actual fit will be similar to most budget sets, but the comfort is actually better than most in my opinion. Ya know, it’s amazing what that little strip of rubber can do for comfort over long periods of listening. At least I assume that’s the reason why I get no irritation in that region of my ear. Anyways, the fit isn’t bad at all. Just expect the same size and style as most KZ sets like the KZ ZS12 Pro X, ZS10 Pro 2, etc. Very similar. We’ve actually seen these body styles and molds with many iems in the past and so it shouldn’t be too foreign to you. Again, comfort is fantastic for me, but I really have zero idea how they will feel for you.
Drivability / Pairings
Output
The Solo DC02 is rated with an impedance of 20 ohms and a sensitivity of 103 db’s which means that the DC02 are a very sensitive iem. You won’t have issues driving the DC02 from most any source. I mean, smartphones, low-budget dongle dacs, mp3 players. Your source doesn’t have to be high powered, is what I’m trying to say. Now, the bass region does seem a bit crisper with more power and a cooler source, but this is not required at all. The Solo DC02 did extremely well paired with the EPZ TP35 (150mw@32max) as the power was more than enough to open the sound up, add some texture and bite, but also tighten those basslines coming from the DC02. I say it in almost every review that power seems to always help the sound. At least marginally with darn near every set. The Solo DC02 is no different. It simply isn’t required to have a good listen.
Source tonality
When it comes to actual source pairing and source tonality, I find the DC02 to be better off with neutral sources. Overall, the DC02 has a thicker, warmer type of sound and so the more neutral sources do seem to play off that quite well. For instance, my Shanling M6 Ultra which is warmer than it is neutral, and this pairing doesn’t really do it for me like those neutral devices that I’ve used. The EPZ TP50 for example actually helps to bring out some more energetic dynamics within the treble while subtly holding back the low-end amplitude. It’s a nice offsetting tonal pairing. My absolute favorite pairing was with the iBasso DX240 though as the DC02 seems to truly sing with it. In my opinion using something that will lessen some of the warmth is a good pairing. That said, you may adore a warmer sound. At which point I’d tell you jsut to take my thoughts as a grain of salt.
What do you need?
Really you just need something to plug this set into. It doesn’t require a whole lot of output power and even sounds pretty darn good on lesser powerful sources. I’m sure that was what CCZ had in mind when crafting this set. Though, giving the DC02 a bit more juice does make the listening experience a bit better. So possibly a low-cost dongle dac would be best.
Sound Impressions
In my opinion the CCZ Solo DC02 has a definite V-shaped sound. CCZ tuned this set to have a very fun lower portion of the mix as it’s a fairly bulbous, meaty, and full low-end. I would characterize the Solo DC02 as warm, rhythmic, very groovy, and it has an overarching smoothness across the mix. I’d say the DC02 is almost a tale of two halves as it’s warm and full down low and brighter towards the treble. I feel this set is all about smooth corners, rounded edges, nothing abrasive except some sharpness which can occur from time to time in the treble region. Yet “mostly” it’s a non-offensive sound. I’d say the DC02 is certainly a “musicality first” iem which hangs its hat on a rich and engaging sound. I feel that the warmth from the low-end is spread wide throughout the frequency which does shade the mix. It cascades the spectrum enveloping every note inflection, every undulating tone and sweep in a cozy blanket… so to speak. You’ll hear softer tones, less crispness, less fine lines, less 90-degree sharp angles… and perhaps less detail too. However, you’ll also get those lush notes and very nice note density.
Technical Beast?
The DC02 isn’t the most energetic sounding iem before the upper-mids and most definitely is not a technical beast. It won’t illuminate every last detail nor separate every instrument perfectly. What it will do is portray the spectrum in a very easy to stomach way which rarely seeks to offend but will definitely get your head bobbing and your feet moving. I’d say the DC02 is certainly a V-shaped sound that’s warmer down low and brighter up top. No doubt there are some subjective downsides as well which I’ll try to cover in the coming sections. However, as a whole the sound is not bad at all for a $24 iem.
Bass Region
The low-end of the CCZ Solo DC02 has a meaty and bulbous weight to it. Most certainly this is a set that renders the bass as the focal point of the sound. For some it will be too emphasized, too all-consuming against a treble region which doesn’t counter the bass with much contrast. I suppose that’s the knock on this bass… there’s no real contrast or distinct note outlines. I hear a smoothened bass which rumbles deep, hits hard and drones with ease. However, the note definition is slightly lacking on some tracks. Perhaps the DC02 bass region can also get a bit too boomy. Of course, this set costs a mere $24 so these are almost moot points. Anyways those are some of the knocks against it, but there’s also some very solid points as well…
Sub-bass
The sub-bass takes on the brunt of the low-end emphasis and has solid rumble. No doubt the Solo DC02 will provide a deep haptic reverb and vibratory judder when called upon. In a droning style the DC02 reverbs with an atmospheric decay that fulfills each note’s harmonics all the way out, it seems. Listening to “California” by CMAT I can hear a very rigid and deep bass which serves as the foundation of this track and the DC02 performs it very well. Basically, the track calls for guttural, meaty and deeply pitched and the DC02 reciprocates with just that. However, there are some tracks with sub level bass that the DC02 is slightly softer on attack than I’d usually like. Not really pillowy because the sub-bass gets nicely dense. I suppose the DC02 doesn’t carry that pointed attack and vibrance in this region like some less emphasized or more expensive sets. Having said all of that, I don’t feel the sub-bass is too elevated as I don’t feel its emphasis comes as a detriment. It’s just bigger, deeper and slightly less agile than some other sets because of that lift in the sub-bass. Still, for those who enjoy a hearty rumble or a bullish and bulbous sub level bass, you may want to check out the DC02.
Mid-bass
Now, the mid-bass is (seemingly) less emphasized than the sub-bass, but wow does it hit hard. I’d say the DC02 is right on the cusp of “basshead”. Almost there. That basshead moniker deserves the ultimate eyeball rattle and the DC02 doesn’t quite have that. Again, not entirely. It’s very close though. Definitely the bass here is the focal point (as I said earlier). That said, if you enjoy a bass region which can bring some thunder, then I can tell you right now that the DC02 can at least provide that. It slams, it’s robust, authoritative, and the mid-bass adds volume to the mix. The DC02 has a full mid-bass with a wide presence. If that makes sense. It isn’t a punchy, granite hard, and compact mid-bass. Instead, it’s slightly fuzzy at the crest of each note and it is slightly one-noted, or boomy. However, it can slam with heaviness that is simply expressed with a wider girth, more organic in its decay, and wholly atmospheric. Great for a guttural and dirty bass guitar riff and wonderful for those instant and penetrative hip-hop bass drops. Kinda like in the track “P Fiction” by The Game. In this track the visceral weight and tactility of the bass drop comes at you from different angles and the DC02 sounds like it’s meant for it. The bass changes directions, pitch, and weight which comes through very satisfying on the DC02. So, the mid-bass is no slouch, but it most certainly is meant for fun. Please remember that.
Mid-bass cont…
The Solo DC02 isn’t trying to be some mature and technically precise bass. It isn’t that. Not perfect for heavy metal bass which needs to be heavy but quick, bullish but agile. The DC02 is very good for standalone bass drops or fluent bass guitar riffs, sudden and impactful kick drums too. In fact, the track “Billie Jean” by Weezer hits just right on the DC02. You hear repetitive banging kick drums followed closely by the thudding hollow boom. The track itself helps the bass to feel more precise, direct, and pointed in attack. At any rate, the DC02 bass can sound quite great. Just depends on the track. Also, the DC02 certainly does bleed into the midrange adding warmth to the mids, weight to the mids, and smoothness to the mids. I’ll cover that next.
Downsides to the Bass Region
The downsides here are fairly obvious. In fact, I’d say the DC02 is probably slightly polarizing. Granted I really enjoy the sound of this set. But also, I know what sounds good with it. And furthermore, I don’t mind heavy weighted and full bass. However, I know a multitude of folks who don’t enjoy that. Those folks who’d much rather have a tighter and more directly punchy bass like in the Simgot EW200 or KZ PR3. I know I’ve made it seem like the Solo DC02 has a slow bass, but I don’t really mean “slow”. It’s just more atmospheric. Not everyone wants atmospheric. Actually, I like the decay in this set. It reminds me of listening to my ridiculous car system back in the day. One arm on the wheel, sittin’ way back, mirrors vibrating. Good stuff. Of course, not everyone is looking for that within the price point.
Midrange
This brings us to the midrange on the CCZ Solo DC02. In my opinion the midrange has a mostly “earthy” type sound. What do I mean by earthy? Well, it’s this warm and less energetic version of organic, weighted, lush, and very full in its expression. You could call the midrange voluptuous, and I wouldn’t argue with you. The midrange is certainly on the rich side of the aisle though it does begin to thin out nearing the upper-mids. This midrange is great for fans of a V-shaped sound, but one bonus is that the midrange doesn’t sound too far back in the sound field. It’s a very full sounding midrange with a weighted delivery which sounds almost saturated in its moistness. Not bad at all for the price.
Mids cont…
Now, if you are picking up this set for its detail retrieval, I would probably steer you away to some other sets more known for their technical credits. So no, the DC02 is not a technical monster that can create pinpoint distinctions on every note. No sir, the DC02 is too smooth for that, too velvet smooth that is. It’s a moist and wetted midrange in which every note intonation feels pregnant in body. There’s actually some vibrance there but it can be hard to pick out with the warm canopy surrounding the region. Having said that, let me be clear that this “warm canopy” is a good thing. I say that because I don’t feel that the warmth creates a veil which steals the dynamism. Perhaps the treble is brilliant enough to offset that warmth. I suppose that’s why I enjoy this set. Because the mids are still forward and not as recessed as typical V-shaped sets. In fact, I find the midrange to be slightly more forward with pronounced cadence and tonality accentuations. It’s just… warmer. There’s still some energy captured in my music. Furthermore, I hear nothing really glaring, or shouty and the only sibilance I hear is not so often that I’d call it a flat-out “con”. All in all, not bad. But it will obviously not be for everyone.
Lower-midrange
The lower midrange on the DC02 is characterized by the bass bleed which is feathered in very well for a set costing so little. Again, I don’t find the lower midrange to be all that recessed or pushed into the back of the sound field. Perhaps in bass heavy tracks but in all other situations the lower midrange holds a solid place in the field of sound in front of me. Also, the low-mids are fairly thick and heavier in body, not as transparent and resolution isn’t top notch but the low-mids do play into the musical theme very well and sound melodic and smooth. Now, the lower midrange isn’t the most vibrant, energetic, and the low-mids don’t have crystal clear clarity. Like I said, they have a smooth, warm, and rich sound where the thicker presence pushes notes together a bit more. Don’t get me wrong, there isn’t congestion or a true veil, but they are thicker than they aren’t. Obviously, this can make the sound appear less separated, less open, possibly less detailed and not as transparent. Does this take away from the experience and enjoyment of casually listening to music? Well, for anyone who enjoys this type of sound than no, it doesn’t take anything away but instead adds to the enjoyment. For analytical heads, they may not be impressed though. Still, males sound pretty nice due to the body in each note. This body adds a certain authority, manly weight, and fullness which accentuates a man’s vocals. Instruments in this region don’t really have the snap and crispness that some may desire but for the tuning I happen to think CCZ did a nice job.
Upper-Midrange
Looking at the upper-mids one of the first things you’ll notice is that they come across sprightlier than the low-mids. You’ll hear more of an energetic and vibrant sound. There’s almost a distinct cut-off from warmly weighted to brighter and thinner. Not so much that there is any type of glare, but certainly more vibrant than the lower portions of the midrange. I’d actually venture to say that the upper-mids come across more organic than the low-mids, more natural and have a less weighted sound. More like a nice lean-lush note weight, which by the way… helps tremendously for a female voice. At least to the extent that the DC02 can reproduce those female voices. I like that there is still a good amount of clarity, shimmer, and openness in the midst of that lean-lush sound. I’d say the DC02 is very nice for anyone who enjoys female vocals which don’t sound too edgy, sharp, or unnaturally lifted while still maintaining some semblance of sweet air. However, there will always be this overarching weight to the sound as a whole. Let me try to explain. Yes, females come across more energetic, lively too, even vivacious at times. Also, yes, instruments come across with slightly more snap, more sparkle (to a degree), more crunch too. Despite those last couple sentences, there is still this hue of warmth encapsulating the air around my music. I realize this may make zero sense to you and I’m sorry for that. But… I am quite literally explaining exactly what I hear. So, forgive me. I would just say that the sound has a veil over it, but I don’t think that’s entirely the case.
Females
Now that I’ve done my best to confuse everyone, I want to come back to the fact that female voices have a nice feathery inflection to them. Well, voices which have that feathery inflection. Like Caitlyn Smith in the track “High”. Her voice sounds angel soft and smooth at the outset of this track. But as the track moves along and runs into the chorus her voice takes on this ballad style boldness which comes across powerful with the DC02 in my ears. However, the nice part is that I don’t feel like the DC02 is gouging my ears in painful glare. Is the DC02 perfect for females? I wouldn’t say “perfect”. There are certainly cleaner sounding sets which are more forward and present females better. In truth, I think they (females) are very good on this set, but they are more of a consultation prize for those who really desire a fun and bassy sound.
Downsides to the Midrange
I think the major downside is that the DC02 isn’t the most technical iem. Obviously, this wouldn’t be a set for those who are technical listeners. Analytical lovers. This set is mainly for those bass lovers who also enjoy a midrange which is almost 100% “musical” in nature. The DC02 isn’t deprived of details but they won’t come shining through as if illuminated to the surface like some sets. Granted, the DC02 does perform detail retrieval pretty admirably for what it is. Instrument separation won’t blow your mind either, but again, it isn’t bad. So, the downside would be resolution, clarity, airiness/openness, and the DC02 doesn’t always give you that sparkly midrange that so many folks want. Of course, some tracks will make me a liar and you’ll hear that stuff, but the general theme is that it’s a musical first midrange with a smoothly layered sound. Now, I think it’s great for who it’s for, and for the price. If I’m only talking to those who desire solid note weight, smooth across the board, no chance for fatigue, rhythmic-groovy style listeners, then none of this would be an issue. In fact, for those people this set would be a budget beast. For anyone else who does love to hear the scrape of the finger on the string or the guy coughing ten rows back in their favorite live track, they may want to pass. Simple as that.
Treble Region
The treble region is actually decently brilliant for a warmer set. Certainly, an old school style V-shaped iem that keeps a warm lower half and a brighter top end. I find the treble to also be pretty decent as far as details are concerned. About average I’d say. There is some peakiness which can occur at times, but it’s mostly kept under control. However, due to the peaks in the treble region I do get some moments that cause me to turn the volume down. Now, they are very rare, but they happen. The peaks are the type which jump out at you from nowhere. Once that electric guitar (for instance) hits that perfect frequency (5k) it’ll definitely come across a bit more sharp than natural. Again, it’s rarer than anything and almost always the bass will counter that peak. I hear some decent airiness in the treble too. It’s definitely not some closed in and rolled off treble that has no sprightliness whatsoever. It’s not that. The highs on the Solo DC02 have enough of a sparkle to provide those upper-mids (that I was just talking about) some feeling of shimmer. Enough brightness to lean out those female vocals, add some snap to percussion, give some edge to electric guitar and beat back the veil which would occur had the treble been too rolled off. It’s actually pretty nice for a bassy V-shaped iem.
Extension
Extension into the upper treble is also well illuminated. The secondary harmonics of a cymbal strike come across with only minimal moments of splash as most of the time they sound full enough, and well controlled. What this extension and overall emphasis also does is add some bite to treble notes. It adds some treble punch too. Just enough I would say. You can hear it on certain violin tracks like Lindsey Stirling‘s “Evil Twin”. There’s an edge to the violin, and a silvery type of coarseness to the sound. Basically, there’s actually some nice energy which helps to being some semblance of haptic and tactile recognition to the region. So, extension is decent at worst and does provide the DC02 the feeling of a slightly wider and more stretched out stage. To a degree anyways.
Downsides to the Treble Region
The downside here is the 5k area for me. I just think that those who are sensitive to treble spikes will probably get one out of the blue like what happened with me in the track “Magnetic Fields, Pt1” by Jean Michel Jarre. Listening to that song I was pleasantly surprised at the detail, the bite, the energy. However, out of the blue I was hit with some glare which did force me to turn the volume down a click or two. Certainly not bad, but those peaks are there. I will say, the peak isn’t nearly as bad as the graph would suggest. Also, the bass really does provide some contrast. That Jean Michel Jarre track has almost no bass in the section I was referring to and so there’s no offsetting that peak. Folks, this is what you get from a V-shaped sound at times if those peaks aren’t accounted for. Beyond that I feel the treble isn’t bad at all for a set this low in price.
Technicalities
Soundstage
I find the soundstage to be about average overall. That said, I hear good width to the stage, good height, and there’s also some decent depth to the sound field. Definitely I’d say that the stage seems more up-close to the listener, which makes the sound feel more intimate. So yes… it’s wide, yes… it’s tall, and yes… it’s deeper than flat, but… it’s also forward. We’ve seen many sets recently that are tuned in this way and to be totally honest I quite enjoy it. I don’t mind a close stage at all. However, I have a hard time telling you that it’s a good stage size and layout when it may not be for everyone. I just say “average” and be done with it. Lol. In truth, I think CCZ did a good job creating an intimate but yet very full sounding stage where no area of my mind scape is left unattended.
Separation / Imaging
I think instrument separation is an area where the Solo DC02 kind of lacks. A lot has to do with the warmth which bleeds into the midrange ultimately causing the sound to feel a bit heavier, less open too. This is not a highly detailed set, resolution isn’t the best, it’s smooth, it’s rich, and transients don’t move along quickly. It’s just a recipe for slightly underwhelming instrument separation. Elements in the stage just feel a bit more pushed together and in congested tracks the DC02 will sound… congested. Imaging is a bit better as there actually is some layering of sound believe it or not. Obviously in bass heavy tracks you’ll have a harder time positioning instruments and vocalists but for the most part the DC02 images a stage fairly well. At least good for a $24 set. I’m definitely not complaining. This is what you get for a bass heavy sound. There’s a give and take to everything in this hobby and adding so much low-end amplitude will usually make the sound less precise.
Detail Retrieval
I’d say that detail retrieval is about average overall. The DC02 is not hanging it’s hat on its ability to illuminate the subtleties and we shouldn’t really expect this set to. This is a bassy set first and with bassy iems you are “usually” going to find that detail retrieval can lack to a degree. The same can be said of the DC02. I do find that the treble area is fairly well detailed though due to the lift in that region. However, as a whole I’d say the DC02 is about average. Not bad by any stretch unless you are listening to some congested tracks, or you’re listening to bass heavy tracks. No doubt the bass can mask over certain frequencies and smoothen out those crisp and precise edges in notes as well as plump up the note body across the spectrum. You definitely hear this in the midrange which is warm, rich, full and smooth. Again, not bad, but also not a technical monster either. I think the DC02 is fine just the way it is though. It’s a fun V-shaped iem and it’s a budget iem. We really shouldn’t expect surface level details to arise very easily with this type of tuning. But hey, average is good.
Is it worth the asking price?
I won’t go into a huge spiel here because this is a budget set folks. I usually will add in “The Why” section in which ie explain exactly why I believe or disbelieve a product is worth the asking price. Or better said, is this or that product a good buy or not. However, I don’t thi k that’s necessary here. This set costs the price of McDonald’s for two. It’s very low priced. $24 is what I call ultra-budget. Anyways, I absolutely feel the DC02 is worth the cost to own it and yes, it is a very good buy. Of course, that “good buy” concerns those folks who enjoy this type of sound signature. Basically, an analytical head isn’t going to feel it’s a good buy. Yet a bass-boi is going to love this set. Those who enjoy a warmly musical sound which is mostly non-offensive will enjoy this set. So that’s it, yes, I feel that $24 is a good cost for this set and yes, I feel it’s worth it next to what’s out there.
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 CCZ Solo DC02 ratings below, that would be $15-$35 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. $15-$35 iems is definitely a large sized scope of sets. So It should be mean something special to see a rating above a “9.0”, for example. 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: 9.0 Built very well.
–Look: 9.0 Dope industrial design.
–Fit/Comfort:. 9.0 Fit and comfort is great for me.
–Accessories: 8.3 Accessories don’t matter at this price.
–Overall: 9.5🔥🔥
Sound Rating
–Timbre: 9.0 Timbre is nice, warm/organic.
–Bass: 9.1 Big, extended, deep, it booms.
–Midrange: 8.7 Warm, rich, smooth, forward.
–Treble: 8.8 V-shaped brilliance, some peaks.
–Technicalities: 8.3 Technically not bad, but not a strength
–Musicality: 9.6 Musicality first.
–Overall: 8.9🔥🔥🔥
Ratings Summary:
Honestly folks, these ratings could go either way for whoever is doing the rating of the DC02. If you aren’t an ardent fan of bassy, smooth, rhythmically gifted and musically inclined iems then I’d assume you would not give the Solo DC02 an overall sound rating of “8.9”. When you have a set that is distinctly warm, cool, bright, analytical, bassy, or whatever then it will be polarizing to at least some people. That’s just how this works. We like what we like, and we don’t like what we don’t like. That’s an oversimplified explanation but it holds true here. I do think that the DC02 is very much a distinctly warm set, a distinctly bassy set too. Of course, not everyone is going to jive with it. So, each review I decide a price point. One that makes sense to me, if I was a buyer. I thought, “$15 to $35 seems like it makes sense. About $10 under $25, and $10 over $25”. I have a mountain of iems in that range and about 12 that I thought made sense to listen through and rate the DC02 against. I think it did very well. Now, if I rated the DC02 against only “bassy iems” then it would’ve done even better. Which, now that I think of it is probably what I should’ve done. The people buying this set will. Likely be looking for other bassy sets. Ugh, I wish I would’ve thought of that earlier. Anyways, I gave it an “8.9” against any and all iems between the prices of $25 and $35 US and I stand by it. I wouldn’t change any of the ratings and I think they make sense.
Conclusion
To conclude my full written review of the CCZ Solo DC02 I want to thank the people of Keephifi for providing this set in exchange for a fair and honest assessment of this budget oriented iem. I have reviewed a couple sets with Keephifi and both times I’ve had almost zero input into how my review goes. The only thing they’ve even hinted at was please put these links (purchase links) in your review… naturally. Other than that, I haven’t heard a peep. Which is how I like it and how I like to work. So, thank you Keephifi! I greatly appreciate you all and mobileaudiophile.com appreciates you as well. I also need to thank you, the reader because without you clicking our links and staying for a while, we don’t exist. So, thank you! It truly means everything to the people of mobileaudiophile.com. We are trying to build our site and trying to do so in an honest way geared towards actually helping the buyer. So, thank you very much.
Other perspectives
We are all different folks. Each one of us can hear our music a little bit differently than the next person. Not all of us have been down similar roads through audio, we may not all have similar musical tastes or music libraries. We may have different likes and dislikes too, and who knows, we may not even hear the same. So many variables in this audio game. Please, I am asking you to watch, read, or listen to other reviews of the CCZ Solo DC02. I’m telling you it will help you to make a more educated decision. Also, there are so many great reviewers out there with fantastic perspectives. It’s worth it to check em’ out. Beyond that, I think I’m done friends. I hope you enjoyed this review, and I hope each and every single last one of you are well and good. Please take good care, stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!
