Great review, I definitely don't regret choosing this over the zsx. But I also found that it sometimes conduct electricity into my right ear. It's quite painful because ears are very sensitive. Any idea to use some kind of isolator to protect my ears from zaps?

Cheapbastard, I'm sorry, I can't help with that, I have never come across that problem, nor know how to solve it!

Would you say these C12 is better at stereo imaging compared to ZSX, For pinpointing where the sound coming from?

Otteros, both C12 and ZSX have great imaging. The ZSX had a larger soundstage but the C12's brighter mids/treble give the impression of more detail.

how will u describe musicality ?? is the soundstage deeper or wider?

Sweet Ears, the ZSX is more 'musical' to me than the C12 and also has a superior soundstage. The C12 has good width but the ZSX is more three dimensional.

Excellent review Nimweth

Hi, I have one question. How is the sensitivity, if close to smartphone or other device, will the sound quality be influenced a lot?

AimeeAimee, I use a DAP with my IEMs, rather than a smartphone, so I have not tested that.

Hey got a question! You mentioned ZSX makes for the more relaxed sound while C12 is more detailed. I've heard kinda the opposite, that ZSX has a bit higher treble and a bit further mids, making it slightly more V shaped and also a bit more fatiguing experience than C12 which are slightly more "relaxing" in comparison, having a bit tamer less metallic highs. What's your comment on this? Is ZSX more fatiguing? Thanks!

Tail, that is interesting. I find the C12 has an emphasis in upper mids/lower treble which is not so prominent in the ZSX. This explains the improved detail of the C12 and the more relaxed nature of the ZSX. This of course with my source and my ears!

Thanks for answer! Trying to decide between the two (and TRN V90 next to them) but never heard C12 in person. ZSX had a bit too unnatural highs for my taste, articulate and clean sure but a bit "metallic" and a bit sharper than I'd like. Heard C12 has slightly more natural highs then again, your review just postponed my decision till I do further research !

Tail, I think you may like the V90 as it has a smoother treble courtesy of the 30019 BAs. It is V shaped but the mids are very good and sub bass is excellent. Another good option is the new **** Pro (banned here though!).

It will most likely be V90 then, will do just a little bit more research but everything I've heard so far leans more towards V90.. Thank you!

v90 is excellent with the right tip.

Can you use a 2.5mm balanced cable with these for DAP's that have the 2.5mm balanced output? If so, have you tried it?

Thanks.

I have not tried that, but I will attempt it and let you know how it goes.

OK, I tried the C12 with hybrid balanced cable out of my Xduoo X20. It works well and expands the soundstage. You can hear the slightly emphasised mid bass and lower treble more clearly but it makes for an exciting presentation.

Have you heard or can you compare these with KX ZS10 Pro's? Your thoughts? It's interesting in that several reviews have mentioned that the ZSX exhibits some sibilance and yet, of the three units the ZSX has the smoothest and flattest curve. Assuming since CCA and KZ are sibling companies, you would think they would be measuring the same. All three are touting the same freq response of 7-40000 and yet the CCA has the most pronounced drop off of the high end.

I don't have the luxury of being able to audition all three and am interested in pairing them with my Fiio M11. I currently own the 1 More Triple Driver and the Fiio F9Pro's. Both are good but different.

Has anyone compared all three or have any thoughts on this?

Thanks