CCA LYRA

Before you read this review
I’ve used the Lyra with Sony EPEX-11 to subdue the induced treble harshness that the stock tips have, stock tips are still viable but as always, I don’t recommend them that much, especially since they somehow make the 4-5 kHz unrefined sounding. I have also used the Lyra with CX-31993 as my main source, since recent KZ IEMs tend to synergies with it well.


Summary
Third KZ/CCA IEM that aims to sound as organic or natural as it can (the first is DQ6S, second is CRA+). Lyra tracks the Harman Target midrange and treble to provide accurate tone and clarity to most instruments. The proper pinna rise contributes to the proper vocal positioning (as in dead center placement), most vocals are forward and has a clean presentation on the soundscape, it is not shrill or shouty by any means. The bass quantity is almost the same as the EDA Balanced, but has more definition and quite soft on the attack compared to the quick and tight bass response of the later. Treble response is on the relaxed side, but some people who are sensitive to 4.5 kHz or the sibilance region may find it too hot for their taste, additionally there is an 8kHz peak compensated with a 12 kHz peak to make the previous peak not harsh or too intrusive in the whole frequency response (e.g ZEX Pro), the said treble characteristic also gives life and sustained decay to cymbals, some people specially who are accustomed to perfect linear FR sets may find the cymbals unrefined in some tracks (this is not an issue for most people, just for selected individuals who have an “acquired taste”). Technicalities are almost the same as the ESX but a bit narrow on the soundstage and a bit soft on the dynamics. The driver here are also more resolving (notes may be perceived as layered and realistic on the attack and decay at times) than EDA Balanced or CRA+, truth to be told it is like a baby AS16 Pro when it comes to technicalities.

Disclaimer

• Take my review with a large scoop of salt and always cross reference.
• As always, I like to thank KZ/CCA for providing me a review unit of the CCA Lyra.
• I will analyze the CCA Lyra with references to my Dynamic Realist (EDA Blanced) and the most expensive set that I’ve tried so far (Yume Midnight).
• This review will somehow be biased towards my taste in music and my target sound signature.
• As always, since our ears have different shapes and resonances, your mileage may always vary.
• Please check "My Specific Library", if my library does not match yours, please consider reading other reviews. Thanks
• If you have more questions about this IEM, kindly visit the official KZ Discord and let’s have a talk there.

Equipment

• OG CX-31993 “Main Source”
• Avani (ALC-5686)
• Abigail (CX-31993)
• LG V20
• Xiaomi Mi 4

Thy Frequency Spectrum

“Lyra is shaped like Harp, Vega is one of the brightest star from Lyra. Lyra creates a sound that is ethereal, built around poetic tales of unrequited love” - CCA?

If you are confused by that statement, and so am I, we are on the same boat here haha. All I can say is what Lyra made me experience throughout these past weeks, is its natural and organic replay of instruments. I almost mistaken it to be a SeeAudio Yume in terms of overall sound signature.

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Bass: 8/10
Textured, well resolved and clean but lacks the punch, slam, depth and quantity (an unconventional approach here by KZ, basshead may go with the ESX for that grand bass). Midbass bleeds a bit on the midrange to give lushness to most instruments and lower pitched vocals. The bass here remains at the back and rarely presents itself forward (referencing to Shimin Li, which is weird cause the bass on that IEM is clean but it is forward on the soundscape). Bass in the Lyra is soft on the attack and decay but there are textures that can be heard as compared to EDA Balanced. Bass riffs can be followed but may not be noticeable or transparent at times. Overall, a quite satisfying bass response by Lyra, some neutral heads may like this approach by KZ. Also if you have the ESX, this is quite the antithesis of it, you may want to take this into consideration if you are considering a sidegrade.

Midrange 7.8/10
Higher pitched vocals may be perceived shouty specially with stock tips. With aftermarket tips (e.g Sony EP-EX11), the said vocals types show its full clarity while having this enticing lushness that is very well suited for JPOP, KPOP and female artist dominant library. The vocal forwardness is also in the middle ground here, singers appear dead center within my headspace and isn’t intimidating or dominating my whole music perception, all instruments also still have this place around the vocals. If you want your vocals accurate and lush, Lyra is a very good budget option for it. As for instruments fundamentals, all I can say is they are accurate and true to life, there’s no warm coloration or extra bite to most instruments. Wind, string, and percussions are just laid on the single plain, without emphasis for a specific type of instrument
(aside from cymbals in some tracks). Truth to be told, this is not my preferred midrange response, and I much prefer EDA Balanced presentation (I like extra aggressiveness to pianos and string instruments). But since most instruments are well weighted and natural sounding, many people may like this approach.

Treble 8.5/10
Organic, safe and just right. I think this is the region where Lyra excels, from lower treble to upper treble the response is almost linear for my ears. Instrument harmonics are well audible and strings and percussions has proper definition to them. However, there’s a peak at 8kHz and a lower 12kHz peak after that (which I found acceptable), cymbals aren’t that intrusive in most of my tracks (however it may be a different story to some). To be honest, I quite like what they did here cause cymbals has this extended sustain to them which makes it more defined on the soundscape and also helps on detail retrieval. Moreover, the dip after the 12kHz, yeeesss…that dip atleast for my ears contribute to wider soundstage and proper placement of instruments on the soundscape. What may be a bummer here is some people may find the treble harsh because the peaks starts early but if you are somehow listening to a library like mine, you will like the Lyra approach here, it’s just nicely laid out and well extended.

Technicalities

• Decay and attack of notes are in the moderate side, some people may also call it organic/analog sounding. It doesn't have the digital, energetic or speedy nature that EDA Balanced or CRA has, highly resembles a CNT DD notes presentation.
• Soundstage has average width and depth, below average height. It highly mimics a small pub / small studio in most tracks, it isn't exaggerated like the ESX or EDA Balanced. It also may be lacking for people who are accustomed to hall/theatre like sounding sets.
• Staging is accurate and highly mimics Yume Midnight presentation, the vocals are dead center and instruments are placed at the left, right, back and front of my headspace, they also have a physical feel and enough separation on the soundscape.
• Resolvability is very good for the price. I must even say that it has better definition/resolution than EDA Balanced even if it has a warm tint to it, there are some times where some notes are layered with one another, kind of like how AS16 Pro boast that prowess.
• Congestion still occurs with complex tracks but aren't bad like BL-03. With complex tracks layers in the music starts to diminish however nuances are still audible and I can't detect any harshness even if the notes articulation is degraded. With slow tracks, though, Lyra sweeps it without any effort at all, it also mimics the layering of some midtier IEMs.

Music Analysis

While writing this section, I am listening thoroughly to the tracks that are mentioned, there will be sometimes where I will say coped statements and will be too lazy to explain anything, but yeah, this is the part I enjoy the most so let me indulge just a bit.

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1. Hamu Test “Multiple tracks arranged by Hamu” (Played in HibyMusic)

The tracks in this section, will test the IEM ability to naturally replay and stage musical instruments like piano, guitar, violin and drums. This section will also test imaging, detail retrieval and separation. Most of the tracks here also hates V-shaped IEMs.

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How can I explain this, tracks in this section sound very natural and studio like. They aren’t exaggerated or detailed sounding like EDA Balanced but the feel of instruments are very true to life and I can imagine all tracks in this section with physicality and position them clearly, the soundstage has ample amount of space too. It highly reminds me of Heart Mirror by a lot, this is how HM plays my Hamu tracks, organic but with treble boost to make some instruments pop out, however with Lyra they just sound flat, no instruments are overtaking another and no over sharpening is happening throughout this track selection. It is very flat for my ears; I think I would like more energy to the guitars and wind instruments but I’m nitpicking at this point. Don’t want to sound like a shill, but the replay of the tracks in this section is much better and more natural to my ears than the Tanya, Yume, and HM. To be honest it’s like I’m listening to the Yume Midnight again, but the resolution is a bit trimmed down.

Replay Rating: Beautiful

2. Eironeia by mamenoi feat. Nagi Yanagi (Played in HibyMusic)

Female Vocals, Driver Resolvability, Soundstage, Midrange Nuances, Separation

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Flat out amazing with Lyra, how the rustic sound effect at the start travels within my headspace is plain eargasmic, add the melodic beat that sounds eerie yet magical. As Nagi takes the stage at 00:15, Lyra still plays the eerie atmosphere of the song with finesse and openness, while Nagi’s voice starts to dominate my center space and sing with lushness and accurate tone. As the track get complex at 01:43, the bass thumps yet decays very fast and is positioned cleanly at the back of my head, the guitar and piano stays very transparent and timbre stays true to life. This track starts to get very complex after 02:00, with added synthesizer in the mix, fortunately Lyra handles it effortlessly and instruments are still placed on where they are on the soundscape. In conclusion, Lyra play this song so beautifully that it let me fall into reverie.

Replay Rating: Beautiful

3. Machigai Sagashi by Kenshin Yonezu (Played in HibyMusic)

Male Vocals, Midrange Resolvability, Guitars, Separation

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Yes, what can I say Lyra excels in most of my Japanese library. Another superb rendition with Lyra, the atmospherics, little nuances and staging are so satisfying that it makes me want to close my eyes and just relax with this track. It isn’t like the ESX where it is played with weight and grandness, no no no, it’s somehow flat sounding and boring as other may call it, but man the details, soundstage and timbre of most instruments are just accurate, I can almost imagine them physically around my headspace. The thing is I can’t really relate to what the other people are saying about harshness, it isn’t harsh at all for my ears, they can sound a bit on the edge specially at 03:09, but it isn’t ear piercing or bothering at all, I quite like it to be honest cause it adds this bite or energy to the sound even if the whole signature of Lyra leans toward flatness. But even with all this praise that I have, and even Kenshi’s voice sound sooo accurate with Lyra, I still want some fun and energy with his tracks, Lyra unfortunately doesn’t provide it, so I will stick with ESX with this. But not bad at all with Lyra.

Replay Rating: Excellent

4. Left-Right Confusion by Yorushika (Played in Tidal)

Female Vocals, Notes Articulation, Bass Response, Separation, Soundstage

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Waaahh..what is this..Sui’s voice the instruments sound so real what the. That bass response too, strong yet stays strictly at the back of my head, what is even happening…it sounds so eargasmic what the…it feels like I’m watching a band doing their thing in a pub, the instruments, guitars, piano, drums feel so physical and 3D, it still lacks the resolution yes (comparing to AS16 Pro), but the timbre is just so good. Do you need timestamps? Haha..cause all part of this track is just too good for me, can’t really explain it to be honest…haha..sorry?

Replay Rating: Beautiful

5. Prism by Nagi Yanagi (Played in HibyMusic)

Female Vocals, Midrange Forwardness, Detail Retrieval, Separation, Soundstage

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The guitars at the start feels very articulated, and as Nagi takes the stage at 00:17 the song atmosphere starts to open up and Nagi’s lush voice starts to dominate. My senses start to kick in making me realize that “fudge another magical track incoming”. This is not like the ESX, where the track is just messy and unrefined, Lyra is a different story altogether, vocals are forward, bass is subdued, all instruments are balanced and laid out well. Staging of Lyra with this track is just top notch to be honest almost approaching AS16 Pro territory. However, even if Lyra plays this track wonderfully, there still something that is bothering me. The chorus parts of this track make Nagi’s voice a bit on the edge, it is somehow nearing the shouty territory, but as always this can be mitigated with lower volumes, I just like this track at high volume cause it’s sounds beautiful..haha

Replay Rating: Excellent

Frequency Response Analysis


Comparison

This comparative analysis is highly biased on my library, so please don’t take this as a unified guide on what should you buy or not.

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Lyra vs EDA Balanced
My Dynamic Realist replays my library with energy, sparkle, dynamics and cleanliness, while Lyra plays my library with correctness, organicness and warmth. Staging is better on DR but its exaggerated compared to Lyra..EDA Balanced sounds digital while Lyra sounds analog..I quite adore how the two present my library, and I will use them depending on my mood, can't really choose a winner here to be honest. Tie

Lyra vs ESX
Lyra is more relaxed, more natural and organic sounding, more balanced. ESX is grandier, more energetic, more dynamic, and more fun. The two has the same soundstage presentation (with Lyra being a bit narrow), staging is also the same between the two, detail retrieval is a bit better with Lyra, vocals are more forward with Lyra...I..I quite love this two (DR, ESX and Lyra are my daily IEMs, they have the same amount of time in my ears), one for critical listening and one for whenever I want to wake up and jam with my music. Tie...KZ did a good job of creating an ESX antithesis.

Lyra vs Shimin Li
Lyra has correct treble, has better techs, correct vocals, sound as organic and analog like Shimin Li. When compared Shimin Li has catastrophic treble response and shouty vocals. Don't even want to compare this two to be honest, I quite hate how Shimin Li replays my library it is just destroying my music enjoyment, glad that I didn't pull the trigger with that overhyped IEM. Don’t even talk about technicalities with Shimin Li its mediocre at best.

Lyra vs Heart Mirror
Lyra and Heart Mirror almost sound the same, with Heart Mirror being brighter and a bit better on detail retrieval. However, I will still choose the Lyra because of its accurate staging and proper vocal position on the soundscape (HM vocals has no permanent position on the soundscape and higher pitched vocals are placed too near to me, while lower pitched types are too far away from me, with Lyra they are just in center whatever vocal type it is). Lyra also sounds more accurate for my ears...Lyra wins.

Lyra vs DQ6S
DQ6S sounds more bloated when compared to Lyra, they both have the same sound presentation. What I don't like with DQ6S is how boxy the female vocals are and how subbass dominant it is, Lyra fixes the issues I have with the DQ6S, while retaining that organic replay...Lyra wins.

Lyra vs CRA+
CRA+ has more definition to cymbals, a bit faster driver speed and has the same organic nature as Lyra. The thing that makes me choose the Lyra over the CRA+ is, CRA+ sounds bloated to me, and upper treble is too metallic for my ears, they are still a good option, but I think Lyra does the whole organic signature better. Lyra wins.

Lyra vs Yume Midnight
YuMid is more refined sounding, doesn't need custom eartips to reduce the shout, has a more noticeable layers in the music and can handle complex tracks with finesse. Lyra somehow mimics the sound signature of YuMid while having 60% of its tech. It’s a YuMid lite for my ears. Yume Midnight wins

Lyra vs Tanya Max
Lyra sounds less bloated and more open, Tanya sounds more accurate and true to life with vocals..however I don't quite like how Tanya presents the bass and treble it’s just low res for my ears and messy for my library..Lyra wins

Lyra vs AS16 Pro
AS16 Pro is the master of staging and layering at the price they are asking. AS16 Pro has better detail retrieval, less congestion, superb separation, spacious soundstage, sounds truer to life. However, it has tonal flaws like apparent leanness with vocals and strings, lack of presence to some instruments. Lyra on the other hand boast its complete and organic sound signature. If Lyra somehow attains AS16 Pro tech it might win this comparison but I fortunately Lyra is too far away from it. AS16 Pro wins.

Mods

Lyra sounds harsh with stock eartips, recommended to change them as soon as possible.

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1. Kbear KB07
Won’t work this time, sounds the same as the stock eartips, I don’t if its just the fit, but the bass of Lyra in these eartips is just diminished. Not recommended.

2. Stock Starline Tips
No. But you can use this for a while if you don’t have other eartips on hand, just be aware of the treble unrefinedness, specially for people who are sensitive to the 4-6kHz region.

3. Sony EP-EX11 Tips
Yeap, will retain that organic timbre while reducing the treble unrefinedness by a lot. Recommended recommended, also improves vocal positioning and tightens the bass response.

4. KZ Reversed Starlines
Okay, if you found the Lyra bassy, which I doubt. Widens the stage and makes the midrange pop out, but reduces the bass significantly, good if you are a treblehead.

5. Spinfits CP145/CP100
Makes the Lyra V-shaped, midrange articulation starts to degrade, however soundscape becomes wider and taller.

6. Generic Foam Tips
Also removes the harshness, but with lesser soundscape width. I don’t recommend them that much since the foam tips bore slips out easily with Lyra’s nozzle.

7. BGVP W01
NOOO. Treble will go brrrr with these tips, don’t.

Equalization
No, just like the ESX, it doesn’t need it . Just enjoy its sound.

Tested Synergies
Midtier Set Mimicker
(Lyra, Sony EP-EX11 Tips, CX-31993, Nicehck 8-core High Purity Copper Cable)
Smoothest and most natural synergy I have achieved, kind of mimics the timbre and staging of some midtier IEMs I have tried (e.g Yume and Yume Midnight). Vocals are also lusher and instruments are more weighted with this synergy. Basically the tips reduces the harshness and makes the vocals more forward, while CX-31993 unlocks the techs and refines the signature a bit.

Make it even More Boring
(Lyra, Sony EP-EX11 Tips, Avani)
Sounds booorring..too flat sounding for my ears. I mean they are still good, but it didn’t have the dynamics that the above synergy has. Recommended if you are a neutral head.

Recommend Tracks/Genres:
Almost all tracks but excels with Acoustic/Jazz/Bossa Nova

“Not that good” Tracks:

• Some tracks with high pitched female vocal lead may be shouty to some.
• Rock (specially oldies), cymbals initial crash may be presented as too forward at times to some.
• Some tracks also lack the energy and wow factor (e.g Shirushibi by Nagi Yanagi).
• Complex tracks like Metal may not be layered as some people may prefer.

Non-affliated Shop Links:
CCA Lyra at Official KZ Store

Overall Rating
A (Below SeeAudio Yume)
Recommended

But due to the current competition right now (talking about the Zeros) KZ might have a hard time making the Lyra enticing to graphs worshippers or sound enthusiasts in general. Unfortunately, I also have a feeling that this will be another EDA Balanced case, since it is not reviewed by big reviewers it will just be skipped by many even if it sounds good and competitive by default. Let’s add the KZ drama and witch hunt that is resonating throughout different forums. It’s really saddening, since KZ is trying to improve their tuning, and get other people feedbacks in the process. All they received these days are backlash from people who didn’t even try most of their IEMs and didn’t know the whole story about the driver gate drama and just joining the hate bandwagon.

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My Ranking Listo!
Asterhythmist

Final Words

Nothing to say to be honest, I’m just disappointed that this IEM will be overshadowed just like the EDA Bal (which is still my keeper till this date).

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CCA Lyra - "A STAR(t) of
Perfection"


DICLAIMER:
This is a review unit. So, you have every right to doubt me. Thank you KZ Official Store and Tyvan Lam for sending me a pair. Really appreciate that.

However this is my personal work..hmmm.. okay leisure haha..and I wont let companies influence what I will be writing.

Consider this as my PERSONAL and SUBJECTIVE "review". We might not agree on the same objective findings simply because we have different taste in music e.g. I listen to Asuka Kirara and you may not even know her..

As always, take a grain of salt and cross reference reviews when buying a product. Here is my take

PACKAGING and ACCESORIES:
-KZ

FIT and COMFORT:
- same as KZ ZEX PRO(CRN) and Dq6s.
- some people dont like the fins

SETUP:
-Shanling M3X using UAPP, Hiby ang stock player

-Different tips used including Radius Deep Mount, Moondrop spring tips,Kbear07/08 and AEX07. Stock tips degrade the sound.

-stock cable and **** 8 core balanced.

-Volume measured and listened at 75-78 dbs.

MY LIBRARY:
I grew up listening to 90’s music. Alternative, punk-rock, screamo, rap, Philippine OPM, Anime songs, JPOP, KPOP, metal, reggae and a lot more.
The artists I regularly listen to are:

Rock-Alternative-Metal
Incubus, 311, BMTH, Matchbox 20, The Goo Goo Dolls, Paramore, Polyphia, The Calling,, Babymetal, Metallica, Slipknot, Bon Jovi, Coheed and Cambria, Deftones, Red Hot, Green day,

OPM(Original Pinoy Music):
E-heads, Slapshock, Parokya, Urbanddub, Up Dharma Down, Bamboo, IV of spade, Kamikazee, Rivermaya

POP:
IU, Yoasobi, Yorushika, Milet, Reona, Maroon 5, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Taylor, Dua Lipa, Oliva Rodrigo, Billie Eilish

OTHERS:
Carpenters, Micheal Learns to Rock, Celine Dion, Bob Marley, Sitti, Daft Punk, Pink Floyed, Earth wind and fire, Amber rubarth, Sia, Yosi Horikawa

I listen to more, but I can’t just list them all here.haha. Just giving you an idea on what I listen.

Sound impression relative to price and performance : 20- 40usd

SOUND PROFILE:

Balanced U shaped with good extension in both ends.
Lyra has good subbass and has a very good downslope going to mids. The melding of subbass and midbass is well done IMO. It spreads quite nicely, not focusing in one area. It is one of the few sets with this curve that I like, because I usually prefer a bit of midbass emphasis. It sounds “proper”, probably because of the driver as well. A well-executed curve tbh.

Mids are clean with minimal bleed from bass. Because of the proper gain, vocals have good presence and air. Instruments also benefit from better micro nuances and note definition. Timbre is natural and organic. Probably a tad hint of brightness at times, but not at harsh levels. I really like how the vocals are presented by the Lyra. You will see in my PROS section that I mention vocals in almost every song I listened haha.

Treble is done right on these compared to their older models. They are not overemphasized, nor lacking. The levels are just enough for me. There is a coupler peak around 8k, and yes, there is a real peak there but not as apparent as CRN. I think it adds a bit of clarity. You can say it is a coloration, well maybe it is. I thought decays on cymbals were very natural with the Lyra, and treble air really helps vocals and instruments gain life.

Technicalities are a bit better compared to KZ’s older models. Although the stage is not that wide and grand when compared to ESX and EDA bal, the Lyra has good proportions, which is believable. The drivers are fast and does not suffer any congestion. Really good attack and decay especially in the lower region. Nothing wrong with layering and separation, just decent.

PROS
in the track “the warmth “, there is so much air and space around Brandon’s voice. It felt like live in a small pub. Also, very detailed, natural sounding instruments and above average detail retrieval in this track really.

“brick by boring brick” sounds energetic. Vocals and instruments have good definition.

I thought “Who I am” by Milet sounded good. Again, very good vocal space and other instruments don’t overlap.

“Only Sorrow” by Yorushika was really soothing. Her voice was just right. Bass does not overwhelm the calmness, and treble gave it enough body.

Wow! that intro of Yoasobi’s ballad version of “tracing that dream”. Very good micro nuances, and when she starts singing, there was so much emotion and definition to her voice. A bit lean and bright, but not offensive. And as always, the bass did not mess this up.

these drivers are speedy. It punches enough and goes back for another blow. Double peds on “Amore” by Babymetal was very easy to catch. Bass lines of “Burglar” by Yorushika are properly rendered as well.

Very good spread of bass in the track “Prostitution” by Yorushika.

“Just a phase” by Incubus, instruments were properly separated especially around 4:50 when the second guitar comes in. In their track “Warning”, guitar harmonics were also very nice to hear.

nuances of bass drum and bass guitar are properly resolved in the track “Aqueous transmission”. It was properly spread without affecting vocals.

In the track “with a smile” by south border, Oh my, vocals and instruments sounded really clear and good.

“constantly” by MYMP sounded real. I felt the air from her microphone. Specially with unvoiced consonants.

I thought AIKA's YMDD-083 sounded... uhmmmm.. great?.. Those slaps..I mean slam.. and those mids with hits and roll.....stage is.. uhmmm.. okay lets stop here

CONS
Oh man, it is really hard to fault them even until now. Maybe my ears are not yet trained enough. Maybe I am just shilling this set too much. But then again, it is not my responsibility to please anyone. Here you go

people might be sensitive to the 8k peak. I sometimes feel I needed to take a rest while listening to the Lyra. Not that they are harsh, but the Lyra really has a lot of energy in that area, so they can sound intense at times.

it is tonally correct but it is not that resolving. Well, this is just a nitpick because most of the sets around this range has almost the same resolution with some exceptions.

packaging is the same as usual. I mean, probably some people are repeat buyers from KZ, and buying a new model with the same accessories is bit redundant, isn’t it? Haha

bass may still be a bit bloated for some people, because it is for me if I really go hard nitpicking

the shells aren’t really shiny. Don’t get deceived by the photos. You need a good amount of light for them to bling IRL. Haha

the stock tips don’t work on them. Better have some other tips ready

imaging could be better

there are other sets that are technically capable in this price range, tho not all are tonally right.

COMPARISONS relative to PRICE and PERFORMANCE

CRA+/EDXU
- Lyra is better for me. More natural treble body and fuller bass attack.

ESX
- A bassier Lyra. But Lyra has better instrument presence.

EDA BAL/EDA Hires
-If you dont have the EDA BAL, I think these are cheaper? The Lyra should me fine.

-If you have the EDA BAL, Lyra has a bit lesser perceived bass because its faster. If you already love the bass of EDA BAL, maybe you can skip the Lyra. Tho personally, I prefer this over EDA BAL. I remember liking EDA HIRES more but its just a bit fatiguing in longer listening sessions.

-Lyra is like a tamed and improved EDA hires.

Tangzu ShiminLi
-Lyra is more tonally correct and ofcourse not as shouty as ShiminLi. Tho I really have to give the techs to ShiminLi. Layering is better, imaging is better, and a more rounded stage on ShiminLi. Do take note that this impression is taken from a ShiminLi on Spiral Dots++.. haha..
-Lyra wins in overall tonal balance, fun factor and wider and airy stage.
-Shiminli wins in accuracy, and overall package.
-Resolution is on par with both

CHU
-hmmm. Yeah im comparing this because they fall in the same bracket. So,

-chu is non-removable cable, and Lyra gives you options to cable roll
-Chu is cleaner sounding but bass might not be enough for you
-Lyra has better tonal balance.
-Chu sounds intimate yet airy
-Lyra sounds immersive and proportionate

Bass modded Heart Mirror
-hmm I think Heart mirror has better layering and resolution. But Lyra is smoother in tonality with lesser peaks and has better stage because its more proportionate
-HM is also better at treble air, tho it can sound very artificial and colored to some people
-HM has thinner timbre even if Lyra is already a bit lean to begin

What else?
-Just comment down below and Ill try to answer if I have heard of the set.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Phew! That was hard to fault them! Honestly, they just play my library right. This is a cheap set, and I am not a die-hard objectivist that nitpicks every centimeter of the FR. Lyra offers a good tonality, decent technicalities, while retaining the KZ fun. The balance of those three is well done on these.

The KZ drama issue really made them what they are today. KZ might be releasing too often, but they do take criticisms well. They take notes on feedbacks and improve in the next release. Yes, basically the fanbase is the best expiremental field they have. Whether you feel okay with it or not depends on how you see the bigger picture.

They may have lost collab opportunities, but isn't a solid fanbase a good collab to begin with?

KZ is so close.

The STAR(t) of KZ perfection starts now.

Oi! And welcome to my another IEM review article. This product review that I will assess is from CCA. I reviewed a lot of products from them and somehow I have some good experience and am a bit surprised at their progress both in tuning capability and choice of newer drivers that they are implementing.


Let's cut short the introduction about the CCA as we are all aware their connection with Chi-Fi's most dominant force, Knowledge Zenith or also known as KZ. I'll be hastily introducing their new product and what we have here right now is their introductory model from their new series line up, The Constellation series.



This is CCA Lyra, the first model from their Constellation series. It has a single Dynamic driver and KZ claims that it's an improvement over their previous 10mm dynamic drivers with their patented composite diaphragm. This newer 10mm dynamic drivers offers better less distortion rate and consistent vibration frequency to deliver more dynamic sounding.




The DD transducers are housed in a polycarbonate plastic shell with an unspecified metal alloy supporting frame on its faceplate. In my opinion, this is one of the most aesthetically pleasing IEM in under $20 price as it reminds of a chandelier with Swarovski crystals which are very elegant and classy looking. The cavity base of Lyra is akin to a UIEM's design cues as it has a protruding fin to provide better fitting stability in the pinna part and it has a brass nozzle of good quality. It has two vent holes, one in the bottom area between the contact point of plastic and metal alloy and the other one is near the placement of the transducer. Like most CCA and its sister, KZ, CCA Lyra uses a QDC-type 2-pin connector which I still have some qualms about.




On a facet on how it fits and rests on my lug holes, I find it very comfortable as it snug well without any wobbling nor feeling strain. It also connects on providing a good passive sound isolation due to its better sealing into my lug holes.


As usual, Like most CCA products in this budget-level range has a very bare bone packaging from box to contents inside. There is nothing special about it.


These are the contents that you can find inside the box.

• A pair of CCA Lyra IEMs
• A parallel, flat 4-core stock cable with a L-shape 3.5mm termination plug (with mic version).
• Extra ear tips of different standard sizes.(small and large)
• Instruction manual.

CCA Lyra is very responsive when it comes to amplification and scaling from any power source. It can be easily driven even with decent power output like smartphones and other multimedia devices.





The general tonality of CCA Lyra is more of a v-shaped sound signature as it has more elevated bass and treble with scoop mids. These are the usual "in-house" sound signatures of CCA products but there are some deviations on its tuning to sound it more balanced.


I'll be pointing out some points about its sound characteristics to its overall sound spectrum.


LOWS/BASS:


This is one of the most refined and definitive bass responses that I've heard from a CCA product. It has this good amount of thud, precise slam and ample depth reach. It is well-segregated as I can point out the part of sub bass and the midbass.


It has an essential sub bass quality that it can produce a good rumble if a bass focus track demands it. The mid bass has substantial texture to a more rounded and solid sound especially on bass guitars, bass kicks and bass-baritone vocals. Bass guitars have that weight and resonant sound every fingered string either slapping, fretless and other bass guitar fingered string techniques. Drum kicks has good pounding and fuller sound to add a lively sound. Bass-baritone has a sufficient deep and guttural sound due to a substantial note texture. Another good thing on bass quality of CCA Lyra that bass bleeding is kept under control in any tracks that it deliver a cleaner and solid bass quality.


This kind of bass quality will be at least more acceptable to bass heads who wants more bass quality and it will probably make those adherent bass heads on exploring on others sound signature which are more balanced sounding.



MIDRANGE:


This is the most prevalent characteristic of CCA's tuning on its overall tuning and it is the less emphasis and scooped on midrange. As usual it has a recess mids but there are some noticeable improvements like an ample texture on the lower mids to give a more robust deep and resonant male voice on any vocal types but female vocals aren't that well-pronounced, less forward, lack of energetic and air and a bit dull especially on mezzo to soprano type of vocals which I can't hear any sense of infos about the quality of vocals.


As for instruments, Snare drum and brass like horns and trumpet has more dominant on this one as it gives a more penetrating and yet shuffling sound on snare drums while it gives a warmer and intense sound on trumpets and with added metallic tinge on horns. On the string instruments, it gives a warm and less crisp sound on guitars and a bit of a thin and austere sound from a violin. And lastly, the piano tone is more a warm and lustrous.


Overall, this is not a refined and a homogenous midrange that I really want as it has a bit subdued on details and clarity that I find it scanty.



HIGHS/TREBLE:


Treble quality on CCA Lyra is somewhat acceptable as it really manages to reduce those upper mid to brilliance treble peaks a bit that might cause some strident and discordant sound. CCA seems to really trying to improve their tuning on this part of frequency range on how it has more smoother delivery compared to their previous tuning but there are some issues that you should take note on this as I will explain it later on the technicalities part of this assessment. I do occasionally encounter some hint of sibilance but to be fair it is still fairly controlled.


Treble extension is barely average as it takes a sudden dip off response on the end of the frequency spectrum which also influences the quality of sizzle on the cymbals, lack of air and loses some harmonics. The only thing to put on show is the sound of hi-hats which really sounds natural and instinctive.


This is indeed the shortcoming that I noticed in CCA Lyra and it was the deficiencies of treble facet in both quality and quantity.



SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:


As for its soundstage, it does really have a very average-size dimension on its sound field. The width is more just an average expansion even though it was a major component on the overall soundstage proportion to give a more broader sense. It also has decent depth and above average height it makes the sense of headroom more of a "natural" sense as it also stay on limits on perceived spatiality on the head neither wide nor too narrow.


Imaging isn't that impressive the fact that it has a similar performance like almost entry-level DDs out there as they do almost the same linear stereo panning. Pinpointing some placement of instruments and singer(s) aren't that consistent and a tad spontaneous. Separation is just decent as it has just enough gap to all the components of a track and layering seems doesn't arrange very well in order, the fact there are some instances of overwhelming of each section of instrument tonal range that causes inconsistencies to the overall sonic spectrum.


Driver coherency is very good as expected to a newly developed dynamic driver that performs very well with faster transient and consistently having lesser distortion.


As for resolution capability, CCA Lyra is more concentrated on the macrodynamics as it presents more solid and general element of track to make it more musical rather than being analytical and technical. Micro-details doesn't fare well here as subtleties and nicety have less definition.


This makes the general overview of its technicalities as mediocre one.


PEER COMPARISONS:


ND NSK

• Both of them are very similar in tuning and capabilities. They are also at almost the same price range. Aesthetics-wise, Lyra has a more elegant look that ND NSK looks like cheaper and plain. ND NSK has better stock cable though.
• They are both in V-shape tuning but the bass region of Lyra is better well, segmented that you determine between sub bass and mid bass, ND NSK still has better body and clarity on mids. I still give ND NSK on treble as I rarely encounter sibilance and also has better treble quality with more smoother and airy.
• Technicalities goes to ND NSK again,why? It has above average soundstage width, better imaging and separation that its layering seems to be more organize and decent definition within each respective dynamic frequency section. Lyra sounds a bit congested especially in more complex tracks.

KZ ESX

• Like its KZ cousin, they share both similarities from tuning to inclusions. Lyra has more of an elegance of a neo-classical look while KZ ESX has more of an aesthetic of a post-modernist art namely cubism.
• Despite that they are both V-shape. ESX bass is more punchy and has an impact that certainly reaches to its deepest end of bass spectrum,as for its mids and treble, I still prefer the overall quality on ESX due to more texture on female vocals and smoother treble registry given that It has smoother response and less sibilant.
• Technicality is even much better on ESX due to a wider soundstage though imaging, separation and layering are similar. Coherency is a bit better on KZ ESX due to faster transients.

BLON-03

• Aesthetically-wise and fitting, no contest. CCA Lyra has better looking shell and is more ergonomically fitting to wear. BLON 03 won't even stand a chance.
• Both have V-shaped sound signatures, bass bleeds on BLON 03 still an issue to me as it ruined the midrange and even the treble while CCA Lyra has a well-controlled mid bass. Mids are both recessed and kinda similar. The only redeeming factor for BLON 03 is a more natural and accurate timbre. The rest will be on CCA Lyra's court.
• Technicalities of both IEMs are similar both have average (I even thought that BLON has even a narrower soundstage). Almost the same imaging, separation and layering capabilities but in coherency, CCA Lyra has better cohesive driver performance, a contrast of slower and sloppier transients execution of BLON-03.

To conclude my review here, CCA Lyra is another evolution of CCA's maturity in tuning on how they keep improving their usual "in-house" V-shaped sound signature by doing some tweaking on tuning or adding some improvements on their hardware like better materials on its transducer. The big question is to whom the CCA Lyra will be offered to despite of existing budget-level competitors like their KZ cousins sharing the same tonality and pricing too in that particular segment. The best possible answers will be its suave and sophisticated look and as for the musicality aspect, it will be its fun and lively sounding that will be more versatile and pleasant to have an enjoyable listening experience.


CCA Lyra is available in two colour choices, White which is a clearer diamond-like finish and Blue one on which it has more akin to a blue sapphire colourway. Its current price is around £11.00/US$13.50 in all e-commerce sites.


Check out also my other reviews on previous CCA products.

• CCA CA10
• CCA CA16 PRO
• CCA CRA

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: CCA LYRA

IMPEDANCE: 28Ω

SENSITIVITY: 113dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 40KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M

PIN TYPE: 2-PIN QDC TYPE CONNECTOR (0.78mm)

PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm

DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER

Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)


Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *

Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**

Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **

Mountain - Mississippi Queen *

Queen - Killer Queen **

Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'

Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'

Pearl Jam - Daughter **

Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *

Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*

Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *

New Order - Blue Monday *

The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *

The Madness- Buggy Trousers *

Metallica - Motorbreath **

Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *

Destiny's Child - Say My Name *

Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *

Mozart - Lacrimosa *

New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *

Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*

Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *

Exciter - Violence and Force *

Diana Krall - Stop This World **

Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*

Lucretia my Reflection – The Sisters of Mercy **

Suzanne Vega – Luka **



P.S.

I am not affiliated to CCA nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to thank Tyvan Lam for providing this review unit, I truly appreciate on his generosity towards me and other reviewers.