LaughMoreDaily
Headphoneus Supremus
You made a review after listening to a new pair of earphones for 15 mins? Come on now. Stop wasting our time (and yours).So I've been listening to my CCA CRA + KZ Silver/Blue Upgrade Cable (@RikudouGoku rec from his list) + Azla Crystal tips for about 15 minutes now. I'm listening to tracks from the Buena Vista Social Club album via my Liquid Spark desktop stack (LS Amp and the matching DAC (AK4490 chip)).
- I didn't try stock cable. But I did try the stock tips (medium) which were already installed when I opened box. Stock tips are very good. I think the majority of casual users will not feel the need to change them out unless there is an issue with getting a proper seal.
- AZLA Crystal tips, which also arrived in this order, tame the bass slightly and make it feel a little more balanced. But it's pretty close with the stock tips. I wanted to try these tips with other IEM in my collection as well, but they do work for the CRA, which is nice. The tips cost more than the CRA though. It's not really a great bargain in direct comparison.
- Mild V-Shape, very slight recess of vocals, especially with stock tips. Very dynamic sounding. Details are better than was expected. Spacing/soundstage and overall presentation also seems way more mature, articulate than what the price would suggest it to be. Percussive hits like the congas are distinct in the stereo space. Good separation/dynamics between the upright bass and the other stringed instruments. I'm hearing some details like tiny clicks in the recording (drum sticks hitting each other when the drummer takes a rest) that I don't always hear in other IEMs/Headphones.
- If I had to quickly nitpick, I have a slight issue with the tonality/texture of the brass instruments I'm currently hearing. I would like a warmer, richer tonality as they seem a bit thin and cold sounding. But it isn't a major issue to me, at least.
Overall, these are very good and for only $20 via Amazon? Crazy....
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