CCA C10 Pro Review

CCA C10 Pro

CCA C10 Pro review everyone! I’m not entirely sure where CCA Acoustics or better known as simply CCA comes from and there isn’t also much to be found around the web. Their address shows that it is most likely a spinoff company by KZ Acoustics, which needs no introduction as they are basically what defines Chi-Fi as of the moment. CCA hasn’t been featured on our site and that’s about to change.

What we have to review now is the CCA C10 Pro, an improved take on their initial C10 offering. The CCA C10 Pro that we would be using for review was sent in by Better Audio Amazon US in exchange for an honest take on them and no monetary factors are involved. You can check them out on their official Better Audio Amazon US storefront.

The CCA C10 Pro is a hybrid driver IEM that features a single 10mm dynamic and four balanced armature (30095, 50060 and single custom mid-high frequency driver) drivers. A 20hz to 40kHz Frequency Response, 109dB Sensitivity and a 24 Ohm Impedance. Priced at $49, the CCA C10 Pro certainly looks better than where KZ was when they are in the same timeframe in their businesses. But does it sound any better than what KZ has to offer? Let’s find out.

Product link: Better Audio US Amazon CCA C10 Pro

Packaging and Build Quality

CCA C10 Pro packaging

The CCA C10 Pro comes in a white cardboard box with only the CCA logo upfront and minor product specifications on the back and the company details. Inside this box reveals a pouch that stores the warranty card and manual and underneath it is the cardboard cutout where the C10 Pro sits along with a small box for its stock cable and 3-sized ear tips (S, M and L). No other accessories are provided.

CCA C10 Pro accessory set

I’m loving the improvements on the build quality and design that has been done on the C10 Pro as compared to the earlier models from CCA that I’ve tried, the C16 and the CA4. While the faceplate still reminds me of KZ with its noticeable irregular 3-line design. The faceplate is made of aluminum alloy with some subtle brushed metal finish and 3 discrete allen screws to secure it with the translucent gray shell.

The translucent shell features 2 vents directly placed where the dynamic driver is which is a standard practice where dynamic drivers are involved. The shell is fairly ergonomic and doesn’t sit on the larger size which made fit and comfort great. The CCA C10 Pro branding is also much more legible along with the notable removable of the L-R markings. An aluminum alloy nozzle that features a lip with a metal mesh completes the CCA C10 pro.

CCA C10 Pro 2pin connectors

Another area where CCA has improved is their choice of stock cable which now looks fairly better than their predecessor. The C10 Pro now utilizes an SPC cable with transparent .75mm 2pin housings, an over-ear guide, translucent Y-split and also a translucent 3.5mm gold-plated plug in the L orientation.

The choice of CCA to go this path with its stock cable is now making choices like picking the mic version completely off given that we are getting it as an audiophile solution. It has been a trend of mine to always choose the mic version with the CCA, KZ and TRN line of products for that value-added proposition as previous experiences weren’t that positive. This new stock cable is a different case, finally. It has minimal cable noise and storage is also manageable. A big move towards better CCA products.

Tonality and Isolation

This CCA C10 Pro review shows that this set has a pretty straightforward warm signature with a slight hint of upper frequency emphasis. It is able to offer a natural sounding timbre and doesn’t sound analytical and reference. I’m yet to find a really enjoyable reference sounding IEM from the CCA camp or its peers, KZ, Tripowin and TRN. It would be great to hear one in the succeeding models. I did the usual 200-hour burn-in process for the CCA C10 Pro for those who live by it. I also decided to use the stock medium-sized silicone ear tips along with the Sony WM1A (3.02 FW) and the Sony CAS-1 off a MSI GF62-8RE laptop via Foobar2000 v1.4 outputting various FLAC files which would be mentioned along the realview.

Lows

The CCA C10 Pro presents itself with an overall low-end dominant sound with its sub bass rendered in a nimble manner but desirably lacking in punch. Its mid bass comes out in a tight and weighty manner with the still distinct lack of thump. Jamiroquai’s Night Out In The Jungle in 16/44 FLAC showcased the C10 Pro’s inert quick low-end that doesn’t leave behind refined bass performance. It is robust which is enjoyable for tracks that has loads of fast paced bass deliveries. It won’t however knock you off your feet with its tapered power and impact result.

Midrange

The midrange presentation of the C10 pro comes in a more subdued manner with the lower midrange being the least of the focus but still being able to sound full. The vocals are done in a smooth approach with a tad lack of articulation. Female vocals sound natural while the male vocals are rendered in a slightly breathy tone. The upper midrange is where the emphasis on the midrange frequency shows its skin, which is slightly boosted but still within being well-controlled.

Highs

I’m a man of the highs and the CCA C10 Pro with all its affinity towards the treble makes it a nice set for me to cop and use on a daily basis. But there is still fault to be found on the C10 Pro, while the treble is presented in a snappy and crisp form, the lack of precision and consistency makes it a set that exhibits the occasional splashy IEM with hints of sibilance which might trigger those that are sensitive to the highs a little hesitant. The CCA C10 Pro is great for those that are not easily swayed by minor treble peaks and would indeed garner a lot of listening time.

Soundstage and Imaging

The soundstage of the CCA C10 Pro leans on the wider side of the spectrum giving a slightly spacious presentation where width can easily be spotted with a left to right and right to left panning. The separation benefits from this aspect but with a minor setback when it comes to imaging as it doesn’t boast the best clarity and detail retrieval. Layering is also kept at a mediocre level but still doesn’t reach the congested region. The C10 Pro is decent enough overall with regards to its imaging performance with a slightly better performance on its soundstage.

Conclusion

The CCA C10 Pro benefits from the experience in terms of having a more mature sound in terms of KZ standards given its close link to the said brand. It does sound definitely warm however the erratic highs present a rather confusing approach coupled with the lack of resolution will turn some heads off. This kind of presentation might score some points for those that like variety, but they could have taken a more well-defined sound signature and not try to hit multiple targets with a single bullet.