CCA HYDRO VS 7th Acoustics Proxima

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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CCA HYDRO and 7th Acoustics Proxima use 2DD+8BA and 1BA driver setups respectively. CCA HYDRO costs $120 while 7th Acoustics Proxima costs $100. CCA HYDRO is $20 more expensive. CCA HYDRO holds a decisive 1.9-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 5.5). 7th Acoustics Proxima has slightly better mids with a 0.3-point edge, 7th Acoustics Proxima has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge, CCA HYDRO has significantly better dynamics with a 3-point edge and 7th Acoustics Proxima has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.

Insights

Metric CCA HYDRO 7th Acoustics Proxima
Bass 7.3 4
Mids 6 6.3
Treble 5 6
Details 7.3 5.5
Soundstage 6 7
Imaging 7.3 5.8
Dynamics 7 4
Tonality 6.8 4.9
Technicalities 6.3 6.4
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough CCA HYDRO and 7th Acoustics Proxima reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

CCA HYDRO Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

7.3

Generally Favorable


7th Acoustics Proxima Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

5.5

Mixed to Negative


Reviews Comparison

CCA HYDRO (more reviews)

CCA HYDRO reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 7 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
C+ Tech
When this hits it's very fun. Insane value.
Youtube Video Summary

Build & fit hit above the price: a sleek, glossy shell that’s a bit of a fingerprint magnet but sits securely with a small nozzle and generally comfy ergonomics; only the backside contour may trip up a few ears. The stock QDC-style cable feels plush and durable—decidedly “world-class” at this tier. No case in the box, but that’s a minor nit when the overall presentation feels A1.

On the rig, the Hydro shows tight channel matching and a versatile tuning via dip switches. The curve echoes heavy-hitters—think a tasteful 2.5–3 kHz rise, a dip after, and robust sub-bass with real treble extension. Comparisons point toward Monarch/Annihilator territory for tonality cues, while still keeping its own flavor: weighty bass and sparkling air without mid-bass bloat. The result is genre-agnostic confidence—female/male vocals, instrumentals, metal, R&B, gaming, even movies—all come through clean, lively, and engaging.

The “problem”? Not the sound—sonically it’s a standout—but the brand baggage some attach to KZ/CCA. Set that aside and Hydro reads like a reckless trend-setter: a double-DD + 8BA hybrid that punches way up, credibly sparring with sets in the $500–$600 bracket while costing far less. With its fit, tuning, and value—plus that excellent cable—this is an easy recommendation for anyone chasing a musical, detailed, and switchable all-rounder.

Mids: B Treble: C+ Dynamics: A- Soundstage: B

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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CCA HYDRO reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 6.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A Tech
The best KZ so far, tuning swithces allow lots of options. Good tech, all-rounder sound with bass boost, but, KZ.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

CCA HYDRO reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 8.5 * score rescaled + normalized
2 community members have rated the CCA Hydro at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

7th Acoustics Proxima (more reviews)

7th Acoustics Proxima reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 6.3 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
A- Tech
Tech performance for this price is unparalled, a true IEF neutral offering, treble extension Tuning to such neutrality is not welcome for majority of people, bass impact non-existent

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: D Mids: B Treble: A- Soundstage: A- Details: A- Imaging: A

7th Acoustics Proxima reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 6* * score rescaled + normalized

7th Acoustics Proxima reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 5.5 Reviewer Score
B- Tuning
A+ Tech
True "IEF Neutral" IEM, can be "A" tier with easy EQ Bass lacks fun and life

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: B Mids: A+ Treble: A-

7th Acoustics Proxima reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 4 Reviewer Score
C- Tuning
C- Tech
Sounds similar to an ER3 from memory, but possibly worse.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: D Mids: C+ Treble: C- Dynamics: C- Details: C- Imaging: C-

CCA HYDRO User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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7th Acoustics Proxima User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!

CCA HYDRO Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.4

Gaming Grade

B

7th Acoustics Proxima Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6

Gaming Grade

B

CCA HYDRO Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B+
  • It sounds pleasant overall, with some uneven spots that hint at room for refinement. Vocals remain pleasant despite the imperfections.

Average Technical Grade

B
  • It offers a competent showing, maintaining cohesion on straightforward arrangements. Complex passages start to challenge it, but never derail the show.
Mids B
Midrange presence is good, delivering clear vocals and solid texture. Voices come through with pleasing clarity.
Treble C+
Treble is decent, offering acceptable extension without harshness. It balances presence with a touch of restraint.
Dynamics A-
Dynamic performance is excellent, combining sharp transients with strong contrast. Transients snap with authority.
Soundstage B
The presentation supplies a believable venue outline where each instrument owns its pocket of space. The stage opens up nicely for live cuts.
Gaming B
Decent spatial awareness for fundamental positioning. Creates satisfying atmosphere in story-driven games while handling basic directional cues.

7th Acoustics Proxima Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

C
  • Uneven emphasis across the spectrum keeps the presentation unsettled and awkward. Acoustic instruments lose their natural body.

Average Technical Grade

B
  • An honest, middle-of-the-road performance preserves structure without chasing micro-detail. It's respectable for everyday listening sessions.
Bass C-
Low-end presence is gentle and restrained, favoring balance over slam. There's enough presence for casual listening.
Mids B
Expect a confident midrange that keeps details audible without harshness. Acoustic arrangements sound engaging.
Treble B
Expect crisp, well-balanced treble that keeps shimmer intact. You hear reverbs decay naturally.
Dynamics C-
Expect modest dynamics that keep music listenable without thrill. Micro-contrast is serviceable.
Soundstage A-
The stage stretches in every direction, carving out clear three-dimensional pockets for each player. Placement accuracy impresses from the start.
Details B-
Ambient cues appear, albeit with softer focus than die-hard resolution seekers may prefer. You can follow supporting instruments well.
Imaging B-
Decent positional accuracy provides good left/right placement with an acceptable center image. Instruments stay anchored once placed.
Gaming B
Decent spatial awareness for fundamental positioning. Creates satisfying atmosphere in story-driven games while handling basic directional cues.

CCA HYDRO User Reviews

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7th Acoustics Proxima User Reviews

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