CCA HYDRO VS Angelears X TFZ Athena

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

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CCA HYDRO and Angelears X TFZ Athena use 2DD+8BA and 1x Dynamic (10mm Beryllium) driver setups respectively. CCA HYDRO costs $120 while Angelears X TFZ Athena costs $130. Angelears X TFZ Athena is $10 more expensive. CCA HYDRO holds a decisive 3.8-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 3.5). CCA HYDRO has significantly better mids with a 2-point edge, CCA HYDRO has significantly better treble with a 3-point edge, CCA HYDRO has significantly better dynamics with a 6-point edge and CCA HYDRO has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.

Insights

Metric CCA HYDRO Angelears X TFZ Athena
Mids 6 4
Treble 5 2
Soundstage 6 5
Dynamics 7 1
Tonality 6.8 3
Technicalities 6.3 2
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough CCA HYDRO and Angelears X TFZ Athena reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

CCA HYDRO Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Jays Audio
Jaytiss
Head-Fi.org

Average Reviewer Score:

7.3

Generally Favorable


Angelears X TFZ Athena Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Jaytiss
Audio Amigo

Average Reviewer Score:

3.5

Poor


Reviews Comparison

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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Angelears X TFZ Athena reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 3 Reviewer Score
D Tuning
E+ Tech
Doesn't get a recomendation at this price.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C- Treble: E+ Dynamics: E- Soundstage: C+

CCA HYDRO (more reviews)

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

Angelears X TFZ Athena (more reviews)

Angelears X TFZ Athena reviewed by Audio Amigo

Audio Amigo 4 * score rescaled + normalized
Classic "2018" Single DD V-shaped tuning. Bright, Bassy, sharp, slightly fatiguing tonality. Bass Bleeds into Mids. "Classic" sound. Nice cable.

Audio Amigo original ranking

Audio Amigo Youtube Channel

CCA HYDRO User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Angelears X TFZ Athena 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

Angelears X TFZ Athena Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

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

Gaming Score

2.3

Gaming Grade

E+

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.

Angelears X TFZ Athena Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

D
  • It struggles with balance, producing a lumpy response that rarely sounds coherent. Genre hopping highlights glaring inconsistencies.

Average Technical Grade

E+
  • A foggy, one-dimensional presentation wipes out layering and obscures the finer points of a mix. Spatial cues barely register at all.
Mids C-
It delivers a workable midrange that could benefit from smoother transitions. Timbre isn't quite convincing yet.
Treble E+
Treble leans dark, softening cymbals and trimming extension. Brightness is replaced with a murky haze.
Dynamics E-
Dynamics barely flicker, leaving energetic sections strangely subdued. There's no punch to latch onto.
Soundstage C+
You start to perceive distinct rows of players even if the ceiling still feels low. Layering is present but still modest.
Gaming E+
Compromised imaging significantly impacts gameplay awareness. Directional cues often lack accuracy or consistency.

CCA HYDRO User Reviews

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Angelears X TFZ Athena User Reviews

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