CCA HYDRO VS Kiwi Ears Quartet

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

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CCA HYDRO and Kiwi Ears Quartet use 2DD+8BA and 2DD+2BA driver setups respectively. CCA HYDRO costs $120 while Kiwi Ears Quartet costs $110. CCA HYDRO is $10 more expensive. CCA HYDRO holds a decisive 2.1-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 5.2). CCA HYDRO has significantly better mids with a 1.5-point edge, CCA HYDRO has significantly better treble with a 2.3-point edge, CCA HYDRO has significantly better dynamics with a 3-point edge and CCA HYDRO has slightly better soundstage with a 0.3-point edge.

Insights

Metric CCA HYDRO Kiwi Ears Quartet
Bass 7.3 4.5
Mids 6 4.5
Treble 5 2.7
Details 7.3 4
Soundstage 6 5.8
Imaging 7.3 4.3
Dynamics 7 4
Tonality 6.8 4.8
Technicalities 6.3 3.8
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough CCA HYDRO 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


Kiwi Ears Quartet Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Nymz
Jaytiss Super* Review
Fresh Reviews Shuwa-T Jays Audio
Z-Reviews Head-Fi.org

Average Reviewer Score:

5.2

Mixed to Negative


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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Kiwi Ears Quartet reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 4.3 Reviewer Score
C- Tuning
E- Tech
Silly fun V shaped set, but very not neutral.

Jaytiss original ranking

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

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

Kiwi Ears Quartet reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
B Tech

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

Kiwi Ears Quartet reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 7.8 * score rescaled + normalized
13 community members have rated the Kiwi Ears Quartet at an average of 4.2/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Kiwi Ears Quartet (more reviews)

Kiwi Ears Quartet reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 7.2 * score rescaled + normalized

Kiwi Ears Quartet reviewed by Fresh Reviews

Fresh Reviews 5.5* * The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score

Kiwi Ears Quartet reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 5.3 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
C+ Tech
check links for more info:

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: B Mids: B- Treble: C- Soundstage: B- Details: C+ Imaging: B-

Kiwi Ears Quartet reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 4* * score rescaled + normalized

Kiwi Ears Quartet reviewed by Nymz

Nymz 3 Reviewer Score
D Tuning
D Tech
Overly extended bass that bleeds into the mid-range (very warm).

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

Bass: D Mids: D Treble: D Details: D Imaging: D

CCA HYDRO User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Kiwi Ears Quartet 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

Kiwi Ears Quartet Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

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

Gaming Score

4.1

Gaming Grade

C-

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.

Kiwi Ears Quartet Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

C
  • Tonality remains inconsistent, with uneven peaks and dips that disrupt musical flow. You'll constantly notice peaks or dips pulling focus.

Average Technical Grade

D+
  • Even moderate complexity exposes the limited resolution and narrow sense of space. Technical fans will find it lacking.
Bass C
Expect a conservative bass profile that maintains order but little excitement. Basslines track along but rarely stand out.
Mids C
The region is listenable but lacks the finesse and clarity of better tuning. A touch of EQ can smooth things out.
Treble D-
Expect a dark-tilted treble that keeps excitement in check. Sibilants are dull, but so is everything else.
Dynamics C-
The system delivers passable punch but never surprises. Punch is modest rather than exciting.
Soundstage B-
The image breathes a little, spacing instruments laterally while sketching a light sense of distance. Separation improves with cleaner recordings.
Details C-
You get the outline of textures, though the finer brushstrokes remain faint. Background information is audible but soft.
Imaging C-
Separation is good enough for casual listening yet misses audiophile precision. Depth remains limited but present.
Gaming C-
Minimal environmental definition provides only general audio cues. Suitable for games where positioning isn't critical.

CCA HYDRO User Reviews

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Kiwi Ears Quartet User Reviews

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