CCA HYDRO VS NF Audio NM20

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

Home Ranking Compare IEMs

CCA HYDRO and NF Audio NM20 are in-ear monitors. CCA HYDRO costs $120 while NF Audio NM20 costs $119. CCA HYDRO is $1 more expensive. CCA HYDRO holds a decisive 1.5-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 5.8). CCA HYDRO has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge, CCA HYDRO has significantly better treble with a 2-point edge, CCA HYDRO has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and NF Audio NM20 has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.

Insights

Metric CCA HYDRO NF Audio NM20
Mids 6 5
Treble 5 3
Soundstage 6 7
Dynamics 7 6
Tonality 6.8 4.8
Technicalities 6.3 3
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough CCA HYDRO and NF Audio NM20 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


NF Audio NM20 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Jaytiss

Average Reviewer Score:

5.8

Mixed


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
Ad
Using this affiliate link for ordering your CCA HYDRO or any other IEM helps fund our free service at no extra cost to you.

Price: $124.99

Buy CCA HYDRO on Linsoul

NF Audio NM20 reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 5.8 Reviewer Score
C Tuning
D Tech
This is for stage use, but exciting for music and gaming.

Jaytiss original ranking

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

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

CCA HYDRO 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!

NF Audio NM20 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

NF Audio NM20 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

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

Gaming Score

3.5

Gaming Grade

D+

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.

NF Audio NM20 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
  • Details smear quickly, leaving the presentation cramped and low on definition. You'll notice smearing on even moderately layered songs.
Mids C+
The region sounds agreeable overall, delivering clarity without flashiness. Slight warmth keeps things easy-going.
Treble D
The upper range behaves inconsistently, blending dullness with sudden glare. You'll notice sharp spikes alongside dips.
Dynamics B
Expect energetic dynamics that bring music to life without harshness. It injects enthusiasm into fast music.
Soundstage A-
Immersion steps up dramatically as width, depth, and height integrate into a cohesive hologram. Everything sounds naturally spaced.
Gaming D+
Compromised imaging significantly impacts gameplay awareness. Directional cues often lack accuracy or consistency.

CCA HYDRO User Reviews

Example User Posted on ...
0.0

"This is an example review"

Pros
  • Example pro 1
  • Example pro 2
Cons
  • Example con 1
  • Example con 2
No User-Reviews Yet

Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.

You need to be signed in to write your own review

NF Audio NM20 User Reviews

Example User Posted on ...
0.0

"This is an example review"

Pros
  • Example pro 1
  • Example pro 2
Cons
  • Example con 1
  • Example con 2
No User-Reviews Yet

Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.

You need to be signed in to write your own review

Find your next IEM:

IEM Finder Quiz

new
Use this quiz and answer a few questions to get your individual IEM recommendation list
(1/3) How much are you willing to spend on the IEM?
(2/3) Which sound characteristics are particularly important to you?
(3/3) Which tuning do you prefer?
You can select multiple options.
Buy

Footer