CCA HYDRO VS Dunu SA3

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

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CCA HYDRO and Dunu SA3 use 2DD+8BA and 3BA driver setups respectively. CCA HYDRO costs $120 while Dunu SA3 costs $140. Dunu SA3 is $20 more expensive. CCA HYDRO holds a decisive 4.3-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 3). CCA HYDRO has significantly better mids with a 4-point edge, CCA HYDRO has significantly better treble with a 3-point edge and CCA HYDRO has significantly better dynamics with a 5-point edge.

Insights

Metric CCA HYDRO Dunu SA3
Bass 7.3 2
Mids 6 2
Treble 5 2
Details 7.3 2
Soundstage 6 3
Imaging 7.3 2
Dynamics 7 2
Tonality 6.8 2
Technicalities 6.3 2
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough CCA HYDRO and Dunu SA3 reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

CCA HYDRO Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

7.3

Generally Favorable


Dunu SA3 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

3

Very Poor


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

Dunu SA3 (more reviews)

Dunu SA3 reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 4* * score rescaled + normalized

Dunu SA3 reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 2 Reviewer Score
E+ Tuning
E+ Tech
A mess in the tuning department. Literally not sure what I heard.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: E+ Mids: E+ Treble: E+ Dynamics: E+ Details: E+ Imaging: E+

CCA HYDRO User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Dunu SA3 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

Dunu SA3 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

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

Gaming Score

2

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.

Dunu SA3 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

E+
  • Balance is severely off, producing a harsh, unpleasant listen regardless of genre. Long sessions quickly become exhausting.

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.
Bass E+
Bass lines feel skeletal, robbing tracks of their intended foundation. Genres relying on sub-bass struggle.
Mids E+
Midrange sounds thin and brittle, robbing vocals of weight. Voices lack weight and emotion.
Treble E+
The upper end is cloaked, leaving cymbals lacking shimmer and air. Overtones hide behind the midrange.
Dynamics E+
Subtle shifts disappear, with transients lacking bite or urgency. Drum hits arrive without conviction.
Details E+
Secondary lines struggle to stand apart because resolution can't parse their subtleties. Textures feel monotone and dull.
Imaging E+
Center focus slips in and out, eroding confidence in where sounds originate. There's no consistent center image.
Gaming E+
Compromised imaging significantly impacts gameplay awareness. Directional cues often lack accuracy or consistency.

CCA HYDRO User Reviews

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Dunu SA3 User Reviews

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