Etymotic ER2XR VS CCA HYDRO

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

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Etymotic ER2XR and CCA HYDRO use 1DD and 2DD+8BA driver setups respectively. Etymotic ER2XR costs $100 while CCA HYDRO costs $120. CCA HYDRO is $20 more expensive. CCA HYDRO holds a decisive 1.9-point edge in reviewer scores (5.4 vs 7.3). Etymotic ER2XR has slightly better mids with a 0.3-point edge, CCA HYDRO has slightly better treble with a 0.3-point edge, CCA HYDRO has significantly better dynamics with a 4-point edge and CCA HYDRO has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.

Insights

Metric Etymotic ER2XR CCA HYDRO
Bass 6 7.3
Mids 6.3 6
Treble 4.8 5
Details 5 7.3
Soundstage 5 6
Imaging 4.5 7.3
Dynamics 3 7
Tonality 5.8 6.8
Technicalities 5.1 6.3
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough CCA HYDRO reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Etymotic ER2XR Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Jaytiss
Nymz
Precogvision Jays Audio Tim Tuned
Gizaudio Axel
Super* Review

Average Reviewer Score:

5.4

Mixed to Negative


CCA HYDRO Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Jays Audio
Jaytiss
Head-Fi.org

Average Reviewer Score:

7.3

Generally Favorable


Reviews Comparison

Etymotic ER2XR reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 5.5 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech

Etymotic ER2XR reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 3.5 Reviewer Score
D+ Tuning
E+ Tech
Legendary iem. But I can't even.

Jaytiss original ranking

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

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

Etymotic ER2XR (more reviews)

Etymotic ER2XR reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 7* * score rescaled + normalized

Etymotic ER2XR reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 6 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
B- Tech
Great tuning with natural vocals and safe treble. The fit.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

Etymotic ER2XR reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 5.7 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
C+ Tech
Controlled bass and darker treble. Narrow imaging, but solid technicalities for a single DD.

Precogvision original ranking

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

Etymotic ER2XR reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 5.5 Reviewer Score
B- Tuning
A- Tech
Great detail and solid tuning Intrusive fit

Tim Tuned original ranking

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

Etymotic ER2XR reviewed by Nymz

Nymz 4.9 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
C Tech
Sub-100usd king. Great for the price, punching above, but fit is a major problem - I use it with comply foams. Lacks stage depth due to fit. Hard to drive.

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

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

CCA HYDRO (more reviews)

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

Etymotic ER2XR User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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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!

Etymotic ER2XR Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

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

Gaming Score

5.3

Gaming Grade

C+

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

Etymotic ER2XR Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B-
  • A mostly enjoyable signature keeps things listenable despite a handful of quirks. It handles most playlists without major complaints.

Average Technical Grade

C+
  • Overall technicalities are acceptable, delivering enough clarity for casual sessions. Imaging is serviceable though not immersive.
Bass B
The bass brings healthy impact, complementing mixes without overpowering them. It keeps up with faster passages cleanly.
Mids B
It offers engaging mid frequencies with pleasing clarity and layering. Details emerge without becoming harsh.
Treble C
Treble is adequate overall, though its texture can feel coarse. Longer sessions may expose grain.
Dynamics D
The presentation feels restrained, with transients arriving blunted and slow. Rhythms lack the expected drive.
Soundstage C+
Decent spatial presentation with noticeable width and a modest step forward in depth perception. There's a mild sense of width to enjoy.
Details C+
Decent detail retrieval that handles most textures while leaving some micro-information understated. Most textures come through cleanly.
Imaging C
Depth hints are present though they rarely extend far beyond the stage front. Movement effects are understandable.
Gaming C+
Fundamental left/right positioning with limited depth perception. Works for non-competitive gaming but lacks precision.

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.

Etymotic ER2XR User Reviews

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CCA HYDRO User Reviews

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