Reviewed by Aleigrea Ren
:
(+) Only $29
(+) 2-pin connector
(+) A magnificent unboxing experience
(+) Good quality cable and pouch
(+) Solid choose for those who like Harman-style tuning
:
(-) Acceptable but limited technical performance
(-) Unfocused vocals, a bit floaty
(-) Chin slider doesn’t work well (minor nitpick)
CCA Phoenix – Rebirth Like a Phoenix
“The Art of Rebirth in Sound”
Like a Phoenix, greatness isn't born — it's reborn through fire.
Specifications
Driver: 1DD, 10mm dual-magnet driver
Sensitivity: 108 dB
Impedance: 33 Ω
Frequency Response: 20 – 40 kHz
Connector Type: 2-pin, 0.78mm
Jack Type: 3.5mm / Type-C
Price: $29 (Linsoul), $19 (CCA Official Shopee), $33 (AliEx)
Personal Score: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)
★★★★★ : Excellent
★★★★ : Great
★★★ : Good
★★ : Decent
★ : Bad
Disclaimer
This CCA Phoenix unit was sent directly by CCA HIFI for review. There was no script or direction from them, so you can rest assured this is an honest review, written as my feedback and appreciation for the opportunity.
This review is subjective, but I’ve tried to keep it as objective as possible even with some personal bias. Don’t take everything here as absolute truth — use it as a reference and, if possible, try it yourself.
Prologue: Introduction
CCA HIFI (Clear Concept Audio) — CCA already independent, no longer under the same umbrella as KZ, so that's why the new product called Phoenix, they will bring CCA into a new branding, and most of us already know for making affordable yet good-quality IEMs. Carrying the philosophy “Clear Sound, Clear Concept”, CCA focuses on balanced, detailed, musical tunings leaning toward V-shape, and offers a wide range of driver configurations — from multi-driver setups like CCA Rhapsody (2DD+4BA) to single DDs like CRA and Polaris, and even planar models like PLA13.
Personal Preference
My ears are quite adaptive to many IEMs, but I personally enjoy balanced bright-ish, mild V-shape, U-shape, meta tuning, and forward high frequencies.
Daily Drivers:
IEM: KZ x HBB PR2, Hidizs MS2 Pro
TWS: Moondrop Block, Eggel Steelbuds
DAC: TRN Black Pearl
Test Tracks:
Architects – Curse / Seeing Red
Infant Annihilator – Blashpemian
As I Lay Dying – Burden / Parallels
LE SSERAFIM – 1800-hot-n-fun / Blue Flame
HUNTR/X – Golden / Acapella ver. / What It Sounds Like
Aimer – Kyoukara Omoide / Hoshino Kieta Yoruni / Akane Sasu
Aimyon – Heart / Marigold
Back Number – Suiheisen / to new lovers
Mahalini – Sisa Rasa / Sial / Mencintaimu
Test Source:
DAC: TRN Black Pearl
Eartips/Cable: Stock
Chapter 1: Unboxing Experience
Never did I imagine opening a $29 IEM box that feels this luxurious. The unboxing feels like opening the gates of a royal palace. You’re greeted by an illustration of a Phoenix — symbolizing rebirth, clearly showing CCA’s intention to mark a positive change, a rebrand, and a new beginning.
Inside, the accessory set feels complete and well thought out:
• CCA Phoenix Unit
The IEM body is compact with a metal housing resembling the TRN Conch, and the nozzle area is made from aluminum alloy. No complaints about the fitting, even if you wear it for a long time, I still enjoy it.
• Pouch Case
A synthetic leather magnetic pocket-style pouch, large enough to hold the IEM, cable, and a small dongle.
• SPC 4-Braid Cable (3.5mm)
Feels surprisingly premium — the kind of cable you’d usually see in higher price brackets. It’s soft and flexible, though I’d suggest not moving the chin slider too much since the rubber friction can damage the braid.
• 1 Pair Eartips (S/M/L)
Decent quality, but tip rolling is recommended to get the best seal.
• Manual Booklet
The paper you’ll never read anyway.
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Driven by the TRN Black Pearl DAC plugged into a Sony XZ1 (max phone volume, no gain boost on DAC). It’s easy to drive, even directly from a smartphone.
Chapter 2: Tonality
Sound Signature:
Harman-style V-shape — both sub-bass and mid-bass are well-balanced and prominent, vocals slightly recessed, lower treble sparkly, and upper treble airy.
Bass
It has a typical Harman-style bass: big and satisfying. Mid-bass takes the spotlight, while sub-bass has a decent lift but doesn’t dominate. The rumble is present and fairly deep with a long decay, though control isn’t its strong suit. On tracks like “Heart” – Aimyon, the sub-bass can bleed into vocals, causing some muddiness.
Mid-bass feels punchy and moderately thumpy, with a fairly fast attack — good enough for metal tracks, though in “Blashpemian” – Infant Annihilator, double pedals sound a bit blurry.
Overall, bass texture feels smooth and slightly muddy, lacking in definition and control.
Midrange
Vocals sit behind the instruments and bass, with a thick note weight. Both male and female vocals sound balanced and free from shouty or sibilance, but they lack focus and emotional clarity — a bit floaty.
Instruments like guitar and piano (e.g. “Hoshino Kieta Yoruni” – Aimer) sound natural and clean, but not particularly resolving.
Treble
Treble is energetic and sparkly without becoming harsh. Cymbals, violins, and percussive instruments are well-defined, with decent air in the upper region — though timbre leans slightly unnatural due to a somewhat forced upper treble boost.
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Chapter 3: Technical Performance
Let’s be real — at around $20, you shouldn’t expect top-tier technicalities.
Resolution is average, separation is okay, with instruments slightly distinguishable. The soundstage has mild width left-to-right, imaging is somewhat blurred, with instruments centered and overlapping.
The background isn’t fully black, but it’s passable for the price.
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Epilogue: Conclusion
For just $29–33, the CCA Phoenix obviously isn’t perfect — but it’s genuinely impressive where it counts. The pros feel honest: when else can you get a KZ-family IEM with a 2-pin connector, great unboxing experience, and solid accessories at this price?
The cons are mostly in the technical side, but for casual listeners, they won’t be deal-breakers.
Overall, a solid choice for anyone who enjoys Harman-style tuning and values a premium presentation at a budget price.
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Thanks for reading until the end!
Feedback and suggestions are always welcome.
See you in the next review.
