• I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as earphones should be used.
• Keephifi sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, transparent review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
• The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
• No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
• Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

• - Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
• - Tanchjim Space DAC
• - Fosi Audio SK02 USB DAC
• - Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini DAC
• - Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
• - Sony Xperia X Compact
• - Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

• The CCZ Solo is a v-shaped sounding IEM that leans to the warmer and bassier side of the spectrum, which is the brand’s signature, based on their IEMs that I have personally heard and reviewed.

• As expected from the company’s signature sound, it is elevated, thick, rumbly, but not overly done. Its subbass is more dominant than its midbass, reaching deeper levels when the track needs it. Attack and decay is average in decay, and never lacked, despite keeping its characteristic fairly composed. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t QKZ x HBB Hades, or 7Hz Legato - level of bass in terms of quantity, but this is still bassy and thumpy for its price while keeping the overall sound fairly controlled.

• The mids are warm, and a bit recessed to my liking, but it is “decently placed” in terms of its presence for most people, given that I have let this be used by my friend that uses earphones daily, but not on the hobby. It does exhibit a noticeable midbass bleed, but never made the lower mids drowned or boxed. Lower mids are a bit thicker than usual, making this region bodied in sound. Upper mids are mildly elevated, with a good amount of clarity, air, and sparkle. Unnatural peaks and harshness is quite absent in this region, while not sounding rolled off or dark. This already makes it a really good recommendation for everyone who wants or needs an IEM that can be used daily without fatigue.

• Moving on to the treble, it is well-extended, has great air and presence, without sounding dark or bright to my liking. Unnatural peaks and harshness are still absent in this region. Detail retrieval is average for its asking price, rendering most details easily.

• There is nothing to write home about the CCZ Solo in this region, but that doesn’t mean that it is bad in this department - far from it, actually. The soundstage is wider than deep. Separation and layering is average at best, with some congestion on very busy passages and tracks. Imaging is accurate enough for casual podcasts, FPS gaming, and live performances.

• In a nutshell, the KZ EDC Pro is a warmer, thicker set between the two sets, but lacks slightly in air and firmness of the overall sound when compared to the CCZ Solo. The solo sounds noticeably thinner when compared, making it a bit more versatile on genres when compared to the EDC Pro. The CCZ Solo edges out the EDC Pro on the separation and layering as well, but not by a lot.

• As for this comparison, the CCZ Solo is now thicker in sound when compared to the Wan’er SE. The Wan’er SE aims for a neutral, “as-transparent-as-it-can-be” sound profile, while the CCZ Solo presents itself in a warm, fun manner. Bass is definitely better in quantity on the CCZ Solo. Upper frequencies are noticeably more airy on the Wan’er SE. Technical performance is also better on the Wan’er SE, but not by a lot.

• The Rose Technics Starlight is also a bassy, fun-sounding IEM, but in a bullet form and aims for the Harman Target, while the CCZ Solo presents itself in a classic, V-shaped, warm sound. Both sets are really good for their respective retail price. The Starlight is a bit thicker and smoother in sound when compared. Detail retrieval and technical performance is also better on the Starlight, but not by a lot.

Verdict

• Source: The CCZ Solo is easy to drive and works well with smartphones when directly plugged in. Plugging it directly on a neutral/warm USB DAC has improvements, but not night-and-day.
• Eartips: The eartips included seem to pair well with this IEM. You may still use your preferred eartips.
• Cable: The cable is alright, gets the job done, but is quite prone to tangle and too thin to my liking. You may still use your preferred cable.