• Jan 12, 2026
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CCZ CZ10: A Strongly Built, Fun Sounding IEM with A Smooth Treble and Wide Presentation

Reviewed by jjazzy
Source: Head-Fi
Pros
- Nice metal metal shells
- Distinct design with an nice faceplate concept
- Energetic V shaped tuning that sounds lively
- Smooth treble without harshness
- Separation and stage performance great for this segment
Cons
- Nozzle fit and comfort is ear-tip dependent (ear-tip swapping adviced)
- Bass emphasizes impact over fine texture and layering
- Low end masks midrange somewhat on bass heavy tracks
- Cable aesthetic mismatches the black shells
CCZ is a low-profile, budget friendly manufacturer in the in-ear monitor and accessoires. The company's branding and marketing exposure is limited, they focus more within enthousiasts forums and online retail channels. CCZ delivers solid built in-ear monitors with competitive driver configurations and straightforward tuning choices. Their releases suggest a clear intention to compete on value.

The TianGong CZ10 fits well within that approach. It combines a hybrid driver setup with an all-metal shell. They offer something that is more substantial than its price would suggest. Rather than positioning itself as a reference or studio-oriented monitor, the CZ10 clearly targets listeners who value energy, impact and a fun presentation.

In this review, I will take a closer look at the CCZ TianGong CZ10, requested by KBEAR. I am excited to see what level of performance can be expected in 2025 within a modest budget.

Build quality
The CCZ TianGong CZ10 uses a full metal shell. The housing feels solid and rigid, with no flex or weak points. The surface finish is even and clean, with no visible flaws or rough edges. For this price range, the build quality is above average and one of the stronger aspects of the product. The faceplate features a cool tech themed design behind a transparent window. It is well integrated into the shell.

The metal construction adds noticeable weight, this contributes to a sense of durability. Although the shells are made from metal, the weight is well managed. Once in, the CZ10 sits comfortably in the ear and does not cause pressure or fatigue during extended listening sessions. The metal shells are evenly matt finished and feels resistant to everyday wear. There are no visible cosmetic shortcuts in the construction.

The CZ10 uses a QDC style connector. The connection is firm, but it limits compatibility with aftermarket cables compared to the more common standard 2 pin connectors. The included (basic) cable is flexible and usable. Visually, it does not quite match the quality and finish of the metal shells, which slightly detracts from the overall presentation.

The IEM itself is well constructed and prioritises durability and solid materials. Comfort and ergonomics are perfectly fine for this segment, they meet expectations at this price point and do not detract from the overall listening experience. Considering the sound quality on offer, the CZ10 represents very good value and remains an enjoyable IEM to listen to.

The packaging itself looks and feels nice and sturdy. The magnetic closure makes it reusable. Accessories inside are more basic.

In the box you get: The CZ10 IEMs, a simple 3.5 mm cable, silicone tips in three sizes, one pair of foam tips

Specs

  • Driver configuration:
    • 1 × 10 mm Dual-Magnet PET Dynamic Driver
    • 4 × Balanced Armature drivers
  • Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Impedance: 16 Ω (±15% @ 1 kHz)
  • Sensitivity: 102 dB ±3 dB / mW @ 1 kHz
  • Shell material: All-metal zinc alloy housing
  • Connector: 0.78 mm QDC (recessed 2-pin)
  • Cable: Silver-plated OFC cable
  • 3.5 mm single-ended termination
  • Microphone optional (version dependent)
Test equipment:
Test tracks:
  • Tony Bennet - let the goed times role (feat BB King)
  • Wynton Marsalis - Come Rain or Come Shine (feat Norah Jones)
  • Diana krall - A Case of you (Live)
  • Melody Gardot - If you love me
  • Joe Bonamassa - Blues Deluxe

Sound quality
The CCZ TianGong CZ10 leans towards a light V-shaped tuning. The presentation is energetic, with a strong but controlled low-end and an open airy top-end. The CZ10 does not aim for a neutral or reference presentation, but focuses on impact and an engaging sound that is easy to enjoy.

The low end is slightly elevated, giving the CZ10 a full and powerful character that immediately adds weight to the presentation. This tuning choice results in an engaging and immersive sound signature. Bass control is solid, prioritizing impact and musicality over fine textural detail. The midrange takes a more relaxed position within the overall tuning, allowing the bass and treble to frame the presentation. Vocals remain coherent and well defined, with female vocals retaining good clarity, while male vocals blend more smoothly into the low-end.

Treble tuning avoids any sharp edges and fatigue. The focus is clearly on long-term listenability rather than chasing maximum detail retrieval. Imaging remains stable, maintaining a good sense of space. Layering is somewhat modest. The CZ10 offers a musical and enjoyable presentation that suits everyday listening.

Treble
Treble is one of the more convincing aspects of the CZ10. The tuning is smooth and controlled, avoiding sharp peaks and remaining comfortable during longer listening sessions. There is sufficient extension to create a sense of air and openness, with cymbals retaining presence and energy without becoming intrusive.

At times, the treble can sound slightly coarse and note definition is not as clean as on more refined sets. Even so, within this price range the treble is handled sensibly, offering clarity and space while steering clear of excessive brightness or listening fatigue.

Midrange
Male vocals carry some warmth and weight, but they tend to sit slightly behind the mix. When bass becomes more dominant, male voices are the first element to lose focus. Female vocals are handled better. They cut through with more energy and remain intelligible even within the V-shaped tuning. The upper mids are kept under control, avoiding any sharpness. Sibilance is rarely an issue. Instrument separation is convincing. The tuning emphasizes clarity with a slightly drier tonal balance, but the presentation remains open.

Bass
Bass is somewhat elevated, emphasis leans more towards mid bass than sub bass. The focus sits on mid bass impact, giving the CZ10 a bold and weighty sound signature. Bass lines carry mass. Sub bass extension is present, but it is not as defined. Bass emphasis favors weight and physicality over depth and fine layering. This approach makes the sound engaging, but it also exposes the limits of control. The low end lacks fine texture and does not separate cleanly when multiple bass elements overlap.

Soundstage and imaging
Soundstage is good, especially for this budget. The spatial presentation is decent, the stage feels open. The presentation spreads out sideways more than it does forward, it keeps everything easy to follow but never very immersive.

Placements within the mix is consistent. Instruments do blur into each other. When arrangements become complex, the stage can feel crowded instead of layered.

When bass lines grow dense or sustained, they take up physical space in the mix and compress the room around them. This does not collapse the stage, but it reduces the sense of air in busy tracks.

For its price, the technical performance is in my opinion more than competent. It just prioritises coherence and ease of listening over extreme precision or depth, which suits the overall tuning and target audience.

Conclusion
What sets the CCZ TianGong CZ10 immediately apart is the use of nice metal for the shells, delivering a sense of build quality that is uncommon in this price segment.

The CZ10 is a hybrid IEM that focuses on impact, energy and a fun V shaped signature. The tuning is not neutral. It is clearly designed to sound lively, with a light boosted bass and a smooth open top end. The treble is defined and avoids harshness surprisingly well. Midrange is decent, especially for female vocals, but it is not the focus and it can sit behind the low end.

Bass refinement is the only notable small compromise. The tuning remains musical and enjoyable, even if ultimate low-end detail is limited. Given the price point, this is acceptable. The CZ10 delivers slam and thickness, but it does not always deliver clean texture and layering. On some tracks it can sound a bit heavy and less controlled, which can mask midrange clarity.

A strongly built, fun sounding hybrid with a smooth treble and a wide presentation. Best when you want impact and energy. Less ideal if you prioritise bass texture or a more neutral midrange.

Pros:

  • Nice metal metal shells
  • Distinct design with an nice faceplate concept
  • Energetic V shaped tuning that sounds lively
  • Smooth treble without harshness
  • Separation and stage performance great for this segment


Cons:

  • Nozzle fit and comfort is ear-tip dependent (ear-tip swapping adviced)
  • Bass emphasizes impact over fine texture and layering
  • Low end masks midrange somewhat on bass heavy tracks
  • Cable aesthetic mismatches the black shells

Product page CCZ TianGong CZ10 (40%OFF)

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