The CCA CRA has already made a name for itself in the audio community and has been one of the most recommended IEMs for those looking for a great pair without breaking the bank.
On the other hand, the KZ EDA Balanced Edition isn’t as popular but it has similar characteristics to the CCA CRA. It’s pretty underrated and is actually a very decent pair.
In this shootout, we’ll compare these two IEMs to see which is better based on your listening needs and preferences. Let’s get to it!
CCA CRA vs. KZ EDA Balanced Edition: Sound Signature
The CCA CRA has a V-shaped sound signature with a good sub-bass extension, which is very noticeable.
Because of this, you can feel a rumble on each slam on the low end.
Overall, the presentation of the mix is more bass-focused, with recessed mids and a tremendous treble extension.
The CCA CRA is for you if:
- You like a more bass-focused IEM.
- You like a meatier sound signature.
- You like a fun-sounding IEM.
The KZ EDA Balanced Edition also has a V-shaped sound signature.
The bass isn’t overly boomy but has a nice sub-bass rumble that’s very present in the mix. It’s evident that its V-shaped sound signature is well-controlled.
The treble is much milder and lacks harsh or sharp frequencies. The mids are recessed but there’s enough clarity and definition to compensate for it.
The KZ EDA Balanced Edition is for you if:
- You like a colored V-shape sound presentation.
- You like a versatile IEM that suits most genres.
- You like a more toned-down treble.
CCA CRA vs. KZ EDA Balanced Edition: Sound Quality
The CCA CRA is more of a bass-head IEM due to how the lows are highlighted more than other frequencies in its spectrum.
Its bass shows no signs of midbass bleed and is tight and punchy, which is good considering its price.
The mids are recessed, although it still sounds natural and well-balanced in terms of tonality, making vocals retain clarity and details more accurately.
The highs are impressive for their price. They retain the details and clarity without showing signs of sibilance or muffling, although the timbre can quite sound tinny on its upper region.
The CCA CRA is for you if:
- You like natural-sounding mids.
- You like more emphasis on your bass frequencies
- You like bass-heavy sounds.
The KZ EDA’s V-shaped tuning gives the lows a noticeable lift. The sub-bass rumble is strong and has a controlled depth.
Meanwhile, the mid-bass is much milder than most IEMs with the same sound signature, and when you combine all that, your bass frequencies have a respectable note weight.
The mids are slightly recessed, but clarity and good resolution are still present.
The highs are also milder. I like how the treble has been adjusted to avoid becoming overly bright or sharp.
The KZ EDA Balanced Edition is for you if:
- You like a sound with recessed mids while focusing on the highs and lows.
- You like a good, present, and rumbly bass.
- You like a sound that retains vocal details even at high frequencies.
CCA CRA vs. KZ EDA Balanced Edition: Quality
Although the CCA CRA has little to no midbass bleed, there were times when the treble can sound tinny and the bass can be overpowering which causes fatigue.
Although it has a relatively decent treble extension, it still needs tweaking as it can sound relatively thin and irritating during prolonged periods of use.
For me, the KZ EDA Balanced Edition is a better option. It’s impressive how it can present itself spirally and aggressively without becoming muddy or producing any sibilance on the tracks.
If I had to be picky, I’d have preferred more finesse in the mids.
Additionally, the mid-bass bleed can be annoying when listening to busy tracks because it occasionally causes vocals to sound muffled and instruments to sound out of place.
Conclusion
Although they have a similar V-shaped signature, the CCA CRA and the KZ EDA Balanced Edition still have distinct features that set them apart.
One of which is that the KZ EDA Balanced Edition has a more controlled and well-refined tuning on its bass frequencies, eliminating the fatiguing experience that you’d get on the CRA.
However, some people may find the CCA CRA more enjoyable to listen to due to its more noticeable sub-bass extension.
Another thing to consider is that the EDA Balanced Edition has more tamed highs and is a bit rolled off to produce a smoother and lush presentation.
In contrast, the treble on the CRA follows a typical V-shaped sound signature where the highs are a bit boosted, just like the bass frequencies.
Overall, both of them held up well for their price and it all boils down to preference.
Personally, I have to pick the KZ EDA Balanced Edition over the CCA CRA since I value a more balanced and well-controlled tuning that’s less fatiguing.
A man of many interests, Querho is passionate about discovering new things that stimulate the mind. When he is not writing about the things he is passionate about, Querho can be found making music at his home studio.
This post was last updated on 2025-02-06 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.