CCA CRA+ Quick Comparison with Original CRA

The sequel to the CCA CRA, which is the CRA+, is the literal successor of the already famous budget V-shaped king of IEMs. Unlike the CRA however, the plus version is now almost twice it price at almost 30USD. With the doubling in price, what you are getting is some slight tuning differences in both the bass and the treble region. Whether if you would prefer it or not? I'll just give you a quick rundown.

If you have not read my original CCA CRA review, please do so as this is just a comparison and not a comprehensive review, the link is right here : https://randomprojects2.wixsite.com/randomaudioreviews/post/cca-cra-review

Foreword

1. This will just be a quick review and mainly a comparison between the CRA+ and the CRA since there is not much difference between the 2 units other than the slight tuning difference in the bass and treble area. Do take a look at the CRA review as well to get what I'm talking about.

2. The unit will be tested with Dongle DACs of the same price bracket relative to the IEM. As I said using something overkill like the Questyle M15 on this is just cheating.

BUILD & FIT

Much like the CRA, the CRA+ is also made of a plastic moulded body, but this time with a gold-accented faceplate, which honestly makes it look really premium.

Fitment on the CRA+ will be identical as the CRA. Simple ergonomically design, light, gets the job done. No complaints here

SOUND

Comparing the both, it is obvious the original V-shaped IEM has its bass slightly lowered in the subbass region, elevation at the midbass, and a significant amount of treble rework.

In general, I find the CRA+ to be more V-shaped IEM, especially with the treble region being more elevated than the previous version

BASS

Random comment : feels like the bass region is slightly pushed back compared to the original

• Amount of subbass is less and bass in the lower region will sound leaner compared to original CRA

• Lessening of subbass makes the midbass from this pair sound cleaner than the original

• Thumpiness is a more on the CRA+

• Bass notes would sound less textured and more smooth

MIDS

Overall, only difference I felt were the following if compared to the original

Vocals

• Comparing to the original, the CRA+ will have its vocals slightly pushed forward

• Vocals on the upper-mid region will sound slightly more cold, sharp, and harsh, often times will be accompanied by a hollowness

Instruments

• Instruments with high notes from piano to strings will sound hard and less rounded

• Microdetails at the upper-mid region will shine, albeit the brightness of it might be a little too muc

HIGHS :

• More treble extension compared to the original CRA

• Details sound sharp and very aggressive, not too pleasant to listen if you want to relax

• Hi-hats, snares and rides will definitely sound sharper and has more hints of sibilance in certain tracks

TECHNICALITIES

Remember I commented about the dynamics being slightly subpar in the original? This one definitely addressed that issue, in which I would suspect is due to the tuning of the upper-mid region, with that hump at the 2-3k region. When tracks get busy, it at least does not sound like everything just starts to clump together.

Other than that, imaging and separation, soundstage, and detail retrieval performs the same with the original.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Being really honest, I personally still prefer the originals. The CRA+ definitely addressed the issue to some where people would say the treble might not sound too energetic and hence - they "fixed it". But personally I think the loss of the subbass really changes the listening experience of it. But it might just be my personal bias for the originals. Nevertheless, if you prefer midbass more and do not mind sacrificing subbass, and feel like the CRA isn't bright enough, this can be a good choice for you, because I have friends that say exactly that about the CRA and prefer the CRA+.