CCA Rhapsody - Return of the Flagship Hybrid

[@Laowei1]

Thanks for reviewing this set, Paul! The CCA Rhapsody sounds fantastic for the price of $42 USD! I was blown away listening to Agnes Obel. The impact was reminiscent of the original HZ Sound Heart Mirror. I highly recommend people try this set. As a "blind"" buy, it paid off well! 😃🎶🎵 Enjoy!

[@joejunior4700]

What switch settings did you use and have you done anything like filter mod?

[@Laowei1]

@@joejunior4700 I just received it this past week. I have only used the default settings so far. I have yet to explore other switch tunings like Paul describes (or any mods). The CCA Rhapsody is that good out of the box! Have fun with it! 😊 It is very capable at this price! Notice the more expensive sets Paul is comparing it to!

[@joejunior4700]

​@@Laowei1Looking forward to mine, it's actually my first hybrid, been only using DD, dual DD and planar.

[@PaulWasabii]

The default settings are good and for her music, maybe fine. I like her as well. You will notice more midbassy tracks will make more of a difference and where you want to play with switches and tips. I tend to try to preserve the technical performance and balance but that is why my music, everyone needs to play with it with their ears and music.

[@jasenbourne1]

Where did you buy it for $42 ? Thanks!

[@taidee]

If you ignore their silly marketing, this sure sounds a like a worthy IEM to purchase. Thank you Paul.

[@PaulWasabii]

Marketing wasn't as bad on this one or I missed it. I did look at their listing though and there are some marketing claims I mentioned.

[@hokagoteatimereviews]

Great video paul! Seems like KZ/CCA did a good job with the rhapsody

[@user-xz4og4xo3j]

Love your reviews specifically your write up that you display

[@SpacedOutDoonie]

Thanks for showing these graphs. I had my set on default the way it came out the box with all the switches on for a couple of days, but after seeing this I tested different settings and I went with this setting for preference 1000. I dont even know if I can hear a difference with different settings tho. Maybe I can hear it in the treble its not as harsh as the way they came 🤔 Edit: I configured it to 0010 and surprisingly I can blast the volume at 100% on the laptop to the track "Gucci Mane - Normal" and it sounds really good still. I usually dont listen above 50% tho so Im kinda shocked that its not overbearing at 100%.

[@PaulWasabii]

LOL..100% volume is probably a no for your ear health but KZ doesn't do a fantastic job at describing the switches. Glad you are getting some enjoyment out of them

[@Qimchiy]

It seems like KZ/CCA's strength is in dual driver dynamic IEMs. The Castor is a fantastic bassy IEM, I might get the Rhapsody and pass the Castor on.

[@PaulWasabii]

KZ/CCA strength is when they can align drivers to tuning which is what you see on Castor, Polaris, and Rhapsody. Then there are a bunch of other sets where the drivers are too far from the tuning and doesn't sound cohesive.

[@FredTaylor-yx7kh]

Great video! Thanks Paul! My first impression is nice as well.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, your second should be nice too. I like it, keep going back to it and Polaris.

[@PeterDLai]

Ordered one of these for $24.99 shipped out of curiosity. Sounds like they will be more than worth it!

[@moik7089]

Where did u get it?

[@f_society9151]

That's a strange price. On black Friday I paid 40 dollars instead of 50. How you paid just 25 ?

[@terrencereyes3436]

I got this also for 25$

[@f_society9151]

??

[@someoneusa]

Where?!!

[@muhammadzakyzahran7260]

bro, which you prefer between rhapsody or Em6l. its hard to pick between this. in terms of technicality especially. cca rhapsody enough or 3x price for em6l give more significant difference on technicality?

[@PaulWasabii]

There isn't huge difference but look at the shells, Rhapsody is kinda big. People worry about technicalities but a lot of that can come down to bass levels, less bass can sound more resolving. Why I like switches. Rhapsody is actually tuned to be more resolving. EA500 is a cheaper technical set than EM6L, again tuned more for technicals and brighter which again will sound more resolving.

[@zkai2939]

nice review seems i need to try one

[@amanieux]

it looks like castor bass graph, are technicalities much better ? castor trebble is a bit unnatural is it the same here ?

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah its better and different and I put a filter on it. Still KZ, has that issue, they don't have as much experience with hitting natural treble. The prior CCA sets like Duo and Pianist are proof of that. So don't expect a miracle but I do like Rhapsody more and the switches will take it close to Castor.

[@kunaldodeja3794]

How does it compare with "KZ ZS10 Pro X" in terms of detail retrieval, technicality, upper mids & treble ? Thank you for the review, very detailed indeed 👍

[@PaulWasabii]

This is really hard to explain as a ton of people buy the ZS10 Pro X but it is closer to KZ of the past. There is a big jump to Rhapsody, KZ re-vamped their drivers and design. Rhapsody is closer to a typical hybrid from other brands than ZS10 Pro X. So yes, there are improvements, but different at the same time. Rhapsody is what you buy when you are curious what $100usd sound like vs an update to ZS10PX.

[@markevinlagsac3252]

I bought it after hearing from Akros.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah he covered the same comparison sets plus 20 more. In any case, its a nice set, take your time dialing it in with tips and switches.

[@mTLpHfumfaomd]

From where im at South East Asia, these can go for as low as USD$23-$26. For those wanting to try hybrids i reckon these are pretty good to try. I have got the ZS10 Pro X, and while its fine, its constantly leaking glue from the air vents and from QDC connectors. Not a great experience in that sense and definitely not recommending those I wonder if glue is commonly used for IEMs in general or is it a KZ thing?

[@PaulWasabii]

I think it is common to KZ and I know exactly what you are talking about. I don't know if KZ or other brands know exactly how to prevent it. It is similar to condensation on nozzles of metal shells. The problem exists but no perfect solutions. I think it is also most common in your part of the world.

[@najroen]

Have you listened to Artti R1? I would love to hear you opinion on those!

[@PaulWasabii]

I have not, but they are definitely getting great impressions.

[@jasongibson3574]

When you applied the adhesive 500 mesh filter did you remove the white filter that's stock? Cause if the black 500 is stuck to that thing its not coming off.

[@PaulWasabii]

Generally I try a few, I think 300 and 500 on top of the white filter on Rhapsody. I rarely smash them down as I know I will probably pull it off. I have also left a gap on the side occasionally which sometimes works on KZ sets that just need a minimal tweak. But yeah, I usually put it right on top lightly and measure it to see the change and try to keep the change as minimal as possible.

[@jasongibson3574]

@PaulWasabii thx for the response. The key is putting it on lightly. Rhapsody is good but still too bright for me. Using foams now too. It's my only scooped out mids type tuning and I'm not sure I like it. Seems like a subwoofer and a tweeter type set up in car audio. But like you said in the video Rhapsody is a great way to try one. Thx

[@horololo3284]

are cca rhapsody and polaris a more mature version of castor bass and harman? i like castor bass, is the rhapsody the upgrade to it?

[@PaulWasabii]

Basically yes as the bass shelf is more adjustable and now you have improved technicals with BA. To be honest, I kinda like Castor bass as it is, but for Rhapsody, there is more there to tweak and refine like a more expensive set. Really pay attention to the switches and tips you are using and treat it more like a mid-fi set. Castor bass was more like a $20 banger, you can squeeze out a very nice experience from Rhapsody.

[@horololo3284]

@@PaulWasabii thanks for your response🙏 i become more interested now with the rhapsody but still have to wait it to be released in my country.. looking forward to the more refine castor because i like the tuning of it.

[@denisbasshead7787]

​@@PaulWasabiihave castor and this nee cca more bass than Kz Esx;;

[@RafikExe]

I know it's different perhaps sound tuning, i rock with kz D-fi tuning, and im curious about rhapsody should i give it a try? Liked detail trebels and vocals but the bass on dfi need more imprpvement

[@PaulWasabii]

I'd say wait a bit, D-Fi was about the switches and tuning, but the DD changed in Castor I think. So you can look at either Castor or Rhapsody depending on what you want in the bass. KZ just released the ZSN Pro 2 which is the new DD so expect to see more sets with better bass sooner than later.

[@RafikExe]

@@PaulWasabii alright thank you for the response

[@fuad000100]

Dear Paul, please do a video on how to put mesh filters on iems such as rhapsody. I bought a set from your link but unfortunately I am unable to put them on the nozzles properly. A short video on the mod would be highly appreciated.

[@PaulWasabii]

Post a message and pic here: facebook.com/groups/hopesanddriams

[@BetterCallSaul999]

Im looming for a iem alrin 20-40 dollars max for playing video games and listening to hiphop music. What woudk you recommend? Currently im looking at the castor rhaoshidy nad qkz x hbb hwat would tou recomend i buy ?

[@PaulWasabii]

For gaming, 7hz Zero. For hiphop, Kefine Delci.

[@BetterCallSaul999]

@@PaulWasabii i really appreciate that you responded but the issue is the max I can pay is strictly 40 dollars and I need one for both (audio quality is my first priority so it doesn't need to be THAT good for gaming. I'd compromise gaming experience for audio quality). I need an IEM good for hiphop but sometimes I listen to pop, rock etc.I hope you'll be able to respond again, sorry if my query wasn't clear enough earlier.

[@m_yy_m]

Great review 👍 The Rhapsody is less technical than the AS16 pro? I'm thinking of grabbing the Fudu for $50 on Cyber Monday. Is this a better option? Thanks

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah I left out Fudu but it was on my mind. I left it out for one reason, lower pinna, not quite in the gang of 3. Because Rhapsody has more in the pinna area, it will come across as more technical but do the same with Fudu, try both sets of tips and any you have to lean that signature. Volume is a bit more important on Fudu. The AS16 Pro and 24 are kinda in the same ballpark, but I'd say Rhapsody and KZ's new acoustic design does more with less drivers plus the switches can tease out a bit more with less bass. If you push the Rhapsody into more midbass with switxhes or even tips, it may sound less technical which is why I stressed fine tuning to your ear to find the optimal combination for your music.

[@m_yy_m]

@@PaulWasabiiThanks 👌

[@vic2net]

You showed KZ Castor in comparation of dimensions at the intro of the video but you didn't put the Castor to Sound comparation, what a shame. I just bought a Castor, and I think once to upgrade to Rhapsody)

[@PaulWasabii]

It is quite hard to compare a one or two DD to a hybrid with a few BAs. The hybrids are basically designed to perform better in areas that DD are weaker, speed, note definition, small details, resolution, etc. That comes at the cost of a less natural tone. The upgrade from Castor is typically Trio if you want to stay with DD, or Rhapsody.

[@vic2net]

@@PaulWasabii nice, thank you a lot for reply!

[@ImGlobalJ]

Thank you for the review! How does Olina mesh compare to Simgot 500 mesh?

[@PaulWasabii]

Not sure about that. I tend to use the Simgot 500 as it is generally available and Olina/Oxygen filters are not as easy to get.

[@ImGlobalJ]

@@PaulWasabii Thanks for the reply. I have the Simgot DIY filter kit ordered. I have the Olina filters on hand so I'm giving them a shot before trying the Simgot filters. It'll be nice to have some filter density options :)

[@mgxdrop]

Thank you for another good review, but being price blind, which would be a better buy CCA Rhapsody or Phoenix Call?

[@PaulWasabii]

I wasn't a PhoenixCall fan and part of the reason I left it out. IIRC, the signature wasn't far but yeah, I'd rather spend $50 on Rhapsody and time going through your tip collection to fine tune it. PhoenixCall was really warm too, Rhapsody at 0000 is close on the bass shelf. I sent my PC to Mike Bruce and I think he called it PhoenixFail.

[@mgxdrop]

@@PaulWasabii Thanks soo much! good thing i followed your advice not to buy anything a few months ago, co'z there's gonna be a load of releases by and after 11.11. Now there's a whole lot more to consider.

[@gurukantdesai4225]

heard the kz zar recently. it was so much fun but leaning away from it, would you recommend this or the cca rhapsody ?

[@PaulWasabii]

ZAR is probably more fun and if you are looking for fun, that is a wise choice. Rhapsody might be brighter, more serious, less fun. It sounds closer to what you would find at higher price points. Always be honest with yourself, sometimes fun is your preference rather than a reviewer saying something is better.

[@choydeliverer7162]

I recently bought a dynamic driver IEM with castor bass version. Now I want to get an all BA or Hybrid type IEM, and the Rhapsody and AS24 are appealing to me. Which one is worth purchasing first?

[@PaulWasabii]

Rhapsody first as it is more generally appealing and you have switches too. AS24 is unique in that it has nice bass BAs, those are rare at the price point especially if you get a small discount on AS24. The tuning might not be for everyone, but it is a cheap, full range all BA set. Most all BA sets are a tuning gamble though so I'd rather pay less than jump to SA6 or something later if you love that sound.

[@choydeliverer7162]

Thanks... I hear there is another release by kz/cca this chinese new year, a 3DD iem. Looking forward to your review in the future

[@putumahadika7933]

hello, I’m from Indonesia… I just watch some of your video, and I’m currently using Castor Bass Version and D-FI Switch… How does this compare to those 2 IEM? Thank you 🙏

[@PaulWasabii]

It is a step up but it is mainly different as it has balanced armatures.

[@putumahadika7933]

@@PaulWasabii how about from the tonality? Is it inline with castor bass? Like an upgrade from it?

[@gustaff.weldon]

Is the Rhapsody nozzle as short as Blon03 was? I can never get a good fit with bl03, so if rhapsody is the same I need to keep looking for a replacement :/

[@PaulWasabii]

No, the BL03 is short and most people have a problem with fit.

[@gustaff.weldon]

@@PaulWasabii Perfect, thank you. So it looks like it will be Rhapsody, unless there's already something better in that price range (

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Do you think an olina filter over the 500 one could make it even smoother sounding? Just to tone down that first elevation at around 3/4k.

[@PaulWasabii]

You are correct, I started with 500 dropped down to 350. Just fine tuning to my ear but you will do the same with 500, the switches, and the tips you use.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

@@PaulWasabii yes even though the switches ONLY miss with the lower end and that extra energy in the upper end is hard to tone down with tips, specially without Messing with the rest of the tuning. Will try the filters when mine arrive.

[@siddhesh2888]

I have KZ Castor Bass Enhanced version. Does this CCA Rhapsody sound different from itand is there something that I will miss?

[@PaulWasabii]

Not really, don't go chasing rainbows or unicorns. Rhapsody is a nice set if you want to hear a hybrid, but if you are happy with Castor and 2DD, stay there until next year when releases pick up again.

[@siddhesh2888]

@@PaulWasabii Thanks man. I am new to this IEM world. So, every review seems legit and gets me confused. Thanks for saving my bucks.

[@fixsy100]

Helloo... I have KZ ZSX now, is it worth if i upgrade to Rhapsody? Thanks before

[@PaulWasabii]

It is, but they aren't quite the same. ZSX has a lot of midbass and not as much on Rhapsody. The one that is closer is ZSN Pro 2.

[@mayankrana9293]

KZ ZS10 Pro 2 vs CCA Rhapsody which one should i purchase?

[@PaulWasabii]

You would be fine with either one, the cheaper one. I like Rhapsody more but both are good sets, just slightly different sound

[@rockenen655]

In your graph , What does "500 on nozzle" means ?

[@PaulWasabii]

I had put a tuning filter on the nozzle. You can also try micropore tape if you just want to explore dampening methods. 3M micropore tape. I use it often as it is cheap

[@KURRYOUS]

How does this iem compare to much more expensive iems such as the shuoer ej07m, xenns mangird tea 2 and also cheaper iems with single dynamic drivers such as the kinera celest wyvern pro's?

[@PaulWasabii]

Rhapsody is where you learn about technicalities, resolution, detail, note definition, balance, etc. The things that more expensive sets do well but you pay a ton of money to hear. Some people jump into the high end, but you need to learn what you like first otherwise you will waste a ton of money.

[@EngrRomero]

I will like to mod the KZ with your filter recommendations. Will you please, give me a link to the proper filter you used in Aliexpress. I will appreciate it.

[@PaulWasabii]

This will include an extra set of nozzles for EA500, but ignore those and use the tuning meshes to tweak to your ears and music www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806070697350.html

[@nitinthakur4407]

This one is vs kz zar which one is better sound quality plz plz reply my preference is bass with smooth clear sound

[@PaulWasabii]

Rhapsody. Not many people still using ZAR

[@abhik6503]

Can narrow bore tips like kb08 fit on it. Also any pressure issues? Are those vents real?

[@PaulWasabii]

I use KB07 and the nozzle isn't KZ's smallest, but not their widest either. My cheap caliper says 5.9mm

[@abhik6503]

Thanks for measuring man

[@abhik6503]

Can you suggest tips to tighten bass and transients

[@erickjauwerissa401]

Hi, kinda curious what happened on if like 1000, or 1010? like seems not good on you?

[@PaulWasabii]

Not as good maybe. Again, I didn't want to super focus on what I did but remind people to try them all. 1000 is always a good place to start on any of the KZ switch sets. Now that they have the switches moving in usable ranges, you are going to run through them with the tips you choose and the volume you like.

[@erickjauwerissa401]

@@PaulWasabii noted, i didnt have it yet but tbh just curious what the graph be like, especially like if 1010 will make it like mangrid xens top or not.

[@HENIL.369]

My newly this iem is not working in Spotify, Laptop. What should I do?

[@PaulWasabii]

Not sure, do other IEMs work?

[@Ch1vers]

Will it be an upgrade compared to KZ ZAR?

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah, not a must upgrade though if you enjoy the ZAR. Think of KZ as a company who keeps refining so the newer sets get better but its a refinement, not a big gap. The treble is better balanced on Rhapsody but if you like it on ZAR, stick with that.

[@Ch1vers]

@@PaulWasabii Thank you. I like the ZAR, but I like the HM20 even more after I picked up the ear pads that remove the problem of excessive pressure. The HM20 has a wider and more voluminous stage, the size fits my ear. ZAR causes a little discomfort with its size. With these fancy switches, the new models have become too monstrous for my little ears. I'll have to get over it.

[@toxicdrift86]

which cable and tips do u recomend with these bro?

[@PaulWasabii]

I am a cheap tip guy, usually KBEAR KB07

[@fuad000100]

Technicality-wise where does this set stand when compared with other below 100$ products?

[@PaulWasabii]

If you are looking for more resolving sets, you look for sets that aren't as warm. People get hung up on clean/clear mids which often means no or little midbass, mostly the opposite of these sets. The sets I mention maintain a good level of techs but don't sacrifice bass. Probably the #1 reason people look at Top. Rhapsody is great for the price but at $100usd, you bump into planars and those are another level over sub$100 hybrids.

[@fuad000100]

@@PaulWasabii I understand now Paul. Thanks for the response

[@seaneckhart9914]

How does it compare to the shuoer s12?

[@PaulWasabii]

You are buying S12 because its a planar and has a level of detail that you can get with a set like Rhapsody. The downside, it won't sound as natural as Rhapsody. Rhapsody is closer to generally appealing but S12 or another planar is something to pick up down the road.

[@mi-les]

do you know if they sound good in games?? thank you.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah there is no magic to games other than avoid super bassy sets which are not going to be clear enough. Rhapsody has switches to control bass and enough treble to make everything clear. My only question would be the size of the shells, a bit larger than other sets.

[@shambles3458]

This iem got big and then completely disappeared, i dont see many talking about it

[@PaulWasabii]

Part was the sale price, but part is more familiar KZ branding ZS10 Pro 2, ZSN Pro 2, ZS12 now. Rhapsody and Hydro are still amazing for their prices

[@medicineman9647]

KZ ZS 12 pro x VS Rhapsody please recommend the best​@@PaulWasabii

[@JAYEKAZE]

does these things fit in anyone ears

[@TheWorldTeacher]

Elephant’s ears. 👂

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, this is why I pointed out the size and KZ's larger shells are going to be big for some people

[@szekerespista3758]

The shell of Rhapsody is large?

[@patricaomas8750]

There seems to be a lot for $40.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, there are a few KZ sets which are priced low which does not reflect their performance. Actually why KZ used that point in the marketing, why do reviewers compare KZ sets to similarly priced models. Sometimes it makes sense, sometimes there are sets like Rhapsody which makes more sense to expand the search area.

[@joejunior4700]

Currently I'm playing with Aoshida E20 with Latex H570 wide bore tips on it (apparently it boost bass and tames highs for a widebore) and it hits the spot for me. You mentioned about hybrid techs, do you mean the staging or instrument/overall separation and imaging (since you mentioned hearing instruments behind you)?

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah, hybrid techs are those bits that you can hear that remind you there are BAs in the shell. Subtle note sharpness or speed or dynamics which are different that listening to a typical 1DD set, maybe like Cadenza. Also why I harp on the warm bit, that tends to mask those bits more than a tuning like Zero Red. The behind the head and good staging is more about balance and extension, sets with too much pinna area tend to be flat in front of you.

[@rozidxt]

I think 20 bucks

[@hickson1224]

我怎么感觉CCA就是KZ的换皮？😅

[@wellykuo4590]

kz cca 基本上是同一間公司