Debating between A151 and CC51

[Tomato]

Hi all,

I'm considering a new pair of headphones as my Sennheiser CX400 is retiring soon. I really want to try a headphone that gives superb detail this time, but I also want "fun" that CX400 provided with its definitive bass.

Basically I'm torn between A151 and CC51, learning towards A151 for its build quality and balanced armature: My only concern is that A151 is often described to lack bass and if that would be unbearable for someone who is accustomed to CX400. I mostly listen to modern band music on standard EQ, while I sometimes tune into v-shaped EQ when commuting.

[CrowdAds]

[IDvsEGO]

I had the same dilemma and was pointed in the direction of the cc51 by most people. As you said, the BA has a bit mroe of an analytical/dry sound. I went with a totally different set in the audio technica ckm99 but would still like to give one or both of the meleecs a try. If I were going for an everyday IEM I would get the CC51 but since I have the ATs I will probably give the A151 a try. tough to beat that price for a BA.

[WalkGood]

It might be a strange transition for you to go from senn’s to the A151s because of less bass impact. Don't get me wrong, on the A151s the bass impact is good, clear and precise, it just does not all extend that deep, although the texture is nice IMO. The lower midrange does help out with the lows but the lower bass does not extend all the way down like senn’s. That said, I find the bass enjoyable and overall these IEMs are very precise and fun to use, I’m currently using them for my all around beater pair and short outings. I wrote a review on them here that you can get more info about them if you wish. I did not try the CC51s yet so I can’t help there but IIRC there’s a review in the headphone user review forms on them. Good luck with your decision and post back what you get and how you like. Oh BTW if you go A151s you should consider better tips with the single flange are too flimsy.

[IDvsEGO]

buy them both and you tell us which is best take one for the team here...

[Tomato]

I ordered A151 at $39.99 from Amazon and it's supposed to come tomorrow as free overnight shipping was available. As many mentioned that the bass is not that bad at all, I will give it a try and report back to you guys. I... am... very excited!

[IDvsEGO]

good price. so tempting.

[cnhardwick]

To clear few things up, the A151 do not really lack bass. Actually, for a BA the A151 have quite a bit of bass. If the A151 lacks something it is treble which slightly recessed. The bass a BA produces though sounds different from the bass a dynamic produces. I really do not know how to describe. It just lacks the impact and and depth. But is makes up for in speed and clarity.

Secondly, the A151 is anything but analytical. They are not cold and dull like a lot of BA. Instead they are dark and warm. Kind of reminds me of the old Creative EP-630 in this way. Most of the influence is on the (lower) midrange with the bass being a close second. The treble bit veiled sounding leave a little to be desired. But if you are sensitive to harsh treble that might be desirable. All in all the A151 is very smooth. Almost too smooth. Personally, I would like something more lively sounding like the CC51, but that is a matter of taste.

So why do I use the A151 as my primary beater? Because I was not satisfied with the CC51 build quality. Truthfully, I preferred the CC51 sound signature, but they just did not feel like they could take the kind of abuse my everyday beater would have to. The cable was just too thin and they actually fell apart the day I got them--probably a defective pair, but I returned them anyway and kept the A151 because they felt solid. And after a summer of road trips they are still holding up well, although the cable is starting to develop some strange kinks. Not sure what that is about.

Anyway, in your case, I think the bass quantity is probably not as big a concern (although the depth/impact may be) as the dark sound signature not being "fun" enough for your taste.

[WalkGood]

Originally Posted by Tomato

I ordered A151 at $39.99 from Amazon and it's supposed to come tomorrow as free overnight shipping was available. As many mentioned that the bass is not that bad at all, I will give it a try and report back to you guys. I... am... very excited!

@Tomato, you got a great deal for that price, hope you enjoy them BTW don’t forget to find some tips that seal good for you, that makes all the difference in the world with the lows.

[cnhardwick]

Originally Posted by WalkGood

@Tomato, you got a great deal for that price, hope you enjoy them BTW don’t forget to find some tips that seal good for you, that makes all the difference in the world with the lows.

Second that.

[Pinkys.Brain]

Originally Posted by cnhardwick

Second that.

I second that, too.


As for the build quality of the CC51: I've had them now for about 4 months and so far the build quality if better than average.

The cable might be thin, but it serves the purpose. But I have the feeling that it became more rigid over time. Microphonics are actually surprisingly loud especially when compared to "cheap" CX300 or EP-630.

But I still like them and don't regret having bought them. The sound is very good for the price!

[Tomato]

Wow, I'm surprised by how much this thread grew in 2 days. Thanks all for your input!

I actually ended up ordering both A151 and CC51. Both came in today and I've been playing with them for 4 hours now. Here are my impressions:

A151 is... fantastic. First I thought its sound was horrible and cheap and I couldn't get any better sound no matter how I fiddled with EQ on my Sansa Clip +, but that was until I put the triple-flanges on: It blew me away, quite literally. There is a massive amount details and dynamics, that I could even distinguish individual guitar strings and drum strokes. I would definitely invest on better tips though.

Bass on A151 is NOT lacking at all, and this is coming from someone who is used to Sennheiser CX400. In fact, I rather like A151's speedy, tight bass because it allows other acoustic details to rush in, without being muffled. It also has an adequate depth that I wouldn't miss CX400. Overall sound is "dry" as people mentioned, but I managed to find some "fun" EQ settings that could brighten up my day.

CC51 is also a great, gorgeous pair of headphones that is almost on par with A151, with just minor differences. I would put it this way: A151 sounds like I'm standing 30ft in front of a band, while CC51 sounds like 100 ft away, with heavier, clingier bass. I found CC51's bass to be somewhat fatiguing, and it is darn-hard to properly plug into my ears. So for me A151 is the keeper.

On a side note, I noticed that A151 actually goes through burn-in. I've been switching with CX400 back and forth and the difference is noticeable, especially with bass.

[Pinkys.Brain]

As for the bass of the CC51: Is it the bass that is fatiguing or the fit? For me it was the fit at the beginning.

The dual-flanges aren't that good. It takes a lot of time to get used to them (3 weeks for me) and (at least in my case) they do not provide that much of a better seal compared to the single flanges. And I really recommend moistening them before inserting. That helped me a lot when using the silicon double-flanges. In the end I chose the single-flanges as the dual-flanges were too fatiguing for my ears.

You should also try the CC51 with the two highest bands in the Sansa-EQ slightly upped (1-2 dB). Maybe you like the more pronounced highs. It enough to bring a bit more sparkle while not creating more fatigue.


p.s.: go to this page and listen to the sample of song no.5 (Correnteza [Ana Caram], 30 sec). It always amazes me how the CC51 can deliver.

[WalkGood]

The A151s use the SR series balanced armatures from Knowles, balanced armatures do not require burn in and the sound should not change, especially in such short time that you've had them. I suggest you are hearing different levels of seal to your ears. Once you perfect sealing them within your ears you shouldn't hear a difference. This is the main reason I suggested after market tips in my first post that do a better job than the MEE included tips.

Edit: FWIW I found their double flange tips to seal the best of the included bunch they provide

[Pinkys.Brain]

Just as I praised the build quality of the CC51 in my last post the silver cap of the left earplug came off. But at least they are really easy to stick back together: Two small drops of good glue and they are ready.

Despite this incident I still recommend them (and I think meelec would have provided me a replacement if I'd notified them.

[Tomato]

I noticed that the CC51 I got also had loose caps. I kind of tend to toss around the headphones a bit so I decided to go with A151. I'm actually very satisfied it.

Any suggestions on what kind of tips I should be getting for A151? I'm getting the best sound from the triple-flanges, but I'm looking for an alternative that's easier on my ears, but I'm kind of having trouble finding where to start searching...

[IDvsEGO]

Comply or sony hybrids are the most popular. a few people like the Ultimate Ears silicone and a few less have had good things to say about the Monster tips. I like my Shure Olives but htey take some intense stretching to get on most IEM nozzles so I wouldn't recommend them to the faint of heart.

[cnhardwick]

I use Sony Hybrids on mine. Ultimate Ears may have other size tips, but the ones that I have are too big for the A151. Comply should have a size that fits the A151, but I do not know which model. I have no idea about the Monster or Olives.

I personally just use the Hybirds because I have small ear canals and their SS size is the smallest I can find.

[WalkGood]

I use Shure black foam sleeves and they're great but way over priced, so I wouldn't recommend to buy them. Luckily I got a few pairs for free at an audio show that I stashed away since I no longer own the se530s, came in real handy as it's hard to find 3mm nozzle size sleeves at local stores.

[Tomato]

Is this the Sony hybrids that is being mentioned? Seems like a better bang for the buck than any others mentioned.

[cnhardwick]

Originally Posted by Tomato

Is this the Sony hybrids that is being mentioned? Seems like a better bang for the buck than any others mentioned.

Yep, EP-EX10A.