In this feature, James reviews the Crosszone CZ-8A Enhanced, which is a higher-end version of the triple dynamic driver CZ-10 Enhanced headphones. It is priced at $1799.00.
Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I thank Crosszone for its support.
You can click here to learn more about the Crosszone audio products we have previously reviewed on Headfonics.
Note that this post follows our current scoring guidelines which you can read in more detail here.
In my last review, I covered the Japanese-made Crosszone CZ-10 Enhanced headphones, which are one of the most well-built, unique headphones I have ever experienced.
Following the CZ-10 Enhanced, this review covers the higher-end closed-back model called the CZ-8A Enhanced priced at $1799.
The CZ-8A Enhanced also has a similar triple dynamic driver array per side to support their special tuning methodology for an ‘External Sound Localization’ effect. However, there are some obvious differences in the design and performance compared to the CZ-10 Enhanced.
If you are curious how Crosszone upgraded the sound with their special structure and how it performs against the CZ-10 Enhanced, MOONDROP Venus, and the Sennheiser HD 800s you can read my full review in more detail below.
Features
The CZ-8A Enhanced is a set of closed-back dynamic driver headphones that uses 3 Beryllium-plated drivers of different sizes with an unconventional driver placement to achieve an out-of-the-head, speaker-like experience known as Acoustic Resonance Technology (ART).
This technology aims to simulate room reflections through a crossfeed effect. To further enhance the performance Crosszone installed brass rings around the drivers to dampen resonances.
The CZ-8A Enhanced is rated at 75Ω, which is relatively high, with a sensitivity rating of 100 dB/mW.
Similar to the CZ-10 Enhanced, Crosszone has implemented a proprietary cable system for the 8A Enhanced model, along with their Acoustic Delay Chambers (ADC) design.
The ADC design leverages the high-frequency and low-frequency drivers to produce the “direct sound” that faces the ear canal, while another driver conveys the signal from the opposite channel.
This setup enables the left side of the headphones to simultaneously hear the channel from the right side with a slight delay, creating a spacious, spatial sound field reminiscent of a 2-way speaker system.
To enhance accuracy and naturalness, Crosszone integrates waveguides to control the diffraction of the waveform.
These guides, visible in front of the drivers, are designed to transform the spherical waveform emitted from the drivers into planar waves, mimicking the effect of the sound having traveled through the air for a distance.
Design
The CZ-8A Enhanced features a robust build and a subtle yet premium finish. While the design may appear simple at first glance, the finishing is remarkably smooth, with a subtly raised embossed logo on the front and a golden chamfered ring surrounding the edges.
Resembling round earcups, the headphones sport a hidden fulcrum-shaped design. The rest of the structure seamlessly blends curves and smooth hinges, along with thick padding that excels in weight distribution.
Upon closer inspection, the textured paint job often seen on camera lenses and bodies adds a touch of Japanese taste in aesthetics, enhancing scratch resistance.
The manufacturing quality is excellent, solidifying this as one of the most impeccably crafted headphones available in the market.
Comfort & Isolation
The CZ-8A Enhanced weighs 435g, which isn’t particularly light and approaches the weight of some full metallic designs. However, thanks to the thick padding and well-distributed weight, it feels lighter in practice than the stated weight.
Similar to the CZ-10 Enhanced, the breathable pads feature a 3D, fulcrum-shaped design that ensures comfort even after extended listening sessions.
The springy hinges help reduce lateral pressure, adjusting gently to fit different individuals with a subtle clamping force toward the ears. The outcome is satisfying, with no discomfort experienced even after prolonged listening sessions.
Additionally, the headphones offer fair isolation, though some ambient noise may leak through as it is semi-open with vents on the sides.
Stock Cable
The CZ-8A Enhanced also includes two OFC cables: a 1.5m version terminated with a 3.5mm connector and a 3.5m cable terminated with a 6.3mm connector.
To maintain the special design that plays both channels on each side, a proprietary 4-wire*2 configuration is used, with 4-pole 3.5mm plugs terminating at the cups on each side.
As suggested in the CZ-10 Enhanced review, opting for the 4.4mm balanced upgrade cable is highly recommended. This upgrade allows you to take advantage of the more powerful balanced output, enhancing the perceived resolution and clarity.
Packaging & Accessories
The CZ-8A Enhanced is packaged in a well-protected cardboard box with a sleeved inner box. Inside, the headphones are cushioned with foam, and user manuals are neatly enclosed in an envelope.
This packaging setup mirrors that of the CZ-10, and the user manual maintains the same professional quality, featuring neatly presented graphics, which is expected from a Japanese manufacturer.
Sound Impressions
The following sound impressions of the CZ-8A Enhanced were completed using the FiiO K19, the xDuoo XD05 Pro, and the HIFIMAN EF500 with the 4.4mm upgrade cable, which improves clarity and bass density.
Summary
The CZ-8A Enhanced diverges from traditional headphones by shifting its lateral presentation towards the front and enriching the midrange, particularly enhancing the perceived complexity of vocal harmonies.
It has notably improved upon the CZ-10 Enhanced model for clarity and dynamics with a more V-shaped tuning that brings up transients in the treble, empowering the vocals with sharper edges.
The sweet spot tends to be at a slightly higher volume, given the vocals lean towards a more reserved nature, favoring classical music and instrumentals which sound relaxing with its smooth and dense midrange delivery.
It requires plenty of power to sound firm and agile, especially in the bass. I advise connecting the CZ-8A Enhanced to quality amplification for stronger transient performance, openness, and better definition.
Bass
The bass on the CZ-8A Enhanced reaches deep but exhibits decent control and agility, likely attributed to the use of Beryllium-plated drivers.
The strong sub-bass presence contrasts with the mid-lows, establishing a robust foundation that allows bass-heavy tracks to sound deep, textured, and punchy.
Similar to the CZ-10 Enhanced, the bass showcases good compression and texture. If aiming for a more prominent and effortless vocal presence, consider adjusting the bass around the 100Hz range for less boominess.
Acoustic instruments, bass guitars, and string instruments are vividly and stereophonically portrayed, along with soothing synthesized bass.
Testing with Daft Punk tracks revealed a strong layering effect, with analog synths exhibiting textured and defined performance. Emphasized reverbs and sustaining harmonics contribute to the overall texture, working particularly well with Jazz guitar solos and violas.
The deep and powerful bass performance complements genres like EDM, Dance, Electropop, and Jazz, offering depth and punch while keeping up with fast tempos thanks to its responsive drivers and moderate bass quantity.
These characteristics enhance the low end in cleaner tracks, although complex arrangements with complex bass lines may sound less resolving.
Mids
The lower bass’s intensity is rather strong on the CZ-8A Enhanced, yet it remains contained within its range without bleeding into the mid-lows.
The mids are more smoothly presented, and with cleaner, higher-pitched male vocals, it may sound somewhat shrill and nasal. Female vocalists appear slightly laid-back but more balanced.
Increasing the volume enhances the vocal body’s richness and adds thicker harmonics, creating an airy and organic presentation with drum works and acoustic instruments.
While these elements have a stronger presence compared to typical headphones, they may not be as precisely positioned. A slight sub-bass reduction via EQ can improve overall balance and reveal more nuances.
On a side note, if you are playing music while working on something else, you can quickly adjust the tuning to sound even more natural with music videos where the vocalist appears on stage and you’re positioned amidst the crowd.
In other words, the CZ-8A performs very well with live recordings, creating a sense that the music is played from the front.
Treble
The treble on the CZ-8A Enhanced exhibits good energy and sufficient extension without sounding boxed in. It also helps to enhance definition and improve the perceived headroom.
A minor peak around the 5kHz range introduces a subtle echoing effect to sharper voices. With woodwind and brass instruments, it contributes to their resonance, enriching the texture of higher notes and the perceived transients.
The overall delivery feels natural, capturing airiness well, and adding to the vocal presence. Despite a small peak, the roll-off is gentle and doesn’t lean towards being overly bright or harsh.
I find the added brilliance in the treble helping a lot in strengthening the definition, especially when powered by less robust sources.
When using the 4.4mm balanced cable, the dynamics and openness are notably Enhanced compared to the 3.5mm cable, which may feel more limited in terms of extension.
Staging & Dynamics
The stage presentation on the CZ-8A Enhanced is differentiated significantly from most other headphones by emphasizing depth over lateral width.
It creates an impression akin to listening to two-channel speakers from the back rows of a lecture hall, with natural reverberations. There is some resemblance to the room acoustics in a slightly treated, dampened lecture hall.
The bass elements feel intimate, while the vocals are perceptibly distanced from the listener. The distance can be dragged nearer by increasing the volume though that would also bring up the bass.
I prefer my “listening spot” slightly closer to the stage, achievable by equalizing for more mid-low presence and reducing the sub-bass. However, the presentation is also relaxing for piano tracks.
On another note, the bass seems to radiate more from the front, resulting in a less enveloping, surrounded experience along the x-axis compared to standard headphones.
Similar to my experience with the CZ-10 Enhanced, the CZ-8A Enhanced offers a more natural soundstage than some cross-feed plugins I’ve tested.
The vocals are positioned as if one were listening to suspended speakers at a live performance, and the forward treble and robust low-end makes it well-suited for live recordings.
Despite not being pinpoint-accurate in positioning and radiation, the CZ-8A Enhanced still sounds natural, delivering a strong stereophonic image with good thickness.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
