Compared to Canpur CP622B (Review link)
It wasn’t a surprise that CP622B and CP74E shared quite a similar sound signature. The overall nuance as well as Canpur’s basic/general sound properties (ex. well-balanced, fatigue-free, and smooth sound while being silky and analytical) make it obvious that these two IEMs are born under the same brand. However, these two IEMs exist for a purpose with prominent differences.
Simply put, the biggest difference between these two is whether the sound highlights the “E” or the “B” (EST or BC drivers). The CP622B is slightly more low-mid centric than the CP74E with a more solemn, darker, grand nuance, and the bass is thicker in color and density. The ultra-low extension is also clearer and bolder on the CP622B. Overall livelier and dynamic bass performance. I’d say the CP622B has a more masculine nature (which is, after all, still within the neutral range). I find male vocals a tad more charming once played with the CP622B.
As we shift back to listening to CP74E, many would wonder if a ‘tier gap’ exists in performance, though that isn’t really the case. Hence, I call CP622B and CP74E twin flagships. While the CP622B was rather low-mid centric, the CP74E is more mid-high centric, making the EST drivers shine and better showing that bold EST characteristics and the EST textural bliss people would know and expect from EST drivers. The CP74E’s ambiance is more open-ended and airier towards the upper ends.
While the bass performance may come a bit shorter than the CP622B, I wouldn’t call it a loss. It’s more of an exchange the CP74E made – the CP64E’s trebles perform better as much as the CP622B does better with its bass. Vocals are slightly more skimmed (yet just as in-depth and dense in texture) than the CP622B and are shinier in the mid-range, making the female vocals sound more charming than the CP622B. So while CP622B is better suited with low-mid tracks or male vocals, the CP74E would fit better if desiring mid-high openness (still without sacrificing plentiful bass), especially the female vocals.
Compared to Nostalgia Audio Durandal (Review link)
The biggest and foremost difference I sense between these two would be the soundstage. One of the core characteristics of Durandal is its iconic, spatial headroom. It reinterprets the overall ambiance to sound three-dimensionally while not sounding artificial. Meanwhile, The CP74E keeps the soundstage thoroughly referenced. The staging is surely spatial but not as much as Durandal, which creates its own world of headroom. Durandal’s vocal timbre is also sweeter, creamier, and smooth-textured, along with the trebles being more airy and sways gently while keeping the crisp. Durandal carries slightly more sub-bass quantity with more meat/body and dynamics.
As for the CP74E, the sound is more reference-like; keeping the low range more controlled in both quantity and tightness, as well as introducing more upper-frequency penetration. Alongside, the music note strikes more on-point than Durandal. It’s not that Durandal’s thumps and strikes are out of focus – it’s just that CP74E’s sound strikes with tighter, more rigid texture. The CP74E does a better job unveiling the texture details of the mids and highs, yet slightly drier. It doesn’t get harsh but those who are treble shy would likely prefer Durandal over CP74E. Yet instead, for those who desire a thoroughly neutral phasing presentation and upper-end unveiledness, the CP74E would serve you better.
The Skillful, Reference Endgame – Even more for Female Vocals
The Canpur CP74E is another exceptional & unique example of what great tuning can achieve. It takes all the technical firepower – BA and EST drivers – and turns it into a sound perfectly balanced between being analytical and musically fun. The bass is controlled yet surprisingly impactful with bold extension and color, proving that well-tuned BA woofers can hold their low-end ground without going overboard in control or missing out on ultra-low details. Mids are where the CP74E truly shines, with a natural, lively tone that flatters the vocal voices, with a little extra magic to the female vocals. The trebles give all we expected out of EST drivers, being packed with micro-detail and silky smoothness without ever getting harsh or flaky. What’s impressive here is how well everything fits together; the bass, vocals, and trebles feel cohesive, making the CP74E versatile and enjoyable across genres.
While it shares DNA with its sibling CP622B, the CP74E sets itself apart by leaning more into the mid-highs and a more upbringing ambiance. This makes it perfect for those who love detail and airiness, especially female vocals. While it may not pack as much punch in bass as the CP622B, it trades that for an open, spacious sound that lets the EST drivers and vocals shine better. If you’re looking for an IEM that balances neutrality with liveliness and adds a dash of female vocal charm, the Canpur CP74E is one fine endgame to choose from.
