After using both recently here are a few things that absolutely annoyed me. I own the ear (a).
EQ
You’d assume that for paying more you’d get more features and the earphone would be better. You’re wrong. Lol. Only the Basic Equalizer provided for the Ear (a) whereas the cmf buds come with a full range of better customisable sound and even AI (DIRAC) optimised sound for a better listening experience.
Design:
Sorry but this seems to be the only plus with the ear (a). Cmf buds don’t come close.
Eartips:
I personally don’t like that the ear (a) eartips feel more plasticy. The cmf buds have a really good rubber feel to the eartips, they sit better and grip on the ear much better.
Price:
You basically pay two times the price just for the design. Which I am really considering right now.
ANC:
This one really bummed me out like crazy. For 42 dB ANC, the cmf buds have like really good noise cancelling! For a 45 dB ANC, the ear (a) really does a shit job at what it does. The ANC works selectively which is very disappointing. Makes you feel like an idiot for thinking spending more would get you a better device with better features.