CCA CRA+ vs Kiwi Ears Cadenza II: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears Cadenza II comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 79. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Kiwi Ears Cadenza II - Great overall at around $50.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Kiwi Ears Cadenza II leads on 3 of 4 measures.

CCA CRA+
Kiwi Ears Cadenza II

HearWiki score

Sound

7.5

7.8

Value

8.0

8.2

Price (USD)

$29

$50

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Kiwi Ears Cadenza II is 4 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

CRA+2022
Cadenza II20264 yr newer

Specifications

CRA+Cadenza II

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $29; $50
HearWiki score: 75; 79
Released: 2022; 2026
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 10 mm dynamic; 1DD
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver configuration: -; 1DD
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: -; 1
Impedance: 23.5 Ω; 18 Ω
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Detachable cable: -; Yes
Connector: -; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of CCA CRA+ vs Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
Spec	CCA CRA+	Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$29	$50
HearWiki score	75 / 100 Great	79 / 100 Great
Released	2022	2026
Audio
Driver	10 mm dynamic	1DD
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver configuration	-	1DD
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	-	1
Impedance	23.5 Ω	18 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Detachable cable	-	Yes
Connector	-	2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

CCA CRA+

The CCA CRA+ is a budget-friendly wired IEM that refines the original's sound with a cleaner, more balanced tuning while retaining a punchy low end. It delivers strong value in the sub-$40 segment, offering an engaging and versatile signature that's easy to recommend for cost-conscious listeners. Minor trade-offs exist in spatial presentation and physical construction, but they don't undermine its overall appeal.

Pro:Powerful, well-defined bass
Pro:Clear mids and crisp treble
Pro:Excellent price-to-performance ratio

Con:Limited soundstage width
Con:Basic build quality
Con:No accessories included

Kiwi Ears Cadenza II

The Kiwi Ears Cadenza II is a budget-friendly single-dynamic-driver wired IEM that delivers a smooth, natural sound with good imaging and solid build quality. It's an easy recommendation for beginners or those wanting a non-fatiguing, enjoyable tuning, though it performs best with a more capable source and its bass may feel a bit reserved for some listeners.

Pro:Attractive styling and solid build quality
Pro:Smooth, non-fatiguing tuning with natural mids
Pro:Good imaging and overall clarity for the price

Con:Bass may feel restrained for bass-heavy listeners
Con:Beneficial to pair with a more powerful source
Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless options

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparison CCA CRA+Kiwi Ears Cadenza II