CCA Phoenix 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 Phoenix
Kiwi Ears Cadenza II

HearWiki score

Sound

7.0

7.8

Value

8.0

8.2

Price (USD)

$35

$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

Kiwi Ears Cadenza II (2026) against CCA Phoenix (2025). These are 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.

Phoenix2025
Cadenza II20261 yr newer

Specifications

PhoenixCadenza II

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $35; $50
HearWiki score: 73; 79
Released: 2025; 2026
Availability: Sold new; 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: 33 Ω; 18 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Detachable cable: -; Yes
Connector: -; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of CCA Phoenix vs Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
Spec	CCA Phoenix	Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$35	$50
HearWiki score	73 / 100 Good	79 / 100 Great
Released	2025	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	33 Ω	18 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Detachable cable	-	Yes
Connector	-	2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

CCA Phoenix

The CCA Phoenix is a budget-friendly wired IEM built around a single 10mm dynamic driver, offering a clean and balanced sound signature that leans toward neutral and detailed. It delivers strong technical performance for the price, with a sturdy build and good imaging, though its fit and tuning may not suit those who prefer a warmer, more vocal-forward presentation. Overall, it's a solid pick for listeners seeking clarity and value, but it demands a good source and careful pairing to shine.

Pro:Clean, balanced tuning with good detail retrieval
Pro:Solid build quality and comfortable fit for most users
Pro:Impressive soundstage and imaging for the price

Con:Cylindrical shell can cause fit issues for some ears
Con:Sound is not thick or lush; may lack warmth
Con:Vocals can occasionally sound unfocused

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 Phoenix Kiwi Ears Cadenza II