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EPZ Q1 PRO 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.

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.

  • EPZ Q1 PRO
  • Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
HearWiki score
70
79
Sound
7.2
7.8
Value
7.8
8.2
Price (USD)
$40
$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 2 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.

  • Q1 PRO2024
  • Cadenza II20262 yr newer

Specifications

Q1 PROCadenza II
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$40
$50
HearWiki score
70
79
Released
2024
2026
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
1DD
1DD
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver configuration
1DD
1DD
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Impedance
32 Ω
18 Ω
Active noise cancelling
-
No
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

EPZ Q1 PRO

The EPZ Q1 Pro is a budget-friendly wired IEM with a single 10mm dynamic driver, offering a Harman-inspired, balanced sound signature with clean mids and linear treble. It stands out for its solid build, comfortable fit, and detachable cable, though its bass response and technical performance receive mixed feedback depending on the listener's priorities. Overall, it's a capable and well-tuned option for the price, but not without some compromises in dynamics and refinement.

  • Pro:Well-tuned, Harman-inspired sound with clean mids and natural treble
  • Pro:Sturdy build quality and attractive design for the price
  • Pro:Comfortable fit with good accessory package
  • Con:Upper bass lacks punch and tactility
  • Con:Technical performance is average for the price
  • Con:Midrange can sound slightly dry or shouty at times

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.

Compare something else

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New comparisonEPZ Q1 PROKiwi Ears Cadenza II