Kiwi Ears Cadenza II vs QKZ x HBB Khan: 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.

Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
QKZ x HBB Khan

HearWiki score

Sound

7.8

7.0

Value

8.2

8.0

Price (USD)

$50

$40

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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

Cadenza II20263 yr newer
x HBB Khan2023

Specifications

Cadenza IIx HBB Khan

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $50; $40
HearWiki score: 79; 70
Released: 2026; 2023
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD; 2DD
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver configuration: 1DD; 2DD
Driver size: 10 mm; -
Drivers per side: 1; 2
Impedance: 18 Ω; 10 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Cadenza II vs QKZ x HBB Khan
Spec	Kiwi Ears Cadenza II	QKZ x HBB Khan
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$50	$40
HearWiki score	79 / 100 Great	70 / 100 Good
Released	2026	2023
Audio
Driver	1DD	2DD
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver configuration	1DD	2DD
Driver size	10 mm	-
Drivers per side	1	2
Impedance	18 Ω	10 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Detachable cable	Yes	-
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

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

QKZ x HBB Khan

The QKZ x HBB Khan is a budget-friendly, bass-forward in-ear monitor that prioritizes fun, energetic sound over neutrality. It delivers hefty low-end punch, a wide soundstage, and crisp highs, making it well-suited for rock and hip-hop, though its dark tuning and recessed mids may leave some genres feeling less engaging. With solid build quality and comfortable fit, it's a strong value pick for bass lovers, but not for those seeking balanced or technically detailed performance.

Pro:Powerful, punchy bass response
Pro:Wide soundstage for the price
Pro:Comfortable fit and solid build

Con:Recessed midrange and dark tonal balance
Con:Treble can be slightly sibilant or lack openness
Con:Average technical performance and limited vertical staging

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison Kiwi Ears Cadenza II QKZ x HBB Khan