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Kiwi Ears Cadenza II vs TinHifi C2 2025: 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.

  • Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
  • TinHifi C2 2025
HearWiki score
79
73
Sound
7.8
7.0
Value
8.2
8.0
Price (USD)
$50
$39

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 TinHifi C2 2025 (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.

  • Cadenza II20261 yr newer
  • C2 20252025

Specifications

Cadenza IIC2 2025
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$50
$39
HearWiki score
79
73
Released
2026
2025
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
1DD
10 mm driver
Driver type
dynamic
-
Driver configuration
1DD
-
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
-
Impedance
18 Ω
32 Ω
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Detachable cable
Yes
-
Connector
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

TinHifi C2 2025

The TIN HIFI C2 2025 is a budget-friendly wired IEM that offers a balanced, Harman-inspired sound signature with solid build quality. It performs best with a decent source or dongle DAC, as it needs a bit of power to shine, and is better suited for relaxed listening than for chasing extreme detail. Overall, it's a versatile and safe pick for beginners or those seeking an easy-going upgrade.

  • Pro:Balanced, easy-to-like tuning
  • Pro:Sturdy and well-made shell
  • Pro:Good all-rounder for most genres
  • Con:Requires a capable DAC for best results
  • Con:Not very resolving or technical
  • Con:Lacks sparkle for detail-focused listeners

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 comparisonKiwi Ears Cadenza IITinHifi C2 2025