Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
79Great
$50
Full review dataKiwi Ears Cadenza II vs TinHifi T1S: 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
TinHifi T1S
62Average
$39
Full review dataScore 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 T1S
HearWiki score
79
62
Sound
7.8
6.5
Value
8.2
7.0
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
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.
- Cadenza II20264 yr newer
- T1S2022
Specifications
Cadenza IIT1S
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $50
- $39
- HearWiki score
- 79
- 62
- Released
- 2026
- 2022
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- 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
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- 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
TinHifi T1S
This wired in-ear monitor packs a 10 mm beryllium-coated driver into a compact shell, aiming for clear, detailed sound on a budget. Its lightweight design and detachable 2-pin cable make it a practical choice for daily use, casual listening, or even drifting off to sleep. With a standard 32-ohm impedance, it pairs easily with phones, laptops, and basic dongles.
- Pro:Bright, detailed treble from beryllium driver
- Pro:Lightweight and small for comfort during long sessions
- Pro:Detachable 0.78 mm cable for easy replacement
- Con:No noise isolation for noisy environments
- Con:Bass may feel lean for bass-heads
- Con:Cable quality could be better at this price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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