Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
79Great
$50
Full review dataKiwi Ears Cadenza II vs Ziigaat Nuo: 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
Ziigaat Nuo
77Great
$29
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.
- Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
- Ziigaat Nuo
HearWiki score
79
77
Sound
7.8
7.5
Value
8.2
8.5
Price (USD)
$50
$29
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
- Nuo2023
Specifications
Cadenza IINuo
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $50
- $29
- HearWiki score
- 79
- 77
- Released
- 2026
- 2023
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD
- 1DD
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 1DD
- 1DD
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 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
Ziigaat Nuo
The Ziigaat Nuo is a budget-friendly single-dynamic-driver IEM that delivers a neutral, Harman-leaning sound with impressive detail and low distortion for its price. It stands out for its comfortable fit, solid build, and well-balanced performance, though its brighter tuning may not suit treble-sensitive listeners. Overall, it earns strong recommendations as a top value pick in the ultra-budget segment.
- Pro:Excellent value for the price
- Pro:Comfortable and secure fit
- Pro:Neutral tuning with good detail retrieval
- Con:Treble can be fatiguing or slightly sibilant
- Con:Bright tuning may not suit all tastes
- Con:No noise cancellation or wireless features
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.