Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears Cadenza
75Good
$35
Full review dataKiwi Ears Cadenza 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.
Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
79Great
$50
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
- Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
HearWiki score
75
79
Sound
7.5
7.8
Value
8.0
8.2
Price (USD)
$35
$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 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.
- Cadenza2022
- Cadenza II20264 yr newer
Specifications
CadenzaCadenza II
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $35
- $50
- HearWiki score
- 75
- 79
- Released
- 2022
- 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
- Sensitivity
- 110 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
What reviewers said
Kiwi Ears Cadenza
The Kiwi Ears Cadenza is a budget-friendly wired IEM that delivers surprisingly mature, balanced sound for its modest price. It offers a smooth, natural tuning with controlled bass, clear mids, and non-fatiguing treble, wrapped in a comfortable shell. While it won't wow with extreme detail or technical brilliance, it's an easy recommendation for listeners seeking a relaxed, musical everyday listening experience under $50.
- Pro:Excellent value for the price
- Pro:Smooth, natural tuning with clear mids
- Pro:Comfortable fit and lightweight design
- Con:Bass lacks some tightness and punch
- Con:Imaging precision is only average
- Con:Limited micro-detail retrieval
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.
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