Hi everyone, I’m back with a review of the Kiwi Ears Cadenza II IEM. I received this IEM from Nicole, who kindly provided it for review purposes. Thanks to Nicole and Kiwi Ears Team.

Here are my subjective impressions as an audio enthusiast. To summarize, here are the pros and cons:

Pros (+)

• Build quality and ergonomics are better than the previous version.
• The bass quantity is indeed not larger than the previous version, but that is actually a good thing. The vocals in the first version were prone to sounding a bit muddy, especially if your source was warm; in this second version, the vocals sound much clearer.
• Much better and more defined bass texture.
• The sound tuning is more balanced and mature, with less coloration compared to the previous version.
• A jack-of-all-trades IEM, and a master of timbre.
• Suitable for those who are sensitive to treble and listen to music for long periods.

Cons (-)

• Not for those who like bright-sounding IEMs.
• If you prefer full-bodied and warm vocals, the first Cadenza version is better suited for you.
• If calculated based on inflation data, the price has increased by about 25% from its predecessor. However, there are no improvements in terms of accessories; in fact, the eartips have been reduced by one set compared to the three sets provided with the Cadenza OG.

 

These impressions are based on my preference for a V-shaped bright sound signature. Please don't use these impressions as a reference, as every ear is different and I'm only sharing my personal experience. Always trust your own ears and audition if possible. If you find any mistakes, feel free to comment.

As usual, before I go any further, I will provide a brief description of the Kiwi Ears Cadenza II. The Cadenza II is the next-generation IEM in the Kiwi Ears Cadenza lineup, featuring a sound tuning similar to its predecessor, but all of its materials and designs are completely new and do not reflect the old one at all.

Unfortunately, in this new version, even though it is objectively better in terms of physical build and sound, the price has also crept up. The old one was priced at around $35, while the new one is around $50. If calculated using inflation data, this is a 25% increase. Is this 25% price increase justified by what is offered? Let's delve further into it.

Here are roughly the specifications and accessories you will get:

• Driver: 10mm Titanium Dynamic Driver
• Plug Type: 3.5mm jack
• Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
• Sensitivity/Impedance: 106dB@1kHz / 18 Ω
• Frequency Range: 10Hz - 29kHz

As for the included accessories, they are as follows:

• 1 x Pair of Kiwi Ears Cadenza II Earphones
• 1 x Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin 3.5mm Cable
• 2 sets of eartips (in 3 sizes)
• 1 x Instruction Manual

 

Unboxing & Physical Build

For an IEM released as the newest generation of the Cadenza, I feel the accessories provided by Kiwi Ears are less competitive compared to its rivals in the 50 bucks price range, where competitors are already equipped with carrying cases. At the very least, I think adding an inexpensive pouch would probably be enough to satisfy potential buyers. Furthermore, some similarly priced competitors now also offer packages sold with balanced and Type-C cables. I hope that in the future, Kiwi Ears can offer more variety in determining their sales packages.

Moving on to the included accessories, we are only given 2 sets of eartips, which means a downgrade from the Cadenza OG that provided 3 sets. However, the eartips provided this time have different bore sizes, there are narrow and wide bores—unlike the Cadenza OG where the bore sizes were all the same but the softness of the materials differed. Which one is better? For me, because the difference in eartip bores is more significant, I prefer the Cadenza II. It's just a shame, if they had provided regular bore eartips as well, it would have been perfect. As for the cable, it is now much thicker, less prone to tangling, and certainly free from microphonics.

Moving on to the IEM itself, this new shell is only available in two colors: gray and blue. I personally got the blue one. The faceplate itself is made of aluminum, and the backplate is made of polycarbonate. In terms of shape, this new version is larger and more ergonomic. However, if you have small ears, the old one might be more ergonomic for you, and If you prefer IEMs with smaller dimensions and more compact cables, I think the older Cadenza version better suits your needs. Oh, and the driver used is also different now; while it previously used a beryllium coating, the diaphragm now uses a titanium coating.

Here are my sound impressions. In my opinion, the sound signature is a mild U-shape. For this review, I used the largest size of the stock narrow-bore eartips. For my source, I used a Topping DX5 II streaming Tidal with a single-ended output at a volume of 40/100 on low gain.

Bass

Kiwi Ears includes KARS 2.0 (Kiwi Acoustic Resonance System) technology, which is an advancement of the technology used in the Singolo IEM. Theoretically, this is useful for improving bass texture, depth, and accuracy, and it seems this technology is not just a mere gimmick. In terms of quantity, the Cadenza II's bass is indeed smaller compared to the Cadenza OG, but in terms of quality, the bass on the Cadenza II stands out more than the OG version, particularly in the sub-bass.

The sub-bass is quite deep, and its rumble feels visceral with reasonably controlled decay. As for the mid-bass, it feels quite tight and punchy, with an average impact for its price point. The transient speed is quite accurate and natural. Overall, the bass focuses more on the sub-bass region, featuring good definition and texture. This is also what makes the bass feel clean overall, though if you are a basshead, you might find the bass a bit dry.

Midrange

The vocal presentation feels much clearer compared to the Cadenza OG. Both male and female vocals sound quite intimate and balanced, with a very natural timbre. While the vocals in the OG version felt lush, the vocals in the Cadenza II feel more transparent with minimal coloration, while still maintaining a sufficiently substantial note weight. Piano and guitar sounds also come across as natural and quite smooth.

At the 50 bucks price point, I think the Cadenza II is one of the IEMs that possesses quite balanced mids. Both the lower mids and upper mids have a neutral sound note weight with a perfect blend—not too thin, not too thick. There is no hollowness, no sibilance, no shoutiness, and no nasal quality. There is nothing strange going on in the mids. Overall, I think the most satisfying aspect of the Cadenza II lies in its midrange presentation. All musical instruments and vocals will sound very well-placed on the Cadenza II.

Treble

The typical treble presentation on the Cadenza II still sounds smooth and safe, much like the Cadenza OG. The difference, however, is that while the Cadenza OG's treble played more in the mid-treble region, the Cadenza II extends the upper treble slightly more. This gives it a slightly more airy and open sensation. Otherwise, there is still a sense of treble roll-off, which makes the Cadenza II unsuitable for trebleheads, but highly suitable for those sensitive to treble and those who enjoy long listening sessions. Even though the treble on the Cadenza II feels smooth, fortunately, it doesn't sound dark at all. It can still provide sufficient detail, even if only on a macro level.

Technicalities

The soundstage feels wider than its predecessor, with fairly good imaging. Instrument separation and resolution are also better compared to the OG version. Handling fast and complex music like hard rock and metal will feel slightly compressed, but it doesn't sound as congested as the OG version. As for timbre, I think it is one of the most organic in its class. Overall, I feel the Kiwi Ears Cadenza II is tuned more towards casual listening that doesn't strictly demand top-tier technicalities.

I have tested it on various sources, and the Cadenza II's sound is quite consistent; meaning, whether plugged into a bright, neutral, or warm source, the sound remains enjoyable. Unlike its older brother, the Cadenza OG, whose vocals tended to get slightly muddy when paired with a warm source, this Cadenza II version boasts a wider tolerance for different sources.

Conclusion

So, is the Kiwi Ears Cadenza II a worthy replacement for the original Cadenza? If you listen to a mixed bag of music genres, I think the Cadenza II is a highly versatile, all-rounder IEM. Whatever the genres, I feel the Cadenza II can reproduce the sound clearly and neatly, thanks to its excellent tonal balance that bridges musicality and technicality, combined with a very natural timbre.

Looking at the IEM itself, I consider the Cadenza II a successful upgrade over the original Cadenza. However, as a side note, if we judge the overall product value, the accessories in the Cadenza II retail package are somewhat lagging behind its competitors, who can offer pouches or even hard carrying cases, as well as options for balanced or Type-C cables. That's all, fellas. Thank you for reading. Cheers.

 Want to check the current price or know more? you can find Kiwi Ears Cadenza II at the links below(unaffiliated links)

Kiwi Ears Official Website

Linsoul

Aliexpress

Amazon

 

Hi everyone, I’m back with a brief review of the Kiwi Ears Cadenza IEM. I received this IEM from Nicole, who kindly provided it for review purposes. Thanks to Nicole, and Kiwi Ears Team.

Here are my subjective impressions as an audio enthusiast. To summarize, here are the pros and cons:

(+)

• U-shaped sound tuning with vocals leaning slightly towards a lush and musical direction that good for long listening sessions.
• Quite an ergonomic, small and fairly lightweight design.
• Fairly good imaging.

(-)

• Not for those of you who like bright IEMs.
• A rather intimate soundstage with strictly average imaging.
• The Cadenza II provides upgrades in almost every aspect, except for the bass quantity.

These impressions are based on my preference for a V-shaped bright sound signature. Please don't use these impressions as a reference, as every ear is different and I'm only sharing my personal experience. Always trust your own ears and audition if possible. If you find any mistakes, feel free to comment.

As usual, before I go any further, I will provide a brief description of the Kiwi Ears Cadenza. The Cadenza is an older IEM release that has been on the market since the end of 2022. It seems that stocks are currently running low because it has been replaced by the Cadenza II, which has a more balanced sound and better technicalities. Not to mention, prior to that, there was also the Pula Unicrom, which costs almost twice as much but has a very similar tonality. Here are the specifications and accessories you will get:

• Driver: 10mm Beryllium diaphragm driver
• Plug Type: 3.5mm jack
• Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
• Sensitivity/Impedance: 110dB@1kHz / 32 Ω
• Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz

The included accessories are as follows:

• 1 x Pair of Kiwi Ears Cadenza Earphones
• 1 x Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin 3.5mm Cable
• 3 sets of eartips in 3 sizes
• 1 x Instruction Manual

Unboxing + Build Quality

For an IEM released in late 2022, I think the accessories provided by Kiwi Ears are quite appropriate for the asking price. We are given a variety of eartips, though unfortunately, their nozzle sizes are quite similar; I feel the only things differentiating them are their elasticity and color. Moving on to the shell, the Cadenza is sold in four distinct color options: red, blue, green, and purple. I personally got the purple one, which comes with a fairly pliable and thin but quite sturdy cable terminating in a 3.5mm L-shaped jack. The IEM shell itself is made of resin, has a fairly small footprint, and is quite comfortable to wear for long listening sessions.

Here are my sound impressions. I perceive the sound signature as U-shaped. For this review, I used the stock red eartips in the largest size, which appear to be made of a hybrid material where the nozzle part is quite stiff while the flange is quite soft. For my source, I used the Topping DX5 II streaming Tidal via the single-ended output at a volume of 40/100 on low gain.

Bass

The bass quantity on the Cadenza is, in my opinion, more than enough, though its level is not quite basshead territory. The rumble and slam feel pretty good, but the definition and texture are admittedly just average, performing in line with its price point. The sub-bass feels adequately deep with a good rumble. The mid-bass feels punchy with sufficient impact. Its transient response is considered fairly fast, but it's certainly not a highly agile bass, especially considering its price is only around 35 bucks.

Midrange

Vocal presentation is quite clear for the price, especially female vocals, which sound more intimate and emotionally engaging. Male vocals and the lower midrange feel lush and take a slight step back. Instrument dynamics lean towards relaxed; however, the upper midrange still carries enough energy without coming off as shouty or nasal. It’s just that when fed with fast-paced and complex tracks, the vocals start to feel slightly muddy.

Treble

The typical treble presentation on the Cadenza can be described as smooth and safe. If you are a treblehead like me, you will likely find it lacking in sparkle and airiness; cymbal strikes feel less detailed and unnatural. However, this lack of air doesn't necessarily make the overall treble sound dark; it still feels reasonably crisp. It's just that bringing out its treble potential requires a slightly higher volume level than my usual as a low-volume listener.

Technicalities

The soundstage still feels quite intimate with imaging that is just okay. Instrument separation and resolution are also just average. It still struggles a bit when handling fast and complex music genres like hard rock and metal. As for the timbre, it is very organic with a musical touch for its class. Overall, I feel the Kiwi Ears Cadenza is tuned not to rely on technicalities, but rather on its musicality, allowing it to be enjoyed for extended listening sessions.

Conclusion

So, is the Kiwi Ears Cadenza still worth owning? I think in 2026, with the arrival of the Cadenza II which boasts a more balanced tuning, tighter bass, and clearer vocals without the slight muddiness of the original Cadenza, it seems very easy to leave the old Cadenza behind. If you are a user of the original Cadenza, please audition the Cadenza II yourself and feel the difference, which I think is quite noticeable. I will try to review the Cadenza II tomorrow. That's all, fellas. Thank you for reading. Cheers.

Want to check the current price or know more? you can find Kiwi Ears Cadenza at the links below(unaffiliated links)

Linsoul

Kiwi Ears Official Website

Amazon

Aliexpress