Kiwi Ears Cadenza - Stiff Competition

3 ⭐️

+ Attractive shell design in multiple color choices

+ Safe tuning

+ Price

+ Fit and comfort

- Insufficient bass slam and texture

- Technicalities behind competitors

- Lean note weight feels lifeless

- Budget tier has better choices

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended 

☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.

Gear used: 

●LG v30+

●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra

●Samsung dongle

Source:

Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD. Iems were burned in for 30 hours prior to review.

Introduction:

The Kiwi Ears Cadenza has earned a good reputation in the budget/ultra budget tier. They are available for $34.99 at the time of this review. The Cadenza contain a single dynamic driver but there are a lot of single DD iems to compete with at this price point. Let's see how they sound and how they stack up to some of the competitors.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

● The resin shells are nicely built. The multiple color choices are a nice touch for customization. The included cable is serviceable but nothing to write home about. It's a bit too thin for me personally. There are plenty of included tips to work with so finding one that fits shouldn't be difficult. The small ergonomic shape and smooth shell make for an easy fit and can easily be worn for long sessions. 

Sound impressions:

● Safe. Boring. Lackluster. I think a big reason i hear them this way is because the note weight is thin. The tuning is just "meh" for me. It sounds slightly V-shaped but leans bright. The bass needs more authority and slam to feel present. The upper mids/lower treble are recessed and make the whole tuning feel lifeless. The treble lacks extension and air and rolls off too hard too soon. Cymbal crashes and "S's" sometimes have a tinny, metalic timbre and sibilance. Soundstage sounds flat and lacks depth. Technicalities could be better even in this price range. They struggle with complicated tracks and things get congested. 

Comparisons:

● Kiwi Ears Dolce ($24.99) - The Dolce have a more balanced tuning. Most importantly, the note weight is fuller and just sounds more alive. There is a bit more treble air and extension. Both struggle with layering on complicated tracks and have timbre issues with a bit of sibilance and spicy treble. Soundstage is deeper but maybe not as wide. I would take the Dolce over Cadenza and it's cheaper.

● 7Hz Zero 2 ($24.99) - The Zero 2 shares a similar tuning with the Cadenza but just does everything else better. Sub bass is more authoritative and present. Mids sound more natural. Treble has no sibilance, more air, and doesn't roll off as early. Most importantly again is the note weight - fuller sounding with a more natural timbre. Soundstage might be a touch less in the width but has more depth. Technicalities are better as well. It's hard to recommend anything other than the Zero 2 at this price point and it's also cheaper than the Cadenza.

● Simgot EW200 ($39.99) - The EW200 are better in every way and it's not close. They lean a bit on the bright side but the treble quality is much better. The bass is more impactful and sub bass has more rumble. Mids are more forward and give a lot of life to the tuning. Soundstage is more expansive. Technicalities are better and there's improved instrument separation and layering. The note weight is a bit leaner than I prefer but still not as bad as the Cadenza. For $5 more, the Simgot wipes the floor with the Cadenza. 

Summary:

The Kiwi Ears Cadenza exist in a very crowded budget tier. Back when these debuted in late 2022 I might recommend them but here in 2024 there are just better options. The safe, boring, and lifeless tuning won't offend but they also won't excite those looking for something more exciting. To anyone considering the Cadenza I would recommend checking out the 7Hz Zero 2 and Simgot EW200.