The Kiwi Ears Cadenza II is the follow-up to the budget powerhouse that originally put this brand on the map. While the first version relied on a beryllium-coated driver, this new iteration features an updated 10mm titanium-coated diaphragm. Coming in at $49 USD, I put it to the test to see how it stacks up against the original model.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Linsoul for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
Inside the Box
- 1 × Pair of Kiwi Ears Cadenza II IEMs
- 6 × Pairs of ear tips(S/M/L)
- 1 x 0.78mm 2-pin Detachable Cable (1.2m, Single-Crystal Copper)
- 1 x Packaging Box
- 1 x User Manual
Design
The original Cadenza was a bit of a looker, so I wasn’t sure where they’d go with the sequel. Instead of trying to out-glam the original, the Kiwi Ears Cadenza II feels a bit more robust and purposeful. You get these alloy faceplates in either a blue or grey hue, featuring a cool design that reminds me of sprawling vines. It gives them some personality without being too in your face.
The shells have this smooth matte black finish that feels great to the touch. Honestly, the build quality is impressive—they feel solid and well-put-together. But the real win for me is the fit. These things are dead comfortable. I’ve been wearing them for hours at a stretch while working and I barely notice they’re there. No weird pressure points, no fatigue—just an easy, worry-free fit.
As for the cable, it’s a braided number with a glossy black sheath. It’s actually pretty decent for a budget IEM; it handles well and doesn’t turn into a bird’s nest the second you put it down. It’s reasonably tangle-free and just feels like a bit of kit that won’t give you any grief during daily use.
Sound
Sources used for testing include the Hiby R6 III 2025, Cayin RU6 and D&A Alpha Pro. You won’t need a dedicated stack to get the most out of these; the Cadenza II is versatile enough to run perfectly straight from a phone or a simple dongle DAC.
The Kiwi Ears Cadenza II brings a balanced signature that feels like a natural step up from the original. It stays engaging across the board without trying too hard to impress in any one area.
Bass
The low end hits with a moderately strong rumble and reaches deep into the sub-bass. This gives the sound a solid foundation that feels real when the track gets heavy. Moving up into the mid-bass, the driver is tight and fast but still packs plenty of punch. In Gogo Penguin’s Raven, the Cadenza II has no trouble keeping up with the rapid tempo. You can easily tell the difference between the thud of the kick drum and the deep hum of the double bass, which is impressive for a budget set. Overall, the bass is well-behaved and does its job without bleeding into the rest of the mix.
Midrange
If you like your vocals front and centre, you will enjoy what is happening here. The midrange is forward and intimate, making the singer feel like they are standing right in the room with you. The tone is neutral but stays natural, so it never feels thin or clinical. Vocals are consistently clear and easy to follow. Female singers have plenty of energy but they stay controlled and never get shouty or piercing. Acoustic instruments benefit from this same clarity, sounding realistic and lifelike. It is a very engaging midrange that draws you into the music.
Treble
The high frequencies are airy and open, giving the soundstage plenty of room to breathe. The treble is balanced well against the rest of the spectrum and avoids that artificial sharpness some budget IEMs use to fake detail. This is a great example of a smooth treble that still offers high resolution. It is never fatiguing, but you can still hear the fine vibrations of guitar strings and those faint vocal overdubs in the background. It delivers all the detail you need for a satisfying listen without any of the harshness.
Soundstage & Technicalities
The soundstage has pretty large dimensions and a spacious feeling. Instrument separation is impressive for a budget set, as is the overall resolution. Cadenza II is also quite adept at imaging, making it a solid choice not just for music but also for gaming.
Comparisons
Kiwi Ears Cadenza
TinHifi C3 MK II
Verdict
It might not look as flashy as its predecessor but to my ears, it offers superior audio quality. Compared to the original Cadenza, the Cadenza II has sharper transients, a more spacious midrange and better definition in the bass. It’s difficult to find fault with it, considering its budget price, so I’m giving this one my recommendation.
Specifications
Driver Configuration: 10mm Titanium Dynamic Driver with KARS 2.0
Diaphragm Material: PET with Titanium Coating
Rated Impedance: 18Ω (±1Ω)
Sensitivity: 106dB (±1dB)@1kHz
Frequency Response Range: 10Hz–29KHz
Cable Connector: 0.78mm/2PIN Detachable
Cable Details: 1.2m, Single-Crystal Copper