Kiwi Ears Cadenza II: The new GOAT of budget earphones?

An in-ear monitor (IEM) like the Kiwi Ears Cadenza II makes my job easy. Usually when reviewing IEMs, there's usually one compromise to report for every good quality. The Cadenza II's cheat code is that, although it doesn't offer industry leading bass, or the most detailed treble you've ever heard, it does offer a forward midrange and a very enjoyable sound profile that, although not showy, sound great with all types of music. Package all that with excellent quality materials and charge just under $50, and you've got yourself a contender for a new best seller.

One thing's for sure, the Cadenza II will be taking the top spot of my list of the best budget-friendly in-ear monitors (IEM) (if you want other brilliant budget headphones, I've put a list together of them too). But for now, let's find out exactly why I think the Kiwi Ears Cadenza II is so good.

Sound profile

Overall, the Kiwi Ears Cadenza II is an accomplished IEM that never strays far from the path of neutrality. It's not overly warm, and though it has decent sub bass, it's not one for bassheads. But with slightly forward mids and a safe treble, it presents all music well. It's an ideal first IEM, or useful as part of a larger collection as a reference point of what a $50 IEM can/should sound like.

Bass: Starting from the bottom (your honour), and there's a good amount of sub bass here. My go-to bass test track, Other Side of the Game by Erykah Badu, has that big, thunderous, deep bass as it should, from the first note. But this doesn't translate into much 'slam', or 'punch' – that's mainly found in an elevated upper bass. And the Cadenza II doesn't prioritise that frequency range – though there's still some there to enjoy.

There's a slight dip in the 150-200Hz range (often called a mid-bass scoop), which makes a distinction between the bass and mid section. In practice, this accentuates the sub bass, while giving the mids space to do their thing without being coloured by mid-bass. This approach prioritises clarity over warmth, and though there is often a risk of making things sound thin by doing this, it's not the case here. You just get a welcome sense of clarity to the lower registering instruments and vocals.

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Mids: I think the midrange is probably the best element of the Cadenza II. There's the subtle distinction of the lower mids from the upper bass (mentioned above). And, when compared to the 2019 Harman Target, there's a little elevation from 200 to 600Hz (lower midrange), and then again from 1kHz to around 2kHz (upper midrange).

This results is a clear/warm midrange with body and weight – there's nothing thin or lacklustre about vocals and band instruments. That upper midrange elevation brings vocals forward, but it's not enough to make them shouty. Things seem natural to my ear, and it's all pretty well balanced. There's plenty of mid detail to enjoy, especially thanks to a 14kHz peak in the...

Treble region: I can imagine some treble fans demanding more than the Cadenza II offers, but I can't imagine many people – other than the incredibly sensitive – will find them too bright. There's a dip from the Harman Target, from around the 3kHz to 8kHz, which restrains the treble. I find it tasteful, not dark, especially with a well-positioned peak around 14kHz. This casts enough high-end detail on the mix so things never feel like they're in the shade – though the sound is far from sparkly. Again, the word 'balanced' comes to mind. And with that modest mid bass and full midrange, the end result is a sound profile that is really pleasing. It should definitely impress someone coming from predominantly commercial earbuds!

Technicalities: There is detail to be found here, but certainly not to the degree of something like the Ziigaat Horizon, which I think has one of the best treble frequencies, and so suggested detail, in the game. But then that's $330, sooo...

Imaging is also not particularly strong with the Cadenza II. This is a single dynamic driver, so you shouldn't expect super distinct instrument positioning. My go-to track for this, Michael Jackson's Workin' Day and Night, is presented pretty narrow and in front of the listener. There are the odd licks and vocals that get thrown far left or right, but generally, the 'stage' is small and intimate. This really doesn't bother me, and I'm not a listener that prioritises 'soundstage' when it comes to IEMs or headphones. If you are, it's worth noting that that isn't a strong suit of the Cadenza II.

Price, value, competition

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The Kiwi Ears Cadenza II costs $50 – though it is currently on sale at Amazon for $47.49. For the sound quality that you get, not to mention the build quality, that is exceptional value for money. Of course, there is fierce competition around the $50 mark and below, but I think the Cadenza II has enough points of difference to stand out from the crowd.

The Cadenza OG

The main competition will be from within the family. The Cadenza II sounds more lush than the first iteration (I own, and am a fan of, the first generation too). There’s more distinction between the upper bass and lower mids with the II – they don’t bleed into each other as much – so lower male vocals stand out by themselves a touch more than the OGs. I think the Cadenza II is a little bit more grown up than the fun, V-shape of the originals.

Tanchjim Bunny

An good alternative would be the $22 Tanchjim Bunny – if you want something cleaner, almost reference-like. There's no sub-bass to speak of, as with the Cadenza II, but there's a smidge more mid-bass (still not one for bassheads). It falls down a bit with lean, verging on thin mid range, but there's more sparkle in the treble that with the Cadenza II. Personally, I think the Cadenza II is more fun and versatile, and will be better suited to a varied music collection.

7Hz Elua Ultra

The 7Hz Elua Ultra, at $35, is a really interesting alternative. Again, it doesn't compete with the Cadenza II sub bass, but with two drivers – one for the lows, and one for the highs – things are well separated and clear. Again, there's no warmth to the mids as there is with these IEMs, but it's with the treble that it might best the Cadenzas. There's more detail and air to the Elua Ultras, but it stops short of harshness. The imaging (separation and positioning of instruments) is better than the Cadenza II, but it doesn't sound as natural. Again, I'd personally save the money and get the Cadenza II.

Too good for no case?

One issue that I have with this set, is that because the material of the shells and the cable are so good, when I've finished using the Cadenza II, I immediately want to house them in a protective case, but they don't come with one.

That's one way to keep costs down – it's standard for all budget IEMs – but such is the high quality of this product, it feels a little weird. I had no issue with throwing my original Cadenza wherever... I feel the Cadenza II deserve better.

Should you buy it?

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This is one of the easiest recommendations I've got to make with IEMs so far. That's not because I think the Cadenza II is perfect. There is no 'perfect' with audio – there's always going to be something about a set that someone won't like. But the Cadenza II offers a convincing barrage of wins, including a strong sound profile, fantastic quality materials and design, and a low price of $50. I think every music fan should buy one, whether you're new to IEMs or not.