A Budget Icon Redesigned

We are blessed with surging audio technology that enables high-quality sound at increasingly wallet-friendly prices. Within this landscape, a few notable products have been crowned leaders in the budget segment and one of the most memorable is undoubtedly the Kiwi Ears Cadenza. Released in 2024 and priced below 50USD, it is a product that put Kiwi Ears on the map, delivering impressive build quality and a genuinely audiophile-friendly sound without breaking the bank. Now, in 2026, Kiwi Ears has decided to give the Cadenza a highly anticipated second iteration and our wallets couldn’t be happier. Redesigned with a fresh aesthetic, refined build quality, and a new, exciting tuning, can the Cadenza 2 recapture the hearts of budget conscious listeners all over again? We’re about to find out.

A huge gratitude to the team of Linsoul and Kiwi Ears for the opportunity. We are not affiliated with Linsoul or Kiwi Ears and have received no monetary compensation. Our assessment will reflect our honest, opinionated perspective.

Functions & Specifications

Before we start the review, here are the specifications of the Kiwi Ears Cadenza 2;

• Driver Configuration: 10mm Titanium Dynamic Driver with KARS 2.0
• Diaphragm Material: PET with Titanium Coating
• Rated Impedance: 18Ω (±1Ω)
• Rated Power: 5mW
• Maximum Power: 10mW
• Sensitivity:106dB (±1dB)@1kHz
• Frequency Response Range: 10Hz–29kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <1%(at 1kHz)
• Channel Difference: <1.5dB(at 1kHz)
• Cable Connector: 0.78mm/2PIN Detachable
• Cable Details: 1.2m, Single-Crystal Copper, 3.5mm

The Kiwi Ears Cadenza 2 can be purchased directly from their official store as well as other platforms like Linsoul.

Kiwi Ears Cadenza II

Kiwi Ears Cadenza II

Packaging & Accessories

The packaging here is simple and given its nature of being a budget IEM, most of the focus is placed on the product itself. Packaging is typical of Kiwi Ears style of being fun and unique and nothing much noteworthy here.

The package includes;

• 1 × Pair of Kiwi Ears Cadenza II IEMs
• 6 × Pairs of ear tips(3 Wide bore, 3 Narrow Bore)
• 1 x 0.78mm 2-pin Detachable Cable (1.2m, Single-Crystal Copper)
• 1 x Packaging Box 1 x User Manual

Design

The design is unique and truly beautifully designed and looks way above their asking price. The shell is made from polycarbonate, which is a material similar to the indestructible Pelican cases, and with aerospace grade aluminum faceplates adorned with laser etching of what Kiwi Ears called ‘subtle honeycomb design’ but it looks like a flowery theme to me. 2 colour variants are available either in gray or blue. The faceplate and the PC body have a matte feel to them and honestly, I’m pretty shocked by the build quality and design especially in this price range.

The IEM is very light with a medium sized shell that has great ergonomics, suiting for an everyday carry, even suited for workouts.

At the heart of the Cadenza 2, we will find a cutting edge, new custom tuned, 10mm titanium diaphragm dynamic driver with KARS 2.0 which stand for Kiwi Acoustic Resonance System that provides a 8dB boost and a precise cut off at 200Hz for a subwoofer-like bass while staying clean and controlled. It also optimizes airflow manipulation through a labyrinth tubing network producing a new breakthrough that gives an unparalleled tight sub-bass shelf.

The nozzles are medium sized with the maximum width nearly 5.5mm with a decent length. They are fitted with a steel mesh to prevent moisture and dust entering.

The Cadenza 2 has a standard flush type of 0.78mm connection.

The back vent has 2 pinholes for the dynamic driver venting at the top part of the IEM and another vent is situated near the nozzle for pressure relief. No driver flex is present which usually indicates a well vented product.

The cable provided is a rather high quality black with a brown hue, 4 core braided oxygen free copper copper with metal splitter, jacks and a chin slider. They are available only in 3.5mm termination and given the asking price, these are acceptable.

Gears Used for Comparisons

Songs list

Tone and Presentation

The tone of the Kiwi Ears Cadenza 2 is a L shaped sound that has a boosted lows and solid sub-bass amount. These IEMs are a bassy sound signature with a thick, rich, full-bodied overall sound that is smooth towards the high range. The tonal balance here does lean towards a darker side of the spectrum but only mildly without being veiled. The lows are the dominant aspect and they are well controlled with a mildly forward mids and a smooth, flat high range that excels in musicalities, not clinicalities. The dynamic driver here possesses a wide frequency range that has great extensions especially on the lower region and they are an airy set of IEMs.

Soundstage

The Cadenza 2 possesses a wide and tall soundstage that is worthy of their asking price. The soundstage has a big headroom effect that has no boxy feel and they are airy giving a slightly diffused sound dispersion. The accuracy is great with a holographic soundstage that has a good 3D spatial positioning suitable for gaming as well. The full sound and immersion gives an enveloping sound that is highly enjoyable even for movies.

Separation and Timbre

Separation is great and they are a well tuned single dynamic driver that has superb cohesion with no crosstalk issues worthy of their asking price. They are able to produce a good stereo sound that is wide with no hollowness and they do perform better with 4.4mm balanced output. Timbre here is organic, rich, punchy and breathy with a natural sound without any major timbre issues aside from the lifted bass shelf.

Drivability

Rated at 18 ohms at 126 dB sensitivity, they are a little sensitive on paper but don’t pick up noise as easily and they are able to sound quiet even with low quality source. The Cadenza 2 aren’t a tough set of IEMs to drive and a simple dongle will do justice by providing adequate loudness but they do have some scalability ability when paired with higher quality source improving their dynamic range and giving a more refined sound in terms of overall details and clarity. They tend to work well with neutral bright sources but not so much for warm, bassy sources as the bass amount will be slightly overpowering and might be fatiguing. The Cadenza 2 is not a super revealing type of sound and they are not picky with the file selection and works well even with streaming but higher quality, mastered tracks do give improvements only marginally.

The Bass (Low)

The bass, the dominant aspect of the Cadenza 2, with a lifted mid-bass and a solid sub-bass response, are an uber fun set to listen to. Though showing dominance here, the bass is quite high in their quality as they are textured, refined and solid without bloat or bleed which is surprising given their low asking price. The bass is able to handle fast, bassy tracks with ease, making them a perfect pair for EDM, jazz and modern pop. The dynamic driver here is solid as well as they have the ability to withstand loud volumes without any distortion, although not recommended. Details here are good, maybe average with bass layers presented in a clean, clear manner without muddiness. Sub-bass is authoritative and deep with a strong yet clean defined rumble that possesses great immersiveness suiting gaming, movies and a pleasure for bassheads but not so much for purists. The overall bass is quite balanced from the lifted mid-bass to the extended sub-bass and they are an airy type of bass that doesn’t feel confined. Highly enjoyable indeed although a little fatiguing in loud volumes and extended listening sessions.

The Mids

Midrange has a warm tone that is relatively neutral with a mild lean towards the low range and they transition smoothly from the bass up right to the midrange. They possess a good warmth in the mids with a thick sound that gives a lush, intimate and highly musical midrange. Details here are great with an attention more on the macro details while having decent micro details retrieval. The Cadenza 2 midrange is surely tuned for a more musical experience that blends well with the lows, giving a rather balanced sound that complements their strong bass. There is some coloration present here and they are a vivid pair of IEM that sounds sweet and alluring but on the other hand, they aren’t an accurate, clinical sound that excels in transparency. Vocals sounded deep, intimate and sweet with a smooth upper midrange that is perfect for male vocals but not so much for female vocals as I do find them to be lacking in brilliance. Instruments like percussions, strings and low sound woodwinds sounded great but not so much for strings like violins, piccolo or other high pitch instruments. The midrange timbre here is quite natural with an organic approach suiting their highly musical sound.

The Highs

High range here has an almost flat, neutral signature that possesses no major peaks and they are smooth with no offensiveness or aggression while still having their presence. They are a little polite but still possess a good sparkle and some crispness in their decay. The highs here have a slightly fast roll off which actually gives a clean, natural highs but they tend to lack bite. Energy here is average with a decent extension that doesn’t sound muted and the air here is pretty good. This high range is well suited for treble sensitive users for their low aggression and smoothness that plays well with their thick mids and meaty lows. Treble here is toned down with a mildly recessed treble that is laid-back and soothing rather than being too energetic. They are able to sound clear in the treble without being too dark or too dense but those who want more intensity and energy might want to look elsewhere.

Comparisons

VS Sivga SM100 (49USD)

The more recent release from Sivga, the gaming IEM SM100. Equipped with a new type of sapphire like dynamic driver, they are a neutral bright type of sound that has good technicalities with a slightly clinical sound. They are priced similarly with the Cadenza 2 but the sound is worlds apart from the detailed, slightly sterile SM100, to the darkish, thick, bassy sound of the Cadenza 2. Both are packaged similarly as well as pricing but the design and looks of the Cadenza 2 is unbeatable in this price range in my opinion.

Highs on the SM100 have the upper hand in their amount with a more evident sparkle and crispness while the Cadenza 2 high range has a smoother, more laid-back treble. Details and clarity is better on the SM100 but timbre on the Cadenza 2 is more organic.

Midrange on the Cadenza 2 has a thicker body, warmer, intimate and has a slightly more forward sound while the SM100 manages to sound cleaner, clearer with more upper mids brilliance. Clarity is on par with each other but details are better on the SM100. Vocal is more balanced on the Cadenza 2 while SM100 excels better on female vocals. Colouration isn’t present on the SM100 making them more accurate but lack vividness like on the Cadenza 2.

Bass on Cadenza 2 trumps the SM100 in quantity and quality. They do have a bigger presence with a more authoritative mid bass that is more energetic and a deeper sub-bass. The lows on the SM100 do sound more accurate but lack weight and body.

The soundstage on the Cadenza 2 is wider and slightly taller with a bigger headroom. Airiness on the high range does sound better on the SM100.

Verdict: Both are a competent IEM in the 50USD bracket but for musicalities, the Cadenza 2 is a winner while the SM100 has better neutrality. Based on looks, the Cadenza 2 takes the crown.

VS Cozoy D1 (30USD)

The comeback of Cozoy with the D1 is surprising and even more surprising is the 3D printed medical grade build in this price range. Fitted with a graphene dynamic driver, the D1 is a V shaped signature IEM that costs slightly less than the Cadenza 2. The 3D printed resin build does feel more solid and expensive but the design of the Cadenza 2 looks more premium. Both are packaged similarly with the D1 purple cable looks better but the cable of the Cadenza 2 is thicker and more robust.

The highs of the D1 have the edge of having more sparkle and they are livelier while the Cadenza 2 sounded way smoother with a more relaxed presentation. Details and clarity on the D1 sounded slightly better. Extension and air is better on the Cadenza 2 but they do roll off faster. The treble on the D1 does sound a little harsher due to the higher treble intensity but they have more energy and bite.

Midrange on the Cadenza 2 has a thicker, warmer and more forward presentation while the D1 slightly recessed mids have more space. Cadenza 2 have some coloration in their mids and they are warmer with a lusher, more intimate sound. Resolution on the Cadenza 2 has a more vivid sound while transparency on the D1 sounded more accurate. Male vocals do sound better on Cadenza 2 with deeper notes while brilliance on the D1 is slightly livelier.

The amount of bass on the Cadenza 2 has a bigger presence with slightly higher mid bass lift but with a bigger sub-bass presence and depth. The overall bass quality on the Cadenza is better with a more textured, refined bass response but the D1 bass amount is more forgiving albeit still strong.

The soundstage on the Cadenza 2 sounds a tad wider with slightly more air.

Verdict: Value on the D1 is better for their 3D printed medical grade resin shell at a lower price but the Cadenza 2 does indeed sound more complete without a recessed midrange.

Synergy

The Kiwi Ears Cadenza 2 suits most neutral to bright sources and some warm sources match them but it may sound a tad overly warm. Sources like AKM or Cirrus Logic with midrange minor improvements Sabre hump will actually exacerbate the unnatural timbre. A simple dongle will actually suit the Impact well with ample volume and dynamics as they aren’t demanding and picky with file selection. Genres like EDM, acoustics, instruments, rock and pop will perform great while metal, hip-hop and Jpop isn’t too suited for their harsh music.

Good synergy

FiiO BTR7, Hidizs S8 Pro, Questyle M15, Time Ear BTE9 , Qudelix T71, EPZ TP35, FiiO Q15, Hiby FC6

Not so good synergy

FiiO KA5, FiiO Q7, EPZ TP30, Dunu DTC100

Who Is It For?

Suitable for – Classicals, acoustics, instrumentals, rock, metal,  hip-hop, EDM, modern pop, gaming, movies

Not really suitable – ACG, monitoring, on stage usage

Final words

The Kiwi Ears Cadenza 2 arrives with modest expectations of a budget IEM, yet it delivers surprises that far exceed its price. First, its design and build quality feel decidedly premium, boasting a look and solidity that defy its cost. The true revelation, however, is its bass performance. Powerful, textured, and refined, it punches well above its weight class, a clear testament to the effective KARS 2.0 tuning.

While the overall signature isn’t neutral, the Cadenza 2 offers a smooth, inoffensive, and highly musical listen. It’s an incredibly wallet-friendly gateway to engaging sound. In the fiercely contested budget segment, the Cadenza 2 has decisively proven its worth. Kiwi Ears is punching into 2026 with a winner, and it earns a solid two thumbs up from me.

I would rate this product a 4 and a half over 5 stars

Pros

• Solid, lightweight PC built with a classy, matte design
• Ergonomically comfort
• Organic, musical and fun
• Great soundstage width and height with great air
• Rich, punchy timbre
• Good overall details and clarity
• Authoritative, immersive boosted bass with deep sub-bass for bassheads
• Exceptional bass quality
• Thick, full-bodied, clear midrange
• Superb resolution
• Smooth, inoffensive high range
• Balanced, extended treble
• Easily driven
• Value

Cons

• No case included(nit-pick)
• Not for monitoring, not for trebleheads
• Not a true neutral sound
• Minor colouration present
• Lack transparency