When it comes to the world of in-ear monitors, finding a balance between price, performance, and design can be quite the quest. But, the Kiwi Ears Cadenza, a contender that might just have what it takes to tick all those boxes. It aims to tackle this challenge head-on in budget. Let’s find everything that you need to know in detailed Kiwi Ears Cadenza review.
In this review, we’ll break down the Cadenza into its main components. We will share our unboxing experience, design, build, comfort, and its sound profile. We’ll also give you a comparative analysis with its competitors, to find where it stands in the market.
Whether you’re an experienced audio enthusiast or new to in-ear monitors, we’ve got you covered. At just $35, many wonder if it’s worth it.
Before we dive into our in-depth review of the Kiwi Ears Cadenza, we thought it’d be worth mentioning a few key points. First off, the unit we examined for this review was generously provided by Kiwi Ears themselves. That being said, the opinions and assessments you’ll find here are completely our own, as we at TechWafer believe in providing unbiased and accurate reviews for our readers.
We’ve put the Kiwi Ears Cadenza through its paces, testing every facet from unboxing to sound performance. The aim? To provide you, our readers, with the most comprehensive review possible. Let’s get to it.
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Unboxing and Design
Unboxing the package of Kiwi Ears Cadenza is an experience in itself. The rich blue box with a front display of the violet variant sets the stage for the auditory treat that lies ahead. The unboxing process aims to add to the sense of value and quality the product offers.
- Star of the Show: The Cadenza IEMs take the center stage, beautifully presented, ready to show off their capabilities.
- Ear Tips: Thoughtfully included are three different pairs of silicone ear tips.
- Cable: A standard 3.5mm cable with a well-designed splitter is included for practicality.
The attention to detail doesn’t stop at the IEMs themselves. The metal sleeves present in the package enhance the build quality.
Each component in the box contributes to a satisfying and complete unboxing experience.
In short, the compact package of the Cadenza contains everything for a better listening experience. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the unboxing experience delivers a premium feel.
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Sound Profile Review: Kiwi Ears Cadenza
Opening up discussion on the sound profile, it provides a performance that is dope for the price point.
- Sound Signature: The Cadenza offers a slight U shape sound signature. It gives a balanced yet engaging presentation.
- Bass: Following the Harman target curve, the IEM provides a powerful but controlled bass experience.
- Mids: The mids are well-presented, with vocals having a captivating and engaging quality.
- Treble: On the edge of brightness, the treble is well controlled. It delivers good resolution and clarity.
- Airiness: The sound carries a decent amount of air, contributing to an open and spacious feeling.
- Instrument Separation: Congestion can occur during complex passages. Yet, there is a clear distinction between instruments and voices.
- Imaging Accuracy: The Cadenza has enhanced spatial presentation due to better imaging accuracy.
Qualitative Analysis of the Sound Profile
Delving deeper into the sound profile analysis, we focus on elements that add to the distinct character of Cadenza’s sound.
- Bass Quality: The bass is intriguing and closely aligned with the Harman target curve.
- String Instruments: There is a natural reproduction of string instruments. Although it lacks some clarity and character, especially with guitars and violins.
- Treble Energy: The treble is smooth, lacking excessive sibilance. It avoids excessive brightness, which is a plus.
- Timbre: Cadenza offers a natural timbre with a slightly warmer character.
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Comfort and Fit Review: Kiwi Ears Cadenza
With a focus on comfort, the Kiwi Ears Cadenza scores high marks in user satisfaction. Its medium-sized design with a single dynamic driver caters to various ear sizes. It delivers an exceptional seal for optimal sound isolation.
- Ergonomics: The shape and size accommodate both smaller and slightly larger ears comfortably.
- Lightweight: The Cadenza is lightweight, adding to the overall comfort during use.
- Exceptional Seal: They provide an exceptional seal to the ears. This enhances both comfort and sound isolation.
- Long-Wearing Comfort: The headphones maintain their comfort even during long listening sessions.
The variety of silicone ear tips included ensures a proper and secure fit. Comfort and isolation are highly rated, with an almost perfect score. The lightweight design and exceptional seal contribute to this positive experience.
At first glance, you might notice an interesting feature about the Kiwi Ears Cadenza: its unique shape. However, this shape can lead to a slight protrusion, which is generally not an issue, unless you’re planning to jam out during a lie-down.
But don’t let this minor detail deter you! In fact, despite this slight peculiarity, the comfort level of Cadenza remains high even during various activities. Be it an intense gaming session or a laid-back music appreciation hour, its secure fit ensures your comfort throughout.
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Comparison with Competitors
If you’re a budget-conscious audiophile, the Cadenza is a gem. This IEM offers an impressive performance that justifies its price tag.
| Kiwi Ears Cadenza | 7HZ Salnotes Zero | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Beautiful 3D printed resin design | Varies, mostly regular plastic or metal |
| Sound | Smooth treble, musical midrange, impressive subbass | Often have emphasis on specific frequencies |
| Price | Affordable with good price-to-performance ratio | Some may offer less value for the price |
The Cadenza is perfect for a range of activities and ear sizes, making it a versatile. Not only that but also a high-value pick in the line of of budget IEMs.
Verdict:
After spending quality time with the Kiwi Ears Cadenza, it’s safe to say that this is a budget IEM that simply refuses to sound like one. It effortlessly offers a sonic experience that’s worthy of a higher price tag. This is not just an IEM, it’s a statement of how high-quality sound can be delivered without breaking the bank.
“If you’re new to IEMs or want an affordable upgrade, the Kiwi Ears Cadenza is a great option. It combines design, comfort, and sound quality for excellent value. Hard to beat at its price.”, Farhan Yousaf, Senior Editor and Manager
Pros:
- Stunning design with vibrant color options: The Cadenza is as visually impressive as it is sonically. Its colorful design options can add a dash of personality to any listening session.
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended use: Designed with user comfort in mind. It ensures that prolonged listening sessions are never a strain on your ears.
- Powerful sound: The use of a beryllium diaphragm dynamic driver ensures an intense, immersive audio experience.
- Precise imaging and good soundstage width: It is renowned for its ability to create an open, wide soundstage with accurate imaging.
- Saturated midrange and engaging vocals: If you love your vocals crisp and midrange saturated, the IEM has got you covered.
- Powerful sound: The use of a beryllium diaphragm dynamic driver ensures an intense, immersive audio experience.
- Excellent value for the price: With such a rich feature set, this IEM presents superb value for its price.
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Generous accessory package: It comes bundled with a variety of accessories. Adding more value to your purchase.
Cons:
- Complex instrumentals: When faced with complex instrumentals, the its resolution might falter slightly.
- Soundstage depth is limited: While it does create a broad soundstage, it does fall a little short on depth.
- Treble may be bright for some: The treble might come across as a tad too bright for some listeners.
In conclusion, we recommend the Kiwi Ears Cadenza without hesitation. It’s a budget IEM that goes above and beyond, delivering an audio experience that belies its humble price.