Kiwi Ears Cadenza VS KZ Vader Hi-Res

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Kiwi Ears Cadenza and KZ Vader Hi-Res are in-ear monitors. Kiwi Ears Cadenza costs $35 while KZ Vader Hi-Res costs $32. Kiwi Ears Cadenza is $3 more expensive. KZ Vader Hi-Res holds a decisive 1.6-point edge in reviewer scores (5.4 vs 7). Kiwi Ears Cadenza carries a user score of 6.2.

Insights

Metric Kiwi Ears Cadenza KZ Vader Hi-Res
Bass 5.7 7
Mids 5.7 7
Treble 5.2 7
Details 4.8 7
Soundstage 5.4 7
Imaging 4.7 7
Dynamics 5.8 7
Tonality 5.6 8
Technicalities 5 8
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough KZ Vader Hi-Res reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Kiwi Ears Cadenza Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

5.4

Mixed to Negative


KZ Vader Hi-Res Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

7

Generally Favorable


Reviews Comparison

Kiwi Ears Cadenza (more reviews)

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 7* * score rescaled + normalized
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Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio

Bad Guy Good Audio 6.9 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
C+ Tech
check links for more info:

Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking

Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
Bass: A- Mids: A- Treble: B

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 6.6 Reviewer Score
B- Tuning
C+ Tech
Fantastic tonality, is end game for many.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: B Treble: C+ Dynamics: B Soundstage: B-

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by ATechReviews

ATechReviews 5.7 * Score computed by IEMRanking.com
B- Tuning
B- Tech
Kiwi Ears Cadenza delivers a clean, mid forward mild V tuning with excellent vocal clarity and detail for the price. Energetic upper mids and somewhat lean male vocals may be problematic for sensitive listeners. Comfortable compact shells with multiple color options, clean mid forward tuning with excellent vocal clarity, and strong detail and separation for the price. Forward upper mids can become fatiguing over time and male vocals sound leaner than on warmer, thicker competitors.
Youtube Video Summary

Kiwi Ears Cadenza is a small, smooth single dynamic IEM around 35 dollars that comes with a practical 3.5 mm cable and an unusually generous spread of ear tips for this bracket. The shells are compact and comfortable, with multiple color options that make the set feel more personal than most budget competitors. Thanks to the lightweight design, secure fit and decent venting, it works well as an everyday all rounder that stays in the ear without hotspots.

The tuning is a balanced mild V that places clear emphasis on the mid range and vocals. Bass carries a moderate boost with clean, controlled impact and satisfying sub bass rumble, more about foundation than heavy slam. The mid range is the star, with forward vocals that sound clean, crisp and airy, strong separation between instruments, and excellent clarity for the price, although upper mids can come across a bit too energetic and male vocals may feel slightly lean while female vocals shine more.

Treble has a good sense of detail, adding sparkle and energy without pushing into obvious harshness, and overall technical performance is impressive at this price with very good clarity, separation and perceived detail that can outpace several popular budget peers. Cadenza works well for listeners who want a clean, vocal forward presentation that stays fun and lively while still feeling balanced across genres. It is less suitable for those who are sensitive to forward upper mids or who prefer thicker, weightier male vocals, but for many the mix of comfort, tuning and technical performance makes this a strong budget choice.

Bass: B- Mids: B- Treble: B- Dynamics: B- Soundstage: B- Details: B- Imaging: B-

ATechReviews original ranking

ATechReviews Youtube Channel

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 5.5 * score rescaled + normalized

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 5.1 Reviewer Score
C Tuning
C+ Tech
Comment: It was almost good. Generally good tuning with some bass exture Somewhat grainy treble which is pronounced but not well defined

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: C+ Mids: C+ Treble: C Soundstage: C+ Details: B- Imaging: B-

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Yifang

Yifang 5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
C Tech

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 5 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
B Tech
Well tuned, energetic signature Slightly heady, can be fatiquing

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: A- Mids: A- Treble: A-

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 4.5 Reviewer Score
Good tuning, great bass, excellent build quality, cheap price - what's not to love? Well - the treble is not to love. Treble sounds weird, metallic, and a bit zingy - if you like that, then this is the set for you!

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 4 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
C+ Tech
Basically the modded Zero with slight more bass. Best note-weight out of the $20 sets. Berrylium bass baby.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Nymz

Nymz 3.3 Reviewer Score
D Tuning
D Tech
check links for more info:

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

Bass: C- Mids: D Treble: D Details: D Imaging: D

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 6.7 * score rescaled + normalized
23 community members have rated the Kiwi Ears Cadenza at an average of 4.3/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

KZ Vader Hi-Res (more reviews)

KZ Vader Hi-Res reviewed by Kois Archive

Kois Archive 7 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
Rating: A- | Value: ⭐⭐⭐ | Gaming: 🎮🎮 | Comfort: 8 slightly more V hexa for half the price power hungry

Kois Archive original ranking

Kois Archive Youtube Channel

Kiwi Ears Cadenza User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score:

Based on 1 user reviews

6.2

Mixed to Positive

KZ Vader Hi-Res User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!

Kiwi Ears Cadenza Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

5.1

Gaming Grade

C+

KZ Vader Hi-Res Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

8

Gaming Grade

A+

Kiwi Ears Cadenza Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B-
  • Expect a friendly tonal balance that could use polish but remains inviting. Great for casual listening, less so for purists.

Average Technical Grade

C+
  • Details smear quickly, leaving the presentation cramped and low on definition. You'll notice smearing on even moderately layered songs.
Bass B-
Bass performance is average—present enough but rarely inspiring. It neither offends nor impresses.
Mids B-
Midrange performance is decent, offering balanced presence without major flaws. It works well for casual background listening.
Treble C+
The top end is tidy and serviceable, adding air without overdoing it. Extension is decent for casual listening.
Dynamics B-
Dynamics feel competent, bringing energy without the finest detail. It carries energy without sounding aggressive.
Soundstage C+
Stage expands beyond the shoulders and finally hints at layers, though vertical cues stay muted. Depth cues begin to emerge.
Details C
You get the outline of textures, though the finer brushstrokes remain faint. Background information is audible but soft.
Imaging C
Separation is good enough for casual listening yet misses audiophile precision. Depth remains limited but present.
Gaming C+
Fundamental left/right positioning with limited depth perception. Works for non-competitive gaming but lacks precision.

KZ Vader Hi-Res Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A+
  • Expect a tasteful, well-judged response that feels both musical and true to the source. Great synergy with a wide range of genres.

Average Technical Grade

A+
  • Layering is confident and precise, backed by imaging that locks elements firmly in place. Micro-details peek through without sounding forced.
Gaming A+
Reliable positional tracking with good environmental awareness. Maintains clarity during busy scenes while conveying atmospheric depth. Exceptional value for gaming at this price point.

Kiwi Ears Cadenza User Reviews

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M Makavelian
6.2

Best I've heard under $50

Pros
Excellent tuning for the price, small shells should fit vast majority of ears well.
Cons
Touch too much eargain, can come off as shouty/honky at times, easily remedied with 10 band EQ.

KZ Vader Hi-Res User Reviews

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0.0

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