Moondrop Crescent and Kiwi Ears CADENZA are in-ear monitors. Moondrop Crescent costs $30 while Kiwi Ears CADENZA costs $35. Kiwi Ears CADENZA is $5 more expensive. Moondrop Crescent holds a decisive 1-point edge in reviewer scores (6.3 vs 5.3). Kiwi Ears CADENZA carries a user score of 6.2.
Insights
Metric | Moondrop Crescent | Kiwi Ears CADENZA |
---|---|---|
Bass | 6.3 | 5.8 |
Mids | 6.3 | 5.6 |
Treble | 6.3 | 5.1 |
Details | 6.3 | 4.3 |
Soundstage | 6.3 | 5.3 |
Imaging | 6.3 | 4.3 |
Dynamics | 6.3 | 6 |
Tonality | 7 | 5.4 |
Technicalities | 5.8 | 4.9 |
Moondrop Crescent Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Kiwi Ears CADENZA Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Moondrop Crescent Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: harman
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $30
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Kiwi Ears CADENZA Details
Driver Configuration:
Tuning Type: Mild V
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $35
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Moondrop Crescent User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Kiwi Ears CADENZA User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
6.2Mixed to Positive
Moondrop Crescent Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.1Gaming Grade
BKiwi 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
5Gaming Grade
C+Moondrop Crescent Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Pleasing tonal balance with good technical control. Minor quirks present but not distracting. Demonstrates decent genre versatility.
Average Technical Grade
B-- Satisfactory technical performance. Handles basic detail retrieval adequately in most tracks. Maintains reasonable cohesion in simpler arrangements.
Kiwi Ears CADENZA Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
C+- Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.
Average Technical Grade
C- Limited resolution; finer nuances are masked. Soundstage feels narrow, and complex passages cause muddiness. Transitions lack finesse.
Moondrop Crescent Reviews
Reviewed by: Super* Review
Reviewed by: Crin
Reviewed by: IEMRanking AI

The Moondrop Crescent features a distinctive brass housing that gives it premium heft but also makes it notably heavy, potentially affecting comfort during extended wear. Its non-detachable cable and basic accessories—including subpar stock eartips that often require replacement—highlight cost-cutting compromises. Isolation is mediocre due to vented designs, though build quality otherwise feels robust for the price.
Sonically, the Crescent adheres closely to the Harman target response, delivering a balanced signature with a slight bass boost that avoids bloat while maintaining textured lows. Its midrange leans transparent but can thin male vocals, and treble extends cleanly without harshness, though upper-mids occasionally verge on shouty. Technical performance impresses for its tier, with strong imaging and a wide soundstage, though detail retrieval lags behind pricier hybrids.
Discontinued and increasingly hard to find, the Crescent remains a value standout for its natural timbre and cohesive tuning, outperforming many peers under $50. Its need for aftermarket tips and amplification to maximize potential are notable drawbacks, but it retains cult appeal for its musicality.
Kiwi Ears CADENZA Reviews
Reviewed by: Super* Review
Reviewed by: Bad Guy Good Audio
Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube ChannelReviewed by: Jaytiss
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Z-Reviews
Reviewed by: Shuwa-T
Reviewed by: Tim Tuned
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Audionotions
Reviewed by: Jays Audio
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Nymz
Moondrop Crescent User Reviews
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