Moondrop Kadenz and Kiwi Ears ETUDE are in-ear monitors. Moondrop Kadenz costs $190 while Kiwi Ears ETUDE costs $119. Moondrop Kadenz is $71 more expensive. Both score 6.6 from reviewers. Moondrop Kadenz has better mids with a 0.5-point edge, Moondrop Kadenz has significantly better treble with a 2.5-point edge and Kiwi Ears ETUDE has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge.
Insights
Metric | Moondrop Kadenz | Kiwi Ears ETUDE |
---|---|---|
Bass | 7 | 6.6 |
Mids | 6.5 | 6 |
Treble | 7.5 | 5 |
Soundstage | 6 | 6 |
Dynamics | 5 | 7 |
Tonality | 6.3 | 6.9 |
Technicalities | 6.8 | 6.4 |
Moondrop Kadenz Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.6Cautiously Favorable
Kiwi Ears ETUDE Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.6Cautiously Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Moondrop Kadenz reviewed by Jaytiss
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Jaytiss
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Moondrop Kadenz reviewed by Jays Audio
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Jays Audio
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Moondrop Kadenz (more reviews)
Moondrop Kadenz reviewed by Super* Review
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelMoondrop Kadenz reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
Moondrop Kadenz reviewed by Tim Tuned
Kiwi Ears ETUDE (more reviews)
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by IEMRanking AI
2025-07-12
The Kiwi Ears Étude offers a distinctive listening experience centered around its Kiwi Vibration Transducer (KVT), which adds a subtle tactile sensation to bass frequencies. This isn’t a gimmick—it lends sustained notes like bass guitars or synth lines an organic, textured quality that feels immersive without overpowering the mix. That said, the KVT can introduce mild reverb in lower-mid frequencies, occasionally coloring male vocals in podcasts or sparse tracks.
Tuning-wise, the Étude follows a mild V-shaped signature with an 8dB sub-bass lift and smooth, relaxed treble. The midrange remains relatively neutral, though vocals can lack body in acoustic tracks without bass accompaniment. While the beryllium dynamic driver delivers punchy kicks, the real star is the KVT’s physicality, which creates a holographic low-end that enhances EDM and hip-hop. Technical performance is competent for the price, with average soundstage width and decent separation, though imaging lacks precision.
Fit may be divisive due to the large shells housing the transducer, and the nozzle’s lack of ridges limits eartip options. Source pairing is critical too: the KVT scales noticeably with powerful amplification, unlocking fuller dynamics. Despite quirks, the Étude succeeds as a fun, genre-specific IEM that stands out in a crowded market.
Moondrop Kadenz Details
Driver Configuration:
Tuning Type: Crin
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $190
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Kiwi Ears ETUDE Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+3BA+1VT
Tuning Type: V-shaped with tactile bass
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $119
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Moondrop Kadenz User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Kiwi Ears ETUDE User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Moondrop Kadenz Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.6Gaming Grade
B+Kiwi Ears ETUDE Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.6Gaming Grade
B+Moondrop Kadenz Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B- Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.
Average Technical Grade
B+- Satisfactory technical performance. Handles basic detail retrieval adequately in most tracks. Maintains reasonable cohesion in simpler arrangements.
Kiwi Ears ETUDE Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.
Average Technical Grade
B- Satisfactory technical performance. Handles basic detail retrieval adequately in most tracks. Maintains reasonable cohesion in simpler arrangements.
Moondrop Kadenz User Reviews
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Kiwi Ears ETUDE User Reviews
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