Moondrop Kadenz Review
Moondrop Kadenz Review
Introduction:
The Moondrop Kadenz, a member of the renowned K-Series from Moondrop, is designed to build on the success of previous models like the “Kato”. The Kadenz features the new ULT-Gen2 patented super-linear 10mm diameter dynamic driver. This driver includes an irregular magnetic circuit and a dome-shaped vent for improved sound quality. It also features an integrated brass internal acoustic cavity and an external waveguide structure. The composite diaphragm, made of LCP, an artificial diamond layer, and high-damping polyurethane, ensures superior dynamics and reduced distortion. The Kadenz also comes with a single-crystal copper silver-plated Litz cable with a universal 2-pin gold-plated connector. The cable includes replaceable plugs: a 4.4mm balanced plug and an adapter for a 3.5mm single-ended plug. Let’s take a deeper look at the packaging, design, and sonic performance of the Moondrop Kadenz.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Moondrop and Shenzhen Audio for providing me the Kadenz for review purposes. I am not affiliated with Moondrop or Shenzhen Audio beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The MSRP price for the Moondrop Kadenz is 189,99 US$. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Box Design & Unboxing Experience:
The Moondrop Kadenz comes packaged in a meticulously designed box that aims to deliver a premium unboxing experience. The outer packaging consists of two main boxes: one is black with the text “Memory of,” and the other features an illustration of a character with flowing hair and the name “Kadenz” written in elegant script. This artistic touch adds a visually engaging element to the unboxing process.
Inside the box, the items are neatly arranged and thoughtfully presented. The contents include:
- 1x pair of Moondrop Kadenz IEMs
- 6x pairs of ear tips
- 1x 4.4mm cable Detachable Cable with 2-Pin connectors
- 1x 4.4mm to 3.5mm adapter
- 1x Moondrop ECHO-B Type-C dongle
- 3x pairs of nozzles (1 pair came pre-installed)
- 1x Storage bag
- 1x Print Materials
Overall, the box design and unboxing experience are crafted to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Design & Build Quality:
The Moondrop Kazen In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) feature a sophisticated design, with a smooth, sand-blasted finish that enhances their premium feel. The color of the shell is a sleek and elegant shade of dark gray, contributing to the overall modern and stylish appearance of the IEMs. Kadenz inherits KATO’s modernist aesthetic design and relies on the challenging MIM process to infuse almost all surfaces with light and shadow, generating a richly-layered three-dimensional effect.
The shell is cast using the MIM powder metallurgy process, allowing for irregularity while preserving high rigidity. This process also gives the inner surface a subtly granular texture, which helps suppress standing waves. After hand-polishing the outer shell, all surfaces undergo a high-purpose sandblasting treatment to maintain clear edges, achieve a matte surface with an elegant texture, and improve wear resistance.
The faceplates showcase a geometric, faceted design, giving the IEMs a modern and striking look. The prominently displayed “Kazen” logo adds a touch of brand identity and sophistication.
The inner surface has a smooth, contoured shape aligns with the natural curvature of the ear.
Two vents are strategically placed on the inner surface to aid airflow and pressure regulation – one vent is near the sound nozzle, while the other is positioned toward the rear, close to where the IEMs rest against the concha of the ear.
The IEMs come with interchangeable sound nozzles featuring a metal mesh on top.There are two types of nozzles: one with a longer profile and one with a shorter profile. These allow users to adjust the depth of the insertion for an optimal fit and comfort depending on their ear canal size. The removable design also facilitates easy cleaning and replacement, ensuring hygiene and durability.
The sound nozzles are equipped with a brand-new, improved third-generation patented anti-blocking acoustic filter. This filter is more effective than previous iterations, greatly reducing oily earwax build-up and offering better performance in the mid-high frequency band.
Overall, the Moondrop Kazen IEMs combine functional elements with a sleek, contemporary design, making them an excellent choice for both audiophiles and casual listeners. The thoughtful design ensures a comfortable wearing experience and practical usability.
Detachable Cable:
The Kadenz comes equipped with a high-quality single-crystal copper silver-plated Litz cable designed to enhance audio performance and durability. This cable includes replaceable plugs, offering a 4.4mm balanced plug and an adapter that converts the 4.4mm balanced plug into a 3.5mm single-ended plug. The ability to switch between these configurations ensures compatibility with a wide range of playback devices, providing users with flexibility and convenience.
The cable features universal 2-pin connectors with a sunken female sockets, which are gold-plated for added durability and connectivity. This design helps protect the pins from strain and fracture, ensuring excellent compatibility with a wide range of cables. Users can easily replace the 0.78mm 2-pin cable with other compatible cables to expand their usage scenarios.
However, there is a notable drawback regarding the Left/Right markings on the IEMs. The markings are almost invisible, making it challenging to quickly identify the correct earpiece. Overall, the detachable cable included with the Kadenz reflects thoughtful design and engineering, aimed at providing a superior and adaptable audio experience.
ECHO-B Fully Balanced Decoding Cable:
The Moondrop Kadenz includes an additional ECHO-B Fully Balanced Decoding Cable, designed to enhance your listening experience. This cable features a 4.4mm fully balanced output, providing power for the Kadenz. It supports hardware decoding at 32-bit/384kHz, allowing it to decode high-resolution PCM audio. Equipped with a USB-C connector, this cable ensures compatibility with various modern devices.
The ECHO-B cable is designed for online interactive DSP, which enhances audio playback quality. Additionally, the ECHO-B has a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 120dB, ultra-low background noise as low as 1.9uVrms, very low total harmonic distortion (THD) of 0.003%, and a high dynamic range of 120dB. These features enable it to handle complex signals effectively. The cable is compatible with Android and iOS devices, including smartphones, laptops, computers, and iPhone 15, without needing a driver. It is also fully compatible with MAC and PC.
Furthermore, the ECHO-B is equipped with a new online interactive DSP. In addition to the five built-in tuning configurations, users can also select different tuning configurations or customize parametric equalizers through the new MOONDROP APP. Users can download tuning optimization configurations contributed by others and upload their own tunings.
Driver Configuration:
The Moondrop Kadenz features a ULT-Gen2 patented super-linear dynamic driver, which has been meticulously designed and improved over nearly two years. The driver includes a new irregular magnetic circuit, optimized using FEA finite element simulation and topology optimization. This circuit features pressure balance channels that enhance sound quality. Additionally, a unique dome-shaped vent helps suppress treble standing waves inside the diaphragm, protecting it from high dynamic stress and ensuring durability.
The driver is equipped with an integrated brass internal acoustic cavity and an external waveguide structure to suppress high-frequency phase interference, contributing to clearer sound reproduction. The diaphragm itself is composed of three high-performance materials: LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) for the dome substrate, an artificial diamond layer for enhanced rigidity, and high-damping polyurethane for better bass dynamics and lower distortion.
Furthermore, the driver employs a magnetic conductivity structure made from special alloy materials and composite high-energy N55 magnets. This enhances the magnetic field strength, improving overall performance. These advancements result in superior dynamics, improved resolution, and reduced distortion, making the Moondrop Kadenz driver well-suited for a variety of listening preferences and genres.
Fit, Comfort & Isolation:
From my experience with the Moondrop Kadenz, the fit and comfort are generally good. The small, ergonomically designed shell fits well into average-sized ear conchas, providing stability and comfort for extended listening periods. For my average-sized ears, the fit and comfort are quite good, but it might be less ideal for those with narrower and smaller ear structures. As mentioned before, the IEMs come with interchangeable sound nozzles featuring a metal mesh on top, with one nozzle having a longer profile and another having a shorter profile. These allow users to adjust the depth of the insertion to find a comfortable fit depending on their ear canal size.
The passive isolation is decent with the silicone ear tips included, offering sufficient noise reduction for most everyday environments. While it effectively reduces ambient noise, it might not be ideal for very noisy settings where more substantial isolation is required. Overall, the Kadenz delivers a comfortable and stable fit with moderate noise isolation, making it suitable for various listening scenarios.
Pairing & Drivability:
The Moondrop Kadenz is a power-efficient IEM, featuring an impedance of 35Ω and a sensitivity of approximately 122dB@1kHz. This technical configuration makes it well-suited for use with low-power sources such as smartphones, tablets, and small USB DAC adapters. One such adapter that pairs well with the Kadenz is the Moondrop ECHO-B. These devices, although not as powerful as dedicated amplifiers or larger DACs, can still drive the Kadenz effectively, making it a versatile choice for on-the-go listening.
Technical Specifications:
- Model : Kadenz
- Driver : 10mm [ULT-Gen2] Patented* Dynamic Driver
- Diaphragm : TAC Diamond-Coated Dome Composite Diaphragm
- Sensitivity : 122dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
- Impedance : 35Ω±15% (@1kHz)
- Frequency Response : 8Hz-21kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
- Effective Freq.Response : 20Hz-20kHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)
- THD : THD≤0.03% (@1kHz, 94dB)
- Cable Jack : 0.78-2pin
Sources used for this review:
- IEM’s : Moondrop Kadenz, Moondrop Kato
- DAP/DAC’s : FiiO M23, Moondrop ECHO-B
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Norah Jones – Don’t Know Why (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Adele – My Little Love (Deezer HiFi)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Deezer HiFi)
- Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Deezer HiFi)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Stevie Ray Vaughan – Riviera Paradise (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
- Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
The Moondrop Kadenz offers a quite balanced and refined listening experience. Its strengths lie in its precise bass, engaging midrange, smooth and extended treble, and notable soundstage and imaging. While it may not emphasize extremes in bass or treble, its balanced approach makes it versatile and suitable for various listening preferences.
Let’s take a closer look at the sound performance of the Moondrop Kadenz, covering its bass, midrange, treble, and technical capabilities in detail.
This review has been written after a burn-in period of about 60 Hours. I have used the silicone ear tips and the stock cable that are included to the package. My sound impressions below are based on my experiences with sources like the FiiO M23 Digital Audio Player and the Moondrop ECHO-B dongle.
Bass:
The bass performance of the Moondrop Kadenz is characterized by its precision and control. The subbass extends deep, providing a substantial foundation that adds depth to the overall sound. This deep extension ensures that instruments like bass guitars and kick drums are rendered with authority and clarity, delivering a realistic and impactful experience. The subbass decay is well-managed, preventing any lingering resonance that could muddy the sound. Listening to Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici or Lorde – Royals on the Kadenz highlights the effective subbass response, providing a solid and well-defined low-end foundation.
In the midbass region, the Kadenz maintains a tight and punchy response. This results in a clean and articulate presentation that avoids the common pitfalls of bloat and congestion. For example, tracks featuring complex basslines or multiple low-frequency instruments, such as Gogo Penguin – Raven, benefit from this clarity, making the Kadenz a strong performer for these types of music. However, it is worth noting that while the bass is well-controlled, some might find it lacks the visceral impact that more bass-heavy IEMs offer. Nonetheless, the balanced bass response ensures the Kadenz handles genres like rock, pop, jazz, and classical with equal finesse.
Midrange:
The Kadenz’s midrange is well-balanced with a slight forwardness, bringing vocals and instruments to the forefront. The lower midrange offers warmth and fullness, enriching male vocals and instruments like acoustic guitars and cellos. This warmth adds a natural and engaging quality to the music, as exemplified by tracks like George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, David Bowie – Heroes, and Elton John – Rocket Man. The upper midrange features a gentle dip, preventing harshness and ensuring a smooth transition to the treble. This can make female vocals and higher-pitched instruments slightly recessed, but it also avoids fatigue during extended listening sessions. Tracks like Norah Jones – Don’t Know Why, Adele – My Little Love, and Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien showcase the Kadenz’s ability to deliver clear and non-fatiguing female vocals. Overall, the midrange performance is commendable, offering clarity, detail, and a balanced presentation suitable for various genres.
Treble:
The Kadenz’s treble response is smooth and well-extended, providing a balanced top end free from harsh peaks. This makes it suitable for extended listening sessions, avoiding fatigue. The upper treble offers sufficient sparkle and air, adding openness to the sound signature. High-frequency instruments like cymbals, hi-hats, and flutes are rendered with precision, standing out without overshadowing other elements.
The treble range sounds in general pretty controled, delivering detail and clarity without excessive sibilance or harshness. Megadeth – Sweating Bullets showcases the Kadenz’s treble capabilities, with cymbals and high-pitched guitars coming through clearly and naturally. This refined treble response makes the Kadenz versatile, handling various music styles with ease. While some may prefer more extreme treble extension and airiness, the Kadenz’s balanced approach ensures a pleasant listening experience.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The Kadenz offers an impressive soundstage with notable width and depth. This spaciousness enhances instrument separation and creates a realistic listening experience. The precise imaging allows for accurate localization of instruments and vocals within the soundstage. Tracks like Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles highlight the Kadenz’s ability to create an immersive listening experience. While it may not match open-back headphones, the Kadenz’s soundstage and imaging are more than adequate for an IEM, contributing to a lifelike and engaging presentation.
Comparison:
Moondrop Kadenz versus Moondrop Kato:
The Kadenz is the latest IEM of the Dynamic Driver K-Series by Moondrop and the successor to the Kato. While the design of both IEMs is quite similar, there are some major differences, such as the newly developed Second-Generation Patented Super-Linear Dynamic Driver, the remodeled Internal Cavity Structure, and the Optimized Acoustic Cavity.
In terms of sonic performance, the Kadenz and the Kato do share some audible differences that I will now analyze for you below.
The Moondrop Kato has a more pronounced subbass presence compared to the Kadenz, resulting in a stronger and more substantial low-end foundation. This makes the Kato more impactful for tracks that rely heavily on deep bass. Additionally, the Kato’s midbass is also more pronounced, providing a fuller and richer bass experience. In contrast, the Kadenz offers a tighter and more controlled midbass response, which results in a cleaner and more articulate bass presentation. This gives the Kato an edge in overall bass presence and impact, while the Kadenz excels in bass precision and control.
The midrange of the Kadenz shows a slight forwardness, especially in the upper midrange, enhancing the presence of vocals and instruments like acoustic guitars and cellos. This makes the Kadenz more engaging for these elements, presenting them with a clearer and more detailed character. The Kato, by comparison, has a more pronounced lower midrange, offering added warmth and richness to vocals and instruments. This results in a more balanced presentation for the Kato but lacks the upper midrange detail and clarity that the Kadenz provides. Additionally, the transitions in the Kadenz’s midrange are smoother and more controlled, giving it an edge in delivering a detailed and engaging midrange experience.
In the treble region, the Moondrop Kadenz provides a smooth and well-extended response with sufficient sparkle and air, ensuring that high-frequency instruments are rendered with clarity and precision. The Kadenz’s treble control manages to avoid sibilance and harshness, making it suitable for long listening sessions. The Kato, on the other hand, shows a slightly brighter upper treble, which enhances the perception of detail but can lead to listener fatigue over extended periods. The Kadenz’s more balanced and refined treble response, with smoother transitions, makes it more comfortable for longer listening periods and ensures a more cohesive listening experience.
The Moondrop Kadenz has a slightly more expansive soundstage and better imaging than the Kato. This results in better instrument separation and accurate localization of sounds, enhancing immersion, particularly for live and orchestral recordings. While the Kato is competent in these areas, it doesn’t reach the same level of spatial realism as the Kadenz, though these differences are subtle.
Conclusion:
The Moondrop Kadenz is a well-crafted IEM that offers a premium unboxing experience and a sleek, durable design. Its ergonomic fit ensures comfort during extended use, and the detachable cable provides versatility, although the Left/Right markings could be more visible.
Sound-wise, the Kadenz delivers precise bass, an engaging midrange with excellent upper midrange detail, and a smooth, extended treble. It also boasts a slightly more expansive soundstage and better imaging than the Kato, enhancing the overall listening experience. While the differences are subtle, they contribute to the Kadenz’s balanced and refined sound signature, making it a reliable choice for various listening preferences.
Pros & Cons:
- + Precise bass, engaging midrange with excellent upper midrange detail, and smooth, extended treble
- + Slightly more expansive soundstage and better imaging compared to the Kato.
- + Sleek and modern aesthetic with a durable, ergonomic build
- + Interchangeable sound nozzles for optimal fit
- + Rich set of accessories
- + Excellent detachable cable with replaceable
- + Includes the ECHO-B Fully Balanced Decoding Cable for improved audio performance
- – Left/Right markings on the IEMs are almost invisible
- – Lacks some the visceral bass impact
Thank you for the Read!
