Moondrop Kadenz

General Information

Moondrop Kadenz 10mm Dynamic Driver In-Ear Earphone

Features:-​

>Flagship Single Dynamic Driver IEMs.

>High-Performance 10mm Dynamic Driver Unit.

>TAC Diamond-Coated Dome Composite Diaphragm.

>Second-Generation Patented Super-Linear Dynamic Driver.

>Optimum Acoustic Cavity Design With Remodeled Internal Cavity Structure.

>Swappable Tuning Nozzles(Three Nozzles in the Package).

>Third-Generation Patented Anti-Dust Acoustic Filter.

>Tuned Following the VDSF Target Response Curve.

>Classy Design with Rich Three-Dimensional Lightning Effect.

>Hand-Polished Stainless Steel Shells.

>Universal 0.78mm 2-Pin Connectors.

>High-Quality Single-Crystal Copper Silver-Plated Cable.

>High-Res 4.4mm Balanced USB Type-C ECHO-B Connector Cable with 32-Bit Audio Signal Processing.

>Online Interactive DSP with Echo-B Cable.

Technical Information:-​

>Impedance: 35Ω±15%.

>Sensitivity: 122dB.

>Frequency Response Range: 8Hz~21kHz.

>THD+N: ≤0.03%.

>Connectors: 0.78mm 2-Pin.

Moondrop brings their latest flagship single dynamic driver IEMs, meet the Moondrop Kadenz. It adopts the latest-generation 10mm patented ultra-linear dynamic driver unit featuring a TAC Diamond-Coated Dome Composite diaphragm. Experienced engineers at Moondrop have tuned the Kadenz following their famous VDSF Target response curve ensuring a clean and crisp sound presentation. Moondrop has remodelled the internal acoustic cavity structure using FEA Simulation technology. The pair also has a swappable nozzle design with three sets of nozzles. Moondrop Kadenz brings a new level of performance, greatly enhancing your portable music listening experience!!

New Benchmark in Single Dynamic Driver Performance:-​

Moondrop Kadenz comes equipped with a 10mm ULT Gen2 patented super-linear dynamic driver. The driver adopts TAC Diamond-Coated Dome Composite diaphragm material. It features a newly developed irregular magnetic circuit that is designed using FEA finite element simulation and topology optimizations. It has a unique dome-shaped vent that suppresses high-frequency resonance waves and ensures a clean and extended sound response with ultra-low distortion in the output signal. With an integrated brass internal cavity and external waveguide design, the pair promises crisp and defined sound response across a wide frequency band.

Enhanced Sound Reproduction With Optimized Internal Cavity Structure:-​

In order to produce an enhanced sound presentation, Moondrop has adjusted and verified the internal acoustic cavity structure suing 3D printing tests, FEA Simulation technology, and directional simulations. Moondrop has carefully designed the optimized internal cavity structure for a smooth and balanced sound reproduction with low distortion characteristics.

Replaceable Nozzle Design:-​

Each user has a differently shaped ear canal, it affects the ultra-high frequency response of the IEMs. Moondrop Kadenz comes with three sets of swappable nozzles each having different physical specifications. Users can select the nozzle that matches their ear canal coupling, ensuring a high-quality audio listening experience for everyone!!

Patented Third-Generation Dustproof Acoustic Filter:-​

Moondrop Kadenq is equipped with a brand new third-generation patented anti-dust filer. It greatly reduces oily earwax buildup and protects the driver and internal cavity structure from dust particles as well.

Hand-polished Stainless Steel Earshells:-​

Moondrop Kadenz packs outstanding build quality with ergonomically shaped ear shells. The shells are cast using MIM Powder Metallurgy process that allows for the unique irregular shape of the pair while preserving high rigidity. After hand-polishing the outer shell, the pair undergoes high-purpose sandblasting treatment for clear edges and a rich, premium matte finish.

High-Quality Stock Cable:-​

Moondrop Kadenz includes a high-purity single-crystal copper silver-plated cable. The cable has 0.78mm 2-pin connectors and a balanced 4.4mm plug. We also have a 4.4mm female to 3.5mm male adapter of the same material cable in the package.

Hi-Res Fully Balanced USB DAC:-​

Moondrop bundles a high-performance 32-Bit USB DAC with the Kadenz. Known as ECHO-B, it is a fully balanced DAC with 4.4mm female to USB Type-C configuration. It supports 32-Bit/384kHz PCM audio signal processing.

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Latest reviews

99pixels

New Head-Fier
Moondrop Kadenz Review
Pros: - Neutral-ish sound
- Includes a DSP dongle and a 4.4 to 3.5mm converter
- Great Resolution
- Good refinement in tone and timber
- Vocal Texture is the star of the shows
- Perform well in female vocals
- Good positioning of instruments
Cons: - Some might want more treble and air
- Slightly lacking in treble extension
- Treble may sound slightly scattered (lacking note weight)
- Can sound boring to some (lack of coloration)
- Not as warm as aria 2 (male vocal might sound less hefty)
- Lack of quality control for the nozzle when nozzle B is applied there is a channel imbalance issue
Introduction
Moondrop Kadenz is a successor to the Kato released in Q4 of 2024. It retails for 189 USD for the global market. It is supposed to feature an upgraded driver to enhance it’s sonic performance. It is the representation of Moondrop's final K-series single dynamic driver. The Chinese name for Kadenz “终章” which can be read as “Zhong Zhang” which signifies the end of a chapter.

Unboxing and presentation
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  • The iem
  • Spring tips x3 (s,m,l), black tips (s,m,l)
  • Carrying case
  • Pouch containing the nozzle that varies in length [short, medium(attached to iem), long]
  • Dongle that has DSP functionality
  • 4.4 to 3.5mm converter
Kadenz accessories are quite complete. To me, this feels like a complete product ready to be used right out of the box.

Fit and comfort
I find the fit and comfort to be above average, it is decent enough to be worn around for hours on end but due to its shell design it might lack a bit of stability, the user might need to adjust the fitment of the iem from time to time. For the Tips, I find Spring tips to fit well but for me, I don't prefer how it sounded when paired with the kadenz. As a result, I choose to use my go-to tip which is Spinfit CP100+ (Please note that this product is being reviewed using Spinfit CP100+).

Nozzle

It is an extra accessory to help with fitting. There are 3 different lengths to choose from short, medium, and long. I find this is helpful when rolling tips or just wanting to change the insertion depth for example, choosing a longer nozzle can allow deeper insertion. I found nozzle B to fit me quite well at first but after a few weeks of usage, I have opted to use nozzle c for a bit better stability in fitment. However, the medium-length nozzle is having a channel imbalance issue I have contacted the seller and they have sent me another pair of nozzle which fixed the issue.

Sound Impression
Bass
Quantity: 6/10
Quality: 7/10

The bass is neutral in quantity and has good quality in presentation. This iem does not have lots of bass. The bass is punchy and quick. It has a good texture, for example in Hiroyuki Sawano songs you can feel the tactile feedback in the bass in a well-defined manner. In Bocchi the rock “If I could be a constellation” you can not only hear the bass but also the subtle vibration when the drum strikes.

Mids
Lower Mids
Quantity:5/10
Quality: 7/10

Upper Mids
Quantity:6/10
Quality: 7/10


The Midrange is the focus of why you would want to own a Kadenz. The midrange is very refined and natural-sounding however it is on the leaner side. It has an improved transition and handoff from lower to upper mids over it's predecessor. It also has a less aggressive 4-6khz compared to the kato. For this reason, some might perceive kato vocals to be slightly grainy. For my preference, the only thing I hope for is to have it sound a touch warmer as I would like a bit more heft for male vocals but, sadly it did not. The upper mids are slightly emphasized, giving female vocals a bit more presence, some that prefer a more relaxing upper mids might find it a bit much. For female vocals, despite having slightly emphasized upper mids I don't find the vocal to be rough or edgy. The impressive aspect of Kadenz is it's vocal texture, which is impressive for a single dynamic driver. When listening to the song Fukashigi no carte sung by Asami Seto, Nao Toyama, Atsumi Tanezaki, Maaya Uchida, Yurika Kubo, and Inori Minase, You can hear each singer having a distinct vocal texture and layers.

Treble:
Lower Treble
Quantity: 5/10
Quality: 7.5/10

Upper Treble
Quantity: 4.5/10
Quality: 7/10


The treble of Kadenz is what I would describe as resolving but very inoffensive, It is non-fatiguing and easy to listen to. I didn't find any peaks that protruded from the mix. However, I find it just a touch on the slightly dark side but still has enough treble for anime tracks. The main issue I find is the treble might sound a little scattered and dry as sometimes it did not have enough note weight. I find the detail retrieval to be great for a single dynamic driver. Compared to kato I think the treble resolution is much improved. The treble extension of Kadenz I find it to be ok but not great, It sometimes leaves a bit to be desired on some of the tracks example Because by Tei sounded a bit lacking in spaciousness.

Technical performance


Separation (how the vocalist and also various instrument has its own placement):
Rating: 6.7/10 (8/10 for single dynamic driver)


It is quite impressive for a single dynamic. I like listening to band music on Kadenz as it can separate the vocals of each singer. It feels like there are clearly multiple singers rather than "sound like" there are multiple singers. It also has quite a holographic space giving space to different instruments, the result is a well-defined, well-placed instrumentation. The weakness only shows when you are comparing it to a very well-tuned hybrid iem where a busy track can sound too busy on a single dynamic driver.

Soundstage (how much width and depth is perceived by the listener)
Rating: 7/10


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Width: Average, it is rather more holographic than trying to sound wide.
Depth: Above Average, it has great depth for a single dynamic driver.

Resolution (how much fine detail I can perceive in the music):
Rating: 7.5/10

It has great resolution, for a single dynamic driver. A great example will be how well it can define vocal texture. its resolution is the best presented at it's midrange. Kadenz presents detail in a "Blend into the mix" rather than trying to make stand out.

Comparison

KATO

In comparison to Kato, The main difference I think is the transition and handoff from lower to upper mids, you can expect Kadenz to sound a bit more natural and have a more delicate factor to it. It also has a better vocal texture to its midrange. The separation and instrument positioning is also improved giving it a more holographic presentation. The soundstage is slightly narrower horizontally because of it's smoother nature but better in depth. However, due to it's faster transient it also sounds dryer in comparison to Kato.

Aria 2
Kadenz is generally a neutral version of Aria 2 with better resolution across the board. however, Aria 2 did not sound as dry as the Kadenz. For my preference, Aria 2 can sound a little bloomy in the vocal for female vocals due to it’s slower bass that slightly bleeds into the lower mids. Kadenz however does not possess this character, it sounds more clean and articulate for its midrange however it lacks warmth compared to Aria 2. This can cause Kadenz to sound too clinical at times, especially for male vocals or even female vocals that require more body to sound nice. Due to Aria 2 slower bass, aria 2 bass can come across as more single-noted in comparison to the more punchy and well-defined Kadenz bass. however Kadenz bass has less quantity it focuses more on quality. Well, I will look at this as a balance between being more technical or more musical.

Average score: 7.08

Conclusion

I would say this is a good iem for the price especially for a neutral-ish tuning iem with natural-sounding vocal, and great resolution. However, due to the nozzle issue I have experienced I can only recommend them if you can get them from a store that you can return them if you are having any issue.
xxAMAROKxx
xxAMAROKxx
Moondrop still uses tuning filters in nozzles, while KZ uses frequency crossovers for almost two years to tune the sound. No surprise Kadenz'es trebles have limited air.
9
99pixels
The nozzle is not to change sound rather to change the length of the nozzle for insertion depth

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