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Moondrop Kadenz
- Added by DestinoAzell
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BonGoBiLai
100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Lush, enveloping Sound
Extensive accessorizing
Supreme build quality and finish
Spot on tonal balance
Extremely pleasant vocals
Extensive accessorizing
Supreme build quality and finish
Spot on tonal balance
Extremely pleasant vocals
Cons: Not a con per se, but treble-heads might want a bit more air up top
Moondrop has seemingly set a trend of releasing a single DD IEM in the 180-199 USD category every few years, and every single release in that category has been a resounding success for the brand. The most recent previous model in this category is the Moondrop Kato, which was launched in late 2021 and remains available at the same price point. The Kadenz is the last IEM from Moondrop’s “K-Series,” priced the same as the Kato, and given the brand's previous track record, one might expect the Kadenz to be a refined or slightly altered version of the Kato. However, the Kadenz is notably different from the Kato. In fact, I consider the Kadenz to be the reverse Kato, featuring a surprisingly smooth and warm "non-chi-fi/eastern" tuning.
Specifications:
Impedance: 35Ω±15%.
Sensitivity: 122dB.
Frequency Response Range: 8Hz~21kHz.
THD+N: ≤0.03%.
Price: $189
Disclaimer: I am an audiophile and a reviewer who works with Mr. @Sajid Amit of Amplify Audio Reviews. Amplify generally covers high-end IEMs, Accessories, DAC Amps, and Headphones, with occasional reviews of some budget products. Check out our video reviews at https://www.youtube.com/@amplifyaudioreviews. Apos Audio is a retailer that specializes in high-quality audiophile equipment. They offer a wide range of products, including headphones, earphones, DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters), amplifiers, and more. Their Gremlin Tube Hybrid amp and Ray Tubes have become massive hits lately, and their collab with Audio Technica, the R70 Refine, got sold out within Days. You can buy the Kadenz from the following Link: https://apos.audio/products/moondrop-kadenz-flagship-10mm-iems
Unboxing, build, and comfort
The outer packaging is very similar to the Kato, featuring an Anime mascot, a trend pioneered by the brand. The accessory package, however, is among the most comprehensive I have encountered. Moondrop provides a 4.4mm balanced cable as stock, which is of decent quality. The accessory package also includes the familiar Moondrop branded faux leather case, a DSP enable type C to 4.4mm dongle, a set of extra nozzle packed in a velvet pouch, two sets of silicone tips (which include Moodrop’s popular Spring tips) and 4.4 mm female to 3.5mm male adapter. I am especially impressed with the inclusion of the dongle and the adapter, as both are useful extras, not mere fillers.
The build quality of the Kadenz is fantastic. The earpieces' all-metal construction also features a matte anodized finish, which essentially eliminates the issues of scratches and paint chippings, both of which have plagued previous Moondrop releases. The earpieces feature sharp geometric shapes. I had zero issues regarding comfort and fit while dailying the Kadenz. The isolation, however, is decent but not extraordinary. All in all, 9/10 as long as the unboxing experience, build quality, and comfort are considered.
Sound:
The Kadenz turned out to be quite different from what I expected. Unlike the bright and crystalline sound of the Kato or Blessing 2, the Kadenz offers a warm and lush auditory experience. Its sound profile is more "Western" in nature, prioritizing listening pleasure over clarity and technical precision. The low end is easily the most impressive aspect of the Kadenz, especially when compared to previous Moondrop releases.
While I appreciated the Kato, its noticeable lack of bass extension and punch was disappointing. In contrast, the Kadenz Appears to follow the direction of the Aria 2 while also making significant improvements. The low end is visceral and I could really feel the bass pulsating on my eardrums. The balance between deep lows and midbass is also executed quite masterfully, making both EDM and Rock music equally enjoyable. Considering it is a set under $200, the texture and layering of the bass can't compare to high-end or summit-fi IEMs like the CA Astrolith or Sennheiser IE900. However, when compared to its peers, the bass performance of the Kadenz is among the best in its category.
Moondrop IEMs have always excelled in the midrange, and I can't recall a single model that fell short in this area. The Kadenz continues this trend and even enhances it, especially when considering the midrange performance of the Kato and Aria 2. The midrange of the Kadenz is lush and warm, with a noticeable emphasis on the lower midrange. Kadenz is also remarkably proficient with vocals; both male and female vocals come across as smooth and lifelike, surpassing the performance of the KE4 even, which I otherwise appreciate for its remarkable midrange rendition. The clarity and separation of midrange instruments are quite satisfactory, especially considering the Kadenz is an IEM that leans toward a warm and intimate sound. Unlike the Kato and the Blessing 2, I rarely encountered any shouting or unevenness in the upper midrange with the Kadenz.
The treble is where the Kadenz distinguishes itself most from other Moondrop releases. While the Kato features a boosted upper treble that can occasionally sound unnatural, the Kadenz opts for a gentle and safe treble tuning. It can sparkle when the track calls for it but never comes across as sharp or sibilant. Initially, the Kadenz might seem like a dark IEM if you're used to boosted treble or brighter sound signatures. However, while the treble is mellow, I wouldn’t necessarily label it as dark. Instruments like strings and those with airy qualities still have ample clarity and edge definition. Nothing in the treble region sounds artificially blunted or overly smoothed out.
The Kadenz is a solid technical performer, offering decent detail retrieval, although it does not emphasize details as intensely as the Kato. It sacrifices some micro-contrast in favor of achieving a balanced tonal response which is completely fine in my book. The soundstage is somewhat intimate, with a height that feels greater than its width. Imaging is satisfactory, and I had no trouble pinpointing directional cues while gaming. Watching movies with the Kadenz is an incredible experience, thanks to its impressive bass response and clear, non-fatiguing dialogues, which stem from its sibilance-free tendencies and vocal strengths.
Comparisons:
Moondrop Kato: I have already mentioned Kato several times in this review. Kadenz is not necessarily a successor to Kato but a different take on the Moondrop house sound. Listeners who prioritize air and clarity might choose the Kato over the Kadenz. However, the Kadenz handily beats the Kato as far as bass quality/quantity, vocals, and overall tonal balance are concerned.
Moondrop Aria 2: Aria 2 is warmer than the Kadenz, and the low-end is kind of even between the two. The Kadenz is significantly more refined in the treble and midrange, whereas the Aria 2 might sound a bit jagged. The Kadenz also has significantly better detail retrieval and imaging. It is a logical upgrade from the Aria 2 in my book.
Tanchjim Origin: Origins costs $70 more, but the quality of the bass and vocals is equal between the two. The Origin is a wee bit more technical and precise, though that comes at the expense of more sibilance and fatigue. The accessory package of the Origin is also fairly minimal compared to the Kadenz. It also lacks somebody in the lower midrange where the Kadenz shines. I will happily choose the Kadenz over the origin at any given chance.
Kiwi Ears KE4: KE4 is a natural and fun-sounding alternative to the Kiwi Quintet, which was also released a few months back. It is rather difficult to choose between them, given that both Kadenz and KE4 are bassy, natural, and non-fatiguing. KE4's bass is noticeably pillowy and low-res compared to the Kadenz. If you want more tactility and quality in the low end, then Kadenz should be the ideal pick. Midrange and treble performance are about equal on both.

Specifications:
Impedance: 35Ω±15%.
Sensitivity: 122dB.
Frequency Response Range: 8Hz~21kHz.
THD+N: ≤0.03%.
Price: $189
Disclaimer: I am an audiophile and a reviewer who works with Mr. @Sajid Amit of Amplify Audio Reviews. Amplify generally covers high-end IEMs, Accessories, DAC Amps, and Headphones, with occasional reviews of some budget products. Check out our video reviews at https://www.youtube.com/@amplifyaudioreviews. Apos Audio is a retailer that specializes in high-quality audiophile equipment. They offer a wide range of products, including headphones, earphones, DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters), amplifiers, and more. Their Gremlin Tube Hybrid amp and Ray Tubes have become massive hits lately, and their collab with Audio Technica, the R70 Refine, got sold out within Days. You can buy the Kadenz from the following Link: https://apos.audio/products/moondrop-kadenz-flagship-10mm-iems
Unboxing, build, and comfort
The outer packaging is very similar to the Kato, featuring an Anime mascot, a trend pioneered by the brand. The accessory package, however, is among the most comprehensive I have encountered. Moondrop provides a 4.4mm balanced cable as stock, which is of decent quality. The accessory package also includes the familiar Moondrop branded faux leather case, a DSP enable type C to 4.4mm dongle, a set of extra nozzle packed in a velvet pouch, two sets of silicone tips (which include Moodrop’s popular Spring tips) and 4.4 mm female to 3.5mm male adapter. I am especially impressed with the inclusion of the dongle and the adapter, as both are useful extras, not mere fillers.



The build quality of the Kadenz is fantastic. The earpieces' all-metal construction also features a matte anodized finish, which essentially eliminates the issues of scratches and paint chippings, both of which have plagued previous Moondrop releases. The earpieces feature sharp geometric shapes. I had zero issues regarding comfort and fit while dailying the Kadenz. The isolation, however, is decent but not extraordinary. All in all, 9/10 as long as the unboxing experience, build quality, and comfort are considered.
Sound:
The Kadenz turned out to be quite different from what I expected. Unlike the bright and crystalline sound of the Kato or Blessing 2, the Kadenz offers a warm and lush auditory experience. Its sound profile is more "Western" in nature, prioritizing listening pleasure over clarity and technical precision. The low end is easily the most impressive aspect of the Kadenz, especially when compared to previous Moondrop releases.

Frequencre Response Curve (Courtesy : Audio.AI)
While I appreciated the Kato, its noticeable lack of bass extension and punch was disappointing. In contrast, the Kadenz Appears to follow the direction of the Aria 2 while also making significant improvements. The low end is visceral and I could really feel the bass pulsating on my eardrums. The balance between deep lows and midbass is also executed quite masterfully, making both EDM and Rock music equally enjoyable. Considering it is a set under $200, the texture and layering of the bass can't compare to high-end or summit-fi IEMs like the CA Astrolith or Sennheiser IE900. However, when compared to its peers, the bass performance of the Kadenz is among the best in its category.

Moondrop IEMs have always excelled in the midrange, and I can't recall a single model that fell short in this area. The Kadenz continues this trend and even enhances it, especially when considering the midrange performance of the Kato and Aria 2. The midrange of the Kadenz is lush and warm, with a noticeable emphasis on the lower midrange. Kadenz is also remarkably proficient with vocals; both male and female vocals come across as smooth and lifelike, surpassing the performance of the KE4 even, which I otherwise appreciate for its remarkable midrange rendition. The clarity and separation of midrange instruments are quite satisfactory, especially considering the Kadenz is an IEM that leans toward a warm and intimate sound. Unlike the Kato and the Blessing 2, I rarely encountered any shouting or unevenness in the upper midrange with the Kadenz.

The treble is where the Kadenz distinguishes itself most from other Moondrop releases. While the Kato features a boosted upper treble that can occasionally sound unnatural, the Kadenz opts for a gentle and safe treble tuning. It can sparkle when the track calls for it but never comes across as sharp or sibilant. Initially, the Kadenz might seem like a dark IEM if you're used to boosted treble or brighter sound signatures. However, while the treble is mellow, I wouldn’t necessarily label it as dark. Instruments like strings and those with airy qualities still have ample clarity and edge definition. Nothing in the treble region sounds artificially blunted or overly smoothed out.
The Kadenz is a solid technical performer, offering decent detail retrieval, although it does not emphasize details as intensely as the Kato. It sacrifices some micro-contrast in favor of achieving a balanced tonal response which is completely fine in my book. The soundstage is somewhat intimate, with a height that feels greater than its width. Imaging is satisfactory, and I had no trouble pinpointing directional cues while gaming. Watching movies with the Kadenz is an incredible experience, thanks to its impressive bass response and clear, non-fatiguing dialogues, which stem from its sibilance-free tendencies and vocal strengths.
Comparisons:
Moondrop Kato: I have already mentioned Kato several times in this review. Kadenz is not necessarily a successor to Kato but a different take on the Moondrop house sound. Listeners who prioritize air and clarity might choose the Kato over the Kadenz. However, the Kadenz handily beats the Kato as far as bass quality/quantity, vocals, and overall tonal balance are concerned.
Moondrop Aria 2: Aria 2 is warmer than the Kadenz, and the low-end is kind of even between the two. The Kadenz is significantly more refined in the treble and midrange, whereas the Aria 2 might sound a bit jagged. The Kadenz also has significantly better detail retrieval and imaging. It is a logical upgrade from the Aria 2 in my book.
Tanchjim Origin: Origins costs $70 more, but the quality of the bass and vocals is equal between the two. The Origin is a wee bit more technical and precise, though that comes at the expense of more sibilance and fatigue. The accessory package of the Origin is also fairly minimal compared to the Kadenz. It also lacks somebody in the lower midrange where the Kadenz shines. I will happily choose the Kadenz over the origin at any given chance.
Kiwi Ears KE4: KE4 is a natural and fun-sounding alternative to the Kiwi Quintet, which was also released a few months back. It is rather difficult to choose between them, given that both Kadenz and KE4 are bassy, natural, and non-fatiguing. KE4's bass is noticeably pillowy and low-res compared to the Kadenz. If you want more tactility and quality in the low end, then Kadenz should be the ideal pick. Midrange and treble performance are about equal on both.
Attachments
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99pixels
New Head-Fier
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
- 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
- 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
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
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.
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

- 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
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
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
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.

99pixels
The nozzle is not to change sound rather to change the length of the nozzle for insertion depth