The Kiwi Ears Cadenza is an established, acclaimed, and popular IEM at the $35 mark. However, the newly launched and identically priced Simgot EW200 gives it fierce competition.
The Cadenza utilizes a single large 10mm driver with a Beryllium-coated diaphragm. Beryllium is known for its light weight and rigidity, and it’s used in many high-end audio designs.
The EW200 also comes with a single 10mm dynamic driver. It utilizes Simgot’s “dual-magnetic circuit and dual-cavity” driver design, known from the more expensive EA500LM , EA1000 and EA2000. It has a silicon crystal diaphragm.
KIWI EARS CADENZA SPECIFICATIONS
- Drivers: 10mm Beryllium Dynamic Driver
- Sensitivity: 110dBSPL/mW
- Impedance: 32Ω
- Frequency Range: 20Hz-20KHz
- Earphone housing material: medical-grade resin
- Cable IEM Interface: 2 pin 0.78mm
- Cable Plug: 3.5mm
Check the current price here:
- Amazon Kiwi Cadenza
- Linsoul: Kiwi Cadenza
SIMGOT EW200 SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver: 10mm Dual-Magnetic Circuit and Dual-Cavity Dynamic Driver
- Diaphragm: Double-Sided Vapor Deposited Silicon Crystal Diaphragm
- Impedance: 16Ω±15% (@1kHz)
- Sensitivity: 126 dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
- Frequency Response Range: 10Hz–50kHz
- Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Earphone Connector: 0.78mm 2-Pin
- Cable: High-purity silver-plated OFC cable
Check current prices here:
LISTENING COMPARISONS
I used the Topping A90 as an amplifier and the RME ADI-2 DAC FS as a source. The RME sounds excellent by itself, but it’s more practical for me to use the Topping. Both IEMs work well with portable gear, too.
Jambi by Tool
The EW200 has a very nice bass performance. The midrange and treble aren’t equally great, and the complexity of the track makes it feel a bit rougher than more expensive IEMs. The tonal balance is good.
The Cadenza sounds very different. It handles the guitars and bass well, but the vocals take a step back when compared to the EW200. The Cadenza is more bassy, but also less crowded sounding.
The Tunnel by Tord Gustavsen Trio
This jazz trio piece sounds very good on the EW200. It’s got a very nice warmth and great dynamics. All the instruments have their place, and none of them dominate too much.
The Cadenza sounds more diffuse, less dynamic and articulate.
Some Day My Prince Will Come by Coryell-Coryell-Vitous
With the EW200, the bass is powerful but very well defined, giving some room to the electric guitar. The sound is warm and slightly lush, with good definition.
The Cadenza sounds good, but a bit duller. It’s not as snappy and organic. There’s more bass and less midrange presence.
Black Crow by Cassandra Wilson
This sounds very good on the EW200. There are few IEMs that render this track in such a nicely balanced way. It is really amazing, especially at this price point. The bass has the perfect amount of quantity, and it’s very nicely defined with just the right amount of bloom. The vocals really come true and shine. There is plenty of space between the instruments, and the imaging is excellent.
The Cadenza is significantly less spacious and articulate. It sounds darker and lusher, with less contrast. It is a more laid-back experience, very non-fatiguing.
As Before by Olga Konkova
The cajôn drum is perfectly rendered. It’s got the punch and body it needs, but it doesn’t dominate the track or camouflage the vocals.
The Cadenza has smoother, more laid back vocals, there’s less dynamic contrast. It’s a lusher presentation, but quite nice. The bass is very punchy.
Maple Noise by Greene Serene
A very dynamic jazz improv track, and the EW200 doesn’t disappoint with a quite warm, snappy, and punchy delivery.
The Cadenza sounds a little darker, with less separation, but still dynamic and nice.
Bored by Deftones
This metal track can sound bright and harsh with many IEMs, but the EW200 does an excellent job. The bass is not overwhelming but definitely present, the vocals stand out nicely and the guitars have both crispiness and body.
The Cadenza has, as with the Tool track, significantly less pronounced vocals. It sounds smoother and more laid-back.
It Could Be Sweet by Portishead
Also here, the bass is balancing perfectly between two little and too much. There’s good definition and it allows the vocals to really come through. This track can induce sibilance with certain IEMs, but it’s not a problem with the EW200.
The Cadenza has slightly more bass and less midrange quantity. It is more laid-back and has a darker sound with less articulation.
Smile by Pearl Jam
This is another track that can induce sibilance. The EW200 passes test. The track is very crowded. It is handled decently, but not with the same ease as significantly more expensive IEMs.
The Cadenza is darker and smoother. It sounds better here; the track isn’t as crowded as with the EW200.
Summer 3 – Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter
Starting with the EW200, the tonality is very nice and appealing. It’s warm and full-bodied while retaining crispness. However, it’s an orchestral piece and quite busy. Compared to more expensive IEMs, the EW200 struggles a bit with retaining full control.
The Cadenza handles it better. Not by being more detailed, but rather by being less. It’s smoother, and the edges aren’t as easily spotted.
Young Vivaldi Violin Concerto RV 813 III by Ensemble Modo Antiquo
This is a less busy-sounding classical piece, and the EW200 handles it very nicely. There’s good separation between the instruments in this smaller ensemble. The tonality is very nice, with great timbre.
The Cadenza sounds great too, but more laid back and with less articulation and raw detail.
Limit To Your Love by James Blake
This track is not very busy, but it has an extreme base. The EW200 handles it impressively well.
The Cadenza also does a nice job, but with less definition, and the vocals are a bit drawn back.
WRAPPING IT UP
Sound Signature
The EW200 has a very balanced sound signature. Even though the bass is relatively strong, the midrange really shines through. The Cadenza has a darker and lusher tonality with a more laid-back midrange and treble region.
Treble
Even though it’s not especially bright sounding, the treble is more articulate and pronounced with the EW200 and smoother and more relaxed with the Cadenza.
Midrange
The midrange is significantly more laid-back with the Cadenza, and it’s also less detailed and articulate. I definitely prefer the mids of the EW200.
Bass
The bass is more dominant with the Cadenza, but it is nicely rendered with both earphones, with a good balance between warmth and definition.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage is pretty similar on both and typical for IEMs, which means it’s not huge. The imaging is better on the EW200, with better separation and layering.
Detail, Dynamics and Timbre
Generally, I do find that the EW200 is better in terms of general detail retrieval all across the frequency range. It is also more dynamic, both in terms of macrodynamics and microdynamics.
To me, it has a more natural and well-balanced timbre. That does not mean that the Cadenza isn’t good; I just find the EW200 to be better.
CONCLUSION
Considering the price, both of these IEMs are impressive. While I generally prefer the EW200 for its natural timbre and energetic presentation, the Cadenza offers a very nice, smooth, and somewhat laid-back delivery, which is also very appealing.
Purchase links:
- Amazon Kiwi Cadenza
- Linsoul: Kiwi Cadenza
- Linsoul: Simgot EW200
- Amazon: Simgot EW200
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