Moondrop Kadenz REVIEW

[@tan_ori]

4.4 on iem is unhinged behavior

[@SuperReview]

Thank you.

[@Natsumi170]

​@@SuperReviewBlaine will be happy.

[@tomh8544]

Ha ha. Some bean counter in the back office decided to use their old inventory of 4.4 mm jacks so they could save a few pennies

[@audio_tron]

Farewell, K-line. Thanks for the sweet sounds, rugged good looks and the generous accessories.

[@waaaaiiiii]

The moment I heard Disintegration.. I hit the order button. Thank you for your brilliant review.

[@UFO-Audio]

Thorough review - great job!

[@SuperReview]

🤙

[@kaavik47]

I still have a nostalgic feeling for Kato, as it was the best iem I had heard when I bought it, and certain songs I loved with it still give me chills. I’ve done a number of comparisons with it vs. other more recent sets, and it just doesn’t compete in its price range. That says a lot about the gains in price performance over the last 3 years.

[@algiffaryriony]

so what iems you think are better in its price range?

[@kaavik47]

My Gizaudio Chopin and Simgot Supermix 4 are both superior to the Kato now, in my opinion. There are several others that have been generally reviewed better including Truthear Nova, Performer 5, and there are some new collabs coming out now that should be contenders (Zigaat x HBB Arcadia is one example).

[@uglyfate1326]

4 stars for that price is crazy

[@TonkyTronicus]

Yeah those Spring tips seem to create like a suction seal death grip on the nozzle. It's a blessing and a curse.

[@SuperReview]

We complain when tips fall off too easy, we complain when they're too hard to remove. We're annoying.

[@theonewhostonks]

Hey! I know you probably won't see this, but in the off-chance that you do, could you please check out the FiiO FP3? It's FiiO's first sub-100 USD planar IEM, and I want to know if you think it's good or not. Thanks! 🙏​@@SuperReview

[@hkmrsrg1367]

I have a Kato and love it. But I think an upgrade is needed (to hybrid or trybrid). Super review!

[@tom_from_myspace]

Kato is getting really old. I own it, they're really behind my other IEMS

[@hkmrsrg1367]

​@@tom_from_myspaceit's 3 years old at this point. Looking to upgrade but things are kind of expensive.

[@zugzwang8761]

​@@tom_from_myspacei thought in audio good sound stays good? 😂

[@Luis-325]

​@@zugzwang8761 it does. Some people just "upgrade" audio products like others do with their phone. It's just consumerism. Not to say that improvements can't be made with newer tech, but previous products you own are still fine.

[@Ducbloke]

Love a well tuned DD set.

[@SuperReview]

What's your favorite single DD?

[@Ducbloke]

@@SuperReview I'm sending it to you tomorrow! Will be a surprise

[@miassenpai6057]

I guess Im still keeping my Origin then. MD kinda missed the mark for me to say farewell to their K-Line with a bang. They could have made Kadenz a bit affordable and with the separate cable with USB-C, instead of that separate DAC dongle.

[@ericsinchina]

That shell's a beauty.

[@SuperReview]

Agreed. Sup Eric 🤙

[@hokagoteatimereviews]

Thanks for the great review 🙏

[@SuperReview]

🤙

[@moots27]

Tip insertion is indeed a skill 😏

[@cluthz]

Was hoping for a bit more after two years. KATO is still a set I use frequently and I don't think I'm gonna get the Kadenz.

[@SuperReview]

Fair. I think to get much more out of a single DD, will require something advanced like Sennheiser is doing with IE600 / 900.

[@Kevschwa]

Hi, Mark, I've been looking for plastic cases in which to store my IEMs, could you please tell me what box you are using at 6:14? It looks perfect! I would appreciate that so much :)

[@SuperReview]

The brand is Tap Plastics, the model is FT-33. www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/plastic_containers/flex_hinge_polypropylene_box/229

[@PrinceZirconium]

0:53 Mark with native speaker level pronunciation of "shenzhen" 😂

[@sylvestresl]

these are absolutely gorgeous.

[@SuperReview]

You should see them on the Kima 2 cable 😍

[@shitori_1410]

Glad I choose Kato back then, great IEM

[@hex_93a9d1]

Not sure if this is relevant but I find cable and earpieces weight is a big consideration for me as I mostly listen on the go. Even a 4.4 termination is weighty. Stock cables rarely interest me I'd always swap them out to a cheap light cable. If money isn't a concern, I'll probably get a bunch of linum bax cables.

[@SuperReview]

Have you tried the Linum cables? I've only used it on the Ety Evo, and IMO it's just a tangly mess. I also like lightweight but... apparently there's a limit.

[@StarBuccaneers168]

Moondrop never goes wrong with Mark's ears.

[@SuperReview]

(Don't forget Joker.)

[@dalejail]

hi @superreview i wanted to ask what iems will come closest to the tonality/presentation of studio monitor speakers in a moderately well treated room? im struggling to find a daily driver iem, that presents similarly to my genelec 8331a speakers and dan clark e3 headphones. i know forsure now that the harman curve for headphones does not translate well to iems, but i've tried a few iems now that are supposedly tuned neutral, but something is always strangely off and unatural about the way the iems are sounding/presenting information that i cant quite articulate that ends up making them detrimental for studio mix/mastering use

[@padeirocosmico1937]

I was waiting for this one! Your reviews are the best. What do you think would be a good upgrade for titan s og version?

[@SuperReview]

Depends on what you want "upgraded."

[@Nightjar726]

Moondrop has a very ‘ Chinese’ tuning. Which I assume is because they listen to a lot of vocal focused music. It adds a ton of air at the expense of solidity and attack and timbre. The Kato especially comes off with this harsh grainy top end you can’t dial out. It makes the soundstage large. And is cool with vocals. But sounds too zingy with other music. Makes sense though to the music they love. I’m assuming that’s why it’s tuned the way it is.

[@HeroOfAnnihilated]

Idk. I like kato for metal, western pop, electronic, classical

[@kaavik47]

I think Moondrop started with J-pop type tuning, but they have diversified. I agree that rock sounds good on the Kato, and even better on the Blessing 2 Dusk and Crinicle Dusk.

[@zrad09]

Was expecting 5 stars considering it's a "more to your taste" version of the Kato which you rated 5 star, kinda surprised you only gave it 4 stars haha

[@SuperReview]

I've adjusted KATO to a 4 star as well, at $200 things have gotten pretty competitive.

[@pmdthewizard]

I think the issue with this iem is the pricing. There are really great competitive releases from other companies lately. Also why a 4.4mm default cable?

[@alexmoorehead9636]

I want info on those boxes you use!

[@SuperReview]

They're from a company called Tap Plastics, FT-33. www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/plastic_containers/flex_hinge_polypropylene_box/229

[@yeeba.0]

Not exactly related to this video, but I’ve been wondering what the small red ring I’ve seen on the right ear hook of some of your iem cables is & where you get them. Thanks

[@SuperReview]

It's just a small O-ring. 5mm outer diameter with 2mm inner.

[@alejan3san]

I believe some cables just come with it. I'm almost sure i have a couple iems with the red ring

[@ei..]

I currently have an old pair of shure se215, which im looking to replace, and they sound quite muddy and muffled in the mids, and no real clarity in the bass. I daily the beyedynamic dt 900 pro x headphones, with an eq that boost the sub 100hz a bit (1-4db), and a very slight boost to the sub 200hz (0-1db) I love the clarity i get from them throughout the range while still having a bit of thump from the eq. Do you think the Kadenz would be able to do the same? Also wondering if the EQ from the moondrop app is stored on the included DAC, or is it only applied real-time through the app?

[@SuperReview]

Kadenz will be a massive improvement in sound over the Shures. The fit may take some getting used to.

[@xyzed712]

good review but what about the dsp ....is the analog and dsp default sounds same ? iam really curious

[@SuperReview]

Supposedly the same, I didn't use it.

[@JLa748]

No more iems with K's now? Ok they most think its due time for the L's then, or any other letter for that matter. Wonder if that dsp would bring some upgrade to the katos

[@sto-humanfriendly]

The 6xx of IEMs?!

[@SuperReview]

That's Hexa IMO.

[@rainham1]

6xx? what is that? 🤔

[@saumenroy8710]

​@@rainham1Senheiser hd 6xx series over the head headphones

[@Lightstream2]

@@SuperReview hexa nozzle too big sadly.. sucks a lot of nozzles these days are larger than 5.7mm. (kato 5.7mm) oh well i mostly use my 650 over iems anyway but kato is close enough that im not complaining during times i have to use iems.

[@joannerwrighter]

Mark I saw you reviewed EPZ products before Do you have the 530? Many of my friends say it is a hidden gem, hope to hear your review

[@SuperReview]

Yes I have one and plan to review it.

[@joannerwrighter]

@@SuperReview Wow, this is wonderful news. I will keep following you. I like your explanation style. Mark. Happy very day.

[@jondandavekinanahan7488]

How does this compare vs planars?

[@nguyenphan5718]

Between this and the Aful Explorer that you also rated 4 star, which one is a better purchase in your opinion? how does they compare to each other, i know their price is different but hey price isn't everything when its come to sound.

[@SuperReview]

I would take the Explorer -- nicer fit and the sound signature is more unique vs. what I normally listen to.

[@renanmtcvl]

Hi! great review! im a bit late but here it goes: tech wise, how would you compare these to the b3? is there a big difference?

[@SuperReview]

They sound pretty different yeah. Check the graphs and use the "Mid bass" / "Upper midrange" etc. buttons below to get an idea of how they differ. squig.link/?share=Harman_Adjusted_Target,Super_22_Target,IEF_Comp_Target,Moondrop_Kadenz_nozS,Moondrop_Blessing_3

[@shaunak1104]

Please review Simgot ew300 dsp since it's one of the few dsp iems

[@Olga-iw5hy]

Hey thanks for the review! Someone can maybe tell how the kadenz compare to the dunu kima 2?

[@Musicophile-p5l]

Oh no, this is the last of the K-line? I hope they keep releasing single DD IEMs

[@SuperReview]

I'm sure no one is done releasing single DD IEMs :P

[@Ak-mt4hp]

great review👍. will you review project m from dita ?

[@SuperReview]

This is the closest to a review: kzbin.infoJ7yxaogOKi4

[@Ak-mt4hp]

@SuperReview interesting 🤔, so what would you suggest for a neutral iem with good treble and air under 1k ?

[@SuperReview]

@ Supernova or S8

[@KelvinKamsg]

Great review as usual! That cable is not a good idea lol, odd decision making.

[@SuperReview]

They are weirdly inconsistent with the cable terminations -- Aria 2 has a great swappable termination solution, Blessing 3 / Dusk has 3.5mm only, Kadenz has 4.4mm only...

[@Lepoldrio]

Please Review the Tangzu Bajie. Bone Conductor, 14.2mm subwoofer and EST's for 600 bucks is insane.

[@TimBajohr]

Does the Kadenz nozzle fit on the Kato and vice versa?

[@SuperReview]

Yes I believe so. Also fits on Fiio IEMs 🤣

[@ImAWSMDanny]

Bro cant fit the dongle in his box. 😭

[@SuperReview]

I am the old man yelling at clouds.

[@ImAWSMDanny]

I'll be there soon

[@fpl_nick2483]

Origin still the champ

[@muthukumaranc]

Bruh why do they put 4.4 the default on an IEM? It makes no sense. Any Plans to check out Simgot EW300?

[@SuperReview]

No plans.

[@AronAddams7]

The tuning looks ok, I wish it was more affordable

[@SuperReview]

Might try the original Dunu Titan S, reminds me of this.

[@AronAddams7]

@@SuperReview Thanks a lot for the rec'. I think I tried it already but will give it a try again.

[@lindholdt7550]

Nice review, thanks 🙏 As an owner of the Origin, this one looks like a skip for me.

[@SuperReview]

Origin's dope.

[@you2uber530]

So which of the kkkkk is the best?

[@SuperReview]

Careful.

[@saucyg6371]

Not the supremecists that’s forsure…

[@heyking8583]

How this compare to blessing 2

[@SuperReview]

I'd probably prefer Blessing 2, but I didn't compare them.

[@jymylin2605]

Will u give Kato four star at this moment?

[@SuperReview]

Yep.

[@jymylin2605]

@@SuperReview Will HANA remain five star or down to four now?

[@himeaq3q]

love u

[@SuperReview]

uwu

[@gadgetgenerationspulkit]

Moondrop should move ahead of the K-line and design something new. The Chi-Fi industry itself has moved ahead greatly Moondrop needs to catch up now. That's just my opinion though hehe.

[@teamlulquit]

If it were 150 it would be much better.

[@lygmabalz8540]

if the monarch mk2 was $1 it would be much better

[@RNeeko]

@@lygmabalz8540 Would be even better if it was free

[@teamlulquit]

Anime waifu is a good tiebreaker, if it's not a collab it should not be what you have to pay for. This Kadenz was sold too high these days, there are better IEMs at much lower price. It gives me a feeling that I pay 50 bucks for MTSUKIYUKI on the box.

[@3ildcard]

@lygmabalz8540 Difference is, Aria 2 is mini KATO for half the price. And 100 less than Kadenz. You pay 110 extra for non chipping paint (maybe, we'll see), few extra accessories, minor tuning changes you can EQ yourself and well thats it. Thats not to say Monarch is not ridiculously overpriced but at least packs some quality drivers inside those shells, not a single DD, has superio QC too. Kadenz is just Aria 2.

[@rainham1]

Lan is still king

[@Tssukiii]

Every Review: 10% talk about the product, 90% hate on 4.4mm HAHAHAHAH I understand though, for IEMs I’m with you 🤝

[@moonsofjupiter]

Moondrop is afraid of bass. The horror

[@SuperReview]

(1) They make other IEMs, (2) the bass quality on this and KATO is so much better than most bass-forward IEMs.

[@moonsofjupiter]

@@SuperReview they do make other iems, none with bass quantity. I need that quantity along with the quality. Just surprised they haven’t tapped into a large and emerging market, but I guess they have their niche. We don’t need every company to appease us. Appreciate your reviews

[@wyw201]

@@moonsofjupiterIf you’re a basshead, definitely recommend the IER-Z1R

[@susokraut]

So there is a 1/2 dB change in the bass and a 1/2 dB change in the treble to the Kato, but the result is clearly audible and results in different listening experience? Do you hear yourself talking? Ever heard of bias or blind testing?

[@SuperReview]

I do blind listening often! In fact for this review, I had noted one day that the high hats in Parcels had that timbre issue -- and then a few days later I was listening again and surprised that the high hats sounded fine. Sometimes my impressions like that can be fickle from day to day which is why I note them and re-check them later, but this one was gone. And then I realized I had KATO in my ears and not Kadenz. Thanks for the obnoxious cynicism!

[@susokraut]

@@SuperReview You are welcome. I am not quite sure if I got your story or the point of it. But I am pretty sure that the Kadenz sounds almost the same as the Kato does and does not offer a significantly different listening experience. So it seams more than a design update than anything else. And an ever so slight sound modification.

[@fiasse-est]

sounds like starfield mk.2 but not starfield 2 🤧

[@SuperReview]

Definitely not as bright as Starfield 2.

[@fiasse-est]

well I mean OG Starfield, mk.2

[@VSN-wb2ly]

I'm tired with Single DD from moondrop, they need to change their game.

[@SuperReview]

You're in luck, they have like a million products of different driver configs.

[@3ildcard]

Very uninspiring product from Moondrop, never fail to disappoint. Crazy how EQ'ed Kato gets 4 stars in 2024 and other products that pack more get 3.

[@SuperReview]

Welcome to 👋 perspectives outside your own 👋

[@3ildcard]

@@SuperReview Normally, i'd agree. But when a brand gets special treatment and has just 1-2 more recent sets with 3 stars (imagine giving the Starfield 2 4* too, that'd be embarrasing) and everything else 4-5* it gets a little weird all while objectively better and better received products by actual consumers who pay for these stuff get 2-3* is odd. I guess Moondrop is just that good, despite releasing the same thing over and over again, same cheap drivers and everything, just stuffing more accessories. But hey, you do you. You're not morally obligated to any of the viewers anyways. Its up to us to calculate the bias as HBB loves to say.

[@SuperReview]

@@3ildcard Can you elaborate on these inconsistencies you're tallying? It sounds like you're peeved I've 3-star'd some IEMs you like more than I do. So far this year, Moondrop has a 2-star and a 5-star, a handful of 4s, and some TWS I haven't reviewed 'cause I don't like their software.

[@algiffaryriony]

​​​​@@3ildcardFucking room temperature IQ and all the time in the world are really what made this unbelievably idiotic reply possible. Out of all the things happening in the world at this moment, this is what you choose to complain about; the opinion of a niche reviewer in a niche sub-hobby of a really niche hobby, which is known to be one of the most subjective hobbiest? Wow, I wouldn't be able to look myself in the mirror if I am this stupid. But hey, ignorance is bliss right

[@Rafa-Silva-Alt]

@@3ildcard Bro care too much on stars than making an actual point lol How do you actually know that they use 'cheap' drivers?

[@HKS-le3hi]

Origin > kadenz because kadenz no tanchjim magic😁

[@alexanderac1097]

Oxygen > kadenz

[@Oriolus1]

Oxygen>Origin