This is a comparison of the EarAcoustics STA-K and the Kiwi Ears Cadenza. They both fall in the 35-50 USD price range and use dynamic drivers.
The Kiwi Ears Cadenza is somewhat of a budget IEM reference. It is tuned towards the Harman curve, and uses a single 10 mm dynamic driver with a beryllium plated diaphragm. Beryllium is known for its light and stiff characteristics. Since launch in 2023, the Cadenza has remained priced around 35 USD.
The STA-K uses two drivers: a 10 mm driver with a beryllium-plated diaphragm for the low frequencies and a 6 mm PET diaphragm driver for the higher frequencies. It is also tuned toward the Harman curve, but as we will see, it is still quite different from the Cadenza. The STA-K is currently priced around 49 USD.
EARACOUSTIC AUDIO STA-K SPECIFICATIONS
- Color: Silver
- Driver setup: 2 dynamic drivers
- Driver details: 1 x 10mm Beryllium-coated Diaphragm DD + 1 x 6mm PET DD
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 110 dB
- FR range: 20Hz-20KHz
- Cable: OFC Silver-plated, 120 cm
- Cable versions: Mic/No mic/Type C with mic
Current price and availability:
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
BUILD AND COMFORT
Both IEMs are made of resin and are medium to small in size. The STA-K has a clear resin shell with a silver, diamond-patterned faceplate, while the Cadenza is mainly black with subtle color accents on the faceplate in blue, green, red, or purple.
Both fit comfortably in the ear. They use 0.78 mm two-pin connectors and come with cables that terminate in a 3.5 mm plug.
LISTENING COMPARISONS
Associated equipment:
- Amplifier: Topping A90
- DAC: RME ADI-2 DAC FS
Love Your Grace by Vega Trails
I love this instrumental, double-bass-driven, dreamy track. The STA-K sounds very nice. The bass is full but not bloated, and there is a good sense of space. It is on the bassy, darker side, but still very enjoyable.
The Cadenza is quite similar, but a bit brighter and crisper. The level of detail is very similar between the two.
Alt e bra by Building Instrument
Another dreamy track – with a catchy chorus. The STA-K delivers a very pleasant experience, slightly dark but still quite detailed and with nice imaging. The Cadenza is similar, but a bit more articulate in the mids and highs while still staying very smooth.
Nice to Each Other by Olivia Dean
They are quite similar here. The STA-K is thicker and smoother while still retaining a similar level of detail. The Cadenza is more neutral, though still a little dark, but I prefer the richer character of the STA-K here, especially its thicker bass presence.
The Sun Always Shines on TV MTV Unplugged by a-ha
The Cadenza sounds great: smooth and well balanced. The STA-K is even smoother – and more laid-back. It also sounds great.
Eusexua by FKA Twigs
The STA-K is smooth and laid-back without feeling muffled. It has a velvety character that is hard to dislike. The bass is rich but does not feel bloated or out of place.
The Cadenza is crisper and more upfront. The vocals are brighter, percussion and instruments are more articulate, and the bass is tighter. Even though it may seem more detailed at first, the detail is also there with the STA-K, just presented in its characteristic velvety way.
Calle 7 by Vincius Cantuaria
The Cadenza sounds very good and fairly neutral, with a nice smoothness and good articulation. The STA-K has an even smoother, velvet-like presentation without losing detail. I really like it.
Re-Melt by Tord Gustavsen Trio
The STA-K is smooth and delicious, with its characteristic velvet-like delivery. The Cadenza is much brighter in direct comparison, though probably more neutral. Right after switching from the STA-K to the Cadenza, I definitely miss the lush, velvety presentation of the STA-K, but I adjust. The Cadenza is good, but crisper and more articulate, with less low-end presence.
Young Vivaldi by Modo Antiquo
The Cadenza sounds good: crisp and energetic without harshness. The STA-K is a bit darker and smoother, with more presence in the lower frequencies.
Spring 1 Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter
The STA-K is smooth yet detailed, very musical, and pleasantly relaxing. The Cadenza is not far off, relatively similar, but slightly crisper and more articulate.
Rambling Man by Laura Marling
The Cadenza sounds excellent—natural, open, and engaging. It’s impressive to think these only cost 35 USD. The STA-K is fuller and thicker, but here I prefer the Cadenza.
Sunrise by Norah Jones
The STA-K delivers thick bass, warm vocals, and a generally pleasant sound. The Cadenza is more neutral, with tighter bass and crisper vocals.
WRAPPING IT UP
Sound Signature
The Cadenza is a fairly smooth-sounding IEM while still remaining quite neutral. The STA-K is less neutral, with fuller, thicker bass and a velvety character that makes the mids and highs smoother and more laid-back than on the Cadenza.
Treble
Neither of these earphones has a very crisp or bright treble, but the STA-K is darker and smoother than the Cadenza without feeling less detailed.
Midrange
I can say the same about the midrange as the treble. Both are fairly smooth, but the STA-K is more laid-back and has a velvety character that is often very appealing.
Bass
The bass on the Cadenza has a gentle lift, is fairly neutral, punchy, and well balanced. The STA-K has a much more prominent, thicker, and bolder bass that often adds richness and warmth to the music, but it can sometimes feel a bit dominant when compared directly to the more neutral Cadenza.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage is about the same on both, nothing spectacular but good for the price. Imaging is also comparable, though the clearer articulation of the Cadenza can make it feel more precise. Still, I am impressed by how the STA-K maintains detail and instrument separation despite its darker, smoother presentation.
Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre
I find the Cadenza and the STA-K to be roughly on the same level in terms of detail, but they present it differently. The Cadenza is more articulate and may feel more detailed on first listen, while the STA-K reveals all the detail when you focus on the music, just in a smoother, less energetic way. Dynamic contrast, however, both in macrodynamics and microdynamics, is consistently better with the Cadenza.
When it comes to timbre, they are different. The Cadenza is more neutral, relatively crisper, and brighter across the frequency spectrum, while the STA-K has more color. It is darker, smoother, and more velvety, offering a sense of “dry warmth” that I often find very appealing.
CONCLUSION
The Kiwi Ears Cadenza is a very strong option in the sub-50 USD price range. It is quite neutral, yet slightly warm and smooth.
However, if you prefer a smoother and richer sound, the STA-K is a good option, offering a velvety, subtly dry warmth that I find very appealing.
- Amazon Kiwi Cadenza
- Linsoul: Kiwi Cadenza
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