Moondrop
Kadenz
IEM
USD
190
MEOWSCORE
75
expert reviews
The MOONDROP Kadenz is a proper successor to the beloved MOONDROP KATO. It keeps the charm of the KXXS and KATO with an eye-catching and appealing design.
Moondrop's sub-$200 dynamic driver heritage goes back years -- eons in IEM terms -- and their latest entry, this Kadenz, might be their last. So did Moondrop save the best of their DD IEMs for last?
description
Flagship 10mm Dynamic Driver In-Ear Earphone
- ULT-Gen2 Patented Super-Linear Dynamic Driver
- TAC Diamond-Coated Dome Composite Diaphragm
- Interchangeable Nozzle Design
- High-Quality Single-Crystal Copper Silver-Plated Litz Cable
- ECHO-B DSP Cable
- Graphical Online Interactive DSP
Kadenz: Precision Engineering for Superior Sound Performance
The Kadenz features the newly developed ULT-Gen2 patented super-linear dynamic driver, which has undergone nearly two years of design, verification, and improvement. This second-generation driver showcases an irregular magnetic circuit designed using FEA finite element simulation and topology optimization, along with pressure balance channels for different vibration regions. A unique dome-shaped vent helps suppress treble standing waves while protecting the diaphragm and coil from high dynamic stress.
Additionally, the integrated brass internal acoustic cavity and external waveguide structure work together to minimize high-frequency phase interference. The composite use of new diaphragm materials, a special alloy magnetic conductivity structure, and internal/external composite high-energy N55 magnets further enhance performance. With these advancements in design, materials, and technology, the Kadenz delivers more powerful dynamics and improved resolution.
TAC Diamond-Coated Dome Composite Diaphragm
The Kadenz dynamic driver features a groundbreaking TAC diamond-coated dome composite diaphragm, utilizing LCP (liquid crystal polymer) as the dome’s base material. Through a deposition process typically reserved for high-end precision devices, an artificial diamond layer with a superior SP3 bond is created, offering higher rigidity and more balanced internal damping compared to DLC. This results in greater treble extension and richer detail than previous generations of similar drivers. The use of flexible, high-damping polyurethane as the suspension material enhances bass dynamics and minimizes distortion at large amplitudes. With its composition of three high-performance materials, the Kadenz dynamic driver rivals the performance of triple-frequency hybrids.
Optimized Acoustic Cavity for Balanced Sound
To accommodate the newly developed driver, MOONDROP has meticulously re-modeled and verified the internal cavity structure through directional simulation, 3D printing tests, and molding adjustments. After nearly a year of continuous testing and fine-tuning, the result is an optimized acoustic cavity that delivers a more balanced and refined sound, perfectly complementing the advanced driver technology.
Interchangeable Nozzle Design with Enhanced Features
The Kadenz features a replaceable nozzle design, equipped with a newly improved third-generation patented anti-blocking filter that significantly reduces oily earwax build-up, enhancing performance in the mid-high frequency range. This design offers three nozzles with different physical specifications to match the acoustic coupling of various ear canal structures. Since ultra-high frequency coupling can vary due to individual ear canal differences, standard ear simulators cannot always provide accurate averages. To cater to discerning users seeking optimal treble performance, the Kadenz allows users to select the nozzle that best suits their ear canal, ensuring a more personalized and high-quality listening experience.
Redefining Dynamic Driver IEM Performance
The Kadenz sets a new benchmark in dynamic driver IEM performance with its powerful new driver, rigorous acoustic design, and multi-stage acoustic adjustments. These innovations result in superior frequency coupling, balanced details, and ultra-low distortion even under large dynamics. Thanks to advancements in driver structure and new magnetic circuit materials, the Kadenz achieves ultra-low nonlinear distortion both at standard sound pressure (1Pa/94dB) and at significantly higher sound pressures, ensuring exceptional dynamic performance. Its frequency response aligns with the VDSF target, offering balanced energy distribution, natural timbre, and precise sound imaging for a richer, more detailed listening experience.
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