The Meze Audio Alba was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the Alba is $159 and can be ordered from the Meze Audio online shop.
Meze Audio Alba
Over the past few years, Meze Audio has been primarily focused on developing their full-sized headphones, with the exception of the Meze Audio Advar, a $699 single dynamic driver earphone. There were rumors circulating that Meze had shifted away from entry-level products to concentrate on their higher-end headphones. However, reality proved otherwise. Meze Audio surprised everyone at the Munich 2024 High End show by unveiling the Alba, an affordable in-ear monitor that comes with a USB Type-C to 3.5mm DAC adapter. Priced at only $159, this package includes everything beginners need to embark on their portable audio journey.
The Meze Audio Alba features a single 10.8mm dynamic driver, offering a frequency range of 15Hz to 25kHz, 32Ω impedance, and 109dB/V sensitivity, making it effortless to power. The name “Alba” translates to “first light” in Romanian, and you can explore the complete story and design process of the Alba by clicking here.
Appearance and fit
The Meze Audio Alba shares the identical design of the Advar, but it comes in a glossy, white pearl finish. The use of zinc alloy and anodized aluminum components guarantees a sturdy, high-quality, and luxurious appearance. The Alba is crafted with such exceptional attention to detail that it could easily be mistaken for a significantly more expensive earphone.
Besides the color, there is another noticeable contrast between the Alba and the Advar. The Alba is lighter, weighing 8g compared to the Advar’s 11g, making it more comfortable to wear. In fact, it is one of the most comfortable and discreet earphones I have ever tested, with its lightweight design, low profile, and compact ear-shells. It fits perfectly, stays secure without applying too much pressure, and provides good isolation. The sound tube is a bit short but not as much as the Sennheiser IE200, so most users should not encounter any fitting issues. However, it would have been beneficial to include a couple of double or triple flange ear-tips for individuals with shallow ear canals.
The USB DAC cable
The USB audio adapter contains an undisclosed DAC chip that can handle up to 32bit/384kHz PCM and delivers 89mW/32Ω of power output. Crafted with aluminum plugs and a durable interconnect cable, the adapter includes strain reliefs for added protection. Additionally, it has a LED indicator that illuminates upon successful connection.
The USB cable offers decent audio performance for beginners, however, the Meze Audio Alba can do better in terms of sound quality, maximum volume, and dynamic range. The cable has a neutral sound signature with a slight focus on the low end. While the treble is smooth and the mids are expansive, the bass lacks control and authority, and the resolution and transparency are not top-notch.
The audio adapter cable provides a quick audio enhancement for your phone’s 3.5mm plug, making it an ideal option for newcomers who want a simple solution. Advanced users may opt for higher-quality USB DAC dongles or DAPs they already possess.
The stock cable
The Meze Audio Alba is equipped with a 2-pin detachable cable featuring a 3.5mm gold plated jack with an aluminum alloy main body and splitter. The cable is lightweight and soft, with minimal microphonic noise, although it tends to get tangled easily. Additionally, a 4.4mm plug version of the cable is available for separate purchase. It should be mentioned that Chi-Fi competitors in this price range typically offer higher quality, modular cables.
Accessories
The bundle comes with 4 sets of ear-tips (S, M, L, XL) and a stylish eco-leather carrying pouch with a side zipper, that is slightly compact.
Listening impressions
If you appreciate the signature sound of Meze Audio, you’ll be delighted to know that the Alba offers a similar tuning. It strikes a nice balance between neutrality and warmth, making it appealing to a wide range of listeners. The single dynamic driver design ensures a coherent and natural sound that is free from the complications of multiple drivers and crossovers, pleasing both casual listeners and audiophiles alike.
The lower frequencies are well-extended with a subtle boost that adds a touch of fun and excitement without disrupting the overall tonal balance. While the mid-bass may not be perfectly neutral and tonally correct but also doesn’t veer too far into being colored, ensuring the mid-range remains clear. The bass level is ideal for enjoying a wide range of music genres, from contemporary to classical, as long as the listener isn’t in a highly critical mindset.
The quality is highly satisfying, with tight and controlled bass that is relatively fast and well defined. However, the technical performance may not be class leading, the low end can sound a little out of control or hollow with some excessive reverb. However, most people will find this enjoyable with most kinds of music, especially with synthesized bass. The bass is also weighty and full sounding, with visceral textures and great dynamic impact. The Alba has plenty of meat around the bones and will fill your ears with high quality and enjoyable bass.
More listening impressions
The mid-range delivers a musical and captivating experience, showcasing a natural and organic timbre with a wide range of colorful harmonies. The sound is opulent and full-bodied, yet also transparent and clean. The Alba provides exceptional resolution and definition within its category, both in the mid-range and the treble. Instruments and vocals are portrayed with lifelike realism, devoid of any artificiality or metallic sound. The Alba offers the renowned Meze Audio immersive listening experience, similar to their higher-priced models, but at a more affordable price point. The tuning is well-balanced, with a subtle upper mid-range emphasis, which may be perceived as lacking bite by some, but in reality, this frequency response results in a smoother and less aggressive sound, which I personally prefer.
The high frequencies are smooth and refined, offering an enjoyable listening experience with good extension and energy. The Alba possesses relaxed manners, yet maintains a sense of engagement while delivering clear and precise sound. While detail retrieval is definitely satisfying, the primary focus of the Alba is on creating a musical and natural sound rather than emphasizing technical prowess. The timbre is authentic and pure, devoid of any artificial metallic tones or sterility. There is a lack of brightness or harshness in the sound signature, making this IEM forgiving and comfortable for extended listening sessions. Textures are rich, and the decay is moderately fast, resulting in a lively and full-bodied presentation of high-pitched instruments such as strings, brass, and percussion.
And more
The soundstage offers an expansive and airy feel, showcasing decent imaging and separation. It may not be at the top of its class and tends to lean more towards a horizontal presentation rather than a deep one and it does fall slightly short in terms of layering and holography. Nevertheless, it is capable of handling various music genres without coming across as congested or restricted. Listeners have the ability to pinpoint individual instruments, and it is important to highlight that the soundstage becomes more expansive when paired with a high-quality balanced source.
For the evaluation of the Meze Audio Alba I used the 4.4mm cable with the iFi GO bar Kensei and the FiiO KA17.
Vs the Meze Audio Advar
The Advar maintains the unique Meze Audio house sound, but its tuning differs significantly from the Alba. It lacks the same level of sub-bass extension, with the low-end primarily emphasizing the mid-bass. The upper mid-range is more restrained, while the treble takes on a more prominent role, resulting in sharper and brighter higher frequencies. The Advar possesses its own distinct personality, with a punchier and more impactful sound compared to the more casually tuned Alba, as well as stronger technical performance.
Vs the FiiO FD15
The FiiO FD15 ($149) features a single, 13.8mm dynamic driver with a magnalium diaphragm DLC gasket driver. The stainless steel ear-shells have a rounded shape and are heavier (12g) and less compact and comfortable compared to the Alba. The modular cable of the FD15 is of higher quality but longer and considerably heavier, making it less suitable for on-the-go use compared to the Alba. The package of the FD15 includes more ear-tips, an extra tuning tube, and a larger but plastic carrying case, which may be less inspiring, while it does not include the USB adapter cable.
The FiiO FD15 offers a neutrally tuned and tonally accurate bass that is tighter and better controlled compared to the Alba. The bass is faster, more dynamic, but slightly drier and less weighty. The mid-range of the FD15 is nearly perfect with the right balance of presence, energy, bite, and musicality, although not as lush and warm as the Alba. The FD15 excels in technicalities, clarity, resolution, and detail retrieval, with a more sparkling treble. On the other hand, the Alba is smoother, more polite, and friendly for those sensitive to treble. The FD15 is ideal for critical listening without compromising musicality, while the Alba is more fun, expressive, and open-hearted, with slightly less technical prowess.
In the end
Meze Audio has finally introduced a new budget-friendly earphone after a long hiatus. The Meze Audio Alba competes directly with Chi-Fi offerings and it stands out by offering the brand’s signature sound quality and durable build. Despite being their most affordable option, the Alba doesn’t compromise in performance and delivers a balanced and enjoyable sound with impressive technical capabilities. It is also incredibly comfortable and easy to use on the go, making it a great choice for daily use. Additionally, beginners need not worry as the package includes a USB DAC for immediate enjoyment. Overall, the Meze Audio Alba is a solid choice for those entering the hobby and looking to experience the brand’s renowned products for the first time.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Casually balanced tuning
+ Realistic timbre and coherent presentation
+ Plenty of high quality bass
+ Lush mids and smooth highs
+ Good technicalities for the category
+ Spacious soundstage
+ USB DAC cable is included in the package
+ Easy to drive and scales well
+ Lightweight and super comfortable
+ Excellent build quality and appearance
+ High quality carrying case
- Limited selection of ear-tips
- The case is too small
- Competition comes with modular cables
- The cable gets very tangled
- Bass could use a touch more control
- Not the most layered textures
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