Meze Audio Alba Review: Incredible Sound, Unbeatable Price
▼ Summary
– The Meze Audio Alba are affordable in-ear monitors priced at $159/£139/AU$239, offering high-quality sound with clear detail, expressive treble, and impressive bass.
– They feature a neutral sound profile with added warmth, providing dynamic and detailed audio across various music genres, though treble can become harsh at high volumes.
– The design includes premium materials like zinc alloy and anodized aluminum, giving a luxurious feel, and they come with a braided cable that is elegant but prone to tangling.
– Connectivity options include a standard 3.5mm jack and a USB-C adapter with a built-in DAC and AMP for hi-res audio, but there is no in-line controller or microphone.
– They are comfortable, lightweight, and provide excellent passive noise isolation, making them an ideal entry-level choice for new audiophiles.
The Meze Audio Alba in-ear monitors deliver a truly impressive audio experience at a price that feels almost too good to be true. These IEMs combine crystal-clear sound reproduction with a subtle yet satisfying bass boost, making them an outstanding choice for anyone seeking high-fidelity audio without breaking the bank. Their comfortable fit and eye-catching design further elevate the package, establishing the Alba as a top contender in the entry-level audiophile market.
Drawing inspiration from its name, which means “first light” in Romanian, the Alba aims to illuminate the path for newcomers to high-quality audio. Priced at $159, these IEMs punch well above their weight, offering a sound signature that Meze describes as neutral with a touch of warmth, a characterization that holds up beautifully in practice. Mids are articulate and never buried, treble remains expressive, and the bass delivers a surprising sense of weight and impact given the drivers’ compact size.
Listening to tracks like Kolter’s “Overflow,” the low-end response feels both meaty and controlled, while more intricate compositions such as Jamiroquai’s “Where Do We Go From Here” showcase excellent separation and clarity across vocals and instrumentation. Even delicate performances, like Solji’s “Rains again,” are rendered with emotional nuance and dynamic subtlety. The only minor drawback arises at very high volumes, where upper treble can occasionally edge into harshness, but this is a small trade-off for an otherwise stellar performance.
Build quality is another area where the Alba excels. Crafted from zinc alloy and anodized aluminum, the earpieces resemble polished pearls and feel substantially more premium than their price suggests. The included braided cable looks elegant and feels pleasant to the touch, though it does have a tendency to tangle. A compact carrying case is provided, along with a selection of silicone ear tips to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for a wide range of users.
Connectivity options are thoughtfully included. The Alba comes with both a standard 3.5mm jack and a custom USB-C adapter featuring a built-in DAC and amp, enabling high-resolution playback from compatible smartphones. There’s no 4.4mm balanced adapter or in-line microphone, but the detachable cable design allows for aftermarket solutions if needed.
Comfort is a highlight here. The Alba sits snugly in the ear without causing fatigue, even during extended listening sessions. While they lack active noise cancellation, their passive isolation is remarkably effective, muting ambient noise sufficiently to keep you immersed in your music.
For those considering alternatives, the Sennheiser IE 200 presents a compelling option with its lightweight design and excellent sound, though it doesn’t match the Alba’s visual flair. The Activo Volcano is another budget-friendly IEM with a bass-forward signature and multiple connectivity options, albeit with a bulkier fit.
All told, the Meze Audio Alba stands as a remarkable achievement in affordable high-fidelity audio. With its detailed sound, premium materials, and versatile connectivity, it offers tremendous value and serves as an ideal gateway into the world of serious listening.
(Source: techradar)
