Meze Alba: Affordable Luxury in a Competitive Market
Introduction
Meze Audio is widely known for its high-end headphones, with models like the Empyrean, Elite, and 99 Classics achieving cult status among audiophiles. Renowned for exceptional build quality and sound, the brand has approached the in-ear monitor (IEM) market with caution, previously releasing the Rai Penta and Advar to positive reviews. Now, with the Meze Alba, priced at $160, Meze introduces its most affordable IEM yet, targeting audiophiles seeking quality at an accessible price point. But does the Alba truly stand out in this competitive field?
Build and Fit
The Meze Alba excels in build quality, offering a design that rivals IEMs at higher price points. Inspired by the Advar, the Alba features sleek zinc alloy shells coated with a glossy, sparkly white piano finish. The ergonomic conch-shaped shells ensure a secure and comfortable fit, even during extended listening sessions. Despite their substantial feel, the IEMs remain lightweight and well-balanced, with 6mm nozzles that provide a snug fit.
In terms of accessories, the Alba includes four pairs of white silicone ear tips (S/M/L/XL), a white leather carrying case, and a braided 2-pin silver cable. While the cable is of excellent quality, it tends to tangle. The switch from MMCX connectors (used in the Advar) to 2-pin connectors improves durability and reliability. A notable inclusion is the custom Meze USB-C adapter, which lights up when in use and features a built-in DAC/amp for enhanced audio performance. The thoughtful design touches, like this adapter, make the Alba particularly appealing to first-time IEM buyers.
Interestingly, the name "Alba," meaning "first light" in Romanian, reflects its role as Meze’s gateway product in the IEM market.
Sound and Frequency Response
With its V-shaped tuning, the Meze Alba delivers a balanced and enjoyable listening experience. It avoids extreme tonal imbalances, resulting in a sound signature that caters to a wide range of listeners.
Bass
The Alba’s bass is tight and punchy, with a slight mid-bass emphasis that adds warmth without overwhelming the overall sound. Sub-bass is present but not dominant, offering just enough depth and rumble to satisfy most genres. The dynamic driver’s transient response ensures a clean, controlled bass that’s both textured and well-layered, making it easy to distinguish between instruments in complex tracks.
Midrange
Despite the bass emphasis, the midrange remains clean and natural, with a neutral tone and a touch of warmth. Vocals are forward and well-textured, excelling in both male and female ranges. The upper mids are carefully tuned to avoid harshness or sibilance, providing a smooth yet energetic presentation. Instruments like strings and pianos benefit from this tuning, delivering a satisfying balance of weight and clarity.
Treble
The Alba’s treble strikes a fine balance between energy and smoothness. While there is a slight dip in the 10kHz region, it does not significantly impact the perceived shimmer or sparkle. Highs are detailed but forgiving, making the Alba a safe choice for those sensitive to overly bright IEMs. However, intense cymbal crashes can occasionally sound sharp, though this is rare and unlikely to detract from the overall experience.
Presentation
The Alba’s soundstage, while typical for IEMs, offers solid imaging and decent layering. Instruments and vocals are well-separated, providing a coherent and engaging sound without feeling congested. The dynamic range adds liveliness to tracks, making music feel immersive despite the relatively intimate staging. While it doesn’t excel in micro-detail retrieval, the Alba focuses on delivering a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience, ideal for appreciating the structure and rhythm of a song rather than dissecting every detail.
Features and Technical Specifications
The Meze Alba is equipped with a 10.8mm dynamic driver, featuring a frequency response of 15Hz-25kHz and an impedance of 32Ω. With a sensitivity of 109dB/Vrms, the Alba is efficient enough to be driven by most sources but benefits from higher-quality amplification.
The internal chamber design optimizes venting and distortion control while maintaining a compact shell size. The lightweight zinc alloy construction ensures durability without compromising comfort.
Design
The Alba’s design reflects Meze’s minimalist yet premium aesthetic. Drawing parallels to the Advar, the Alba substitutes gold and brown tones with a palette of pearl white and anodized aluminum. The shells’ opalescent finish resembles a shiny, precious pearl, with the Meze logo engraved on a circular metal insignia. The overall craftsmanship is impeccable, offering a durable yet elegant design that feels luxurious at this price point.
Comfort and Isolation
Thanks to its lightweight, ergonomic design, the Alba offers an excellent fit that remains secure during movement. The smooth shells sit flush in the ears, exerting minimal pressure, making them ideal for long listening sessions. The inclusion of vents prevents pressure buildup, and driver flex is notably absent.
Isolation is impressive, effectively blocking out a significant amount of noise even in moderately loud environments. This makes the Alba a reliable choice for on-the-go use.
Accessories
While the Alba’s packaging is minimal, it includes thoughtful touches like a silver-embossed pattern on the small white box. Inside, you’ll find:
A pair of IEMs
White eco-leather carrying case
Stock braided 3.5mm cable with 2-pin connectors
USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with built-in DAC/amp
Four sizes of silicone eartips
While the accessories are adequate for the price, the carrying case is too small to comfortably fit the IEMs with the cable inside, and the white color is prone to staining. A slightly larger case would have been more practical.
Sound Impressions
The Alba delivers a well-balanced sound with a U-shaped signature, offering sufficient bass, warm mids, and detailed treble. Its natural timbre and forgiving tuning make it an easy recommendation for casual listening.
Staging and Dynamics
The soundstage is moderate, with average width and depth. While it lacks the holographic experience of higher-end IEMs, it provides decent layering and separation, keeping tracks engaging. Vocals and instruments maintain their space without blending into one another, ensuring clarity even in busy tracks.
While the Alba doesn’t deliver razor-sharp resolution, its overall presentation is cohesive and musical, focusing on delivering an enjoyable experience rather than clinical precision.
Conclusion
The Meze Alba is a well-rounded IEM that successfully combines affordability with premium design and sound quality. While it doesn’t push the boundaries of technical performance, it offers a highly enjoyable listening experience, particularly for first-time IEM buyers or those seeking a stylish, comfortable option for everyday use.
Meze’s attention to detail is evident in the Alba’s sleek design, balanced sound, and thoughtful accessories like the USB-C adapter. At $160, the Alba stands as a compelling choice in the entry-level IEM market, offering a slice of Meze’s luxury without breaking the bank.
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