Member Reviews: MEElectronics A161 In-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones with Balanced Armature Technology

Note: this is more of an impression-style review, since I ultimately did not keep this set. I listened to it intensively, however, and feel confident enough to put together a few thoughts. At the end I mention some things I'd like to see from MEElec's next flagship.   Introduction   The A161P by MEElectronics (hereafter referred to as MEElec) is the company's second single balanced armature-based IEM and the first to include a microphone for use as a smartphone/PC headset. The previous model, the A151, used the Knowles SR (Siren) series armature, whereas the A161 uses the ED series armature. MEElec mentioned on Facebook that they felt that the ED armature would produce...

  MEElectronics A161P     Introduction:   The A161P is a new single balanced armature from MEElectronics.  Meelec markets their new flagship as: “Relentlessly accurate to the source, the A161P delivers precisely what is in your music - nothing more and nothing less. High levels of clarity and resolution mean you won’t have to strain to hear the details while excellent handling of spatial cues delivers the ultimate concert-in-your-head experience.”   The A161P is a very competent entry into the world of neutrality but don’t let that word scare you.  The A161P is a full bodied, thicker note entry that I find immensely pleasing and...