At the 1 min mark of our Munich High-End thread it starts with Alba impressions. @FcConstruct has our review pair in as well so I would expect a 1 min short with impressions shortly along with a review in the next week or so.
Meze Audio ALBA - A Light in The Shape of Sound
- Thread starter MezeTeam
- Start date
heliosphann
Headphoneus Supremus
Same. I use a few TWS on occasion, but otherwise I'm 100% into over-ear headphones. Being Meze and at this price point, I might just have to check them out.
Why two pin termination? Whyyyyy?
You can finally order the Alba! It's an excellent choice, and I have included my review post here as well... My video review (link at the bottom) goes into more detail, but I wanted to provide an overview here as well. Happy to answer questions!
Pros:
Extremely Comfortable
Included DAC is a great value add
4 tip sizes included
Single DD is smooth, warm sounding
Cons:
Not as resolving as other IEMs in similar price range
Finish may wear over time
Summary:
The Alba is a $160 IEM that includes a USB-C DAC, 4 pairs of tips, and a nice looking SPC cable. They are extremely comfortable, thanks to the shape and small shell. If you ever use IEMs in bed, or lay on your side, something this compact is excellent.
Sound overview:
This is a warmer sound profile, with no glaring peaks in the mid range. It's full sounding, and very rewarding for mixed genres. It has more upper treble extension than many other IEMs, resulting in a wider stage with some added sparkle. Because it's a single DD, I don't have the same timbre issues I experience with something like the SuperMix 4 from Simgot. The SuperMix 4 had somewhat of a metallic/dry presentation due to the tweeter arrangement, where the Alba is much more natural sounding.
When pushed to higher volume limits with bass-heavy tracks, the Alba struggles a little with micro details. This is something a hybrid IEM tends to excel at, as the Balanced Armatures handle higher frequencies separate from the Dynamic Drivers handling bass duties. On the Alba, everything comes from a single driver, which has it's own set of strengths and weaknesses.
Overall, I love the cohesive sound presentation of the Alba. They sound great with rock, string instruments, and vocals. For bass heads listening to a lot of EDM/rap, something like the Truthear Nova may be a better choice. The Nova has a cleaner bass presentation with a lot of extension, and great separation. It's sounds a little more dry/boring when it comes to rock though, and the shell size is significantly larger as well. I think the Alba is one of the best choices under $200, but it's important to understand where the strengths and weaknesses lie, and if that aligns with what you're looking for. I think if you factor in the warmer, safer sound profile with stellar comfort, it's an easy top pick at this price.
I specialize in video reviews, and here's the full review here: GadgetryTech YouTube Review
Pros:
Extremely Comfortable
Included DAC is a great value add
4 tip sizes included
Single DD is smooth, warm sounding
Cons:
Not as resolving as other IEMs in similar price range
Finish may wear over time
Summary:
The Alba is a $160 IEM that includes a USB-C DAC, 4 pairs of tips, and a nice looking SPC cable. They are extremely comfortable, thanks to the shape and small shell. If you ever use IEMs in bed, or lay on your side, something this compact is excellent.
Sound overview:
This is a warmer sound profile, with no glaring peaks in the mid range. It's full sounding, and very rewarding for mixed genres. It has more upper treble extension than many other IEMs, resulting in a wider stage with some added sparkle. Because it's a single DD, I don't have the same timbre issues I experience with something like the SuperMix 4 from Simgot. The SuperMix 4 had somewhat of a metallic/dry presentation due to the tweeter arrangement, where the Alba is much more natural sounding.
When pushed to higher volume limits with bass-heavy tracks, the Alba struggles a little with micro details. This is something a hybrid IEM tends to excel at, as the Balanced Armatures handle higher frequencies separate from the Dynamic Drivers handling bass duties. On the Alba, everything comes from a single driver, which has it's own set of strengths and weaknesses.
Overall, I love the cohesive sound presentation of the Alba. They sound great with rock, string instruments, and vocals. For bass heads listening to a lot of EDM/rap, something like the Truthear Nova may be a better choice. The Nova has a cleaner bass presentation with a lot of extension, and great separation. It's sounds a little more dry/boring when it comes to rock though, and the shell size is significantly larger as well. I think the Alba is one of the best choices under $200, but it's important to understand where the strengths and weaknesses lie, and if that aligns with what you're looking for. I think if you factor in the warmer, safer sound profile with stellar comfort, it's an easy top pick at this price.
I specialize in video reviews, and here's the full review here: GadgetryTech YouTube Review
@MezeTeam Can I try it at CanJam London?Hi, everyone!
This is the one many of you have been waiting for. It is especially exciting for us as well, since it was teased this year at CanJam Singapore and Munich High-End, and we appreciate the feedback you guys gave us. Meant as a complete audiophile package from the get-go and as an introduction to audiophilia in general (a FIRST LIGHT, if you will), this is the Meze Audio ALBA!
SOUND THAT SPARKS EMOTION
Experience the unmistakable Meze sound. Possessing a neutral sound profile with an added touch of warmth, ALBA can vividly emphasize both the rain and the thunder in your favorite songs. Reach for the light, close your eyes, and press play.
RADIANT COMPATIBILITY
Take the light with you anywhere you go. The Meze Audio custom-designed 3.5mm to USB-C adapter has a built-in DAC/AMP to ensure an immersive audio experience.
BUILT FOR COMFORT
By preserving the Meze Audio design language, high levels of comfort, ergonomics, and noise isolation are assured. The combination of zinc alloy and anodized aluminium parts ensures a resilient build.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Driver: 10.8 mm Dynamic Driver
Frequency Range: 15 Hz – 25kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω at 1kHz
SPL: 109 dB SPL/V at 1kHz
Distortion: <0.1% at 1kHz
You can find more information about ALBA here.
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zilax002
100+ Head-Fier
How are details and fit compared to IE200?You can finally order the Alba! It's an excellent choice, and I have included my review post here as well... My video review (link at the bottom) goes into more detail, but I wanted to provide an overview here as well. Happy to answer questions!
Pros:
Extremely Comfortable
Included DAC is a great value add
4 tip sizes included
Single DD is smooth, warm sounding
Cons:
Not as resolving as other IEMs in similar price range
Finish may wear over time
Summary:
The Alba is a $160 IEM that includes a USB-C DAC, 4 pairs of tips, and a nice looking SPC cable. They are extremely comfortable, thanks to the shape and small shell. If you ever use IEMs in bed, or lay on your side, something this compact is excellent.
Sound overview:
This is a warmer sound profile, with no glaring peaks in the mid range. It's full sounding, and very rewarding for mixed genres. It has more upper treble extension than many other IEMs, resulting in a wider stage with some added sparkle. Because it's a single DD, I don't have the same timbre issues I experience with something like the SuperMix 4 from Simgot. The SuperMix 4 had somewhat of a metallic/dry presentation due to the tweeter arrangement, where the Alba is much more natural sounding.
When pushed to higher volume limits with bass-heavy tracks, the Alba struggles a little with micro details. This is something a hybrid IEM tends to excel at, as the Balanced Armatures handle higher frequencies separate from the Dynamic Drivers handling bass duties. On the Alba, everything comes from a single driver, which has it's own set of strengths and weaknesses.
Overall, I love the cohesive sound presentation of the Alba. They sound great with rock, string instruments, and vocals. For bass heads listening to a lot of EDM/rap, something like the Truthear Nova may be a better choice. The Nova has a cleaner bass presentation with a lot of extension, and great separation. It's sounds a little more dry/boring when it comes to rock though, and the shell size is significantly larger as well. I think the Alba is one of the best choices under $200, but it's important to understand where the strengths and weaknesses lie, and if that aligns with what you're looking for. I think if you factor in the warmer, safer sound profile with stellar comfort, it's an easy top pick at this price.
I specialize in video reviews, and here's the full review here: GadgetryTech YouTube Review
That's my favorite IEM in terms of comfort (by far) and I like the tuning, but the bass has a real lack of texture.
kmmbd
500+ Head-Fier
Fit is a bit more snug with the IE 200, but Alba also has excellent fit. Should not be an issue for smaller ears.
As for the resolution and other aspects, IE 200 are superior in terms of treble details while the Alba has better sub-bass rumble. It's the midrange where individual taste will determine the preference, as both are pretty similar there. IE 200 midrange has a more relaxed presentation while Alba has more excitement in there.
Jude and I shared our thoughts on the ALBA in the CanJam Shanghai Preview Video, which some may have missed. And Meze Audio will be exhibiting in London next month so folks won't have to wait long to hear it for themselves.
MD Rohit
1000+ Head-Fier
It's looks amazingHi, everyone!
This is the one many of you have been waiting for. It is especially exciting for us as well, since it was teased this year at CanJam Singapore and Munich High-End, and we appreciate the feedback you guys gave us. Meant as a complete audiophile package from the get-go and as an introduction to audiophilia in general (a FIRST LIGHT, if you will), this is the Meze Audio ALBA!
SOUND THAT SPARKS EMOTION
Experience the unmistakable Meze sound. Possessing a neutral sound profile with an added touch of warmth, ALBA can vividly emphasize both the rain and the thunder in your favorite songs. Reach for the light, close your eyes, and press play.
RADIANT COMPATIBILITY
Take the light with you anywhere you go. The Meze Audio custom-designed 3.5mm to USB-C adapter has a built-in DAC/AMP to ensure an immersive audio experience.
BUILT FOR COMFORT
By preserving the Meze Audio design language, high levels of comfort, ergonomics, and noise isolation are assured. The combination of zinc alloy and anodized aluminium parts ensures a resilient build.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Driver: 10.8 mm Dynamic Driver
Frequency Range: 15 Hz – 25kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω at 1kHz
SPL: 109 dB SPL/V at 1kHz
Distortion: <0.1% at 1kHz
You can find more information about ALBA here.
The fit is very comfortable and they are lightweight. More comfortable and lightweight than their older brother.
Easy to drive. The included audio adapter does the job but they also scale pretty well.
Easy to drive. The included audio adapter does the job but they also scale pretty well.
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I know it’s a completely different kind of product, but how would it stack up (in terms of sound quality) against some TWS options like Sennheiser MTW3/4?
The Meze Audio Alba was one of the nicest surprise at the Munich HighEnd. Very nice build, great package and very balanced, smooth sound. It's really great and not just "for the price", but overall great. The price is just the icing on the cake. It's a proof that a good IEM doesn't have to cost a fortune or you can get a value for your money from a reputable European brand as well, not only from China... And I'm sure Meze will have a strike with the 105 AER as well...
Very good chance it will wipe the floor with them, I know that sounds a bit emotive but in my experience even $100 wired IEMs cleanup the premium tws. I now just own APP2 but had PI7 S2 and MW08, supposedly premium high end tws, and I honestly thought the Moondrop May were a lot better technically.
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