Meze Audio ALBA - A Light in The Shape of Sound

[Tenlow]

I contacted Meze and I was actually told to contact the dealer. I'm still thinking. Do I want to keep the first model, for my collection, or send it back...Nonetheless, very disappointing that I have to go through all this extra effort for something that wasn't my fault in the first place. I realize that part of this is not Meze's fault, why can't dealers get it right?!

Sorry to hear that. Yeah, strange that they still sell the original batch now when they were supposed to hold it back even months ago.

 

[Toddy]

I contacted Meze and I was actually told to contact the dealer.

Which in Germany is the only legally correct way. It's the dealer‘s job to deal with the manufacturer (but independently from his legal obligation to reimburse you or replace the defect one.)

 

[Tenlow]

Which in Germany is the only legally correct way. It's the dealer‘s job to deal with the manufacturer (but independently from his legal obligation to reimburse you or replace the defect one.)

Not entirely correct!

If you want to claim "Gewährleistung" ("legal guarantee") then the dealer is the first point of contact according to the law. However, if you want to make use of a "Herstellergarantie" (manufacturer's warranty), which is independent of the former, then you have to contact the manufacturer.

 

[mikaik]

In this case I was sure is the dealer, who probably erroneously sent out the wrong model, but they said they only had one batch, so who knows...I don't expect problems, but it is a bummer, pack send back, wait again...

 

[frix]

I'm kinda struggeling with the fit, tried all kind of eartips (longer ones like spinfits w1) but the fit remains shallow and they kinda slowly slip out, especially out and about. They are just too small and rounded off and don't lock into a stable position in my ears.

 

[mikaik]

I'm kinda struggeling with the fit, tried all kind of eartips (longer ones like spinfits w1) but the fit remains shallow and they kinda slowly slip out, especially out and about. They are just too small and rounded off and don't lock into a stable position in my ears.

Have you tried Final Audio type E in bigger size than you'd normally use? They work like a charm for me. I had fit issues with Advar, but despite the identical form, the Alba stays put without a problem. Maybe the different weight...

 

[Kristofa]

I'm kinda struggeling with the fit, tried all kind of eartips (longer ones like spinfits w1) but the fit remains shallow and they kinda slowly slip out, especially out and about. They are just too small and rounded off and don't lock into a stable position in my ears.

I had the same issue. I just quit using the Albas and stuck with the Advars. The Albas just didn’t fit well or sound sufficient for me.

 

[zilax002]

Definitely also had fit issues as well, tip wise, and not sure I've ever been able to get an ideal seal with my left ear, but using bigger sizes and Type E or similar tips made enough of a difference that I can live with it (they are easily my favorite IEM in a number of ways, including comfort, tips be darned).

 

[frix]

indeed final E tips sized up provide so far the most reliable seal, thanks guys.
let's see if it is good enough.

 

[Nkam]

How we these compared to Kato?
I got Kato and returned them because the upper midrange on the Kato was grainy and harsh.

Do the Alba provide a punchy quick sound as well?

Thanks !

 

[Tenlow]

How we these compared to Kato?
I got Kato and returned them because the upper midrange on the Kato was grainy and harsh.

Do the Alba provide a punchy quick sound as well?

Thanks !

I would say that the Alba are fairly punchy and also relatively quick, yes. The upper midrange can be a bit much with the stock tips (totally subjective of course) but once I switched to the Coreir Alloy AI tips, everything was pretty much perfect for me. There are better IEMs out there, sure, but for the price, the comfort and the design (and the size!), they are and remain an easy recommendation, imo.

 

[Nkam]

I would say that the Alba are fairly punchy and also relatively quick, yes. The upper midrange can be a bit much with the stock tips (totally subjective of course) but once I switched to the Coreir Alloy AI tips, everything was pretty much perfect for me. There are better IEMs out there, sure, but for the price, the comfort and the design (and the size!), they are and remain an easy recommendation, imo.

Thanks so much man.

My favorite headphone are my Beyerdynamic DT1990 pro but EQed. I love the timbre and dynamics of the headphones.
Just to give you a reference of what I like.
I didn’t like the Hifiman XS at all, sounded grainy and thin to me , the Senheiser HD600 is pretty nice but lacking the dynamics and punch the 1990 have.

 

[lior777]

hey, i love my sundara and Wana iem set. Alba will good choice for intimate stage and magical mid? Alba its forgiven?

 

[Nkam]

I would say that the Alba are fairly punchy and also relatively quick, yes. The upper midrange can be a bit much with the stock tips (totally subjective of course) but once I switched to the Coreir Alloy AI tips, everything was pretty much perfect for me. There are better IEMs out there, sure, but for the price, the comfort and the design (and the size!), they are and remain an easy recommendation, imo.

Is there anything kinda like my Beyer 1990 in terms of speed and dynamics?
Is the alba almost as good at speed and dynamics?

Thanks !

 

[Tenlow]

Is there anything kinda like my Beyer 1990 in terms of speed and dynamics?
Is the alba almost as good at speed and dynamics?

Thanks !

I’ve never heard the 1990. I‘ve had the DT 1770 Pro but even then I think the comparison is so „strange“ and let’s call it „unsuitable“ in general that I wouldn’t even like to try it, honestly

Try the Alba, if you can! That’s the best advice I can give you in this case.