On 6/28, I started writing my thoughts on Head-Fi and also decided to share them here, as it’s been a while since I’ve contributed to my site, geesh. I am not writing a full review in the usual Audio Rabbit Hole format, but rather some quick impressions. The Alba was unboxed on 6/28, and I’m continuing from my original post.
So, you know, I bought these on impulse with my hard-earned cash. Below are my original post and thoughts with Part 2 in continuation.
It has been a real long time since I have written anything about Meze, the Neo was the last thing, seen here; https://audiorabbithole.com/a-new-99/
Let’s delve into some key aspects of these Meze Alba earphones, keeping their $160.00 price point in mind. Are they worth the small investment? I think so far, yes.
The packaging is average, but including a dongle is cool. A case and four sets of tips are included.
I’m unsure of the tech inside the dongle, but it works fine with one of my Android phones, the Pixel 8 Pro. I haven’t tried it with any other phones yet. The Alba sounds good with the dongle and is a great solution when streaming Tidal in FLAC format. It powers the Alba plenty well. The Alba has a 10.8mm DD with limited seasoning time. With the dongle, the signature is smooth and inoffensive. It is quite an enjoyable listen.
The cable quality matches the pricing scheme. It sounds good but is flimsy and uses a 3.5mm connector. I prefer balanced, but being a 2-pin, I have a few options, although I’m sticking with the stock cable for now.
One of the standout features of these earphones is their exceptional build quality, which is evident even at the $160.00 price point. In-person, they exude a premium feel that surpasses their appearance in pictures or videos.
Comfort appears to be a big question. I am struggling a bit here, but I promise I will give you my honest opinion after I try some things. I am using the XL stock tips. The reason I am struggling is in trying to figure out if this is more comfortable with shallow or deep insertion. If the largest tip you are comfortable with provides a proper seal, then a shallow fit works well. A deep insertion will work because of the small shell size, but it isn’t comfortable for my ears. I may try some other tips and depths of insertion.
Part 2 –
I have reconsidered my earlier comments about the fit and am okay with the stock tips. I find them comfortable and have even inserted them deeper than I initially mentioned. Comfort level is subjective and varies from person to person due to the unique shape of ears.
As for the dongle, I like using it and the sound quality it provides. It’s not surprising, given that Meze included it with the Alba. I have listened to Alba using the Sony NW-WM1Z M2 and the Hiby R6III, which are top-tier and a mid-tier device, respectively. I think the tone and warmth of the dongle are great. It’s a convenient plug-and-play option, and I see no reason to use my Digital Audio Player (DAP) unless specific use cases require it. While I had to make some sound plug-in adjustments with the Hiby, none were necessary with the costly Sony device. The dongle’s power is sufficient to provide high volume and the authority to drive the Alba. I would say to use the included dongle.
These earphones have dynamic drivers for sound. I have only listened for about 5 hours, so I can’t say they have burned in if that is your thing.
The bass of the Alba earphones is not the type that will vibrate your ears with deep sub-bass rumble. It is a dynamic driver bass that demonstrates restraint and control. I haven’t noticed the bass overpowering any song or being overwhelming. It’s snappy, and in my opinion, it has just the right amount of decay. The transition to the mid-range is smooth. If you’re looking for a large bass quantity, you might want to consider another option. The bass could have a bit more texture or feel, but I might be nitpicking at this point. I can hear the bass when necessary, and it hits when needed. It’s pretty impressive, considering the price point.
The mids blend in smoothly with the signature and set the tone for the rest of the sound. It’s not a harsh or aggressive listening experience. I find it more balanced with clarity and transparency. The sound is clean without being overly clinical. The bulk of the warmth in the sound doesn’t come from the mids but from the bass. The mids add engagement and dynamism to the sound. They reveal plenty of detail, although they’re not the most resolving. I also hear some micro details, but we can discuss that when discussing the treble. Snappy!
While listening, I was particularly surprised by the treble. It doesn’t have an outstanding extension, but its tone is impressive. Considering the price of $160.00 for these in-ear monitors, it’s not meant to compete with much more expensive options. The cymbals sound nice and have a good crash tone, although I noticed a slight hint of grit in the active tracks. For example, during the song “Dirty Mindz” by Zack Brock, I heard a bit of grit during a bustling part of the track. However, I was listening for any unusual sounds, and it could also be part of the production. I never felt the treble was uncomfortable, just enough to feed the details and sparkle.
Besides this IEM’s impressive punch and speed, the soundstage is also noteworthy. It excels in its left-to-right presentation, and I was pleasantly surprised by the nuanced sounds seemingly coming from different points around my head. Meze Alba impressed me for an entry at this price point.
I haven’t owned a budget pair of IEMs for years. There was something about the Alba, perhaps the price and my curiosity about the latest single-driver technology.
I didn’t intend to write a review, but I might have. In any case, I highly recommend purchasing the Alba. I believe Meze have hit a home run with Alba, considering their price and the inclusion of a dongle that pairs so well.
