Meze Audio Alba Review: A Seriously Impressive Sub $200 IEM

Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for my honest review. The Metalverse is an independent website, and all opinions expressed are our own with no monetary incentive. We thank the team at Meze Audio for giving us this opportunity.

Meze Audio

In 2011 Meze Audio was founded by Antonio Meze in Romania and has since become one of the most well-known and respected headphone brands. Their headphones range from $200 to $4,000, and many of their models, like the Empyria, have received considerable praise.

Meze Audio, though, until this point had never ventured into the in-ear monitoring space, and their entry leaves audiophiles intrigued. Can the company that has created many legendary over-ear headphones successfully compete in the quickly evolving IEM market?

The Meze Audio Alba

The Meze Audio Alba is a single 10.8mm dynamic driver IEM currently priced at $159. Meze Audio takes its premium design philosophy and brings it to the table with the Alba's metal construction and flashy look.

The Alba brings a musical but natural sound to the sub $200 IEM range.

What’s In The Box

• 1 x Alba IEMs
• 1 x Cable
• 1 x Custom USB-C DAC/AMP adapter
• 4 x sets of silicone ear tips (1 small, 1 medium, 1 large, 1 extra large)
• 1 x Carrying pouch
• 1 x Documentation

The included USB-C Adapter is a lovely surprise that most companies do not include, even with much more expensive IEMs. The adapter allows you to use your IEM with any USB-C Mobile device and is a very thoughtful touch from Meze Audio, showing commitment to their customers.

The included case matches the color of the shells and feels well-built with a medium-hardness to it. The case is a tad small in relation to the headphones, and trying to fit the Alba inside of it can be a bit tight.

Sound Quality

Bass

The Alba delivers great bass performance without sacrificing clarity. The 10.8mm dynamic driver produces bass that's impactful but not overpowering. The bass presents itself as clean and fast with great texture and decay. Sub-bass and mid bass come across relatively equal, adding a great level of both rumble and punch to the overall sound character. While bass is present, it is still controlled carefully, not veiling or overshadowing the mids.

Mids

The midrange presentation strikes an impressive balance between warmth and clarity. The dynamic driver creates a balanced and accurate sound signature with a particular strength in vocal reproduction and separation. Mids are clear and feel life-like and organic compared to many cheaper in-ears. Upper mids have a slight lift that adds body to vocals and contributes to a feeling of energy.

Treble

High notes remain crisp while avoiding the harshness that is present in many budget IEMs. The treble extension is impressive for a single dynamic driver, providing airiness without sibilance. The overall treble presentation does come across as a safer tuning, which will make sure to not add any unpleasant harshness but may also miss some small details present in more expensive, brightly tuned designs.

Comfort

Meze Audio’s attention to ergonomics shines through in the Alba's design. They have a small, low-profile build that fits very comfortably, creating that lovely zero-gravity effect that makes these feel so light you can forget you are wearing them. The Alba is great for extended listening sessions across different ear shapes and sizes, and remains one of the most comfortable IEMs we’ve tested.

The included ear tips come in 4 sizes, meaning that there should be a set of tips that provides you with a good seal, accommodating most ear sizes.

Build Quality

The build quality immediately sets the Alba apart from typical budget IEMs. Using durable materials like zinc alloy and anodized aluminum, Meze has created an IEM that feels substantially more expensive than its asking price. The Alba feels very solid and is one of the most durable IEMs we’ve seen.

The Alba looks and feels sleek with a pleasant white and chrome aesthetic that makes these easy on the eyes. The included cable is also of good quality, not feeling plastic-like or springy. It has an included chin slider and matches the color of the shells nicely.

How It Competes

vs. Sennheiser IE 100 Pro ($80): The Alba matches the IE 100 Pro's professional tuning while offering better build quality and more engaging bass response.

vs. Shure SE215 ($110): The Alba provides cleaner, more detailed sound with superior build quality, making the price difference worthwhile for most people.

vs. Final Audio E3000 ($50): While the E3000 offers excellent value, the Alba's superior extension, build quality, and included accessories justify the price premium.

Final Verdict

The Meze Audio Alba is an incredible entry-level IEM, with great sound, comfort, and a build that far exceeds the norm at its cost. The Alba is already an impressive IEM for its price, but with an included USB-C DAC/AMP that most people need to buy separately, Meze Audio really makes the Alba a top contender for its price range.

These headphones succeed in bringing Meze's premium design philosophy to an accessible price point without compromise. We can confidently recommend the Meze Alba to anyone looking for a well-built, quality headphone in the sub $200 market.

Technical Specifications

• Driver Configuration: 10.8mm dynamic driver
• Frequency Response: 15Hz-25kHz
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Sensitivity: 109dB SPL
• Connector: 3.5mm with included USB-C DAC/AMP

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