Meze Audio Alba In-Ear Headphones Review

Meze Audio Alba In-Ear Headphones Overview

The Meze Audio Alba in-ear headphones are a brilliant example of affordable in-ear monitors (IEMs) that deliver an exceptional audio experience. With crystal-clear, detailed sound and a subtle bass boost, your favorite tracks will captivate you for hours on end. When you combine this with a comfortable fit and stunning aesthetics, these relatively low-priced IEMs are worth every penny. The treble can sound a little harsh at the highest volumes, and the cable can be prone to tangling, but nevertheless, the Alba is an ideal choice for budding audiophiles, offering an excellent gateway to the world of high-quality audio without the hefty price tag.

Features:

• Excellent detail across the frequency range.
• Great bass response.
• Premium build quality at a low price.
• Excellent USB-C adapter with built-in DAC/Amp.
• Great passive noise isolation.
• Detachable cable.

Cons:

• Treble can become harsh at higher volumes.
• Cable is somewhat prone to tangling.
• No integrated volume controls.

Meze Audio Alba Review

In Romanian, "Alba" translates to "First Dawn." Immediately, this makes me think of new beginnings; of new experiences. And so, the Meze Audio Alba arrives – a pair of affordable in-ear headphones aiming to be a new dawn for budding audiophiles everywhere. The term "budding audiophiles" refers to individuals who are just beginning to explore high-quality audio and wish to upgrade their listening experience beyond conventional earphones, focusing on clarity and detail in music.

Meze Audio has absolutely nailed this model. These IEMs retail for $159 / £139 / AU$239, meaning they easily fall into the budget category. But very little about these in-ears strikes me as budget-friendly.

First and foremost, these IEMs deliver fantastic sound quality – the most important quality needed to contend with the best wired earbuds available. If you're new to the world of audio, you'll be amazed by the fantastic attention to detail across the entire frequency range, as well as the surprisingly clear and expansive sound output.

Meze itself describes the Alba as having a "neutral sound profile with an added touch of warmth" – and that's a pretty accurate description in my opinion. A "warm neutral sound profile" in in-ear monitors (IEMs) is known for delivering natural and comfortable mid-range frequencies, with smooth and controlled treble, and features rich, engaging bass that adds depth to music without overpowering it. This combination is ideal for enjoyable long-duration listening. Mids never sound anemic, highs are articulate, and the bass is impressively weighty considering the diminutive size of these IEMs. I certainly felt this slight preference toward low-frequency sounds when listening to Kolter's "Overflow," where the punchy and expansive bass had a serious impact.

Listening to Jamiroquai's "Where Do We Go From Here," the lead vocals were delightfully clear in the overall mix, while the rhythm guitar was easily separated and given plenty of room to breathe. The bass and kick drum were also excellently defined, helping the funky character of the track flow without any compromise.

You'll get a dynamic and detailed listening experience from the Alba, too. I tried playing Soulji's "Rains again," and every breath was clearly present, while delicate vocals remained controlled and emotional throughout.

Indeed, my only minor gripe with these IEMs sonically is that the treble can become a little harsh at higher volumes. For example, I listened to Riordan's "Straight From The Underground," and the crisp hi-hats sounded a little sharp when I reached the highest volume levels. Still, these headphones deliver a fantastic overall listening experience.

Design and Build

Beyond the sound, these IEMs continue to deliver premium quality. They are crafted from a zinc alloy and anodized aluminum parts, and the outer shell is meant to mimic the appearance of a pearl. In hand, the Alba feels far more luxurious than its price tag suggests. As much as I like the Sennheiser IE 200, their plastic casing doesn't come close to the Alba's more robust and attractive design.

“Human Head with Bookshelves” — Source: Pixabay. License: Pixabay License.

Additionally, the braided cable feels premium and was a joy to run through my fingers. It is a little prone to tangling, especially after taking it out of the satisfyingly compact carrying case (included in the box). And if you want an in-line volume controller for on-the-go use, you're out of luck here – you'll need to consider a third-party option.

Back to the good stuff: there are two connection options here. You can either use the standard 3.5mm connector, or take advantage of the included dedicated USB-C adapter. This adapter contains a built-in Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) and Amplifier, ensuring you have access to high-resolution audio on the go, even with your smartphone. A Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) converts digital signals from your device into analog signals that your earphones can play, while an Amplifier boosts this signal to ensure clarity and power, resulting in a significantly enhanced listening experience compared to direct connection. It also features an LED light that illuminates if you're connected correctly – a nice touch! However, it's worth noting there's no 4.4mm adapter in the box.

Comfort and Fit

I was very pleased with the comfort and fit of the Meze Audio Alba. I usually use my Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones for my music listening, as I often find in-ear options can be a little tiresome after an hour or two. Not these. They fit snugly, and are lightweight enough to feel unintrusive. There's also a selection of different sized ear tips in the box, so you can find the perfect seal.

Of course, you don't get the benefits of active noise cancellation with wired in-ears – something you'd expect from the best wireless earbuds. But this tight seal was all I needed to discover the full benefits of the Alba's passive noise isolation capabilities. Passive noise isolation relies on the physical design of the earbud and ear tips creating a tight seal within the ear canal, preventing external noise from reaching the eardrum. This differs from active noise cancellation, which uses microphones to emit opposing sound waves to cancel out external noise. Even when listening at moderate volumes, the sounds of office conversations and passing vehicles were significantly suppressed, helping me remain immersed in my music.

via GIPHY

Overall, I think it's clear. The Meze Audio Alba is a superb option for anyone looking to enter the world of audiophilia, with a low price, stunning looks, and detailed sound. They'll help you see your favorite songs in a new light. And for that reason alone, they deserve my recommendation.

Meze Audio Alba Price and Release Date

• Price: $159 / £139 / AU$239.
• Release Date: Launched in June 2024.

The Meze Audio Alba are a very affordable pair of IEMs, priced at $159 / £139 / AU$239. Interestingly, they appear slightly more expensive than this in both the UK and Australia, but only by a slim margin. Released in June 2024, they are available in one color.

Meze Audio Alba Specifications

• Drivers: 10.8mm dynamic
• Weight: 14g
• Frequency range: 15Hz - 25kHz
• Connectivity: 3.5mm; USB-C

Should I Buy the Meze Audio Alba?

Buy them if...

• You want audiophile-grade sound on a budget : The Meze Audio Alba delivers high-quality sound at a very low price, making it a great option for anyone looking for an entry point into the world of audiophilia.
• You want to stand out from the crowd : One of the things I love most about these IEMs is their stunning looks. Their zinc alloy and anodized aluminum parts give them a premium appearance, while the neatly braided cable and silver accents complete a truly handsome set of in-ears.

Don't buy them if...

• You want integrated controls or a microphone for casual listening : If you're buying these simply for casual listening, the lack of an in-line controller can be frustrating, especially when out and about. However, these headphones feature a detachable cable, so you may be able to find a suitable third-party replacement if you want a controller and microphone.
• You want the best tangle-free cable : I really enjoyed using the Alba, but I did find its cable was a little prone to tangling. The Sennheiser IE 200's tangle-free cable might be preferred if you don't want to spend time untangling your earphones almost every use.

Meze Audio Alba: Other Options to Consider

Meze Audio Alba:

• Price: $159 / £139 / AU$239
• Drivers: 10.8mm dynamic
• Weight: 14g
• Frequency range: 15Hz - 25kHz
• Connectivity: 3.5mm; USB-C

Sennheiser IE 200:

• Price: $149.95 / £129.99 / AU$239.95
• Drivers: 7mm dynamic
• Weight: 4g (per earbud)
• Frequency range: 6Hz - 20kHz
• Connectivity: 3.5mm

Activo Volcano:

• Price: $80 / £99 (approx. AU$120)
• Drivers: 1x 8mm, 2x 6mm triple dynamic drivers
• Weight: 5g (per earbud)
• Frequency range: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Connectivity: 3.5mm; 4.4mm; USB-C

Sennheiser IE 200: I love the Sennheiser IE 200, and they really feel like a natural competitor to the Meze Alba. With an entry-level price point, an attractive braided cable, and a compact outer casing, the similarities are plain for all to see. The IE 200 offers a pleasing bass, superb instrument separation, and a beautifully lightweight feel. They're not as luxurious looking as the Alba, but they're still a quality pair of affordable IEMs.

Activo Volcano: The Activo Volcano are an exceptionally low-priced set of IEMs for anyone interested in entering the world of audiophilia. They offer prominent bass, multiple connectivity options, a secure fit, and a detachable cable. They are a little large for my taste, and won't deliver the most neutral sound on the market, but they're still a good budget option.

How I Tested the Meze Audio Alba

I tested the Meze Audio Alba in-ear headphones over a two-week period, following a thorough burn-in period. I mostly used the 3.5mm connection option, while plugging them into my laptop – but I also experimented with the USB-C dongle with my phone when listening on the go.

Most of the time, I used the Alba while streaming audio via Tidal, to access high-resolution music files. On Tidal, I played the TechRadar test playlist, which features audio tracks from a wide range of genres. However, I also played a number of audio tracks from my personal library, including some songs that I use to test audio equipment.

Where appropriate, I compared the Meze Audio Alba side-by-side with the Sennheiser IE 200 on aspects such as sound quality, design, and features.

Overall, I've tested a huge number of products here at TechRadar, where I focus heavily on the audio-visual sector. I've reviewed everything from high-performance party speakers, like the LG XBOOM Stage 301, all the way through to premium in-ear monitors, like the Sennheiser IE 600. As a result, I have a strong understanding of what's required for audio equipment to stand out in a highly competitive market, and what makes a product great, not just good.