Meze Audio's Alba Earphones Offer a Genuine, Invigorating Change in Audio Experience
In June, Meze Audio introduced Alba, their most cost-effective pair of in-ear monitors thus far. Due to supply issues, I held off on writing a review until Alba was readily available for purchase.
The term Alba signifies "First Light" in Romanian and these IEMs are intended for audiophiles looking to explore the realm of high-quality earphones without breaking the bank. These are Meze's entry-level earphones, boasting a comfortable fit with over-the-ear hooks, a detachable twisted-pair cable, and an assortment of soft silicone ear tips in four different sizes.
The ear tips provide a decent level of passive noise isolation, although I wish there was an extra-large option for larger ears. These earphones work best in quiet settings where you can concentrate on the music. For commuters stuck in noisy environments like trains, buses, or planes, active noise-canceling earphones or headphones might be more suitable. However, if you prioritize audio quality and plan on listening in a tranquil setting, Meze Audio's Alba should be on your radar.
Newcomers to Meze Audio's portfolio will be treated to a visual spectacle. This company crafts notable-sounding products with an unique design style inspired by Art Nouveau, cherished by Romanians.
Alba earphones feature a blend of zinc alloy and anodized aluminum components, capable of withstanding regular use without diminishing its pearlescent luster. Its aesthetics are captivating; the colorway caters to individuals appreciating sleek design.
Meze Audio asserts that Alba has been finely-tuned to deliver "a balanced sound profile with a hint of warmth." I concur, as the earphones showcase exceptional clarity accentuated by rich, nuanced bass without distorting or overpowering the experience. These earphones are an excellent choice for nighttime listening and adapt well to various music genres due to their brilliant balance.
Meze Audio affirms that Alba pairs effortlessly with various music sources, including the iPhone 16 and other smartphones with USB-C connectivity using the included DAC converter. Additionally, there's a standard 3.5mm stereo jack and both the gold-plated 3.5mm connector and the custom-made USB-C DAC adaptor deliver outstanding sound quality. Regardless of the source, Alba delivers a captivating listening experience.
To evaluate Alba's ability to capture intricate melodies, I played Clifford T. Ward's Gaye And Other Stories album on Tidal. Clifford T. Ward was an English songwriter from Worcestershire, who unfortunately didn't achieve the success he deserved during his lifetime. Ward's melancholic songs have a similar vibe to Nick Drake and can stir strong emotions. Alba brilliantly replicated every track on the album, delivering an emotional performance.
If you have a streaming subscription, search for Ward's "Home Thoughts From Abroad" track and witness the hairs on your arm stand on end. Unfortunately, Clifford T. Ward passed away from MS in 2001, leaving the world without his distinctive talent. Listening to his anthology once more, this time with the Meze Alba, was an emotional experience. These earphones have the ability to bring forth so much subtlety in a recording. The sound is supported by a robust bass, thanks to the 10.8mm dynamic drivers used in each earpiece, offering an impressive frequency range of 15 to 25kHz and boasting a sound pressure level of 109dB, ensuring enough power to play the quieter tracks with minimal distortion.
Conclusion: The Meze Audio Alba earphones are a remarkable achievement. I appreciate the inclusion of a capable DAC adapter for smartphone listening and wholeheartedly recommend these earphones for anyone seeking exceptional sound quality at an affordable price point. Highly Recommended.
Pricing & Availability: Meze Audio's new ALBA earphones are now available at mezeaudio.com. priced at $159 / £139 / €159.
Technical Specifications:
- Driver: 10.8 mm Dynamic.
- Frequency range: 15Hz – 25kHz.
- Impedance: 32Ω at 1kHz
- Frequency response: 4 – 92,000Hz.
- SP: 109 dB SPL/V at 1kHz.
- Distortion: <0.1% at 1kHz.
In the realm of Meze Audio's offerings, Alba's unique design is inspired by the Art Nouveau movement, a cherished style in Romania. Alba earphones, featuring zinc alloy and anodized aluminum components, effortlessly pair with devices like the iPhone 16 and other USB-C compatible smartphones, thanks to the included DAC converter.
Clifford T. Ward, a melancholic English songwriter, would have appreciated the audio quality of Alba. Listening to Ward's anthology with these earphones revealed much subtlety in the recordings, supporting a robust bass produced by the 10.8mm dynamic drivers in each earpiece.
If you're an audiophile seeking high-quality sound without breaking the bank, Alba's balanced sound profile with a hint of warmth makes it an excellent choice for tranquil settings, and its price of $159 / £139 / €159 makes it an affordable option.
