Meze Audio Releases Their Most Affordable IEMs Ever: The ALBA

A close look at the Meze Audio ALBA in-ear monitors. (From: Meze Audio)
A close look at the Meze Audio ALBA in-ear monitors. (From: Meze Audio)

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Meze Audio maintains its signature aesthetics without its signature price tag with the ALBA IEMs.

Meze Audio has just released a new addition to its in-ear monitor (IEM) lineup, the ALBA. At just $159, these IEMs aim to be a cost-effective, yet highly valuable entry point into the well-known Meze Audio portfolio.

“It was a combination of factors that brought ALBA into existence. Coming from a musical background, having maintained direct contact with our customers daily, and being an audiophile myself for the better part of a decade, really helped me understand the expectations for a complete and immersive listening experience.” says product manager, Vlad Toca.

“Designed for those who dance to their own beat, for the curious and the free-spirited, ALBA comprises a perfectly accessible and qualitative introduction into the world of elevated audio enjoyment.”

ALBA Features

You now have a chance to experience the famous Meze sound without breaking the bank, thanks to ALBA. (From: Meze Audio)
You now have a chance to experience the famous Meze sound without breaking the bank, thanks to ALBA. (From: Meze Audio)

The ALBA, which takes its name from the Romanian word for “first light,” aims to be your gateway drug into the realm of premium audio.

These IEMs successfully combine Meze Audio’s signature design language with exceptional comfort and impressive noise isolation. Plus, you can’t really deny how the iridescent pearl finish adds a touch of elegance despite their price.

If you know the Meze lineup, you may notice that the ALBA shares the same shell design as the ADVAR. However, that’s pretty much where the similarities end.

According to Meze Audio, “The materials and technologies are different. Alba is made with zinc alloy and anodized aluminium, through diecast, compared to Advar’s stainless steel, made through injection molding.”
Side-by-side comparison of the Meze Audio ADVAR (left) and ALBA (right) IEMs. (From: Meze Audio)
Side-by-side comparison of the Meze Audio ADVAR (left) and ALBA (right) IEMs. (From: Meze Audio)

The ALBA are equipped with 10.8mm dynamic drivers, which are said to give a neutral sound profile with a hint of warmth and a wide frequency range of 15Hz to 25kHz.

This sound profile is made to remind listeners of the virtues of wired IEMs in a world full of TWS.

What’s more, the ALBA are very versatile and easy-to-drive.

These IEMs work with a wide range of devices. This includes the latest smartphones with USB-C connectivity to traditional devices equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

These IEMs come with their very own 3.5mm to USB-C adapter with a built-in DAC/amp. (From: Meze Audio)
These IEMs come with their very own 3.5mm to USB-C adapter with a built-in DAC/amp. (From: Meze Audio)

Their flexibility is possible because of the included custom-made USB-C adapter, which has an integrated DAC/Amp for better audio quality. So, this adapter doesn’t just help improve the sound quality of the chosen source. It also helps guarantee an immersive listening experience.

Comfort and usability have also not been overlooked in the design of the ALBAThe package includes specially designed silicone ear tips in four sizes (S, M, L, XL). You most likely won’t have trouble finding the perfect fit for better noise isolation.

And, the braided detachable cable and eco-leather carrying pouch add both portability and style. Thanks to this, the ALBA cab be the perfect companion if you’re always on-the-go.

The Meze Audio ALBA IEMs are enough to take a place in your portable audio devices tier list. (From: Meze Audio)
The Meze Audio ALBA IEMs are enough to take a place in your portable audio devices tier list. (From: Meze Audio)

Technical specifications

  • Form Factor: In-ear
  • Driver size: 10.8mm
  • Driver type: Dynamic
  • Impedance (Ohm): 32 Ω at 1kHz
  • Sensitivity (dB): 109 dB SPL/V at 1kHz
  • Frequency Response (Hz): 15-25kHz
  • Source Jack size: 3.5mm (plus a USB-C adapter with built-in DAC/AMP )
  • Distortion: <0.1% at 1kHz

Where to Buy

The Meze Audio ALBA earphones are now available for purchase on the Meze Audio website for just $159.

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