Meze Audio Alba - This is How a Single Dynamic Should Sound?! - Honest Audiophile Impressions

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A BIG thank you to Meze Audio for providing the Alba for review, much appreciated. The Meze Audio Alba is the epitome of how a single dynamic IEM should sound in my opinion. The Alba is like the early morning sun shining through your window. How does the Meze Alba compare to the Moondrop Kato and the Meze Advar?
More Information:
mezeaudio.com/pages/alba
Purchase:
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction/Specs/Box/Contents
01:45 USB-C Adapter/Extra 4.4mm Cable
03:05 Design/Build
04:10 Cable
05:20 Comfort/Isolation
07:05 Source Pairings
07:47 Bass
09:15 Mids
10:45 Treble
12:45 Technical Abilities
16:25 vs Moondrop Kato
18:30 vs Meze Advar
20:15 Conclusion
21:08 Leaving
I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research. I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear. I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.
Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.
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Mytek Liberty DAC ii: mytek.audio/shop/lbrt-dac-ii-...
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Tor Audio Roger: toraudio.com/main.html#
Schiit Audio BiFrost 2: schiit.com/products/bi-frost-1
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Опубликовано:

9 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 106

@fransvankershaver3210 6 дней назад

Thanks for your "poetic" review. Your review convinced me; I ordered the Alba. So with my 99 Classic my Meze family is complete.

@TheHonestAudiophile 6 дней назад

Awesome 👍 I look forward to hearing your impressions.

@lordlopes2424 17 дней назад

Nice review Not the first one I see of the Alba but it's good to see others talking about it. Meze really work well on the Alba,and for the price it looks good.

@DragnetSound 16 дней назад

Thanks! Great review Dave

@TheHonestAudiophile 16 дней назад

Thanks for the gift, much appreciated.

@suntanglory 14 дней назад

Nice one Dave!Cheers.

@saint_odonnell 10 дней назад

Such a great review! Thank you ☺️

@TheHonestAudiophile 10 дней назад

Thanks 🙏

@sockhopsinger 17 дней назад

Thank you for helping me make up my mind. Was hoping you would review it. Hoping you are well.

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

You're welcome. I'm doing well, enjoying the warm weather.

@nasirrahmatullah141 17 дней назад

I Only watch the video because he took time to make it, rather than lame and similar reviews. This could have been much interesting if he had included other veriations, but I'm satisfied. It was a great review

@CoffeeXmusic 17 дней назад

Great review as usual ❤

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

Thank you! 🤗

@AlexAddams7 2 дня назад

I donny why Meze IEMs remind me of record players. Excellent review!

@TheHonestAudiophile 2 дня назад

I think they look like an enclosed horn speaker.

@AlexAddams7 День назад

@@TheHonestAudiophile that makes more sense.

@LSDScreen 17 дней назад

The review I was looking for.

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

Glad you enjoy the channel content.

@dalemason5970 17 дней назад

Hi buddy. You going to bite the bullet then? Think I may

@LSDScreen 17 дней назад

@@dalemason5970 The hype seems too strong not to.

@LSDScreen 17 дней назад

@@dalemason5970just pulled the trigger

@mikesoke 16 дней назад

@@LSDScreen did you order straight from meze?

@tedthomas9809 17 дней назад

Thank you Dave! Great review as always. When this iem popped up on reviews and promotions from sellers, I went with the flow ( can't afford the Empyrian) but do like the Meze sound. Still rock my old 99 headphones. As you are reviewing, it is making my decision to have ordered early feel like I did a good thing. Thanks again😅

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

My pleasure, you're welcome

@wundyboy 17 дней назад

It seems you and all the other reviewers are quite impressed with the Meze Alba... they will sell like hotcakes!

@davidcoons89 17 дней назад

Is your title a question or an exclamation? ‘This is how..?!’ Rather than ‘is this how..?!’

@TheHonestAudiophile 16 дней назад

@davidcoons89 Why don't you watch the video and find out 😉

@davidcoons89 16 дней назад

@@TheHonestAudiophile I did! Thanks for a great video as well btw!

@TheHonestAudiophile 16 дней назад

My pleasure, you're welcome

@mehmetsahin4130 17 дней назад

Great video content! If you compare with Moondrop Variations interms of details, resolution and sound stage, which one is better? thanks!

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

I've not heard the Variations since I reviewed them quite a while ago. Going off memory, the Variations is better detailed and resolution. I don't recall the staging.

@audio_tron 17 дней назад

Thank you for comparing to Advar. I think more reviews would benefit from going beyond price brackets. Oftentimes those comparisons are more than warranted in this funny hobby of ours. Between Alba and Advar, which had the most preferable, realistic vocals?

@TheHonestAudiophile 16 дней назад

Alba has more note weight and realistic vocals in my opinion.

@paultomaszewski1964 17 дней назад

As long as the cable for any IEM is built well, I don't care so mush what it looks like or feels like. I prefer a lighter cable so it doesn't pull down on the IEM's while I'm using them. I know the ear hooks design is suppose to take care of it, but the less weight pulling the better. They sound like a set I may have to get when the the budget allows.

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

The biggest gripe for me is the tangling and twisting, drives me nuts. I hope you get to hear the Alba.

@fransvankershaver3210 6 дней назад

There is some information I would like, but could't find. Any idea what the specs of the DAC are?

@TheHonestAudiophile 6 дней назад

Sorry I wasn't able to locate it.

@apollomoonlandings 17 дней назад

I really liked the pleasant sunrise analogy. It sounds like the Alba is an exceptionally pleasant IEM to listen to. Thank you for the review. I am curious. Do you think that the Alba might be a direct upgrade path for those who really like the overall tuning of the Kiwi Ears Cadenza? I ask since some people prefer single DD IEMs in order to avoid any BA timbre issues.

@TheHonestAudiophile 16 дней назад

Cadenza is more bassy, not as much clarity. The Alba is a big upgrade in my opinion.

@guybrushtwood 17 дней назад

I think the word to sum up the Alba is “natural”

@epiphica 17 дней назад

Hey Dave! I am on a hunt for an affordable (under $200 would be best, but i could stretch to $300) pair of cans for competitive gaming. I am going to be in a noisy environment with a roommate, so I would like the headphones to isolate noise well, but also offer a great soundstage with good imaging to hear footsteps and identify them directionally. I am going to be coming from the Phillips SHP9500s, and I love them but they are open and don’t block any sound whatsoever. Your input would be really valuable to me, thanks in advance and keep the good reviews up!

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

Keep in mind I don't game much anymore and I play sports ans racing games for the most part. To be honest, I mostly use IEM for gaming. The over ear closed back headphone I do use sometimes for gaming is the Rode NTH-100.

@bklynrickel 17 дней назад

If you Like it David, I have to try it! :)

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

Look forward to hearing your impressions after you get it.

@guillermobrito4987 17 дней назад

Thanks a lot Dave, i'll out the alba in my shortlist, now that i want to make the jump to the $100-$200 tier. Have another recomendation.?

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

Here is a link to my ranking grade/tier list, please make sure to read the ranking grade tab first as I don't grade like everyone else. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=sharing

@guillermobrito4987 17 дней назад

@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks to care about it. have a great weekend

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

My pleasure, you're welcome. Have a great weekend.

@brano5006 17 дней назад

10:45 - 16:25 Did you get that opinion using the Alba with an existing Meze USB DAC or with some other portable DAC? Be that as it may, I enjoyed your opinion, as always 💕

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

I mention my thoughts about the Meze dongle in the beginning of the video. All opinions mentioned are how it sounds based on my experience with all my source gear.

@brano5006 17 дней назад

@@TheHonestAudiophile The conclusion based on your answer is that such experience and opinion cannot be gained using Alba with the attached Meze USB Dac Thanks for answering

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

Yes, in my humble, honest opinion, the Meze dongle holds the Alba back a little bit. It isn't a bad sounding dongle but the Alba performs better on more quality dongles and desktop gear.

@brano5006 17 дней назад

@@TheHonestAudiophile Your presentation of Alba's ability to provide sound is excellent, of course with the appropriate DAC according to personal taste 👍🏼

@bencherian 14 дней назад

Can you compare it with Artti T10 please ? Although both have different drivers both are near same price at my place

@TheHonestAudiophile 14 дней назад

Sorry haven't heard the Arti T10

@Gilliboy82 17 дней назад

Can you compare it to the Tanchjim origin? Which one is the most resolving, natural and has the best timbre, tonal qualities?

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

Sorry haven't heard the Tanchjim Origin, hope to get one at some point for review.

@dragonfire61 17 дней назад

Hopefully you can get your hands on the Dita Project M. I have them about a week and they punch wayyyy above their price. Best IEM's I have ever heard.

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

Thanks for the suggestion

@diamondhellspawnscorpion 15 дней назад

I'm thinking to decide between Dita M & Alba.. But Dita M is thrice as expensive..

@carminedesanto6746 17 дней назад

Good afternoon Dave. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come . A “downmarket “ iem from them ..could a sub 2K Emp’s be on the horizon? I don’t think they give me something different enough to get a place in my IEM stable. The S12 ,KATO and the WU’s I think cover this performance 🎭. A great review..but I’m good ..that being said I think they would make a great addition to someone who’s just stating out in the IEM hobby. Have a fabulous weekend.

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

It would be great to have some more budget friendly Meze products for sure. Have a great weekend.

@gwine9087 17 дней назад

Well, another review that just adds to my confusion. Too any differing opinions, especially about the treble.

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

Everyone hears different. The treble is special in my opinion. Thanks for watching.

@Zorzek 17 дней назад

Well this is a subjective hobby, so it's only natural that you will get many different takes on the subject. Helps to keep this in mind and never taking another's view on something an IEM / headphone as hard truth.

@stefi7318 12 дней назад

What kind of connector have the iem? Standard, 078 or 0.75mm?

@TheHonestAudiophile 12 дней назад

0.78mm connection

@gertost 15 дней назад

How are these for trance, rock/metal, pop, electronica, classical ect... ? I listen to a wide range of genres. I like detailed, wide, punchy and a little warm sound. It must be enganging and musical. Not Fatigue. And of course comfortable. The most comfort iems ive had, is the beyerdynamic xelento. A good iem. But to pricey

@TheHonestAudiophile 15 дней назад

They are good for those genres.

@ahraziqbal9 5 дней назад

is the detail retrieval better than Truthear Hexa.. how to does it compare to Hexa?

@TheHonestAudiophile 5 дней назад

The Hexa presents the details in a more aggressive and forthright manner but the Alba is similar in amount and better resolving.

@diamondhellspawnscorpion 16 дней назад

Hi Dave.. Considering that you have also done a review on Etymotic ER2XR before, how would Alba compare to ER2XR in terms of detail retrieval, tonality, instrument separation.. Which one would you pick?

@TheHonestAudiophile 15 дней назад

Alba has better bass extension, impact and control. The mids aren't as forward as the ER2XR. Treble is more extended and airy. The soundstage is wider, deeper and better layered. The ER2XR is more mid forward focused and not as balanced. The Alba has a slight advantage with detail retrieval and resolution. Tone and timbre is similar.

@diamondhellspawnscorpion 15 дней назад

@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks Dave. Did you happen to try Dita Project M iems?

@TheHonestAudiophile 15 дней назад

I e not had the opportunity to hear DITA Project M

@nonchalantd 17 дней назад

♥

@nashdiz 8 дней назад

Any comparison between the Meze Alba and the Aful Performer 5?

@TheHonestAudiophile 8 дней назад

I sold the P5 a year ago so can't do a side-by-side comparison. If memory serves me correctly, the Alba has more accurate tone and timbre, better details and resolution.

@masud79 7 дней назад

@@TheHonestAudiophile the P5 are still the most perfect sounding IEMs imo, and i cannot figure out what makes them so special. Everytime i hear them its just wow

@TheHonestAudiophile 7 дней назад

@masud79 glad you enjoy them.

@KashanArtist 17 дней назад

Hi dave.. please suggest me iem $80 & $100.. I am so confuse, your suggestion will help me a lot.. Thanks

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

Here is a link to my ranking grade, please read the ranking grade tab first as I don't grade like all the other channels. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=sharing

@KashanArtist 17 дней назад

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks 👍

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 дней назад

@KashanArtist my pleasure, you're welcome

@brunoserwaczek5232 7 дней назад

Sir, glad you didn’t say “elbow.”

@saechaoboi416 15 дней назад

Hey honest audiophile Kotoriaudio is releasing their new vampire iem and I was wondering if you will be reviewing them soon or not

@TheHonestAudiophile 15 дней назад

Yes, a Vampire review is in the planning.

@dennisalarcon9175 17 дней назад

How would you compare this to the cklvx?

@TheHonestAudiophile 16 дней назад

My CKLVX D41 is out on loan to another reviewer so I can't do a direct comparison. Going off memory, the D41 very similar to the Alba but isn't quite as detailed and resolving.