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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Hi Dave, i am looking an upgrade over my Blon bl03. My initial plan was tin hifi t3 plus. Then I See Alba review and it coming with dac which would be the best upgrade. Kindly guide me
Can you compare Alba with Simgot EA 1000 please in terms of sound quality only ? I dont have specific genre Edm Indie Old school rock Atmosphere Synthwave Almost everything except heavy metal I listen
EA 1000 is more v-shaped, has more bass presence, has more elevated upper mids and treble, is not as resolving and is not as natural with tone and timbre.
Thanks for the review. I've just got mine. Would the 4.4mm cable be a good upgrad? Also, on the FiiiO M11 Plus ESS, would it be better to use the dongle, or straight into the DAP.
Thanks for the reply. I have a 3.5 to 4.4 adapter, but I think it takes something away. I also use a FiiO BTR7, so a 4.4mm would work well on that too. Any other 4.4mm cables you recommend over Meze's own, as I can't see it on their site.
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
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 💕
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.
@@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
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.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Your presentation of Alba's ability to provide sound is excellent, of course with the appropriate DAC according to personal taste 👍🏼
Hey i have one question! The blon bl 03 has a small dip in the typical harman target upper mids ( 3khz/4khz) section which makes them seriously perfect for me in the ear/pinna gain region. Mids and vocals still forward sounding in the other frequencies ( so they are not overshadowed by the bass and especially the treble ) but never dry, rough, harsh or breathy. They sound almost like liquid gold if you know what i mean. would you still suggest the meze for my preference? the bl05s where almost perfect upgrade for me but they miss this important dip at 3khz/4khz and sound a little nasally/harsh
@@TheHonestAudiophile thank you very much for reading my comment, now i know its just a touch elevated i am happy to take the leap and pre order them in my country.
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?
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.
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
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😅
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.
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?
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.
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.
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
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
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.
@@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
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.
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.
Thank you for helping me make up my mind. Was hoping you would review it. Hoping you are well.
You're welcome. I'm doing well, enjoying the warm weather.
Thanks! Great review Dave
Thanks for the gift, much appreciated.
Great review. Getting mine soon!
Look forward to hearing your impressions.
Such a great review! Thank you ☺️
Thanks 🙏
It seems you and all the other reviewers are quite impressed with the Meze Alba... they will sell like hotcakes!
Is your title a question or an exclamation? ‘This is how..?!’ Rather than ‘is this how..?!’
@davidcoons89 Why don't you watch the video and find out 😉
@@TheHonestAudiophile I did! Thanks for a great video as well btw!
My pleasure, you're welcome
I donny why Meze IEMs remind me of record players. Excellent review!
I think they look like an enclosed horn speaker.
@@TheHonestAudiophile that makes more sense.
I need a fun sounding iem. Enough with analytical thing
I hope Alba is fun sounding one
Look forward to hearing your impressions of the Alba.
Gonna buy these on the back of the reviews. Should sound good on my Chord mojo 2
Awesome 😎 Look forward to hearing your impressions.
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.
Thanks for the suggestion
I'm thinking to decide between Dita M & Alba.. But Dita M is thrice as expensive..
I have both alba and dita...dita project m is worth twice or even thrice it's price...alba is very very good, but dita is phenomenal
Great review as usual ❤
Thank you! 🤗
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.
Cadenza is more bassy, not as much clarity. The Alba is a big upgrade in my opinion.
I think the word to sum up the Alba is “natural”
If you Like it David, I have to try it! :)
Look forward to hearing your impressions after you get it.
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.
The biggest gripe for me is the tangling and twisting, drives me nuts.
I hope you get to hear the Alba.
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!
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.
alba means white actually
Hi Dave, i am looking an upgrade over my Blon bl03. My initial plan was tin hifi t3 plus. Then I See Alba review and it coming with dac which would be the best upgrade. Kindly guide me
Meze Alba significant upgrade to both .
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you Dave
@hishighnes5474 my pleasure, you're welcome
Thumbnail remind me 90 80s 😂 when TH-cam doesn't exist.
When I was listening to your treble description I wished you'd offered a graph.
Can you compare Alba with Simgot EA 1000 please in terms of sound quality only ?
I dont have specific genre
Edm
Indie
Old school rock
Atmosphere
Synthwave
Almost everything except heavy metal I listen
EA 1000 is more v-shaped, has more bass presence, has more elevated upper mids and treble, is not as resolving and is not as natural with tone and timbre.
Thanks for the review. I've just got mine. Would the 4.4mm cable be a good upgrad? Also, on the FiiiO M11 Plus ESS, would it be better to use the dongle, or straight into the DAP.
Depends on the source your using. The Alba responds well to the additional power provided by balanced.
M11 Plus is an upgrade over most dongles, yes.
Thanks for the reply. I have a 3.5 to 4.4 adapter, but I think it takes something away. I also use a FiiO BTR7, so a 4.4mm would work well on that too. Any other 4.4mm cables you recommend over Meze's own, as I can't see it on their site.
DUNU Lyre Mini is excellent. I also like Rose Technic, Kotori Audio and Effect Audio cables.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks again. Bought the Mini.
@darrencotter8206 awesome 😎
Hi dave.. please suggest me iem $80 & $100.. I am so confuse, your suggestion will help me a lot.. Thanks
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
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks 👍
@KashanArtist my pleasure, you're welcome
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 💕
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.
@@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
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.
@@TheHonestAudiophile
Your presentation of Alba's ability to provide sound is excellent, of course with the appropriate DAC according to personal taste
👍🏼
Is it worthy to upgrade from Kefine delci?
Yes
Hey i have one question!
The blon bl 03 has a small dip in the typical harman target upper mids ( 3khz/4khz) section which makes them seriously perfect for me in the ear/pinna gain region.
Mids and vocals still forward sounding in the other frequencies ( so they are not overshadowed by the bass and especially the treble ) but never dry, rough, harsh or breathy.
They sound almost like liquid gold if you know what i mean.
would you still suggest the meze for my preference? the bl05s where almost perfect upgrade for me but they miss this important dip at 3khz/4khz and sound a little nasally/harsh
Alba is a significant upgrade to the Blons but it is a touch elevated in the uppers.
@@TheHonestAudiophile thank you very much for reading my comment, now i know its just a touch elevated i am happy to take the leap and pre order them in my country.
@wtfgebeurdmij2991 I look forward to hearing your impressions.
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?
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.
@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks Dave. Did you happen to try Dita Project M iems?
I e not had the opportunity to hear DITA Project M
What kind of connector have the iem? Standard, 078 or 0.75mm?
0.78mm connection
Hey honest audiophile
Kotoriaudio is releasing their new vampire iem and I was wondering if you will be reviewing them soon or not
Yes, a Vampire review is in the planning.
Hi, I would like to know ,wich sound is better IE200 or ALBA MEZE?
Sorry I've not heard IE200
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks
@Intmemo my pleasure, you're welcome
Sir, glad you didn’t say “elbow.”
♥
I don't need to watch the review to know that'll be great.
Why would you ever wear an IEM for 4-6h 😫. Sounds like a nightmare.
Wear them while I am working or just around the house doing various stuff. I have music on all the time.
Nice one Dave!Cheers.
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
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😅
My pleasure, you're welcome
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.
It would be great to have some more budget friendly Meze products for sure.
Have a great weekend.
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?
Alba has more note weight and realistic vocals in my opinion.
Great video content! If you compare with Moondrop Variations interms of details, resolution and sound stage, which one is better? thanks!
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.
The review I was looking for.
Glad you enjoy the channel content.
Hi buddy. You going to bite the bullet then? Think I may
@@dalemason5970 The hype seems too strong not to.
@@dalemason5970just pulled the trigger
@@LSDScreen did you order straight from meze?
Hi Dave, thanks for the video review. How does it compare to IE200 ?
Sorry I've not heard the IE200
is the detail retrieval better than Truthear Hexa.. how to does it compare to Hexa?
The Hexa presents the details in a more aggressive and forthright manner but the Alba is similar in amount and better resolving.
Well, another review that just adds to my confusion. Too any differing opinions, especially about the treble.
Everyone hears different. The treble is special in my opinion. Thanks for watching.
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.
Hey dave,
Alba vs Timeless?
Excellent review .. useful one at that. Thanks. [ Just wondering why you pronounced it as Elba & not as Alba as it should be :) ]
I'm sorry my accent "mispronounced" the name slightly. I'm not Romanian.
Glad you found the video helpful.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Cool .. appreciate it.
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
They are good for those genres.
Can you compare it to the Tanchjim origin? Which one is the most resolving, natural and has the best timbre, tonal qualities?
Sorry haven't heard the Tanchjim Origin, hope to get one at some point for review.
There is some information I would like, but could't find. Any idea what the specs of the DAC are?
Sorry I wasn't able to locate it.
Theese are out of stock :/ I enjoy bass, so Meze Alba or 7hz Legato?
Legato is a true basshead IEM the Alba is more refined and fun leaning instead of basshead.
Great ❤ thank you Dave 😁
My pleasure, you're welcome
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.?
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
@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks to care about it.
have a great weekend
My pleasure, you're welcome. Have a great weekend.
Any comparison between the Meze Alba and the Aful Performer 5?
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.
@@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
@masud79 glad you enjoy them.
uh huh huh...you said dongle...
Can you compare it with Artti T10 please ?
Although both have different drivers both are near same price at my place
Sorry haven't heard the Arti T10
No one else is saying this has good detail resolution, could you give an example of music where you heard this compared to another iem please
Music link in description and on my website.
Can you compare alba to rai solo? Which one is better?
I've not heard Rai Solo in 3 years or more. Sorry I don't recall enough to give comparison.
How would you compare this to the cklvx?
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.
@Thehonestaudiophile you keep calling it E lba! Its A lba...just saying bud..🙌
Sorry I don't speak Romanian so.....Thanks for watching and commenting.
Yeah, a bit jarring. I was wondering maybe its Napoleons iem?
Thanks for your "poetic" review. Your review convinced me; I ordered the Alba. So with my 99 Classic my Meze family is complete.
Awesome 👍 I look forward to hearing your impressions.
it's not nearly complete
Thank you for the review, David!
SHABBAT SHALOM! 🕎
HAPPY SABBATH! ✡️