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

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

Рет қаралды 5,044

Күн бұрын

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/products/alba?_...
Purchase:
apos.audio/products/meze-audi...
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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Test Tracks: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/p...
Amazon playlist: music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Tidal Playlists:
Jazz: tidal.com/browse/playlist/ea7...
Soundtracks: tidal.com/browse/playlist/bd1...
Bass: tidal.com/browse/playlist/0ba...
Mids & Treble: tidal.com/browse/playlist/c5b...
Tone & Timbre: tidal.com/browse/playlist/091...
Favorites: tidal.com/browse/playlist/4e9...
Recommended Gear:
Audeze LCD-5: www.audeze.com/products/lcd-5
Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: www.rossonaudiodesign.com/
Meze Empyrean: mezeaudio.com/products/meze-e...
Hifiman Ananda: hifiman.com/products/detail/290
Sennheiser HD600: en-us.sennheiser.com/best-aud...
Sennheiser HD660s2: www.sennheiser-hearing.com/en...
Austrian Audio Hi-X60: austrian.audio/headphones/hi-...
Audeze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)
ADV. M5-12D: www.adv-sound.com/collections...
CTM Da Vinci X: cleartunemonitors.com/product...
Tin Hifi T2: www.linsoul.com/products/tinh...
Sony NW-A105: electronics.sony.com/audio/wa...
Sony NW-WM-1a: electronics.sony.com/audio/wa...
Mytek Liberty DAC ii: mytek.audio/shop/lbrt-dac-ii-...
HeadAmp GSX-Mini: www.headamp.com/products/gs-x...
Tor Audio Roger: toraudio.com/main.html#
Schiit Audio BiFrost 2: schiit.com/products/bi-frost-1
Massdrop THX AAA 789:
drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-789...
Massdrop THX AAA One Linear: drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-one...
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Пікірлер: 109

@lordlopes2424 25 күн бұрын

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.

@AlexAddams7 9 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 9 күн бұрын

I think they look like an enclosed horn speaker.

@AlexAddams7 8 күн бұрын

@@TheHonestAudiophile that makes more sense.

@DragnetSound 23 күн бұрын

Thanks! Great review Dave

@TheHonestAudiophile 23 күн бұрын

Thanks for the gift, much appreciated.

@nasirrahmatullah141 24 күн бұрын

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

@suntanglory 21 күн бұрын

Nice one Dave!Cheers.

@saint_odonnell 18 күн бұрын

Such a great review! Thank you ☺️

@TheHonestAudiophile 17 күн бұрын

Thanks 🙏

@CoffeeXmusic 24 күн бұрын

Great review as usual ❤

@TheHonestAudiophile 24 күн бұрын

Thank you! 🤗

@sockhopsinger 25 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 25 күн бұрын

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

@fransvankershaver3210 14 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 13 күн бұрын

Awesome 👍 I look forward to hearing your impressions.

@tedthomas9809 24 күн бұрын

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 24 күн бұрын

My pleasure, you're welcome

@LSDScreen 25 күн бұрын

The review I was looking for.

@TheHonestAudiophile 25 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoy the channel content.

@dalemason5970 25 күн бұрын

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

@LSDScreen 25 күн бұрын

@@dalemason5970 The hype seems too strong not to.

@LSDScreen 25 күн бұрын

@@dalemason5970just pulled the trigger

@mikesoke 23 күн бұрын

@@LSDScreen did you order straight from meze?

@audio_tron 24 күн бұрын

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 24 күн бұрын

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

@guybrushtwood 24 күн бұрын

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

@wundyboy 25 күн бұрын

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

@davidcoons89 24 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 24 күн бұрын

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

@davidcoons89 24 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 24 күн бұрын

My pleasure, you're welcome

@bklynrickel 24 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 24 күн бұрын

Look forward to hearing your impressions after you get it.

@carminedesanto6746 24 күн бұрын

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 24 күн бұрын

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

@trubadyr99 4 күн бұрын

When I was listening to your treble description I wished you'd offered a graph.

@apollomoonlandings 24 күн бұрын

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 24 күн бұрын

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

@paultomaszewski1964 24 күн бұрын

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 24 күн бұрын

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

@mehmetsahin4130 25 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 25 күн бұрын

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.

@dragonfire61 24 күн бұрын

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 24 күн бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion

@diamondhellspawnscorpion 22 күн бұрын

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

@nonchalantd 24 күн бұрын

♥

@epiphica 24 күн бұрын

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 24 күн бұрын

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.

@brano5006 25 күн бұрын

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 25 күн бұрын

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 25 күн бұрын

@@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 25 күн бұрын

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 25 күн бұрын

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

@prithvi9727 18 күн бұрын

Excellent review .. useful one at that. Thanks. [ Just wondering why you pronounced it as Elba & not as Alba as it should be :) ]

@TheHonestAudiophile 18 күн бұрын

I'm sorry my accent "mispronounced" the name slightly. I'm not Romanian. Glad you found the video helpful.

@prithvi9727 18 күн бұрын

@@TheHonestAudiophile Cool .. appreciate it.

@gwine9087 25 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 25 күн бұрын

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

@Zorzek 24 күн бұрын

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.

@guillermobrito4987 25 күн бұрын

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 25 күн бұрын

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 25 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 25 күн бұрын

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

@lalitmehta6969 24 күн бұрын

Thumbnail remind me 90 80s 😂 when KZfaq doesn't exist.

@brunoserwaczek5232 14 күн бұрын

Sir, glad you didn’t say “elbow.”

@fransvankershaver3210 14 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 13 күн бұрын

Sorry I wasn't able to locate it.

@gertost 22 күн бұрын

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 22 күн бұрын

They are good for those genres.

@saechaoboi416 22 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 22 күн бұрын

Yes, a Vampire review is in the planning.

@bencherian 21 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 21 күн бұрын

Sorry haven't heard the Arti T10

@Gilliboy82 24 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 24 күн бұрын

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

@diamondhellspawnscorpion 23 күн бұрын

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 23 күн бұрын

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 22 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 22 күн бұрын

I e not had the opportunity to hear DITA Project M

@ahraziqbal9 12 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 12 күн бұрын

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

@stefi7318 20 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 19 күн бұрын

0.78mm connection

@nashdiz 15 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 15 күн бұрын

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 14 күн бұрын

@@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 14 күн бұрын

@masud79 glad you enjoy them.

@KashanArtist 24 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 24 күн бұрын

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 24 күн бұрын

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks 👍

@TheHonestAudiophile 24 күн бұрын

@KashanArtist my pleasure, you're welcome

@SileDevil 17 күн бұрын

alba means white actually

@dennisalarcon9175 24 күн бұрын

How would you compare this to the cklvx?

@TheHonestAudiophile 23 күн бұрын

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.

@coprfowe2666 24 күн бұрын

Can you compare alba to rai solo? Which one is better?

@TheHonestAudiophile 24 күн бұрын

I've not heard Rai Solo in 3 years or more. Sorry I don't recall enough to give comparison.

@siv1474 Күн бұрын

Theese are out of stock :/ I enjoy bass, so Meze Alba or 7hz Legato?

@TheHonestAudiophile Күн бұрын

Legato is a true basshead IEM the Alba is more refined and fun leaning instead of basshead.

@gprider1525 23 күн бұрын

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

@TheHonestAudiophile 23 күн бұрын

Music link in description and on my website.

@TheVeganVicar 25 күн бұрын

Thank you for the review, David! SHABBAT SHALOM! 🕎 HAPPY SABBATH! ✡️

@SuperEnforcer88 24 күн бұрын

I don't need to watch the review to know that'll be great.

@tigerbalm666 23 күн бұрын

uh huh huh...you said dongle...

@dalemason5970 25 күн бұрын

@Thehonestaudiophile you keep calling it E lba! Its A lba...just saying bud..🙌

@TheHonestAudiophile 25 күн бұрын

Sorry I don't speak Romanian so.....Thanks for watching and commenting.

@Lapos. 24 күн бұрын

Yeah, a bit jarring. I was wondering maybe its Napoleons iem?

@bruno_mart 20 күн бұрын

Why would you ever wear an IEM for 4-6h 😫. Sounds like a nightmare.

@TheHonestAudiophile 20 күн бұрын

Wear them while I am working or just around the house doing various stuff. I have music on all the time.