Meze Announcing ALBA IEMs - A New Budget Friendly IEM at $159

Alba Drop

Meze is announcing a brand new IEM called the Alba. In their words

“ALBA is the bridge between the current in-ear market and Meze Audio’s best-in-class collection, perfectly tuned with a neutral sound profile and an added touch of warmth, reminding listeners of the virtues of wired earphones.”

This option may disrupt a lot of companies more expensive IEM options ($200-500) if these really rival earphone quality.

FEATURES: Easy to drive, pairs well with any device, thanks to its high sensitivity and low impedance.

A silhouette inspired by natural patterns, a rock-solid shape that ensures the highest stability

ALBA Materials: Premium zinc alloy produced by diecasting finish with anodized aluminum parts Finish: Pearl color shell Custom designed silicone eartips

TECH SPECS: Driver: 10.8 mm Dynamic driver

Frequency Range: 15 Hz – 25 kHz

Impedance: 32 Ohm

SPL: 109 dB/mW

Distortion: <0.1% at 1 kHz

Weight without cable: ~14 g (0.5 oz)

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES:

Case: Hard eco-leather carrying pouch

4 pairs (S, M, L, XL) eartips

Standard cable: 2-Pin to 3.5 mm (1/8 in) silver plated braided cable

Custom-designed 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter (with a built-in DAC/AMP)

1 x user manual

The new ALBA from Meze is a highly anticipated release. Considering this Hifi brand has a reputation for quality and comfort, these are going to be interesting considering their cost. At only $159, these are said to perform above their price range. At the same time, it’s difficult picturing an IEM that can revolutionize comfort the way their hi-fi headphones have.