Meze Audio ALBA Wired In-Ear Monitors

Overview

A dynamic driver inside a zinc alloy and anodized aluminum shell drives these Meze Audio in-ear monitors, tuned for balanced sound with a lift in the lows. A detachable two-pin cable ends in a gold-plated jack, and a USB-C adapter with a built-in converter and amp connects them to modern phones.

The included USB-C adapter is the practical reason to buy, because its own DAC and amp give phones without a headphone jack a dedicated audio path. The detachable cable means a damaged lead can be replaced instead of the whole set. The limit is the wire itself, which some gym and commute users will find a nuisance.

Who it's for

Music listeners who prefer a cable, gamers on a console or laptop and people with USB-C phones get a ready-made wired setup in one box. People who want cord-free running or active noise cancelling should look at wireless models.

Pros and cons

Performance notes

Sound is set by the dynamic driver and by the ear tip seal, which also supplies the noise isolation, so tip size matters for both bass and quiet. On a USB-C source the adapter does the digital to analog conversion itself, so the phone's internal audio stage is bypassed. The braided silver-plated copper cable connects through a detachable two-pin socket that can be swapped if it wears.

Specifications