Meze Audio

Meze Audio ALBA S

Name: Meze Audio ALBA S
Brand: Meze Audio

ALBA S trims cost without changing the earphones, deleting the bundled DAC while retaining the 10.8 mm driver. Compact metal shells and a replaceable 2-pin cable support daily use.

$129 typical

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EDITION 01RESEARCHED 2026-09-053 SOURCESREFRESH DUE 2027-03

SUBSTANCE SCORES

substance8.3/ 10

design9.0/ 10

value8.5/ 10

WHY THE PRICE IS JUSTIFIED

The S variant removes the accessory some owners already have and cuts the price from $159 to $129 while keeping the same 10.8 mm driver and metal shell. That is a clear, non-hype cost reduction.

MATERIALS

HousingZinc alloy and anodized aluminum

A rigid, durable metal enclosure at a modest price.

Driver10.8 mm dynamic driver

Single-driver architecture avoids crossover complexity.

ConnectorDetachable 2-pin cable

Makes cable replacement possible.

CRITERIA

8/10

Tonal Accuracy

Independent coverage treats the unchanged ALBA platform as the point: tuning and driver are retained.

9/10

Fit And Seal

Small ergonomic metal shell is designed for a secure, low-fatigue fit.

8/10

Cable And Connectors

Detachable 2-pin construction makes cable replacement straightforward.

9/10

Build And Serviceability

Zinc-alloy/anodized-aluminum enclosure and replaceable cable support durable use.

8/10

Technical Performance

10.8 mm dynamic driver provides a coherent single-driver solution.

8/10

Isolation And Source Fit

32-ohm specification is easy for common dongles; passive seal is tip-dependent.

9/10

Value And Longevity

The lower price is achieved by deleting the DAC accessory, not downgrading the IEM.

IDEAL FOR

·Design-conscious daily listening
·Small-to-average ears
·Owners of an existing USB-C DAC
·Warm, non-fatiguing sessions

NOT FOR

·People needing a DAC included
·Maximum isolation users
·Those preferring a clinical monitor tune

DESIGN & ERGONOMICS

Pearlescent metal shells are deliberately small and softly organic rather than faceted. This is a notably good-looking object that does not sacrifice easy insertion or low ear fatigue.

LONGEVITY

Metal housings and detachable 2-pin cable are the main longevity advantages. No special spare-parts program was evidenced, so treat tips and cable as the practical replaceables.