Moondrop’s Kadenz IEM’s and Meze’s Alba IEM’s share a lot in common. They both come in under $200 (the Kadenz is $189.99 and the Alba is $159), each comes with its own dongle DAC/Amp, and both were some of our favorite budget IEM’s of 2024. With so many similarities, we wanted to compare the two so you can decide which one might be the right choice. There’s a lot to like about each, and we’ll talk about some of the highlights in their builds, designs, and sound signatures. Along the way, we’ll also point out their differences and help discern which one is right for you.
What’s in the Box:
Meze Alba | Moondrop Kadenz |
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Build:
The Meze Audio Alba IEM’s borrows some of its looks from its older sibling, the Advar. But in using zinc alloy and anodized aluminum, Meze brings down price and gives the Alba its own distinct look. The result is a lightweight build with an iridescent white hue that Meze hopes resembles a pearl. It comes with a cable that doesn’t feel heavy, but does feel solid nonetheless. The DAC/amp dongle matches the cable and has a nifty outward-facing light to show it’s functioning properly.
The Moondrop Kadenz, on the other hand, is built like a tank. It features a 3D printed shell that utilizes stainless steel materials, and its matte finish looks really cool. Its cable is a bit thicker than that of the Alba’s, though it’s also a bit more rigid and stiff. Like the Alba, the Kadenz’s DAC/amp matches the cable.
I wouldn’t say either of these is demonstrably more durable than the other. However, if you’re looking for something with a very robust build and you don’t care too much about the weight, then the Kadenz might appeal to you more. That said, the Alba uses great materials and weighs in at just 14 grams without the cable. So if portability and comfort are your priorities, I think the Alba may be the better bet.
Design:
The Meze Alba IEM’s and Moondrop Kadenz IEM’s match each other in terms of technological innovation. So breaking down their subtle differences is important to understanding how each one functions. The Alba uses a single 10.8mm dynamic driver, which makes things seem somewhat simple. Its impedance is a little high at 32 ohms, but with an SPL of 109 dB, they are still very easy to drive. That said, I did find the Alba to be a little bit picky with different sources. Aside from some higher-end dongles, I found the accompanying dongle from Meze to sound quite good. It’s capable of decoding PCM files up to 32-bit/384kHz, which is extremely impressive for an included adapter. Overall, I think most listeners will be happy using the Alba with the included dongle.
Now, the Kadenz also features a USB-C decoding cable. Moondrop calls it the ECHO-B, and it too can play PCM files up to 32-bit/384kHz. There are just two differences between each dongle. The ECHO-B has a 4.4mm balanced output while Meze’s dongle is 3.5mm, and it also features DSP functionality, allowing you to tweak EQ through a companion app.
The Kadenz itself uses a 10mm ULT GEN2 dynamic driver, which incorporates pressure-balanced channels to optimize signal flow. It also boasts a TAC diamond-coated dome composite with a high-rigidity diamond layer that is supposed to improve dynamics in the frequency response.
So both use dynamic drivers and come with DAC/amp dongles, but your decision here will probably come down to how you want to use them. Specifically, if you want the DSP engine from the ECHO-B, you’ll want to choose the Kadenz. However, even though it isn’t empowered by a companion app for DSP alterations, the Alba still responds well to EQ and customization, so you probably aren’t losing out too much in that regard.
Sound Impressions:
The Kadenz and the Alba both go for relaxed sound signatures. However, there are differences in dynamics and implementation that create subtle differences.
Low End:
The Meze Audio Alba IEM’s are a bit chameleon-like in its bass response. It’s able to get out of the way when it isn’t needed, and it can step up the head on tracks that do call for it. This is due to very well executed microdynamics that allow the low end to sound appropriately balanced across multiple genres. While it may seem a little bit mellow at first, you’ll soon find out that it can rumble bombastically on hip-hop and other bass-heavy tracks. But rest assured, for classical or acoustic music that falters in the face of midbass bloat, the Alba is able to duck itself and preserve the space for other instrumental layers.
The Kadenz is a bit more rigid in its approach to bass, keeping a steady emphasis on neutrality. So if you’re expecting the typical Moondrop bass experience, you might be surprised by the more relaxed low end here. It prioritizes timbre and detail retrieval over a feeling of musicality. I was surprised by the sub-bass extension and speed of the bass response. Overall, I was impressed by its clear and precise presentation.
Midrange:
Like many Meze products, the Alba achieves a neutral-warm sound signature. This is due to its forward but tasteful midrange. Vocals really stand out with its sense of presence and vivid textures. I would hesitate to call the Alba totally balanced. Rather, it takes the shape of a W, emphasizing bass, mids, and treble while keeping things smooth and lean in the transitional areas. This allows for that forward presentation without suffering the consequences of elevated midbass or sibilant upper mids.
The Kadenz, again, keeps things much more balanced and relaxed. The presentation here is more natural than the Alba, which I would say is more musical. Without that sense of coloration, you’re left with untouched vocal presentations and spacious instrumental layouts. While it misses out on some of the Alba’s more engaging qualities, it makes up for it in clarity and detail retrieval. However, where the Alba is a bit friendlier to harsher passages, the Kadenz can sometimes fall victim to heat in the upper mids.
Top End:
In keeping with that W-shaped sound signature, the Alba keeps things present in its treble. The top end isn’t the most forgiving to poorly mastered tracks. But the top end does feel alive in a tactile way. It’s well extended and has a fun and engaging quality to it. It’s just that the sense of elevation that comes from the Alba’s frequency response can expose peakier areas of older recordings, or effect-heavy instrumentals (like distorted guitar).
The Kadenz is, again, relaxed in the top end. There is a solid sense of presence in the treble response, but you always get the feeling that things are well under control. If you’re looking for an exciting treble experience, then these may feel a bit restrained for you. But if you like a sound that is more nuanced and laid back in its approach, then the Kadenz might be right up your alley.
Soundstage:
When I first heard the soundstage of the Alba, I was quite impressed. It surprises with its imaging, taking advantage of a wide stereo field and localizing sounds accurately within it. Because it prioritizes imaging, it can feel intimate at times and wide at others. It’s a more adaptive approach that tries to avoid a “one-size-fits-all” method.
That said, Moondrop really steps things up a notch with its soundstage. There are more layers to its presentation, allowing for a more three dimensional feeling. The holographic imaging leans into depth rather than accuracy, spatializing music in a unique and engaging way. However, I don’t technically think the Kadenz goes quite as wide as the Alba. However, its depth and layering help position it as more engrossing where the Alba is more accurate.
Final Verdict:
Meze and Moondrop have both accomplished a lot with their IEM’s. They’re quite similar in terms of specs, but when it comes to actual execution, they’re quite different. Whether it’s the contrast in build-techniques or their approaches to design, they’ve both come at these IEM’s with intention and precision. But it ultimately comes down to your preference in sound. For a more musical and engaging listening experience, the Alba definitely comes to mind. But for precision and technical prowess, the Kadenz is also a great option.
The Meze Audio Alba IEM’s and Moondrop Audio Kadenz IEM’s are available at Audio46.
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