As far as in-ear monitors (IEMs) go, the Moondrop Kato and Meze Alba stand out, but for different reasons. I’ve spent a fair amount of time with both, and here they compare on several levels.
What's in the box?
| Dawn | Kato |
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Design
The Moondrop Kato features a single 10mm dynamic driver with a sensitivity of 32 ohms and a peak power measurement of 123 dB/Nrms. The stainless steel nozzle and housing give the Kato a sturdy and durable feel, perfect for on-the-go listening. However, the design is quite heavy, which may not be comfortable for everyone during extended use. The cable, while sturdy, is a bit stiff and takes time to conform to the ears. In my experience, the ergonomic design fit well even after hours of listening. The spring tips that come with this IEM are an excellent addition, and I found it easy to get a good seal that stayed secure throughout my listening session.
The Meze Alba, with its 10.8mm dynamic driver and
Sound scene
The Kato offers a medium-width soundstage with sounds coming at you fairly horizontally. It doesn't excel at creating a particularly natural or expansive soundstage, and it lacks vertical height, making it somewhat limited in this regard. There's nothing about the soundstage that stands out as particularly exciting.
On the other hand, the Alba offers a wider and louder soundstage that feels more natural. It has an above-average performance for its price, with a good reverb effect. This makes it undoubtedly better than the Kato in terms of soundstage, creating a more immersive listening experience.
Low
Alba offers warm, full bass that can get a little muddy at times, but pairs well with bright, modern mixes. Tracks like “The Omens Divination – Sinister” showcase its ability to handle intense low end with minimal distortion. However, the low end can sometimes overpower the rest of the sound signature, making this a great choice if you’re looking for more low end and are willing to sacrifice some clarity.
The Kato’s bass is also full, but with more clarity. It has a more controlled and flat bass signature compared to the Alba. There’s a greater emphasis on the mids, giving the bass a character that cuts through the mix without becoming overwhelming. On the same track, the Kato provides a powerful low end that’s still strong but not dull, making the Alba seem a bit brutal in comparison. Overall, there’s more room in the mix to showcase the other sounds. The Kato offers less rumble in the sub-bass, but it blends well with the other layers of a performance.
Media
The Kato excels in the mids with a clear and focused sound. Vocals never get lost in the mix and the accurate reproduction of midrange sounds makes it interesting for a lot of music. While it lacks a bit of airiness, the mids are strong, balanced and bring out the graininess and character of songs well.
The Alba's mids are flatter, with a slight bump between 300 and 400 Hz, resulting in a warm, dark sound. Vocals sometimes get lost and mid-bright-sounding instruments lose a more distinct tone. While enjoyable for extended listening sessions, the mids aren't as exciting as the Kato's. A bit more clarity around 800 kHz would improve their performance.
Triple
Alba’s highs are consistently subdued, which can be beneficial if you’re sensitive to highs. However, they lack some texture and clarity, making them less exciting. Improving the presence and airiness of the highs would bring more life to these IEMs.
The Kato’s highs are flatter than the Alba’s and complement its focused mids well. Since they’re not overly boosted, the lows have room to breathe and still be exciting. The highs aren’t sibilant and are easy to hear even after long periods. They’re adequate and support the Kato’s mid-focused sound.
Conclusion
Both the Moondrop Kato and the Meze Alba have their strengths. The Kato offers a more controlled and clear sound with powerful mids and balanced highs, making it ideal for those who prefer a detailed and accurate listening experience. The Alba, with its wider soundstage and powerful bass signature, caters to listeners who enjoy a fuller, warmer sound. Your choice between the two will ultimately depend on your sound preferences and listening habits.
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