When it comes to in-ear monitors (IEMs), the Moondrop Kato and Meze Alba both stand out, but for different reasons. I’ve spent ample time with both, and here’s how they compare across various aspects.

What's In the Box?

Design

The Moondrop Kato features a 10mm single dynamic driver with a 32-ohm sensitivity and a peak power measurement of 123dB/Nrms. The stainless steel nozzle and housing give the Kato a hefty, durable feel, perfect for on-the-go listening. However, the design is quite heavy, which might not be comfortable for everyone during extended use. The cable, while sturdy, is a bit stiff and takes time to form to your 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 it was easy for me to get a good seal that stayed secure throughout my listening session.

The Meze Alba, with its 10.8mm dynamic driver and <0.1% THD at 1 kHz, offers a different design approach. It has a 109 dB SPL/V at 1 kHz sensitivity and pairs perfectly with the included dongle. The aluminum alloy design makes it lightweight and comfortable, sitting well in the ear. The thin cable is comfortable but prone to tangling, which can be a bit annoying. Although less sharp looking in it’s design, these IEMs were comfortable and easy to maneuver in. Their lightweight makes them a perfect option for on-the-go listening, but I don’t anticipate them being as durable as the Katos. 

Soundstage

The Kato offers a medium-width soundstage with sounds that come towards you fairly horizontally. It doesn’t excel in creating a particularly natural or expansive soundstage, and it lacks vertical height, making it somewhat limited in this aspect. Nothing about the soundstage stands out as particularly exciting.

The Alba, on the other hand, provides a wider and taller soundstage that feels more natural. It has above-average performance for its price, with decent trailing from reverbs. This makes it undoubtedly better than the Kato in terms of soundstage, creating a more immersive listening experience.

Bass

The Alba delivers warm and full bass that can get a little muddy at times but pairs nicely with bright modern mixes. Tracks like "The Omens Divination - Sinister" showcase its ability to handle heavy bass with minimal distortion. However, the bass can sometimes overtake the rest of the sound signature, making it a great choice if you’re looking for more bass and are willing to trade 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 stronger emphasis on mids, giving the bass a character that cuts through the mix without becoming overpowering. In the same track, the Kato provides cracking bass that remains loud but not opaque, making the Alba feel a bit brutish in comparison. Overall, there’s more room in the mix to showcase the other sounds. The Kato offers less thudding sub-bass but plays well with the other layers in a performance.

Mids

The Kato excels in the midrange with a clear and focused sound. Voices never get lost in the mix, and the accurate reproduction of mid-range sounds makes it exciting 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 300-400Hz, resulting in a warm and dark sound. Voices can sometimes get lost, and bright-sounding mid instruments have an edge taken off of them. While pleasant for long listening sessions, the mids are not as exciting as the Kato’s. A bit more clarity around 800kHz would improve their performance.

Treble

The Alba’s treble is consistently understated, which can be beneficial if you’re sensitive to highs. However, it’s missing some texture and sharpness, making it less exciting. Enhancing the treble’s presence and airiness would bring more life to these IEMs.

The Kato’s treble is closer to flat than the Alba’s and complements its focused mids well. Since it’s not overly boosted, the bass has room to breathe and remain exciting. The treble is not sibilant and is easy to listen to even after long periods. It’s adequate and supports the mid-focused sound of the Kato.

Conclusion

Both the Moondrop Kato and Meze Alba have their strengths. The Kato offers a more controlled and clear sound with strong mids and a balanced treble, making it ideal for those who prefer a detailed and accurate listening experience. The Alba, with its wider soundstage and bass-heavy signature, caters to listeners who enjoy a fuller, warmer sound. Your choice between the two will ultimately depend on your sound preference and listening habits.