About the Meze Audio ADVAR
Gorgeously crafted earbuds with distinct Meze sound
The Meze ADVAR IEMs deliver powerful, nuanced sound on the go.
Gorgeously crafted earbuds with distinct Meze sound
No surprise here — the Meze ADVAR in-ear monitor headphones are some of most striking, well-built earbuds I've ever seen or held. I recently interviewed the company's founder and lead designer Antonio Meze and saw just how much attention he gives to how his headphones look and feel. But he also knows how they sound is most important.
These in-ears boast some of the chief sonic characteristics of Meze's super-premium over-ear headphones, like the LIRIC or flagship Elite. The bass is hard-hitting and well-defined and the highs sparkle with detail. Vocals and mids are relaxed a bit, but in a natural, non-distracting way. Overall these IEMs deliver a top-notch experience from the initial unboxing on through rewarding repeat listens.
Molded and contoured for comfort and one-of-a-kind looks
Meze's headquarters are in Maramures, a northern province of Romania known for its sprawling mountains, old-growth forests, and traditional craftmanship. They ADVAR earbuds were inspired — and named after — an ancient mystical pendant from the area's folklore. That explains why the design is so unique, with stainless steel molded into a shape that's at once visually interesting and ergonomically pleasant.
The earbuds are smoothed using a CNC process and finished with a glimmering black chrome gloss. I found they slid in easily and avoided pressure points. And when I secured them by wrapping the cord behind my ears, I didn't feel any strain.
Listening impressions
Meze designed the ADVARs to work with a portable music player — and even a phone or laptop. But I would suggest using a separate headphone amp to hear them at their best. I primarily used the super-portable iFi Audio GO Bar headphone amp/DAC combo, which paired up nicely with these headphones.
These earbuds offer strong bass emphasis and the highs shine with rich detail. The laid-back mids never felt scooped out or weak through the GO bar. I listened without any of iFi's sound filters, and thought the low-eof heft for Kendrick Lamar's Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers album.
That powerful sub-bass thump helped stitch together the tracks. I noticed that the opening orchestral sample on the track "Father Time" sounded beautifully restrained, allowing the highs to sparkle, but not grate.
Plenty of acoustically optimized ear tips
Of course, when we talk about fit, it is not all about comfort. There are major sonic advantages to getting a tight, secure seal that stays put. It helps ensure vocals are clear, the soundstage extended, and the bass is reinforced.
In this case, Meze turned to Final Audio — a Japanese headphone company known for their well-designed ear tips. Five sizes of their "Type-E" tips are included, developed to keep the earbuds from moving around and help tame top-end sizzle.
Product highlights:
- high-performance wired in-ear monitor headphones
- designed in and inspired by Bai Mare, Romania
- stainless-steel earbud housings for stable, secure fit with low resonance
- created with metal injection mold and finished by CNC machining
- shape contours to ear and avoid pressure points
- single 10.2mm dynamic driver in each earbud
- deep, controlled bass impact with balanced mids, and smooth, airy highs
- we recommend a separate headphone amplifier or portable high-res music player for optimum sound quality
Included cables and ear tips:
- braided 49" cable with 3.5mm stereo miniplug
- silver-coated MMCX earpiece connectors on each earpiece
- over-the-ear cord routing system keeps headphones secure
- includes 5 sizes of silicone ear tips for a customized, comfortable fit
- "Type-E" tips developed by Final Audio for noise-isolating seal
General info and specs:
- zippered hard-shell carrying case
- cleaning tool and MMCX removal tool included for detaching cables
- total harmonic distortion: less than 1% at 1 kHz
- frequency response: 10-30,000Hz
- sensitivity: 111 dB
- impedance: 31 ohms
- warranty: 1 year
- Our 60-day money-back guarantee
- MFR # M-ADV
What's in the box:
- Left and right in-ear monitors
- 48" Braided audio cable with two MMCX connectors on one end and straight 3.5mm plug
- 5 Pairs of Final Audio silicone ear tips
- Cleaning tool
- MMCX removal tool
- Hard zippered case
Reviews
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More details on the Meze Audio ADVAR
Features & specs
| General | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fit Style | In-ear/Earbud | |
| Earcup Type | Open | |
| Earcup Width x Height | ||
| Noise-canceling | No | |
| Bluetooth | No | |
| Bluetooth Version | N/A | |
| Single-earbud Operation | No | |
| Mic For Taking Calls | No | |
| Voice Assistant Access | ||
| Amazon Alexa | No | |
| Google Assistant | No | |
| Siri | No | |
| Connectors | ||
| 3.5mm | Yes | |
| 1/4" | No | |
| Lightning | No | |
| 4.4mm balanced | No | |
| XLR4 balanced | No | |
| 2.5mm | No | |
| Other | None | |
| Specs | ||
| Frequency Response | 10-30k Hz | |
| Sensitivity | 111 dB | |
| Impedance | 31 Ohms | |
| Weight | --- | |
| Cord Length | 48" | |
| Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
| Labor Warranty | 1 Year | |
Product Research
Features
Overview: The Meze Audio's Advar in-ear monitors combine ergonomic design and precision craftsmanship to provide superior performance. Advar has a removable braided cable, an MMCX removal tool and cleaning tool, and 5 pairs of silicone ear tips. The IEMs, tools, and ear tips can be stored in the included leather zippered case.
Design: The Advar in-ear monitors utilize single 10.2mm Dynamic drivers that can reproduce a wide frequency range between 10Hz and 30kHz with less than 1% total harmonic distortion. The IEMs feature a prominent vent on the outer surface with a funnel-like depression surrounding the vent.
Ear Bud Housing: The Advar IEMs feature an ergonomically-contoured stainless steel shell made by metal injection molding and CNC finishing. The ear buds are finished in high-gloss Black Chrome plating on the main shell. The rounded edges comfortably fit into the natural curves of your ears, and can be easily inserted and removed. The ear buds have industry-standard MMCX connectors, so you can easily replace the cable at any time.
Ear Tips: The Advar in-ear monitors come with a total of five pairs of Final Audio Type-E ear tips that conform to your ear canal's shape to help you find the perfect fit and best seal. Type-E tips, when paired with the Advar IEMs, enhance lower bass frequencies while smoothing out the edgy high frequencies. You can choose from SS, S, M, L, and LL sizes.
Cable: The 48" braided, 4-conductor silver-plated copper cable has a flexible clear sheathing that keeps it tangle-free, and standard MMCX connectors. The cable wraps up and around your ear, and terminates into a straight gold-plated 3.5mm plug. Optional balanced MMCX cables are available directly from the Meze Audio with your choice of 2.5mm TRRS and 4.4mm balanced plugs.
Included Tools: The IEMs include a unique tool that makes it easy to remove the ear buds from the cable. MMCX connectors are designed to securely snap on and pull directly off. Because the connectors are relatively small, they may be difficult to grasp. The included MMCX Removal Tool lets you firmly grasp the connector without putting pressure on the fragile cable, preventing damage. In addition, a cleaning tool is included with a wire loop for removing ear wax, and a brush to clear away other debris.
Specifications:
- Frequency Response: 10Hz - 30kHz
- Impedance: 31Ω
- SPL: 111dB/mW
- Total Harmonic Distortion: <1% at 1kHz
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Customer Q&A
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Big headphone sound in a very small package. This thing exudes quality. Highly recommended.
Raul from Ocala, FL