Short answer: the Meze Alba. Both are rated 4.5/5 for sound quality (#117 and #122 of 1291 in-ear headphones), and the Meze Alba costs $159 against $179 for the KBEAR Cepheus, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
The case for the KBEAR Cepheus: A two dynamic plus six armature hybrid that measures very well (score 79) with one of the tightest spreads from target in this group (1.43 dB). The catch: Treble sits about 2.6 dB below target, slightly smooth and dark, and its score rests on only three measurements so far.
Why pick the Meze Alba: Across 15 squig.link measurements it scores 79.7 for preference with a smooth 1.3 dB deviation. The catch: Presence around 3 to 6 kHz runs 1.5 dB low while the 10 to 16 kHz air band climbs about 4 dB, so the treble can sound a touch thin and sparkly on top of a warm midrange.
Buy the Meze Alba. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $20 less than the KBEAR Cepheus.
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A two dynamic plus six armature hybrid that measures very well (score 79) with one of the tightest spreads from target in this group (1.43 dB).
Amazon $179.00 eBay
Across 15 squig.link measurements it scores 79.7 for preference with a smooth 1.3 dB deviation.
Amazon $159.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KBEAR Cepheus | Meze Alba | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.00 | $159.00 |
| Ranked | #122 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #117 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Hybrid | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 2 x dynamic + 6 x balanced armature | 1 x 10.8mm dynamic |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 79 (median of 22 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.43 dB standard deviation | 1.31 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.26 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.50 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.1 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Impedance | - | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | - | 109 dB SPL/mW |
| Weight | - | 0 lbs (14 g) |
| Frequency Response | - | 15Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both headphones’ measurements overlaid on the Harman target. Above the target sounds louder in that range, below it quieter. Each curve is the median of several independent measurements, shifted so its 500 Hz to 2 kHz average sits at 0 dB, so only the tuning is compared.
Measurement data: the KBEAR Cepheus from hbb, pw and soundcheck39; the Meze Alba from achoreviews, aden, arn, audioamigo, awsmdanny, bloomaudio, cammyfi, ducbloke, ekaudio, eliseaudio, filk, gadgetrytech, jaytiss, joycesreview, kazi, pw, soundignity, superreview, suporsalad, timmyv, tonedeafmonk and vsg, all via squig.link.
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