109 PRO is a brand new dynamic open-back headphone from Meze. The headphones feature 50 mm drivers with a Dual-Composite Diaphragm. It is made out of a combination of Beryllium-coated polymer and cellulose-carbon fiber composite. The headphones have an excellent build, striking design, engaging tuning and a de-attachable cable.
Disclaimer: No one paid me to make this review. I don’t offer any specific opinions about this product. All thoughts expressed in this review are solely my own.
The headphones arrived in a large stylish black box. There is a branding and model name on the front of the box. And there is also the graphics that represent multiple traditional symbols from Maramures County in Romania.
In the box:
- The headphones
- 1.5 m soft TPE cable terminating with 3.5 mm connector
- 3 m soft TPE cable terminating with 3.5 mm connector
- And 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter
In addition underneath the case there is a product booklet that has product highlights. The booklet pages also have a nice scenery photography, which I believe is somewhere in Romania.
Design & Build
Meze has a reputation for crafting beautiful and well-engineered headphones, and the 109 PRO is no exception. Utilizing a combination of walnut wood, manganese steel, zinc, and vegan leather, the headphones are an engineering marvel. A notable aspect of the build is that everything is meticulously assembled using nuts and bolts, without any use of glue.
The headband is crafted from two spring steel parts that extend down to the ear cups, a design we’ve previously seen on the 99 Classics model. These spring parts are then attached to the ear cups’ centers, ensuring a durable and reliable structure. The self-adjusting headband rail, made of polymer, bears a serial number on the right side when the pleather part is moved up.
The headband attaches to the structure using two cross-structure joints, featuring copper accents and the Meze logo. To enhance comfort, the rail is covered with padded pleather, featuring the 109 PRO name and channel markings in an embossed style. The headband’s adjusting mechanism works flawlessly, providing an average clamping force for a comfortable fit and seal.
The ear cups are made of hand-finished walnut wood and covered with mesh and plastic separators in a spider-shaped structure, creating an open-back design. This construction renders the cups acoustically transparent, exposing the drivers from both sides and resulting in Meze’s most open sound pattern to date.
Each ear cup hosts a 3.5 mm connector socket near the backside, bordered with copper accent rings. The sockets are angled, ensuring that the cables don’t get in the way during use. Interestingly, unlike the fully symmetrical 99 Classics, the 109 PRO’s 3.5 mm connector sockets are placed differently, causing the cables to direct backward when the headphones are rotated.
Fit and Comfort
The ear pads, made of velour, feature an oval shape and are replaceable. With a height of 110 mm, a width of 85 mm, an opening of 65 mm in height, and 45 mm across, these pads can comfortably accommodate large ears. The velour material not only offers a soft and flexible feel but also prevents sweating and overheating during extended listening sessions.
The Meze 109 PRO excels in providing a comfortable listening experience. Weighing 375 grams without the cable, the headphones distribute the weight effectively, resulting in a lightweight feel on the head.
For individuals with larger ears like myself, the ear pads perfectly accommodate the ears, ensuring a comfortable fit. The average clamping force adds to the headphones’ comfort without compromising the seal.
Cable
The Meze 109 PRO headphones come with two detachable cables for added convenience. The first cable is a 1.5 m soft TPE cable with black aluminum casings, terminating in a 3.5 mm connector. The second cable measures 3 m and also features soft TPE material with black aluminum casings, ending in a 3.5 mm connector. Additionally, the package includes a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter.
The connectors sit firmly in the ear cup sockets and feature a satisfying click when connected. While some users may prefer softer and braided multicore cables, the supplied cables’ stiffness ensures durability. For those seeking an upgrade, Meze offers the option to switch to braided Furukawa PCUHD premium cables.
MEZE 109 PRO sound overview
Before delving into the sound impressions, it’s important to remember that my opinions on sound are entirely subjective. The 109 PRO headphones have an impedance of 40 ohms and a sensitivity of 112 dB, making them suitable for use with smartphones while still scaling well with better amps and sources.
The sound signature of the Meze 109 PRO is characterized by balanced tuning, warm bass, a natural presentation, and sparkling treble, culminating in a truly engaging and enjoyable listening experience.
Bass, midrage and treble
Contrary to the usual bass limitations found in open-back headphones, the 109 PRO surprises with its fast, well-controlled, and warm bass. The emphasis on mid-bass adds a sense of impact and note weight, while the sub-bass rumble remains commendable for an open-back design. The bass response retains its clarity even in complex and fast-paced recordings, making it a truly satisfying feature of the headphones.
The midrange of the 109 PRO offers a natural, lush, and relaxed presentation. Defined and detailed, the entire region exudes organic tones. Vocals and instruments are brought forward, creating a closer connection to the listener. Meze has done an exceptional job maintaining coherence and detail throughout the midrange, avoiding any harshness or brightness, even with poorly recorded music.
The treble response on the 109 PRO pleasantly surprised me with its sparkling, energetic, and airy qualities. The headphones strike a perfect balance between providing a lively sound without sounding grainy or artificial. The treble remains vibrant without becoming sharp or intrusive, retaining an abundance of air and energy. This tuning complements the overall sound signature beautifully and caters to my personal preferences with the right amount of detail retrieval.
Sound stage, imaging, and details
The soundstage of the 109 PRO is above average, leaning towards a more deep presentation than width. The precise driver placement and open-back design contribute to a spacious and natural sound representation. The headphones excel in conveying a sense of distance, while imaging and instrument placement are accurate and well-defined. Detail retrieval is excellent, with micro-details impressively rendered, offering a wonderful listening experience.
Conclusions
The Meze 109 PRO headphones are a remarkable piece of audio equipment. Offering an engaging and fun sound signature, exceptional comfort, and captivating aesthetics, they are a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship invested in their development. Moreover, their easy driving capability makes them accessible to a wider audience, while their ability to scale with high-quality amplifiers and sources appeals to audiophiles seeking an immersive experience.
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality and striking design
- Outstanding comfort
- Easy to drive, yet scales with better amplifiers
- Engaging and lively sound presentation
- Impressive bass response for an open-back design
- Natural and beautiful midrange
- Sparkling and detailed treble
- Excellent resolution and detail retrieval
- Spacious soundstage
- Comes with a good set of accessories, including a hard shell case
Cons:
- Not the most technical pair in its price range
- Lack of a balanced cable in the package
- Treble may be too hot for some listeners
Final Thoughts
The Meze 109 PRO headphones offer an excellent entry point into the world of high-quality audio while potentially serving as a long-term end-game solution for discerning listeners. If your budget allows, I strongly recommend considering the 109 PRO as a phenomenal sounding pair of headphones that truly embodies the hard work and dedication invested by the Meze team.
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