One of our favorite headphone brands is ending 2024 with something far more affordable than the rest of their award-winning lineup and that has us excited. Meze Audio are not a huge company; certainly not in the way Sennheiser, Bose, Apple, and Sony dominate the headphone category — but what they have contributed to the high-end headphone revolution has defied any expectations.
Started in 2009, Meze Audio began its journey into the world of headphones in Baia Mare, Romania; a city of 136,000 people located less than thirty miles from the border with Ukraine.
The end of the Cold War and collapse of the Iron Curtain brought more than just political freedom to Eastern Europe and the Balkans; it created an environment for entrepreneurship and design innovation that has had a profound impact on the culture and economic future of the region.
Antonio Meze surprised everyone with the 109 PRO that were released in 2022 and many of us who have used the 99 Classics for the past 7 years were decidedly pleased to see something from them that bridged the gap between the headphones that made them famous and the more expensive LIRIC and Empyrean II.
The new Meze Audio 105 AER feature trickle down technology from the 109 Pro — yet are priced 50% less.
Pro Tip: AER means “AIR” in Romanian
The 105 AER borrows some industrial cues from the 109 PRO, but there had to be some cost cutting to keep the price below $400 USD; some notable differences include using a plastic ear cup as opposed to the wood ear cups on the 99 Classics, 109 Pro and LIRIC and there isn’t a machined aluminium chassis.
It also incorporates a cast zinc alloy, stamped manganese spring steel, PU leather headband, and velour interior ear coverings but weighs only 336 grams, making it their lightest open-back headphone model so far.
Inside the ear cups, the 105 AER features newly refined 50mm dynamic drivers, but eliminates the beryllium membrane coating featured on the 109 PRO. The driver has a slight emphasis on bass and sub-bass, and provides a more resonant foundation, enhancing immersion and providing more full-bodied depth.
The 105 AER incorporates a self-adjusting headband. This is designed to spread the headband’s weight making them easy to wear during extended listening sessions.
The ear pads incorporate soft velour cushions which surround the ears and provide an optimal seal, supporting all-day wearing comfort.
The 105 AER also features a modular design, which means that all parts can be individually removed and replaced. This extends its useful life.
From Paul Șteț, Meze Audio’s Senior Product Designer: “105 AER carries a feeling of Art Deco opulence, almost like a piece of jewelry masked in a mechanical structure. Certain curves and surfaces are not obvious at first glance; there’s an ambiguity to the three-dimensional shape inviting you to discover it over time.”
Comparison
| 105 AER | 109 PRO | |
| Price | $399 | $799 |
| Headphone Type | Open Back | Open Back |
| Driver | 50 mm Dynamic | 50 mm Dynamic |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz – 30kHz | 5Hz – 30kHz |
| Impedance | 42 Ω | 40 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 112 dB SPL at 1kHz, 1 mW | 112 dB SPL at 1kHz, 1 mW |
| THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) | N/A | <0.1% at 1 kHz |
| Input Connectors | Dual 3.5 mm TS Jack | Dual 3.5 mm TS Jack |
| Ear Cup Exterior | PC-ABS | Black Walnut Wood |
| Weight | 336 g (11.9 oz.) | 375 g (13 oz.) |
The Bottom Line
EIC Ian White has used the Meze Audio 109 PRO for almost two years and has had nothing but good things to say about them. The design has been somewhat controversial for Meze because it offers a very different tonal balance and presentation compared to the 99 Classics and Empyrean, but there is no question that they are a beautiful design that are ideal for the desktop or a portable rig that is based around a DAP or rather powerful portable amplifier.
They definitely require more power than the 99 Classics.
The Meze 105 AER do feature some compromises including the aforementioned build differences and modification of the driver.
How do they sound?
We did get a sneak peek at CanJam SoCal 2024 and were certainly impressed with what we heard.
The $400 price point is extremely competitive with a lot of models in the wireless category and some high-end passive options from Audeze, HiFiMAN, Grado Labs, Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic that we have reviewed rather favorably.
The proof is ultimately in the listening and we have high hopes that the Meze 105 AER will be a huge hit and great value at $400.
Pricing & Availability
The Meze Audio 105 AER headphones are priced at $399 (€399) and will be available for purchase in early December on Meze Audio’s website.
Meze is also offering an optional plug-in boom mic for gaming or phone calling for $79.
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