Having used the Meze Audio 109 Pro as my daily headphones for almost a year, I can attest to both their sonic performance and wonderful build quality and design. Having used them with a wide range of both desktop amplifiers and some of the more powerful Dongle DACs currently available, there is no question that they are a rather valuable part of my reviewing arsenal.
The Meze 99 Classics also reside on my desk and whilst they don’t offer the same level of resolution or openness as their more expensive sibling, they have accompanied me across the globe and back more than a few times over the past 4 years and are still a fantastic combination of performance and industrial design.
Antonio Meze, however, does not like to sit still because he’s a rather curious man who loves to bicycle in some of Eastern Europe’s most scenic and elevated locations and he’s always looking to be inspired.
It would appear that he found his inspiration in his native Romania.
109 Pro Primal
Meze Audio has unveiled the 109 Pro Primal: a very special edition of its award winning 109 Pro headphones and the latest addition to the exclusive Meze Audio Art Gallery collection.
These headphones are handmade by Meze Audio’s skilled artisans, drawing from a proud wood crafting heritage combined with cutting-edge audio technology and a sustainable design, for a timeless blend of performance and elegance.
Company founder and lead designer, Antonio Meze explains: “As locals of Maramures, Romania, our philosophy of life is intertwined with the ancient forests that surround us, and we are taught to appreciate and respect this craft from the youngest age. With Primal, we took up this deep-rooted skill and shaped it into a new perspective on headphone design.”
Chiseled Earcups
The walnut earcup frames are chiseled groove by groove and delicately sanded to ensure the smoothest feel, before having a coat of linseed oil applied. This final touch infuses the wood with a natural, matte texture that accentuates the wood grain and restores its innate, captivating color.
Like all Meze Audio headphones, Primal is painstakingly crafted following the principle of “Graba strică treaba” – a Romanian expression translating to “Haste ruins the work” in English. It emphasizes the importance of taking one’s time and paying careful attention to detail to achieve exceptional results.
Sustainable
This new edition also follows Meze Audio’s commitment to sustainability. The headphones are designed to be taken apart and serviced endlessly if ever needed, which can extend the life of the product beyond limit. From cables to ear cups and beyond, every element can be replaced and upgraded.
Finally, you’re not sacrificing performance for principles, either: 109 Pro Primal features the same technology as the original 109 Pro, which have just been named Best Headphones 2023-2024 by the audio experts in the global EISA Awards.
Price & Availability
Primal will be available available for pre-order starting September 29, 2023 for $999 at mezeaudio.com and €999 / £899 at mezeaudio.eu.
The original 109 Pro remain available for $799 at headphones.com and Amazon.
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