Meze Audio 105 SILVA vs 105 AER: Side-by-Side Comparison

Meze Audio’s 105 series marks a new chapter for the Romanian audio brand, offering high-performance dynamic open-back headphones with distinctive design identities. The 105 SILVA and 105 AER share the same driver and technical foundation, but diverge significantly in build, presentation, and sonic personality. If you’re deciding between the two, this in-depth comparison breaks down the differences in sound, design, comfort, and overall value.

What You Get

Look & Feel

The 105 SILVA is clearly inspired by Mid-Century Modern design with brushed aluminum earcups, walnut inlays, and polished steel accents. It’s built like a statement piece, hefty, elegant, and artisanal. The headband is generously padded, and the overall build has that unmistakable Meze craftsmanship. In contrast, the 105 AER embraces a stripped-down, modern aesthetic. Its graphite black finish is sleek and subtle, featuring lighter materials that make it more wearable for long listening sessions.

Design

Both headphones use the same-sized dynamic driver and carbon fiber-reinforced cellulose composite diaphragm. Neither the Silva nor the AER should be harder to drive, so you can use the same source for both headphones.

Soundstage

Both models offer excellent imaging and a naturally wide soundstage, but the SILVA feels a touch more open and layered due to its brighter tuning and slightly more spacious cup design. The AER still delivers a holographic experience, just with a more intimate and cohesive presentation. Between the two, I would rather listen to the Silva’s soundstage due to how much potential it has. The AER is concise, but there are clearer barriers on display that limit the scale compared to the Silva.

Low End

Both headphones deliver a clean, tight low end that’s typical of open-back dynamics, but the 105 AER has a slightly more elevated and warm bass response. It adds a touch more weight and fullness, especially useful for modern genres and cinematic listening. The 105 SILVA keeps the bass more neutral and linear, offering a more reference-style low end. It doesn’t punch as hard but makes up for it in textural clarity and separation, better suited for classical, jazz, and acoustic recordings.

Mids

The SILVA has a slight edge in midrange resolution, with a spacious, organic quality that’s engaging for vocals and strings. It has a subtle upper-mid lift that adds presence without becoming harsh. Meanwhile, the AER opts for a smoother, slightly warmer midrange. It doesn’t push vocals forward as much, but creates a more relaxed, cohesive presentation. This makes it a great match for laid-back listening or long sessions.

Highs

The AER goes for a smoother, more forgiving treble response. It rolls off slightly in the upper registers to avoid fatigue, which complements its warmer tonal profile. The SILVA, on the other hand, is more energetic up top. It gives you more sparkle, air, and detail, ideal for listeners who value analytical listening and microdetail extraction. It’s not sibilant, but definitely more revealing than the AER.

Summary

If you want a headphone that showcases Meze’s signature craftsmanship with a refined, articulate sound signature, the 105 SILVA is the more luxurious and audiophile-leaning option. However, if you prefer something lighter, warmer, and more practical for day-to-day use, the 105 AER offers an excellent blend of comfort, style, and sonic richness.

The Meze 105 Silva and 105 AER are available at Audio46.