Meze Audio has become a benchmark in the audiophile world for blending high-end craftsmanship with musical, emotionally engaging sound. Two standout models from their open-back headphone lineup, the Meze Audio 105 Silva and the Meze 109 PRO, embody these ideals in different ways. Both headphones offer signature Meze comfort and refined sonic performance, but their tuning philosophies and build approaches cater to distinct listening preferences. Whether you’re seeking a balanced, reference-grade headphone or a rich, immersive musical experience, this detailed comparison will help you decide which of these open-back models is the right fit for your audio journey.
What You Get
| Silva | 109 Pro |
|
|
Look & Feel
Both headphones have a luxurious design, with a walnut wood finish and aluminum frame. The 109 Pro is a bit flashier with its bronze pieces supporting the headband and ear cups. They both have a vintage aesthetic; however, I find the 105 Silva more refined with this design. It features a cleaner grille pattern that better realizes that retro look. In terms of fit, though, the Silva and 109 Pro are very similar. Their suspension headbands act as a way to autofit the headphones with no adjustments necessary. The velour earpads help sustain comfort and security, while both pairs of headphones sit naturally on your head without any pinch or lasting fatigue.
Design
The 105 Silva and 109 Pro both use a 50mm dynamic driver with diaphragms that use a cellulose composite material. Where these headphone drivers diverge is in other chosen materials, like the 109 Pro’s Beryllium and the Silva’s titanium-coated semicrystalline polymer torus. The Silva also supplies a separate USB-C adapter, which the 109 Pro lacks. Neither headphone requires an amplifier, but one is suggested, especially for the 109 Pro.
Soundstage
The Meze 105 Silva delivers a focused, moderately wide soundstage with clean imaging, while the Meze 109 PRO opens things up considerably with a more spacious and atmospheric soundstage. Instruments are positioned with clarity and precision with the Silva, but the soundstage remains relatively intimate. This presentation makes it easier to follow individual layers in a mix, especially for critical listening or mixing scenarios. It doesn’t aim to create an artificially large space, but what it offers is coherent and tightly rendered.
The added width and depth offered by the 109 Pro helps music breathe, and the imaging is nuanced and three-dimensional. Instruments feel more like they exist within a room rather than within your head, offering a cinematic quality that enhances orchestral recordings, ambient music, and live albums. For those who value immersion and spatial realism, the 109 PRO clearly stands out.
Low End
If you prefer a neutral, tight bass response that remains true to the source, then the Silva is for you. The 109 Pro is a warmer, slightly elevated response in comparison, as it enhances musical enjoyment without overwhelming the mix. There’s a more textured feel in the 109 Pro, giving drums and basslines a pleasing sense of depth and fullness. Those who are looking for a clean and accurate foundation for genres like acoustic, folk, classical, or vocal-focused music might find that the Silva might be more satisfying. The 109 PRO is better suited for modern genres like rock, electronic, or cinematic soundscapes, where a more dynamic bass adds excitement.
Mids
In the midrange, the 105 Silva leans toward a neutral, studio-friendly tuning. Vocals and instruments are rendered with clarity and precision, making it a solid choice for listeners who value transparency. There’s a subtle sense of forwardness that brings midrange detail to the forefront, ideal for dissecting complex mixes or enjoying delicate acoustic passages. This makes the Silva an excellent tool for both casual critical listening and more professional monitoring tasks.
The 109 PRO takes a more emotional and lush approach to the mids. Vocals are presented with warmth and body, and instruments like guitars and pianos feel natural and full. There’s a richness here that pulls you into the music, creating an intimate and engaging midrange experience. While not as surgically accurate as the Silva, the 109 PRO’s mids are undeniably expressive and well-suited for long, immersive listening sessions.
Highs
Treble performance on the Meze 105 Silva is airy and extended, offering excellent resolution and openness without introducing harshness. High-frequency elements like cymbals and strings are handled with finesse, providing sparkle and definition that enhance the overall sense of detail. Despite its clarity, the treble never becomes fatiguing, making the Silva a strong candidate for treble-sensitive listeners who still crave detail and brightness.
The 109 PRO, in contrast, opts for a slightly more relaxed treble response. While still detailed, the highs are smoother and rolled off just enough to prevent any sharpness. This creates a warm, easygoing top end that complements the headphone’s fuller midrange and bass. It’s an ideal match for those who prefer a laid-back listening experience or who listen to music for hours at a time without wanting to deal with ear fatigue.
Summary
Both the Meze Audio 105 Silva and Meze 109 PRO showcase Meze’s dedication to quality, comfort, and musicality, but they serve different listening goals. The 105 Silva stands out as a clear, neutral, and highly practical headphone ideal for reference listening, acoustic genres, and analytical ears. In contrast, the 109 PRO is a richer, more immersive headphone with expansive staging and a luxurious feel, perfect for listeners who want to be emotionally swept away by their music. Depending on your preferences and budget, either could be the perfect open-back companion, but if you want the full Meze experience with no compromises, the 109 PRO is the clear step up.
The Meze Audio 105 Silva and 109 Pro are available at Audio46.
MAJORHIFI may receive commissions from retail offers.
