Meze Audio 109 Pro

Premium accessories with a touch of style

The Meze Audio 109 Pro arrives in a folding-lid box with a magnetic closure. Inside, a high-quality black carrying case protects the headphones during storage and transport. Its curved design and embossed Meze logo make it a visual highlight. The interior is lined with soft fabric.

Also included is a PU leather drawstring pouch containing two detachable cables and an adapter: A 1.41 m straight cable and a 3.15 m straight cable. Both cables feature gold-plated 3.5 mm jacks, and a gold-plated 6.35 mm adapter is supplied for use with hi-fi equipment. This accessory set ensures the 109 Pro can be connected to both home audio systems and portable gear such as laptops, smartphones, and headphone amps.

Hand-selected materials – lightweight yet robust

Meze crafts the 109 Pro’s ear cups from hand-selected walnut wood. The headband is wrapped in vegan leather, while structural components are made from zinc and manganese steel. Additional CNC-machined aluminium parts provide precision fit and stability without adding weight.

The build quality is immediately apparent when handling the Meze Audio 109 Pro – a blend of traditional craftsmanship, modern engineering, and contemporary design standards.

Secure and comfortable fit

Weighing just 370 g without cables, the Meze Audio 109 Pro is impressively light for an over-ear design. The clamping force is well-judged, ensuring a secure fit even during quick head movements. The self-adjusting headband adapts automatically to different head sizes.

The ergonomically shaped ear pads are covered in soft velour, resting gently on the ears while maintaining an airy feel. This makes them comfortable for hours of fatigue-free listening. However, during extended use, the velour covering proved less breathable than expected, leading to some heat build-up.

Technical design and performance

Inside the Meze Audio 109 Pro are 50 mm dynamic drivers with diaphragms made from a carbon fibre-reinforced cellulose composite – offering high stiffness, low weight, and durability. The ring around each dome is crafted from a polymer coated with corrosion-resistant beryllium, designed to suppress unwanted resonances and enhance precision, especially in fast transients.

The headphones deliver an extended frequency response of 5 Hz to 30 kHz, well beyond the human hearing range. The measured impedance of 40.25 ohms makes them suitable for both hi-fi systems and portable devices. With a maximum SPL of 100.84 dB, they can deliver satisfying volume levels. The open-back design, combined with acoustically transparent grilles, ensures an expansive and airy presentation.

Well-judged bass, warm mids, silky highs

The Meze Audio 109 Pro handles sub-bass with authority, even at high listening volumes – a boon for genres like urban music. Mid-bass is moderate and well integrated into the overall sound signature. Vocals and instruments in the midrange are reproduced with clarity and a natural presence, making the headphones well-suited for styles featuring mid-forward instruments such as distorted guitars or synthesisers.

Upper mids are deliberately restrained, avoiding harshness. The treble is finely detailed, with a super-high range that is just open enough to balance warmth with resolution. The overall presentation strikes a harmonious balance between analytical precision and inviting warmth.

Transient reproduction is punchy, with an especially pleasing interplay between sharp signal edges and their bass components. The 109 Pro’s dynamics shine, particularly with classical music, where its lively performance brings orchestral works to life. The stereo image is wide yet natural, with convincing depth layering – though an even more open top-end could enhance this further.

Conclusion

The Meze Audio 109 Pro blends premium materials, elegant design, and excellent comfort with a warm, detailed sound signature. Its open-back architecture provides a broad, natural soundstage, while its well-tuned bass, warm mids, and silky highs make it a versatile performer. Although the velour ear pads could be more breathable, the Meze Audio 109 Pro stands out as both a hi-fi pleasure and a capable mixing tool for studios. Given its build quality and sonic performance, it also offers strong value for money.