A lighter version of the first Meze 109 Pro open-back dynamic headphones, the Meze 105 AER is more accessible, using materials such as ABS and PEEK. The sound signature, design and entire philosophy of this model aim to make it as versatile as possible. Priced at €399, can it deliver a high-quality audio experience while remaining more affordable?
Included accessories
The Meze 105 AER hi-fi headphones are delivered in their rigid EVA case for secure storage and transportation. They come with a set of accessories, including a standard 1.8m Kevlar OFC Y-cable (dual mono 3.5mm to stereo 3.5mm) with microphone. Finally, there’s a gold-plated 6.35mm jack adapter. A balanced 4.4mm cable would have been welcome, though.
Introducing the Meze 105 AER
The knowledge we gained with the 109 Pro was implemented in these headphones. The difference is that there is no wood ear cup and the driver inside is the same platform, but it doesn’t have the beryllium coating on the outer diaphragm. […] The idea was to create something more versatile.
Antonio Meze, founder of Meze Audio
Open design for natural sound
The brand’s latest model is christened “105 AER”. The name, which means “air” in Romanian, evokes the open-back design of headphones. They are designed to deliver a natural, immersive sound experience. This architecture favors a wide soundstage, perfect for music lovers seeking a faithful and vast sound.
The 50mm dynamic transducers, featuring an optimized dual diaphragm, are made from advanced materials such as PEEK polymer, carbon-fiber-reinforced cellulose and a copper-zinc alloy. This guarantees a precise, realistic reproduction of the different registers, over a frequency range from 5Hz to 30kHz. The result is a multi-dimensional sound reproduction, where every detail comes to life, and the bass and infrabass are particularly deep and satisfying.
Extensive connectivity and compatibility
With a sensitivity of 112 dB and an impedance of 42 ohms, the Meze 105 AER are easy to power with most devices, from portable sources such as smartphones and DAPs, to more powerful amplifiers. They feature two 3.5mm mini-jack ports for connecting the supplied cable. The latter is a standard double mono 3.5mm to 3.5mm Kevlar OFC cable, 1.8m long, with a built-in microphone, plus a gold-plated 6.35mm jack adapter for added compatibility. It is also compatible with the Meze Boom Mic, transforming these hi-fi headphones into a gaming or videoconference model.
Design
The design of the Meze 105 AER is a feast for the eyes. Every component has been meticulously crafted to produce an elegant aesthetic. The zinc alloy used for the main structure lends the headphones a modern, robust look. This material is complemented by manganese steel, which adds flexibility and ensures a secure fit without compromising refinement.
The synthetic leather headband appears to be of high-quality and lends a luxurious aesthetic to headphones. It adjusts automatically to provide a sleek look, with no visible adjustments. In addition to providing excellent comfort, the headband matches the ear pads, which feature an ergonomic shape and soft velvet covering. This choice of material gives the headphones a certain warmth. The smooth lines and meticulous finish of the Meze 105 AER is a testament to the brand’s undeniable craftsmanship.
Comfortable for extended listening sessions
One of the strong points of the Meze 105 AER is their comfort. Lightweight (336g), they are designed to offer optimum support without causing fatigue, even during long listening sessions. The self-adjusting headband distributes the weight of headphones evenly, contributing to a snug, pleasant fit.
What’s more, the soft velvet ear pads offer extra comfort and create a perfect seal around the ears. This ergonomic design makes the Meze 105 AER the lightest open-back headphones in Meze’s catalog, enabling hours of listening without discomfort.
Modular design and durability
The latest Meze model has been designed to last, thanks to a modular approach that allows each part to be replaced over time. This philosophy, shared by all the brand’s headphones, guarantees maximum longevity and easy maintenance. Using high-quality materials such as zinc alloy for strength and manganese steel for flexibility, the Meze 105 AER are both tough and durable. Like all the brand’s headphones, the ear pads are replaceable. This makes it the perfect model for music lovers looking for a reliable product, capable of resisting wear and adapting to users’ evolving needs over the years.
Key specifications
- Open-back over-ear headphones
- 50mm dynamic transducers
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 30kHz
- Sensitivity: 112 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 1 mW
- Impedance: 42 ohms
- Detachable Y-cable with microphone, 3.5mm mini-jack (1.8m)
- Weight: approx. 336g excluding cables
Configuration
To test the Meze 105 AER headphones in the best possible conditions, we paired them with the FiiO R7 network player and headphone amplifier, using the 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, as well as with a PC via 3.5mm mini-jack. To take things a step further, we also connected the Meze Boom Mic. We listened to music on Qobuz.
Listening impressions
The Meze hi-fi headphones 105 AER impressed us with their sound performance. From the very first track, they stood out for their warm, detailed reproduction, bringing out every nuance in the instruments and vocals. The open, immersive soundstage offered optimal spatial imaging, allowing us to fully enjoy every element of our music.
On Dominique Fils-Aimé’s “Birds”, the warmth and precision of the headphones was perfectly illustrated. The singer’s voice, full of depth and emotion, took center stage with a captivating presence, while the light percussion and claps resonated with a clarity that enriched the track’s intimate atmosphere. Meze’s new open headphones rendered every detail here with remarkable finesse.
On Frank Ocean’s “Pink + White”, the Meze 105 AER open-back headphones revealed another facet. Whether it was with the soft piano chords or vocal harmonies, every element was rendered with clarity. The wide soundstage allowed the instruments to flourish without interfering with each other, while retaining a lovely warmth in the bass that anchored the track.
Finally, on Queen’s “Under Pressure”, the bass lines and percussion were well defined, while Freddie Mercury and David Bowie’s expressive, powerful vocals shone. Each instrument was perfectly positioned, offering a rich and energetic listening experience.
The Meze 105 AER are incredibly versatile: they adapt easily to different musical styles, while retaining their warm, detailed character. A sonic success story that will appeal to all music lovers.
Meze 105 AER VS HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth Magnet
The Meze 105 AER hi-fi headphones feature a more elegant design, lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions. The Planar Magnetic transducers of the HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth Magnet model offer a more analytical sound signature, faithful to the recordings. For its part, the Meze 105 AER offers a warmer sound. As for accessories, the Meze 105 AER comes with a high-quality hard carrying case and cable storage pouch. The HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth Magnet, meanwhile, stands out for its headphone stand.
Who are they for?
Thanks to their open-back design, the Meze 105 AER hi-fi headphones are dedicated to listening sessions in quiet environments. It’s a model for music lovers, but also for people looking for durable and particularly elegant headphones. Combined with the Meze Boom Mic, they’re also a good choice for working from home, but above all for enjoying the sonic world of video games while communicating with teammates.
Conclusion
The Meze 105 AER are a great success for the Romanian manufacturer. Although they don’t quite match the scope or refinement of the 109 Pro, they’re an excellent gateway into the world of high-fidelity audio. With their warm, detailed sound reproduction, wide, immersive soundstage and remarkable comfort, these headphones are an excellent choice for music lovers. Their elegant design and modular construction guarantee both durability and beauty. Last but not least, their extensive compatibility with a variety of sources and accessories makes them equally versatile for music, gaming and audio production.
With the Meze 105 AER, the brand offers a perfect solution for taking your first steps into the world of audiophile headphones, combining performance, comfort and durability at a competitive price.
What we liked
- The comfort
- The modular, durable design
- The warm, detailed musicality
- The wide soundstage
What we would have liked
- A balanced cable
