Meze Audio 109 PRO | Open-Back Dynamic Headphones
Meze Audio delivers on its classic style, comfort, and performance with the 109 PRO Open-Back headphones
- Dual-Composite Diaphragm maximizes sonic capabilities
- Carefully tuned for emotionally engaging sound, detail, clarity, and punch
- Incredible comfort with velour cushion ear-cups and self-adjusting headband
- Sustainably harvested materials and increased longevity
Bloom's Take Antonio Meze has always been passionate about connecting people with music through headphones. To that end, Meze headphones are typically more emotional and musical as opposed to reference or analytical. With full, impactful bass, detailed and layered mids, and emphasizing, energetic treble, the 109 Pro continues the Meze tradition, balancing warmth and engagement with detail and clarity. And with the beautifully crafted wood finish and extremely comfortable velour pads, the 109 Pro does it with comfort and style second to none. To top it off, and in keeping with Meze tradition, the 109 Pro is sensitive enough to work with almost any desktop or portable device out there. We've been waiting years for Meze to release a follow-up to the 99 Classics, and the 109 Pro is easily a top recommendation for a sub-$1000 open back headphone. |
Exploring New Horizons, Starting with the Basics
The diaphragm is the heart of the headphone, producing the waves our brains ultimately perceive as sound. In order to meet the acoustic goals set for the 109 PRO, Meze Audio focused R&D efforts on materials research, looking for the perfect balance between mass and stiffness that would maximize sonic abilities.
Their search led to developing the 109 series Dual-Composite Diaphragm – a combination of Beryllium-coated polymer, cellulose-carbon fiber composite, and copper-zinc alloy.
Acoustic Design
Through its open-back design, Meze wanted the 109 PRO to be vivid and exciting, and with careful tuning by their in-house engineering team, it offers emotionally engaging sound with great detail, clarity, and just the right amount of punch. Its organic character, paired with superior dynamics, excellent imaging, and full-bodied vocals bring details to life. And if that's not enough, the 109 Pro is easy to drive from most devices, portable sources or intricate home setups.
The spider-shaped structure and the acoustically transparent grill inside the ear-cup expose the driver from both sides, creating Meze's most open pattern to date and achieving an ideal anatomical fit.
Built for Comfort
Velour cushions surround the ears, providing a luxuriously comfortable fit while maintaining an optimal seal for natural sound. As velour is far softer and more breathable than leather, it also prevents sweat and overheating during lengthy listening sessions. We agree they are super comfy!
The self-adjusting headband spreads the weight out to deliver even pressure for any head shape and size.
Superior Build Equals Superior Experience
The 109 PRO is all about comfort – from the structural design of the headphone to the choice of materials, Meze was careful during the decision-making process to ensure the final product would rise to their highest standard ergonomically. Once placed on your head, you should forget they are even there, leaving you with nothing but the music.
With this perspective in mind, a combination of walnut wood, zinc, manganese steel, and vegan leather synergize into a comfortable, lightweight, yet highly durable headphone.
Sustainably Harvested Wood
The black walnut wood chosen and used for Meze headphones comes strictly from sources with a certificate of origin, harvested from mature trees that have reached the end of their life cycle. This is a great way to protect the environment while leaving room for new life, and an opportunity for those old tres to shine once again in the shape of a Meze headphone.
Made With Longevity in Mind
The 109 PRO is crafted with utmost care for sustainability. Meze Audio is sensitive to the fact that our choices today have a great impact in the world of tomorrow, thus they design products that last. It is their belief that a longer product lifespan means a smaller footprint. Following this philosophy, the 109 PRO can be taken apart and serviced endlessly if needed, extending the life of the product beyond expected limits.
Specifications
- Transducer Size: 50mm
- Frequency Response: 5Hz - 30KHz
- Sensitivity: 112dB SPI at 1KHz, 1mW
- Impedance: 40Ω
- Weight: 13oz without cable
- Ear-Cups: Black Walnut Wood
In the Box
- Case: Hard EVA pouch
- Included cables: (x1) 1.5m and (x1) 3m soft TPE cable
- Headphone termination: 3.5mm TRS jack
- Included adapters: 6.3mm gold-plated jack
I'll make this short and sweet. I almost returned these - when I first put them on I didn't love the sound. Really it took about 5 weeks for me to really fall in love with them and now I can't stop listening. I really do think the burn in is real on these and now theyre my favorite pair of cans
Excellent sound quality. Rivals much expensive cans fast I say even better than Focal Clear Mg, Hifiman Ananda. Definitely better than Hifiman Sundara, Sennheiser HD 6XX, etc. (I own all the above mentioned). Easy to drive especially with portable gear. Highly recommended!!!
I really don't think there's anything quite as good at this price point. You'd have to spend $1200+ to start getting into an area where you still will be deciding between the sound signature you like better. I wouldn't even call some headphones that are twice as expensive, "better" ... Just different. Then you factor in the design, comfort, and price? The Meze Pro 109 are just a no brainer.
I demoed these at Bloom's booth at CamJam SoCal 2022. Loved meeting these guys and love Bloom Audio. It was great to chat with them and ask questions. I had to sleep on my purchasing decision to be sure, but I'm glad I went with the Meze 109 Pro. The others I compared it to; Audeze MM-500 and Focal Clear MG. Yea, the 109 Pro won me over!
I would run these off a solid state amp (and do), but these are quite sensitive. So be aware of how much power your amp has. However, this also makes these headphones very easy to drive which is nice for travel if you dare.