On this characteristic, James opinions the Meze Audio 105 AER, a not too long ago launched set of open-back 50mm dynamic driver headphones priced at $399.
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to me in change for my trustworthy opinion. Headfonics is an unbiased web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or standing. I thank Meze Audio for his or her assist.
You possibly can click on right here to be taught extra about Meze Audio merchandise beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
Notice, that this text follows our present scoring guidelines which you’ll be able to learn in additional element right here.
On this evaluate, we’ve the Meze Audio 105 AER from Romania, positioned above the 99 Classics and under the 109 PRO based mostly on its decrease $399 worth and mannequin quantity.
You possibly can simply discover it’s the flip facet of Meze’s 109 Professional, with the hand-made picket cups now changed with ABS materials.
In contrast to the Professional model counterparts, Meze emphasizes a specific component within the tuning denoted by the Romanian phrase “AER,” that means “AIR” that echoes with the open-back design.
In case you are contemplating easy-to-drive open-back headphone choices the Meze 105 AER is likely to be a smart alternative however how does it carry out towards competitors such because the FiiO FT5? I discover out in my full evaluate under.
Options
The Meze Audio 105 AER is supplied with a 50mm dynamic driver, the identical dimension because the 109 Professional. Nevertheless, there’s restricted info on the driving force materials which I think needs to be the identical because the 109 Professional.
Clearly, Meze is taking a unique method for the 105 AER positioning and tuning, stressing delivering an ethereal efficiency aimed toward basic customers who focus much less on the technicalities and extra on ease of use.
The 105 AER is rated at 42Ω, barely increased than the 109 Professional which is rated at 40Ω. For sensitivity, the AER has the identical score because the 109 Professional which is 112 dB at 1 kHz/1mW, indicating that it may be simply pushed to loud volumes and should have the potential to scale nicely with higher energy.
Design
The Meze 105 AER has a light-weight, modern development at simply 336g and is wealthy in shade distinction, despite the fact that it follows a stealthy, darkish theme.
The design blends curvy molded components with a bent metallic body, combining shiny and matte elements that seamlessly complement one another.
Though the matte-colored cups are fabricated from ABS materials, they really feel textured and strong to the contact and assist scale back the load.
The intricate honeycombed patterns are industrial but classical, paying homage to Medieval Gothic church designs to me, however offered in a extra three-dimensional method.
You’ll discover that the body shares the identical design language because the 109 Professional, wanting very elegant, particularly with the auto-adjusting headband lined by a stitched leather-based pad.
The general design appears to be like superb and the selection of supplies evokes a robust sense of premium high quality and sturdiness.
Consolation & Isolation
The 105 AER gives the right clamping drive making certain no discomfort even after prolonged listening periods. The earpads additionally present a cushty match with out feeling stifling and the cups can flip freely inside a sure vary which helps it to seal very nicely on the face.
In comparison with the 99 Classics which I’ve been pairing with my laptop computer for an extended whereas, the match is even higher, probably as a result of upgraded materials of the earpads. The load can be perfect, lighter than many rivals that go for steel development whereas not feeling inferior.
With the auto-adjusting headband, there’s no want for guide changes, making it handy to make use of with out inflicting any stress on the top. Once more, the strain is good. Even after a number of hours of use, it stays snug.
Though the open design might supply weaker isolation the leakage to the environment throughout playback is minimal, offering a superb steadiness for an ethereal efficiency with a touch of passive noise cancellation.
Inventory Cable
The Meze 105 AER is accompanied by a 1.8m lengthy Kevlar OFC cable, that includes sturdy overmolded components and the Meze emblem printed on the splitter.
It’s terminated with a 3.5mm jack, and I hope Meze would contemplate together with a 4.4mm cable with a converter, which is now a separate choice you should buy. The cable is barely longer than common, suggesting that Meze is focusing on customers who would use it at a PC desk.
Trying from one other perspective, Meze needs to be assured that the 105 AER can carry out nicely even on much less highly effective 3.5mm outputs, that are extra frequent, one thing I’ll delve into within the sound evaluate part under.
Packaging & Equipment
I’ve been a person of Meze headphones for the reason that 99 Classics. I’ve at all times seen Meze places appreciable effort into not solely the design of their headphones but additionally the packaging.
The Meze 105 AER field incorporates a modern gray, concrete-like theme, showcasing the intricate sample of the earcups on the entrance cowl. This inventive illustration provides a singular contact to the unboxing expertise, reflecting Meze’s consideration to element.
Upon opening the bundle, you’re greeted with a sturdy but light-weight laborious case, providing each safety and portability. Contained in the case, there’s a cable pouch to suit the cables when storing the headphones.
There may be additionally an in depth person guide that may information you thru the method of changing the earpads.
Sound Impressions
To finish my sound impressions I gave the 105 AER roughly 100 hours of burn-in on my PC and sources together with the RME ADI-2 Pro, my MacBook Air M2, Shanling’s EC Mini CD participant, a FiiO BTR15, and the FiiO R9.
Abstract
I used to be initially interested by how shut the 105 AER’s tuning resembles the marginally analytical 109 Professional. In follow, the 105 AER has a extra rounded tuning whereas nonetheless providing an prolonged and spacious sound.
It additionally has the same degree of element. It delivers extra punch within the bass, making it appropriate for streaming pop music and video content material. Regardless of its open-back design, there’s good heat in its tuning, and empowering vocals whereas nonetheless sounding clear and pure comprehensively.
The 105 AER is aware of energy and fairly straightforward to drive. Even my MacBook Air produces dynamic and well-separated vocals with it.
Bass
The earlier open-back mannequin 109 Professional is on the cleanly tuned facet however this isn’t precisely the case for the 105 AER.
The bass is sort of a bit stronger and hotter than I anticipated however the decision and separation with the vocal haven’t been compromised. The response is quite natural-sounding with satisfactory pace.
When testing with fast-tempo EDM tracks on my MacBook Air, the sub-bass is well mannered, whereas the punch is tight and agency with good energy. The dynamics are robust when listening to pop music, with good bass decision.
The ample energy within the low finish additionally offers the vocals satisfactory physique and expressiveness, complementing the openness offered by the open-back design.
Improved agility is seen on extra highly effective sources and higher decoding, such because the FiiO K9 and RME ADI-2 Professional, leading to a extra balanced sound.
General, the bass is satisfactorily prolonged and current. A superb steadiness is achieved, with the bass easily delivered with out overly emphasizing any a part of the frequency spectrum or sounding veiled.
On extra highly effective outputs, the bass sounds deeper, extra strong, and extra managed, enhancing the perceived readability.
Mids
The articulation to the mids is swiftly executed, and vocals or acoustic devices throughout the mid-range are easily offered, with a slight increase within the higher vocal vary for readability and forwardness.
I discover the vocals to be fairly intimate and full for an open-back design. They’re outlined cleanly and separated from the backing monitor even when utilizing the 105 AER with the much less highly effective MacBook Air M2.
With a stronger gadget just like the FiiO K19, the mids turn into much more pronounced and exhibit even higher separation energy, whereas the presentation stays pure and freed from spikes. The vocals are effortlessly delivered with out being overly intense or ahead.
Acoustic instrumentals are notably favored on the 105 AER with a slight increase within the mid-bass area and rounded treble, shifting the main target extra in direction of the bass notes of devices throughout the mid-range frequencies and lower-pitched vocals.
The bass guitar might be simply distinguished throughout the combine and the guitars sound moist, with good nuances and wealthy resonance captured enjoying Cello tracks fairly nicely.
Treble
The 105 AER reveals a delicate roll-off that extends the sound satisfactorily whereas successfully managing sibilance. It articulates increased strings on the violin clearly and offers woodwind devices with ample harmonic presence however with out peaking.
The treble is subtly boosted then adopted by a delicate roll-off. It’s well-controlled round 6kHz, successfully taming sibilance for sharper voices with out sacrificing airiness. This helps vocals sound pronounced and free from harshness.
The treble’s slight increase enhances the presence of cleaner voices, complementing the bass energy to ship a contrasting and dynamic output.
The general sound is cohesive and easily articulated even when listening on my MacBook Air and scales properly with stronger amplification.
Soundstage
With an open-back design, the 105 AER showcases respectable width, with the Z-axis clearly layered, making a vigorous soundstage, notably evident with stay performances and orchestral music.
The treble is barely attenuated, contributing to a mellower sound perfect for vocals and chamber music whereas you’ll nonetheless understand a quite expansive stage.
The general stage presentation is pure, with a delicate bias in direction of the bass and reverbs, permitting for the discernment of extra bass harmonics whereas gently pushing the vocal picture barely ahead within the combine. The vocal picture could be very properly centered and exact with out being overly stretched.
It’s value noting that the 105 AER sounds fairly expansive and well-defined when paired with the FiiO BTR15 dongle and my MacBook Air. It reveals potential for additional enchancment with stronger decoding and amplification such because the FiiO R9 and K19.
The bass will sound airier and extra managed, whereas the treble good points sharper definition, enhancing positioning and perceived accuracy of devices throughout the soundstage.
It’s additionally vital to notice that the 105 AER performs higher with enhanced decoding quite than merely cranking up the acquire, as extreme energy can result in a flatter sound signature.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
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