Meze 105 SILVA Review: Mid-Century Modern Magic for Audiophiles

Meze Audio 105 SILVA Review – A Mid-Century Modern Marvel for Audiophiles

The Meze Audio 105 SILVA is the latest addition to Meze’s acclaimed line of open-back headphones, joining the 105 AER and 109 Pro. Designed for listeners who appreciate both sonic fidelity and sleek visual aesthetics, the 105 SILVA is a striking blend of mid-century modern design and high-performance audiophile sound quality. With its warm tonality, natural timbre, and spacious presentation, the 105 SILVA positions itself as a midrange headphone that’s not just about performance—but presence. Whether you’re building a home listening setup or upgrading your current pair, the 105 SILVA offers an immersive soundstage and comfortable fit, all with signature Meze elegance.

What’s in the Box

• Meze 105 SILVA headphones
• Hard EVA travel/storage case
• 1.8m Kevlar OFC twisted cable with anthracite aluminum shells
• 6.3mm adapter
• 3.5mm to USB-C adapter

You’re equipped for both high-fidelity desktop listening and portable use straight out of the box, no additional gear necessary. 

Aesthetics and Build Quality

The Meze 105 SILVA is a visual standout, featuring beautiful walnut wood ear cups with slatted side grilles that evoke classic 1950s–60s furniture design. The design isn't just for show—it embodies Meze's philosophy that form and function should coexist in harmony.

A self-adjusting headband and ultra-soft earpads ensure long-term wearing comfort, making the SILVA ideal for extended listening sessions. The headphone also features a detachable cable for easy upgrades, although the recessed port design may limit third-party compatibility, so it’s worth double-checking connector specs before purchasing alternate cables.

Despite its retro stylings, the 105 SILVA is built with modern listeners in mind. The inclusion of a USB-C adapter means plug-and-play compatibility with smartphones, tablets, and laptops, while its moderate impedance makes it easy to drive without demanding external amplification—though it certainly scales with a high-quality DAC/amp.

Technical Specifications

• Driver Type: 50mm dynamic
• Diaphragm Material: Carbon fiber-reinforced cellulose composite
• Impedance: 42 ohms
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 30kHz
• Sensitivity: 112 dB SPL/mW @ 1kHz
• Weight: 354g

These specs point to a versatile and efficient headphone suitable for a wide range of gear and listening styles, with an emphasis on full-range audio performance.

Listening Impressions

Soundstage & Imaging

The soundstage of the Meze 105 SILVA is one of its most captivating qualities. It provides a sense of openness and spatial layering that immediately sets it apart from more confined-sounding competitors. The horizontal spread feels panoramic without being artificially stretched, giving you an organic sense of space that supports immersive listening across genres.

Instrument placement is precise and coherent, with each element occupying its own distinct zone in the stereo field. When listening to orchestral or large ensemble recordings, the SILVA excels at revealing depth—foreground instruments are clearly separated from background textures, and reverb trails help establish the size of the recording space. While the vertical stage height isn’t as expansive as some high-end planar magnetics, it never feels boxed-in or claustrophobic. Instead, it leans into a more natural and relaxed presentation, which works beautifully for long sessions.

One of the standout characteristics of the SILVA’s staging is its ability to create emotional atmosphere. Whether you're listening to ambient, jazz, classical, or cinematic scores, it draws you in without feeling overwhelming or overly analytical.

Bass Performance

The bass response on the 105 SILVA is understated yet highly articulate. This isn’t a headphone for bassheads, but it doesn’t shy away from delivering impact when needed. Kick drums are tight and punchy, with just enough low-end pressure to give tracks a physical sense of drive. Sub-bass extension is present, but not dominating—ideal for listeners who prefer natural bass integration over exaggerated low-end bloom.

In more energetic genres like EDM, hip-hop, or rock, the SILVA retains detail and texture rather than overpowering the mix. Bass guitars remain intelligible and rhythmic rather than becoming a wall of rumble. What’s particularly notable is the clarity and definition—you can distinguish subtle variations in bass tone, from upright jazz plucks to synthesized sub drops.

Despite being slightly relaxed in terms of amplitude, the low end maintains structural integrity and grounds the mix with stability. It provides the kind of nuanced bass response often associated with more expensive open-backs.

Midrange Clarity

The midrange is the sonic core of the Meze 105 SILVA, and it delivers with exceptional finesse. Vocals are the clear star here—positioned slightly forward, yet never harsh or overly intimate. They exhibit natural warmth, lifelike tonality, and emotional nuance. Whether you're listening to vocal jazz, singer-songwriter recordings, or heavily layered pop tracks, the SILVA places voices in a tactile, almost tangible space that feels like you're in the same room as the performer.

Instruments such as acoustic guitars, strings, pianos, and horns come through with excellent tonal fidelity. There’s just enough texture to highlight individual performance quirks—fret noise, bowing technique, hammer strikes—without veering into fatiguing detail. The headphone manages to walk the line between analytical and musical, offering midrange detail that’s revealing without sounding clinical.

Even in complex arrangements, the SILVA avoids congestion or smearing. Multitracked vocals or dense instrumentals remain distinct, with layered separation and timbral clarity. This makes the SILVA an especially strong performer for genres like prog rock, chamber music, or anything where midrange layering is critical.

Treble and High-End Detail

The treble response on the Meze 105 SILVA is polished and restrained—carefully tuned to prioritize comfort over sparkle, but still capable of delivering fine detail and air. There’s no peakiness or sibilance, which is a huge plus for sensitive listeners. Instead, the highs offer a gentle lift that enhances ambient textures and upper harmonics, keeping the soundstage feeling open and three-dimensional.

Cymbal hits have a realistic shimmer without harsh overtones. High-pitched synths in electronic tracks don’t sound piercing or brittle. Instead, they’re rendered with smooth transient behavior and subtle decay. Even extended listening at higher volumes won’t result in treble fatigue, which is a major win for audiophiles who prioritize long, focused listening sessions.

What stands out most in the SILVA’s treble is the headroom and spaciousness. There’s room for effects tails, reverbs, and spatial cues to fully breathe and fade out naturally. This airiness enhances everything from ambient music to live acoustic recordings, allowing the headphone to reproduce a recording’s environment with remarkable subtlety.

Meze 105 SILVA vs Meze 105 AER

While the Meze 105 SILVA and 105 AER share nearly identical specs on paper, their differences lie in design, tuning, and spatial presentation. The 105 AER features an Art Deco-inspired PC-ABS polymer frame, while the SILVA goes for natural walnut wood and mid-century motifs. It leans closer to the premium aesthetic found in the 109 Pro.

Sonically, the 105 AER has a more frontal, cohesive mix, offering a slightly bolder bass presence. In contrast, the 105 SILVA has more distinct frequency separation, especially across the stereo field, leading to improved imaging and a cleaner stage. The SILVA’s tuning is a touch more balanced and nuanced, giving it the edge in tonal clarity—particularly in the highs and upper mids.

Ultimately, the 105 AER is a great entry point for budget-conscious listeners, while the 105 SILVA appeals to those wanting a more elevated experience in both sound quality and design.

Final Thoughts

The Meze Audio 105 SILVA strikes a rare balance between design-forward aesthetics and serious audiophile performance. Its warm and natural tuning, expansive soundstage, and attention to build quality make it a compelling choice for those seeking something more refined than an entry-level pair—without venturing into flagship pricing territory. Whether you’re relaxing with jazz vinyl or analyzing high-res orchestral recordings, the 105 SILVA offers a lush and spacious sound that feels both retro and forward-thinking.

If you're looking to elevate your listening space with a headphone that blends style, comfort, and sonic excellence, the Meze 105 SILVA is a worthy contender.