Meze Audio, a Romanian company, has always set the standard on what audiophile listening could be. Their newest addition to their headphone lineup welcomes in people that may be just starting to enter that audiophile space. The Meze 105 AER is a stunning open-back headphone that retails at an affordable $399. Today, we dive into all the details in design and sound quality to see if it lives up to the expectation. 

What Comes In The Box

• 105 AER Open-Back Dynamic Headphones
• Hard EVA Case
• 6.3mm gold-plated jack
• Mono 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable
• Kevlar OFC Cable with mic

Aesthetics and Functionality

The Meze Audio 105 AER exemplifies the brand’s commitment to elegant design and practicality. Its all-black finish exudes a sleek, understated sophistication that feels modern yet timeless, appealing to listeners who value both performance and style. The build quality strikes a balance between durability and comfort, with a robust yet lightweight construction that ensures long-term usability. Comfort is a key highlight, as the plush earpads and gentle clamping force provide a secure yet pressure-free fit, even for glasses wearers. This ergonomic design makes the 105 AER ideal for extended listening sessions without fatigue. Functionally, the headphone is outfitted with a high-quality detachable cable terminating in a 3.5mm jack, allowing for seamless integration with a wide range of audio systems and devices. This thoughtful combination of aesthetics and functionality underscores Meze Audio’s ability to deliver a premium user experience at an accessible price point.

Tech Specs

• Driver: 50mm Dynamic
• Impedance 42 Ω
• Frequency Range: 5 Hz - 30 kHz
• Weight: 336 g
• Sensitivity: 112 dB SPL @ 1 kHz, 1mW
• Ear Cups: PC-ABS

Listening Review

Soundstage

The soundstage of the Meze Audio 105 AER delivers a notably wide and expansive presentation, offering an immersive listening experience that excels in horizontal breadth. However, its depth and verticality are somewhat limited compared to other open-back headphones in its class. While it doesn’t exhibit the layered, three-dimensional staging found in higher-end models, its performance is commendable for a $400 price point. The imaging is precise and effective, enabling instruments and vocals to occupy distinct positions within the stereo field. Designed as an entry-level open-back headphone, the 105 AER introduces listeners to the hallmark spaciousness of this style while maintaining an approachable and forgiving tuning. Its bass-leaning tonal signature enhances its warmth and makes it an inviting choice for those exploring immersive soundscapes for the first time.

Low Frequencies

The low-end response of the 105 AER is characterized by a rich warmth and a slightly dark tone that adds depth and body to tracks. Bass notes are well-defined, maintaining a crisp and clean profile that avoids muddiness while delivering satisfying weight and presence. The bass extension is natural, providing enough resonance to support a wide range of genres. This tonal warmth, a signature of Meze Audio's tuning philosophy, creates a comfortable and engaging listening experience, particularly for extended sessions. The low frequencies add a touch of coloration that balances fidelity with musicality, appealing to listeners who favor a dynamic, full-bodied sound.

Mid-Range Frequencies

The midrange of the 105 AER shines with its clarity and natural reproduction, ensuring that vocals and instruments are presented with a sense of immediacy and balance. Layering within the mids is particularly impressive, offering a clean separation that allows individual elements of a mix to stand out without losing cohesion. This harmonious blend makes the headphone versatile, catering to genres that emphasize vocal articulation or instrumental detail. The mids are smooth and free from harshness, striking a delicate balance between precision and musicality, which reinforces the headphone’s role as a refined yet accessible choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

High Frequencies

In the high frequencies, the 105 AER maintains a crisp, clear tone that balances brightness with a gentle roll-off. This natural attenuation prevents the treble from becoming harsh or fatiguing, making it suitable for long listening sessions. The highs provide a subtle sparkle that adds energy and airiness to tracks without overshadowing the mids and lows. This careful tuning ensures that the tonal balance remains cohesive, with the treble complementing the darker, warmer bass and mids. The treble’s clarity and smoothness further emphasize the headphone’s versatility, allowing it to excel across diverse musical genres and complex recordings.

Summary

The Meze Audio 105 AER offers an impressive introduction to open-back headphones, delivering a soundstage that is wide and immersive, albeit with limited depth and height. Its bass-leaning tonal signature creates a warm and inviting listening experience, with low-end clarity and body that are both satisfying and musical. The midrange excels in clarity and separation, allowing vocals and instruments to shine with natural reproduction and a cohesive blend. Meanwhile, the treble adds a crisp, non-fatiguing brightness that balances the darker tone of the lows, ensuring long-term listening comfort. At its $400 price point, the 105 AER strikes a compelling balance between accessibility and performance, making it a standout choice for those seeking a refined, versatile sound signature in an entry-level open-back design.

The Meze 105 AER is available at Audio46.