Meze Audio Comparison: 109 Pro vs. 105 AER

Meze Audio, a Romanian company renowned for its high-quality audio products, recently unveiled the budget-friendly 105 AER open-back headphones. With its release, audiophiles and casual listeners alike are curious about how it stacks up against the highly regarded 109 Pro. While these two models differ in price, they share several features worth exploring. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these headphones to see their key differences and what each brings to the table.

What Comes In The Box

The accessories included with each model highlight their differing price points. The 105 AER offers a streamlined package with a Kevlar OFC cable and adapter, while the 109 Pro goes above and beyond, featuring multiple cables—including a premium 4.4mm balanced copper cable, valued at $250 if purchased separately. This addition significantly enhances the value of the 109 Pro’s bundle.

Aesthetics and Functionality

Let’s start with the overall look of these headphones. You get a pretty similar basic design, with the webbed design on the ear cup and the self-adjusting headband. The material on the earpads is the same, the velour giving you a comfortable cushion that is great for long listening sessions. The webbed pattern on the sides is very similar, looking more rounded on the 105 AER and more linear on 109 Pro. The 109 Pro has dark walnut wood earcups, making the gold details pop out a little more. The 105 AER has polymer earcups, and a sleek all black color palate to make it stand out against lighter backdrops. 

Using both of these headphones is incredibly simple with the included cables. The Meze 105 AER has only one cable that terminates with 3.5mm, and an adapter that goes to 6.35mm. The 109 Pro, on the other hand, includes a very special PCUHD copper cable that terminates to 4.4mm, as well as two cables with a 3.5mm end and adapter. I used the Chord Mojo2 with both of these headphones, using the DDHifi adapter DJ44MOJO for the balanced cable. I was easily impressed with the system I had set up for myself. These headphones are not difficult to drive, so using a basic amplifier like the iFi GO Link Max or the FiiO KA11 would be a great choice for people looking on a budget. 

Tech Specs

On the technical side of things, there isn’t much that differentiates these headphones. They’ve got the same transducer size and sensitivity, as well as identical frequency responses. The 105 AER has a slightly higher impedance, and it is lighter in weight. The material making these headphones is also quite different, and because of that, their sound will vary. 

Listening Review

Soundstage

The listening review is the real test of what sets these apart. Starting with their soundstage, both headphones present a very wide stage that feels quite immersive. The 105 AER keeps the soundstage a bit more frontal, having a considerable amount of height but not much depth to it. It feels very in-your-face and is quite powerful. The 109 Pro, on the other hand, has the same great soundstage but a lot of depth that makes the sound richer. The frequencies are more expansive and wrap around your head, which gives you a better glimpse of the detail and layers in the tracks you listen to. 

Because of their open-back design, you can’t get much sound isolation out of these. You are going to hear ambient noise creep in during use, and people around you will be able to hear the music you listen to. If you value listening privacy or intend to take either of these headphones on the go, you may want to look at some other options. 

Low Frequencies

Meze excels in producing smooth, warm bass, and both models showcase this expertise. The 109 Pro delivers a heftier, more powerful bass response, making it ideal for bass-heavy genres like EDM or rock. Tracks such as "Untouched" by the Veronicas highlight the 109 Pro’s ability to reproduce deep, resonant bass without sacrificing detail. Despite its weight, the bass remains clean and avoids muddiness. The 105 AER features a thinner but still detailed bass profile, offering excellent clarity for bass guitars and lower strings. Jazz tracks like Olivia Dean’s "Be My Own Boyfriend" showcase the AER’s ability to present a crisp and natural bassline that complements the overall mix.

Midrange Frequencies

Both headphones shine in the midrange, offering incredible detail and natural tonality. The 109 Pro provides superior separation and layering, with each element occupying its own space within the mix. Vocals on tracks like Adele’s "Hello" sound intimate and lifelike, while instruments maintain their distinct presence. This enhances the overall depth and immersion. While the 105 AER delivers comparable detail, its layers feel more closely stacked, resulting in a slightly more cohesive but less spacious presentation. Acoustic tracks like Fleetwood Mac’s "Landslide" benefit from this, as the vocals and guitar blend beautifully for a warm and inviting sound.

High Frequencies

The treble range is where the most noticeable differences emerge. The 109 Pro features a smooth, relaxed treble that complements its warm bass, creating a balanced and rounded sound signature. Tracks with complex high frequencies, like "La Campanella" by Franz Liszt, are rendered with delicacy and refinement. The 105 AER, on the other hand, has a sharper, more energetic treble response, adding clarity and crispness. Its brighter signature excels in genres like classical or pop, where detail and articulation in the upper ranges are crucial. Tracks like "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd showcase the AER’s ability to deliver crisp highs without sounding harsh.

Summary

Both the Meze 109 Pro and 105 AER are exceptional open-back headphones that cater to different preferences and budgets. The 109 Pro stands out with its luxurious design, premium accessories, and rich, layered soundstage, making it the top choice for audiophiles seeking the best possible experience. Meanwhile, the 105 AER offers impressive performance at a more accessible price, with a direct and engaging sound signature that will appeal to casual listeners and those on a budget.

In the end, your choice will depend on your priorities: If you’re after depth, detail, and premium build quality, the 109 Pro is worth the investment. If you prefer a lighter, more affordable option with a dynamic sound, the 105 AER won’t disappoint.

Meze Audio’s 109 Pro and the 105 AER are both available at Audio46.