MEZE AUDIO 109 Pro Headphones Review > Applause Award by Stereonet
Meze Audio is one such example and has recently done well with its fine planar magnetic designs, designed in conjunction with Rinaro Isodynamics. However, the 109 Pro you see here is a conventional dynamic design, reflecting its more mainstream, mid-market pricing. But that's not to say that less care and attention has been taken, as the company's clever 50mm 'Dual-Composite Diaphragms' have been specified. Essentially a combination of beryllium-coated polymer and cellulose-carbon fibre composite, they're said to offer the perfect balance between low mass and high stiffness.
THE LISTENING
This is a lively, engaging and fun-sounding headphone design that punches well above its weight, so to speak. It combines a sensible sonic balance – one that's ever so slightly on the smooth side compared to the mainstream – with great transient speed and dynamic articulation. What this means is that you get a vivid, immersive sound that talks to your heart rather than your head, yet it still ticks all the conventional hi-fi boxes in terms of detail resolution and tonal balance. Whereas some rivals sound fun but shrill, and others can be smooth and boring, the 109 Pro treads a well-judged path in between.
THE VERDICT
Meze Audio 109 Pro is a strong product at the price. It ticks all the boxes, from the obvious care and attention that's gone into its design to the superb build quality and highly convincing sonic performance that doesn't sound as flat or artificial as most rivals. As such, it's a most welcome addition to the market and should do very well. Well worth an audition, then.
- David Price, Stereonet, Feb 2024