Each year, dozens of European journalists gather to select the best electronic products of the year. Awarded by a diverse and impartial jury, the EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) awards recognize exceptional products for their performance, design, or ergonomics.
The Meze Audio 109 PRO: An Exceptional Open-Back Headphone
The Meze Audio 109 PRO is a high-end wired open-back hi-fi headphone that represents a new milestone for the Romanian manufacturer. Combining premium materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and advanced audio technologies, this model aims to deliver an immersive and natural listening experience for discerning audiophiles.
A Refined Design Merging Tradition and Modernity
The 109 PRO boasts an elegant design that incorporates Meze Audio’s signature aesthetic while adding a modern touch. The walnut wood ear cups, a visual hallmark of the brand, are paired with an open spider-shaped frame and an acoustically transparent grille. This design not only expands the soundstage but also enhances the separation of sound layers.
The self-adjusting headband, made from a blend of steel, zinc, and manganese alloy, ensures optimal weight distribution across the head, while the velour ear pads provide maximum comfort for extended listening sessions. Every component of the headphone is precisely assembled without the use of glue, making it a true piece of audio craftsmanship.
Cutting-Edge Drivers for Accurate Sound Reproduction
At the heart of the 109 PRO are 50mm dynamic drivers specifically developed for this model. Their innovative design features a dual-structure composite diaphragm, combining performance with precision.
The W-shaped central dome is crafted from carbon-reinforced cellulose fibers, delivering excellent definition in high frequencies. It is surrounded by an ultra-thin 22-micron membrane made of a semi-crystalline polymer coated with beryllium. This combination enhances transient response and eliminates unwanted resonances, giving the headphones a neutral and transparent character.
A copper-zinc alloy stabilizer encircles the diaphragm, effectively absorbing vibrations to reduce distortion. The entire assembly is mounted on an aluminum chassis, ensuring stability and acoustic precision.
A Balanced and Immersive Sound Signature
The Meze 109 PRO stands out with its natural and balanced sound reproduction. The bass frequencies are firm and well-defined, offering both impact and subtlety depending on the music genre. The midrange, particularly emphasized, is rich in detail and nuance, faithfully rendering vocals and instruments.
The treble is beautifully extended without ever becoming harsh. The wide and deep soundstage allows for clear instrument separation and precise localization of sound sources. This openness provides an airy and spacious listening experience, inviting users to rediscover their favorite tracks in a new light.
Versatile Usage for Various Scenarios
Despite its audiophile-grade performance, the 109 PRO is relatively easy to drive. With a sensitivity of 112 dB and an impedance of 40 ohms, it can be used with a wide range of devices, from smartphones to high-end amplifiers. However, it truly shines when paired with quality electronics.
The headphones come with two detachable cables of different lengths (1.5m and 3m), making them suitable for both portable and stationary use. A 6.35mm jack adapter is also included for optimal compatibility with home hi-fi equipment.
A Commitment to Sustainability
True to its philosophy, Meze Audio designed the 109 PRO with durability in mind. Every component of the headphone can be disassembled and replaced if necessary, significantly extending its lifespan. This responsible approach aligns with a desire to reduce environmental impact while offering a high-quality product built to last.
What the press says
Luxurious, elegant and comfortable, the Meze 109 Pro is much more than an open-back version of the 99 Classics. This Hi-Fi headphone with a very rich and refined personality is a splendid electrodynamic success, whose only flaw is an excess of zeal in the very high frequencies.
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Luxueux, élégant et confortable, le Meze 109 Pro est bien plus qu'une version ouverte du 99 Classics. Ce casque Hifi à la personnalité très riche et raffinée est une splendide réussite électrodynamique, qui ne pèche que par un excès de zèle dans les très hautes fréquences.
Transducer equipped with a dual 109 series diaphragm
Composite diaphragm made of beryllium-coated polymer, cellulose, and carbon fiber
Materials:
Dark walnut wood, zinc, and steel shells
Headband in vegetable leather
Velvet ear pads
Technical Specifications
Transducer diameter: 50 mm
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 30 kHz
Sensitivity: 112 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 1 mW
Impedance: 40 Ω
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions: 28 × 24.5 × 13.5 cm
Weight:
Headphones only: 375 g
With packaging: 1,650 g
Included Accessories
Hard carrying case in ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)
Cables:
1.5 m flexible thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) cable with 3.5 mm mini-jack connector
3 m flexible thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) cable with 3.5 mm mini-jack connector
Connectors:
Headphone connector: 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack (TRS)
Gold-plated 3.5 mm mini-jack to 6.35 mm jack adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Meze 109 PRO suitable for outdoor use?
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While technically portable, the 109 PRO is primarily designed for home use. Its open-back design offers little sound isolation, making it less suitable for noisy environments.
What is the main difference between the 109 PRO and the 99 Classics?
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The 109 PRO stands out with its open-back design, providing a wider and more airy soundstage compared to the closed-back 99 Classics. It also features more advanced drivers and a more neutral and detailed sound signature.
Does the headphone require a break-in period?
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As with many high-end headphones, a break-in period can be beneficial for the 109 PRO. Around 50 hours of use will allow the drivers to stabilize and fully realize their sonic potential.
Can the 109 PRO be used in a balanced configuration?
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The headphones come with unbalanced cables, but they are compatible with optional balanced cables terminated with 2.5mm or 4.4mm connectors, enabling balanced connections with compatible devices.
How should I maintain the wooden ear cups of the 109 PRO?
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A soft, dry cloth is usually sufficient to clean the wooden ear cups. Avoid using chemicals or water, as they could damage the wood. If needed, a small amount of linseed oil can be applied to nourish and protect the wood.
User reviews
Ronan
Beautiful listening quality The bass is well controlled The voices are crystal clear The highs are not fatiguing What’s more, it’s a very beautiful object, very high quality Fits the head perfectly and the ear pads are incredibly comfortable I wanted to invest in good-quality hi-fi equipment, and I found listening pleasure again
Comment from May 21, 2026 — Experience from April 30, 2026
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Belle qualité d’écoute
Les basses sont maîtrisées
Les voix sont limpides
Les aigus ne sont pas fatigants
De plus,c’est un très bel objet ,très qualitatif
S’adapte parfaitement à la tête et les caches oreilles sont incroyablement confortables
J’ai eu le désir d’investir dans du matériel hi-fi de bonne qualité, et j’ai retrouvé le plaisir d’écoute
Cedric
This headset is excellent. I was able to listen to and compare several headsets when I went to the store. This is the one I preferred.
Comment from May 15, 2026 — Experience from May 04, 2026
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Ce casque est excellent. J ai pu écouter et comparer plusieurs casques quand je me suis rendu au magasin. C est celui que j ai préféré.
Jonathan
Great headphones with very smooth listening, never any listening fatigue, a very slight brightness in the upper end of the spectrum but nothing bothersome, quite the opposite, incredible comfort, the best for me, and I have Focal Clear MG and an AKG Q701.
Comment from April 10, 2026 — Experience from March 20, 2026
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Super casque avec une écoute très douce, jamais de fatigue auditive, une toute petite brillance sur le haut du spectre mais rien de dérangeant bien au contraire, confort incroyable le meilleur pour moi qui a Focal Clear MG et un AKG Q701.
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