Meze Audio STRADA Green Copper

Between the deliberate minimalism of the 99 series and the planar-magnetic heights of the LIRIC, there was a missing closed-back option capable of combining dynamic performance with refined materials. The STRADA fills this gap with a 50 mm driver housed in Macassar ebony earcups and a magnesium frame hand-painted in a green shade enhanced with metallic particles. A singular positioning that marries the acoustic efficiency of a traditional driver with the visual presence of a work of art.

A composite driver designed for precision

At the heart of the STRADA is a 50 mm dynamic driver whose design builds on the technical advances introduced with the 109 series. The dome features a W-shaped geometry, made from cellulose reinforced with carbon fibers. This combination allows for refined reproduction of high frequencies while limiting parasitic resonances often responsible for harmonic distortion.

The surround around this dome is coated with a beryllium layer applied by physical vapor deposition (PVD). This ultra-thin coating provides rigidity and fast transient response without weighing down the diaphragm. Beryllium also helps to damp unwanted vibrations, resulting in a controlled sound across the entire spectrum. A copper-zinc alloy stabilizer completes the assembly by absorbing residual resonances and reducing acoustic distortion.

The frequency response extends from 5 Hz to 30 kHz, with an impedance of 40 Ω and a sensitivity of 112 dB SPL/mW. These values allow for easy powering from most portable sources, while taking advantage of a dedicated amplifier to fully exploit the driver’s potential.

Magnesium, steel and ebony: a noble alliance

The STRADA’s frame forgoes common polymers and alloys in favor of magnesium, a metal that combines lightness with structural rigidity. Each unit receives hand-applied paint in a green shade interspersed with metallic particles, giving the surface a changing appearance depending on the light. This artisanal finish ensures that no two headphones are ever strictly identical.

The earcups that protect the drivers are carved from Macassar ebony, an exotic wood from Sulawesi known for its density and acoustic properties. Its natural grain, combining dark brown bands and golden streaks, contributes to the distinctive aesthetics of the whole. Beyond the visual aspect, the mass and rigidity of this wood help contain vibrations and preserve signal integrity.

The stainless steel headband provides the mechanical stability of the structure. Padded cushions integrated into the headstrap distribute pressure across the top of the head, while calibrated openings promote airflow to limit heat buildup during extended sessions. At 332 grams, the STRADA remains light enough for comfortable wear over several hours.

Magnetic earpads for easy maintenance

The STRADA adopts the magnetic earpad mounting system already used on the Elite, Empyrean, and second-generation LIRIC models. This design allows you to remove and replace the pads in seconds, without tools or delicate handling. Regular maintenance is thus simplified, and replacement after wear requires no technical intervention.

Despite the ease of removal, acoustic sealing remains assured. The pads conform to the contours of the ears and maintain the seal required for proper reproduction of low frequencies. This passive isolation also reduces ambient noise, enabling focused listening even in moderately noisy environments.

OFC cables and universal connectivity

Two 1.8-meter cables are supplied with the headphones. Both use OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) in a dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed construction, ensuring flexibility, durability, and resistance to interference. The first ends in 3.5 mm jack connectors on each side, compatible with most portable sources and audio interfaces. The second offers a 4.4 mm Pentaconn termination on the source side, enabling balanced connection to players and amplifiers that support this format.

A gold-plated 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm jack adapter rounds out the kit, opening the door to home headphone amps and mixing consoles. On the headphone side, connection is via 3.5 mm TS jacks, a widely used standard that makes it easy to acquire alternative cables if needed.

A case and pouch for the road

The STRADA comes in a rigid EVA case lined with velvet. This shell protects the headphones from shocks and dust during transport. A PU leatherette pouch allows you to store the cables and adapter separately, preventing tangling and scratches on the connectors. The whole set, packed in a brown corrugated cardboard box measuring 28 × 24 × 12 cm, weighs approximately 1,200 grams.

A balanced, natural sound signature

The STRADA’s closed-back design provides isolation that enhances intimacy with the music. The bass is deep and textured, with a solid foundation that does not spill over into the midrange. Voices and string instruments benefit from clear presence and precise articulation, without excessive coloration. The treble remains extended yet free of harshness, preserving listening comfort on bright recordings or during long listening sessions.

Despite the closed format, the soundstage retains appreciable width. Layer separation allows you to locate the different sources within the mix, a quality often sacrificed in closed-back headphones in favor of isolation. The STRADA manages to reconcile these two demands by leveraging the acoustic properties of its materials and the geometry of its ebony earcups.

Technical specifications

Audio specifications

• Transducer type: dynamic
• Transducer diameter: 50 mm
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 30 kHz
• Impedance: 40 Ω
• Sensitivity: 112 dB SPL / mW at 1 kHz

Transducer technology

• W composite dome
  • Carbon fiber–reinforced cellulose for increased precision and reduced resonances
• Beryllium-plated surround
  • Improves rigidity, transient response, and vibration control
• Copper-zinc alloy stabilizer
  • Absorbs resonances and reduces acoustic distortion

Design and materials

• Headphone type: closed-back circumaural
• Magnesium frame
  • Lightweight and rigid for long-lasting comfort
  • Hand-painted in a refined shade of green with metallic particles
• Macassar ebony wood earcups
  • Dense wood with recognized acoustic properties and a unique natural grain
• Stainless steel headband with padded cushions and optimal airflow control
• Weight: 332 g

Comfort and ergonomics

• Ventilated ergonomic headband
  • Even weight distribution for long-term comfort
• Removable magnetic earpads
  • Quick replacement and optimal maintenance of passive isolation

Sound signature

• Bass: deep, textured, and controlled
• Midrange: clear, natural, and detailed
• Treble: smooth, extended, and non-fatiguing
• Soundstage: wide and natural for a closed-back headphone

Connectivity and cables

• Connector: 3.5 mm TS jack
• Two cables included:
  • 1.8 m double-twisted OFC copper cable with Kevlar sheath, 3.5 mm jack to 3.5 mm jack connectors
  • 1.8 m double-twisted OFC copper cable with Kevlar sheath, 3.5 mm jack to 4.4 mm jack connectors

Included accessories

• Rigid EVA case with velvet lining
• PU leatherette cable pouch
• Gold-plated 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm jack adapter

Packaging

• Dimensions: 28 × 24 × 12 cm
• Brown corrugated outer box
• Total package weight: 1200 g

Highlights

• High-fidelity closed-back dynamic headphones
• Natural, precise, and balanced sound
• Excellent passive isolation
• Optimal comfort for extended listening
• High-quality, durable materials
• Craftsmanship-level manufacturing and finishings