Romanian audiophile brand Meze Audio just dropped their latest creation - the 105 Silva open-back headphones that promise studio-quality sound without the studio price tag. At $399, these cans are targeting the sweet spot between budget gear and high-end audiophile equipment, but there's a catch: you'll need to stay home to enjoy them.
Meze Audio has been quietly building a reputation in audiophile circles, and their new 105 Silva headphones show exactly why discerning listeners are paying attention. The Romanian company's latest release lands in that tricky middle ground - premium enough for serious listening sessions, accessible enough that you won't need a second mortgage.
Right out of the gate, these aren't your typical consumer headphones. The open-back design means sound leaks in both directions, making them useless for your morning commute but transformative for home listening. "These are some of the comfiest headphones I've ever worn," WIRED's Chris Haslam notes in his review, highlighting the sprung steel headband that makes the 12.5-ounce weight disappear during extended sessions.
The real story lives in the technical details. Meze engineered 50mm drivers with titanium-coated semicrystalline polymer and carbon fiber-reinforced cellulose composite - materials typically found in headphones costing twice as much. This combination promises reduced resonance and faster response times, translating to cleaner sound reproduction across frequencies.
What sets the 105 Silva apart from budget competitors is the complete package approach. The headphones ship with a hard carrying case, 1.8-meter kevlar-reinforced cables, and a custom 3.5mm-to-USB-C adapter with built-in DAC/amp. That last piece is crucial - while the 42-ohm impedance means your phone can drive them adequately, adding dedicated amplification reveals their true potential.
The sound profile targets broad appeal rather than analytical precision. According to Haslam's testing with high-resolution audio from Qobuz, the bass delivers punch and texture without overwhelming the mix, while vocals maintain clear positioning in the soundstage. Testing with Metronomy's "The Look" revealed precise instrument separation - organ stabs, bass lines, and percussion each occupy distinct spaces without muddying the overall presentation.
This approach reflects broader trends in the audiophile market, where manufacturers are moving away from hyper-analytical sound signatures toward more engaging, musical presentations. The 105 Silva's 112 dB sensitivity means they can reach serious volume levels regardless of your source, but the real magic happens when paired with quality digital-to-analog converters like the or portable options like the .
