In the world of high-quality headphones, Meze Audio has been a standout for their design and sound. In this review, we’ll dive into the details of the Meze 105 Silva. Let’s see if this headphone lives up to the hype.
Table of Contents
Impressive Design and Build Quality
Meze Audio has consistently impressed me with their aesthetic appeal, and the 105 Silva is no exception. Their design philosophy stands out in an industry that often prioritizes performance over looks. The 105 Silva combines refined craftsmanship with a visually pleasing appearance. It’s evident that Meze takes great care in crafting each headphone.
The pad seamlessly meets the wood cup, creating a connection that appears almost integrated, making it look like the pad can’t be removed. However, it is removable. While this might seem like a minor detail, it speaks volumes about Meze’s attention to design and detail. The smooth integration of the materials, even though it doesn’t affect the sound quality, reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence. Holding these headphones in hand, you can feel the quality and consistency that Meze delivers.
The Heart of the Meze 105 Silva
The 105 Silva shares a similar core to its predecessor, the 105 Air, but with an important update. The 50mm peak driver now has a titanium coating, which adds rigidity and helps to reduce any unwanted breakup, especially during intense sound. The coating makes the driver slightly heavier, but the added rigidity enhances its overall performance. The titanium coating’s addition is a subtle but meaningful improvement, ensuring a cleaner and more consistent audio experience.
Design Evolution and Market Positioning
The Meze Audio 105 Silva sits between the 105 Air and 109 Pro in terms of design and price. With a retail price of $499, it places itself in a competitive spot, competing with lower-end Focal headphones and higher-end Sennheisers. The pricing reflects a balance of affordability and high-end performance, making it an attractive option for audiophiles who want top-tier quality without reaching the extreme price range of other flagship headphones.
Sound Quality: A Beautiful Mid-Range Performance
When it comes to sound quality, the Meze 105 Silva shines in the mid-range. Depending on your preferences, it might be one of the best in its class. The frequency response graph, measured by Resolve, positions the 105 Silva in between the Audeze LCD-X and the Sennheiser HD660S2. Compared to the Audeze LCD-X, the 105 Silva feels warmer and more complete, with less forwardness and harshness. The balance between vocals and background instruments is exceptional, allowing the headphone to blend both elements beautifully.
For those who prefer a more vocal-centric sound, the Sennheiser HD660S2 might be better, as it has a more prominent vocal focus. However, if you appreciate a headphone that can handle both vocals and background instruments with equal finesse, the 105 Silva delivers. It provides a more balanced approach, making it versatile for various types of music.
Soundstaging and Imaging
The soundstaging of the 105 Silva is a bit tricky to define. While some might prefer an open, expansive soundstage, the 105 Silva offers a slightly more contained experience. The soundstage shape and placement are superb, but it may not feel as wide as some other headphones in its price range. Nevertheless, its imaging abilities are top-notch, allowing you to pinpoint the location of sounds in your listening environment. Whether you’re listening to music or playing video games, the headphone performs exceptionally well in creating a clear sense of space.
However, it’s worth noting that the upper treble response can be a bit pronounced between 10kHz and 15kHz. This elevated region can add some brightness to the sound, but it’s fast enough that it doesn’t become overwhelming. For sensitive listeners, this could be a concern, but for most, it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. Some other headphones in the market, like the Arya Stealth, might offer better soundstaging but come with a brighter overall sound profile.
Detail Retrieval and Listening Experience
When it comes to detail retrieval, Meze Audio doesn’t prioritize it the way other brands might. Their focus is more on creating a balanced, enjoyable listening experience rather than emphasizing minute details at the expense of overall coherence. Even Meze’s high-end models aren’t necessarily the most detailed in the industry, but they excel in creating a harmonious blend of sound quality, build quality, and design.
The 105 Silva feels mass-produced in the best way possible. Every unit feels consistent, and the sound quality is reliable across different units. The headphone’s design and sound choices blend well, offering a unique experience that distinguishes it from many competitors.
Frequency Response and Tonality
Compared to the 105 Air, the 105 Silva offers a significant improvement in several areas. Notably, it reduces the peak around 4kHz, resulting in smoother, more resolving vocals that are less shouty. The headphone has a slight bump in the lower mids and midbass, which gives it a warm, rich tonal quality. This change makes the 105 Silva sound smoother and more natural compared to the 105 Air, even though the 105 Air may graph better in terms of bass performance.
The bass of the 105 Silva is clean, but it’s not as deep or as strong as some of its competitors. If you’re someone who prioritizes deep bass, you might find other headphones, like the Arya Stealth, offering a better experience in that area. However, the 105 Silva’s sound is more balanced overall, with a smooth response that works well across a variety of genres.
Article Summary
The Meze Audio 105 Silva is a beautifully crafted headphone that offers excellent performance, especially in the mid-range. With its seamless design, solid build quality, and balanced sound profile, it stands out in a crowded market. While it may not be the most detailed headphone at its price point, it strikes a perfect balance between sound quality, design, and affordability. Whether you’re a casual listener or an audiophile, the 105 Silva is a headphone that deserves your attention.
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