Meze Audio 105 Silva headphones review: Looks great, sounds even better

The 105 Silva includes a good quality compact hard case, a tangle-resistant 1.8m Kevlar cable, and a dedicated 3.5mm to USB-C adapter with built-in DAC/amp. My early sample did not have this connector, but I used the small connector View BTR13 DAC When testing with my iPhone.

Aesthetics aside, Meze designed the 50mm driver with a titanium-coated semi-crystalline polymer and carbon fiber-reinforced cellulose composite. This combination promises reduced resonance, quick response, and a sound profile designed to please as many listeners as possible. These are not fixed-frequency analysis headphones, but they are detailed, rich, engaging, and a lot of fun to listen to.

At 12.5 ounces (350 grams), it’s not particularly light, but the combination of the steel headband construction and premium ear cups makes it float. These are some of the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever worn, with plenty of room for my generously proportioned ears. There’s also no pressure if I wear glasses, and (Apple, please note: AirPods Max) There is no sign of slipping if I lower my head forward. You can wear these for hours on end, but since they’re open-back cases, don’t think for a moment that they’re suitable for your daily commute, unless that involves moving from the couch to the desk.

With an impedance of 42 ohms, the 105 Silva is easy to drive, and you’ll have no problem playing through your phone, but add a DAC or headphone amp into the mix and you’ll hear the difference immediately. At 112dB, it’s also sensitive, and can play loudly whatever the sound source.

Listen to a range of CD-quality 16-bit/44.1kHz and 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res genres from Qobuz – using the small DAC mentioned above, Chord Electronics Mojo 2Unfortunately, it has stopped now Audiolab M-DAC+– I have been impressed and engaged since the beginning.

Precise handling

Photography: Chris Haslam

Play through The look by Metronomy, and the stabs of organ, bass and percussion are elegantly located, with the lead and backing vocals pleasingly balanced. Everything moves the path forward, and nothing feels lost. The bass is strong and tight without being overbearing, and sounds best on fast, rhythmic tracks.