Meze Audio, the headphones manufacturer that likes gothic-looking, glossy metal designs with intricate details, is also renowned for its timeless craftsmanship with its wood-based headphones (99 Classic, 109 Pro, 105 AER) that have captivated the market for their emotionally engaging sound, while being much better looking. As we've seen in Munich with too many headphones that looked like they were designed as accessories for heavy-metal bands, not forcing users to look like a medieval knight when enjoying music with headphones - even when hiding in a man-cave - is something that should be praised.
Meze's newest creation takes us back to the more civilized designs where the company started. The 105 SILVA headphones are said to be "inspired by the Mid-Century Modern movement" (not to be confused with the TV series of the same name). "Fusing vintage charm with contemporary aesthetics, the radial grille sublimely intertwines with the walnut wood to form the ear cups, creating a feel that never truly ages," the announcement describes.
Where did the name come from? "Silva" is not a common name in Romania and is primarily a surname of Portuguese or Galician origin and is widespread in Brazil and Portugal. There are Romanian names with similar roots, such as "Silviu" (male) and "Silvia" (female), which originate from the Latin "silva" (meaning “forest”), so that's likely where it was inspired.
And diving into the poetry that always involves trying to describe the sound properties of headphones, Meze adds: "Finely balanced between musicality and refinement, 105 SILVA offers a smooth blend of clarity and richness. Through continuous development, the 105 SILVA delivers a clear, rich, and engaging sound that easily brings out the finer details in your favorite tracks."
Inside the headphones, there are 50mm dynamic drivers that feature a cellulose composite dome and a titanium-covered surround that help produce the crisp, engaging, and detailed audio experience. "Its titanium-coated semicrystalline polymer torus and copper-zinc stabilizer ensure the driver membrane’s rigidity and strength, for a fast transient response and pleasantly textured bass with minimal distortion," Meze states.
"105 SILVA’s sound signature is a new take on Meze Audio’s iconic characteristics, including the technicalities of 109 PRO combined with the warmth and genre versatility of 105 AER. 105 SILVA specializes in mid-range presentation for vocals and strings, meaning listeners can enjoy the liveliness and impact of any music without sacrificing the micro details present in well-recorded tracks," the company explains.
The new design also ensures all materials used in the headphones positively contribute to the overall performance. Building on the premium contact materials used in the full design of the headphones, including its deep-cushioned earcups and self-adjusting headband, the 105 SILVA headphones reflect Meze's ongoing pursuit of ergonomic comfort. In parallel, every component is crafted for lasting wearability and performance and can be disassembled and replaced, supporting sustainability.
The new Meze 105 SILVA headphones are now available for purchase in selected retailers worldwide, with a suggested retail price of USD $499/ EUR €499.
www.mezeaudio.com
