Meze Audio 109 PRO Over-Ear Headphones

The Meze Audio 109 PRO is an open-back over-ear headphone with a dynamic 50 mm driver and earcups made of black walnut wood.

It's Meze's first dynamic open-back headphone – and was named Headphones of the Year 2023–2024 by the EISA jury. Technology meets craftsmanship, in a slim, light frame.

Why the 109 PRO?

A newly developed, hand-tuned 50 mm driver delivers speed, accuracy and a wide dynamic range. Meze's in-house voicing deliberately aims for emotion rather than dry measurement-worship: full-bodied vocals, plenty of detail, and just the right amount of impact. Housing in walnut wood, zinc, manganese steel and vegan leather, plus the self-adjusting headband – light, durable, comfortable.

What you hear

A lively, organic sound with excellent imaging and an open, wide soundstage. The 109 PRO connects you with the music on a deeper level instead of merely playing it back correctly – and it's easy to drive from most sources in the process.

Who is the 109 PRO right for?

For anyone who wants an emotionally gripping, high-quality headphone at home. Straight talk: open-back means no noise isolation – nothing for commuting or an open-plan office, but for quiet environments. It's easy to drive, but on a good headphone amp or DAC it steps up another notch. And walnut wood is a natural material: every pair is a one-off and doesn't love excessive humidity.

Our verdict

The 109 PRO is Meze's proof that a dynamic open-back can play right at the top – EISA award included. Compared to the more affordable 105 AER, it plays a touch more mature still. Listen to both at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil and decide for yourself.

What the trade press says: “The Meze 109 Pro is an excellent open-back headphone with a natural and spacious sound that is worth its price.” – ear-fidelity, 2023 (“Highly Recommended”).

Technical data

• Type: Open-back over-ear headphones
• Driver: dynamic, 50 mm
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 30 kHz
• Sensitivity: 112 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 1 mW
• Impedance: 40 Ω
• Materials: black walnut wood, zinc, manganese steel, vegan leather
• Weight: 375 g (without cable)
• Award: EISA Best Product “Headphones 2023–2024”
• Scope of delivery: hard case (EVA), 1.5 m TPE cable (3.5 mm), 3 m TPE cable (3.5 mm), 6.3 mm jack adapter

Frequently asked questions

Is the 109 PRO open – how about isolation?

The 109 PRO is open (open-back). This gives an airy, wide soundstage, but doesn't isolate: sound goes out, ambient noise comes in. That makes it a headphone for quiet rooms, not for the train or the office.

Do I need a headphone amplifier?

Not strictly – with 40 Ω and 112 dB it already runs fine off a dongle, laptop or streamer. A good headphone amp or DAC does audibly improve dynamics, control and spaciousness, though. We'll show you which combination fits.

What's the difference to the 105 AER?

Both are open-back 50 mm dynamic headphones. The 105 AER is the more accessible, slightly warmer-tuned entry point; the 109 PRO goes further in resolution, imaging and material investment (walnut wood) and carries the EISA award. Best heard in direct comparison.

Why buy the Meze Audio 109 PRO from HD Zürisee?

Because a headphone of this class deserves the right source. In Wädenswil you compare the 109 PRO and 105 AER, we advise you on amplifier and DAC, deliver, and stay your contact for service. Call us (044 680 22 00), write to us, or via WhatsApp (076 534 22 00, text only, no calls).

Goes well with

Play the 109 PRO through a source that matches its level: headphone amplifiers · DAC & D/A converters · more headphones · Meze Audio