Meze Audio 105 AER Over-Ear Headphones

The Meze Audio 105 AER is an open-back over-ear headphone with a dynamic 50 mm driver, suited to practically every music genre.

It's Meze's most accessible open headphone – light, robust, with a warm, rich sound that wraps around you instead of wearing you out. The iF Design Award and the Headfonics “Bang for Buck” Award 2024 didn't come out of nowhere.

Why the 105 AER?

At its centre sits a dynamic 50 mm driver with a dome made of carbon-fibre-reinforced cellulose composite and an ultra-thin PEEK torus – that keeps resonances small and brings out detail cleanly. Housing in PVD-coated zinc alloy, spring-steel headband, velour pads: high quality, durable, and at 336 g Meze's lightest open-back headband yet. It can be disassembled and serviced when needed – sustainable through longevity rather than well-meant slogans.

What you hear

A rich, warm sound with a slight emphasis in the bass and sub-bass, giving the music a solid foundation. The open-back design produces a wide soundstage and clear separation of instruments – music gets room to breathe. And all of that can be driven from almost any source, from a phone dongle to a full home system.

Who is the 105 AER right for?

For anyone who wants to enjoy music in peace at home or at the desk. Straight talk: “open” means open – sound escapes outward, and ambient noise gets in. For the tram, an open-plan office or the library it's the wrong choice; for that there are closed models like the 99 Classics or the Liric II. It's easy to drive, but a good headphone amp or DAC audibly coaxes more out of it. Velour instead of leather means breathable and low-sweat, but less sealing.

Our verdict

The 105 AER is the most honest entry point into Meze's open sound world: mature sound, fine materials, fair price. Which source and which amplifier suit it best, we'll figure out together at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

What the trade press says: “Rich, engaging sound with excellent detail retrieval … among the most compelling headphones in their price range.” – ear-fidelity, 2025.

Technical data

• Type: Open-back over-ear headphones
• Driver: dynamic, 50 mm
• Frequency range: 5 Hz – 30 kHz
• Impedance: 42 Ω
• Sensitivity: 112 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
• Distortion (THD): < 0.1% at 1 kHz
• Connector: dual 3.5 mm socket, detachable cable
• Materials: zinc alloy (PVD), PC-ABS earcups, spring-steel headband, velour pads
• Weight: 336 g
• Special feature: user-serviceable (replaceable parts)
• Scope of delivery: headphones, hard case, cable

Frequently asked questions

Is the 105 AER open or closed – does it isolate sound?

The 105 AER is open (open-back). This gives a wide, airy soundstage, but means: sound escapes outward, and ambient noise comes in. Ideal for home, not for the train, office or library.

Do I need a headphone amplifier?

Not strictly – with 42 Ω and 112 dB the 105 AER already runs fine off a smartphone dongle, laptop, or streamer. A good headphone amp or DAC does audibly bring out more dynamics and control, though. We'll show you the difference.

Is the 105 AER suitable for travel?

Only to a limited extent. Due to its open design it doesn't isolate and is audible from outside. For travel, closed headphones like the Meze 99 Classics or the Liric II are the better choice. The 105 AER plays to its strengths in a quiet environment.

Why buy the Meze Audio 105 AER from HD Zürisee?

Because headphones and source need to match. As an experienced specialist team in Wädenswil we advise you on amplifier, DAC and alternatives, you can compare models, and we take care of delivery and service. Call us (044 680 22 00), write to us, or via WhatsApp (076 534 22 00, text only, no calls).

Goes well with

Get more out of the 105 AER with the right source: headphone amplifiers · DAC & D/A converters · more headphones · Meze Audio