INTRODUCTION

    Open or closed back headphones is probably the question I get most from people reading my reviews and well, it all depends on what you're looking for. Noise isolation, limited to no sound leakage, increased bass levels and higher durability are where closed back headphones shine whereas open back headphones do better in providing a more natural soundstage, better audio accuracy, awareness of your surroundings and optimal comfort levels (reduced heat buildup, lighter). Personally, I tend to prefer open back headphones since I mostly use them while at home or the office (and since I have pets awareness is important) so when Meze sent their 105 AER model just over a month ago I couldn't wait to try them on.

    Founded by industrial designer Antonio Meze in 2011, Meze Audio is a high-end audio company from Baia Mare, Romania, crafting headphones and earphones renewed for timeless design, pure comfort and engaging, vivid sound, timeless, original, purposeful. This is what best describes the Meze Audio design philosophy. We strive to create products that are beautiful, yet meticulously engineered to deliver exceptional performance. Each headphone we make evokes a sense of timelessness and longevity, reflecting our commitment to lasting value. To us headphones are a perfect blend of design, high functionality and ergonomics. We are a Romanian brand with soul and technical know-how that does it all out of pure love for sound and art.

   The open back 105 AER is based on two 50mm dynamic drivers that feature W-shaped carbon fiber reinforced cellulose composite domes complete with torus made of PEEK (polyether ether ketone) material and stabilizers made of copper-zinc alloy. This configuration allows the 105 AER drivers to produce frequency response of 5Hz-30KHz with 112dB sensitivity and 42Ohm impedance. Once again Meze has used several high quality materials for the new 105 AER including cast zinc alloy with PVC coating, PC-ABS for the earcups, velour dressed earpads and spring steel and PU leather for the self-adjusting headband. Typically, the 105 AER comes with a rich bundle which includes a hard EVA carrying/storage case, 1.8 meter long Kevlar OFC cable with 3.5mm jack, 6.3mm gold-plated jack adapter and a small cable pouch.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The 105 AER are packed inside a box that just has the company logo and a drawing of the exterior of the earcups at the front.

At the rear we find an explanation of where AER comes from and also the country of origin and a sticker with the serial number and barcode.

Opening the box reveals the hard EVA carrying/storage case where the entire bundle is placed.

Once again along with the 105 AER and the hard EVA case inside the box you'll also find a cable pouch (placed in the case), 1.8 meter long Kevlar OFC cable with 3.5mm jack, 6.3mm gold-plated jack adapter and the quick start guide.

THE 105 AER

Just like with most high-end headphone models the 105 AER comes with all included jacks gold plated.

As mentioned earlier the hard EVA case is large enough for the entire bundle.

The 336g heavy 105 AER feature various quality materials like cast zinc alloy with PVC coating, PC-ABS, velour, memory foam and PU leather.

Just like the 99 Classics the 105 AER is a medium sized model.

The exterior of the earcups is made of PC-ABS.

Zinc alloy is used on both ends of the headband right under the L/R markings.

The 3.5mm ports are located at the base of the earcups.

Meze has used soft velour to dress the earpads and since this is an open back model, they are very comfortable.

The model name is engraved on top of the PU leather headband.

For this review I primarily used the FiiO M15 music player (also the M23 and R9 models later).

CONCLUSION

    Thanks to their black color theme the 105 AER stand out compared to both the 109 PRO and 99 Classics I've reviewed by Meze and well, that's great since many people seem to be looking for something along those lines. Build quality may not be quite on par with that of the 109 PRO but it's better compared to the 99 Classics and based on cost alone that makes sense. Still the 105 AER are durable and should last for a long time (especially since you can get replacement parts from Meze). Comfort levels are set very high both due to the large and plush velour dressed earpads and the self-adjusting headband (open back also helps since heat doesn't build-up as much as with closed back models) so if you enjoy listening to music for long periods the 105 AER will not disappoint. As for audio quality things couldn't be much better. Reproduction of mids and highs feels natural and detailed (mids are emphasized significantly here so the same also applies for vocals), bass levels although not emphasized a lot (normal, especially for open back models) are plenty for most music genres (warmer than other open back models I've used) and as for soundstage it's very deep and wide with impressive separation. Do keep in mind that even though the 105 AER are easy to "drive" the sweet spot is not that easy to find and so even though the FiiO M23 did very well the M15 did even better as did the R9 (although again keep in mind that the R9 produced more bass than the other two – excessive at times - source always matters).

    Currently retailing for USD399 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 399Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) the 105 AER by Meze is priced well for what it delivers. Overall, the 105 AER may not be perfect but it’s a very good out of the box model thanks to its balanced sound signature and since it also features quality materials and looks great the Golden award is in order.

PROS

- Very Good Build Quality
- Balanced Sound Signature (Detailed, Crisp & Vibrant Mids & Highs)
- Very Comfortable
- Self Adjusting Headband
- Bundle
- Open Back Design (For Some)

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Open Back Design (For Some)
- Only Available In Black Color (For Some)