The Headphone of the Year! Meze is getting better!

Headphone of the Year goes to...
Meze 109 Here - apos.audio/products/meze-audi...
TOP 3 FAVORITE BUDGET HEADPHONES
🥇 HD560S - amzn.to/3NwLeNM
🥈 SHP 9600 - amzn.to/3NEsoEo
🥉 K361 - amzn.to/3xxKQsM
Favorite headphones
🥇 DIANA TC - abyss-headphones.com/products...
🥈Arya - apos.audio/products/hifiman-a...
🥉 DT1990Pro - amzn.to/3MzsBrg
TOP 3 FAVORITE CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Sony Z1R - amzn.to/3aDxOB4
🥈 Sony Z7 - amzn.to/3O0C2Bd
🥉 K361 - amzn.to/3xxKQsM
BEST Amplifiers -
🥇 Topping A90 - apos.audio/products/topping-a...
🥈 THX 789 / 887 - amzn.to/3QdJ0Vq
🥉 DX3 Pro - amzn.to/3O1wF4H
IEMS
🥇 Sennheiser IE300 - amzn.to/3Q8svd3
🥈 Moondrop Aria - amzn.to/3aEytlG
🥉(budget Option) - Tin T2 - amzn.to/39g6eta
SPEAKERS
🥇 SVS ULTRA Towers - amzn.to/3xzt9sU
🥈 Vanatoo T1E - amzn.to/3O5ag6q
🥉 Micca RB42 - amzn.to/3aBmXHP
ACCESSORIES
iFix It - amzn.to/3NCok7O
Soundrise Pro Stands - amzn.to/3tphpXt
IEM TIP Storage - amzn.to/3NAMQ9r
Headphone Case - amzn.to/39xOlkF​​​​​​​​
My Filming Equipment
Camera - A7S-3 - amzn.to/3mynq00
Sigma 24-70mm - amzn.to/3MtKBmQ
Sony 90mm - amzn.to/3QarT6P
​​Sachtler Flowtech 75 - amzn.to/3H4WEG9
Ronin RS2 - amzn.to/3HdOgUP
GVM Slider - amzn.to/3Q8nEIV
These are my genuine recommendations in various categories. They are affiliated links that help pay for this KZbin channel at no additional cost to you.
SOCIAL MEDIA
📷 / joshua.valour
🔔 / joshvalour
📫SENDING FOR REVIEW??📫
Email Me - [e-mail]
#meze​​​ #109 #Headphoneoftheyear
*As an Amazon, Drop and Apos Associate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
I use this money back towards the quality of video of this channel. To see how, watch this video

[@demmersify]

I don't know what's more impressive... that headphone, or the sound design in the video. Those sound elements...sounded amazing! Good job Joshua!

[@dumaneduard]

I'm from Romania and feeling pretty proud right now :)

[@deadchannel408]

Si eu sunt mândru frt :)

[@hasanudinhadi]

Antonio meze from romania is genius man for create great headphones !

[@sirlofty]

it is your birthright to be proud of meze.

[@squidwerd1981]

Who cares...😂

[@iplaybose]

@@squidwerd1981 your Mom bro, we had a talk last night and she does care

[@moviemogul83]

Damn Josh, your videography is on another level. Bravo.

[@NFStopsnuf]

But the Canadian tux isn’t helping 😂

[@mw1262]

You got some great shots this video! Well done. This headphone has caught by interest the past few months and I might pull the trigger soon.

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

I really appreciate all the effort you put into filming the product. This puts your review VIDEOS much higher on my reviewer list.

[@TylersEclectic]

Man! B-roll and cinematic style on point!

[@nurmbms90]

Listening your review through my own Meze 109 pro and I agree with what your said .

[@albertdraper1157]

Listening to this review with my 99 classics and noticed the work you put into your sound design in videos 👌✨

[@brianthomas3354]

Totally agree, excellent performance with great efficiency!

[@johnsoriano3812]

Finally had the answer I've been looking for. Thanks, Josh! Now, I know what I want this holiday season... 🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@jakefreeland]

Excellent production quality as always

[@spamcan9208]

Being able to design AND manufacture your own drivers in house is a huge advantage for them. Development time is faster and you aren't at the mercy of suppliers in other countries. It wouldn't surprise me if they start manufacturing drivers for other companies to help pay for the huge investment they made. The 99 Classics have a very comfortable headband design, I suspect these will feel almost as light and just as comfortable. Definitely interested in it.

[@stephannordmann5346]

My favorit right now,easy sound comfort pur and it makes me happy to listen to all kind of music

[@l00ky007]

I’ve been really enjoying your content and the effort you obviously put into making the videos is much appreciated! I’ve subscribed.

[@ZiggieZoo]

I am a huge Shure SRH1540 headphones fan. I am procuring the 109 Pro with copper upgrade balanced cables. I cannot wait!

[@Yoshhhhh]

Having used the 99 classics for a couple years now, my favorite thing about this headphone is just how much they nailed the design aspect of the 109s. It really does look like an improved and upgraded pair of 99s in nearly every way unlike some manufacturers who make a new headphone in a series and it looks either nearly identical or completely different. Obviously there are a number of differences between the 99s and 109s, but at least from a design standpoint and from someone who has used the 99s daily for a while, the look of these new 109s makes me _really_ really interested in checking them out (even if I can't afford them lmao)

[@dani_i8942]

How do you like the 99's? Looking at a solid closed back myself, mainly for metal.

[@AliArghavan]

The sound is (thankfully) vastly different. I can't stand 99s without EQ.

[@Yoshhhhh]

@@dani_i8942 Personally I'm a big fan, although I replaced the stock ear cups with angled cups from brainwavz (don't remember the reason tbh, it was a while ago) and it made the bass a bit less punchy. I think with the stock ear pads they're a very fun headphone, but I prefer how they sound with the replacement cups as it balances it out a bit more. I do listen to loads of electronic/edm music, rock, metal, etc. though so I can confirm that between the sound quality/general sound, the build, and the comfort that these are definitely a good pair of daily drivers for that type of stuff in this price range

[@Mavczers]

@@dani_i8942 i think of you are looking for 99 its the best Time for finding one in 100$ range, instead of 300. Just bought one for 100 last week from a guy who got them for christmass as a present but didn't want them. We will see if losing warranty will pay off but its nice so far.

[@mihaimanea6657]

The founders have a background in design and architecture, combined with the fact that they listen to feedback, you kind of expect them to come out with better designs. What impresses me the most if that they are now making their own drivers, and that is something i apploud, as a romanian.

[@DemonDaytonaTriple]

IMHO Meze is one of the very top player in the audio business. I´ve been meeting them regularly in Munich at high end. There you also got a first hand chance of comparing several headphones. Since the arrival of the Empyrean - which set a clear standard imo - the competition had their run for their money. I heard the prototype of the 109 pro and it simply blew me away. Another part where meze is outstanding is built quality, built materials and design. Can´t wait to see them again in May.

[@jeanbaptisteDalidod]

Listening to the video who got you to buy the 109 pro and an amp, with the 109 pro. God damn that's a good headphone. Thanks!

[@antonbayda2571]

Marvelous review!

[@StrangerInParadise58]

Totally agree. Great review, Josh. The Meze 109 Pro are also my favorite Headphone from 2022 - and one of my TOP headphones period, regardless of price. I keep them in my main listening room on a headphone stand right next to my Feliks Audio Espressivo Mk II - exquisite audio combination! My 19-year old son and I attended the So Cal Can Jam this year in Irvine, CA. Hands down … the 109 Pro were the TOP PICK for both of us. My son queued up “No Quarter” by Led Zeppelin and it never sounded so good! Meze 109 Pro: Incredible comfort, looks, & sound - simply the BEST. 🎼❤️🎼

[@metrolights9112]

How does it compare to 2021's headphone of the year?

[@contemporaryartist6542]

Did you upgrade the cable?

[@TheOneInYellow]

Wonderful review, extremely clear and entertaining! Adore Meze Audio, and I didn't realise that the 109 Pro has in-house drivers 🤯 Bought the Solitaire T in white/silver as my current ultimate closed back, both passive balanced and wireless. My Focal Elear's will likely get sold. However, my old yet beautiful Meze 99 Classics will remain with me, for life! The 109 seems to be a great set of cans between the 99 Classics and Solitaire T, and will consider as a future purchase!

[@soupistasty5]

I've never tried a Meze headphone, but now after watching this... you've got me curious Josh. Side note. The button up shirt n' tie paired with the jean jacket (aka the Canadian tuxedo) - didn't escape our notice 👔👖=❤‍🔥

[@cxf1172]

Nice production quality.

[@onepieceatatime]

I've watched pretty much every headphone review that came out in 2022, and...this one is the best.

[@ikoyDaPnoy]

I have the Silver/Maple 99 Classic. It's not the best headphone but it's great for 90's rap & some movies. It is the BEST looking headphones I've EVER seen & is very comfortable. I hope the 109 with their far superior sound will have a Silver/Maple option in the future. I'd toally buy it.

[@happytimeswithdave8670]

Hi Joshua, loved the review as I feel you cover a lot of key points About the headphones. I been using Beyerdynamics DT 880 and are looking for a change. Thanks for your review as It seems like a good option. Best wishes for 2023

[@paulwoaert]

DT 990 pro !

[@ivanrainbird2416]

thank you for the information i will buy these headphones

[@cheapaudioman]

you should be making films, J. Probably the best b roll I've ever seen on any video.

[@giff74]

Josh all looking, and sounding, like someone's intellectual, audiophile dad LOL! Keep it up man!

[@nitinpandey2]

Great review as always, Josh... You always up your game... Awesome background score as well in this video.. And what's with the new look with the glasses.. Sexy!!

[@williamdirks5805]

Very nice review. PLEASE tell us what music we hear during the review. Thank you.

[@rafdes]

This is the next full sized headphone I'm going to buy sometime next year.

[@Scapegoat32]

Probably the best looking headphone I've seen. Very timeless and classic yet elegant design. Reminds me of an old Porsche for some reason.

[@rich_t]

Or an old Dacia. 😂

[@colingordon0986]

I love my Audeze MM 500’s pretty much end game for me! But these seem interesting. Especially the comfort

[@DevilGin]

How did you get over the clamp force?!

[@justinmorris6987]

Wondering if an Aeon Noire review will come out sometime?

[@SuperMarijus]

the best looking headphones ive ever seen for sure

[@turbomustang84]

Meze have a great build but they really have not impressed me with their planars or the 99 classics . I have not heard the 109 pros or the lirics but I would like to hear the lirics because I'm interested in finding a closed back Planar for mobile use . I do think Meze's stellar build might make othe companies step up their build quality in response and that is a good thing

[@chungang7037]

hot in the treble, I kind of figured many reviewers would be into these~

[@greymatterstome]

I finally spent a few hours listening to these and they are quite good. I'm not sure they are to the degree of praise that some have said but the margin of reality vs. hype for a new set of cans is much closer than others. Still feel depending on use case that there are others in this price range that can compete or simply better. AEON 2 Noir for example. If Meze (they are not alone on this of course) could only forego the ornate unboxing and the colorful presentation and put the resources into a far better cable it would be fantastic

[@armannasr3681]

Hi Sir, I used to watch your videos 3-4 years ago and I came to watch this after a long time . And I just wanted to mention the cinematic touches on this are so much improved compared to the last time I watched. This video is not just a dry transfer of information like other reviews, it is an absolute delight to watch and enjoy. Really impressed. I am eager to watch even if I am not in the market. Truly amazing job.

[@TH-lo8mq]

I recently tried these. Lovely-sounding headphone. I'd probably have kept them if I wasn't already spoiled by the resolution of my HE1000.

[@baderq8ty99]

can you do a review for the ananda stealth? because it just came out and there's barely anything on it, i'm looking for a headphone in the 600$-1000$ range, thanks for all the reviews

[@kenankaptanoglu9194]

I seriously appreciate the transparency on not really needing an amp. Lots of reviewers seem hesitant to say that maybe because it seems scary to use such an expensive headphone without any backup

[@tylerstravis]

Wow. Despite being subscribed, I thought you stopped doing headphone reviews with the new studio.

[@encodedlife]

Bose SoundSport -> Astro A40 -> Flare Audio (2011) -> Audeze planar in-ear (first version) -> Audeze Mobius -> Audio Technica M50x -> Seinheiser HD 6xx -> Apple AirPods Max -> Bang&Olufsen Beoplay HX -> and soon Meze 109 Pro, already ordered :) I still haven't found the right pair for me, really hoping the Meze 109 Pro will be it. For me now (after many failed attempts), it's comfort first, then a good joyful sound with great soundstage. Unfortunately due to often noisy environment I need sound isolation so I know I'll have to revert back to either my Beoplay HX or my M50x when it gets noisy; not the greatest comfort but they provide me with a bit of isolation.

[@is3commander]

And how is it?

[@rwberger6]

I loved everything about the 99 classics....except the sound. And thats like loving everything about a car except how it drives. Vocals and treble felt way too distant and muted and they needed a ton of EQ to sound better. I ended up returning them after a week of trying them out. Glad to hear they're improving, I really want to like Meze but until the sound gets better I don't have a reason to get any of them.

[@kabloom6776]

I’m kinda surprised you didn’t review the DT 900 Pro X considering you like the DT 1990 Pro. Do you plan on doing that anytime soon?

[@HungryEatNow]

Saving up for it...

[@MichaelSidneyTimpson]

How does this compare to the Neumann NDH 30? I think you should do a comparison video.

[@tomdavis6371]

I love this headphone so much.

[@smoloms]

I've always loved how meze headphones looked but I could never get used to the sound of the classics, but I still wanna try the 109 because I want to own a meze heaphone i just need to find ones that I can afford and like to listen to

[@I_beat_up_cuckolds]

Meze's whole shtick is great looks mediocre to poor sound quality for it's price

[@tdmduc]

109 Pro is coming to my house this afternoon.😇😇❤❤

[@qua77ro]

As good as the 109 pros seem to be, would you still elect to spend a couple hundred more for Arya Stealth Edition? I know you've shared that you prefer the original Arya over the SE, but curious where your thoughts are Joshua between the 109 and Arya SE.

[@mustafaezz5689]

can you do a comparison between this and focal clear,Elex,DT1990

[@manu1381]

New to high end audio so please take my question with that context in mind . Which out of the following make a better headphone for listening with vinyl (primary 60's to 80's Hindi movie soundtracks and 80's soft rock) and giving a wider soundstage and good resolution. I do understand I will need a good Headphone amp to go with either one of them. 1. HiFiman Arya Stealth 2. Meze 109 Pro 3. Sennheiser HD660 S2 I dont even know if this is a good place to have this conversation but any how.

[@ALnMO]

Trying to decide between these or jumping up to the Arya Stealth.

[@GoodBoyShep]

Focal Clear OG vs Meze 109?

[@rambelin4113]

my ear pads are coming apart on my classics, shame about the shipping flat rate cost, love meze tho

[@deanchur]

The design philosophy reminds me of the Sony MDR-F1, just floats on your head.

[@wooptoo]

How does this pair with the Fiio K7? Or would you recommend another dac-amp?

[@pinechris9854]

Hi, I'm your fan in Taiwan. I already own a meze 109 pro and use a macbook to drive directly. Do you have a recommended amplifier with a budget of $200~700?

[@davidpetersen7091]

I like your new look! Mr. Pete-----> aging hippie p.s. nice review

[@h1a8]

This or the hifiman xs? What's better about each?

[@RX-rd4sc]

Please review denon d7200 They are also similar in price range and efficient to use

[@spartitude1207]

Bonjour de France et merci pour ce test , je viens de m'acheter le Meze pro 109 et j'en suis très satisfait , un régal !

[@FlapFlap]

Salut! Ca fait 3 jours que je regarde toutes les vidéos que je trouve et que je lis tous les commentaires pour me décider ou non à l'acheter (j'ai jamais eu de casque ouvert) Est-ce que tu regrettes ton achat ou ça valait le coup ? (en espérant avoir une réponse 10 mois après :D)

[@spartitude1207]

@@FlapFlap Avant j'avais le 99 classics qui est excellentissime , le meilleur casque fermé dans sa catégorie mais le 109 va encore plus loin , plus aéré , plus équilibré , un régal , les Focal bien plus chers sont loin derrière ! à acheter les yeux fermés .

[@FlapFlap]

@@spartitude1207 Je pense que je vais franchir le pas. En plus les coussinet en velours ont on air génial Je compte l’utiliser sur pc pour la musique et le gaming, est-ce que tu utilises un DAC particulier ou un ampli casque ? Ou les 2 ?

[@spartitude1207]

@@FlapFlap Le gros avantage de ces casques c'est qu'ils ont une faible impédance donc pas besoin d'ampli ou de DAC , je le branche directement sur mon PC et le son est génial , si tu désires plus de puissance tu peux utiliser un ampli casque mais personnellement je n'en vois pas l'utilité

[@FlapFlap]

@@spartitude1207 Oui, le problème c'est que j'ai l'impression que ma carte son interne est naze, donc je dois brancher un DAC en usb ça me semble être ce qu'il faut faire de ce que j'ai compris Mais merci d'avoir répondu, 800€ c'est une somme mais il est trop beau et les avis général pour le son sont super donc pourquoi pas :D

[@joontech7715]

I have both Elex and 109. But for me sadly.. Elex beats 109 in most categories... Soundstage and comfort are only categories that 109 beats Elex. Treble is so harsh on 109.. Nice review as always. Thank you.

[@kevinwang5870]

fr，the terble man

[@whoofman2013]

Treble harshness stopped for me after 100 hour burn in.

[@Stephenwongdirectimaging]

Pleaee upgrade the 109 better cable the issue treble very disappear and use R2R dac ( like Cayin ru6 , ru7 ) will less brightness and more warmer tone

[@arthurhaywood2184]

My issue is the last thing you covered. I already have 4 very good headphones in its price range. Don’t need another unless it totally trashes what I have which would be a tall order indeed!

[@robertkirkpatrick1826]

If i like the sound of the Edition XS but hate the build and comfort what would be a good fit?

[@CraciunAlexandruGh]

I tried these in a store and found them to be too forward sounding, with accentuated vocal grain and sibilance and treble sibilance. Not sure if they were run in properly and you did not mention break in alterations either.

[@SilentClouds]

Measurements look like HiFi Man Ananda/Aria. BTW, I wonder if he is ever going to mention the Ananda in his videos.

[@nukert658]

how would you compare these to the hifiman edition xs? purely based on sound

[@Axiosz]

What AMP did you use for this review?

[@thrakattacks]

Dude, your videos are beatiful. Your reviews are well thought out and touch all the important points. Awesome work that I really love watching. However, I feel like you're wasting your talent on low end gear. That may sound snooty but I find myself watching your content religiously because I love what and how you do it even when I couldn't care less about the gear you are reviewing. Have you given any thought to stepping up to better gear? This probably sounds incredibly arrogant but it isn't meant that way. As I said, I'm a big fan. Would just love to see your treatment and hear your opinion on higher end gear.

[@philip3123]

I do think og clear is still better than 109 pro, but I don’t know what’s going wrong with the clear mg.

[@TheBobby1kenobi]

@Joshua Valour what would you pick between these and anandas ?

[@adrianmorrish8494]

What is the sound leakage on these compared to for instance Hifiman open back headphones

[@reachmemalay]

I have seen better more technical headphone reviews but not one so immersive, where do you get your background music brother? 👍🏼

[@-Flabbergasted-]

that intro song was fire, what was it ?! great video BTW

[@Harvester88]

The 99 Classics earcups were too shallow and uncomfortable, that was my only issue with them and replacement earpads just looked weird to me and ruined the appeal of them. These look a lot better.

[@laphonhatthakan7468]

Would you say the Arya SE is a good upgrade can after 109pro?

[@Vantavimeow]

Love my Meze 109's as a full package it finally dethroned my DT1990. Only niggle is the cable looping a bit, waiting on getting a custom balanced cable but it needs extra long connectors which severely limits options as you said.

[@ryanpowell2793]

Hi, do you mind telling me how spicy you feel the treble is? I know these are completely different price brackets, but I currently own the BD Tygr 300 Rs (mainly use for competitive FPS and listening to music). I felt the Tygrs were a little hot, but the padding helped. Do you feel the Mezes to be unenjoyable on the high end?

[@Vantavimeow]

@@ryanpowell2793 I believe the DT1990 have more treble than the meze but neither really bothered me. I had dekoni velour pads on my dt1990 which levels them out a bit though. The Meze are far more detailed, there's significantly more separation and layering which I didn't expect.

[@ryanpowell2793]

@@Vantavimeow thanks for the reply!

[@whoofman2013]

Treble harshness stopped for me after 100 hours. EQ helps from the get go.

[@ryanpowell2793]

@@whoofman2013 Thanks for this insight. I have Peace EQ but admittedly use others presets posted online (I am not knowledgeable on EQing). Any suggestion of a form I can reference that has an EQ to fix the treble if it’s too much? I ended up buying them and they should be arriving next week.

[@marcusm5127]

What happend to the Hifiman Edition XS?

[@3wes]

in your opinien wich better for gaming the meze 109 pro or HD660S2

[@turtlet7201]

Hey thank you for the review! I tried these headphones at canjam, might be my favorite during that day after trying over 15 pairs of headphones probably. It was on the level of hifiman ayra in terms of subjective likeability. What do you think about Meze 109 vs Hifiman Ayra??

[@turtlet7201]

Stealth magnet version Arya btw

[@turtlet7201]

WEIRD how u mentioned Arya lol. if u were to get 109 or Arya, which one would u get based off of pure enjoyment? Why?

[@force330]

In this price point, I will pick Arya over this. Yes 109pro is more comfortable, but for oveall sound quality, stage, imaging, I sould pick Arya without any hesitate. Few days ago, I upgrage to Eilte from Arya. Elite is the best tuning headphone for me and I can clearly feel the upgrade.

[@bessonno2749]

Hi mate, so Elite is end game for you? Focal utopia/clear mg/Audeze 5? And how do you feel hifiman 1000se > Aria se?

[@aleph0909]

I tried them for a couple of days. Had to return them, mainly because of the harshness on top and lack of soundstage. They are almost forward sounding, a bit in your face. They are a little over hyped in my opinion.

[@Jeffdachefz]

just letting you know some of your affiliate links arent working like the diana abyss and topping a90

[@daigakuus1382]

I'm looking to purchase a single headphone to listen to a wide variety of genres of music streamed from a high-resolution audio service. I am not looking to get into the audiophile hobby. I'm not interested in charts and analyzing frequencies. I just want to buy a system and enjoy the "music" for years to come. My budget is $2,500 in total. The best sound I can get is a given + I value comfort because I will be listening for several hours a day. After watching quite a few reviewers, it seems like a Meze 109 Pro, Hifiman Arya, or Meze Empyrean might match my needs. At my local earphone store, I can purchase a new Meze 109 Pro for $850, a new Hifiman Arya for $1,100, and a used Meze Empyrean for $1,900. Can you please make a recommendation from among these three? Also, any recommendations on an amp/DAC to match? Thank you

[@juanfarrell1088]

With metallics you means brass and cymbals? Cheers

[@wwbdwwbd]

The glasses are a good look.

[@planewreck4214]

Please compare it with the focal

[@davidbock1801]

Sorry if I missed it, but were these cans sent to you for free?

[@lovrencic2055]

I have them. I love them :)

[@life_in_solace]

Hows the Soundstage width and depth???

[@rupertwills8576]

Can the ear pads be removed…

[@1oldson]

you state "you can play this off anything". as it is only 40ohms are you including otl tube amps?

[@colt45lmer]

gdmn they look nice sucks its loud here so i basically have to have closed back. def looking forf another set of closed. sett to match the xoo and the either cx

[@Stephenwongdirectimaging]

upgrade the 109 better cable the issue treble very disappear and use R2R dac ( like Cayin ru6 , ru7 ) will less brightness and more warmer tone

[@diana73654]

I love my all black edition

[@psiga]

Very impressive headphone, and yet another great review, as well. Hoping for a Drop variant, and, personally, I'd like that to have bass comparable to a Purple Heart. Too much to ask, I know!

[@benedictjohannes]

Purple heart bass (or any x00) probably can't be had with open back models...

[@psiga]

@@benedictjohannes Gosh, yeah. Hence why I said "Too much to ask, I know!" In truth, though, I also own a pair of Kannons, and their tactile transducers easily make better bass than the PH; it's just that the Kannons are awfully uncomfortable and their drivers are mediocre at best. If someone gets good musical tactile transducers into good openbacks, it would be a whole new paradigm.