Meze 105 AER Headphone Review - High End Experience with Mid-Level Price

[@cobaltross9059]

The reviewer I've been waiting to hear from!

[@blcky1545]

Great review as usual. Man, Mid-Fi to lower Hi-Fi is really getting crowded recently. I imagine the eventual Open-Back Buyer's Guide will be a pretty massive round-up.

[@GadgetryTech]

@@blcky1545 it’s up to about 46 headphones right now and I have no idea how to properly tackle this lol. Either going to be really long with chapters, multiple videos, or some skipped

[@tomesz87]

@@GadgetryTechI think most guys follow you because of the thorough, detailed reviews, so please don’t skip anything just because the video might be lenghty

[@bratosin1]

​@GadgetryTech i belive you should do part 1 (20 headphones) and part 2 , this way is easier for you and you get also more views

[@eclipse509]

Pre-ordered one of these to pair with my meze boom mic and Schiit Gunnr for gaming. Awesome to see this review, was waiting on this!

[@gabetheriot]

Love your videos Joe!

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks! Love the support :)

[@gabetheriot]

@@GadgetryTech still recommend the epos h6pro over pc38x? And schiit hel 2 or creative g8?

[@flowstatelabs]

Your vids and backgrounds are clean bro. Always top notch content

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks so much!

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Thanks for your review of this headphone. Always appreciated. Take care, Sir.

[@captainbozo01]

What this headphone does better than any other headphone I've tried (DT 1990 Pro, FiiO FT1 and FT1 Pro, AKG K712 Pro and Hifiman Edition XS) is making string/brass instruments and voices feel alive and "bubbly". They just have a texture to them with these headphones that makes me feel like I'm right there.

[@WhiteHartMart]

Great video once again Joe - feel like I need to get these to pair with my Meze Boom Mic!

[@GadgetryTech]

Such a good combo!

[@WhiteHartMart]

@@GadgetryTech The mic is great with my Aune AR5000. Are the Meze worth considering against the Aunes? (edit - just re-watched and heard your fps comments about the comparison - think I'll just stick with the Aune as they seem to be the best all rounder for me at around this price)

[@stephen8294]

Best headphones reviewer on utube 👍

[@Meday354]

I'm sold on buying one, thanks for the vid.

[@4chub896]

How would these compare to Aune ar5000?

[@TFOnyx-r9s]

NGL aune IQ is terrible

[@jugobetrugo4168]

very good review!

[@AbuseOfTechnology]

Awesome review as always. I am excited for the 105 Aer! I've got the Nano now, but sometimes it's a bit too much in the treble. Love the Depeche Mode reference as I often test them to gauge a vocal presence with a new set.

[@Jordonater]

The nano is one of if not the brightest Planar magnetic headphone i had to return it. It has an insane level of treble and is actually ruining the majority of recordings listened to with it a shame becuase the mids and bass extension are fantastic. It seems the new Arya Unveiled has solved the forward treble issues but i dont understand why they have to be £1400 when we all know in less than a years time they will be sold at under £1000.

[@farmi86]

Thank you so much for the perfect words - exactly the review i looked for. u made me pull the trigger few seconds ago :-) can’t wait to test them against my ananda 1st gen (little too thin and artificial for my taste) and my beloved avantone planar (IMO a great and much underrated „relaxed+warm“ headphone). greetings from germany 👋

[@Benzo97]

It looks like (at least if I remember correctly) measures very similar to my Edition XS. A tuning that is ever so slightly too bright for my taste but with little adjustments, sounds brilliant. This headphone especially for the price seems really good!

[@markhogquist2000]

Sounds like it could be an excellent fit with older rock and hair metal, especially the albums that have less than stellar recordings. That's something I really liked about the 99 Classics.

[@arielext]

Joe; serious question: why do Z and DMS have more subs? Your analysis are spot on

[@GadgetryTech]

They’re both good guys and I’m happy for their success! I never really did a high content output until the past 2-3 years, and I’m learning a lot as I go! One day :)

[@znoozaros]

Because they've been putting out content for longer. Joshua Valour and Resolve from the headphone show also have great content

[@timschwarze1739]

Have been waiting for your review on this! Great job as always :) Also, is there a review of the Aune SR7000 in the pipeline by any chance?

[@CoffeeGameMovie]

Now as the mid-fi segment is bloated with many new stuff, the real question is: meze 105 AER vs fiio FT1 Pro vs aune AR5000 vs sennheiser 6x0 series

[@kazemira8476]

Because of you i have ordered the Fiio Ft1 😊 im so much looking forward to it, just a random question? Do you like the Ft1 better than the maxwell?

[@jamesstevens968]

I have both i regret buying the audeze maxwell there a joke for gaming too too too heavy for every day usage especially if you play 6 to 8 hours every every day and there not comfy to bulky I haven't used the audeze maxwell for 8 months they been sitting in my closet Ft1 ther more if your on a budget there not going to blow you away though best audio nova pro wireless white edition that's my every day driver stay safe and happy gaming to all

[@GadgetryTech]

The Maxwell is much better from a convenience standpoint, due to being wireless, and still sounding fantastic. The FT1 is more comfortable to wear though. So if longer listening sessions are important and you don't need the mic/wireless, then I would lean FT1

[@kazemira8476]

@@GadgetryTech I have a totally stupid question, my FiiO ft1 has arrived, does they save the EQ to the headset? I guess you did the little eq on them on sonar? 😊 i play on Xbox and uses the ft1 there 😊

[@csmkorn1]

Thanks for the hard work as always! Unrelated question, but just to be clear, my understanding is that running multiple EQs simultaneously (e.g., running a custom EQ preset on my Audeze Maxwell headset whilst also running a custom EQ on the Dolby Atmos app through my Xbox) is never a good idea. However, what qualifies as a custom EQ on the Dolby Atmos app? Obviously the custom 10 band adjustments are EQs, but what about the Atmos modes like Game, Movie, etc.? Could I use a custom EQ on my Maxwell headset and also use Dolby Atmos, and if so, should I set the Atmos app to Game mode (with performance mode on or off), or should I set the Atmos app to a flat, unaltered custom EQ (with surround virtualizer on or off)? Apologies for the novel, but I can’t seem to find definitive answers for this anywhere.

[@amaury1264]

An interesting and thoughtful review. How would these stack up against HD660S2?

[@CoffeeGameMovie]

Im curious too, as against the FT1 pro or aune AR5000

[@yoloseabassswaggins9336]

Could you review the fiio ft1 pro in the future?

[@GadgetryTech]

Yup! Just got it in yesterday

[@Lightstream2]

Meze released an affordable open back with great tuning and their signature good build quality and comfort? Great news for people who cant afford the empyrean like myself.

[@gabech2789]

Homerun indeed 🤩

[@corerampage7587]

Hey Joe can you review the new Beyerdynamic 1770 PRO MK2 for gaming? Josh Valour is saying they're incredible closed backs for gaming and the best he's ever heard as far as closed backs. Would love to hear your thoughts.

[@wahidtafsir33]

this vs Aune ar5000 for immersive gaming? Does 105 aer have similar or better soundstage than ar5000 ?

[@miscwork-qb7pd]

I'm also interested in this comparison but with music. Which has better midrange and vocals? Does that 4k dip in ar5000 affect vocal timbre?

[@WakeUpB2P]

Would love a review of the 660S2 from u

[@bmuhlbach02]

Appreciate the review! Setting price aside, would you recommend the Meze 109 Pro or the Hifiman Arya Organic when paired with the Woo WA7 Gen 2? I'm particularly interested in their performance with vocals and soundstage, as this setup will be used for all-around listening.

[@GadgetryTech]

That's a tough one, because they have a different presentation, and personal preference will matter. 105 AER is a more intimate/warm listen and sounds great for everything. Arya Organic is more analytical and will pull more details, but it also sounds a touch brighter as well

[@nnamuenmada]

The better question would be: what 105 aer misses from 109 pro?

[@rileyhicks4305]

Yet to find an answer, I have large ears and would really love to know how the 800s comfort is vs 490 pro or any other model for long listening, 4hr+ and I know schitt products will run these but is the sound quality amazing vs higher end products. Not an audiophile guy just gaming and enjoy good sound/ bass head but car audio guy

[@elvemoon]

Any plans on reviewing Tonor TGP1? Seams to be a modmic wireless alternative

[@markshenefelt7611]

How is the soundstage, some other reviewers mentioned it is lacking in this area. How is imaging? Is there space between instruments or does it sound claustrophobic at times? Thanks!

[@Haru_no_ki]

Happy to see many enjoy something made in my country. Might get a sennheiser hd 600 series or Meze 105 or 99 as my first audiophile grade headphones. Any recommendations in sub 300 if I like bass(phonk/trap) and female vocals(k pop and high notes)? Dont mind used

[@luismarcoperezthemsel1677]

so for music and mix gaming but no competitive you could recommend this ones then? better than the hd490?

[@EvanMulvaney]

Please review the hyperx cloud 2

[@CDubbsW0rld]

Do these sound a lot better than Apos x Audio-Technica ATH-R70x?

[@Cliffeh14]

real question is where'd ya get that dope ass flannel?

[@DonCafecito.]

Thank. Have you try ifi uno better than zen air

[@TheThebluebob]

Question: Which headphone would be better overall for casual gaming, music and movies? In terms of value, comfort and sound between the Audeze Maxwell and the Hifiman Edition XS? The maxwell are 330$ and the Hifiman Edition XS are 360$ where i live.

[@juhan9117]

How would you compare these to the edition xs?

[@classiccj2569]

Do you think you'll get the chance to review the Aune SR7000? It's a closed-back that, from what I've heard, sounds like an open-back

[@Jordonater]

A headphone being open or closed in technical terms isn't actually what affects the sound from sounding open and it is in fact the frequency response and even how open the pads feel to the wearers head its just that closed headphones block more noise out and tend to have a bad peak in the response somewhere becuase of the pressure build up but no headphone is fully open technically as the pads create a seal around the cup and your ear so there is always some sort of reflected surface. A truly open headphone would have zero reflected surfaces from what i have understood but im not so knowledgeable on the subject.

[@classiccj2569]

@@Jordonater well closed-back and open-back headphones are exactly what they're called. Closed-back headphones have a back that is closed, and open-back headphones have a back that is open. The sound also reflects the name, closed-backs sounding more closed in and more "intimate" some people might say, while open-backs sound more open like you have a stage around you, most of the time, where it sounds like the instruments are farther away from you. I would just love a review of the SR7000 as there aren't many reviews out there and it's very interesting how everyone that has tried it is extremely impressed with how open it is. They say it doesn't sound like an closed-back because of how open it sounds. With all headphones there's a limit to the technology. Closed-backs can never reach the exact "open-ness" and soundstage of an actual open-back because they're just so limited from being closed, so it's very impressive with what Aune has been able to accomplish.

[@jamesstevens968]

Joey can you do a review of the mmx 300 mmx 330 and the dt 1770 pro 2 they have new drivers tesla 45 i dont know which one's to get for gaming i was leaning towards the new 1770 pro 2 i heard where awesome for gaming and movies yes better than the audeze maxwell but i would like to have your opinion thanks stay safe and happy gaming to all.

[@crashn2me105]

Personally I find the Aer to be very beautiful and at that price a no brainier.

[@goosmdoosm4755]

How does it compare with something old, like a Beyerdynamic 1990 Pro? I'm looking for a sound side-grade, but comfort upgrade.

[@miker7718]

can you do a black ops 6 steel series footstep eq video?

[@laithorabi9571]

Every video you keep surprising me with your professional reviews and for sure your personal opinions that I do take by for sure. I'm looking for a headset within the price range of 125$ such as the following headsets and lower, which headset would you recommend for me in that price range for movies, music, and mixed gaming SP/MP games? Epos H6 Pro Closed Back Steelseries Nova 4/3/1/Prime Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Gen 3 / 600 Gen 3 / 600 Gen 2 Max Razer Blackshark V2 / V2 Hyperspeed Razer Kraken V3 X / V3 / V3 Hypersense / V4 X HyperX Cloud 3 / Alpha / Alpha S / Alpha Pro Logitech G Pro X 2nd Gen Beyerdynamic MMX 150 Astro A40 Corsait HS80 / 80 Wireless / 65 / 55 One last option I have is the FiiO JT1 which I can buy with a seperate mic as the VModa Boom Pro or a standalone mic like the fifine AM8 If your answer is the H6 Pros, would you recommend the closed back version as my room is a bit noisy so I can't get open backs? Note: the H6 Pro and the JT1 are on sale that's why I considered it actually. Also Even though I'd love a wireless headset but I'm trying to stay away from wireless unless it has a wired option due to my doctor's instructions.

[@rileyhicks4305]

Are there any plans to make more headphone stealth pads for like the hd 490 pro

[@Andersg85]

How big are the ear cups? Can it fit a bigger ear?

[@Cons2911]

Is the 109’s driver protected by something or it’s just bare? Dirt can get in?

[@atoz6552]

I wonder how the 105 would sound with 109 drivers inside

[@4chub896]

Do they rumble?

[@dragonfire61]

Have you listened to the 105's on tubes?

[@megatherium100]

I already have the 109 Pro and it's one of the headphones that I least reach for lately, the bass compared to my Focal Clear sounds completely lean and lacks body and weight and the fact that it lacks almost completely in bass punch is what ruins this headphone for me and when it comes to the rest of frequency response, it's not doing anything particularly remarkable, for me it has been a meh headphone at best, even when I EQ the 109 Pro to try to bring more bass impact and punch, the headphone simply cannot do it, I think it's a combination of both the pads and the drivers that they simply cannot bring that punch and weight to the music and I don't think that the sound is warm and mellow enough to be a relaxing sound and vocal reproduction is all over the place, there's some vocalist that sound fine on the 109 Pro's and there's others that I have to change tracks immediately because it's just to much. Meze in general for me, from the 99 Classic to the 109 Pro has been a general disappointment and significantly over priced for what they bring to table when it comes to sound, besides build quality and aesthetics which in the end for me doesn't justify what they're charging for their headphones.

[@drunkenhearted7256]

I agree with everything you said here.

[@Cons2911]

I tried clean, in 2 different occasions..the fit is off on my head, don’t know why..but now thinking about it..does it swivel? If not maybe that’s it? If I remember, the lower back part of my ear, I think I can feel the space there.. like the ear cups are not touching my head in that area

[@Patife_PT]

These or the HD490 Pro's?

[@jamesstevens968]

None nova pro wireless white edition stay safe and happy gaming to all

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

Fiio ft3 all destroyed WITH EASE

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

Joseph, thank you for another wonderful headphone review! 👌 Reverend Dr. Thomas, ✝️ The Vegan Vicar 🌱

[@JagsP95]

Would you take the 109 pro over ananda nano?

[@GadgetryTech]

Yes. Comfort is a massive factor in addition to the warmer sound

[@dustinmihalcheon5013]

FiiO K11 or the SMSL Raw MSA-1 for these with a major in gaming minor in music? I have a Rode mic for chat already so I don’t need chat mix options.

[@r3mixdaxim3r]

1st and 10

[@hardkore180]

Audeze mm100 or Meze 105??

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

Stars aligning = Corsair hs65 Dolby atmos game mode re4 remake , best headphone experience I ever experienced EVER yet the hs65 cannot match my ft3s h6pro open or my h3s in any other situation

[@zoltantoth1566]

"109", "105" - the 0 in them is 0 [zero], not o ["ou"]

[@FenrirAlter]

Doesn't matter, both are correct

[@zoltantoth1566]

@@FenrirAlter they can n0t b0th be c0rrect, as they are different characters, they are n0t even cl0se t0 each 0ther in meaning; 0ne 0f them is a number, the 0ther is a letter

[@FenrirAlter]

@@zoltantoth1566 it is and u can literally Google "number o instead of zero" so stop being so ridiculous, trying to correct somebody, when English probably isn't even your first language.

[@zoltantoth1566]

@@FenrirAlter i can also literally Google for God, Allah and such - will find tremendous amount of sources - does not make them true

[@zoltantoth1566]

@@FenrirAlter i rather stay ridiculous than go incorrect