Headphones Open Meze Audio 105 AER

Meze 105 AER – open-back dynamic headphones with a 50 mm driver and composite diaphragm

The Meze 105 AER are open-back dynamic headphones with a 50 mm driver, conceived as an all-rounder for every musical genre. The driver architecture builds on the brand's proven design, while both the diaphragm and the frame have been revised to allow a new voicing and at the same time keep the model more affordable. The low impedance of 42 Ω and sensitivity of 112 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz ensure the headphones can be driven effortlessly from portable sources as well as home rigs.

At the heart of the design is a diaphragm with a W-shaped dome made of carbon-fibre-reinforced cellulose composite, more durable than commonly used materials, yet still light and effective at suppressing the resonances that lead to harmonic distortion. The dome is surrounded by an ultra-thin PEEK (polyether ether ketone) torus – a semi-crystalline polymer with high tensile strength and stiffness that maintains the diaphragm's structural integrity under heavy load and, thanks to its low mass, responds to the signal faster. Rigidity is further enhanced by grooves on the torus oriented at a precise 45.5° angle, while a copper-zinc alloy stabiliser around the diaphragm absorbs vibrations and reduces distortion even further.

The result is a rich, full-bodied presentation with a mild emphasis on the bass and sub-bass region, giving the reproduction a deeper foundation. The internal damping of PEEK and the resonance control of the composite dome contribute to detail clarity in the treble, while the open-back construction delivers spaciousness and clear separation of instruments across the stereo image. Declared distortion is below 0.1% at 1 kHz, with a frequency range of 5 Hz – 30 kHz.

The mechanical side relies on premium materials: a cast zinc chassis with PVD finish, a spring steel headband, PC-ABS earcups, velour earpads and a headband wrapped in soft PU leather. The self-adjusting headband distributes pressure evenly according to head shape, while velour is more breathable than leather and limits overheating during long listening sessions. At 336 g, this is the lightest open-back model in the brand's line-up. The headphones connect via a pair of 3.5 mm TS connectors and are fully disassemblable and serviceable, which extends their lifespan.

Key features

• Driver: 50 mm dynamic driver with new voicing
• Diaphragm: W-dome of carbon-cellulose composite
• Torus: Ultra-thin PEEK with 45.5° grooves
• Drive: 42 Ω and 112 dB SPL/mW, mobile-friendly
• Build: Disassemblable, serviceable, weight 336 g