Headphones Open Meze Audio 105 Silva

Meze 105 SILVA - open-back dynamic headphones with a 50 mm driver and a blend of wood and metal

The 105 SILVA are dynamic headphones with a 50 mm driver whose design emerged after numerous development iterations involving various materials and tuning methods. The tuning aims for a balance between musicality and accuracy: transients are fast and articulate, the treble reaches high and stays smooth, while the bass is tight and controlled. A frequency range of 5 Hz – 30 kHz, an impedance of 42 Ω and a sensitivity of 112 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz make this a model you can drive from a wide range of sources, with distortion below 0.1 % at 1 kHz.

The diaphragm combines several materials, each with its own role. The W-shaped dome is made of a carbon fibre reinforced cellulose composite — it is light, more durable than the usual solutions found in dynamic drivers, and it curbs the resonances that lead to harmonic distortion. The surrounding torus is formed from a semi-crystalline polymer with a titanium coating applied by PVD, which increases stiffness without adding mass. Grooves set at an angle of 45.5° control resonances, and a copper-zinc alloy stabiliser around the diaphragm absorbs vibration, reducing distortion further.

The acoustic result of this construction can be heard in the finely drawn treble, the fast transient response and the textured, never overblown bass. Compared with previous models, the 105 SILVA delivers a more pronounced midrange, which adds presence to vocals and a more natural portrayal of acoustic bowed and stringed instruments. The velour earpads create an optimal seal for natural sound while remaining more breathable than leather.

The design follows Mid-Century Modern principles — clean shapes, functionality and longevity. A radial grille flows into the walnut wood of the earcups, while a spring steel headband and zinc alloy castings with a PVD finish form a sturdy yet flexible structure weighing 354 g. The self-adjusting PU leather headband distributes clamping force evenly. The package includes a 1.8 m OFC cable with a double-twisted, Kevlar-braided core, soft PVC splits and anthracite aluminium connectors, plus a 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter with an integrated DAC/amplifier. The headphones are fully disassemblable and serviceable, which extends their lifespan.

Key features

• Driver: 50 mm dynamic, THD below 0.1 % at 1 kHz
• Diaphragm: W dome made of carbon-cellulose composite
• Torus: Polymer with titanium PVD coating, 45.5° grooves
• Construction: Walnut wood, spring steel, zinc alloy
• Accessories: 1.8 m OFC cable and USB-C adapter with DAC