Meze Audio
Meze 109 PRO Primal Special Edition Open-Back Headphones
Best open-back headphones for audiophiles seeking artisanal craftsmanship and immersive sound.
Experience the Meze 109 PRO Primal Special Edition, a unique take on award-winning headphones. Each ear cup is meticulously hand-carved from walnut wood, showcasing a beautiful grain enhanced by a linseed oil finish. These dynamic, open-back circumaural headphones feature a 50mm Dual-Composite Diaphragm for exceptional audio reproduction, combining Beryllium-coated polymer, cellulose, carbon fiber, and copper-zinc alloy. Designed for comfort and durability, they boast a carbon fiber headband, vegan leather, and soft velour earpads, making them easy to drive from various audio sources for an immersive listening experience.
$999.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
791
/ 6142
#791 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+70%
Above average
Transducer Size
50
/ mm
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking an immersive and natural soundstage
- Design enthusiasts valuing artisanal craftsmanship and premium aesthetics
- Listeners requiring long-term comfort for extended sessions
Who should skip it
- Commuters needing privacy in noisy or shared environments
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level pricing
- Casual listeners wanting a simple plug-and-play setup
Performance breakdown
Build Craftsmanship
Hand-carved walnut and premium materials create a stunning, artisanal aesthetic.
Soundstage Immersion
Open-back design delivers a wide, natural, and highly detailed acoustic environment.
Driveability
Low impedance allows for impressive performance even without dedicated high-end amplification.
Long-term Comfort
Lightweight carbon fiber and plush velour ensure fatigue-free extended listening sessions.
Serviceability
Modular design ensures every component can be replaced to last decades.
Sonic Fidelity
Dual-composite diaphragm produces precise, balanced audio across the entire frequency range.
Key Specs
Transducer Size
50mm
Frequency Response
5Hz - 30KHz
Sensitivity
112dB SPI at 1KHz, 1mW
Impedance
40 Ω
Weight
375 gr (13 oz) without cables
Ear Cups
Walnut Wood
Warranty
2 years
Connectivity Type
Wired
Features
- Hand-carved walnut ear cups with a unique chiselled and sanded finish.
- Dynamic open-back circumaural design for an immersive soundstage.
- Proprietary 109 series Dual-Composite Diaphragm for superior audio fidelity.
- Easy to drive from portable sources to full home setups.
- Comfortable and durable construction with carbon fiber headband, vegan leather, and velour earpads.
- Sustainably harvested black walnut wood used for ear cup frames.
- Designed for longevity with a fully serviceable construction.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Meze 109 PRO Primal Special Edition for its exceptional design and superior comfort. The headphones are celebrated for their exquisite craftsmanship, featuring premium materials that elevate the aesthetic appeal and tactile experience. Users frequently highlight the luxurious feel and how effortlessly they wear, even during extended listening periods. This blend of stunning visual presentation and remarkable wearability creates a highly satisfying ownership experience, making them a standout choice for discerning audio enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
The Primal Special Edition features hand-carved walnut ear cups with a unique, chiselled texture finished in linseed oil. While the internal acoustic performance remains identical to the original 109 PRO, the Primal edition offers a distinct, artisanal aesthetic.
Yes. With an impedance of 40 ohms and high sensitivity, the 109 PRO is designed to be easily driven by most portable audio sources, including smartphones, tablets, and portable DAC/amps, without requiring a dedicated high-power desktop amplifier.
No. Because these are open-back headphones, they allow sound to pass through the ear cups in both directions. They are best suited for quiet, private listening environments where you can fully appreciate the immersive soundstage.
The 109 PRO is built for comfort, utilizing a lightweight carbon fiber headband and soft velour earpads that distribute weight evenly. The open-back design also helps prevent heat buildup around the ears during extended use.
Yes, Meze Audio designed these headphones with longevity in mind. The construction is fully serviceable, meaning individual components like the earpads or cables can be replaced or repaired to ensure the headphones last for years.
No, the 109 PRO Primal is a dedicated high-fidelity headphone designed exclusively for music listening. It does not feature an integrated microphone or remote controls.
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$999