Meze Audio
Meze 109 PRO Primal Special Edition
Best open-back headphones for audiophiles seeking natural comfort and detailed sound.
The Meze 109 PRO Primal Special Edition headphones are a unique, handcrafted offering from Meze Audio. Featuring earcups meticulously carved from walnut wood and finished with linseed oil, these open-back, circumaural headphones deliver an immersive sound experience. The advanced dual-compound diaphragm, combining beryllium-coated polymer, cellulose, and carbon fiber with a copper-zinc alloy, ensures exceptional detail and clarity across a wide frequency range. Designed for comfort and durability, they utilize a blend of walnut, zinc, manganese steel, and vegan leather, with soft velvet earpads for extended listening sessions. These headphones are easily driven by various audio sources.
$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 musical experience
- Design enthusiasts who value artisanal craftsmanship and premium aesthetics
- Listeners who prioritize long-term comfort during extended sessions
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for high-value entry-level gear
- Commuters needing noise isolation and private listening
- Users wanting low-maintenance gear for rugged daily use
Performance breakdown
Soundstage Immersion
Open-back design creates a remarkably wide and vivid acoustic environment.
Build Craftsmanship
Hand-carved walnut and premium alloys offer unmatched aesthetic and structural integrity.
Driveability
Low impedance allows for excellent performance even without dedicated external amplification.
Long-term Comfort
Velvet earpads and ergonomic weight distribution ensure fatigue-free extended listening sessions.
Sonic Detail
Advanced dual-compound diaphragm delivers exceptional clarity across the entire frequency range.
Repairability
Modular design philosophy ensures longevity through easy maintenance and component replacement.
Key Specs
Transducer Size
50 mm
Frequency Response
5 Hz - 30 kHz
Sensitivity
112 dB SPI at 1 kHz, 1 mW
Impedance
40 Ω
Weight
375 g (13 oz) without cables
Earcups
Walnut wood
Warranty
2 years
Connectivity Type
Wired
Features
- Hand-carved walnut earcups finished with linseed oil for a natural matte texture.
- Advanced dual-compound diaphragm for exceptional detail and clarity.
- Open-back design for an immersive and vivid soundstage.
- Comfortable and durable construction with walnut wood, zinc, steel, and vegan leather.
- Soft velvet earpads for breathability and extended listening comfort.
- Easy to drive from portable devices to complex home audio systems.
- Sustainably sourced materials and designed for repairability to ensure longevity.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Meze 109 PRO Primal Special Edition for its exceptional build quality and stunning design. The craftsmanship, particularly the walnut wood earcups, receives widespread admiration, elevating the aesthetic appeal significantly. Users frequently highlight the remarkable comfort, noting the lightweight feel and plush earpads allow for extended listening sessions without fatigue. This combination of premium materials and thoughtful ergonomics creates a highly satisfying and immersive audio experience, making it a standout choice for discerning listeners who appreciate both form and function.
Know before you buy
The open-back design allows air to pass through the earcups, which creates a more natural, spacious soundstage that mimics the feeling of listening to speakers in a room. Keep in mind that because of this, sound will leak out of the headphones, and you will be able to hear your surroundings.
No, the 109 PRO Primal is designed to be highly efficient. With an impedance of 40 ohms and high sensitivity, they can be driven easily by most portable devices, though using a dedicated DAC or amplifier can further refine the audio performance.
They are designed for extended use, featuring a lightweight frame and soft, breathable velvet earpads. The self-adjusting headband distributes weight evenly, minimizing pressure points during long sessions.
The walnut earcups are finished with linseed oil, which provides a natural, durable matte texture. You should avoid exposing them to extreme moisture or direct sunlight, but otherwise, they require no special maintenance beyond occasional dusting with a soft cloth.
No, the 109 PRO Primal does not feature a built-in microphone. They are designed specifically for high-fidelity music listening rather than communication or gaming applications.
Yes, Meze Audio designed the 109 PRO with repairability in mind. The headphones can be easily disassembled and serviced, ensuring you can replace individual components rather than needing to replace the entire unit.
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$999