I got these on your advice and boy have I been enjoying them. They have something magical about them and I am not being silly. I just turned 61 and they are the best most beautiful and fun sounding headphones I have ever heard. I have heard a lot believe me. The 109 pros are worth every penny because I am enjoying my music more than I ever have. I am actually hearing things in the music that has eluded me before and that is with a 7 dollar iPhone dongle I kid you not. I have ifi hip dac but it’s almost not necessary. This with the dongle and Apple Music is just a joy. Thanks and I am a member of your site now!!!!!
Amazing review, and this Meze is also amazing. It's incredible how good you describe your feelings when listening to a masterpiece. Thank you for your work, and thanks Meze for providing Dave this great headphone.
I own the meze 109 pro is amazing .. after 200 hour burn in replace a better balance 4.4mm cable i can I prefer this over HD800 , HD6xx , Utopia, LCD-5 , they are so easy to drive u can just plug in with ur iPhone or ipadpro they sound very good
Sounds like the headphone I've been searching for for quite some time. I've read some comments regarding hot and spicy treble, but I've always trusted your ears and reviews. I think we have similar taste in sound presentation. Another excellent review. Wish I had checked it out earlier. Officially sold!
I stopped by out of curiosity and was seriously impressed by your test track list, which I'm sure took some effort to build up. More than sufficiently impressed to subscribe. Thanks.
Thank you Dave. Loved this and helps my decision on this headphone. It is pricey, but sounds to be a good choice for great sound and not taking out a mortgage to get it. I do like the Meze products, they are quality. I am saving for this one.
Just got mine for about a week. It is really a great improvement from my 1st headphone, HD660s in every aspect. The copper PCUHD from Meze makes it even better! Definitely love the look and the comfort of this headphone.
Your connection to music, and mine are very closely aligned. When reviewing a product designed and built to reproduce music, the focus should be on the music, not endless specs and graphs. I’ve never heard a musician discuss music in audiophile terms, unless of coarse, they were also an audiophile. This is so basic. If a component sounds good, it is good. If it measures good, it doesn’t necessarily sound good. I can’t hear numbers. Specs are simply widely spaced guide posts. The fence is missing. Personally, I don’t care about the posts. I want to hear what Dave has to say about the fence. I’ve not heard the Pro’s, but I know exactly how they sound thanks to Dave’s insistence on the component under reviews ability to convey the art, and emotion that is the music. We can’t align ourselves with specs as a way to choose a component. We have limited resources. We can no longer go down the street and listen to the latest and greatest. We depend on media to provide alternate guidance. We all listen to music. We all know the shape of our sound. What we don’t know is how what we hear relates to the numbers and graphs in most reviews. Dave tells us how it sounds to him. Honest and raw……. VALUABLE!!!! Dave…….YOU ROCK!!
I just got mine this week and haven't had enough time with them yet to try to fully describe them. They really are a very pretty design to look at, I think. I really like the combination of colors, materials and textures. Just holding them gives an immediate sense of how well built they are. Everything feels premium. The headband system works well for me, providing comfort for several hours. The ear pads are super soft. My only gripe is the stock cables; the short one is way too short at my desk, the long one way too long. I have a 7 foot Periapt on order. I don't take any of my headphones outside or do any travelling for work so they don't go on the train or the bus. I'll be running these on a Burson Conductor 3 or Woo Audio WA-6 and have a Schiit Lokius to provide a little bit of magic when I want it but don't expect to be using it a ton with these. I really enjoy the sound signature of these but have to admit to having not yet fully hearing it due to a bit of sinus/ear infection but I was pretty impressed hearing the impact of that bass line in Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" record from the 80's. The mids are pretty lush and if there is any uncertainty for me it is the high end at this point. I'm nearly 62 years old so I don't hear the same as 40 years ago, and then there is this ear thing I mentioned. Terrific review Dave, I always enjoy listening to your thoughts. I agree, it's a terrific headphone.
Great review as usual. I’m a little confused about by buying decision. I’m upgrading from DT880 to either 109 pro or Ananda Stealth. I like the dt880 but I want to upgrade. Which one should you recommend at sub 1k price range? I’ll primarily use it for movie watching, musics and gaming on my pc. How does the 109 compare with Ananda stealth?
Different types of presentation, Ananda is more analytical and has a larger stage. 109 Pro has better tone and timbre and a smoother, less aggressive presentation. Depends on what you seek sound wise.
Thanks, excellent review. Has me in a quandry now. Last few weeks I've been narrowing down my options and settled on getting the Anandas which is in your recommended gear! Now not sure. Sorry to be late to the comments. But would love to know which you feel is the best buy, considering the $200 price difference.
Two different sound presentations. Ananda is more analytical and 109 is more analog. Hifiman is brighter, isn't as warm and is direct in mids and treble presence. Stage is wider on Ananda. Details and resolution are similar.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks for the helpful comparisons. I'll mull over some other reviews with some Xmas mulled wine. Keep up the great work with your channel.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks Dave, i have he1000 stealth . This is fantastic Headphones but somehow it is not comfortable, too big. Now im looking for more comfi Headphones even maybe its a little downgrade sound wise.
@@TheHonestAudiophile today i received 109 pro. Very good sound for this money. Of course it is not same level as HEK stealth but comfort of 109 pro is the best i’ve ever tried.
Any comparisons with ZMF headphones? Very nice compelling review! Any iem’s around or below this price point that might compete? Very relatable reviews 🙏
I have owned these for about 4 months, my first pair of high-end headphones. First impressions - way too spicy on top, almost sent them back. However I decide to give them time - and maybe burn-in and my ears getting used to the sound I began to love them. Very musical headphone really vivid and realistic take on the music EXCEPT that spicy treble just gnawing at my ears - on my mojo 2 it’s less of a problem (better synergy), but on my schiit midgard and draco r2r dac it’s sounding articifially bright - I listen to a lot of jazz especially brass instruments, and those instruments particularly sound a too bright with a slightly artificial timbre. I think I will sell mine on and look for some alternatives.. any suggestions?
Thanks for the impressions. Sennheiser HD660s2 might be more to your liking. The Audio Technica R70X is another option that I enjoy with jazz and classical.
Hi, my 2 go to cans at present are Ananda stealth & HD6XX, I only listen via CD transport, Co-Ax to SMSL D300 into Singser SA-1 all balanced and 4.4 balanced cables on both sets of cans. I have over 2500 CD's and 80% are vocal CD's. I find the Ananda a bit nasaly, and the vocals are not as clear and defined as the HD6XX, which although an inferior listen overall, are much nicer for congested mid ranges as lyrics are more followable as they are cleaner & clearer, more forward. SO, sorry for the long intro, would these 109 pro be more like the 6XX or Ananda, as I really prefer the detailing of the vocals rather than a larger soundstage, and l still listen predominantly to the 6XX, and think these 109 pro might be my answer, or a recommendation of something that gives excellent vocals 👍
Loving your review style i wish Meze 109 pro was had a 70MM driver like the Z1R does so it gives me a Sensation and sounds closer real life Because that's what those large drivers do for me Especially the 106 mm round shape planar drivers and 50ohms and meze Elites were 50ohms so there sounded extremely better than what they're currently are because the higher the ohms are on a planar Magnetics the better they sound from my experience
I have a sennheiser hd 600 and a Hd 580 and I love their family sound although I find the Hd 600 better obviously. I also have a newer Philips Fidelio X2HR that really impressed me but for me they are fine only to watch movies and listen to disco music. Someone says that they are better than HD 600 but do not agree. In your opinion, the Meze 109 Pro is really an upgrade compared to Hd 600? I’m really undecided whether to buy them or not. Maybe HD 800s or 8xx are better?
For $800 why not provide excellent cables?? So many companies create great headphones / IEMs which you then 'have to' spend more to get a descent cable? you assume they would want the best sound for their product but I guess they manage to save a few pennies . . . .Sighs . . . :)
Thankfully the cable sounds good it is just a little lackluster in build. So it is useable just a bit frustrating. I totally get your point though and wish it was a better cable included for the price.
@@TheHonestAudiophile My bigger complaint is that very few headphones, even expensive ones, provide anything but a single ended cable. More and more IEMs (even those far cheaper than the 109) are coming with modular cables providing multiple amp terminations. Maybe full size headphones should take note.
Stopped by because i loved my meze 99 classics and jumped all the way to the sony Z1r's (I love my warm signature I work in a Distribution Center so i get plenty of tinny treble lol) but i figured itd be nice to have a mid-fi real open back in my arsenal also I'm pilfering your test tracks
@@TheHonestAudiophile took me a good while to get through them with my old 32 yr old ears but ecstacy of gold is fantastic you definitely got a subscriber!
Is the bass (or base) on the Meze 109 Pro more pronounced or accentuated than on the Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro ? Same question about the clarity of voices (narrator voice in documentary or voice during interview videos for example).
@@TheHonestAudiophile Ok. But what do you think of Beyerdynamic overall? I don't do monitoring and yet the DT 990 pro (open headphones) are perfect for listening to learned music (Schoenberg, Bartok, Mahler, Beethoven, etc.) or for original recordings of jazz from 1920-40. It is also excellent for spoken vocals. It adds no or very little colorization or transformation of the sound (admittedly a little bass is undoubtedly added, which suits me just enough). The problem with all so-called audiophile headphones (Meze, Sivga P2 pro, Audeze, etc.) is that the bass are relatively pronounced and the midrange is more important than the clarity (according to my in-store tests). The result is that we can detect a form of artificiality, even if this can be very attractive in certain listening situations. With my Beyer I have the impression that I hear exactly the original sound. But this advantage can turn against itself: that is to say, when the soundtrack of the original audio or audio-video document is not very good or let's say average (which can happen relatively often on TH-cam ), the Beyer will not improve it, even if you can still erase too much brilliance for example by driving the Beyer via a quality DAC amp (in my case the iFi audio Zen DAC / iFi audio Zen Can combo) which often solves the problem by providing richer or less compressed sound in higher volume situations. About headphone Beyerdynamic dt 990 pro, 3 suggestions : 1) Search on this platform by entering the title: beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones Review. 2) There is also this other video with the title: Beyerdynamic DT990 Are Scientific Perfection 3) Finally: an excellent teacher for learning the piano also talks about it (this time in French, simply activate the subtitles and choose English). The title is: “Quel CASQUE CHOISIR pour son PIANO NUMERIQUE (+ mon casque parfait)”. Go straight to 7:43
@paulwoaert I own a pair of Byerdynamic DT880 6009hm. I own the Custom Studios 5 years ago. I don't have a lot of experience with Beyerdynamic headphones and I don't recall the DT990 very well as I've not heard them in a very long time. I'm glad you enjoy them.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I am surprised that you do not have much experience with Beyerdynamic because it is a prestigious german brand in the world of professional headphones, very present in professional studios, for monitoring but also by the hosts of major radio channels. At least in Europe.
109 Pro has more bass extension and impact than both. The 6xx is more mid forward but has less treble extension, stage is similar size, 109 Pro is better detailed and resolving, 6xx has slightly better tone and timbre. 660s2 has better note weight, tone and timbre, slightly wider stage, the 109 Pro is more elevated and energetic in the uppers, details and resolution are similar.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks, so if I prefer natural timbre, thick vocals and meaty piano notes, I should go for 660S2? Also, can you maybe through in a couple of alternatives from other manufacturers (even if they cost maximum twice as much?).
Hey Dave - I'm running into a problem that I'm hoping you might be able to guide me through. I have written to you before about how much I love my Meze Rai Pentas - but, I am having some issues with Tinnitus and my doctor is suggesting I stop the use of IEMs - ugh!!! I had actually tried the HD6xx as a possible option, but they lasted about a week as I thought the Rai Pentas were so much better that I just couldn't listen to the 6xx. My question is, if I went to the 109 Pro, do you think I would have this same experience or would the 109 Pros live up to (or surpass) what I like so much about my Rai Pentas? Ultimately, I would like to get to the Empyreans, but that could be a ways off. Thanks so much as always - your time and help is so appreciated!
Yeah I understand, IEM can cause tinnitus for some of us. Sorry you are having that issue. As for a similar sound to Rai Penta, the 109 Pro has a bit of the Meze house sound and is closer than the 6xx.
Thanks Dave - as a quick follow up question . . . if I'm forced to part with my beloved Rai Pentas, where/how do you recommend attempting to sell them (if possible)? Thanks again!
I don't think you'd have to part with the Rai Penta, just limit the usage. But if you do have to sell there are several places, head-fi and eBay are the two I use.
Great review, maybe a bit weird, but I do want to ask your opinion on choosing the Meze 109 Pro and the Arya stealth, because both of these headphones cost $1000 in China, while the ananda stealth only costs 400usd.
First off, I haven't heard the Ananda Stealth. Second, the Hifiman will be harder to drive as they are planar. Third, the 109 Pro has a more natural tone and isn't as bright sounding in the uppers. The Arya Stealth is more detailed, resolving.
660s and 109 Pro are similar especially for jazz music. The 109 Pro is slightly better with detail retrieval and resolution but the 660s has a better stage.
Different presentations. R70x have a super wide, open stage, lighter, airier presentation with natural tone and timbre. The 109 Pro is fuller, not as wide of a stage, more bass impact, slightly more lower treble elevation, warmer tone and timbre.
Depends on the situation, for more critical listening the R70x, for more chill and relax the 109 Pro. But I'd probably pick up the R70x more often than not.
That is a good question. I haven't heard the Focal Clear since I reviewed it. If memory serves me correctly, the Focal is more analytical leaning and sounds best on tubes or a warmer amplifier; on some solid state amps the tone and timbre sounds a touch metallic. The Meze is the more all-arounder sound and the Focal is the more business first listen.
I haven't heard the 109 Pro so can't compare them, but they're not in the same price range. I recently got a great deal on a new Arya Stealth (10% off the recent price drop) and they were still half again as much as the 109 Pro (and it comes in a cardboard shoebox with zero accessories, probably keeping the price a little lower than it would be).
@Jason Copeland Different types of presentation, Ananda is more analytical and has a larger stage. 109 Pro has better tone and timbre and a smoother, less aggressive presentation. Depends on what you seek sound wise.
@@TheHonestAudiophile as I am going to say in other comment, I am not agree that the Ananda is more aggressive, in a side by side comparison I perceived just the opposite, the Ananda was more natural and soft and the 109 more aggressive and vivid.
To be honest, I don't have either in house anymore to do a comaprison so this is based off my memory. The 109 Pro has a slight edge in natural tone, stage width and the Empyrean has more bass impact, slightly better timbre, better depth, layering, detail retrieval and resolution. I haven't owned the Empyrean for about a year as I sold it to purchase the Audeze LCD-5 so I was unable to do a side by side comparison with the Meze 109 Pro.
I know this is a year old but I just don't get the issue with cables. If a cable helps to deliver great sound, I'm happy - the end. To dislike (or like) a cable on any other basis is questionable. Sound quality is all that matters. If they don't seem 'premium', well yes and so what.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Ahh, understood. It's like having to accept a surgeon operating on you, who although the most qualified and experienced is far from the beauty of your first choice, 'call me Cindy' a qualified beautician and trainee doctor, looks fantastic in a white coat....Sir, the prize is sound quality, looks are a distant bonus. They are not the same, they are not equal.
I totally agree that sound quality matters. But the build should match the headphones or IEM in my opinion. It doesn't have to be a super expensive cable just something that looks, feels good as well as performs well. Thanks for your comment.
For someone who already owns a 600, would you say the 109 is a pretty significant all around upgrade? Curious how close the 600 gets considering it's less than half the cost.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Oh my mistake, I had the video playing in the background while I was doing other stuff. Must’ve completely missed that part. Must’ve zoned out for a moment and zoned back in right when you started comparing the 8xx because I remember that part. Thanks!
@frogwater0, Did you end up doing the upgrade? Am in the same position as you, already having the HD600. And curious what your thoughts are if you did.
@@stfn112 nah, I was asking more out of curiosity. I’m actually quite happy with my 600 and haven’t seriously been considering an upgrade…at least not yet
Arya Stealth has wider, deeper stage, better detail retrieval and resolution and 109 Pro has a fuller note weight. Tone and timbre are similar and the Meze has an intimate cozy feel to the presentation.
Now I'm torn between this Meze 109 Pro, the Ollo Audio S5X, the Neumann NDH 30 and the Austrian Audio Hi-X65 and of course can't decide which one to buy... If you had to live on a desert island just before doomsday, which one of these would you take with you?
@@TheHonestAudiophile Sorry one more question, now I'm torn between the ifi go bar and the hidizs-xo dongles, which one would you recommend to go with the ollo s5x?
I wouldn't use a dongle with the S5X, they sound best off a desktop. But if I had to choose between the two you mentioned, I'd go with the GoBar from iFi, not the Go Link but the GoBar.
Different types of presentation, Ananda is more analytical and has a larger stage. 109 Pro has better tone and timbre and a smoother, less aggressive presentation. Depends on what you seek sound wise. Ananda is more amp picky. Haven't heard the Edition XS.
I love your reviews bro, but sometimes when u compare the heaphones at the end, i feel some contradiction in your opinions. On the one hand u say something like: "109 Pro has big, wide soundstage, very good depth to it" end at the end of the video: "soundstage wise the 109 pro and the HD600 are similar in size, the 109 pro just a little bit better". My problem with this is that the HD600 literally has the smallest soundstage among open back headphones, so if the 109 pro is just a little better in that regard, it just cant be big and spacious. No offense and its not against you but other reviewers too, these kind of phrases could be misleading and confusing. Like, i just dont know at the end of the video if their soundstage are above average on the market or below that, is it something like the hifiman sundara?
I don't want to cause more confusion as I haven't heard the 109 Pro since I reviewed and I don't recall enough about the stage differences at this point in time. Glad you enjoy the channel content. Thanks for watching and commenting.
What is your point of reference in determining timbral and tonal accuracy? Is it the sound of live, unamplified music occurring in space? Or are you just referencing one piece of flawed audio gear against another? If it’s the latter, then I can fully understand why you think the HD 600 can’t complete with the 109 Pro.
My analysis of tone and timbre is based on personal experience; I run a soundboard for my local church on a weekly basis where we have multiple instruments, vocalists and speakers in both amplified and non amplified usage. My wife plays 5 instruments and practices and plays daily at home. I also attend orchestra concerts and other musical events on a moderate level. All of those exposures along with listening to music for several hours a day go into my opinion and analysis of tone and timbre.
Would you say the Meze 109 (or any headphone for that matter) accurately reproduces the natural tone and timbre of those real instruments? I say headphones can give you a partial simulation of tone and timbre of some but not all aspects of what the real thing sounds like. Some can get part of a cello correct but mess up a flute and so on. Based on your comments on bass, midrange and treble, you make it sound like the 109 is the ideal “accurate” headphone that does nothing wrong. Where does that leave the much pricier flagship?
To be clear, I said the 109 Pro is one of the best under 1k. Yes, I believe headphones and IEM can get fairly close in reproduction to the real instrument. Those products that can are few but not rare.
@@TheHonestAudiophile this would be a great video to share, products that you find getting close to the “real” experience 🙏 Maybe in different categories, headphones, iem’s, amps, dacs? Thanks ✨🙏✨
The title is referencing that the HD600 has been regarded a long time as a benchmark for it's tone and timbre; I don't believe that it is an unfair title.
I got these on your advice and boy have I been enjoying them. They have something magical about them and I am not being silly. I just turned 61 and they are the best most beautiful and fun sounding headphones I have ever heard. I have heard a lot believe me. The 109 pros are worth every penny because I am enjoying my music more than I ever have. I am actually hearing things in the music that has eluded me before and that is with a 7 dollar iPhone dongle I kid you not. I have ifi hip dac but it’s almost not necessary. This with the dongle and Apple Music is just a joy. Thanks and I am a member of your site now!!!!!
Awesome 👍 Glad you enjoy the Meze 109 Pro. Thanks for the impressions. Thanks for the kind words and support, much appreciated 🙏
Amazing review, and this Meze is also amazing. It's incredible how good you describe your feelings when listening to a masterpiece. Thank you for your work, and thanks Meze for providing Dave this great headphone.
It really is an amazing headphone! Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated.
Unique way of describing the mids. I understand you immediately and enjoy seeing you being enjoyed.
I appreciate that! Glad you enjoyed the video.
I own the meze 109 pro is amazing .. after 200 hour burn in replace a better balance 4.4mm cable i can I prefer this over HD800 , HD6xx , Utopia, LCD-5 , they are so easy to drive u can just plug in with ur iPhone or ipadpro they sound very good
Sounds like the headphone I've been searching for for quite some time. I've read some comments regarding hot and spicy treble, but I've always trusted your ears and reviews. I think we have similar taste in sound presentation. Another excellent review. Wish I had checked it out earlier. Officially sold!
Awesome. I hope you get an opportunity to hear the 109 Pro at some point. Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated 👍
This is the second video I'm looking from you, and you are jst fanstatic commenting truthfully what you feel. Than you. Eric (From south of France)
Thanks 👍 Glad you enjoy the channel content.
I stopped by out of curiosity and was seriously impressed by your test track list, which I'm sure took some effort to build up. More than sufficiently impressed to subscribe. Thanks.
Awesome 👍😎 Thank you for subscribing.. I'm glad you found the test tracks impressive.
Thank you Dave. Loved this and helps my decision on this headphone. It is pricey, but sounds to be a good choice for great sound and not taking out a mortgage to get it. I do like the Meze products, they are quality. I am saving for this one.
Awesome 😎 Glad you found the review helpful.
Just got mine for about a week. It is really a great improvement from my 1st headphone, HD660s in every aspect. The copper PCUHD from Meze makes it even better! Definitely love the look and the comfort of this headphone.
Thanks for sharing; glad you enjoy the Meze 109 Pro.
I think these are my next full size headphones I'm going to buy. Thanks for the great review, Dave.
Also, can you add chapters to your videos?
Awesomeness!
As for chapters, thanks for the suggestion, I will consider it.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I second this 👍
Your connection to music, and mine are very closely aligned.
When reviewing a product designed and built to reproduce music, the focus should be on the music, not endless specs and graphs. I’ve never heard a musician discuss music in audiophile terms, unless of coarse, they were also an audiophile.
This is so basic.
If a component sounds good, it is good. If it measures good, it doesn’t necessarily sound good.
I can’t hear numbers.
Specs are simply widely spaced guide posts. The fence is missing. Personally, I don’t care about the posts. I want to hear what Dave has to say about the fence. I’ve not heard the Pro’s, but I know exactly how they sound thanks to Dave’s insistence on the component under reviews ability to convey the art, and emotion that is the music.
We can’t align ourselves with specs as a way to choose a component. We have limited resources. We can no longer go down the street and listen to the latest and greatest. We depend on media to provide alternate guidance. We all listen to music. We all know the shape of our sound. What we don’t know is how what we hear relates to the numbers and graphs in most reviews.
Dave tells us how it sounds to him. Honest and raw…….
VALUABLE!!!!
Dave…….YOU ROCK!!
Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated. Honesty is the BEST policy!
Listening my friend ☕️🍤
I just got mine this week and haven't had enough time with them yet to try to fully describe them. They really are a very pretty design to look at, I think. I really like the combination of colors, materials and textures. Just holding them gives an immediate sense of how well built they are. Everything feels premium. The headband system works well for me, providing comfort for several hours. The ear pads are super soft. My only gripe is the stock cables; the short one is way too short at my desk, the long one way too long. I have a 7 foot Periapt on order. I don't take any of my headphones outside or do any travelling for work so they don't go on the train or the bus. I'll be running these on a Burson Conductor 3 or Woo Audio WA-6 and have a Schiit Lokius to provide a little bit of magic when I want it but don't expect to be using it a ton with these. I really enjoy the sound signature of these but have to admit to having not yet fully hearing it due to a bit of sinus/ear infection but I was pretty impressed hearing the impact of that bass line in Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" record from the 80's. The mids are pretty lush and if there is any uncertainty for me it is the high end at this point. I'm nearly 62 years old so I don't hear the same as 40 years ago, and then there is this ear thing I mentioned.
Terrific review Dave, I always enjoy listening to your thoughts. I agree, it's a terrific headphone.
Awesome 👍😎 Thank you for the early impressions. Hope you get feeling better soon so you can enjoy the 109 Pro in all its glory.
Great review Dave! Please do tell, how does these compare to Edition xs. Thanks
Sorry, I haven't heard the Hifiman Edition XS
Thanks Dave! You Rock👍👍👍
My pleasure, you're welcome
Yeah, I saw your drooling a bit there. So Dave? Ananda Stealth or the 109? Great review and articulation.
Haven't yet heard the Ananda Stealth 🤤
Great review as usual. I’m a little confused about by buying decision. I’m upgrading from DT880 to either 109 pro or Ananda Stealth. I like the dt880 but I want to upgrade. Which one should you recommend at sub 1k price range? I’ll primarily use it for movie watching, musics and gaming on my pc. How does the 109 compare with Ananda stealth?
Sorry haven't heard the Ananda Stealth.
@@TheHonestAudiophile what about compared to original Ananda?
Different types of presentation, Ananda is more analytical and has a larger stage. 109 Pro has better tone and timbre and a smoother, less aggressive presentation. Depends on what you seek sound wise.
Thanks, excellent review. Has me in a quandry now. Last few weeks I've been narrowing down my options and settled on getting the Anandas which is in your recommended gear! Now not sure. Sorry to be late to the comments. But would love to know which you feel is the best buy, considering the $200 price difference.
Two different sound presentations. Ananda is more analytical and 109 is more analog. Hifiman is brighter, isn't as warm and is direct in mids and treble presence. Stage is wider on Ananda. Details and resolution are similar.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks for the helpful comparisons. I'll mull over some other reviews with some Xmas mulled wine. Keep up the great work with your channel.
My pleasure, you're welcome.
hI dave, I listen to jazz often. Are that headphones good for piano and other acoustic instruments?
Yes, 109 Pro is good for jazz, piano and other instruments.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks Dave, i have he1000 stealth . This is fantastic Headphones but somehow it is not comfortable, too big. Now im looking for more comfi Headphones even maybe its a little downgrade sound wise.
@giorgivashakidze4805 I've not heard HE1K Stealth. I totally understand the comfort issue. Curious what you get next.
@@TheHonestAudiophile today i received 109 pro. Very good sound for this money. Of course it is not same level as HEK stealth but comfort of 109 pro is the best i’ve ever tried.
Glad you enjoy the 109 Pro.
Any comparisons with ZMF headphones?
Very nice compelling review!
Any iem’s around or below this price point that might compete?
Very relatable reviews 🙏
I have no ZMF to compare. I haven't heard a ZMF since an audio show I attended end of 2019.
I have owned these for about 4 months, my first pair of high-end headphones. First impressions - way too spicy on top, almost sent them back. However I decide to give them time - and maybe burn-in and my ears getting used to the sound I began to love them.
Very musical headphone really vivid and realistic take on the music EXCEPT that spicy treble just gnawing at my ears - on my mojo 2 it’s less of a problem (better synergy), but on my schiit midgard and draco r2r dac it’s sounding articifially bright - I listen to a lot of jazz especially brass instruments, and those instruments particularly sound a too bright with a slightly artificial timbre.
I think I will sell mine on and look for some alternatives.. any suggestions?
Thanks for the impressions.
Sennheiser HD660s2 might be more to your liking. The Audio Technica R70X is another option that I enjoy with jazz and classical.
Thanks so much, I will investigate those options 😊
@francisgallagher4783 my pleasure, you're welcome
Hi, my 2 go to cans at present are Ananda stealth & HD6XX, I only listen via CD transport, Co-Ax to SMSL D300 into Singser SA-1 all balanced and 4.4 balanced cables on both sets of cans. I have over 2500 CD's and 80% are vocal CD's. I find the Ananda a bit nasaly, and the vocals are not as clear and defined as the HD6XX, which although an inferior listen overall, are much nicer for congested mid ranges as lyrics are more followable as they are cleaner & clearer, more forward. SO, sorry for the long intro, would these 109 pro be more like the 6XX or Ananda, as I really prefer the detailing of the vocals rather than a larger soundstage, and l still listen predominantly to the 6XX, and think these 109 pro might be my answer, or a recommendation of something that gives excellent vocals 👍
I compared the 109 Pro and the HD600 and the HD6xx is very similar to the HD600.
Loving your review style i wish Meze 109 pro was had a 70MM driver like the Z1R does so it gives me a Sensation and sounds closer real life Because that's what those large drivers do for me Especially the 106 mm round shape planar drivers and 50ohms and meze Elites were 50ohms so there sounded extremely better than what they're currently are because the higher the ohms are on a planar Magnetics the better they sound from my experience
I have a sennheiser hd 600 and a Hd 580 and I love their family sound although I find the Hd 600 better obviously. I also have a newer Philips Fidelio X2HR that really impressed me but for me they are fine only to watch movies and listen to disco music. Someone says that they are better than HD 600 but do not agree.
In your opinion, the Meze 109 Pro is really an upgrade compared to Hd 600? I’m really undecided whether to buy them or not.
Maybe HD 800s or 8xx are better?
Here is a link to my X2HR review, it should explain my thoughts on if the Meze 109 Pro is an upgrade. .
th-cam.com/video/RgreIwpDyeM/w-d-xo.html
Thank you
My pleasure, you're welcome
For $800 why not provide excellent cables?? So many companies create great headphones / IEMs which you then 'have to' spend more to get a descent cable? you assume they would want the best sound for their product but I guess they manage to save a few pennies . . . .Sighs . . . :)
Thankfully the cable sounds good it is just a little lackluster in build. So it is useable just a bit frustrating. I totally get your point though and wish it was a better cable included for the price.
@@TheHonestAudiophile My bigger complaint is that very few headphones, even expensive ones, provide anything but a single ended cable. More and more IEMs (even those far cheaper than the 109) are coming with modular cables providing multiple amp terminations. Maybe full size headphones should take note.
A few headphone have come with modular cables and/or adapters but it would be nice for more to include them for sure.
Stopped by because i loved my meze 99 classics and jumped all the way to the sony Z1r's (I love my warm signature I work in a Distribution Center so i get plenty of tinny treble lol) but i figured itd be nice to have a mid-fi real open back in my arsenal also I'm pilfering your test tracks
Enjoy the test tracks 👍 Glad you enjoy the Sony Z1r.
@@TheHonestAudiophile took me a good while to get through them with my old 32 yr old ears but ecstacy of gold is fantastic you definitely got a subscriber!
Thanks for subscribing and glad you enjoyed the test tracks.
Is the bass (or base) on the Meze 109 Pro more pronounced or accentuated than on the Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro ? Same question about the clarity of voices (narrator voice in documentary or voice during interview videos for example).
Sorry I haven't heard the DT990 pro in a very long time and don't recall enough to do a fair comparison.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Ok. But what do you think of Beyerdynamic overall? I don't do monitoring and yet the DT 990 pro (open headphones) are perfect for listening to learned music (Schoenberg, Bartok, Mahler, Beethoven, etc.) or for original recordings of jazz from 1920-40. It is also excellent for spoken vocals. It adds no or very little colorization or transformation of the sound (admittedly a little bass is undoubtedly added, which suits me just enough). The problem with all so-called audiophile headphones (Meze, Sivga P2 pro, Audeze, etc.) is that the bass are relatively pronounced and the midrange is more important than the clarity (according to my in-store tests). The result is that we can detect a form of artificiality, even if this can be very attractive in certain listening situations. With my Beyer I have the impression that I hear exactly the original sound. But this advantage can turn against itself: that is to say, when the soundtrack of the original audio or audio-video document is not very good or let's say average (which can happen relatively often on TH-cam ), the Beyer will not improve it, even if you can still erase too much brilliance for example by driving the Beyer via a quality DAC amp (in my case the iFi audio Zen DAC / iFi audio Zen Can combo) which often solves the problem by providing richer or less compressed sound in higher volume situations.
About headphone Beyerdynamic dt 990 pro, 3 suggestions :
1) Search on this platform by entering the title:
beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones Review.
2) There is also this other video with the title: Beyerdynamic DT990 Are Scientific Perfection
3) Finally: an excellent teacher for learning the piano also talks about it (this time in French, simply activate the subtitles and choose English). The title is: “Quel CASQUE CHOISIR pour son PIANO NUMERIQUE (+ mon casque parfait)”. Go straight to 7:43
@paulwoaert I own a pair of Byerdynamic DT880 6009hm. I own the Custom Studios 5 years ago. I don't have a lot of experience with Beyerdynamic headphones and I don't recall the DT990 very well as I've not heard them in a very long time. I'm glad you enjoy them.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I am surprised that you do not have much experience with Beyerdynamic because it is a prestigious german brand in the world of professional headphones, very present in professional studios, for monitoring but also by the hosts of major radio channels. At least in Europe.
How does it compare to HD650 and HD 660S2? Thanks
109 Pro has more bass extension and impact than both. The 6xx is more mid forward but has less treble extension, stage is similar size, 109 Pro is better detailed and resolving, 6xx has slightly better tone and timbre. 660s2 has better note weight, tone and timbre, slightly wider stage, the 109 Pro is more elevated and energetic in the uppers, details and resolution are similar.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks, so if I prefer natural timbre, thick vocals and meaty piano notes, I should go for 660S2? Also, can you maybe through in a couple of alternatives from other manufacturers (even if they cost maximum twice as much?).
@michaelbrown192 yes 660s2 for natural tone, timbre, thick vocals and meaty note weight.
Alternatives:
Hifiman Arya Organic
Audeze LCD-5
Sennheiser HD-8XX
This was an odd review coming from you, to me they have a colored warm sound with a base boost, not even close to HD600 natural sound.
Thank you for your impressions.
Hey Dave - I'm running into a problem that I'm hoping you might be able to guide me through. I have written to you before about how much I love my Meze Rai Pentas - but, I am having some issues with Tinnitus and my doctor is suggesting I stop the use of IEMs - ugh!!! I had actually tried the HD6xx as a possible option, but they lasted about a week as I thought the Rai Pentas were so much better that I just couldn't listen to the 6xx. My question is, if I went to the 109 Pro, do you think I would have this same experience or would the 109 Pros live up to (or surpass) what I like so much about my Rai Pentas? Ultimately, I would like to get to the Empyreans, but that could be a ways off. Thanks so much as always - your time and help is so appreciated!
Yeah I understand, IEM can cause tinnitus for some of us. Sorry you are having that issue.
As for a similar sound to Rai Penta, the 109 Pro has a bit of the Meze house sound and is closer than the 6xx.
Thanks Dave - as a quick follow up question . . . if I'm forced to part with my beloved Rai Pentas, where/how do you recommend attempting to sell them (if possible)? Thanks again!
I don't think you'd have to part with the Rai Penta, just limit the usage. But if you do have to sell there are several places, head-fi and eBay are the two I use.
Great review, maybe a bit weird, but I do want to ask your opinion on choosing the Meze 109 Pro and the Arya stealth, because both of these headphones cost $1000 in China, while the ananda stealth only costs 400usd.
First off, I haven't heard the Ananda Stealth. Second, the Hifiman will be harder to drive as they are planar. Third, the 109 Pro has a more natural tone and isn't as bright sounding in the uppers. The Arya Stealth is more detailed, resolving.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you, just a little extra question, is the soundstage of Arya stealth much larger than that of 109 pro?
Different presentation, the Arya Stealth is wide and airy, the 109 Is more natural sized.
@@TheHonestAudiophile that helps a lot, thank you😀
@@yinsiren6656 My pleasure, you're welcome
Is that upgrade over the Hd660s? (For Jazz Music)
660s and 109 Pro are similar especially for jazz music. The 109 Pro is slightly better with detail retrieval and resolution but the 660s has a better stage.
Hello. How do they compare to the ATH R70X? Thank you very much in advance.
Different presentations. R70x have a super wide, open stage, lighter, airier presentation with natural tone and timbre. The 109 Pro is fuller, not as wide of a stage, more bass impact, slightly more lower treble elevation, warmer tone and timbre.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Which one would you prefer and why?
Depends on the situation, for more critical listening the R70x, for more chill and relax the 109 Pro. But I'd probably pick up the R70x more often than not.
I have the Audeze MM 500’s are these worth getting if I have those?
Sorry haven't heard the MM 500.
These or the Focal Clear OGs?....they are within $40 of each other at the moment.
That is a good question. I haven't heard the Focal Clear since I reviewed it. If memory serves me correctly, the Focal is more analytical leaning and sounds best on tubes or a warmer amplifier; on some solid state amps the tone and timbre sounds a touch metallic. The Meze is the more all-arounder sound and the Focal is the more business first listen.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you, as luck would have it I have a tube amp.
Would you prefer the 109 pros to the Ananda Stealth in this price range? Thanks
I haven't heard the 109 Pro so can't compare them, but they're not in the same price range. I recently got a great deal on a new Arya Stealth (10% off the recent price drop) and they were still half again as much as the 109 Pro (and it comes in a cardboard shoebox with zero accessories, probably keeping the price a little lower than it would be).
Ananda and 109 pro are only $100 apart. I’d consider that in the same price range. Thanks
@Jason Copeland
Different types of presentation, Ananda is more analytical and has a larger stage. 109 Pro has better tone and timbre and a smoother, less aggressive presentation. Depends on what you seek sound wise.
@@jlc8047 You're right. My bad--I read Arya Stealth.
@@TheHonestAudiophile as I am going to say in other comment, I am not agree that the Ananda is more aggressive, in a side by side comparison I perceived just the opposite, the Ananda was more natural and soft and the 109 more aggressive and vivid.
Might be a bit unfair but what do you reckon about the 109 vs the Empys?
To be honest, I don't have either in house anymore to do a comaprison so this is based off my memory. The 109 Pro has a slight edge in natural tone, stage width and the Empyrean has more bass impact, slightly better timbre, better depth, layering, detail retrieval and resolution. I haven't owned the Empyrean for about a year as I sold it to purchase the Audeze LCD-5 so I was unable to do a side by side comparison with the Meze 109 Pro.
hey Dave, requesting ur suggestion
Which is better Tri X HBB Kai or this(Meze 109 pro), i would buy one depending on ur suggestion.
If the bank account is able, I would choose the Meze 109 Pro.
I know this is a year old but I just don't get the issue with cables. If a cable helps to deliver great sound, I'm happy - the end. To dislike (or like) a cable on any other basis is questionable. Sound quality is all that matters. If they don't seem 'premium', well yes and so what.
So people like a quality built, nice feeling cable along with a quality sound. I tend to be one of those which is why I discuss the cable build.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Ahh, understood. It's like having to accept a surgeon operating on you, who although the most qualified and experienced is far from the beauty of your first choice, 'call me Cindy' a qualified beautician and trainee doctor, looks fantastic in a white coat....Sir, the prize is sound quality, looks are a distant bonus. They are not the same, they are not equal.
I totally agree that sound quality matters. But the build should match the headphones or IEM in my opinion. It doesn't have to be a super expensive cable just something that looks, feels good as well as performs well.
Thanks for your comment.
For someone who already owns a 600, would you say the 109 is a pretty significant all around upgrade? Curious how close the 600 gets considering it's less than half the cost.
Comparison to HD600 is at 14:50 mark.
th-cam.com/video/HaiXGRJRSTE/w-d-xo.html
@@TheHonestAudiophile Oh my mistake, I had the video playing in the background while I was doing other stuff. Must’ve completely missed that part. Must’ve zoned out for a moment and zoned back in right when you started comparing the 8xx because I remember that part. Thanks!
My pleasure, you're welcome.
@frogwater0, Did you end up doing the upgrade? Am in the same position as you, already having the HD600. And curious what your thoughts are if you did.
@@stfn112 nah, I was asking more out of curiosity. I’m actually quite happy with my 600 and haven’t seriously been considering an upgrade…at least not yet
How does the meze 109 compare to the Arya Stealth? I'm thinking to pick either one.
Arya Stealth has wider, deeper stage, better detail retrieval and resolution and 109 Pro has a fuller note weight. Tone and timbre are similar and the Meze has an intimate cozy feel to the presentation.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you! You are the best! 😊
My pleasure, you're welcome
Now I'm torn between this Meze 109 Pro, the Ollo Audio S5X, the Neumann NDH 30 and the Austrian Audio Hi-X65 and of course can't decide which one to buy...
If you had to live on a desert island just before doomsday, which one of these would you take with you?
I'd take the Ollo S5X if I had to choose between all of those. Keep in mind I've not heard the X65 or NDH30
@@TheHonestAudiophile Great, thank you very much!
My pleasure, you're welcome.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Sorry one more question, now I'm torn between the ifi go bar and the hidizs-xo dongles, which one would you recommend to go with the ollo s5x?
I wouldn't use a dongle with the S5X, they sound best off a desktop. But if I had to choose between the two you mentioned, I'd go with the GoBar from iFi, not the Go Link but the GoBar.
How do they sound compare to hifiman edition xs or ananda?
Different types of presentation, Ananda is more analytical and has a larger stage. 109 Pro has better tone and timbre and a smoother, less aggressive presentation. Depends on what you seek sound wise. Ananda is more amp picky.
Haven't heard the Edition XS.
Do you recommend this headphone for tubes?
Yes, the 109 Pro sounds great on tube amp.
is 109 good upgrade from hd 660s?
Yes in my opinion it is an upgrade but a different presentation.
Are those close or better than HD 660s ? In your opinion ?
They're an upgrade to the 660s.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank u very much i will Buy them.
I look forward to hearing your impressions.
No compare to the 99`s?
99 Classic is closed back, smaller stage, less depth and layering, boomier bass, warmer, less detailed and less resolving.
💕👍
Does it scale like the 600’s?
Meze 109 Pro scale with gear, especially tube amps.
Most natural soun ? No no no they have colored sound . Bass is not true. Its not flat at all
I agree, this review is odd, they doesn't come close to HD600 when it comes to natural sound.
@@kentbergstrom3020 yes i agree
I love your reviews bro, but sometimes when u compare the heaphones at the end, i feel some contradiction in your opinions. On the one hand u say something like: "109 Pro has big, wide soundstage, very good depth to it" end at the end of the video: "soundstage wise the 109 pro and the HD600 are similar in size, the 109 pro just a little bit better". My problem with this is that the HD600 literally has the smallest soundstage among open back headphones, so if the 109 pro is just a little better in that regard, it just cant be big and spacious. No offense and its not against you but other reviewers too, these kind of phrases could be misleading and confusing. Like, i just dont know at the end of the video if their soundstage are above average on the market or below that, is it something like the hifiman sundara?
I don't want to cause more confusion as I haven't heard the 109 Pro since I reviewed and I don't recall enough about the stage differences at this point in time.
Glad you enjoy the channel content. Thanks for watching and commenting.
What is your point of reference in determining timbral and tonal accuracy? Is it the sound of live, unamplified music occurring in space? Or are you just referencing one piece of flawed audio gear against another? If it’s the latter, then I can fully understand why you think the HD 600 can’t complete with the 109 Pro.
My analysis of tone and timbre is based on personal experience; I run a soundboard for my local church on a weekly basis where we have multiple instruments, vocalists and speakers in both amplified and non amplified usage. My wife plays 5 instruments and practices and plays daily at home. I also attend orchestra concerts and other musical events on a moderate level. All of those exposures along with listening to music for several hours a day go into my opinion and analysis of tone and timbre.
Would you say the Meze 109 (or any headphone for that matter) accurately reproduces the natural tone and timbre of those real instruments? I say headphones can give you a partial simulation of tone and timbre of some but not all aspects of what the real thing sounds like. Some can get part of a cello correct but mess up a flute and so on.
Based on your comments on bass, midrange and treble, you make it sound like the 109 is the ideal “accurate” headphone that does nothing wrong. Where does that leave the much pricier flagship?
To be clear, I said the 109 Pro is one of the best under 1k.
Yes, I believe headphones and IEM can get fairly close in reproduction to the real instrument. Those products that can are few but not rare.
@@TheHonestAudiophile this would be a great video to share, products that you find getting close to the “real” experience 🙏
Maybe in different categories, headphones, iem’s, amps, dacs?
Thanks ✨🙏✨
@ScottoGrotto Thank you for the suggestion.
LIKE 292
👍
HD600 is a available for $275 most of the time and this headphone is like $800. The title is not fair
The title is referencing that the HD600 has been regarded a long time as a benchmark for it's tone and timbre; I don't believe that it is an unfair title.