I currently own the Meze 109 Pro and the DC Noire as my open back and closed back headphones respectively. Some people might argue that headphones like the Empyrean 2 or the Dan Clark E3 are better, but I believe that you should enjoy the equipment you already have. If you can afford something truly amazing in the future, then go for it, but don't chase it. You can already get 90% of the pleasure from the Meze 109 Pro.
I love the modular design so much, and the sound quality is brilliant. However, like others, I find these too bright stock, so I'm gonna have to EQ. I also don't find them quite as comfortable as you and a lot of others reviewers seem to. I have fairly large ears and I think they touch the metal inside the ear cup, leading to discomfort after a short amount of time. I may have to look into some slightly thicker aftermarket ear pads. I also dislike the cable, there's a fair amount of cable noise. And due to the connection design, it will be difficult to find a suitable aftermarket cable. I also get some creaking while wearing them, that is probably just my unit though. Ultimately, I'll need to give it some more time, but I may end up going back to the Arya Stealth.
Love the headphones but the tuning was a bit bright after awhile or fatiguing. Eq’d them to make them more of a safe relaxing smooth listening. Can agree they are perfect comfort and great quality. Will be upgrading to a braided cable in the future.
A cable upgrade will definitely help out. I found the same issue with the Liric II. Also, they mellow out after a while, so it’ll get better over time.
Normally I just use my MacBook Pro m2 for music. Could you recommend a couple of setup’s (including cable if necessary ) for a newbie 😅 that loves Hans zimmer music 🎶 😊
I always hate recommending stuff like this because it’s such a personal choice! But as for cables, always go balanced 4.4mm, at least; XLR if possible. 1. Your laptop has plenty of power for most things 2. Go to a high-end audio shop and audition headphones. They can probably help WAY better than I can. 3. Determine your budget. I love the Audeze LCD-X, for example, but unless you have a solid amp, you get much better value for the dollar from something like a Focal Clear OG or this Meze 109 Pro. That said, I LOVE Hans Zimmer’s music, too! (Don’t ask me for a favorite: I love it all. But reeeeal fan of Inception.) For his style of music, you want something with really great dynamics and bass/percussive presence. The Focal Clear with maybe the iFi Zen DAC V2 and some balanced cables should give you a good starting point. The 109 Pro will, too: the sound isn’t quite as robust, but it’s waaay more comfortable and has a better sound stage. But I’d EQ this a little to give some extra boost between 1-3kHz. (I have a longer video of this that I didn’t release, but I might in the near future, which has this comparison + further details on the sound. But it was too long.) Anyway, without getting into further details, this is where I’ll stop myself. :-D
I thought the Empyrean (Empyrean II is now out as well, after the 109's) was their first open back, and these were an open back they have under 1000.00. I have the 99 Classics and they are nice except for the microphonics from the headband.(unless I got a bad set)
I want to buy one but I’m a little afraid to be too bright for me .. perhaps EQ it ? I don’t know .. I never owned a good headphone, I’m more an In ear type..
EQ would work. Getting a higher quality cable that attenuates the highs (like Mezes copper cables) would probably also do it. Obviously, this depends on how sensitive you are to those frequencies, though. They also calm down a bit over time. Another option for about the same price now is the Focal Clear, although these are MUCH more comfortable.
Wondering why they decided to go without dust cover inside. I mean that should likely improve sound, but... well... dust and stuff ain't good at all long-term, is it?
That’s a good callout, but I suspect it very much was a question of sound quality and frequency response. Personally, I don’t know that I would worry about dust that much, but that depends on where you live, I guess.
A little out of my price range right now but it sounds like these would be a good choice can't wait to hear about the closed back version. (Neighbors)😉
I currently own the Meze 109 Pro and the DC Noire as my open back and closed back headphones respectively. Some people might argue that headphones like the Empyrean 2 or the Dan Clark E3 are better, but I believe that you should enjoy the equipment you already have. If you can afford something truly amazing in the future, then go for it, but don't chase it. You can already get 90% of the pleasure from the Meze 109 Pro.
This is the right answer.
Great review Norb !
Norb happens to be my middle name.
We’re a rare breed. At least where I live!
Thank you for the kind words, and I’m always happy to meet another Norb!
I love the modular design so much, and the sound quality is brilliant. However, like others, I find these too bright stock, so I'm gonna have to EQ. I also don't find them quite as comfortable as you and a lot of others reviewers seem to. I have fairly large ears and I think they touch the metal inside the ear cup, leading to discomfort after a short amount of time. I may have to look into some slightly thicker aftermarket ear pads. I also dislike the cable, there's a fair amount of cable noise. And due to the connection design, it will be difficult to find a suitable aftermarket cable. I also get some creaking while wearing them, that is probably just my unit though. Ultimately, I'll need to give it some more time, but I may end up going back to the Arya Stealth.
have had mine for around a year now and still love them every second i use them
Great review! I will buy these eventually!
Thanks! (And so will I. So. Very. Comfy…)
Love the headphones but the tuning was a bit bright after awhile or fatiguing. Eq’d them to make them more of a safe relaxing smooth listening. Can agree they are perfect comfort and great quality. Will be upgrading to a braided cable in the future.
A cable upgrade will definitely help out. I found the same issue with the Liric II. Also, they mellow out after a while, so it’ll get better over time.
Normally I just use my MacBook Pro m2 for music. Could you recommend a couple of setup’s (including cable if necessary ) for a newbie 😅 that loves Hans zimmer music 🎶 😊
I always hate recommending stuff like this because it’s such a personal choice! But as for cables, always go balanced 4.4mm, at least; XLR if possible.
1. Your laptop has plenty of power for most things
2. Go to a high-end audio shop and audition headphones. They can probably help WAY better than I can.
3. Determine your budget. I love the Audeze LCD-X, for example, but unless you have a solid amp, you get much better value for the dollar from something like a Focal Clear OG or this Meze 109 Pro.
That said, I LOVE Hans Zimmer’s music, too! (Don’t ask me for a favorite: I love it all. But reeeeal fan of Inception.)
For his style of music, you want something with really great dynamics and bass/percussive presence. The Focal Clear with maybe the iFi Zen DAC V2 and some balanced cables should give you a good starting point. The 109 Pro will, too: the sound isn’t quite as robust, but it’s waaay more comfortable and has a better sound stage. But I’d EQ this a little to give some extra boost between 1-3kHz. (I have a longer video of this that I didn’t release, but I might in the near future, which has this comparison + further details on the sound. But it was too long.)
Anyway, without getting into further details, this is where I’ll stop myself. :-D
I thought the Empyrean (Empyrean II is now out as well, after the 109's) was their first open back, and these were an open back they have under 1000.00. I have the 99 Classics and they are nice except for the microphonics from the headband.(unless I got a bad set)
The Empyrean are open back isodynamic (planar). The 109 Pro are their first open back dynamic.
I want to buy one but I’m a little afraid to be too bright for me .. perhaps EQ it ? I don’t know .. I never owned a good headphone, I’m more an In ear type..
EQ would work. Getting a higher quality cable that attenuates the highs (like Mezes copper cables) would probably also do it. Obviously, this depends on how sensitive you are to those frequencies, though. They also calm down a bit over time.
Another option for about the same price now is the Focal Clear, although these are MUCH more comfortable.
@ thanks ! Appreciate the help .. I will se the focal and than I will decide.. but the 109 with other cable could be a good idea!
Wondering why they decided to go without dust cover inside. I mean that should likely improve sound, but... well... dust and stuff ain't good at all long-term, is it?
That’s a good callout, but I suspect it very much was a question of sound quality and frequency response.
Personally, I don’t know that I would worry about dust that much, but that depends on where you live, I guess.
@@NorbReviews But anyway the grill looks gorgeous, like the overall package 😎
A little out of my price range right now but it sounds like these would be a good choice can't wait to hear about the closed back version. (Neighbors)😉
That’s coming in a couple of weeks. (I would love it to be faster, but I’m both busy and slow.)
@@NorbReviews you have high production standards, it's understandable.
Yeah these are GOATed
Actually Meze Audio is the Rolls Royce in the Audiophile industry 😊
And Abyss is the Bugatti in Audiophile Industry 😅
That’s an excellent comparison.