Thank you for the great impressions, Tyler! Been thinking about visiting my local store and give them a try. Saw them at Munich High End and they felt comfy. 😊 Lean back signature is something I'd like to add. Usually going for the highly detailed stuff, when nowadays rarely taking my time for some focused listening. As my priorities in hobbies changed once again, this set is very interesting- from the sideline. Budget is right there, where I'm fine spending on this beauty Have a great time! Martin
I definitely agree with your impressions over how it sounds, the 109 pro being a bit of a Goldilocks is a good way to explain the experience . I have pad swapped mine to get a fuller, deeper low end and a bit more comfort. Pad swaps aren't the easiest because of the fitting so what I ended up doing is just pulling a pair of ZMF Auteur suedes over the cups (since they're a bit too large otherwise) vs. trying to feed it into the super narrow pad ring. Mod House's Xenon pads will insert into those slots pretty well but I don't think angle pads work out for the 109. ZMF pads on the 109 pro are 🤘. It's a price to performance monster, I've enjoyed it more than any Focal I ever owned and I end up listening to it more than ZMFs because it just sounds good and is so easy to drive. It also sounds great driven from a cheap guitar amp for what's it's worth. I haven't heard the Elites but have heard the Empyrean, own the Neo and Liric, and I think the 109 Pro is the best Meze product out there --> for the price.
I feel that… I distanced myself from a lot of the forums and discords… just too much drama and time taken away from the day… but might try engaging more again as well… thinking about starting a discord… 🤔🫣
@@TylersEclectic That's a great idea! So many people just trying to argue for the sake of it instead of enjoying what they like and letting others do the same. Audio is, most of the time, based on preferences after all.
Great impressions - I used to have a 109 and really liked the sound but comfort was an issue (larger ears + open metal grate covering the driver weren't a great mix). Any comparative thoughts between these and the Bokeh?
I would go with the Bokeh personally... but I'm biased lol... I need to ask Zach about getting a set in for demo =) I've only heard the prototype Bokeh at CanJam Socal so honestly not a good reference or opinion from me besides my biases speaking ha
Thanks lot Tyler for this very good and helpful review. I’m actually thinking of changing/upgrading my Hifiman Ananda which I use with a Naim Atom Uniti headphone amp. I tried the Focal Clear MG but was not convinced. How would the Ananda compare with the Meze 109 Pro? Another possibility I’m considering are the ZMF Aeolus although these are a bit more expensive than the Meze. Thanks in advance for any thoughts/suggestions/views. Best wishes, Ignacio
It has been a bit since I've heard the Ananda... but, the 109pro is a large departure from the Ananda sound... Ananda is details and highs while the 109pro is warmth and mids... think of the Ananda as a lean forward listen with lots of detail, speed, image separation and highs... while the 109pro is a lean back relax, lush and enveloping engagement with ear tickling mids ha... I'm also not a fan of the Hifiman sound signature... so biases on my sleeve... I'd personally go for the 109pro or Aeolus... ;) Aeolus is even more warm and engaging than the 109pro in my opinion...
@@TylersEclectic I would not agree on that, my Stealth version with high end cable and class A amp is nothing like Hifiman bright sound, its warmer with punch, highs are not piercing. I am ZMF fan and I was shocked that I rly liked a cheap Hifiman :) even more than Focal Clear
@@TylersEclectic nah I had before Arya V2 it was awful bright, too fatigue for me, but it seems those stealth versions are different at least Ananda is known as less bright more musical and I vote its true on good audio chain, for a planar it has right timbre just faster decay than dynamic drivers, makes it different yet enjoyable
Thanks for the review, Tyler. You know, this is the first time I find out impressions have not aligned. I have pretty much agreed with you (whether I stated it in the comments or not) with at least 15-20 pieces of audio gear I also tried. But this one... I tried it at two audio shows and found it strange sounding both times, it wasn't even a treble thing or lack of slam, it just sounded off, artificial timbre. Goes to show that indeed we all hear differently, even when so much aligns, still there are differences. I will have to try them again with different amps for sure, that might be the thing here...
Yeah, I can actually see/hear that a bit… but, I think I acclimated to it quickly… and just enjoyed listening to them. I think it comes from the lows and highs accentuating the mods without losing too much… but not sure 🤔
@@TylersEclectic Ah yes, I forgot the essential thing. I listened to them twice for max 15 minutes each time. Completely different ballgame than having them to listen at home and get used to the sound, even if just after 30 min. Thanks again for the review. I'll have to do a longer demo for sure.
Empy 1 is getting cheap these days m. The bass is quite satisfying for certain genres. As the prices approach $1k I might look to pick a set up. Used VC prices are dropping like a rock as well.
@@Peace_Guard 1266 is pretty dang slammy lol but fit is different…ZMF Eikon has good slam too, Fostex TH900 is another bassy boy…Campfire Audio Cascade is also fairly bass heavy…
@@Peace_Guard used market Eikons pop up every once in awhile… Caldera is one of the most balanced and “neutral” of the ZMF line up… honestly it’s fantastic… but doesn’t fall within what I personally like. I think the bass is solid but not bass head level of oomph if that makes sense.
My audio chain is also pretty warm leaning… so maybe helped curb any highs being piercing… I also don’t listen to a lot of “bright” or sibilant leaning music… Audio chains and music listening preferences will play heavily into how people perceive different gear and how they experience it. I’ll ask around, first time I’ve heard someone say they are bright… but I tend to not watch others reviews so I don’t get biased.
@@TylersEclectic For example Reddit threads mention that. Also head-fi. A lot of people say they enjoyed them, even a lot, but were unable to get or keep them due to this. But this isn't a majority opinion, just something that is mentioned often enough to tell that it is a problem for some listeners.
@@Peace_Guard oh, fair enough! A perfect example of “one persons treasure is another’s trash” sort of speak, all the more reason to do due diligence when reading watching reviews/opinions and seeing if your preferences align with the person giving their opinion on something… or at least have a reference point to understand their opinion :)
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Thank you for the great impressions, Tyler!
Been thinking about visiting my local store and give them a try. Saw them at Munich High End and they felt comfy. 😊
Lean back signature is something I'd like to add. Usually going for the highly detailed stuff, when nowadays rarely taking my time for some focused listening.
As my priorities in hobbies changed once again, this set is very interesting- from the sideline. Budget is right there, where I'm fine spending on this beauty
Have a great time!
Martin
Yeah, I feel ya on the ever changing hobby rotation… I want to do more of my hobbies on this channel:)
I definitely agree with your impressions over how it sounds, the 109 pro being a bit of a Goldilocks is a good way to explain the experience . I have pad swapped mine to get a fuller, deeper low end and a bit more comfort. Pad swaps aren't the easiest because of the fitting so what I ended up doing is just pulling a pair of ZMF Auteur suedes over the cups (since they're a bit too large otherwise) vs. trying to feed it into the super narrow pad ring. Mod House's Xenon pads will insert into those slots pretty well but I don't think angle pads work out for the 109. ZMF pads on the 109 pro are 🤘. It's a price to performance monster, I've enjoyed it more than any Focal I ever owned and I end up listening to it more than ZMFs because it just sounds good and is so easy to drive. It also sounds great driven from a cheap guitar amp for what's it's worth. I haven't heard the Elites but have heard the Empyrean, own the Neo and Liric, and I think the 109 Pro is the best Meze product out there --> for the price.
Yeah, it is a pound to price king of performance for sure! Plus looks fantastic!
Nice video as always Tyler!
Hey!!! How have you been!! 🫶
@@TylersEclectic Been amazing! Moved away from the hobby a bit, but might jump back in sometime soon 😉
I feel that… I distanced myself from a lot of the forums and discords… just too much drama and time taken away from the day… but might try engaging more again as well… thinking about starting a discord… 🤔🫣
@@TylersEclectic That's a great idea! So many people just trying to argue for the sake of it instead of enjoying what they like and letting others do the same. Audio is, most of the time, based on preferences after all.
Great impressions - I used to have a 109 and really liked the sound but comfort was an issue (larger ears + open metal grate covering the driver weren't a great mix). Any comparative thoughts between these and the Bokeh?
I would go with the Bokeh personally... but I'm biased lol... I need to ask Zach about getting a set in for demo =) I've only heard the prototype Bokeh at CanJam Socal so honestly not a good reference or opinion from me besides my biases speaking ha
Thanks lot Tyler for this very good and helpful review. I’m actually thinking of changing/upgrading my Hifiman Ananda which I use with a Naim Atom Uniti headphone amp. I tried the Focal Clear MG but was not convinced. How would the Ananda compare with the Meze 109 Pro? Another possibility I’m considering are the ZMF Aeolus although these are a bit more expensive than the Meze. Thanks in advance for any thoughts/suggestions/views. Best wishes, Ignacio
I got Ananda Stealth and there would be lot of convincing me to swap it for 2,5x more expensive 109 :)
It has been a bit since I've heard the Ananda... but, the 109pro is a large departure from the Ananda sound... Ananda is details and highs while the 109pro is warmth and mids... think of the Ananda as a lean forward listen with lots of detail, speed, image separation and highs... while the 109pro is a lean back relax, lush and enveloping engagement with ear tickling mids ha... I'm also not a fan of the Hifiman sound signature... so biases on my sleeve... I'd personally go for the 109pro or Aeolus... ;) Aeolus is even more warm and engaging than the 109pro in my opinion...
@@TylersEclectic I would not agree on that, my Stealth version with high end cable and class A amp is nothing like Hifiman bright sound, its warmer with punch, highs are not piercing. I am ZMF fan and I was shocked that I rly liked a cheap Hifiman :) even more than Focal Clear
@@soulfulfool I haven’t heard any of the new Hifimans… like the stealth and the organic… glad it isn’t typical stabs of Hifiman sound :)
@@TylersEclectic nah I had before Arya V2 it was awful bright, too fatigue for me, but it seems those stealth versions are different at least Ananda is known as less bright more musical and I vote its true on good audio chain, for a planar it has right timbre just faster decay than dynamic drivers, makes it different yet enjoyable
The 99 classics were a bit small for me. Are these bigger on cup/pad size? Thanks :)
Definitely bigger or at least deeper cups… I had a similar issue with the 99s
Thanks for the review, Tyler. You know, this is the first time I find out impressions have not aligned. I have pretty much agreed with you (whether I stated it in the comments or not) with at least 15-20 pieces of audio gear I also tried. But this one... I tried it at two audio shows and found it strange sounding both times, it wasn't even a treble thing or lack of slam, it just sounded off, artificial timbre. Goes to show that indeed we all hear differently, even when so much aligns, still there are differences. I will have to try them again with different amps for sure, that might be the thing here...
Yeah, I can actually see/hear that a bit… but, I think I acclimated to it quickly… and just enjoyed listening to them. I think it comes from the lows and highs accentuating the mods without losing too much… but not sure 🤔
@@TylersEclectic Ah yes, I forgot the essential thing. I listened to them twice for max 15 minutes each time. Completely different ballgame than having them to listen at home and get used to the sound, even if just after 30 min. Thanks again for the review. I'll have to do a longer demo for sure.
@@thelastrhino2581 if they need that long time to convince you, they are not worth it
Best Meze made and correct pricing, sorry Meze these sound way better than your Empyrean models!
🫶
Empy 1 is getting cheap these days m. The bass is quite satisfying for certain genres. As the prices approach $1k I might look to pick a set up. Used VC prices are dropping like a rock as well.
The 109’s are super awesome build and comfort. The lack of slam made them meh for me but still solid for tbe price.
💯 agree! I do like my slam/slap lol 😆
So which one would you guys suggest as best of the slammy ones, without tubes in the setup? Caldera, 1266, other?
@@Peace_Guard 1266 is pretty dang slammy lol but fit is different…ZMF Eikon has good slam too, Fostex TH900 is another bassy boy…Campfire Audio Cascade is also fairly bass heavy…
@@TylersEclectic Eikon got discontinued, from what I know. And how does Caldera fair against others you mentioned?
@@Peace_Guard used market Eikons pop up every once in awhile…
Caldera is one of the most balanced and “neutral” of the ZMF line up… honestly it’s fantastic… but doesn’t fall within what I personally like. I think the bass is solid but not bass head level of oomph if that makes sense.
Interesting how a lot of people consider 109's highs to be piercing, but you kind of experienced the opposite :)
My audio chain is also pretty warm leaning… so maybe helped curb any highs being piercing… I also don’t listen to a lot of “bright” or sibilant leaning music…
Audio chains and music listening preferences will play heavily into how people perceive different gear and how they experience it.
I’ll ask around, first time I’ve heard someone say they are bright… but I tend to not watch others reviews so I don’t get biased.
@@TylersEclectic For example Reddit threads mention that. Also head-fi. A lot of people say they enjoyed them, even a lot, but were unable to get or keep them due to this. But this isn't a majority opinion, just something that is mentioned often enough to tell that it is a problem for some listeners.
@@Peace_Guard oh, fair enough! A perfect example of “one persons treasure is another’s trash” sort of speak, all the more reason to do due diligence when reading watching reviews/opinions and seeing if your preferences align with the person giving their opinion on something… or at least have a reference point to understand their opinion :)