Audio T Verdict
The Meze 105 AER brings much of what makes the company's more ambitious open-back headphones so appealing into a considerably more accessible package.
It is a full-size open-back dynamic headphone built around Meze's 50mm driver architecture, with a carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose dome, ultra-thin PEEK torus and copper-zinc alloy stabiliser working together within the diaphragm assembly.
Meze's tuning deliberately leans towards a spacious, rich and refined presentation rather than chasing an aggressively analytical balance. The company describes a slight emphasis through the bass and sub-bass, intended to give music a fuller and more immersive foundation while retaining openness and separation between instruments.
The electrical specification also makes the 105 AER relatively straightforward to partner. At 42 ohms with a sensitivity of 112dB SPL/mW at 1kHz, Meze designed it to work from a broad range of sources, from portable equipment through to dedicated DAC and headphone-amplifier systems.
Comfort is a major part of the design. At 336g, the 105 AER is exceptionally light for a substantial open-back headphone, while the padded self-adjusting headband distributes weight automatically and the deep velour earpads provide a soft, breathable contact surface around the ears.
We also like Meze's approach to longevity. The 105 AER is constructed so that it can be taken apart and serviced rather than treated as a disposable sealed product, with replaceable individual components forming part of Meze's long-term ownership philosophy.
If you want an open-back headphone that combines easy system matching, all-day comfort and a warm, spacious musical balance without jumping immediately into four-figure territory, the 105 AER is a very strong place to start.
Meze 105 AER Open-Back Dynamic Headphones
The Meze 105 AER is a full-size open-back headphone designed around a 50mm dynamic driver, lightweight ergonomic construction and a warm, spacious tuning intended to work comfortably across a broad range of musical styles.
Its design draws on the Art Deco movement, combining curved three-dimensional forms with cast zinc-alloy hardware, a spring-steel outer headband and self-adjusting padded support strap.
Open-Back Headphone Design
The 105 AER is an:
Open-back over-ear headphone.
Unlike a closed-back design, the rear of the driver is open to the surrounding air rather than being sealed inside an enclosed earcup.
Open-back headphones are generally chosen for qualities such as:
- A spacious presentation
- Natural interaction between the driver and surrounding air
- A less enclosed listening sensation
- Clear separation between instruments
Open Back Means Sound Leakage
The 105 AER is not designed to isolate you from your surroundings.
People nearby will be able to hear some of what you are listening to, and external noise will remain audible. It is therefore best suited to quieter listening environments.
50mm Dynamic Driver
At the heart of each earcup is a:
50mm dynamic driver.
Meze developed the 105 AER around its established 50mm dynamic-driver architecture, modifying the membrane and frame to create a dedicated voicing for this model.
W-Shaped Driver Dome
The central W-shaped dome is made from:
Carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose composite.
Meze selected this material to combine low mass, durability and rigidity while helping control resonances that could otherwise contribute to harmonic distortion.
Why Reinforce Cellulose With Carbon Fibre?
A dynamic headphone diaphragm needs to move extremely quickly while maintaining its intended shape.
Adding carbon-fibre reinforcement allows Meze to increase the rigidity of the cellulose-based dome without creating an unnecessarily heavy moving assembly.
Ultra-Thin PEEK Torus
The outer torus surrounding the dome is made from:
PEEK - Polyether Ether Ketone.
PEEK is a lightweight semi-crystalline polymer with high tensile strength, stiffness and useful internal damping characteristics.
Within the 105 AER driver, it allows the outer section of the diaphragm to move quickly while maintaining structural control.
45.5-Degree Torus Grooves
Meze adds grooves to the PEEK torus positioned at:
45.5 degrees.
These grooves further reinforce the torus and form part of Meze's efforts to control the mechanical behaviour of the diaphragm.
Copper-Zinc Alloy Stabiliser
A:
Copper-zinc alloy stabiliser
surrounds the diaphragm assembly.
Meze uses this component to improve vibration absorption and further reduce unwanted distortion.
Three-Part Driver Approach
The principal diaphragm elements therefore consist of:
- Carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose W-shaped dome
- Ultra-thin PEEK torus
- Copper-zinc alloy stabiliser
Each part performs a different mechanical role while contributing to the overall behaviour of the 50mm dynamic driver.
5Hz to 30kHz Frequency Range
Meze specifies a frequency range of:
5Hz–30kHz.
This is the manufacturer's complete published frequency specification for the 105 AER.
Less Than 0.1% Total Harmonic Distortion
Meze specifies:
THD below 0.1% at 1kHz.
This specification is currently missing from the Audio T product page and should be added to the technical information.
42-Ohm Impedance
The 105 AER has a nominal impedance of:
42 ohms.
This relatively moderate impedance helps make the headphone compatible with a wide variety of suitable headphone outputs.
112dB SPL/mW Sensitivity
Meze specifies sensitivity at:
112dB SPL/mW at 1kHz.
Combined with the 42-ohm impedance, this supports Meze's intention that the 105 AER should be relatively easy to drive from both portable and home equipment.
Do You Need a Dedicated Headphone Amplifier?
Not necessarily.
The 105 AER can work with many suitable headphone outputs, including those built into:
- DACs
- Integrated amplifiers
- Network streamers
- Portable digital audio players
- Computers with suitable analogue output
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
A dedicated DAC or headphone amplifier can still be worthwhile where you want to improve source quality, output-stage performance or system flexibility.
Audio T Recommended Pairing: Chord Mojo 2
Audio T Reading has specifically highlighted the combination of the Meze 105 AER and Chord Electronics Mojo 2 as one of the cross-brand pairings discovered during its system experimentation.
The 105 AER's easy-to-drive electrical specification makes a compact DAC/headphone amplifier such as the Mojo 2 an especially neat partner for desktop or portable listening.
Read Audio T Reading's system-matching article.
Meze's Lush Sound Tuning
Meze describes the 105 AER's presentation as:
Spacious, lush and refined.
The tuning incorporates a degree of emphasis through the bass and sub-bass regions to create a fuller low-frequency foundation while maintaining the openness expected from an open-back headphone.
Designed Across Musical Genres
Rather than voicing the 105 AER for one narrow musical style, Meze deliberately developed it as an adaptable headphone intended to work across a broad range of genres.
Its combination of warmth, space and detail is intended for enjoyment rather than purely analytical monitoring.
336g Headphone Weight
Meze specifies:
336g.
This makes the 105 AER an unusually light full-size open-back model within Meze's headphone range.
Self-Adjusting Headband
The headband automatically adapts to the wearer rather than requiring conventional click-by-click adjustment.
The padded support strap distributes the headphone's weight across the head to provide even pressure and help maintain comfort during longer listening sessions.
Spring-Steel Outer Headband
The structural headband uses:
Spring steel.
This provides the flexible outer framework supporting the self-adjusting headband system.
Soft PU Leather Headband
The padded self-adjusting section is finished in:
Soft PU leather.
It forms the main contact area across the top of the head.
Deep Velour Earpads
The 105 AER uses deep, soft:
Velour earpads.
Meze chose velour for its soft and breathable characteristics, helping reduce heat build-up during extended listening.
PC-ABS Earcups
The earcups are made from:
PC-ABS.
This engineered polymer construction helps keep overall headphone weight down while providing the required structural rigidity.
Cast Zinc-Alloy Hardware
The connecting hardware uses:
Cast zinc alloy with PVD coating.
The metallic components provide rigidity at key structural junctions while contributing to the distinctive three-dimensional Meze design.
Art Deco Inspired Design
Meze describes the 105 AER as drawing inspiration from the bold curves and geometry of Art Deco design.
The headphone therefore combines a relatively lightweight structure with a more decorative sculptural form than many conventional studio-style headphones.
Dual 3.5mm TS Earcup Inputs
Each earcup uses an individual:
3.5mm TS input connection.
The detachable cable splits into separate left and right connectors at the headphone end.
Fully Detachable Cable
The cable is not permanently fixed to the headphones.
This makes replacement easier and forms part of the 105 AER's long-term serviceable design.
1.8m Kevlar OFC Cable Included
Meze supplies the 105 AER with a:
1.8-metre Kevlar OFC cable.
The source end terminates in a conventional 3.5mm headphone jack.
6.3mm Gold-Plated Adaptor Included
A:
6.3mm gold-plated jack adaptor
is supplied for connecting the 105 AER to full-size headphone sockets commonly found on hi-fi amplifiers, DACs and dedicated headphone amplifiers.
Cable Pouch Included
A separate pouch is supplied for storing the headphone cable and adaptor.
Hard EVA Carrying Pouch
Meze also supplies a:
Hard EVA carrying pouch.
This protects the headphones during storage and transport.
No Bluetooth or Battery
The 105 AER is a passive wired headphone.
There is no:
- Bluetooth
- Battery
- Active noise cancellation
- USB audio electronics
- App requirement
Its operation is entirely determined by the connected analogue source and amplifier.
Open Back Means No Active Isolation
The 105 AER is designed around acoustic openness rather than isolation.
If you regularly listen in shared rooms, on public transport or in noisy environments, a closed-back headphone may be more appropriate.
Built to Be Serviced
Meze places considerable emphasis on product longevity.
The 105 AER has been designed so that individual parts can be removed, serviced and replaced rather than requiring the entire headphone to be discarded if one component eventually wears or becomes damaged.
Why Serviceability Matters
Earpads, cables and mechanical components naturally experience wear over years of use.
A modular construction can extend the useful life of the complete headphone while reducing the need to replace otherwise perfectly functional components.
105 AER or 105 SILVA?
105 AER
- Open-back dynamic headphone
- 50mm driver
- Carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose dome
- PEEK torus
- PC-ABS earcups
- 42-ohm impedance
- 112dB SPL/mW sensitivity
- 336g weight
- Warm, lush tuning
- Entry point into Meze's current open-back range
105 SILVA
- Open-back dynamic headphone
- 50mm driver architecture
- Different diaphragm treatment and voicing
- Walnut wood incorporated into the earcups
- Designed as the next step within the 105 family
- Different aesthetic and acoustic execution
The two share the 105-family concept but should not be treated as the same headphone in different finishes. Their diaphragm execution, earcup materials and tuning differ.
Compare the Meze 105 SILVA at Audio T.
105 AER or 109 PRO?
The 109 PRO sits further up Meze's open-back dynamic headphone range, combining a different driver implementation with walnut earcups and more premium construction.
The 105 AER provides a more accessible route into Meze's open-back sound and ergonomic design philosophy.
Compare the Meze 109 PRO at Audio T.
Who Are the Meze 105 AER For?
Well Suited To
- Dedicated home music listening
- Customers wanting their first serious open-back headphone
- Listeners wanting a spacious presentation
- Long listening sessions
- Users who value low headphone weight
- Portable DAC and headphone amplifier systems
- Desktop headphone systems
- Listeners wanting replaceable parts and detachable cables
- Customers who prefer a warm and full-bodied balance
Check Before Buying
- Open-back construction leaks sound
- Provides very little isolation from outside noise
- Wired only
- No Bluetooth
- No active noise cancellation
- No integrated microphone
- Designed primarily for quieter listening environments
Key Features
- Meze 105 AER
- Open-back over-ear headphones
- Dynamic driver design
- 50mm driver
- Carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose dome
- W-shaped driver dome
- Ultra-thin PEEK torus
- 45.5-degree torus grooves
- Copper-zinc alloy stabiliser
- 5Hz–30kHz frequency range
- Less than 0.1% THD at 1kHz
- 42-ohm impedance
- 112dB SPL/mW sensitivity at 1kHz
- 336g weight
- PC-ABS earcups
- Cast zinc-alloy hardware
- PVD-coated hardware
- Spring-steel headband
- Soft PU leather support strap
- Self-adjusting headband
- Deep velour earpads
- Dual 3.5mm TS earcup inputs
- Detachable cable
- 1.8m Kevlar OFC cable
- 3.5mm source connection
- 6.3mm gold-plated adaptor included
- Hard EVA carrying pouch included
- Cable pouch included
- Fully serviceable modular construction
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Meze 105 AER open or closed back?
They are open-back over-ear headphones.
What size driver do they use?
Meze specifies a 50mm dynamic driver.
What is the driver dome made from?
The W-shaped dome uses a carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose composite.
What is the outer torus made from?
PEEK, or Polyether Ether Ketone.
What angle are the grooves in the torus?
Meze specifies 45.5 degrees.
What does the copper-zinc stabiliser do?
Meze uses it around the diaphragm to improve vibration absorption and further reduce distortion.
What is the frequency range?
5Hz to 30kHz.
What is the impedance?
42 ohms.
What is the sensitivity?
112dB SPL/mW at 1kHz.
What is the total harmonic distortion?
Meze specifies less than 0.1% at 1kHz.
Are they difficult to drive?
Meze specifically designed the 105 AER to be easy to drive from a broad range of portable and home sources.
Do I need a dedicated headphone amplifier?
Not necessarily, although a good DAC or headphone amplifier can still improve the overall source and amplification quality.
How much do they weigh?
336g.
Are the earpads velour?
Yes. Meze uses deep soft velour earpads.
Is the headband adjustable?
It is self-adjusting rather than using a conventional manual ratchet mechanism.
What are the earcups made from?
Meze specifies PC-ABS.
What is the structural hardware made from?
Cast zinc alloy with PVD coating.
Are the cables detachable?
Yes. Each earcup uses its own 3.5mm TS input.
What cable is supplied?
A 1.8m Kevlar OFC cable terminating in a 3.5mm source jack.
Is a 6.3mm adaptor included?
Yes. Meze supplies a gold-plated 6.3mm jack adaptor.
Is a carrying case included?
Yes. A hard EVA carrying pouch and separate cable pouch are supplied.
Do the 105 AER have Bluetooth?
No. They are passive wired headphones.
Do they have active noise cancellation?
No.
Do open-back headphones leak sound?
Yes. Sound leakage is inherent to the open-back design, and outside sounds will also remain audible.
Can I use them with a phone?
Yes, provided the phone or an external DAC adaptor provides a suitable analogue headphone output.
Can individual parts be replaced?
Yes. Meze specifically designed the 105 AER around a serviceable construction that can be dismantled and repaired.
Is the 105 SILVA just a different finish?
No. Although it belongs to the same 105 family, the 105 SILVA uses different materials, diaphragm treatment and tuning.
Can I hear the 105 AER before buying?
Where demonstration stock is available, contact your local Audio T store to arrange a listen.
Related Meze Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Headphone demonstrations where available
- Open-back versus closed-back advice
- Headphone and amplifier matching
- DAC and headphone amplifier guidance
- Portable and desktop system advice
- Meze range comparisons
- 105 AER versus 105 SILVA guidance
- 105 AER versus 109 PRO guidance
- Source compatibility advice
- Cable and connector guidance
- Fit and comfort demonstrations
- Replacement-part guidance
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store for advice on the Meze 105 AER, arranging a demonstration or matching the headphones with a suitable DAC, headphone amplifier or music source.