Audio T Verdict
The Meze STRADA feels like the point where several of the company's most successful ideas meet. It takes the proven ergonomic chassis concept of LIRIC, combines it with dynamic-driver technology developed for the 109 PRO and places the whole thing inside a beautifully finished closed-back design.
That makes STRADA considerably more interesting than simply a closed version of the 109 PRO. The 50mm dynamic driver has been specifically tuned to operate inside a sealed acoustic chamber, with Meze carefully adapting its behaviour without losing the natural character of the original transducer.
The driver itself is unusually sophisticated for a conventional dynamic headphone. A carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose W-shaped dome handles the central part of the diaphragm, surrounded by an ultra-light semicrystalline polymer torus coated with beryllium using Physical Vapor Deposition.
The torus incorporates precisely positioned 45.5-degree grooves for additional structural reinforcement, while a copper-zinc alloy stabiliser surrounds the membrane to improve vibration absorption and further reduce unwanted distortion.
The result is a headphone Meze deliberately tunes around balance and control. There is a slight bass emphasis to provide body and impact, but the midrange remains neutral and transparent while the upper frequencies add detail and spatial information without pushing the complete balance into an overtly analytical direction.
Being closed back also gives STRADA a different practical role from 109 PRO. Sound leakage is substantially reduced, passive isolation improves and the headphone becomes much easier to use around other people without giving up the sort of openness and spatial organisation Meze wants from a serious listening headphone.
Comfort comes from the LIRIC side of the family. The lightweight magnesium frame, smooth stepless adjustment rods, padded headband and deep memory-foam cushions distribute the 330g weight particularly well.
The earpads use soft PU leather where they need to establish an acoustic seal, with Alcantara lining the inner chamber to help manage heat and moisture during longer listening sessions. Magnetic attachment makes eventual replacement quick and straightforward.
Macassar ebony covers give each pair a natural visual identity, while the magnesium chassis is hand painted in-house with four layers of a deep green metallic finish.
The supplied cable package is unusually useful too. Meze includes both 1.8m 3.5mm and 1.8m balanced 4.4mm leads, so STRADA can move between conventional hi-fi equipment and modern balanced portable or desktop headphone amplifiers without immediately requiring another cable.
If you want the openness of Meze's house sound but need the practical benefits of a closed-back headphone, STRADA is arguably the most straightforward current place to find it.
Meze STRADA Closed-Back Dynamic Headphones
Meze STRADA is a premium full-size closed-back dynamic headphone combining a 50mm driver, magnesium chassis, Macassar ebony detailing, magnetic earpads and a highly serviceable modular construction.
Its driver architecture originates from the Meze 109 PRO but has been specifically retuned to operate within the acoustic demands of a sealed enclosure.
STRADA Means Street
The name STRADA comes from the Romanian noun for:
Street.
Meze uses the name to reflect the journeys, memories and moments that shape our relationship with music.
Closed-Back Over-Ear Design
STRADA is a:
Closed-back over-ear dynamic headphone.
The rear of the driver operates within an enclosed chamber rather than being exposed to the surrounding room.
Compared with an open-back design, this provides practical advantages including:
- Reduced sound leakage
- Greater passive isolation
- More private listening
- Improved suitability for shared spaces
- Controlled acoustic loading behind the driver
Closed Back Is Not Active Noise Cancellation
STRADA is a passive wired headphone.
It does not contain electronic active noise cancellation. Isolation comes from the physical earcups, pads and acoustic seal.
50mm Dynamic Driver
At the heart of each earcup is a:
50mm dynamic driver.
The basic driver architecture was first introduced in the Meze 109 PRO.
Developed Specifically for Closed-Back Operation
Meze has not simply placed the 109 PRO driver into a sealed cup.
The driver has been retuned to accommodate the very different acoustic behaviour of a closed enclosure while retaining the natural qualities of the original transducer.
W-Shaped Dome
The central dome uses a:
W-shaped geometry.
Meze's detailed engineering description specifies the dome material as:
Carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose composite.
The material combines relatively low moving mass with increased rigidity and durability.
Why Reinforce Cellulose With Carbon Fibre?
The central section of a headphone diaphragm must move rapidly while resisting unwanted flexing.
Carbon-fibre reinforcement helps increase structural stiffness without adding excessive mass.
Meze associates the design with:
- Detailed high-frequency reproduction
- Clarity
- Definition
- Reduced unwanted resonance
- Lower harmonic distortion
A Note on Meze's Driver Terminology
Meze's shorter STRADA product summary describes the dome as a bio-cellulose composite.
The company's detailed engineering page describes it more specifically as carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose composite. The technical description here follows Meze's more detailed engineering wording.
Beryllium-Coated Torus
Surrounding the central dome is a torus made from:
Beryllium-coated semicrystalline polymer.
The coating is applied using:
Physical Vapor Deposition, or PVD.
Why Apply Beryllium?
The beryllium coating increases stiffness and durability while allowing the diaphragm assembly to remain sufficiently light for fast transient response.
Meze also highlights beryllium's damping properties as a means of suppressing unwanted resonances.
45.5-Degree Torus Grooves
The torus incorporates grooves positioned precisely at:
45.5 degrees.
These reinforce the outer section of the diaphragm and help control its mechanical behaviour.
Copper-Zinc Alloy Stabiliser
A:
Copper-zinc alloy stabiliser
surrounds the membrane.
Meze uses it to improve vibration absorption and further reduce unwanted distortion.
Three-Part Dynamic Driver Approach
The key moving elements therefore combine:
- Carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose W-shaped dome
- Beryllium-coated semicrystalline polymer torus
- Copper-zinc alloy stabiliser
Each performs a different mechanical role within the 50mm dynamic driver.
5Hz to 30kHz Frequency Range
Meze specifies:
5Hz–30kHz.
This is the manufacturer's complete published frequency-range specification for STRADA.
Less Than 0.1% Total Harmonic Distortion
Meze specifies:
THD below 0.1% at 1kHz.
40-Ohm Impedance
Nominal impedance is:
40 ohms.
This moderate impedance makes STRADA compatible with a broad selection of suitable home and portable headphone outputs.
111dB SPL/mW Sensitivity
Meze specifies:
111dB SPL/mW at 1kHz.
Combined with the 40-ohm impedance, this makes STRADA relatively easy to drive.
Do You Need a Dedicated Headphone Amplifier?
Not necessarily.
STRADA can work successfully from many suitable headphone outputs, including:
- Portable digital audio players
- Portable DAC and headphone amplifiers
- Desktop DAC/headphone amplifiers
- Network streamers
- Integrated amplifiers
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
A better DAC or headphone amplifier can still improve the complete system, but STRADA does not require unusually high amplifier power simply to operate properly.
Balanced and Refined Tuning
Meze describes STRADA's tonal balance as:
Balanced and refined.
The intention is to combine musical weight with control rather than deliberately exaggerating one part of the frequency range.
Slight Bass Emphasis
The low frequencies receive a subtle degree of emphasis to provide:
- Punch
- Body
- Weight
- Low-frequency presence
Meze nevertheless describes the bass itself as tight and well defined.
Neutral and Transparent Midrange
The midrange is tuned to remain comparatively neutral, preserving:
- Natural instrumental timbre
- Vocal clarity
- Separation
- Texture
Controlled Treble Energy
The upper frequencies add subtle energy to expose fine textures and spatial cues while retaining a smooth overall presentation.
Closed Back With a Natural Sense of Space
Closed-back headphones can sometimes sound more enclosed than equivalent open models.
Meze specifically tunes STRADA to maintain a natural sense of spatial organisation despite the sealed construction.
Audio T Heard STRADA at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show
Audio T Portsmouth listened to STRADA during the 2026 Bristol Hi-Fi Show and highlighted its detailed but smooth presentation, natural tonal balance and punchy yet controlled low frequencies.
Read: Top Picks from the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2026
LIRIC-Derived Chassis
STRADA inherits the fundamental ergonomic design of Meze's LIRIC chassis but replaces the Isodynamic planar driver with the 50mm dynamic architecture.
This gives STRADA much of LIRIC's proven fit and adjustment system within a lighter and considerably more accessible headphone.
Magnesium Frame
The principal chassis material is:
Magnesium.
Magnesium combines useful rigidity with relatively low mass and is a significant contributor to STRADA's 330g finished weight.
Hand-Painted In-House
Each STRADA chassis is painted by Meze's own artisans.
Meze applies:
Four separate layers of paint
to create the final colour, texture and depth.
Deep Green Metallic Finish
The magnesium frame uses a:
Deep green finish containing metallic particles.
The particles create a subtle changing sheen as the frame catches the light.
Macassar Ebony Ear Cup Covers
STRADA's earcups are adorned with:
Macassar ebony wood.
The dense hardwood is known for deep brown colouring with contrasting golden-brown grain.
Natural Wood Means Natural Variation
Macassar ebony is a natural material.
Small differences in:
- Grain
- Colour
- Pattern
- Contrast
are therefore normal and help make individual pairs visually unique.
Premium Material Construction
Meze highlights a combination of:
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Macassar ebony
- Leather
throughout STRADA's mechanical design.
Smooth Stepless Adjustment Rods
STRADA uses adjustment rods designed to move:
Smoothly without fixed clicks or sudden steps.
This allows fine adjustment to the exact wearing position rather than forcing the listener to choose between predetermined notches.
Soft-Padded Headband
The headband cushions are arranged around a:
Symmetrical cross pattern.
This helps distribute pressure across the head rather than concentrating it in one small area.
Airflow Through the Headband
The cushion arrangement also allows air to circulate through the support structure.
Meze uses this to help reduce heat and humidity during longer listening sessions.
330g Headphone Weight
Meze specifies:
330g / 11.64oz.
This is particularly manageable for a substantial closed-back headphone using magnesium, metal hardware and natural wood detailing.
Deep Memory-Foam Earpads
STRADA uses:
Deep memory-foam earpads.
The foam conforms around the side of the head to provide both comfort and the consistent acoustic seal required by a closed-back headphone.
Soft PU Leather Contact Surface
The pad surface that establishes the outer seal uses:
Soft PU leather.
This helps maintain consistent acoustic loading around the ear.
Alcantara-Lined Inner Chamber
The inner surface is lined with:
Alcantara.
Meze uses the material to help manage heat and moisture inside the cup during extended listening.
Magnetic Earpad Attachment
The pads attach using Meze's:
Magnetic mounting system.
They can therefore be removed and replaced without dismantling the headphone.
Why Magnetic Pads Matter
The magnetic system provides:
- Easier servicing
- Quick pad replacement
- Consistent positioning
- Proper acoustic sealing
Dual 3.5mm TS Inputs
Each earcup uses an individual:
3.5mm TS headphone input.
The detachable cables therefore split into separate left and right connectors at the headphone end.
Two Cables Included
Meze currently supplies two 1.8m analogue cables.
1.8m 3.5mm Cable
The first cable uses:
- Dual 3.5mm mono headphone connections
- 3.5mm stereo source termination
- 1.8m length
- Matte Black fabric finish
This is suitable for conventional portable and desktop headphone outputs.
1.8m Balanced 4.4mm Cable
The second supplied cable uses:
- Dual 3.5mm mono headphone connections
- 4.4mm balanced source termination
- 1.8m length
- Matte Black fabric finish
This makes STRADA ready for compatible balanced headphone amplifiers without needing an immediate cable upgrade.
Dual-Twisted OFC Construction
Meze describes the supplied leads as:
Dual-twisted OFC cables with Kevlar reinforcement.
OFC refers to oxygen-free copper conductor material.
6.3mm Gold-Plated Adaptor Included
A:
6.3mm gold-plated jack adaptor
is included for use with full-size headphone outputs on conventional hi-fi equipment.
PU Leather Cable Pouch
A dedicated:
PU leather cable pouch
is supplied for storing the two detachable cables and adaptor.
Hard EVA Carrying Pouch
STRADA also includes a:
Hard EVA carrying pouch.
This provides protection during storage and transport.
No Bluetooth
STRADA is a passive wired headphone.
There is no:
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- Rechargeable battery
- Active noise cancellation
- Integrated DAC
- App requirement
Easy to Drive
Meze specifically describes STRADA as:
Portable and easy to drive.
The 40-ohm impedance and 111dB SPL/mW sensitivity support that intended use.
Built for Long-Term Serviceability
STRADA has been designed around a modular approach rather than sealed disposable construction.
Meze states that:
Every component can be replaced.
This forms part of the company's intention that the headphone should be maintained and refreshed over many years of ownership.
STRADA or 109 PRO?
109 PRO
- Open-back
- 50mm dynamic driver
- Carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose dome
- Beryllium-coated torus
- 5Hz–30kHz
- 40-ohm impedance
- 112dB SPL/mW sensitivity
- Black walnut earcups
- 375g
- More open acoustic presentation
- Greater sound leakage
STRADA
- Closed-back
- 50mm dynamic driver derived from 109 PRO
- Carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose dome
- Beryllium-coated torus
- 5Hz–30kHz
- 40-ohm impedance
- 111dB SPL/mW sensitivity
- Macassar ebony detailing
- 330g
- Greater passive isolation
- Reduced sound leakage
STRADA shares important driver DNA with 109 PRO but should not be considered simply a closed-back version of the same headphone. Meze specifically retuned the transducer to operate within a sealed chamber.
Compare the Meze 109 PRO at Audio T.
STRADA or 99 Classics V2?
99 Classics V2
- Closed-back dynamic
- 40mm driver
- 15Hz–25kHz
- 16-ohm impedance
- 103dB SPL/mW sensitivity
- 290g
- Walnut earcups
- Adjustable acoustic tuning absorbers
- USB-C DAC adaptor included
STRADA
- Closed-back dynamic
- 50mm driver
- 5Hz–30kHz
- 40-ohm impedance
- 111dB SPL/mW sensitivity
- 330g
- Macassar ebony detailing
- Beryllium-coated torus
- 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm cables included
The 99 Classics V2 retains the classic Meze walnut aesthetic and provides excellent value, while STRADA moves to the more sophisticated 50mm driver architecture and LIRIC-derived chassis.
Compare the Meze 99 Classics V2 at Audio T.
STRADA or LIRIC II?
LIRIC II
- Closed-back planar magnetic
- Rinaro MZ4 Hybrid Array driver
- 4Hz–92kHz
- 61-ohm impedance
- 100dB SPL/mW sensitivity
- 427g
- Macassar ebony detailing
- Phase-X
- QWRM
- Premium PCUHD cable
STRADA
- Closed-back dynamic
- 50mm driver
- 5Hz–30kHz
- 40-ohm impedance
- 111dB SPL/mW sensitivity
- 330g
- Macassar ebony detailing
- LIRIC-derived chassis
- Easier to drive
- Considerably more accessible price point
LIRIC II uses a fundamentally different Rinaro planar-magnetic driver and remains the more technically elaborate design.
STRADA borrows much of its ergonomic thinking while adopting a lighter, easier-to-drive dynamic transducer.
Compare the Meze LIRIC II at Audio T.
Who Are the Meze STRADA For?
Well Suited To
- Premium closed-back headphone listening
- Home and desktop headphone systems
- Portable DAC and headphone amplifiers
- 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs
- Listeners wanting reduced sound leakage
- Shared rooms and quieter office environments
- Listeners wanting a balanced sound with controlled bass weight
- Customers who value natural wood detailing
- Long listening sessions
- Customers wanting replaceable magnetic earpads
- Listeners wanting an easier-to-drive alternative to closed-back planar headphones
Check Before Buying
- Closed back rather than fully open
- No Bluetooth
- No active noise cancellation
- Passive wired operation
- Natural Macassar ebony grain varies between pairs
- 330g full-size construction
- Sound remains deliberately different from the open-back 109 PRO
Key Features
- Meze STRADA
- Closed-back over-ear headphones
- Dynamic transducer
- 50mm driver
- 109 PRO-derived driver architecture
- Retuned for closed-back operation
- W-shaped driver dome
- Carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose composite dome
- Beryllium-coated semicrystalline polymer torus
- Physical Vapor Deposition beryllium coating
- 45.5-degree torus grooves
- Copper-zinc alloy stabiliser
- 5Hz–30kHz frequency range
- Less than 0.1% THD at 1kHz
- 40-ohm impedance
- 111dB SPL/mW sensitivity at 1kHz
- 330g headphone weight
- Magnesium frame
- Macassar ebony ear cup covers
- Hand-painted chassis
- Four-layer paint process
- Deep green metallic finish
- Smooth stepless adjustment rods
- Soft-padded headband
- Symmetrical cross-pattern headband cushions
- Deep memory-foam earpads
- Soft PU leather pad contact surface
- Alcantara-lined inner pad chamber
- Magnetic earpad attachment
- Dual 3.5mm TS headphone inputs
- Two detachable cables included
- 1.8m 3.5mm cable
- 1.8m balanced 4.4mm cable
- Dual-twisted OFC conductors
- Kevlar-reinforced cable construction
- 6.3mm gold-plated adaptor included
- PU leather cable pouch included
- Hard EVA carrying pouch included
- Fully serviceable modular construction
- Replaceable components
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Meze STRADA open or closed back?
They are closed-back over-ear headphones.
Are STRADA planar magnetic?
No. STRADA uses a conventional 50mm dynamic driver rather than Rinaro's planar-magnetic Isodynamic Hybrid Array technology.
What size driver does STRADA use?
50mm.
Is it the same driver as the 109 PRO?
The driver architecture was first introduced in 109 PRO, but Meze specifically retuned its behaviour for operation inside STRADA's closed-back chamber.
What is the driver dome made from?
Meze's detailed engineering page specifies carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose composite.
Why does another Meze description call it bio-cellulose?
Meze's shorter product summary uses the term bio-cellulose composite, while its detailed engineering page gives the more specific carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose composite description.
What is the torus made from?
Beryllium-coated semicrystalline polymer.
How is the beryllium applied?
Using Physical Vapor Deposition, or PVD.
What angle are the torus grooves?
45.5 degrees.
What is the stabiliser made from?
Copper-zinc alloy.
What is the frequency range?
5Hz to 30kHz.
What is the impedance?
40 ohms.
What is the sensitivity?
111dB SPL/mW at 1kHz.
What is the total harmonic distortion?
Meze specifies less than 0.1% at 1kHz.
Are STRADA difficult to drive?
No. Meze specifically describes them as portable and easy to drive, supported by the 40-ohm impedance and 111dB SPL/mW sensitivity.
Do I need a dedicated headphone amplifier?
Not necessarily, although STRADA can still benefit from a better DAC and headphone amplifier.
How much do STRADA weigh?
330g or 11.64oz.
What is the frame made from?
Magnesium.
What are the wooden parts made from?
Macassar ebony.
Will every pair have identical wood grain?
No. Natural wood varies in grain, colour and pattern.
What colour is the frame?
Meze uses a deep green finish containing metallic particles.
Is the chassis hand painted?
Yes. Meze states that four layers are applied in-house.
Does the headband use click adjustments?
No. The adjustment rods move smoothly without fixed clicks or sudden steps.
What are the earpads made from?
Deep memory foam with a soft PU leather contact surface and Alcantara-lined inner chamber.
Are the earpads magnetic?
Yes.
Are the earpads replaceable?
Yes. The magnetic design is specifically intended to make pad swapping and servicing easier.
What headphone inputs are fitted?
Dual 3.5mm TS jacks, one on each earcup.
How many cables are included?
Two.
What is the standard 3.5mm cable?
A 1.8m dual-mono 3.5mm to 3.5mm Matte Black fabric cable.
Is a balanced cable included?
Yes. Meze supplies a 1.8m dual-mono 3.5mm to balanced 4.4mm Matte Black fabric cable.
What conductors do the cables use?
Meze describes them as dual-twisted, Kevlar-wrapped OFC cables.
Is a 6.3mm adaptor included?
Yes. A gold-plated 6.3mm jack adaptor is supplied.
Is a cable pouch included?
Yes. A PU leather cable pouch is supplied.
Is a carrying case included?
Yes. STRADA comes with a hard EVA pouch.
Do STRADA have Bluetooth?
No.
Do they have active noise cancellation?
No. Isolation is passive.
Do STRADA leak less sound than 109 PRO?
Yes. STRADA is closed back whereas 109 PRO is deliberately open backed.
Are STRADA lighter than 109 PRO?
Yes. Meze specifies STRADA at 330g and 109 PRO at 375g.
Is STRADA a replacement for LIRIC II?
Not directly. STRADA uses a dynamic driver and sits at a significantly different price point, while LIRIC II uses Rinaro Isodynamic planar technology. STRADA does inherit important elements of LIRIC's chassis and ergonomics.
Can individual parts be replaced?
Yes. Meze states that every STRADA component can be replaced as part of its long-term serviceability approach.
Can Audio T arrange a demonstration?
Yes. 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
- Closed-back versus open-back advice
- STRADA versus 109 PRO comparisons
- STRADA versus 99 Classics V2 guidance
- STRADA versus LIRIC II comparisons
- Headphone and amplifier matching
- DAC and headphone amplifier advice
- 4.4mm balanced connection guidance
- Portable and desktop headphone-system advice
- Fit and comfort demonstrations
- Replacement earpad guidance
- Meze serviceability advice
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store for advice on Meze STRADA, arranging a demonstration or matching the headphones with a suitable DAC, headphone amplifier and cable connection.