Meze Audio 105 SILVA Headphone

The Meze Audio 105 SILVA is a 50mm open-back dynamic headphone that delivers a dual focus sound signature: fun and detailed. Available at Vinyl Sound Toronto, Canada, the 105 SILVA blends the technical precision of the Meze 109 PRO with the genre-versatile warmth of the 105 AER — adding a more expressive midrange tuned specifically for vocal presence and the natural reproduction of acoustic stringed instruments. Introduced at High End Munich 2025 and priced at CA$699, the 105 SILVA represents one of the most compelling values in open-back headphones available today.

The name SILVA is Romanian for "forest" — a tribute to the ancient woodlands surrounding Meze Audio's headquarters in Maramures, Romania, and embodied in the headphone's warm, organic character and walnut wood ear cups. Rooted in the Mid-Century Modern movement, the 105 SILVA fuses vintage charm with contemporary materials in a design that never truly ages.

Driver design

Achieving the right voicing for audiophiles and music lovers across a wide range of genres required countless iterations of Meze's 50mm dynamic driver. The result is a three-component diaphragm system engineered for clarity, speed, and tonal balance:

• W-shaped dome: Made from a carbon fiber-reinforced cellulose composite, the dome reproduces high frequencies with exceptional detail and definition while remaining lighter and more durable than conventional materials — reducing harmonic distortion-inducing resonances.
• Titanium-coated torus: The surround is composed of titanium-coated semicrystalline polymer with precisely positioned grooves at a 45.5° angle — optimizing stiffness, speed, and tonal balance while controlling resonances for accurate, fluid sound reproduction. The titanium coating is applied via Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD).
• Copper-zinc stabilizer: Positioned around the membrane, the stabilizer improves vibration absorption to further reduce distortion across the frequency range.

Sound character

Tuned with a keen balance between musicality and refinement, the 105 SILVA delivers sound that is clear, rich, and effortlessly engaging. Transients are fast and articulate, bringing out intricate details with a natural sense of ease. The treble extends gracefully — smooth yet revealing — while the bass remains tight and well-controlled, never overpowering but always present when needed. The midrange is the sonic core of the 105 SILVA, delivering exceptional finesse for vocals, acoustic strings, and instrumental timbre.

"With the 105 SILVA, we took what we learned from the 109 PRO and the 105 AER, giving it sound characteristics from both: richness and genre versatility combined with clarity and detail. However, it is not merely a combination of both, as we've introduced a more expressive midrange presentation for enhanced vocal presence and a more natural-sounding representation of acoustic stringed instruments." — Alex Balazsi, Acoustic Engineer

Design and build

• Walnut wood ear cups with PC-ABS radial grille — Mid-Century Modern aesthetic that fuses vintage charm with contemporary materials
• Spring steel headband with PVD-coated cast zinc alloy hardware for a sturdy yet highly flexible structure
• Self-adjusting PU leather headband distributes weight evenly for all-day comfort across any head shape and size
• Velour ear pads — softer and more breathable than leather, preventing sweat and overheating during long listening sessions
• Full repairability — every component is replaceable, designed for longevity and a minimal environmental footprint
• Weight: 354g (12.48 oz)

Accessories included

• 1.8m (5.9ft) OFC cable — dual-twisted, Kevlar-wrapped main run, soft PVC-coated left and right wires, anthracite aluminum housings, dual 3.5mm TS connectors
• Custom 3.5mm to USB-C adapter with integrated DAC/AMP for high-resolution playback on mobile devices
• 6.35mm (¼") gold-plated adapter
• Hard EVA clamshell carrying case
• Cloth cable pouch

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What is the Meze Audio 105 SILVA?

The Meze Audio 105 SILVA is a 50mm open-back dynamic headphone priced at $499 USD / CA$699, introduced at High End Munich 2025. It features a carbon fiber-reinforced cellulose composite driver dome, a titanium-coated torus, walnut wood ear cups, and a self-adjusting headband — delivering a fun and detailed sound signature with an expressive midrange and controlled bass. It includes a Kevlar OFC cable and a 3.5mm to USB-C adapter with an integrated DAC/amp.

How does the Meze 105 SILVA compare to the 105 AER?

Both headphones share the same 50mm dynamic driver, but differ in tuning and materials. The 105 AER is tuned for a warmer, more ethereal presentation with more prominent sub-bass. The 105 SILVA offers improved midrange resolution and detail, a broader soundstage, and adds walnut wood ear cups, a more refined cable, and a USB-C DAC/amp adapter. The 105 SILVA weighs 18g more (354g vs 336g) due to the wooden cups and is priced at $100 more than the 105 AER.

How does the Meze 105 SILVA compare to the 109 PRO?

The 109 PRO is Meze's higher-end open-back dynamic headphone at $799. It has a more technical, treble-forward presentation. The 105 SILVA sits between the 105 AER and 109 PRO — combining the genre versatility and warmth of the AER with more of the 109 PRO's clarity and detail, while adding an expressive midrange tuning not found in either predecessor. The 105 SILVA also costs significantly less than the 109 PRO at $499.

Is the Meze 105 SILVA easy to drive?

Yes. With an impedance of 42Ω and a sensitivity of 112dB SPL/mW at 1kHz, the 105 SILVA is relatively easy to drive from a wide range of sources — including smartphones via the included 3.5mm to USB-C DAC/amp adapter, portable DAPs, and desktop amplifiers. A dedicated headphone amplifier will improve performance further, but is not required to achieve satisfying results.

Is the Meze 105 SILVA open-back or closed-back?

The Meze 105 SILVA is an open-back headphone. This means the ear cups are acoustically open to the environment, allowing air to pass freely for a more natural, expansive soundstage. Open-back headphones like the 105 SILVA are best suited for home listening in quiet environments, as they do not provide noise isolation and sound will be audible to those nearby.

What is included in the box with the Meze 105 SILVA?

The Meze 105 SILVA includes: a 1.8m dual-twisted Kevlar OFC cable with anthracite aluminum housings and dual 3.5mm TS connectors, a custom 3.5mm to USB-C adapter with an integrated DAC/AMP for mobile devices, a 6.35mm (¼") gold-plated adapter, a hard EVA clamshell carrying case, and a cloth cable pouch.

Where can I buy the Meze Audio 105 SILVA in Toronto, Canada?

The Meze Audio 105 SILVA is available at Vinyl Sound, Toronto's dedicated hi-fi and vinyl specialist. Visit us in-store to audition the 105 SILVA alongside other open-back headphones in our collection, or shop online with Canadian pricing and expert support.