I got my new Meze 109 Pro headphones a week ago, I come from utilizing the Sennheiser 58x (RIP lower bass frequency response) and the Hifiman XS.
So far really enjoying the comfort, they feel extremely nice and well built compared to the Hifiman which seems like they came out of a McDonald’s Happy Meal. Soundwise, I think I might have liked the Hifiman relaxed sound a little more, the Meze is “on your” face sound, especially with the bass and treble frequencies. The Hifiman does have better imaging and soundstage, but I prefer the mid-presentation of the 109 along with its punchy bass.
The only issues I have with these headphones so far are 1. The cable it came with was complete garbage, if you get these, I’d recommend getting a Hart cable, if you own the XS or another device that utilizes dual 3.5mm, they will fit the Meze 109 Pro. The other problem is the sharpness of the treble and high frequencies, however with a nice EQ similar to what Oratory1990 has I was able to fix the issue and I’ve been enjoying it quite a lot.
I would say my 58x had a very good neutral sound, but poor bass and sub-bass which the XS and the Meze 109 completely win over, I’d say is more fun to listen to music on these cans.
I utilize the Schiit Vali 2++ with a 5670W Tube, it opens the sound more and makes it cleaner compared to the stock tube.
I’ll provide my EQ settings if you are interested, it completely takes off that annoying sharp sound imo and makes it more relaxed. These cans take Eqing pretty well. If you own the Hifiman XS and won the QC lottery, I am jealous, because they are pretty good headphones although very uncomfortable and heavy (I had to return them twice because of driver problems, sorry Hifiman but not buying from you again if I want long-lasting headphones). When I had them I had to get a headband to make them last longer than 40 minutes on my head without feeling like it would cause a dent on my skull. I will attach an Amazon link to it as well alongside the stuff I own.
Thank you for reading this and I’d like to hear your opinion about these headphones, alongside other recommendations below the 1000 dollar range, I will settle with these for now but in the future will definitely look to test and try other pairs.
EQ MEZE 109 PRO (Using Oratory1990 as a reference and Peace EQ to change the frequencies) -
Frequency - 95, 105, 215, 880, 2100, 2850, 3800, 7400, 10000
Gain Values: -3.1, 6.26, -0.7, -0.9, 2.38, -2.5, -2, -2.5, -10.2 (I really disliked how much thinness and airness it had so really had to tune this one down on the high 10k frequency)
Q values: 0.5, 0.71, 2, 2, 1, 4, 6, 5, 0.71
FIlters: Peak, Q Low Shelf, Peak, Peak, Peak, Peak, Peak, Peak, Q High Peak
5670W Tube:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2M3T779?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Headband Pad for Hifiman XS:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0993NBFCR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
SKW Hifi RCA Cable:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073WQBXJX?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Hart Cable:
https://hartaudiocables.com/collections/meze/products/dual-3-5mm-cable-for-meze-99-and-109
Schiit Vali 2++:
Songs I used to test EQ for comfortable sound:
Arkad Tevvez (Techno)
Dystopia - Megadeth (Metal)
Symphony of Destruction - Megadeth (Metal)
Valentine - Xandria (Symphonic Metal)
Love Ghost Score - Nightwish (Symphonic Metal)
Futakuchi Mana - Megitsune Cover (J-Metal).
I am enjoying the 109s so far vs my t1.2. My only issue is deciding if the soundstage and imaging are equal/better or worse than the t1.2. Sometimes they sound slightly more airy and open and others they have sounded more narrow.
Just cranking the new Within Temptation album myself, solid music choices sir
Here are some (lesser-known) artist/band recommendations for the /r/symphonicmetal fans in this thread:
Went with the hart cable as well for my 109s. Good stuff.
Hearing that you had to return your XS’s twice because of quality control resonates with me heavily. I went through 2 pairs as because in the left earcup at certain frequencies there was this resonating buzz. However, I love the XS’s sound. So, I went back for a second pair. Returns were easy since the seller I bought from has a great return policy, and sadly the second had the same issue.
I got a pair of LCD-2C’s for quality control and while they were built very nice, I honestly did not enjoy them (prolly listened like once or twice and now they’re just sitting lol). So it was back again for a third XS and it those are the current ones I’m using today. Nothing I’ve tried has been able to match them for my liking and it’s so frustrating because I’m willing to pay for something else that’s built better and sounds the same or very close (with a wee bit more bass maybe but EQ covers me for that). Mainly what I think I tend to enjoy with them is the soundstage and imaging. They’re so wide and open sounding that when I go from a closed back pair to them I really notice. They have like… I want to say ‘height’ to the soundstage but I dunno if that’s the proper term to use. Probably due to the long planar driver. That and the texture of instruments really pops out as well. Kick drums I notice with the XS’s really pop making a chunk of music I listen to fun. Female vocals can be super nice and no song I have makes them sharp sounding. I have lots of things to praise sound wise, but the build quality is just such garbage and I hate that.
I know when the ones I have die I’ll be pretty upset because I’ll be back to the lottery again with them. I really hope something else comes along to dethrone them for my liking because they really are my endgame. The Meze 109’s did pop up on my radar too so this post was a good one for me to read.
On my XS I had the same odd resonating buzz on certain frequencies, too, but it was only noticeable when I did the frequency sweeps headphone tests. I gave the drivers a few gentle blows, which almost fixed it! (Another redditor suggested that). And after week or so of use, it went away completely.
Really? That’s weird. Perhaps mine was different because it was there at certain high and low frequencies. Admittedly I was a bit afraid to go poking around and “fixing” the super expensive headphones I bought so I just opted for the return. I just hope nothing happens to pop up with them. Thankfully they’re desk headphones or the most part so they’re not getting knocked around or dropped or anything. Believe me when I say that I’ll make a post on here if the current pair I have dies. I think I’m actually past the 1 year mark with them now!