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Meze Audio 105 AER
BRING THE OUTSIDE IN
Rich-sounding and versatile, 105 AER was created for those who value a deeper connection to their music - an adaptable open-back headphone, perfectly suited for all musical genres. Drawing inspiration from the bold shapes of the Art Deco style, every detail is refined and intentional - both in sound and design.
PREMIUM SENSORIAL EXPERIENCE
Built with timelessness in mind, every component is made using premium materials: cast zinc alloy hardware with PVD coating, spring steel headband, PC-ABS ear cups, velour ear pads, and a soft PU leather headband. Combined with our high standards in terms of ergonomics, 105 AER is not only extremely resilient but also our lightest open-back model to date.
105 AER is designed to offer a listening experience so comfortable and engaging that you'll forget you're wearing them.
DRIVER DESIGN
Our 50 mm dynamic driver architecture has proven to be remarkably reliable and versatile. To keep 105 AER as accessible as possible, the driver membrane and frame underwent slight modifications. We took this opportunity to introduce a unique new headphone voicing that fits all musical genres.
W-SHAPED DOME
Made of a carbon fiber-reinforced cellulose composite, the dome can reproduce high-frequencies with incredible detail, clarity, and definition. More durable than conventional alternatives used in dynamic drivers, yet lightweight, this composite helps reduce resonances that may lead to harmonic distortion.
ULTRA-THIN TORUS
The torus surrounding the dome is made of PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), a semicrystalline polymer with excellent mechanical properties. PEEK’s high tensile strength and stiffness ensure the driver membrane maintains structural integrity under high stress, while its lightweight nature allows for quicker movement in response to audio signals. This enhances clarity and detail, making every note and nuance in your music come alive. Additionally, PEEK boasts superior internal damping characteristics, which reduce unwanted resonances and vibrations.
Stiffness and durability are also enhanced through the grooves on the torus, which are precisely positioned at a 45.5° angle.
STABILIZED
The copper-zinc alloy stabilizer, positioned around the membrane, improves the absorption of vibrations to further reduce distortion.
SPACE TO LISTEN
We believe in creating objects as fully-defined immersive experiences. No aspect can be overlooked and every piece matters. Let 105 AER be the catalyst for a renewed musical journey - lush sounding, with a profound sense of space and clear distinction between instruments.
LUSH SOUND
Tuned by one of our talented acoustic engineers, 105 AER delivers an exceptionally lush audio presentation. The sound is rich and refined, with a warm and full-bodied quality that envelops you. A slight emphasis on the bass and sub-bass regions allows for a deeper, more resonant foundation, enhancing the overall sense of immersion and adding a satisfying depth to your music. Besides, it’s easy to drive from most devices, whether we’re talking portable sources or intricate home setups.
SOFT EAR PADS
Velour cushions comfortably surround the ears, providing the optimal seal to create natural sound. Since velour is far softer and more breathable than leather, it also prevents sweat and overheating during lengthy listening sessions.
ALL-DAY LISTENING
The self-adjusting headband spreads the weight out to deliver even pressure for any head shape and size.
SUSTAINABLE THROUGH LONGEVITY
As our choices of today can greatly impact the world of tomorrow, we design products that last. We believe that a longer product lifespan means a smaller footprint. Following this philosophy, the 105 AER can be taken apart and serviced endlessly if needed, extending the product's life beyond limit.
"105 AER carries a feeling of Art Deco opulence, almost like a piece of jewelry masked in a mechanical structure. Certain curves and surfaces are not obvious at first glance; there's an ambiguity to the three-dimensional shape inviting you to discover it over time."
Paul Stet, Senior Product Designer
Forbes
Headfonics
Tom's Guide Verdict
audioreviews.org
Gadgetry Tech
Passion for Sound
Rich-sounding and versatile, 105 AER was created for those who value a deeper connection to their music - an adaptable open-back headphone, perfectly suited for all musical genres. Crafted entirely using premium materials, 105 AER offers a listening experience so comfortable and engaging that you'll forget you're wearing them.
- Sound signature: spacious, lush & refined
- 50 mm dynamic driver with bio-cellulose composite dome
- World-class ergonomic design for all-day comfort
- Padded self-adjusting headband
- Deep and soft velour ear pads
*Regional pricing may vary, please check with your local distributor.
WHAT COMES WITH YOUR HEADPHONES
1.8 m Kevlar OFC cable, with 3.5 mm jack
Cable pouch
6.3 mm gold-plated jack adapter
Hard EVA carrying pouch
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Professional Reviews 89/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
87/100
Comfort Fit
94/100
Build Quality
87/100
Features Usability
89/100
Value for Money
93/100
Meze Audio’s 105 AER combines lush, natural midrange with controlled bass punch and remarkably precise imaging, creating an easygoing open-back listen that flatters vocals, rock, electronic music and games. SoundStage Solo found its darker balance detailed and fatigue-free, while The Absolute Sound highlights exceptional long-session comfort. Lightweight, easy to drive and richly musical, it is a compelling $399 all-rounder.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Warm, clear midrange gives vocals and acoustic instruments natural presence without bass bleed or congestion.
Controlled, textured bass delivers satisfying punch and weight without becoming bloated or muddy.
Exceptionally comfortable for extended sessions, thanks to low weight, plush velour pads and the self-adjusting suspension headband.
Accurate imaging and clean instrument placement suit both complex music and positional gaming.
&
Cons
Soundstage is not especially expansive for an open-back design; some rivals project a wider, more open presentation.
Treble trades ultimate air and extension for smoothness, and some listeners may notice upper-mid/lower-treble energy on poor recordings.
Sub-bass is satisfying but not class-leading, with some reviewers hearing a mid-bass emphasis and less ultimate low-end weight.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 87/100
Reviewers consistently describe a warm-leaning, natural and inviting presentation that works across genres without becoming muddy or dull. Its strongest traits are its rich vocal range, controlled punch and precise imaging; the main trade-offs are a less expansive stage than some open-back rivals and treble/sub-bass performance that varies somewhat with source and listener preference.
Bass
88/100
The 105 AER earns repeated praise for textured, controlled and punchy bass, with reviewers noting that it avoids bloat even on dense electronic music. Sub-bass reaches convincingly for many listeners, though several reviewers hear a mid-bass emphasis and some roll-off or lack of ultimate low-end weight.
Midrange
91/100
The midrange is a standout: reviewers describe it as smooth, warm, clear and natural, with vocals placed forward without shout or boxiness. Acoustic instruments and voices benefit from the headphone's full-bodied tone, although one review notes that bass and lower-mid warmth can slightly overshadow fine midrange information.
Treble
84/100
Most reviewers find the top end smooth, clear and forgiving, with enough presence to preserve detail without persistent fatigue. There is less upper-treble air than some rivals, while a few reviewers report elevated or uneven energy around the upper mids and lower treble that can become harsh with poorly mastered material or certain amplification.
Resolution Detail
84/100
Detail retrieval is regarded as good for the price, with clear banjo plucks, clean low-frequency separation and convincing texture through the mids. It is not presented as an especially analytical or class-leadingly resolving headphone, and comparisons with the Meze 109 Pro and planar designs suggest less transparency, separation and nuance.
Soundstage Imaging
86/100
Imaging is repeatedly praised for accurate placement, focused positional cues and clean layering; several reviewers also found it effective for gaming. Stage width is more divisive: some hear a spacious, holographic presentation, while others find it merely average for an open-back design, with less scale and openness than competing models.
Dynamics
87/100
Reviewers hear satisfying punch from drums, snappy transients and a lively sense of impact, particularly in the bass and mid-bass. It remains composed during complex passages rather than sounding flat or compressed, though it is not universally described as the fastest or most explosive option in its class.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Comfort Fit
94/100
Comfort is one of the 105 AER's most consistent strengths. Reviewers repeatedly praise its low weight, self-adjusting suspension headband, plush velour pads and gentle but secure clamp, with multiple reports of fatigue-free long sessions; one reviewer simply found it very good rather than the best they had worn.
Build Quality
87/100
Reviewers find the construction robust, attractive and well assembled, despite the use of plastic on the outer cups. The replaceable components are a meaningful longevity advantage, although one reviewer notes that the spring-steel headband can ring audibly if bumped and there is limited long-term durability commentary.
Features Usability
89/100
This is a practical wired open-back design with detachable cables, a hard travel case, a 3.5 mm connection, 6.3 mm adapter and replaceable pads. Most reviewers found it easy to drive from dongles, laptops and portable sources, though one found it benefits from a somewhat more capable amplifier; an optional boom mic further broadens its use for gaming and calls.
Value for Money
93/100
At $399, reviewers regularly call the 105 AER difficult to beat, astounding for its price or a particularly strong recommendation in its segment. It costs more than mainstream open-back options, but reviewers generally regard the sound, comfort and construction as competitive with or better than more expensive alternatives.
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- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- 8th Dimension Audio — United Kingdom (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
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