Meze Audio 105 Silva Headphones Review
Read Time: Approx. 10 min.
A Harmonious Marriage of Art and Sound
In case you haven't noticed, the audiophile headphone market is huge, and Meze Audio Headphones account for a decent amount. From the open-back 109 Pro Headphones to the infamous Empyrean II, Meze Audio's over-ear headphones are among some of my personal favorites in the high-end segment.
At $499, the 105 Silva is the hi-fi manufacturer's latest dynamic open-back headphone, designed to breathe life into every note. With a rich, expressive midrange, articulate bass, and natural-sounding treble, the 105 Silva is a versatile headphone that pleases both the analytical, detailed listeners and warm, musical lovers like myself.
The name Silva is Romanian for forest, paying tribute to the ancient woodlands that surround Meze Audio's headquarters in Maramures, Romania, which is embodied in the headphone's warm, inviting timbre and organic open-back design.
PROS
- Comfortable, classic Meze styling
- Midrange Musicality, Bass Articulation
CONS
Design
If the Meze Audio 105 Silva Headphones look familiar to you, it could be because they bear a striking resemblance to the 109 Pro Headphones. Just like the 109 Pro, they feature walnut wood ear cups, a leather headband, and the self-adjusting headband mechanism, but with a new grille design and improved headphone jack terminals. Unlike closed-back alternatives or IEM options, the open-back design provides an expansive soundstage.
Mid-century modern design has been extremely popular in the past two years. Just about every influencer on social media is ditching the beige aesthetic for the warm, inviting wood tones of mid-century modern. But one place I didn't expect to see mid-century design in action: Hi-Fi Audio Gear. That's right, even Meze Audio has been bitten by the bug. The 105 Silva's walnut wood ear cups and radial PC-ABS grilles–Inspired by mid-century modern design.
The overall construction and build quality of the 105 Silva is great, which is no surprise coming from Meze Audio. The self-adjusting headband is one of the 105 Silva's best design features, plus the velour earpads of course. Why? Because there's nothing worse than fussing with a headband to get that perfect fit. I feel like Baby Bear, "It's too big. It's too tight. I want my headphones to fit just right!"
In terms of specs, the 105 Silva is almost identical to the Meze Audio 105 AER. Both headphones feature a 50mm dynamic driver, 5Hz-30kHz frequency range, 42 ohms impedance, and 112dB sensitivity. Where the two differ is in weight, with the 105 Silva weighing 18 grams more than the 105 AER. Those extra 18 grams are attributed to the 105 Silva's walnut wood cups.
Included with the 105 Silva Headphones are several accessories: A 1.8m Kevlar duo OFC twisted cable with anthracite aluminum shells and 3.5mm connectors, a cable pouch, a hard EVA carrying case, and two adapters: a 6.35mm gold-plated jack and USB-C to 3.5mm.
Sound
When it comes to dynamic driver headphones, Meze Audio never misses. Pairing the 105 Silva Headphones with the Astell&Kern SP4000 DAP, (though they work beautifully with any quality amplifier) I didn't waste any time paying tribute to the Prince of Darkness that is Ozzy Osbourne. This was a bittersweet listening session. I'll never forget the first time my dad played 'Crazy Train' over his stereo system in the living room. I was no older than 10, and up to this point, I had been exposed to mostly country and radio pop hits. While this song was big, bold, and in your face over loudspeakers, it was much more intimate and balanced on the 105 Silva. It's as if the 105 Silva's were allowing me to experience the song in a new light, one where articulation and emotion shone the brightest.
To create the 105 Silva's sound quality, Meze Audio drew inspiration from the 109 Pro Headphones and the 105 AER. The 109 Pro Headphones are regarded for their detail and clarity, serving as a great option for the detail-oriented listener. The 105 AER Headphones take a more natural, musical approach, delivering a sound quality that's versatile and extremely easy to love. The 105 Silva Headphones sit between these two cans, possessing the sonic strengths of both–a natural, easy-to-love sound that's detailed and resolute. It's got more musicality and midrange expression than the 105 AER, delivering a fuller sound with more instrumentation and imaging.
Osbourne's works are nothing short of powerful and mystical. He's one of the few artists who can articulate his theatrics over a microphone–You don't have to see him live to know what he's about. 'No More Tears' by Osbourne is a nuanced piece with powerful guitar work that takes center stage. The 105 Silva executed each pluck, kick drum, and cymbal crash perfectly. The high frequencies are smooth and natural-sounding, vocals are rich and emotive, and the bass is punchy and fast–never bloated. Great low-end presentation that isn’t fatiguing. The sub-bass extension isn't crazy, but the mid-bass remains controlled and articulate.
The 105 Silva Headphones strike a beautiful balance between the articulation and nuance of an analytical headphone and the musicality and full body of a warm and musical headphone. It's not overly warm or saturated, and it's not overly detailed and clear. Going back to what I said about comfort and fit, it's just right. One of the best words I can use to describe the sound is organic. They're natural, not neutral. Nuanced yet dynamic. The soundstage is that of a truly open-back headphone, placing you in the center of the action.
Another powerful ballad by Osbourne, 'Mama, I'm Coming Home' was given new life over the 105 Silva. Meze Audio quotes that this pair of headphones "Breathe life into every note and redefine how we experience music," and I have to say, I wholeheartedly agree–In fact, it's practically spot on. That's the sonic superpower of the 105 Silva–the ability to deliver a lifelike presentation that's full of emotion.
Burning Blue
By Mariah the Scientist
(Burning Blue)
No More Tears
By Ozzy Osbourne
(No More Tears)
Daises
By Justin Bieber
(SWAG)
Happier Than Ever
By Billie Eilish
(Happier Than Ever)
Features
- Dynamic, open-back headphone
- Dual focus sound signature: fun & detailed. You will perceive the liveliness and impact in your music, without sacrificing micro-details.
- 50 mm dynamic driver with bio-cellulose composite dome and titanium-coated semicrystalline polymer torus.
- Sophisticated design, reminiscent of the Mid-Century Modern movement - fusing vintage charm with contemporary aesthetics, the radial PC-ABS grille sublimely intertwines with the walnut wood to form the ear cups, creating a feel that never truly ages.
- 1.8 m (5.9 ft) OFC cable, featuring a dual-twisted, Kevlar-wrapped main run, soft PVC-coated left and right wires, and anthracite aluminum housings.
- Custom 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter with an integrated DAC/AMP.
- All-day comfort through world-class ergonomic design and soft, cushiony contact materials.
- Durability through longevity and premium materials – every component can be disassembled and replaced endlessly.
Driver Design
At the heart of the Meze Audio 105 Silva Headphones is a 50mm dynamic driver, featuring a bio-cellulose composite dome and a titanium-coated semicrystalline polymer torus. Dynamic drivers deliver a sound quality that's well-loved by audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. Meze Audio does a great job tuning its dynamic drivers to be fast, accurate, and musical. Here's a breakdown of the driver's construction:
- W-Shaped Dome: Durable yet lightweight, made of carbon fiber-reinforced cellulose composite. Reproduces high frequencies with incredible detail, clarity, and definition
- Titanium-Coated Torus: Titanium-coated semicrystalline polymer. Designed to optimize stiffness, speed, and tonal balance. The Titanium coating reinforces the membrane's structure while keeping it lightweight, ensuring a fast transient response and textured bass
- Copper-zinc alloy Stabilizer: Positioned around the membrane, improving the absorption of vibrations to further reduce distortion
Dragon Cables
[Bronze Dragon Headphone Cable]
There are a lot of reasons why you need to make sure your audio cables are not afterthoughts.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Verdict
The Meze Audio 105 Silva Headphones deliver a listening experience that satisfies both the discerning audiophile and the music lover seeking emotional connection. At $499, the 105 Silva possesses the hallmarks of a Meze Audio Headphone: Exceptional craftsmanship with walnut wood ear cups, a self-adjusting headband for a comfortable fit, and an easy-to-love dynamic driver sound. When paired with our Bronze Dragon Headphone Cable, the 105 Silva's musical sound was enhanced, delivering slightly more bottom-end weight while maintaining detail and resolution.
In many ways, the 105 Silva and 105 AER Headphones are similar, both boasting a sound that's natural, organic, and easy to love. Where the 105 AER is more natural and neutral-sounding, the 105 Silva is dynamic and musical. If you're stuck between the 105 AER and 105 Silva, ask yourself, "Which aesthetic do I value more?" because truly, they're both fantastic headphones–the 105 Silva is just the enhanced and refined younger sibling.
Featured Products
Related Videos
Meze 105 AER Review: THE Budget Audiophile Headphone?
Meze 109 Pro Headphones Review & Unboxing
Meze 99 Classics Headphones Review & Comparison
What's in the Box
- 105 Silva Headphones
- 1.8mm Twisted OFC 3.5mm jack Headphone Cable
- EVA Carry Case
- Cable Pouch
- 6.3mm jack adapter
- 3.5mm to USB Type C Adapter
Specifications
Driver Type: Dynamic, 50mm
Diaphragm: Carbon fiber-reinforced cellulose composite
Impedance: 42 ohms
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 30 kHz
Sensitivity: 112 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
Weight: 354 g
Ear Cups: Walnut Wood, PC-ABS
