I would like to thank Alexandra Rizoiu from Meze for reaching out and sending us a sample 105 SILVA in exchange for our honest and unbiased opinion in this review. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
There’s something rather special about Romanian audio manufacturer Meze that sets them apart in today’s mature and competitive headphone market.
While many brands chase pure technical prowess or aggressive price points, Meze has carved out a unique niche where aesthetic beauty, ergonomic excellence, and sonic character converge in remarkable harmony. Their philosophy treats headphones as more than mere transducers; they’re lifestyle objects that should delight the eyes and caress the ears with equal measure.
105 SILVA represents the latest expression of this design ethos, arriving as the third member of Meze’s acclaimed 100-series family. Priced at $499, it slots neatly between the warmer 105 AER and the more analytical 109 PRO, both sonically and financially. But rather than simply splitting the difference, 105 SILVA carves its own path with a mid-century modern aesthetic that feels both timeless and thoroughly contemporary.
In Romanian, “silva” translates to “forest” – a fitting moniker for a headphone adorned with gorgeous walnut wood ear cups. This isn’t merely decorative flourish; it signals Meze’s intent to create something that feels organic and naturally beautiful while housing thoroughly modern acoustic engineering and beneath that surprisingly affordable wooden facade.
Form and function
The moment you lay eyes on 105 SILVA, it’s immediately clear why Meze has built such a devoted following.
These headphones are simply stunning to behold. The walnut wood ear cups showcase beautiful natural grain patterns, each pair unique in its organic artistry. The radial grilles carved from PC-ABS polymer create an almost architectural quality that wouldn’t look out of place in a Don Draper-era Manhattan apartment.
But this isn’t mere visual theatrics. Every design choice serves a purpose, from the way the ear pads integrate seamlessly with the wooden cups – creating an almost monolithic appearance despite being fully removable – to the self-adjusting headband that eliminates the need for manual sizing adjustments.
It’s this attention to detail that elevates Meze above competitors who might achieve similar technical performance but lack that essential X-factor.
The build quality immediately impresses upon handling. Despite weighing 354 grams (18g more than 105 AER due to the wood construction), 105 SILVA feels remarkably well-balanced on the head.
The spring steel headband automatically adjusts to your cranium, while the plush velour ear pads provide excellent seal and comfort for extended listening sessions. There’s sufficient clamping force to maintain a secure fit without creating pressure points, a delicate balance that Meze has mastered across their range.
The detachable cable system deserves particular praise. The twisted Kevlar-reinforced OFC cable feels substantial yet flexible, terminating in beautifully machined aluminium housings. Meze has thoughtfully repositioned and recessed the connectors, preventing the cables from hitting your shoulders during use.
It’s these seemingly minor refinements that demonstrate Meze’s commitment to iterative improvement.
One minor quibble concerns the proprietary connector diameter, which may limit third-party cable options. For instance, I couldn’t use any of the balanced 3.5mm-compatible cables from my Sony MDR-Z1R because the connectors were too fat to fit inside the slim 105 SILVA slots.
And speaking of balanced cables, it’s a pity Meze didn’t include one as standard. However, the included cable is so well-executed that most users will find little reason to seek alternatives. The package also includes essential adapters, such as a 6.35mm and a clever USB-C to 3.5mm dongle, making 105 SILVA immediately compatible with everything from professional audio interfaces to smartphones.
Continue to packed to the rafters…
