Thank you! this - highlighted comparison between OG Clear and 109 Pro - was EXACTLY what I was looking for, ever since 109 Pro came out. I'll be getting 109 Pro soon!
I bought the 109 Pro when I finally found it at the price I was willing to pay, 500£ used. I am also among those who think that Meze are grossly overpriced, in particular for those who like me only care about sound. Well, totally unexpected, I ended up selling my Clear and returning a HD660S2 when I acquired these and now think their price is quite appropriate. They turned out to be more exciting and detailed than both. They have a rather forward sound in the mids and also good bass which stays in an audiophile, non-basshead range. They are not warm as described by many. I hear them neutral, borderline cold, just as the Clear. Of all the 3 headphones mentioned only the HD660S can be considered a warm headphone. The 109 pro for me was much more exciti g and dynamic, with a more emphasized mid range that I did not expect. Perhaps because I really like the Hifiman signature, these really did it fir me sound-wise. They arelike an Ananda with more emphasized midrange.
@@mab7175 Oh good grief. We all love gear, there's nothing wrong that. Most 'audiophiles' are just gearheads who call themselves audiophiles as a coping mechanism.
I felt I needed to swap the pads on mine. I think the stock velour pads are going to work for most people and most heads, but I'm not a fan of having an uncovered driver housing when you have the sort of treble emphasis this headphone has. I've settled on two ZMF pads, the Auteur Suede (non-per) and Eikon Hybrid. Not an easy swap, had to use a tool to feed the sleeves into the housing rim, but boy oh boy the 109 with some Eikon pads is a pretty ridiculous experience. I think most "audiophiles" are going to prefer an OG Clear for the money or a used Arya. Not sure that Meze is competing with either, the build and design of a Meze is part of what you pay for after all, but the sound of the 109 is unlikely to blow away the discerning enthusiast. That being said it's very fun to listen to. The brightness is more a flavor than an attempt to highlight details. It doesn't sound skewed, but it is pretty spicy stock. But that's why pad swapping was invented.
How does it sound with the icon pads is it a huge difference I'm thinking about downgrading from my zmf aolus because the weight is crushing into my ears and make me feel nauseous and this seems like it would still be really good. Also which version of the icon pads do you use?
@@dp12345god - I have both an Auteur Classic and 109 pro and for 80% of the time I prefer to listen with the 109 pro w/Auteur pads. With the hybrid Eikon pads the 109 can be a bit too thick for me, but still clear and fun. If I wanted to listen to metal for example and I want more bass emphasis or want to darken the treble or increase the sense of percussive impact I may then use the Eikon pads. I also gave up on threading ZMF pads on the 109 pro, they're large enough you can just slip them over the housing. Figured the sleeve acts as a dust cover for the housing as well. Incidentally I had an Aeolus as well which I ended up trading because it lacked the definition I wanted. The 109 pro is hard to beat for a dynamic headphone, there will of course be people that don't like it's V-tune or want more sense of space or want more intimacy from a headphone but good luck finding a better all around performer. I love ZMF and the 600 series Sennheisers but they both lack the energy of the 109 pro. Not everyone is looking for that however so I get it, but the versatility of pad swaps for comfort or tuning, for me, puts the 109 pro over the top. For "loud" listening I still prefer the Auteur but since I try to be more protective of my hearing I reach for the 109 pro on a daily basis.
I was really hyped for this one and had to return them after a couple of days. There is a lot of good reviews for it, but only a few people mention: - lack of detail in the treble, which they covered up, it feels to me, by raising the treble, so they are harsh on top, - not so good separation, - lack of sound stage... I tried to get use to it but ended replacing with LCD 2C and finally, my ears rested. I love that headphone. To me at least, there is no comparisson.
I got the 109 Pro just yesterday and I'll return them tomorrow. I absolutely agree with all of your points. Furthermore, while the frequency response doesn't show it, I stell felt the mids were recessed. At best I thought it was an acoustical sidegrade to a Hifiman Sundara - but that is less than half the price! Other than that, I thought there was music where it was slightly better suited than a Sundara, but for what I typically listen to the Sundara was mostly the better pick without even looking at the price difference. And when I tested an Ananda in comparison that simply blew all my efforts to like the 109 Pro away in a heartbeat. However, I've never had headphones as comfortable as the 109 Pro, pure bliss putting these on my head. Still, I absolutely can't see their MSRP being justified in any way. You can get an Ananda B-Stock for way less and that'll just obliterate the Meze imho.
I want an updated 2022 version of the closed back $200-$350 Meze 99 Classics in Maple/Silver limited edition. [LOL - This comment triggered an audio SNOB in the comments] Most beautiful headphone ever designed IMO.
@@mab7175 Never said I was but sound IS important as is look for me. The most appeal to me is the one I mentioned but it's discontinued. I do want a better sound signature though. Right now, I use the Hifiman Edition XS & Moondrop Blessings 2 ... both great neutral sounds and both look amazing.
@@mab7175 Well, I'm not an audiophile & have no desire to be one. The Blessings 2 was the best sounding earphones I've ever heard. I heard headphones have a "better" and "bigger" sound overall. So I bought the Hifiman Edition XS after hearing reviewers I trusted. It did not disappoint. The sound was noticeably better but not by much. The sound difference to be is outstanding & I'm very satisfied with what I have. I do want a closed back that is close to the sound of the Edition XS but looks good esthetically since I'll be wearing it in public. I have a budget since after about $300-$500 the sound is not that huge of a difference to my non-audiophile ears. I would not pay more as I do not care enough. There are audiophiles & audio-snobs ... I have no desire to be either one.
@@mab7175 LOL ... ummm did I say something to offend you? I mean, I've been saying I agree with most of what you're saying. I agree too that audiophiles are NOT snobs. However, YOU are OBVIOUSLY a snob. Listening to music is fun ... it's nothing more to me. It's great that there are people out there who are more passionate about the sound quality and take the hobby more seriously. It's NOT great that there are stuck up SNOBS like you who talk DOWN to people that do not share that same passion but wanna just enjoy music because their ear can't discern the difference. Also, use less of the thesaurus and more of the the SPELL CHECK hahahaha ... don't use words you can't use properly! LOL GTFO.
@@mab7175 You look down with pity to those who don't share the same taste as you. I look down with pity those who have the same arrogance as you. Except I honestly don't have pity for you. Just disgust.
@@mab7175 As an audiophile & professional who has been in the music industry for years, I have come across so many pretentious & arrogant assholes that have their noses so far up their own asses that they can't understand people have a diverse range of wants and needs. I have come to realize that music & the medium it comes out of is for EVERYONE. It's not just for audiophiles. I'm not trying to convince you. I just wanted to chime in and say our audiophile & audio industry NEEDS LESS people like you in it. I said music was for "everyone" but...... maybe not you. Nobody wants you here......except other assholes. To the original commentor, ignore this asshole. You do you & enjoy the music in your own way. Fuck what morons like this think!
Love my 109s, moved from DT1990 with Dekoni Velour pads and it's a sizable upgrade all around. The imaging/layering is vastly better, kind reminds me of moving from the Fidelio X2 to the DT1990. The build/design is exquisite, I returned my Hifiman Edition XS immediately as they had an intermittent connection, basically mandated balanced power to sound any good and felt like they were built by a toddler. Are these the absolute peak of value for sound? maybe not, but as a complete package they're damn hard to beat. Oh yeah and don't forget focal think you're going to pay 200-250 usd for OEM pads on the clear when they inevitably look like shit after a year or so.
Hey Mine has some coil noise, is that normal or is there a way to fix this that doesn't require like monthly maintenance? Kinda dissapointing considering the price. In terms of sound they're not bad but I don't hear any improvement over my Sony Wh1000xm4's for example if using without a DAC/AMP. I ordered an Amp & it arrived today but haven't tested it yet but honestly I don't think I'll be spending this much for a headset again. Seems like a bit of a waste. Kinda wishing I didn't at this point.
For someone who enjoys the HD 600 or HD 6XX sound signature, I believe the HD 660S is a 'safer' upgrade; it improves upon the same formula, with small tweaks, without a steep price increase. It is also serviceable and long-lasting, as time has shown. Headbands that rely on elastics don't convince me for longevity either.
@@AusOpeningThis is why it is my favourite of the three. The 650 was too warm and veiled (lacking clarity), and the 600 sounded a bit cold and lifeless, with a bit of harshness on some tracks. The 660S is, as you said, between the two, sounding more clear than the 650 and warmer than the 600. I have not listened to the 660S2, but for €600 it seems more reasonable to get the Meze 109 Pro for €800, as you improve both the bass AND soundstage of the 6XX line. The Focal Clear is €1500 in Germany, so definitely not worth it.
I'm considering the 109 Pro as a complement for my Noire on the open back/dynamic headphones. Since my rule of thumb is good for Chrono = good for me, I guess I have my answer. Thank you for sharing
@@mab7175 beeing audiophile is kind of sad thing, its obsession about little things and forgetting about true meaning of music...to have fun and enjoy it not make analysis
Best intro for me because I just get the HD 600 and wondering the same request ;) . . . but . . . The headband is way too width and it's not airy, why, why!!! I know why, it has better look (better for selling it) but it is less comfortable and i gonna scratch my head with this or getting hot quicker
I was going to get these or the Focal Bathys. Have you heard the latter? If so then can give a sound comparison (or do one in a video) of the two. They both are similar priced. The Bathys can double as a wireless ANC and a wired (I'll be using it in wired mode 100% of the time).
One thing to note about the Bathys is that it had two wired modes: USB and aux. The aux mode seems to rely on an internal analog to digital converter, since the headphones must be turned on to use it. There's no direct analog passthrough as far as I can tell.
imo, you really cant go wrong with the focals like ever. But idk i think you really should hold out until you try both and then youll know, i know some people that dont like focals, its all down to taste and also your ears
Ive owned both. Elex used at $400 it’s still a great value but the 1 09 pro is in a whole other league Comfort and build our reflective of the increase in price and then some. Keep in mind how common elects driver failures were, and are and the fact that it is a clamping and clicking mechanism, which is simply inferior to the suspension system on the 109 pro. In terms of sound the one I am pro is definitely an upgrade that you can clearly hear on quality equipment. The one 109 pro is more competition for the clear and if that point it comes down to preference. I compared the clear and the 109 pro at home and I’m selling off the clear. The comfort and bill quality to me is a huge factor and I also like the wider soundstage and more forgiving treble. I could also see someone preferring the more resolving clear, as well as its more typical focal. “punchiness”. I don’t think there is an obvious choice. At the price point, though the 109 Pro is definitely worth considering as it easily justifies itself against cheaper options.
Its worse in every way apart from they have more Treble quantity however the quality of it is worse and the bass extension is worse. It has basic Imaging too. At best its a HD58X alternative with slightly wider staging and take this from someone who isnt biased by pricing.
Hello from india Can you recommend me a headphones from the below ones Jbl live 660ANC Sony xm4 Sennheiser pxc 550-ii And i want Neutral Sound quality Sound clarity Imaging Soundstage And no need for ANC
No we review all the products out there. I think the guys want to be able to carry everything but unfortunately that's just not possible - but the editorial is kept separate and covers everything out there.
Torn between this, ananda bt, and the new focal wireless, hifiman qc kinda scares me though, and i have pretty bad experience with older meze products especially after all those rebranding shenanigans.
I haven't heard the Ananda bt, but between the 109 Pro and the Bathys, I prefer the Bathys. I heard the 109 Pro at CanJam, which is not the best listening environment, but the treble sounded wrong to me (I suspect it's the dip in the upper mids) while the bass was a little muddy to my ears. I have since heard the Bathys and really prefer their tuning.
I would avoid the ananda bt. It's rather hard to secure replacement pads for and has some weird limitations such as no ability to run an analogue cable due to the requirement to use the internal DAC. Plus it just doesn't sound that good, an obvious downgrade from a wired set. To me the focal bathys look way better if you're after Bluetooth portable, can't speak to the mezes vs the focal though.
@@Clout_chasing_boy but look and feel like cheap shit, I never heard XS but I have Arya and probably XS is not miles better :) dynamic drivers sounds different from planars not worse sometimes a lot better depend of quality
Yeah... I loved my edition xs for about 8 hours then one of the drivers started buzzing. Hifiman quality control is just mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I do think the headphone is very competitive for $500 if yours doesn't break.
Interesting headphones. I'm currently looking for a good upgrade for my Sundaras which I absolutely love. But I'm also a huge fan of Metal and Rock music and I want guitars to sound punchy and natural. Does anyone have a suggestion for me? I don't really care which driver type, budget is set up to 1000 euro/dollars.
Tried these and ended up returning them. The treble is not smooth and to be honest was only average quality. The hd58x has better tonal balance for me and these could not go as low as Elex in the bass below 60hz which was disappointing. Nicely made and comfortable though but i would seriously get Elex or Ananda over these for pure sound accuracy in fact the sundara is better.
Most people dont realize hd 650 and 600 are extremely sensitive to chain. Only headphones that i heard that changed so much for the better on high end tubes. They honestly outclass auteur
@@Clout_chasing_boy really? I find Auteur much more resolving, with better extension on both ends. Not even close. I even prefer Aeolus when EQ'd. Trying them from Feliks Audio Echo.
Just like any meze product(99 classics are not worth a cent over 100 dollars( soundwise) 109 pro should at max have been a 500 dollar headphone. Grossly overpriced
Hard disagree with this. The build and material choices play an important factor in a niche product. Also, Meze has a very focused approach on repairability of the products and that’s a good thing. The design are very unique and that’s very expensive to do. If you want to get cheap cans then you can get the Hifiman headphones anyways.
@@mab7175 It's ok to NOT be an audiophile. There are people who just listen to music for fun or gaming. No need to be such a damn SNOB about it. Grow up. Not everyone likes what YOU like.
Thank you! this - highlighted comparison between OG Clear and 109 Pro - was EXACTLY what I was looking for, ever since 109 Pro came out. I'll be getting 109 Pro soon!
I bought the 109 Pro when I finally found it at the price I was willing to pay, 500£ used. I am also among those who think that Meze are grossly overpriced, in particular for those who like me only care about sound.
Well, totally unexpected, I ended up selling my Clear and returning a HD660S2 when I acquired these and now think their price is quite appropriate. They turned out to be more exciting and detailed than both. They have a rather forward sound in the mids and also good bass which stays in an audiophile, non-basshead range. They are not warm as described by many. I hear them neutral, borderline cold, just as the Clear. Of all the 3 headphones mentioned only the HD660S can be considered a warm headphone. The 109 pro for me was much more exciti g and dynamic, with a more emphasized mid range that I did not expect. Perhaps because I really like the Hifiman signature, these really did it fir me sound-wise. They arelike an Ananda with more emphasized midrange.
I’m a member of the hifi gaming community so I truly appreciate how you always mention it with your reviews.
@@mab7175 lol I just noticed this Ma B audio SNOB trolling every non-audiophile comment. Ignore this hoe. I'm a gamer too.
@@mab7175 Oh good grief. We all love gear, there's nothing wrong that. Most 'audiophiles' are just gearheads who call themselves audiophiles as a coping mechanism.
I felt I needed to swap the pads on mine. I think the stock velour pads are going to work for most people and most heads, but I'm not a fan of having an uncovered driver housing when you have the sort of treble emphasis this headphone has. I've settled on two ZMF pads, the Auteur Suede (non-per) and Eikon Hybrid. Not an easy swap, had to use a tool to feed the sleeves into the housing rim, but boy oh boy the 109 with some Eikon pads is a pretty ridiculous experience. I think most "audiophiles" are going to prefer an OG Clear for the money or a used Arya. Not sure that Meze is competing with either, the build and design of a Meze is part of what you pay for after all, but the sound of the 109 is unlikely to blow away the discerning enthusiast. That being said it's very fun to listen to. The brightness is more a flavor than an attempt to highlight details. It doesn't sound skewed, but it is pretty spicy stock. But that's why pad swapping was invented.
How does it sound with the icon pads is it a huge difference I'm thinking about downgrading from my zmf aolus because the weight is crushing into my ears and make me feel nauseous and this seems like it would still be really good.
Also which version of the icon pads do you use?
@@dp12345god - I have both an Auteur Classic and 109 pro and for 80% of the time I prefer to listen with the 109 pro w/Auteur pads. With the hybrid Eikon pads the 109 can be a bit too thick for me, but still clear and fun. If I wanted to listen to metal for example and I want more bass emphasis or want to darken the treble or increase the sense of percussive impact I may then use the Eikon pads. I also gave up on threading ZMF pads on the 109 pro, they're large enough you can just slip them over the housing. Figured the sleeve acts as a dust cover for the housing as well. Incidentally I had an Aeolus as well which I ended up trading because it lacked the definition I wanted. The 109 pro is hard to beat for a dynamic headphone, there will of course be people that don't like it's V-tune or want more sense of space or want more intimacy from a headphone but good luck finding a better all around performer. I love ZMF and the 600 series Sennheisers but they both lack the energy of the 109 pro. Not everyone is looking for that however so I get it, but the versatility of pad swaps for comfort or tuning, for me, puts the 109 pro over the top. For "loud" listening I still prefer the Auteur but since I try to be more protective of my hearing I reach for the 109 pro on a daily basis.
@@dasninjastix thank you for the answer and Pad swap recommendation there's definitely helps me on my Journey for a light and great headphone.
I was really hyped for this one and had to return them after a couple of days.
There is a lot of good reviews for it, but only a few people mention:
- lack of detail in the treble, which they covered up, it feels to me, by raising the treble, so they are harsh on top,
- not so good separation,
- lack of sound stage...
I tried to get use to it but ended replacing with LCD 2C and finally, my ears rested.
I love that headphone. To me at least, there is no comparisson.
I got the 109 Pro just yesterday and I'll return them tomorrow. I absolutely agree with all of your points. Furthermore, while the frequency response doesn't show it, I stell felt the mids were recessed.
At best I thought it was an acoustical sidegrade to a Hifiman Sundara - but that is less than half the price! Other than that, I thought there was music where it was slightly better suited than a Sundara, but for what I typically listen to the Sundara was mostly the better pick without even looking at the price difference. And when I tested an Ananda in comparison that simply blew all my efforts to like the 109 Pro away in a heartbeat.
However, I've never had headphones as comfortable as the 109 Pro, pure bliss putting these on my head. Still, I absolutely can't see their MSRP being justified in any way. You can get an Ananda B-Stock for way less and that'll just obliterate the Meze imho.
Couldn't agree more.
You can actually pick up a used Hifiman Arya or LCD-X 2021 version for about 800€.
Lack of soundstage is a very unusual remark.
Yyyep, they're really bad.
This has been informative, thank you.
I want an updated 2022 version of the closed back $200-$350 Meze 99 Classics in Maple/Silver limited edition.
[LOL - This comment triggered an audio SNOB in the comments]
Most beautiful headphone ever designed IMO.
@@mab7175 Never said I was but sound IS important as is look for me. The most appeal to me is the one I mentioned but it's discontinued. I do want a better sound signature though. Right now, I use the Hifiman Edition XS & Moondrop Blessings 2 ... both great neutral sounds and both look amazing.
@@mab7175 Well, I'm not an audiophile & have no desire to be one. The Blessings 2 was the best sounding earphones I've ever heard. I heard headphones have a "better" and "bigger" sound overall. So I bought the Hifiman Edition XS after hearing reviewers I trusted. It did not disappoint. The sound was noticeably better but not by much. The sound difference to be is outstanding & I'm very satisfied with what I have. I do want a closed back that is close to the sound of the Edition XS but looks good esthetically since I'll be wearing it in public. I have a budget since after about $300-$500 the sound is not that huge of a difference to my non-audiophile ears. I would not pay more as I do not care enough. There are audiophiles & audio-snobs ... I have no desire to be either one.
@@mab7175 LOL ... ummm did I say something to offend you? I mean, I've been saying I agree with most of what you're saying. I agree too that audiophiles are NOT snobs. However, YOU are OBVIOUSLY a snob. Listening to music is fun ... it's nothing more to me. It's great that there are people out there who are more passionate about the sound quality and take the hobby more seriously. It's NOT great that there are stuck up SNOBS like you who talk DOWN to people that do not share that same passion but wanna just enjoy music because their ear can't discern the difference. Also, use less of the thesaurus and more of the the SPELL CHECK hahahaha ... don't use words you can't use properly! LOL GTFO.
@@mab7175 You look down with pity to those who don't share the same taste as you. I look down with pity those who have the same arrogance as you. Except I honestly don't have pity for you. Just disgust.
@@mab7175 As an audiophile & professional who has been in the music industry for years, I have come across so many pretentious & arrogant assholes that have their noses so far up their own asses that they can't understand people have a diverse range of wants and needs. I have come to realize that music & the medium it comes out of is for EVERYONE. It's not just for audiophiles. I'm not trying to convince you. I just wanted to chime in and say our audiophile & audio industry NEEDS LESS people like you in it. I said music was for "everyone" but...... maybe not you. Nobody wants you here......except other assholes.
To the original commentor, ignore this asshole. You do you & enjoy the music in your own way. Fuck what morons like this think!
Great review, as always, Chrono!
@@mab7175 What does your comment have to do with the original comment? Nothing. Stop trolling the comment section & I'll stop trolling YOU.
Dude I really gotta save up to get more Meze stuff. Maybe I’ll get a headphone couch first
I wonder if that driver will ever make it into a less expensive headphone. Maybe a closed back to replace the 99
It's still possible with 109...it's simply overpriced like the complete bandwith...
@@mab7175 SNOB ⚠️ 📢 ALERT!
@@mab7175 why should they? if its not even close to high end?
Love my 109s, moved from DT1990 with Dekoni Velour pads and it's a sizable upgrade all around. The imaging/layering is vastly better, kind reminds me of moving from the Fidelio X2 to the DT1990. The build/design is exquisite, I returned my Hifiman Edition XS immediately as they had an intermittent connection, basically mandated balanced power to sound any good and felt like they were built by a toddler. Are these the absolute peak of value for sound? maybe not, but as a complete package they're damn hard to beat. Oh yeah and don't forget focal think you're going to pay 200-250 usd for OEM pads on the clear when they inevitably look like shit after a year or so.
Love my 109s as well. What focal are charging for their pads is criminal.
Hey
Mine has some coil noise, is that normal or is there a way to fix this that doesn't require like monthly maintenance? Kinda dissapointing considering the price.
In terms of sound they're not bad but I don't hear any improvement over my Sony Wh1000xm4's for example if using without a DAC/AMP. I ordered an Amp & it arrived today but haven't tested it yet but honestly I don't think I'll be spending this much for a headset again. Seems like a bit of a waste. Kinda wishing I didn't at this point.
Thanks Much !
No dust filter inside? Interesting and looks cool.
The frequency response curve looks pretty close to the beyerdynamics amiron home. does anyone have any experience comparing the two?
109 Pro vs. Ananda vs. Clear OG vs HD600 (for reference). Please? Thanks!
Can you review the Meze 99 Classics. I'm getting conflicting opinions on it. Thanks for the video by the way!
For someone who enjoys the HD 600 or HD 6XX sound signature, I believe the HD 660S is a 'safer' upgrade; it improves upon the same formula, with small tweaks, without a steep price increase. It is also serviceable and long-lasting, as time has shown. Headbands that rely on elastics don't convince me for longevity either.
the headband is the only deal breaker for me for these headphones
I don't agree, 660s is a downgrade from 600-650, I have own all three.
@@ixoye56agree, 660s is an indecisive headphone stuck between 600 & 650. Not to mention the grossly overpriced S2
@@AusOpeningThis is why it is my favourite of the three. The 650 was too warm and veiled (lacking clarity), and the 600 sounded a bit cold and lifeless, with a bit of harshness on some tracks. The 660S is, as you said, between the two, sounding more clear than the 650 and warmer than the 600. I have not listened to the 660S2, but for €600 it seems more reasonable to get the Meze 109 Pro for €800, as you improve both the bass AND soundstage of the 6XX line. The Focal Clear is €1500 in Germany, so definitely not worth it.
Which one is better sounding, Edition XS or Meze?
I'm considering the 109 Pro as a complement for my Noire on the open back/dynamic headphones. Since my rule of thumb is good for Chrono = good for me, I guess I have my answer. Thank you for sharing
Ignore this Ma B snob/troll.
@@mab7175 beeing audiophile is kind of sad thing, its obsession about little things and forgetting about true meaning of music...to have fun and enjoy it not make analysis
Beryllium cellulose driver with, slightly angled with W / M shape... where have I seen this before? Looking at you, Focal...
Best intro for me because I just get the HD 600 and wondering the same request ;)
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.
.
but
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.
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The headband is way too width and it's not airy, why, why!!!
I know why, it has better look (better for selling it) but it is less comfortable and i gonna scratch my head with this or getting hot quicker
This or the Ananda Stealth for rock and metal? Which of the two is less fatiguing in the presence region?
Hate the focal clear. Sounds like someone crunching a metal tin can. Plus it can't take any volume. Interested to try the Meze.
How about the Elegia on sale for $329?
Hi, what are your experiences with the phones that makes you say that?
The og focal clear i cannot find anywhere around me for that price
I have the $200 version in the mail. #Zeos. Best, D.
I was going to get these or the Focal Bathys. Have you heard the latter? If so then can give a sound comparison (or do one in a video) of the two. They both are similar priced. The Bathys can double as a wireless ANC and a wired (I'll be using it in wired mode 100% of the time).
Between the two, I personally prefer the Bathys, although I only got to listen to the 109 Pro at CanJam, which isn't the best listening environment.
One thing to note about the Bathys is that it had two wired modes: USB and aux. The aux mode seems to rely on an internal analog to digital converter, since the headphones must be turned on to use it. There's no direct analog passthrough as far as I can tell.
imo, you really cant go wrong with the focals like ever. But idk i think you really should hold out until you try both and then youll know, i know some people that dont like focals, its all down to taste and also your ears
@@wegamegood2884 100% agree. Other people can tell you how their ears pick things up, but only you can know how your ears pick things up.
Chrono: Which would you pick as a 6XX upgrade, the Meze 109 Pro or the ZMF Aeolus? I know the price ranges are different. Thanks!
None. Get high end tube amp
@@Clout_chasing_boy what tube amp would you recommend? I only have a little dot mk2 for my 6xx right now
@@dae8894Cayin HA-3A
Get a used Auteur.
@@soulfulfoolso you haven't heard one, but it's not worth it? Ok
Better that an Elex which is currently $200 cheaper?
Ive owned both. Elex used at $400 it’s still a great value but the 1 09 pro is in a whole other league
Comfort and build our reflective of the increase in price and then some. Keep in mind how common elects driver failures were, and are and the fact that it is a clamping and clicking mechanism, which is simply inferior to the suspension system on the 109 pro.
In terms of sound the one I am pro is definitely an upgrade that you can clearly hear on quality equipment. The one 109 pro is more competition for the clear and if that point it comes down to preference.
I compared the clear and the 109 pro at home and I’m selling off the clear. The comfort and bill quality to me is a huge factor and I also like the wider soundstage and more forgiving treble. I could also see someone preferring the more resolving clear, as well as its more typical focal. “punchiness”. I don’t think there is an obvious choice.
At the price point, though the 109 Pro is definitely worth considering as it easily justifies itself against cheaper options.
What do you think about these compared to focal elex in terms of sound?
Its worse in every way apart from they have more Treble quantity however the quality of it is worse and the bass extension is worse. It has basic Imaging too. At best its a HD58X alternative with slightly wider staging and take this from someone who isnt biased by pricing.
Hello from india
Can you recommend me a headphones from the below ones
Jbl live 660ANC
Sony xm4
Sennheiser pxc 550-ii
And i want
Neutral Sound quality
Sound clarity
Imaging
Soundstage
And no need for ANC
It just occurred to me, do you guys review only headphones that you sell?
No we review all the products out there. I think the guys want to be able to carry everything but unfortunately that's just not possible - but the editorial is kept separate and covers everything out there.
@@ResolveReviews Thanks, this makes it clear.
Torn between this, ananda bt, and the new focal wireless, hifiman qc kinda scares me though, and i have pretty bad experience with older meze products especially after all those rebranding shenanigans.
stay away from hifiman. i speak from personal experience. the sound is not worth the headaches (literally in my case cuz lack of swivel is a bitch)
I haven't heard the Ananda bt, but between the 109 Pro and the Bathys, I prefer the Bathys. I heard the 109 Pro at CanJam, which is not the best listening environment, but the treble sounded wrong to me (I suspect it's the dip in the upper mids) while the bass was a little muddy to my ears. I have since heard the Bathys and really prefer their tuning.
I would avoid the ananda bt. It's rather hard to secure replacement pads for and has some weird limitations such as no ability to run an analogue cable due to the requirement to use the internal DAC. Plus it just doesn't sound that good, an obvious downgrade from a wired set. To me the focal bathys look way better if you're after Bluetooth portable, can't speak to the mezes vs the focal though.
@@DaBomb5309 the meze in this review is even built better than susvara LMAO
Comparison with Edition XS would've been nice as it might be better in many ways for a meaningfully lower price.
It is. Edition xs is miles ahead of 109 pro
@@Clout_chasing_boy but look and feel like cheap shit, I never heard XS but I have Arya and probably XS is not miles better :) dynamic drivers sounds different from planars not worse sometimes a lot better depend of quality
Yeah... I loved my edition xs for about 8 hours then one of the drivers started buzzing. Hifiman quality control is just mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
I do think the headphone is very competitive for $500 if yours doesn't break.
@@Nick-ep8ijjust buy sennheisers and forget about everything else
Interesting headphones. I'm currently looking for a good upgrade for my Sundaras which I absolutely love. But I'm also a huge fan of Metal and Rock music and I want guitars to sound punchy and natural. Does anyone have a suggestion for me? I don't really care which driver type, budget is set up to 1000 euro/dollars.
grados
@metalbased the ananda or edition xs might be options to consider.
LCD-X? Arya SE?
@@mab7175 SNOB
@@mab7175 Do you have a suggestion for me?
"I find it better tuned then either of the Empyrean." I know from that statement alone, that our tastes do not align.
Compare elite and 109 Pro. I bought 109pro just better VALUE
Tried these and ended up returning them. The treble is not smooth and to be honest was only average quality. The hd58x has better tonal balance for me and these could not go as low as Elex in the bass below 60hz which was disappointing. Nicely made and comfortable though but i would seriously get Elex or Ananda over these for pure sound accuracy in fact the sundara is better.
The atrium is the hd600 on steroids init?
It's also 3x the price of the 109 Pro so that hardly seems relevant as a comparison
The Sennheiser HD600-650(XX) are still better imo.
Why ? HarmonicDyne G200 is better for gaming and music. Right ?
Because G200 better than HD6XX.
700$
ZMF Aeolus is a better upgrade from 6xx
Auteur for me. I love them
I have and enjoy both. The Aeolus is in no way an upgrade from the 6xx. It's a different, much more bass rich, thumping, warmer sound. Both are great.
I really need to STOP buying headphones.
i want this for gaming also valorant hahaahahhaha relly i want this just for gaming
frequency response is worse than hd650 lol
It doesn't sound nearly as good as the 6-series. And I'm no Sennheiser fan.
Chrono: there was no dynamic-driver clear upgrade from the HD600 series under $1000
Focal Elex: Am I a joke to you?
Love your reviews, Chrono!
Elex doesn't have as good timbre as HD600. The real upgrade would be ZMF Aeolus or Auteur IMO.
@@AliArghavan Elex is the upgrade to Hd6xx(650) not 600 as DMS said.
Most people dont realize hd 650 and 600 are extremely sensitive to chain. Only headphones that i heard that changed so much for the better on high end tubes. They honestly outclass auteur
@@Clout_chasing_boy really? I find Auteur much more resolving, with better extension on both ends. Not even close. I even prefer Aeolus when EQ'd. Trying them from Feliks Audio Echo.
@@AliArghavan i would add here Focal Clear also
Nice look but sound thick & close ,less detail but good design .will pass.
Just like any meze product(99 classics are not worth a cent over 100 dollars( soundwise) 109 pro should at max have been a 500 dollar headphone. Grossly overpriced
It’s ok to be wrong
Hard disagree with this. The build and material choices play an important factor in a niche product. Also, Meze has a very focused approach on repairability of the products and that’s a good thing. The design are very unique and that’s very expensive to do. If you want to get cheap cans then you can get the Hifiman headphones anyways.
Couldn’t disagree more.
@@mab7175 amen to that
@@mab7175 It's ok to NOT be an audiophile. There are people who just listen to music for fun or gaming. No need to be such a damn SNOB about it. Grow up. Not everyone likes what YOU like.
Yuck, Meze sounds messy with most every attempt at headphone manufacture. Making an 800 dollar sloth?