The 105 Silva include a good quality zipped hard case, 1.8m kevlar reinforced, tangle-resistant cable, and a custom 3.5mm-to-USB-C adapter with built-in DAC/amp. My early sample didn’t have this connector, but I did use the tiny Fiio BTR13 DAC when testing with my iPhone.
Aesthetics aside, Meze has designed a 50mm driver with a titanium-coated semicrystalline polymer and carbon fiber-reinforced cellulose composite. This combination promises reduced resonance, fast response and a sound profile designed to please as many listeners as possible. These are not flat frequency, analytical headphones, but they are detailed, rich and engaging, and a whole lot of fun to listen to.
At 12.5 ounces (350 grams) they’re not especially light, but the combination of sprung steel headband construction and plush earcups makes them float. These are some of the comfiest headphones I’ve ever worn, with plenty of space for my generously proportioned ears. There’s also no pressure if I’m wearing glasses, and (Apple, please take note re: Airpods Max) there’s no hint of slippage if I dip my head forward. You can wear these cans for hours on end, but as they are open-back cans, don’t think for a second they’re for your daily commute, unless that involves moving from couch to desk.
With an impedance of 42 ohms, the 105 Silva are easy to drive, and you’ll have no issue playing through your phone, but add a DAC or headphone amp in the mix and you will instantly hear the difference. At 112 dB they’re sensitive too, and can play loud whatever your source.
Listening to a range of genres in CD quality 16-bit/44.1 kHz and 24-bit/192 kHz hi-res streaming from Qobuz—using the aforementioned mini DAC, the superb Chord Electronics Mojo 2, and sadly now discontinued Audiolab M-DAC+—and I’m impressed and engrossed from the outset.
Precision Handling
Photograph: Chris Haslam
A play through of The Look by Metronomy, and the organ stabs, bass and percussion are neatly located, with the lead and backing vocals pleasantly balanced. Everything is driving the track forward, and nothing feels lost. The bass is punchy and textured without being overbearing, and sounds best with pacy, rhythmic tracks.