Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Beautiful design and excellent build quality with premium materials, giving a luxurious feel
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions due to soft velour earpads, a well-balanced headband design, and relatively light weight
  • Balanced, natural sound signature with good bass extension and detailed treble, making them suitable for various music genres
  • Easy to drive, performing well even with low-powered sources like smartphones and dongle DACs
  • Good detail retrieval and a believable soundstage that expands with reference recordings

Product Considerations

  • Cable connections to the cups can be problematic with aftermarket cables, as some may not fit in the recessed area
  • Some reviewers found the treble slightly emphasized, which may require pairing with warmer electronics or EQ adjustments
  • Caliper pressure is a little too high for some users
  • The stock cable is pretty basic
  • Bass impact may not satisfy bass enthusiasts

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth Edition, the 109 Pro offers better bass extension and layering, but the Ananda has more energetic sound
  • Vs Sennheiser HD660S2, the 109 Pro is noticeably better built and finished, and more comfortable to wear

Takeaway: The Meze 109 Pro is a well-built and comfortable headphone that offers a balanced and enjoyable sound signature. It's versatile enough for various listening scenarios and music genres, making it a great all-around choice for those seeking a high-quality audio experience.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

109 PRO

reviews

[{"title":"Recalibrate Your Ears - Meze 109 PRO Review","link":"https://soundnews.net/headphones/full-size/recalibrate-your-ears-meze-109-pro-review","source":"soundnews.net","datePublished":""},{"title":"Meze Audio 109 Pro review","link":"https://www.soundguys.com/meze-audio-109-pro-review-105625","source":"soundguys.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Meze 109 Pro review — Romanian Beauty","link":"https://www.ear-fidelity.com/meze-109-pro-review","source":"ear-fidelity.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Meze Audio 109 Pro Review","link":"https://www.headfonia.com/meze-audio-109-pro-review","source":"headfonia.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Meze Audio 109 PRO Review","link":"https://headfonics.com/meze-audio-109-pro-review","source":"headfonics.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Meze Audio 109 Pro Headphones Review","link":"https://stereonet.com/reviews/meze-audio-109-pro-headphones-review","source":"stereonet.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Wow! These Headphones are Spectacular! Meze 109 Pro Review - Worth It?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moiTLxt-4kI","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Meze Audio 109 Pro Headphone Review - The perfect sub-$1000 headphone","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Esn80-1L4g","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Are audiophile headphones worth it? // Meze 109 Pro Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUwOsbHiJII","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Meze 109 Pro Headphones Review - Yes, they are that good.","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ98GMvWX3k","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"REVIEW! Meze 109 PRO","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1Ha7trfbec","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"THESE ARE SO GOOD FOR GAMING! Meze 109 Pro Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB6OXFU6f7k","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Meze Audio 109 Pro Review - Hitting all the right notes","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-xLIQLMWV4","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Meze 109 Pro Headphone Review - All Aboard the Hype Train?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3twCN7G71lE","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"I get it now! A New Perspective and Review on the Meze 109 Pro...","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL4Xdxk5SNY","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"Meze Audio 109 Pro Headphone Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezC9FJfKmhU","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2023"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Driver Type: Dynamic
  • Input Connector: dual 3.5 mm TS Jack
  • Driver Size: 50 mm
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.1% at 1 kHz
  • Frequency Range: 5 Hz - 30 kHz
  • Ear Cups: Black Walnut Wood
  • Impedance: 40 Ω
  • Weight: 375 g (13 oz.)
  • Sensitivity: 112 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
109 Pro is a demonstration of our commitment to go beyond the faithful reproduction of sound to deliver pure emotion. It all started with a purpose – creating joy. It’s about letting yourself get lost in sound, about that intimate connection you have with your favorite artist, song or instrument when all distractions are removed.
109 Pro is a demonstration of our commitment to go beyond the faithful reproduction of sound to deliver pure emotion. It all started with a purpose – creating joy. It’s about letting yourself get lost in sound, about that intimate connection you have with your favorite artist, song or instrument when all distractions are removed.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Meze's products exhibit a distinctive aesthetic, often incorporating natural materials like wood and leather, offering a blend of modern and classic design elements.
  • The brand prioritizes repairability and longevity in its designs by using screws and metal fixings to facilitate easy disassembly and part replacement.
  • Meze headphones consistently receive praise for exceptional comfort, due to features such as self-adjusting headbands, well-designed earcups, and carefully selected padding materials.

Alba

  • Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and portability.
  • Description: Offers a balanced sound profile with a touch of warmth, making it ideal for those new to high-fidelity audio. Its standout feature is the inclusion of a USB-C DAC/AMP, which is not found in other Meze products, enhancing its compatibility with modern devices. This makes it perfect for users seeking a portable and budget-friendly option without sacrificing sound quality.

99 Neo

  • Positioning: Mid-range closed-back headphones, offering a blend of style and performance.
  • Description: Features clear and balanced sound, with a design that emphasizes comfort and durability. Unlike the Alba, it features a self-adjusting headband and medium-density foam ear pads for better sound isolation, making it suitable for home use where noise isolation is important.

105 AER

  • Positioning: Versatile open-back headphones, designed for a wide range of musical genres.
  • Description: Features lightweight design and premium materials, offering a lush and immersive sound experience. Its unique W-shaped dome and ultra-thin torus provide enhanced clarity and detail, setting it apart from the 99 Neo's closed-back design.

Liric

  • Positioning: High-end closed-back headphones, focusing on luxury and advanced acoustics.
  • Description: Features isodynamic hybrid array technology, delivering a powerful yet nuanced audio experience. Its closed-back design and detachable magnetic ear pads offer superior sound isolation compared to the open-back 105 AER. The use of premium materials like Macassar ebony wood adds to its luxurious appeal.

Elite

  • Positioning: Flagship open-back headphones, representing the pinnacle of Meze's audio engineering.
  • Description: Equipped with groundbreaking Rinaro's Isodynamic Hybrid Array technology, providing an ultra-high resolution audio experience. Its open-back design and advanced driver technology offer a wider soundstage and more natural sound compared to the Liric. This makes it the ultimate choice for audiophiles seeking the finest in sound quality and craftsmanship.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
3
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
89
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
16
Founding Year
2011

Our take on the brand

Meze Audio is a hifi brand known for their unique Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver technology, which provides an immersive sound experience with a frequency range of 3 Hz to 112 kHz. Their headphones feature distinctive design elements like black walnut wood ear cups and detachable magnetic ear pads, setting them apart from typical plastic or metal designs in the premium headphone market.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

Our strongest differentiator is adding the comfort element to the equation. Most headphone models are focused only on technological advancements, forgetting that comfort and ease of wear are also very important factors when choosing an object that you intend to wear for hours on end.

That is why our headphones are specifically designed to be lightweight and to combat any pressure points that can occur when wearing them for long periods of time. 

What's your approach to customer support?

Our clients have the possibility to contact either the dealers/distributors or our support department directly, through our support page: https://mezeaudio.com/pages/contact.

Our headphones are designed to be fully serviceable, so every part is easy to change, in case there’s an issue. There is no glue, just nuts and bolts, so anyone can change any part of the headphone with just a screwdriver.

We are quick to solve any problem as soon as it occurs and in some instances, we do go above and beyond to help our customers. One time, I remember someone was actually wondering if our 109 PRO model's ear cups are really made of wood, so we disassembled a unit, removed the ear cups, broke them into pieces and sent him pictures with the wood pulp, to show that we do use real wood, haha!

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

My favourites would be (not necessarily in this order): Sevdaliza - Bluecid, Isaac Gracie - Silhouette of you, and lately, Sleep Token - Damocles or Caramel.

What other products pair best with yours?

Thankfully, there are a lot of good products on the market that have strong synergy with our products, and we are fortunate enough to have great partners in the industry to pair our headphones with.

We also received very good feedback from our customers testing the pairings at different trade shows, and they prefer the following: Chord Dave, Feliks Envy, Ferrum Wandla + Oor + Hypsos combo, the DCS Lina stack, Auris Headonia, Linear Tube Audio Aero + Velo combo, and many many more, these is just top of the mind.

From our interview with
Alexandra Rizoiu
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Focal
Hadenys
754
754
/
13
Reviews
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Beautiful design and build quality with premium materials, like a magnesium yoke and genuine leather headband
  • Good comfort with memory foam earpads and breathable cloth, though some find the pads shallow
  • Well-rounded tonal balance with surprisingly strong bass for an open-back headphone
  • Easy to drive and forgiving with different audio sources
  • Clear and spacious sound presentation, with accurate imaging

Product Considerations

  • The price point may be higher than some consumers want to pay
  • The relatively small size might not fit all head shapes comfortably
  • Stock cable is reported to have memory and be unwieldy
  • Sound staging isn't the widest

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Focal Azurys: Some prefer the sound of the Azurys for some songs and use cases
  • Vs Sennheiser HD600: Hadenys has improvements in the bass and treble response, and there's more oomph and weight in the bass
  • Vs Focal Clear MG: Hadenys manages to provide a remarkable amount of Clear MG for a lower price
  • Vs Focal Elex: dynamics are not on par with the Focal Elex
  • Vs Sennheiser HD 660S2: The Focal manages to feel as solid, while looking better, wearing better and sounding better

Takeaway: The Hadenys offers a stylish design, comfortable fit, and well-rounded sound, making it a versatile headphone for enjoying music at home. Its solid construction and easy-to-drive nature make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a premium listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
FIIO
FT7
699
699
/
11
Reviews
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Uses premium materials like carbon fiber, metal, sheep lambskin earpads, and zebra wood faceplates for a luxurious feel, with excellent build quality
  • Has a mostly neutral sound signature, with lambskin pads bass response is very good with a tasteful emphasis placed on the sub-bass region, and a decent midrange
  • Provides good detail retrieval, resolution, and transparency of sound, the drivers can show plenty of information and micro detail
  • A pad swapping system allows changes to sound characteristics, with lambskin pads and breathable fabric pads included
  • Comes with a quarter-inch adapter and a 4-pin XLR adapter for use with portable or desktop devices

Product Considerations

  • The stock cable is 3 meters long, which is too long for desktop use
  • Headband adjustment can be a little stiff to move
  • With leather pads, the highs can get slightly sharp
  • There is a slight sharpness in the upper treble that might pose a problem for some listeners, using fabric pads can mitigate this
  • Weight distribution could be better, there's not enough padding on the headband, and the clamp force is low, this distributes all the weight across the top of the head, which can be bothersome after 40-50 minutes

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs HiFiMan Susvara: Has a similar driver structure
  • Vs HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled: Is close in terms of technical performance like resolution, transient response, soundstage, depth, and openness
  • Vs HiFiMan Arya Stealth: Has a better build quality and bass response

Takeaway: The FiiO FT7 is a well-built, comfortable headphone that offers a neutral-leaning-warm sound that can be tailored with different earpads. The FT7 competes with other headphones that cost significantly more, making it a great pick at its price point.

Video review

Our take on the brand

FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Neumann
NDH 30
649
649
/
11
Reviews
Neumann pioneered studio recording technology by creating the first mass-produced condenser microphone in 1928 and introducing then-novel features like remotely switchable polar patterns. The company also manufactured the record-cutting lathes that defined vinyl mastering—a rare dual legacy. The brand offers faithful reissues of historic microphones built from original blueprints and studio monitors with phase linearization DSP, serving professional recording engineers and classical music producers who demand period-correct sonics and precise acoustic control.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent stereo separation for mixing and monitoring
  • Built with aluminum, it has a durable feel
  • Designed for reference listening
  • Clean, linear, and very detailed mids

Product Considerations

  • Sound can be considered somewhat restrained, lacking upper midrange and low to HF 'hype'
  • Cloth ear pads may not feel as soft or luxurious as velour pads on some other headphones
  • Lacks impact and bite
  • Headband padding is uncomfortable
  • Single-entry cable is on the right side, which is an unusual placement

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sennheiser HD650: Differences come down to something similar to a full-range studio monitor versus a full-range hifi speaker of equal build quality and similar design, Sennheisers are geared more towards enjoying the brain-pleasing sounds of music, while you probably want to mix with the Neumanns
  • Vs Sennheiser HD600/650: The HD600 and HD650 are more comfortable, with a better industrial design than the NDH-30

Takeaway: The Neumann NDH 30 is a tool that can be very helpful for mixing sessions, especially for identifying details in the mid-range of a mix. Its design and build quality also make it a lasting product.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Neumann pioneered studio recording technology by creating the first mass-produced condenser microphone in 1928 and introducing then-novel features like remotely switchable polar patterns. The company also manufactured the record-cutting lathes that defined vinyl mastering—a rare dual legacy. The brand offers faithful reissues of historic microphones built from original blueprints and studio monitors with phase linearization DSP, serving professional recording engineers and classical music producers who demand period-correct sonics and precise acoustic control.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Thieaudio
Wraith
549
549
/
10
Reviews
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • The Wraith features an all-metal alloy body that feels sturdy and durable
  • The earcups feature a rotating mechanism, making it convenient to rest the headphones around the neck
  • The design is considered stylish, industrial, and unique
  • The suspension headband design distributes weight evenly, making it comfortable to wear for long listening sessions

Product Considerations

  • The Wraith's headband adjustment system is not very practical and requires a screwdriver to adjust
  • Stock pads may not create the best seal, impacting sound isolation
  • The soundstage is intimate, and the resolution is average
  • The 2.5mm connectors on the earcups might limit replacement cable options
  • Sub-bass can roll off with stock pads

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs HiFiMan Edition XS: The Edition XS has better resolution, clarity, and sub-bass response out of the box, but the Wraith has superior build quality, materials, robustness, and comfort
  • Vs Sendy Audio Aiva: The Wraith and Aiva share a similar bass roll-off
  • Vs Moondrop Venus: The Moondrop Venus costs slightly more and provides a wider soundstage and more refined sound

Takeaway: The ThieAudio Wraith has excellent build quality and a unique design, making them durable and comfortable for many users. The sound is warm and laid-back, making them suitable for casual listening.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

beyerdynamic
DT 990 PRO
159
/
Released
The DT 990 PRO headphones is the range's open-back model offering impressive spaciousness. These open-back studio headphones are a reliable tool for any sound enthusiast. The wide stereo image and three-dimensional sound reproduction make the beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO headphones a loyal companion for producers.
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Beyerdynamic is known for their Tesla driver technology, producing designs which are easy to drive with various sources and are commonplace in professional environments. The brand caters to both professional users and home listeners, with products ranging from analytical studio headphones to gaming headsets designed for precise sound localization.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Comfortable design, especially with velour ear pads, making them suitable for long listening sessions
  • Solid and sturdy build quality, often using metal components
  • Balanced and neutral sound with a decent soundstage, making them appropriate for mixing
  • Good stereo reproduction and detailed tonal depth
  • Wide frequency response allows for hearing details in mixes and spacious sound

Product Considerations

  • Open-back design leads to sound leakage and poor noise isolation
  • High impedance (250 ohms) may require an amplifier to achieve sufficient volume and optimal performance
  • Non-detachable cable can be a point of failure and inconvenience for replacement
  • Can sound harsh due to boosted treble frequencies
  • Coiled cable can be heavy and pull on devices

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • DT 990 PRO has a more immersive soundstage but less bass emphasis and poor noise isolation, compared to the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
  • DT 990 PRO has a bit more low-end, while the Sennheiser HD 560S has a more even top-end
  • DT 990 PRO has more balanced mid and treble, but the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X has wider soundstage and can play loud sound without distortion
  • DT 990 PRO is better built with a wider soundstage, while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x provides passive noise isolation and emphasized bass
  • DT 990 PRO offers better value with excellent build and better bass extension, while the Sennheiser HD 600 has a slightly more spacious soundstage
  • Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO has better bass response but sharper treble, the DT 990 PRO is still a great option for professionals

Takeaway: The DT 990 PRO are comfortable headphones with great sound, suitable for studio use in quiet environments or for gamers who want to hear all the details. They may need an amp, but will allow users to work confidently on their music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Beyerdynamic is known for their Tesla driver technology, producing designs which are easy to drive with various sources and are commonplace in professional environments. The brand caters to both professional users and home listeners, with products ranging from analytical studio headphones to gaming headsets designed for precise sound localization.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
HIFIMAN
Ananda Nano
369
/
Released
2023
Ananda Nano now brings the acclaimed Ananda sound in a more compact, lightweight package while delivering high-resolution planar-magnetic performance.
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HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent resolution and imaging capabilities
  • Features a nanometer thickness diaphragm and Stealth Magnet design that improves transient response and lowers harmonic distortion
  • Easy to drive, it is among the most efficient open-back planar magnetic headphones on the market right now
  • Features a tight, textured, and clean bass response
  • Good detail retrieval and vocal clarity

Product Considerations

  • Treble might be too much for some listeners
  • May not be the most lively in macro-dynamics
  • Reviewers note a slightly dry timbre
  • Lean, slightly cold mid-range
  • The included 3-meter cable is not useful for desktop use

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Similar to the Meze 109, but a planar
  • Sounded a little bit more hifi than the Austrian Audio Hi-X 65
  • Has a more warm, natural feel than the original Ananda
  • Easiest to drive when compared to the Edition XS
  • Superior in technical performance when compared to the Hifiman Sundara

Takeaway: The Ananda Nano is a well-tuned headphone with superior resolution and marvelous timbre, particularly good for electronic music and those who care about vocal clarity. It's a planar alternative that’s incredibly fast and detailed, with excellent imaging and soundstage.

Video review

Our take on the brand

HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
SIVGA
Anser
199
/
Released
2024
High-quality wooden HiFi dynamic driver headphones with open-back design. Features self-developed 50mm dynamic drivers delivering full bass, wide soundstage, and clean natural sound.
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SIVGA is a hifi headphone brand recognized for its solid-wood cup finishing process that includes CNC carving, grinding, and polishing, with materials like walnut and zebrawood selected specifically for their acoustic properties. The brand focuses on desktop amplification users with high-impedance designs such as the 300Ω SV023.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The Anser is wonderfully comfortable.
  • Exceptional build quality, with premium materials rarely seen at this price point.
  • It delivers a sound that's well-balanced across all frequencies.
  • The Anser is easy to drive from absolutely anything.
  • It has a nice sense of weight and presence in its sound, particularly in vocals and solo instrumentals.

Product Considerations

  • The soundstage is somewhat restricted in width.
  • The midrange is not great.
  • The stock cable is a little stiff.
  • Treble enthusiasts may occasionally find the presentation less energetic.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sennheiser HD 560s: The Anser is significantly more comfortable and feels better built than the HD 560s, but the HD 560s is a little brighter and sharper in the treble.
  • Vs Drop and Sennheiser HD 6XX: The Anser would win for most people on build quality and possibly comfort too, and is going to win for bass because extends down deep, and it's solid and full.
  • Vs Philips Fidelio X2HR: The X2HR has a wider, more open soundstage, and a little more nuance in the midrange.
  • Vs Sivga Oriole: The Anser has slight advantages, such as soundstage, which is still limited but nevertheless better than the Oriole.
  • Vs FiiO FT1 Pro: The Anser has a slightly warmer sound signature, with a more pronounced bass response.

Takeaway: The Sivga Anser offers great build quality and is very comfortable, making it a great choice for people who want a fun and engaging listening experience. This is a headphone that prioritizes musicality over technical prowess, offering an inviting sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

SIVGA is a hifi headphone brand recognized for its solid-wood cup finishing process that includes CNC carving, grinding, and polishing, with materials like walnut and zebrawood selected specifically for their acoustic properties. The brand focuses on desktop amplification users with high-impedance designs such as the 300Ω SV023.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Product Page
SIVGA
Luan
299
/
Released
2023
The Luan is a high-fidelity wired headphone featuring wooden ear cups and dynamic drivers. It delivers high-resolution sound with deep bass, soft and full midrange, clear detail separation, and refined, non-fatiguing treble.
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SIVGA is a hifi headphone brand recognized for its solid-wood cup finishing process that includes CNC carving, grinding, and polishing, with materials like walnut and zebrawood selected specifically for their acoustic properties. The brand focuses on desktop amplification users with high-impedance designs such as the 300Ω SV023.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent build quality, using premium materials like metal headbands and yokes, wood cups, and soft leather or velvet for comfort
  • Comfortable, with plush ear pads and a lightweight design, making it suitable for long listening sessions
  • Easy to drive and scales well with better gear
  • The sound signature has a good balance of detail, musicality, and accurate tonality, making it a versatile option
  • Clarity and separation of instruments with a good soundstage and decent imaging

Product Considerations

  • The included cable is of lesser quality compared to the build, noting its stiffness and memory effect
  • The bass response may not satisfy bassheads as it rolls off slightly in the sub-bass region
  • The treble and upper mids can be a bit forward or 'shouty', potentially causing listening fatigue for treble-sensitive individuals
  • The symmetrical design can make it difficult to quickly discern the left and right sides
  • The included case is not aesthetically pleasing to all reviewers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sennheiser HD 600: The Luan has better bass and a larger soundstage, but the HD 600 is slightly better in tone and timbre
  • Vs Sivga Robin: The Luan has a different sound and build quality than the Robin, which is more aggressive
  • Vs beyerdynamic DT900 Pro X: The mids have better details on the DT900 Pro X

Takeaway: The Sivga Luan is a well-built and comfortable headphone with a balanced sound, making it a great choice for extended listening and versatile across different sources. It is a stylish, easy-to-drive headphone with enough punch and clarity to appeal to a wide range of listeners.

Video review

Our take on the brand

SIVGA is a hifi headphone brand recognized for its solid-wood cup finishing process that includes CNC carving, grinding, and polishing, with materials like walnut and zebrawood selected specifically for their acoustic properties. The brand focuses on desktop amplification users with high-impedance designs such as the 300Ω SV023.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
HIFIMAN
HE400se
109
/
Released
2022
HE400se — Affordable open-back planar magnetic headphones enhanced with Stealth Magnet design for reduced distortion.
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HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Good build quality for the price
  • Comfortable, especially with the updated headband design
  • Decent detail retrieval and resolution throughout the frequency range
  • A good entry point for trying planar drivers
  • Good imaging and instrument separation

Product Considerations

  • Stock cable is of very low quality and microphonic, replacement is recommended
  • Sub-bass is lacking, and the bass response may not satisfy bass enthusiasts
  • Treble can get fatiguing with potential peaks
  • Pads flatten out quickly
  • An amplifier is needed to shine

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs HIFIMAN Sundara: HE400se has a brighter sound, while the Sundara is smoother with a warmer quality, and the Sundara is significantly better overall and worth the upgrade
  • Vs HIFIMAN HD560S: HE400se has a smoother treble presentation

Takeaway: The HE400se provides a taste of planar sound at an affordable price and is great for those wanting to experiment with modifications. The HE400se is definitely worth it for anyone looking for open back headphones with great sound.

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Our take on the brand

HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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