The 105 Silva embody a great high quality zipped onerous case, 1.8m kevlar strengthened, tangle-resistant cable, and a customized 3.5mm-to-USB-C adapter with built-in DAC/amp. My early pattern didn’t have this connector, however I did use the tiny Fiio BTR13 DAC when testing with my iPhone.
Aesthetics apart, Meze has designed a 50mm driver with a titanium-coated semicrystalline polymer and carbon fiber-reinforced cellulose composite. This mix guarantees diminished resonance, quick response and a sound profile designed to please as many listeners as attainable. These are usually not flat frequency, analytical headphones, however they’re detailed, wealthy and fascinating, and an entire lot of enjoyable to take heed to.
At 12.5 ounces (350 grams) they’re not particularly mild, however the mixture of sprung metal headband building and plush earcups makes them float. These are a number of the comfiest headphones I’ve ever worn, with loads of house for my generously proportioned ears. There’s additionally no strain if I’m sporting glasses, and (Apple, please take be aware re: Airpods Max) there’s no trace of slippage if I dip my head ahead. You possibly can put on these cans for hours on finish, however as they’re open-back cans, don’t assume for a second they’re on your day by day commute, until that includes transferring from sofa to desk.
With an impedance of 42 ohms, the 105 Silva are simple to drive, and also you’ll don’t have any subject taking part in by means of your cellphone, however add a DAC or headphone amp within the combine and you’ll immediately hear the distinction. At 112 dB they’re delicate too, and may play loud no matter your supply.
Listening to a spread of genres in CD high quality 16-bit/44.1 kHz and 24-bit/192 kHz hi-res streaming from Qobuz—utilizing the aforementioned mini DAC, the excellent Chord Electronics Mojo 2, and sadly now discontinued Audiolab M-DAC+—and I’m impressed and engrossed from the outset.
Precision Dealing with
{Photograph}: Chris Haslam
A play by means of of The Look by Metronomy, and the organ stabs, bass and percussion are neatly positioned, with the lead and backing vocals pleasantly balanced. Every thing is driving the monitor ahead, and nothing feels misplaced. The bass is punchy and textured with out being overbearing, and sounds greatest with pacy, rhythmic tracks.