Meze Audio 105 SILVA – Craftsmanship Meets Musicality

With the 105 SILVA, Meze Audio introduces an open-back headphone that stays true to the brand’s roots while charting its own path. The first impression is less about specs and more about presence: real walnut wood ear cups, clean lines inspired by mid‑century modern design, and a sense of understated elegance that feels both familiar and timeless.

A Sound That Lets Music Breathe

The SILVA’s tuning is deliberately unforced. Rather than chasing hyper‑detail or exaggerated dynamics, it presents music with an airy openness and a natural warmth that draws you in over time. Vocals sit forward without sounding aggressive, acoustic instruments retain body and texture, and the bass is full yet controlled. Treble is smooth and extended, offering detail without fatigue — a signature aimed at long listening sessions rather than quick “wow” moments.

Rooted in Nature and Place

The name “Silva” is Latin — and also Romanian — for “forest,” a nod to the old‑growth woodlands surrounding Meze’s home region of Maramureș. That connection is more than symbolic: the headphone’s tactile wood surfaces and organic tonal balance reflect the same respect for material and heritage.

Technology Without the Showmanship

Inside, a 50‑mm dynamic driver made from a bio‑cellulose composite with a titanium‑coated torus provides speed and low distortion. The open‑back architecture enhances spatial realism and creates a sense of scale that closed designs rarely achieve. A Kevlar‑reinforced OFC cable is included, along with a USB‑C adapter featuring an integrated DAC/AMP — a thoughtful addition that makes the SILVA equally at home on portable devices or a desktop setup.

Comfort That Lasts

One of the SILVA’s quiet strengths is how easy it is to wear. Soft velour pads, a lightweight frame, and well‑judged clamping force make it disappear during extended sessions. In typical Meze fashion, every part of the headphone is replaceable, ensuring that it can be maintained and enjoyed for years rather than discarded after a short lifespan.

Verdict

The Meze Audio 105 SILVA isn’t designed to dazzle with extremes — it’s built to feel honest. It’s a headphone for listeners who value musicality over spectacle, material warmth over plastic gloss, and long‑term listening comfort over fleeting first impressions. If you’re drawn to open designs and want something that bridges modern engineering with timeless craft, the SILVA is well worth an audition.