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Custom Dragon Audio Cables: How It's Made | Moon Audio
109 Pro Primal Headphones
109 Pro Primal Headphones
109 Pro Primal Headphones
109 Pro Primal Headphones
Meze 109 Pro Headphone Package Contents
Clean, clear & emotive with a neutral-warm tonality. More details
Custom Dragon Audio Cables: How It's Made | Moon Audio
109 Pro Primal Headphones
109 Pro Primal Headphones
109 Pro Primal Headphones
109 Pro Primal Headphones
Meze 109 Pro Headphone Package Contents
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The Meze Audio 109 Pro Primal open-back headphones stand as a masterpiece of Romanian audio engineering, seamlessly blending primal aesthetics with elite acoustic technology. This special edition model, the latest jewel in the Meze Audio Art Gallery Collection, reimagines the original 109 Pro, offering audiophiles an unparalleled fusion of artistry and high-end sound quality. At first glance, the 109 Pro Primal captivates with its rugged, organic appearance, evoking the same sense of pure emotion found in Meze's renowned Empyrean and Liric models. Each pair is a unique work of art, featuring hand-carved wooden ear cups meticulously chiseled and sanded to perfection, ensuring no two are identical. The artisans apply a coat of linseed oil to the cups, enhancing their natural beauty and providing a protective finish that allows these headphones to age gracefully. When paired with a high-quality amplifier and DAC, the 109 Pro Primal delivers an expansive frequency response that rivals even the most elite headphones in the market. Whether you're listening to classical compositions or modern electronic music, these headphones promise to deliver every nuance with exceptional clarity, making them a must-have for those seeking the pinnacle of audio reproduction and a gateway to experiencing music with unprecedented emotional depth. The 109 Pro Primal Headphone is worthy to bear the Meze Audio name along with the Liric, Empyrean, 99 Classics, and Elite. The 109 Pro Primal comes with included cables and is easily driven by any amp (amplifier). Be sure to Check out our Meze 109 Pro review for more info.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Meze Audio 109 Pro Primal Headphone with our Black Dragon Headphone Cable. The Black Dragon is warm and smooth with a musical presentation. Copper strands enhance the body, shape, and immediacy of the music. The detail and expansiveness of the Black Dragon make it a flexible fit where a broad range of musical genres are played. It can also improve bass frequencies on bass-light headphones. The smooth, musical quality makes it a perfect fit for headphones that tend to sound a bit edgy or bright. Despite its warmth, the Black Dragon does not have a laid-back, lush sound. It is much closer to neutral, making it a very natural-sounding cable.
Note that the Primal is only an aesthetic and design change to the 109 Pro, not a sound signature change. To read more about the signature of the 109 driver design, head over to the full review on the 109 Pro headphone here. The 109 Pro Primal Special Edition is a beautifully-designed headphone, and like all their other headphones, another true work of art from Meze Audio.
"At the core of it all, music is an expression of emotion, a celebration of life and a token of everlasting memories. Every part of the 109 PRO, from the premium materials we used to the intricate engineering, embodies that same emotion our favorite music makes us feel.” - Antonio Meze, Lead Designer and Founder of Meze Audio.
While the visual appeal of the 109 Pro Primal is undeniable, it's the audio performance that truly sets these headphones apart. At the heart of this acoustic marvel lies the 109 series dual-membrane diaphragm, a technological tour de force that combines Beryllium-coated polymer, cellulose/carbon fiber composite, and copper-zinc alloy. This sophisticated driver design allows for exceptional control over the entire frequency spectrum, resulting in a sound that is at once detailed, dynamic, and emotionally engaging. The 50mm dynamic driver, carried over from the original 109 Pro, takes on new life in the open-back design of the Primal edition. This configuration allows for a more natural, spacious sound that many audiophiles prefer. The open-back design contributes to the headphone's ability to deliver punchy, dynamic sound with remarkable clarity and precision. Perhaps most impressively, the 109 Pro Primal manages to provide excellent low-end representation – a characteristic not always associated with open-back designs. Bass notes are rendered with authority and definition, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the musical spectrum without ever becoming overbearing.
One of the most striking features of the 109 Pro Primal is its expansive soundstage. Meze Audio has long been renowned for its ability to create a sense of space and dimensionality in its headphones, and the Primal edition takes this to new heights. Listeners are treated to a sonic landscape that extends well beyond the physical confines of the ear cups, creating an immersive experience that can be truly transportive. This expansive soundstage contributes to the headphone's versatility, allowing it to deliver impactful performances across a wide range of musical genres. In the midrange, where much of the music's emotional content resides, the 109 Pro Primal shines particularly bright. Vocals are presented with breathtaking realism, allowing listeners to discern the subtlest inflections and nuances in a singer's performance. Instrumental timbres are reproduced with exceptional accuracy, from the warmth of a well-recorded acoustic guitar to the brassy bite of a trumpet. This midrange clarity and presence contribute significantly to the headphone's ability to forge an emotional connection between the listener and the music.
The high-frequency performance of the 109 Pro Primal is no less impressive. Treble notes sparkle with air and extension, revealing the subtle harmonics and decays that breathe life into recordings. Cymbal crashes, for example, are rendered with startling realism, complete with the complex overtones and lingering resonances that lesser headphones might gloss over. Importantly, this high-frequency detail is achieved without any hint of harshness or fatigue-inducing brightness, allowing for extended listening sessions that remain comfortable and engaging. Comfort, indeed, is another area where the 109 Pro Primal excels. Despite their rugged appearance, these headphones have been ergonomically designed to provide a luxurious listening experience. The ear cups, while substantial, are carefully shaped to distribute pressure evenly around the ear. The headband is generously padded and adjustable, ensuring a secure fit for a wide range of head sizes. Even during marathon listening sessions, the 109 Pro Primal remains comfortable, a critical consideration for serious audiophiles.
The open-back design of the 109 Pro Primal not only contributes to its sonic characteristics but also enhances its comfort by allowing for better airflow around the ears. This can be particularly appreciated during warmer weather or extended use. However, potential buyers should be aware that this open design also means that these headphones are best suited for quiet listening environments, as they do allow some sound to escape and don't provide significant isolation from external noise.
The diaphragm is the core component of the headphones, generating the sound waves that our brains perceive. To meet the ambitious acoustic targets for the 109 PRO, Meze Audio dedicated extensive R&D to materials science, aiming to achieve the ideal balance of mass and stiffness to enhance the headphone's sonic performance. This research led to the creation of the 109 series Dual-Composite Diaphragm, which combines a Beryllium-coated polymer, a cellulose-carbon fiber composite, and a copper-zinc alloy. While technology rapidly evolves, Meze Audio relies on proven principles. Their new 50mm dynamic driver, precisely assembled and tuned, extends the boundaries of speed, accuracy, and dynamic range.
The W-shaped dome, made of a cellulose composite reinforced with carbon fiber, excels in reproducing high frequencies with remarkable detail, clarity, and definition. This composite is more durable yet lighter than conventional materials, helping the 109 PRO and Primal Editions minimize resonances that cause harmonic distortion. Surrounding the dome is an ultra-thin torus of Beryllium-coated semicrystalline polymer, just 22 microns thick. The Beryllium coating, applied via Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), enhances the driver's stiffness and durability while maintaining lightness for a rapid transient response.
Beryllium's high damping properties also mitigate unwanted resonances, giving the 109 PRO and Primal Editions their neutral, vivid, and transparent sound character. A ring-shaped stabilizer made of copper-zinc alloy surrounds the membrane, further absorbing vibrations and reducing distortion. The diaphragm is housed in a high-precision machined aluminum frame, which offers greater rigidity than typical plastic frames and maintains perfect surface flatness, which is essential for the precise assembly of the diaphragm.
With its open-back design, the Meze Audio 109 PRO aims to deliver a vivid and exciting listening experience, allowing users to connect with music on a deeper level. Carefully tuned by Meze Audio’s in-house engineering team, the 109 PRO offers an emotionally engaging sound characterized by great detail, clarity, and just the right amount of punch. Its organic character, combined with superior dynamics, excellent imaging, and full-bodied vocals, brings soul-stirring details to life. Additionally, it is easy to drive from most devices, whether portable sources or complex home setups.
The spider-shaped structure and acoustically transparent grill inside the earcup expose the driver from both sides, creating Meze Audio's most open design to date. Following the principles of anthropometrics, the driver is positioned at a precise angle and distance from the ear to achieve an ideal anatomical fit. Velour cushions comfortably surround the ears, providing an optimal seal for natural sound. Velour is softer and more breathable than leather, preventing sweat and overheating during extended listening sessions. The self-adjusting headband distributes weight evenly, ensuring comfort for all head shapes and sizes.
The 109 PRO is designed with comfort as a top priority. Every aspect, from the structural design to the choice of materials, is meticulously considered to meet Meze Audio's highest ergonomic standards. Once on your head, the headphones should feel almost unnoticeable, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the music. To achieve this, Meze Audio combines walnut wood, zinc, manganese steel, and vegan leather, creating a comfortable, lightweight, and highly durable structure.
-Mono 3.5mm to 3.5mm (1/8 in), 1.5m (4.9 in) soft TPE cable with black aluminum casings
-Mono 3.5mm to 3.5mm (1/8 in), 3m (9.8 in) soft TPE cable with black aluminum casings.
What makes the Meze Audio 109 Pro Primal different from the standard 109 Pro?
The 109 Pro Primal edition features unique hand-crafted walnut wood earcup frames that are meticulously chiseled and sanded for a smooth feel, then coated with linseed oil for a natural, matte texture. This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also follows Meze Audio's commitment to sustainable and high-quality craftsmanship.
What are the sound characteristics of the Meze Audio 109 Pro Primal headphones?
The 109 Pro Primal headphones deliver a vivid and exciting sound signature with excellent detail, clarity, and dynamics. They are designed to create an emotionally engaging listening experience, with superior imaging and full-bodied vocals.
How comfortable are the Meze Audio 109 Pro Primal headphones for long listening sessions?
The 109 Pro Primal headphones are built for comfort, featuring velour cushions that provide a soft and breathable fit, preventing sweat and overheating during long sessions. The self-adjusting headband ensures even pressure distribution, making them comfortable for any head shape and size.
Are the Meze Audio 109 Pro Primal headphones easy to drive?
Yes, these headphones are designed to be easily driven by most devices, whether portable sources or complex home audio setups. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of listening environments.
What is the build quality of the Meze Audio 109 Pro Primal headphones like?
The 109 Pro Primal headphones boast a robust build quality, combining materials like walnut wood, zinc, manganese steel, and vegan leather. This combination ensures a lightweight yet highly durable structure that meets Meze Audio's high standards for ergonomics and longevity.
