Meze Audio 109 Primal Headphones

Unleash your primal instincts with the brand-new 109 Pro Primal Headphones by Meze Audio – a captivating special edition that adds a rugged twist to the original 109 Pro model. This remarkable creation is the latest addition to the exclusive Meze Audio Art Gallery Collection. The 109 Pro Primal boasts meticulously hand-carved ear cups, each groove carefully chiseled and delicately sanded to perfection. Every 109 Pro Primal is a unique masterpiece, meticulously handcrafted like no other headphone. Meze Audio then applies a lustrous coat of linseed oil to the wooden cups, maintaining the same aesthetic charm as the original model.

The 109 Pro Primal Special Edition is an open-back circumaural headphone that houses the exceptional 109 series dual-membrane diaphragm, a fusion of Beryllium-coated polymer, cellulose/carbon fiber composite, and copper-zinc alloy. Its 50mm dynamic driver, also featured in the original 109 Pro, offers a distinct experience in an open-back design, delivering impactful and dynamic sound with an impressive representation of the low end – a rarity for open-back headphones. Meze Audio's soundstage is incredibly expansive, ensuring powerful performances across various music genres.

It's important to note that the Primal edition primarily introduces aesthetic and design changes while retaining the original sound signature. For in-depth information about the 109 driver design's signature sound, please refer to the comprehensive review of the 109 Pro headphones.

The 109 Pro Primal Special Edition is not just a headphone; it's a beautifully designed work of art, aligning with Meze Audio's tradition of crafting exceptional audio experiences.

"At the core of it all, music is an expression of emotion, a celebration of life, and a vessel for everlasting memories. Every element of the 109 PRO, from the choice of premium materials to the intricacy of its engineering, encapsulates the same emotions that our favorite music evokes." - Antonio Meze, Lead Designer, and Founder of Meze Audio.

The 109 Pro Primal Diaphragm Design:

The diaphragm serves as the heart of the headphone, producing the sound waves that our brains perceive as music. To achieve the acoustic goals set for the 109 PRO, Meze Audio focused on extensive materials research to strike the perfect balance between mass and stiffness. This research led to the creation of the 109 series Dual-Composite Diaphragm, a blend of Beryllium-coated polymer, cellulose-carbon fiber composite, and copper-zinc alloy.

In a world of rapid technological advancements, Meze Audio made a bet on well-established fundamentals. The new 50mm dynamic driver, assembled and calibrated with unparalleled precision, pushed the boundaries of speed, accuracy, and dynamic range.

The diaphragm, made from a cellulose composite reinforced with carbon fiber, adopts a W-shaped dome design, delivering high-frequency details with exceptional clarity and definition. This composite material, more durable than conventional alternatives in dynamic drivers, maintains a lightweight profile that minimizes resonances responsible for harmonic distortion.

The ultra-thin torus surrounding the dome is constructed from Beryllium-coated semicrystalline polymer, a mere 22 microns thick. Applying Beryllium coating through Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) increases the driver's stiffness and durability while preserving its lightweight nature for rapid transient response. Beryllium's superior damping qualities further aid in suppressing unwanted resonances, contributing to the 109 PRO's neutral, vivid, and transparent sound. Surrounding the membrane, a ring-shaped stabilizer crafted from copper-zinc alloy enhances vibration absorption, further reducing distortion.

The diaphragm is housed within a meticulously machined aluminum frame, prized for its superior rigidity over typical plastic frames. This frame's perfect surface flatness is crucial for the precise assembly of the diaphragm.

The 109 Pro Design:

Meze Audio designed the 109 PRO with an open-back configuration to create an immersive and emotionally engaging listening experience. The goal was to enable listeners to connect with music on a deeper level. Carefully tuned by their in-house engineering team, it offers a sound characterized by emotional engagement, remarkable detail, clarity, and just the right amount of punch. Its organic character, combined with superior dynamics, excellent imaging, and full-bodied vocals, brings musical details to life. Moreover, the 109 PRO is highly compatible with a wide range of devices, whether portable sources or intricate home setups.

The spider-shaped structure and acoustically transparent grill within the earcup expose the driver from both sides, marking Meze Audio's most open pattern to date. Adhering to anthropometric principles, the driver is positioned at an exact angle and distance from the ear to achieve an ideal anatomical fit.

Velour cushions envelop the ears, ensuring an optimal seal for natural sound reproduction. Velour, being softer and more breathable than leather, prevents sweat and overheating during extended listening sessions. The self-adjusting headband distributes weight evenly, providing comfort for heads of all shapes and sizes.

Superior Build for Superior Comfort:Comfort is at the forefront of the 109 PRO's design, from its structural elements to the choice of materials. Every decision was carefully made to ensure the final product meets Meze Audio's highest standards in ergonomics. Once you place these headphones on your head, they become virtually unnoticeable, leaving you immersed in the music. To achieve this, Meze combined walnut wood, zinc, manganese steel, and vegan leather in a lightweight yet exceptionally durable structure.

What's Included:

• Hard EVA pouch case
• Included Adapters: 6.3mm gold-plated jack
• Standard Cables: Mono 3.5mm to 3.5mm (1/8 in), 1.5m (4.9 in) soft TPE cable with black aluminum casings, and Mono 3.5mm to 3.5mm (1/8 in), 3m (9.8 in) soft TPE cable with black aluminum casings.

Features:

• Special edition with hand-carved ear cups, meticulously chiseled and sanded, finished with a linseed oil coating.
• Dynamic open-back circumaural headphone.
• Driver features the 109 series Dual Membrane Diaphragm - a blend of Beryllium-coated polymer, cellulose + carbon fiber composite, and copper-zinc alloy.
• Easy compatibility with a wide range of devices, from portable sources to full home setups.
• Carbon fiber headband.
• Dark walnut wood earcups, zinc, manganese steel, vegan leather headband, and soft velour earpads for a comfortable, lightweight, yet highly durable structure.
• Carbon fiber Headband for added durability and aesthetic appeal.