Meze Audio has launched Strada, an $800 closed-back headphone that marks a return for the company to a high-end closed-back dynamic driver design, after focusing on planar magnetic models such as the Liric series.
With Macassar ebony ear cups and a hand-painted metallic green magnesium frame, they're among the most distinctive-looking headphones at this – or any – price point. And at 330g, with magnetic ear pads and a cushioned headband, reviewers are consistently praising their comfort for extended wear.
Audio performance
The headphones use a 50mm dynamic driver originally developed for Meze's open-back 109 Pro, though the company states it has been specifically retuned for closed-back performance.
While Meze describes the Strada's acoustic profile as balanced with a deep, defined low end, neutral midrange and smooth detailed treble, early technical reviews paint a more complicated picture. Measurements and critical listening appear to reveal a pronounced U-shaped frequency response with elevated sub-bass, recessed midrange, and particularly strong upper treble emphasis.
Several reviewers highlight a significant concern for creative professionals: a notable dip in the upper bass region where kick drums and bass guitars typically derive their punch and impact. This frequency gap means rhythm sections may lack the weight and body that engineers and producers rely on for mixing decisions.
Some technical analysis has indicated the bass profile doesn't integrate smoothly with the midrange frequencies, creating a lean midrange presentation that affects overall coherence. While some listeners appreciate this as bringing clarity and separation, others find it compromises the natural timbral balance of instruments and voices.
A question of treble
The Strada's bright treble presentation has emerged as perhaps the most divisive aspect. Some reviewers describe it as revealing subtle textures and spatial details that might otherwise go unnoticed in recordings, lending an exciting, detailed character to the sound. Others find the emphasis troublesome.
Technical measurements show a treble resonance around 4kHz that's partially masked by an even more pronounced upper treble boost. This combination can initially sound impressive in terms of detail retrieval, but reviewers note it may become tiring during the long sessions common in professional work.
Some have suggested the tuning works best for electronic music with heavy sub-bass content, where the Strada's subbass emphasis and airy treble align with the genre's production aesthetics. However, for acoustic genres, rock, or professional mixing work requiring accurate midrange reproduction and natural bass impact, its tuning choices have raised concerns.
Market positioning
Despite using the same driver technology as the 109 Pro—which is scheduled for a full review here soon—reviewers caution against viewing the Strada as simply a closed-back version of that model. The 109 Pro features a more forward, gradually transitioning bass and lower midrange, making them distinctly different listening experiences despite their shared driver heritage.
At $799, the Strada competes with established closed-back options including the Dan Clark Audio Aeon X Closed, FiiO FT1, and Focal Azurys. While those models generally pursue more neutral tuning approaches, the Strada charts its own course with its U-shaped signature.
Reviewers universally praise the Strada's comfort, build quality and visual appeal. For professional applications requiring neutral monitoring, however, the tuning could be a concern. Several reviews mention that equalisation can address some issues, though achieving balanced sound requires precise, surgical adjustments rather than simple broad corrections.
The Meze Audio Strada is available now at $799/£799/€799 from mezeaudio.com and select retailers worldwide.
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