If you thought closed-back headphones were all about isolation and compromise, Meze Audio would like a word. The Romanian headphone wizards are back with the Strada, and this one feels less like a studio tool and more like a late-night listening companion you accidentally fall in love with.
Meze Audio Strada – closed-back, but never closed-in
The Strada is a closed-back, over-ear headphone, but don’t let that fool you into expecting a boxed-in or dull sound. Meze has clearly aimed for something musical, engaging, and easy to enjoy rather than clinical or hyper-analytical. Think weight and warmth where it matters, clarity where it counts, and zero fatigue when the hours start piling up.
Bass gets a gentle nudge—not the kind that overwhelms, but just enough to give drums body and basslines a satisfying punch. The midrange is clean, open, and honest, letting vocals breathe naturally. Treble stays detailed and airy without tipping into sharpness, so you can keep listening long after you told yourself “just one more track.”
Big dynamic driver energy
At the heart of the Strada sits a 50 mm dynamic driver, derived from Meze’s much-loved 109 PRO but reworked specifically for a sealed enclosure. The diaphragm uses a carbon-fiber-reinforced cellulose composite—stiff, light, and fast—while the surrounding structure is coated with beryllium via PVD to improve speed and control.
Meze didn’t stop there. Clever internal geometry, angled grooves, and a copper-zinc alloy stabilizer ring help tame resonances and sharpen transients. The result? A sound that feels controlled and punchy, yet fluid and natural—exactly what you want from a closed-back headphone that’s meant for real music, not test tones.
Wood, metal, and unmistakable Meze style
Visually, the Strada is pure Meze Audio. The earcups are crafted from Macassar ebony, each pair unique thanks to the wood’s dramatic natural grain. The magnesium frame is finished in a deep metallic green that looks understated at first glance—but quietly luxurious the longer you stare at it.
Comfort is classic Meze as well. The headphones are lightweight, well-balanced, and clearly designed for long sessions. Magnetically attached ear pads make swapping or replacing them effortless, and the padded headband spreads pressure evenly while allowing airflow—no hot spots, no clamp fatigue, no drama.
Built to be used, not replaced
One of the coolest things about the Strada has nothing to do with sound. Like other Meze models, it’s fully serviceable. Parts can be replaced, repaired, and refreshed over time instead of tossed out. It’s a refreshingly grown-up approach in a market that often treats premium headphones as disposable luxury items.
Specs that back it up
Frequency response: 5 Hz – 30 kHz
Impedance: 40 ohms
Sensitivity: 111 dB (SPL/mW @ 1 kHz)
Weight: 330 g
Detachable cable
Price
With a price just under $800, the Meze Audio Strada lands squarely in serious hi-fi territory. But this isn’t a headphone chasing numbers or trends. It’s about vibe, craftsmanship, comfort, and a sound that invites you to relax and enjoy your music—whether that’s jazz at midnight, electronic beats at low volume, or rock albums you know by heart.
