Meze Audio STRADA Closed-Back Dynamic Headphones

The Meze Audio STRADA combines the freedom and isolation of a closed-back headphone with the lively, natural character of Meze's acclaimed 50mm dynamic driver.

Built around a driver architecture first introduced in the 109 PRO and specifically retuned for a sealed enclosure, STRADA delivers tight, controlled bass, a transparent midrange and an open sense of space that you don't always expect from a closed-back design.

Add the lightweight LIRIC-inspired chassis, real Macassar ebony wood, magnetic ear pads and easy-to-drive 40-ohm impedance, and STRADA becomes an extremely versatile headphone for both serious home listening and situations where an open-back headphone simply isn't practical.

50mm Dynamic Driver

At the heart of STRADA is a 50mm dynamic driver derived from the driver originally developed for the 109 PRO.

For STRADA, Meze retuned the driver specifically around the acoustic requirements of a closed-back chamber.

The goal was to retain the speed, clarity and natural character of the original driver while providing the isolation and bass control of a sealed headphone.

Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Cellulose Dome

The center of the diaphragm uses a W-shaped dome made from a carbon fiber-reinforced cellulose composite.

The material is lightweight but highly rigid, allowing the dome to reproduce high frequencies with excellent detail and definition while reducing resonances that can contribute to distortion.

Beryllium-Coated Torus

Surrounding the dome is a torus made from beryllium-coated semicrystalline polymer.

The beryllium is applied using a Physical Vapor Deposition process to increase stiffness and durability without adding unnecessary mass.

Grooves positioned at a precise 45.5-degree angle further control the behavior of the diaphragm.

The combination gives STRADA the fast transient response and clean, articulate character Meze was looking for while helping suppress unwanted resonances.

Copper-Zinc Stabilizer

A copper-zinc alloy stabilizer surrounds the membrane.

Its job is to absorb unwanted vibration and further reduce distortion.

It's a small detail, but it's representative of how much engineering goes into what appears from the outside to be a relatively simple dynamic headphone.

Closed-Back Without Feeling Closed In

Closed-back headphones have an obvious advantage: isolation.

The challenge is preserving a natural sense of space.

Meze tuned STRADA around a presentation that's full-bodied, controlled and intimate without becoming congested.

Bass has a slight emphasis for additional punch and body while remaining tight and defined. The midrange stays neutral and transparent, preserving natural vocal and instrumental timbre.

The treble adds enough upper-frequency energy to reveal texture and spatial information without turning the headphone overly aggressive.

Real Macassar Ebony Ear Cups

STRADA's earcups are finished in genuine Macassar ebony.

The dense hardwood is known for its dark brown coloration and distinctive golden-brown grain patterns.

Because it's real wood, every pair will have slight variations in grain and appearance.

Combined with the deep metallic green magnesium frame, it gives STRADA a look that's unmistakably Meze without simply repeating the aesthetic of the 109 PRO or LIRIC.

LIRIC-Derived Chassis

STRADA inherits much of its physical design from Meze's LIRIC chassis but reworks it around the new dynamic driver.

The lightweight closed-back construction distributes pressure evenly across the head while maintaining the consistent seal necessary for proper low-frequency performance and isolation.

At only:

330 grams / 11.64 ounces

STRADA is exceptionally light for a full-size high-end closed-back headphone.

Built for Long Listening Sessions

The ear pads use deep memory foam with a soft PU leather contact surface to maintain a reliable acoustic seal.

Inside the earcup, Alcantara lining helps manage heat and moisture buildup during longer listening sessions.

The padded headband distributes pressure across the head while maintaining airflow to reduce heat and humidity.

This is a headphone designed to stay comfortable for hours, not just sound impressive for a quick demonstration.

Magnetic Ear Pads

STRADA uses Meze's magnetic ear pad mounting system.

The pads can be removed and replaced without complicated disassembly while still maintaining the seal required for consistent closed-back performance.

It makes future servicing considerably easier and fits perfectly with Meze's emphasis on long-term ownership.

Smooth Adjustment System

Rather than using traditional stepped adjustment positions, STRADA uses smooth adjustment rods.

The fit can be precisely adjusted without clicks or predetermined positions, making it easier to dial in the right position for different head shapes and sizes.

Hand-Finished in Romania

STRADA is designed, engineered, quality controlled and assembled at Meze Audio's headquarters in Baia Mare, Romania.

Each chassis is also hand-painted in-house, requiring four separate layers to achieve the depth and texture of the finish.

It's another example of Meze treating headphones more like long-term HiFi components than disposable consumer electronics.

Built to Last

STRADA is designed around a modular, serviceable construction.

Individual components can be maintained, refreshed or replaced over time rather than requiring the entire headphone to be discarded when one part eventually wears.

That's particularly important with ear pads, headbands and other components that naturally see wear over years of use.

Key Specifications

• Type: Closed-Back Dynamic Headphones
• Operating Principle: Closed-Back
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Driver Size: 50mm
• Dome: Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Cellulose Composite
• Torus: Beryllium-Coated Semicrystalline Polymer
• Stabilizer: Copper-Zinc Alloy
• Frequency Range: 5Hz–30kHz
• Impedance: 40 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 111dB SPL/mW at 1kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.1% at 1kHz
• Ear Cup Covers: Macassar Ebony Wood
• Frame: Magnesium
• Ear Pads: Memory Foam with PU Leather & Alcantara
• Ear Pad Attachment: Magnetic
• Input Connectors: Dual 3.5mm TS
• Weight: 330g / 11.64 oz.
• Designed & Assembled: Baia Mare, Romania
• Serviceable Construction: Yes

STRADA or 109 PRO?

This is probably the comparison most people will make.

Both headphones use the same fundamental 50mm dynamic-driver architecture, but they're designed for completely different listening situations.

The 109 PRO is open-back, allowing the driver to interact freely with the room and creating a naturally expansive presentation.

The STRADA is closed-back, providing significantly better isolation while Meze retunes that driver specifically for the acoustic environment of a sealed enclosure.

STRADA is also lighter:

330g vs. 375g for the 109 PRO

If you have a quiet listening room and don't care about sound leaking in or out, the 109 PRO remains a great open-back choice.

If you need isolation, listen around other people, work at a desk or simply prefer the punch and intimacy of a closed-back headphone, STRADA is the obvious alternative.

Experience Meze Audio STRADA at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi is your Meze Audio and high-performance personal audio expert in Houston, Texas.

STRADA's 40-ohm impedance and high sensitivity make it relatively easy to drive, but a headphone this resolving can still benefit considerably from better electronics.

The Grid can help you compare STRADA with the 109 PRO, LIRIC and other Meze headphones and match it with the right DAC, streamer or headphone amplifier for the way you actually listen.

Closed-back versus open-back is also something that's much easier to understand when you can hear the difference for yourself.

Come listen.

Contact The Grid HiFi to experience the Meze Audio STRADA and let us help put together the right headphone system around it.