An Acclaimed Hi-Fi Specialist Just Unleashed a Beautiful Pair of Audiophile Headphones

Meze Audio is a Romanian hi-fi manufacturer that specializes in beautifully designed, audiophile-grade headphones. In the last year, the company has released numerous models, ranging from the closed-back 99 Classics ($349) to the open-back Poet ($2,000).

Now, with its first release of 2026 — the Meze Strada — the company aims to “set a new benchmark in closed-back dynamic headphones.”

Meze Audio

Metal, wood and leather

The first thing to note about Meze’s newest pair of closed-back headphones, the Strada, is that they’re designed to look as good as they sound. According to the brand, they’re “engineered for those who seek a full-bodied, enveloping sound paired with premium craftsmanship.”

The Strada headphones are made of high-end materials, combining a magnesium frame (hand-painted deep green) with Macassar ebony hardwood ear cups — ensuring that no two pairs are alike. And the ear cushions and a headband are both made out of genuine leather.

Meze Audio

Inspired design, borrowed drivers

In fact, Meze claims the Strada’s chassis is inspired by the brand’s most premium pair of closed-back planar magnetic headphones, the Liric, which costs $2,000. Both look quite similar and feature Macassar hardwood ear cups.

But the Strada are significantly more affordable cans. They have the same 50mm dynamic drivers featured in the brand’s 109 Pro open-back headphones, which cost $799, but they’ve been tuned for closed-back performance.

Meze Audio

Meze describes the acoustic profile of the Strada headphones as embodying balance, control and precision. They deliver deep and defined bass, neutral and naturally-sounding midrange, along with a detailed treble.

According to the brand, the result is “an articulate, emotionally engaging sound signature built for both casual enjoyment and critical listening.”

Meze Audio

Designed for style, comfort

Rounding out the features, the Strada headphones feature a magnetic ear pad mounting system, so you can easily replace the cushions should they wear out over time. The headphones are fairly lightweight — weighing 11.64 ounces (330 grams) — ensuring comfort during long listening sessions.

And the Strada headphones come with two sets of detachable Kevlar cables, with either 3.5mm or 4.4mm jacks, along with a 6.3mm jack adapter, so you can use them with a variety of audio sources.

Meze Audio

Price and availability

Meze’s newest closed-back headphones, the Strada, are available for purchase now. They cost $799.

Meze Audio

Meze Strada

Meze’s Strada is a new pair of closed-back headphones with dynamic drivers that are designed to look as good as they sound. Each pair is made of high-end materials, combining a magnesium frame (hand-painted deep green) with Macassar ebony hardwood ear cups — ensuring that no two are alike — and the ear cushions and a headband are both made out of genuine leather. They feature the same 50mm dynamic drivers as the brand’s 109 Pro open-back headphones, which cost $799, but they’ve been tuned for closed-back performance. Meze claims that they “set a new benchmark in closed-back dynamic headphones.”

• $799 at Meze Audio

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