By: Dipin Sehdev
Meze Audio has been on an undeniable roll lately. First came the thoughtful update to the classic 99 series, a move that showed the Romanian manufacturer wasn’t content to simply coast on nostalgia. Now comes STRADA, a new closed-back dynamic headphone that feels like another confident step forward—one that reinforces Meze’s growing reputation for combining strong industrial design, comfort-first ergonomics, and carefully considered driver engineering.
STRADA enters one of the most competitive segments in personal audio: premium closed-back headphones priced under $1,000. This is a category crowded with respected names and wildly different design philosophies, but Meze is clearly betting that refinement, longevity, and emotional engagement still matter just as much as raw technical specs.
At $799, STRADA is positioned as a serious listening tool rather than a lifestyle accessory—yet it looks anything but utilitarian.
A Familiar Meze Philosophy, Refined
On paper, STRADA checks many of the boxes Meze fans have come to expect. It’s beautifully built, fully serviceable, and designed for long listening sessions. The visual centerpiece is a set of Macassar ebony ear cups, each with its own natural grain and coloration, giving the headphone a furniture-grade aesthetic rather than a mass-produced feel. The cups are paired with a magnesium frame finished in a deep green, multi-layer coating with a subtle metallic shimmer—distinctive without being flashy.
Comfort has clearly been prioritized. STRADA weighs just 330 grams, which is light for a full-size closed-back headphone, and uses Meze’s signature padded headband system. The cushions are arranged in a symmetrical cross pattern that helps distribute pressure evenly while allowing airflow to reduce heat buildup during longer sessions.
One practical highlight is the magnetic ear pad mounting system. Pads attach securely while remaining easy to remove, which not only simplifies maintenance but also helps ensure a consistent acoustic seal—an important factor in closed-back performance.
Driver Technology Tuned for Closed-Back Use
At the heart of STRADA is a 50 mm dynamic driver platform first introduced in the Meze 109 Pro, now retuned specifically for closed-back operation. According to Meze, this driver architecture focuses on clarity, control, and long-term stability rather than exaggerated dynamics or artificial detail.
The diaphragm uses a carbon fiber–reinforced cellulose composite dome designed to balance low mass with stiffness, helping to preserve high-frequency detail while keeping distortion low. Surrounding the dome is a semicrystalline polymer torus coated with beryllium via Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), a process Meze says improves rigidity and transient response. Precision-cut 45.5-degree grooves are used to further control diaphragm behavior, while a copper-zinc alloy stabilizer ring helps absorb micro-vibrations.
All of this sounds impressive on paper, but as always, these are Meze’s performance claims. We’ll be particularly interested to see how this driver behaves in real-world closed-back conditions, where internal reflections and pressure management can make or break the listening experience.
Sound Signature: What Meze Is Aiming For
Meze describes STRADA’s tuning as balanced, controlled, and emotionally engaging. The company claims a slight bass lift for added punch and body, a neutral midrange intended to preserve vocal and instrumental timbre, and a smooth, extended treble designed to reveal detail without fatigue.
If those goals translate into actual performance, STRADA could appeal to listeners looking for a closed-back headphone that works equally well for casual enjoyment and more focused listening. Meze also emphasizes natural spatial rendering, which is notable for a closed-back design, though expectations should remain realistic compared to open-back alternatives.
Again, these are manufacturer targets, not review conclusions. The proof will be in how well STRADA balances isolation and intimacy against openness and scale.
Easy to Drive, Easy to Live With
With a 40-ohm impedance and 111 dB sensitivity, STRADA should be relatively easy to drive. On paper, it appears well suited to portable players, dongle DACs, and modest desktop setups without requiring a high-power amplifier. This fits neatly with Meze’s focus on versatility—headphones you can enjoy at home or on the move without building an entire system around them.
The closed-back design also promises strong passive noise isolation, making STRADA a practical option for shared spaces, office use, or travel, where open-back designs simply aren’t realistic.
Built for Longevity
One of Meze’s strongest differentiators continues to be its commitment to serviceability and sustainability. STRADA is designed to be fully serviceable, using premium materials and replaceable components rather than glued-together assemblies. That philosophy matters more than ever in a category where many high-end headphones are treated as disposable once parts wear out.
Pricing and Availability
The Meze Audio STRADA will be available starting January 21, 2026, through mezeaudio.com, mezeaudio.eu, and selected retailers worldwide. Pricing is set at $799 / €799.
Final Thoughts
STRADA feels like a product from a company that knows exactly where it wants to be. Meze isn’t chasing shock value or spec-sheet dominance. Instead, it’s doubling down on thoughtful engineering, comfort, and design longevity—traits that have helped the brand build a loyal global following.
On paper, STRADA looks like a strong entry in a crowded market. Whether it truly stands out will depend on how those design choices translate into real-world sound quality. We’re genuinely excited to spend time with it—and even more excited to see how it performs once reviews land.
