It's the annoying and painful "T" in voices for example, tibilance. Is the "T" called sibilance too? Anyway, that's the issue I had on day one.
DT880+analythical dac/amp+fireworks launcher in GTAV=bleeding ears due to piercing highs. With the 109 it's very silky.
It's just a dynamic headphone with a little V shape. It's also pretty detailed, so it can be punishing on a song that doesn't tame these things.
I really hate to call it bright or sibilant or anything like that. These are terrific headphones and I don't think there's anything out there as good in it's price range. Throw in their comfort? Yea, you're not getting better here at $800.
If someone has this price bracket in mind, these will always be my immediate recommendation.
Of course if you want closed back or a different sound signature - there's other options. That makes total sense.
I probably wouldn't be trying to search reviews and forums to get a sense for how these sound. I would demo them...but really, they kinda get my "you can buy it blind and not worry" rating. I just don't really say that of headphones more than $400-500 in price because it's a lot of money if you end up not liking the sound signature.
It took me all of 5 minutes demoing them at Bloom Audio's booth at CanJam to make up my mind. The only reason I didn't ask if they were selling any on the spot (and got them a few days later from them) is because I had other headphones on my list to try and I had to sleep on it all.
The Audeze MM-500 was the other one that caught my attention...but at twice the cost and not really twice the performance? Pass. I mean if the 109 Pro didn't exist, then I think the MM-500 would be in better shape. However, there's still different sound signatures and so it comes down to preference. To me they were pretty much equally matched just a different tuning. So no brainer for half the price. 109 Pro is going to be a tough headphone for others to beat here in terms of value. It redefines this price level to be frank.
Not trying to over hype them, but yea it's something Meze should be proud of and something people should take note of.
The Msr7b wasn't as fatiguing as the msr7 imo. I actually quite liked the upper frequencies of the Msr7b. If I didn't mind the upper mids and treble on the Msr7b, will I be okay with the 109, especially after burn in? Any sharper than the Msr7b I couldn't tolerate.
I only have the MSR7 which fell victim to the kids. Well it's sturdy it's ok. I'll be sure to compare as I haven't listened to it some time...but no way is the 109 Pro fatiguing like the MSR7. Not in the slightest. I can listen to the 109 pro all day even though it is dynamic and has a decent energy to them.
It's not as in your face energy look at me look at me like Focal. Which I also don't find real fatiguing, it takes like half a day to want a break from Focal. Though I know that varies person to person.
Anyway, to give an idea best I can, I put these well beneath MSR7 for fatigue. I will compare again though.