Meet the Meze STRADA Closed-Back Dynamic Headphones
New: Meze STRADA Closed-Back Dynamic Headphones
The STRADA is a closed-back dynamic headphone designed around tonal balance, isolation, and long-session listening. Built on the LIRIC chassis and re-engineered for a dynamic driver platform, it brings together a controlled, full-bodied tuning with a lightweight, sealed construction. The goal is straightforward: deliver natural timbre, stable imaging, and usable isolation without the tonal congestion or pressure buildup that often defines closed-back designs. With a 50 mm dynamic driver, 40 Ω impedance, <0.1% THD at 1 kHz, and a 5 Hz–30 kHz frequency range, STRADA is intended for listeners who want musical intimacy and technical clarity in spaces where open-back headphones are not practical.
Balanced and controlled tuning
STRADA is tuned for neutrality with a modest bass emphasis that adds weight without masking detail. The low end is tight and well-defined, favoring control over excess bloom. This approach preserves transient clarity and keeps bass textures intelligible, even at lower listening levels. The midrange remains even and transparent, allowing vocals and acoustic instruments to retain their natural timbre and spatial separation.
Treble extension is present but measured. A gentle lift in the upper frequencies reveals micro-detail and spatial cues without introducing sharpness. This balance helps maintain a sense of air and dimensionality while avoiding fatigue—particularly important in a closed-back design, where reflected energy can easily become intrusive if not carefully managed.
Closed-back architecture and isolation
The closed-back construction is derived from the LIRIC chassis, adapted to support a dynamic driver rather than a planar magnetic system. This required careful control of internal volume, damping, and seal consistency. The result is effective passive isolation paired with a natural sense of space that avoids the boxed-in character common to many sealed headphones.
Even pressure distribution across the ear cups ensures a consistent acoustic seal, which is critical for maintaining bass linearity and stable imaging. Isolation is sufficient for quiet home environments, shared spaces, and late-night listening, without relying on electronic noise cancellation or heavy clamping force.
Comfort-driven ergonomics
Long-term comfort is addressed through a combination of low overall weight—330 g (11.64 oz)—and refined ergonomics. The clamping force is intentionally moderate, supported by deep memory-foam ear pads that conform evenly around the ear. The PU leather exterior provides a reliable seal, while the Alcantara-lined interior helps manage heat and moisture buildup inside the ear cup.
This material pairing reduces pressure hotspots and listening fatigue over extended sessions. The design prioritizes stability and ease rather than rigid retention, allowing the headphones to remain comfortable during hours of continuous use.
Dynamic driver architecture
At the center of STRADA is the dynamic driver platform first introduced in the 109 PRO, re-tuned specifically for closed-back operation. Rather than altering the driver’s fundamental character, the design focuses on refining its behavior within a sealed environment. This preserves the driver’s natural dynamics while controlling resonance and internal reflections.
The 50 mm driver size provides sufficient surface area for low-frequency extension without sacrificing speed. Combined with the 40 Ω impedance and high sensitivity of 111 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz, STRADA can be driven effectively by a wide range of desktop amplifiers and portable sources.
W-shaped dome construction
The driver dome uses a carbon fiber–reinforced cellulose composite formed into a W-shaped profile. This geometry increases structural rigidity while keeping mass low, allowing the diaphragm to reproduce high frequencies with clarity and definition. Reduced breakup modes help minimize harmonic distortion, contributing to the measured <0.1% THD at 1 kHz.
Compared to conventional dynamic driver materials, this composite offers improved durability and resonance control without introducing excessive stiffness that could compromise transient response.
Beryllium-coated torus
Surrounding the dome is a beryllium-coated semicrystalline polymer torus, applied using Physical Vapor Deposition. The beryllium layer increases stiffness and damping while maintaining low mass. This balance supports fast transient response and helps suppress unwanted resonances that can blur detail.
The torus features precision grooves positioned at a 45.5° angle, further controlling diaphragm movement. These design choices contribute to STRADA’s clear articulation and stable imaging, particularly in complex passages.
Magnetic ear pad system
STRADA uses a magnetic ear pad mounting system that allows pads to be removed and replaced without tools. This improves serviceability and long-term ownership while maintaining consistent alignment and seal integrity. Proper sealing is essential in a closed-back headphone, as even small gaps can significantly affect bass response and tonal balance.
Materials and finish
The ear cups are finished in Macassar ebony, a dense hardwood known for its strength and distinctive grain pattern. Beyond aesthetics, the material’s mass and rigidity contribute to resonance control within the enclosure. The frame itself is magnesium, chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to fatigue.
The frame is hand-painted in a deep green metallic finish, applied in four layers to achieve uniform texture and depth. Each chassis is finished by hand, emphasizing consistency rather than automation.
Fit adjustment and durability
Smooth adjustment rods allow precise fit tuning without stepped detents or audible clicks. This enables small, controlled changes that help achieve even weight distribution and long-term comfort. The overall design is modular, with removable components intended to support repair and refurbishment over time.
The STRADA is built with longevity in mind—materials, assembly methods, and serviceability are chosen to support extended ownership rather than planned replacement.
