Meze Audio is happy to launch 109 Pro Primal: a very special edition of its award-winning 109 Pro headphones and the latest addition to the exclusive Meze Audio Art Gallery collection.
These headphones are handmade by Meze Audio’s skilled artisans, drawing from a proud wood crafting heritage combined with cutting-edge audio technology and a sustainable design, for a timeless blend of performance and elegance.
Company founder and lead designer, Antonio Meze explains: “As locals of Maramures, Romania, our philosophy of life is intertwined with the ancient forests that surround us, and we are taught to appreciate and respect this craft from the youngest age. With Primal, we took up this deep-rooted skill and shaped it into a new perspective on headphone design.”
The walnut earcup frames are chiselled groove by groove and delicately sanded to ensure the smoothest feel, before having a coat of linseed oil applied. This final touch infuses the wood with a natural, matte texture that accentuates the wood grain and restores its innate, captivating colour.
Like all Meze Audio headphones, Primal is painstakingly crafted following the principle of “Graba strică treaba” – a Romanian expression translating to “Haste ruins the work” in English. It emphasizes the importance of taking one’s time and paying careful attention to detail to achieve exceptional results.
This new edition also follows Meze Audio’s commitment to sustainability. The headphones are designed to be taken apart and serviced endlessly if ever needed, which can extend the life of the product beyond limit. From cables to ear cups and beyond, every element can be replaced and upgraded.
Finally, you’re not sacrificing performance for principles, either: 109 Pro Primal features the same technology as the original 109 Pro, which have just been named Best Headphones 2023-2024 by the audio experts in the global EISA Awards.
Primal will be available available for pre-order starting September 29, on mezeaudio.com, mezeaudio.eu and from selected stockists, with a retail price of $999 / €999 / £899.
The History of Meze Audio
Meze Audio, founded in 2011 by industrial designer Antonio Meze in Baia Mare, Romania, has emerged as a distinguished name in the audiophile community. The company’s unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, innovative design, and high-fidelity sound has garnered international acclaim.
Founding and Early Vision
Antonio Meze’s background in industrial design and his profound passion for music were instrumental in the creation of Meze Audio. Dissatisfied with the headphones available on the market, Meze sought to develop products that users could connect with on a personal level, akin to the bond one feels with a cherished musical instrument. This vision led him to establish Meze Audio in his hometown of Baia Mare, aiming to craft headphones that seamlessly blend aesthetic appeal with exceptional sound quality.
Initial Challenges and Breakthrough
In the nascent stages, Meze Audio faced the challenge of creating a product that resonated with both audiophiles and casual listeners. The breakthrough came in 2015 with the launch of the 99 Classics headphones. These headphones featured handcrafted wooden ear cups, delivering a warm, natural sound that appealed to a broad audience. The 99 Classics received multiple awards and nominations, establishing Meze Audio’s reputation in the audiophile market.Wikipedia
Product Line Expansion
Building upon the success of the 99 Classics, Meze Audio expanded its product lineup to cater to diverse listener preferences. In 2016, the company introduced its first earphones, the 12 Classics and 11 Neo, offering portable solutions without compromising on sound quality. The following year, Meze Audio released the 99 Neo headphones, which retained the sonic characteristics of the 99 Classics while featuring a contemporary aesthetic with textured coal-black ear cups.
Collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics
A pivotal moment in Meze Audio’s history occurred in 2018 when the company partnered with Rinaro Isodynamics, a Ukrainian acoustic engineering firm renowned for its advancements in planar magnetic technology. This collaboration led to the development of the Empyrean headphones, featuring the innovative Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver. The Empyrean received widespread acclaim for its exceptional sound quality, comfort, and distinctive design, firmly establishing Meze Audio in the high-end headphone market.
Continued Innovation
Meze Audio’s commitment to innovation was further demonstrated with the release of the Rai Penta in-ear monitors in 2018, the company’s first flagship in-ear model. In 2021, Meze Audio introduced the Elite headphones, an evolution of the Empyrean design featuring refined materials and acoustic enhancements. The same year, the company released the Liric, its first closed-back planar magnetic headphones designed for portable use, incorporating the Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver tailored for a compact form factor.
Artistic Endeavors
Meze Audio has also explored the intersection of art and audio technology through limited edition releases. In 2021, the company unveiled the Empyrean Phoenix, a collector’s item that celebrated the union of artistic design and high-end audio engineering. This initiative showcased Meze Audio’s dedication to creating products that are not only sonically exceptional but also visually captivating.Wikipedia
Current Product Portfolio
As of 2025, Meze Audio offers a diverse range of headphones and earphones, including the 99 Classics, 99 Neo, 109 Pro, Empyrean II, Elite, Liric, and in-ear monitors like the Rai Penta and Alba. Each product embodies the company’s core values of timeless design, meticulous craftsmanship, and immersive audio experiences.
Global Presence
Meze Audio’s products are available worldwide through a network of authorized dealers and online platforms. The brand’s reputation for quality and innovation has fostered a loyal customer base and recognition within the audiophile community.
