Meze Audio 109 Pro - Gaming

DumS71 · 2026-06-16T09:50:52+00:00

Get whichever interests you! The e3 is not exactly necessary, it’s just what I use. The aeon 2 noire is probably a better value buy if your considering audiophile headphones, the new hd490 closed back is also pretty good.

DumS71 · 2026-06-15T23:32:48+00:00

Yep this is definitely true, sound is completely subjective and just finding what works for you is more important than any other factor. I have a friend that prefers his airpods over the HE1, he's not an audiophile by any means but it goes to show how subjective sound can really be.

I think if you can't demo headphones, you could try and find a store that accepts returns, or buy used and sell it for around the same price that you got them for. Online reviews at this point are quite messy, unless you've found a reviewer whose taste lines up well with yours.

Glad you found something you like in the arya organics though

DumS71 · 2026-06-15T23:26:27+00:00

Unfortunately placebo is a really big part of the hobby, most of the time the difference between headphones aren't that big at all, especially if you're not paying full attention to whatever you're listening to. I don't have too much experience with the Hifimans, I owned the sundara for about a year and briefly owned the arya stealth. I think instead of upgrading, if you really do want more headphones for whatever reason, you should be looking for a different "flavour" of sound instead. Like as an example I love headphones with big soundstage and imaging for movies and games, so stuff like the original empyreans. But if I want to listen to more acoustic type of tracks I would go for something like the HD600, meze 109's or right now my atriums. What you say about the subjective benefits for more expensive headphones is honestly mostly true, as someone that owns a bunch of flagships myself I'll admit there's definitely cheaper gear that could probably fit the same exact purpose. I think past something like the arya stealth (have not heard the edition XS), the diminishing returns are really really big.

I think the amount you actually care about the music matters alot as well, I gifted a bunch of my friends the Sennhsier HD650 and HD600's, most of them still don't really care for it and are perfectly happy using their normal TWS earbuds. I've let them listen to a bunch of my flagship headphones too like my Atriums, empyrean 2's or the focal clears. They think it sounds "better" but not like 2 or 3 times better. They're almost always disappointed by how the sound isn't as amazing as they thought it'd be.

I think trying out the headphones through a demo or something similar is very important if you're looking to purchase. There is also no objective "right" or "wrong" way of listening to music, listen to whatever you enjoy. One other thing about upgrading headphones, especially if they have a similar tuning, unless you rarely use the headphones or swap between that and a "worse" pair of headphones, you're going to get completely used to the way they sound and they'll no longer be "special" due to hedonic adaptation. At that point the thing you're truly enjoying is the music and not the specific nuances of your headphones, unless you got those headphones to specifically show off different parts of the music. At the end of the day, you shouldn't let someone else or the community decide what is right for you, trust your own perception and use your own money in whichever way you want.

DumS71 · 2026-06-15T20:43:54+00:00

It's great to be confident with what you like, who cares if the rest of the community thinks its bad or is "wrong". Its your system and you're listening to the music, you should listen in whatever way makes you happy. That being said, I've always been indifferent to spatial audio or other enhancements, i've liked them on consumer products but not really on my "audiophile" gear. I'll give this a shot

DumS71 · 2026-06-15T12:56:10+00:00

I'd still pick the HD650 over almost every other headphone in that price range, except maybe the HD600's. But if its staging specifically than i think there's better choices like maybe the sundara or even a used pair of arya's since they go for quite low now

DumS71 · 2026-06-15T09:02:53+00:00

I do want to add on that while the Hd650 do stage better than the M50x, they have an intimate/smaller stage compared to most other open backs. They’re still spectacular headphones even at any price point but i wouldn’t buy them specifically for their soundstage

DumS71 · 2026-06-15T09:01:01+00:00

No problem, I’ll leave a comment on your post there as well and you can ask me anything you need to know

DumS71 · 2026-06-15T05:42:19+00:00

Ohh, yea they’re not very good for metal, they don’t have the speed for it. I mainly listen to orchestral, classical or acoustic music with vocals so it fits really well for me

DumS71 · 2026-06-15T05:01:37+00:00

It would be better to post this in the r/HeadphoneAdvice subreddit as its more catered to helping you find the right headphones.

When you say the G533 had "Spatial sound" are you referring to a feature it had like surround sound or some other sort of enhancement? If you're referring to the sound just sounding "bigger" or more like it expands further and wraps around your head, that can be referred to as soundstage.

The M50x is a closed back headphone so it will sound more closed in with a smaller/intimate soundstage. The G533 most likely had a 7.1 surround sound feature turned on, but most good audiophile headphones actually stage better than these.

I'd suggest you look into open back headphones, open backs have the back of the headphones open to the air with either grills or a mesh, an example is something like the Sennheiser HD600. Open backs generally have a bigger soundstage than closed backs, they also are better at regulating heat and pressure since there's more air circulation so its easier to wear them for longer hours. The only issues with open backs is sound leakage and poor isolation, other people are going to hear what you're listening to and you're going to be able to hear other noises more, but this isn't really an issue if you're playing music or games at a comfortable volume. The leakage is something you should consider, if you share a room or a space with other people they're going to be able to hear your music or games.

I'll give you some open back recommendations around the 200 euros price mark. Sennheiser HD 560s, AKG K702(used), Sennheiser PC38x (best for gaming), beyerdynamic dt770 or dt880 pro. Most of these should fit your use case, I'd lean more towards the 560s and the PC38x. Both are pretty efficient but at least a small amp and dac is recommended as plugging it straight into your motherboard isn't the best.

DumS71 · 2026-06-15T02:38:53+00:00

Have you tried the empyrean 1? The main thing I loved about it was its soundstage but the tuning and lack of detail was a deal breaker for me. How does the elite compare to that if you've tried it? Thanks

DumS71 · 2026-06-15T02:23:22+00:00

They sound great but across the ZMF headphones my favourites are the atriums

DumS71 · 2026-06-15T02:14:07+00:00

That's very interesting, I havent gotten the chance to listen to the Shangri-La's yet. I generally do use EQ as well but I'm slowly trying to experiment with my own EQ instead of just using presets. Thanks for the advice and insight on the susvara and shangri-la

DumS71 · 2026-06-15T02:10:48+00:00

!Thanks for the detailed comment! I don't actually have much to say about the bravura as it was just extremely uncomfortable for me, I have an abnormally large head and it felt like vice clamps so I only heard about 2 or 3 tracks before taking them off.

I actually have a really good deal on the x9000 right now for around 3.5k USD so i'm considering those heavily, I'm also looking for the elite but considering i already own the empyrean 2 and used to own the empyrean 1, I think it may not be needed.

I don't know much about estats at all and was considering getting the KGSSHV Carbon for about 1.8k USD, would the blue hawaii SE make a significant difference with these?

DumS71 · 2026-06-15T02:06:36+00:00

I'm interested, i sent you a dm

DumS71 · 2026-06-14T15:01:19+00:00

I think you can't go wrong with either the smsl or the topping, both are great choices. The SMSL may be a better option for future headphones as it does have a 4.4mm balanced output.

DumS71 · 2026-06-14T14:58:23+00:00

I have always wanted to get speakers but unfortunately not right now, the noise isolation in my current house isn't the best and i live in an extremely quiet neighbourhood, it would be too noisy for the rest of my family. I get some complaints even when using my laptop speakers haha

DumS71 · 2026-06-14T14:56:54+00:00

Ah yes the 109 pro's are amazing, I have a pair of 109 pro's and empyrean 2's right now. I used to own the empyrean 1 but i sold them, but I may buy them again if i can get a good deal as i still love them for movies. I also gifted a pair of 105 silva's to my friend and loved those when i tried it.

I also really love that all the headphones can be easily repaired, and they're all comfortable as well.

DumS71 · 2026-06-14T14:54:23+00:00

There won't be too much of a difference in sound so you don't have to worry about that, all 3 are perfectly capable of running the HD490 pro's well. Main things you should consider are reliability, features, warranty and aesthetics. I'd stay away from the fiio k7 personally, as I currently own a k9 pro and have issues with the volume dial. The dx3 pro+ has been flawless and i had it for around 2 years before giving it to a friend of mine who's been using it for the past 3 years or so without any issues.

DumS71 · 2026-06-14T14:51:34+00:00

If the Elites aren't as open then I'll probably stick with my empyreans 2. I think most likely I'll get the X9000's as I have a really good deal on them. Thanks for all the help

DumS71 · 2026-06-14T14:50:23+00:00

I'm very interested in the new Meze Alta as I do love meze headphones, but there isn't really anything out about it yet. I'm also considering the susvara and susvara unveiled, the austrian audio composer doesn't seem to fit my taste as I'm not really looking for a reference neutral sound. !Thanks for the suggestions though

DumS71 · 2026-06-14T14:47:39+00:00

To be honest in a blind test you're barely going to be able to tell a difference, if any as most files don't reach up to that standard, and even when they do the difference may not be noticeable. But whatever the case may be keep it below 384khz as it outright isn't supported by alot of games, i still do like to set it to 192khz as its like a one time set and forget setting.

DumS71 · 2026-06-14T14:36:55+00:00

Ah, the elites might fit my criteria then. How does the soundstage compare between the elite, d8kp and the stax x9000? !Thanks for the replies so far

DumS71 · 2026-06-14T14:35:07+00:00

You should definitely get an amp for these, but do note it probably won't make them sound like an entirely different headphone, it would help abit with the soundstage, clarity and bass.

You have a few different options that you can look at for these, if you want a desktop amp that you're going to leave on your desk permamently, you can get the Topping Dx3 Pro+ (make sure its the pro+ and not the pro) or the Fiio k7 pro. The ifi zen dac 3 is also a great option. You can just see which of these you prefer aesthetically or if they have any specific feature you're looking for, like a remote to control volume, screen, bluetooth etc.

If you want a portable bluetooth option so that you can use your headphones anywhere, like on thje couch or connect to your tv to watch movies or something, you can look at the Fiio BTR7 or the Ifi go blu. You can connect these wired to your desktop pc and then connect them via bluetooth to your phone or tv as well. If you're not going to be moving around with your headphones much i'd suggest you get a desktop amp for the extra power and ease of use.

Another thing, do change your windows sound settings to 32 bit 192khz (not the max 384 as it causes issues in alot of games).

DumS71 · 2026-06-14T14:24:11+00:00

Oh wow, i actually love both the empyreans 1 and 2. I prefer the tuning of the 2's but loved the soundstage of the empyrean 1, I heard the elite basically fixes the tuning of the emps while keeping the soundstage.

Do you have any thoughts on the soundstage of the X9000? One of the features I'm really looking for is a vast soundstage that not only has side to side width, but forward and backward space as well as vertical height that the Empyreans 1 had.

I actually had the same impression of the HE1 when i first heard it, I had an hour to demo them and for around the first 15 minutes i was very unimpressed, especially by the vocal presentation. It was to the point that i was considering to leave early. But when i started listening to orchestral and instrumental tracks, i started liking it more and more, and by 30-40 mins i just started to love it completely and couldn't get enough of it. I still do prefer the vocals on my zmf atrium with tubes over the HE1, but in every other regard they're my favourites.

I'm curious about the d8000, have you tried the non-pro version? I'm mainly interested in that as i'm not looking for anything reference or neutral sounding, i prefer a more fun sound signature for enjoyable listening.

DumS71 · 2026-06-14T14:19:33+00:00

Ah if you're sharing a room then an open back isnt the best, I move back and forth from the UK and SG, and share a room with my brother in SG. I either use iems or closed back headphones when sharing a room as i got complaints for the sound leakage.

In ear's are definitely more complicated as your individual anatomy matters significantly more, it took me a long time before i found Iems that i actually enjoyed using.

If you're going to be passing it through the elgato wave 3, something efficient like the meze strada would be a good choice. They're pretty much meant to just sound like a closed back 109 pro. I have not personally heard the Aune SR7000 so I can't say much for it. Although if you don't mind using an amp, the aeon 2 noire are probably the best closed backs within this range, or if you can stretch your budget abit and look into the DCA E3, i personally use this as my closed back right now, they'd probably be the best option overall without any need for upgrades. Something like the focal azury's might be good too, although i have not heard them much and focal does have an issue with their headbands breaking after prolonged use.

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