Meze Audio – Strada Headphones Review
Guys of all ages love tech, whether it’s a big-screen TV, a top-end stereo system, or the latest games console. Each of these devices has one thing in common – sound. It is essential that you invest in quality audio equipment to experience the sound of the latest Hollywood blockbuster, trending album, or the fierce sound effects of that triple-A video game. One of the best options for audiophiles is to invest in a pair of premium headphones such as the Strada from Meze Audio, which I am checking out in the following review.
Discover The Meze Audio Strada Here
Design & Style
Before you even connect the Strada headphones to any device, you will be blown away by its overall design and shape – crafted from a glorious blend of elements (including magnesium, leather, and Macassar ebony wood) to create something truly unique and eye-catching. The main body has been hand-painted in-house by expert artisans in a deep green, with a sprinkling of metallic particles to ensure it sparkles as light strikes the outer shell.
The headphones have been built from the ground up to create an ergonomic silhouette that ensures comfortable wear (even after many hours of movie-watching or game-playing). Additionally, the ear pads are mounted via a magnetic system, making them easy to change or replace.
Sound Quality
As you would expect from a premium audio brand such as Meze Audio, the sound quality from the Strada headphones is nothing short of phenomenal – as soon as you slip them over your ears, you instantly cut off the outside world thanks to the top-tier noise isolation (and this before you even turn on any of your devices!). Once you have audio funnelled through the headphones, then the musical experience really starts to display its true colours. Whether you are enjoying classical music, a thumping dance tune, or watching an explosive, action-packed movie, the acoustic atmosphere is second to none. The aural quality is full-bodied and defined, with a subtle yet memorable bass that adds to the entertainment factor without overpowering the overall sound journey.
Specifications
The following list shares the unique specs and stats of the Strada headphones –
- Drive Type & Size – 50mm dynamic driver (bio-cellulose composite dome and beryllium-coated torus)
- Frequency Range – 5 Hz – 30 kHz
- Impedance – 40 Ω
- Sensitivity – 111 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion – <0.1% at 1 kHz
- Input Connectors – two dual-twisted, Kevlar-wrapped OFC cables (3.5 mm & 4.4 mm terminations)
- Weight – 330 g (11.64 oz)
Usage
The Strada headphones (and their outstanding sound quality) are the perfect accessory for a wide variety of tech formats (from music to movies to gaming). They connect using a standard 3.5mm audio jack (though you can swap it out for the included 4.4 mm Pentaconn connector for high-end audio devices with balanced sound). In this section, I will focus on my personal experiences with my home equipment.
Macbook
My primary (and most well-used) bit of kit is my Apple MacBook Pro – mostly used for work, although on occasion I use it to stream movies (especially the latest trending show on Netflix, Disney, or Prime). Fortunately, my laptop sports a 3.5mm headphone socket (which is actually a surprise, as Apple is extremely guilty of slowly removing sockets and slots from their base MacBooks!), so the Strada slots straight into the port and is ready to rock and roll.
Watching movies (or even listening to music via YouTube) is an amazing adventure for the senses. You can hear sounds like never before – whether it’s the patter of rain-falling (such as the iconic “tears in the rain…” scene in Blade Runner), or the whizzing of bullets (the perfect opportunity to revisit Saving Private Ryan), these headphones will bring new life to movies (from unforgettable classics to the latest epic).
Xbox Series S
I am a huge gamer (ever since my ZX Spectrum back in the 80s!), and this love has never faded (if anything, just grown as I got older). Ever since the release of the original Xbox (thanks to Halo), I have been a fan of Microsoft’s console releases (although Sony sure does make a stylish system), which grew further with the Xbox 360. Recently, I acquired the Xbox Series S, along with a portable housing (with a built-in screen), so I can game at any location around the home as long as there is a wall socket nearby. As such, employing the help of a good set of headphones is vital to ensure I can enjoy my gaming without disturbing anyone.
The Meze Audio Strada is an actual game changer (pun intended) – 3D games (like a first-person shooter), allow you to hear approaching enemies from all angles and the boom of your weaponry as you take them down. On the other hand, 2D-style gamers (like the retro-inspired pixel indie games) allow you to enjoy the amazing soundtracks and SFX as the designers intended (without any loss of quality from poor-quality TV speakers).
ASUS Rog Ally
Finally, we have my handheld device – the ASUS Rog Ally (one of the older models, but still a powerful machine). It can be used to play all the latest Xbox Game Pass releases (either streamed or downloaded directly to the device), Steam games, and PC-only games. If you are a fan of retro, you can also relive classic games via an emulator for your chosen platform (my personal favourite used to be MAME for Jamma arcade games). As the Rog Ally was designed with portability in mind, it is only natural that it includes a built-in headphone jack (located on the top, left-hand side). The cables for the Strada slot in perfectly, letting you experience the vast musical range of the latest gaming exclusives on the go!
Comfortability
One area in which many headphones lose momentum and fall at the last hurdle (whether budget or high-priced) is the comfort factor – sometimes, even after only a short time, you just want to take them off to allow your head to “breathe”. Fortunately, Meze Audio have managed to successfully navigate and avoid this problem. The Strada features deep memory foam ear pads, a gentle clamping force design, and a sleek, ergonomic shape for a snug yet relaxed fit. Additionally, the inner chamber (crafted from a suede-like Alcantara fabric) reduces excess heat and moisture build-up, further enhancing overall comfort, even after extensive wear.
Packaging
My parcel arrived in an unassuming shipping box (although it was strong and secure, protecting its contents). Inside, you will discover a smart (yet understated) brown box with the brand logo and model name on top. Once opened, it will reveal a case (constructed from a hard EVA plastic) with a zippered closure that holds your beloved new headphones firmly in place. Additionally, all of the extra cables are neatly concealed within a PU leather pouch.
Included Cable Types
Value For Money
No matter whatever way you look at it, the Meze Audio Strada headphones are a luxury investment, sitting at around £799 retail. As such, they are marketed towards audiophiles, or someone who wants nothing more than to hear every last detail in their favourite movie/song/video game. Once you have slipped them onto your head and are totally immersed in your media of choice, you will understand that every hard-earned penny was well spent!
Summary
If you are a sound-lover looking for a fantastic pair of headphones that will elevate your music collection, add extra wallop to movie night, and give you an audio advantage during your gaming, then you ought to look no further than the seriously high-end Strada headphones from Meze Audio. The price might be hard on the wallet, but it is an outlay that is more than justified! Not only that, but they look absolutely gorgeous when worn, and even just sitting on your cabinet (just begging to be plugged in). So what are you waiting for? Order your pair today, your ears will thank you later!
Will you be checking out these premium headphones for yourself? Let me know in the comments section below.
Click Here To View The Entire Meze Audio Range
*Partnership with Meze Audio / Opinions are my own.
