If you want better Amplifier scaling
Choose FiiO FT13. It scores 4.9 vs 4.3 for Amplifier scaling, with a 4.0 overall score.
Meze Audio Strada Review
Bottom Line
Choose the Strada for premium build, long-session comfort, strong isolation and an unusually spacious closed-back presentation. Skip it if you have a small head, dislike energetic treble, or want consistently full mid-bass without EQ or careful amplification.
Best for
Listeners wanting a premium, serviceable wired closed-back with strong isolation, low weight and an expansive presentation will benefit most. It also suits immersive music, film and gaming use.
Not for
Treble-sensitive listeners, strict neutral-reference seekers and people with smaller heads should be cautious. Bass lovers wanting consistently heavy mid-bass may also prefer another tuning.
Verdict
Meze Audio Strada earns its strongest consensus around craftsmanship, comfort, repairability and an unusually open closed-back presentation. The light magnesium-and-wood chassis, magnetic pads, useful cable package, passive isolation and precise separation receive repeated praise. Sound impressions are much less uniform. Many listeners hear deep controlled sub-bass, natural vocals and smooth non-fatiguing highs; others find the lower mids thin, upper treble elevated, or the tonal balance dependent on pad seal, source matching and EQ. The headphones are easy to drive, yet several sources report tighter bass and smoother treble from better amplification. At $799, the flagship-like build and broad usability are compelling, but treble-sensitive listeners and smaller-headed buyers should audition first.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
51 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.028 (55%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.419 (37%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.41 (2%)
-
Negative 1.5-2.43 (6%)
Pros highlights
-
Bass impressions vary with seal, source, and taste. Many hear deep, controlled sub-bass with satisfying punch, while others want more upper-bass weight, speed, or consistency.
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Macassar ebony and metallic green give the Strada a distinctive, luxurious identity. The craftsmanship is widely admired, but the bold colorway is unmistakably polarizing.
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Treble opinions are sharply divided. Many hear airy detail, smooth extension, and fatigue-free sparkle, while others report 4–7kHz peaks, glare, or long-session fatigue.
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Vocals and instruments are often praised for clarity, articulation, and natural timbre. Dissenting listeners hear a recessed lower midrange, thin male vocals, or an occasionally shouty upper-mid emphasis.
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Low weight, soft memory-foam pads, and well-distributed pressure make long sessions a major strength. The key exception is fit: smaller heads may struggle even at the minimum adjustment.
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An unusually airy, wide stage is one of the clearest strengths for a closed-back headphone. Its exact depth and scale remain recording-dependent, and a few listeners hear a more intimate presentation.
Cons highlights
-
The sliding mechanism often feels smooth, quiet, and refined, but adjustment range is inconsistent across head sizes. Small heads can remain too loose, while some users want detents or more friction.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Over-Ear Headphones, this product is above average in Xbox compatibility, Sustainability and repairability, Replaceable pads/headband, near average in Instrument separation, Bass performance, below average in Aesthetics / discreet profile, Ear cup swivel/rotation range, Portability/foldability.
Comparison summary
51 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher33 (65%)
-
Same as average within 0.3 pts14 (27%)
-
Below average 0.4+ pts lower4 (8%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics / discreet profile | 2.0 | 4.1 | -2.1 |
| Ear cup swivel/rotation range | 2.0 | 4.0 | -2.0 |
| Xbox compatibility | 5.0 | 3.3 | +1.8 |
| Portability/foldability | 2.0 | 3.6 | -1.6 |
| Sustainability and repairability | 5.0 | 3.7 | +1.3 |
| Replaceable pads/headband | 5.0 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
| Replaceable earpads | 4.8 | 3.7 | +1.1 |
| Workout heat and sweat buildup | 4.0 | 2.9 | +1.1 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better Headband adjustability
Choose Meze Audio 105 Silva Headphones. It scores 4.8 vs 3.1 for Headband adjustability, with a 4.5 overall score.
If you want better Overall satisfaction
Choose Sendy Audio Apollo Pro. It scores 5.0 vs 4.3 for Overall satisfaction, with a 4.4 overall score.
If you want better Midrange clarity
Choose Final Audio DX3000CL. It scores 4.8 vs 4.0 for Midrange clarity, with a 4.3 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
109 Pro
- Better: upper-register refinement The reviewer still prefers the 109 Pro for its airier, more refined presentation.
99 Classics V2
- Worse: detail and soundstage The Strada offers more detail and space than the 99 Classics V2.
Focal Azurys
- Better: tuning balance The reviewer recommends Focal Azurys for a safer, less fatiguing tuning.
FAQ
Does the Strada sound spacious for a closed-back headphone?
Yes. Its unusually wide, airy presentation is one of the most consistent strengths, although depth and scale can still vary by recording and listener.
Is the bass strong?
It can deliver deep, controlled sub-bass and satisfying impact, but bass quantity depends on seal, amplification, and the recording. Some listeners want more upper-bass weight.
Is the treble harsh?
Opinions split sharply. Many find it smooth, detailed, and non-fatiguing, while treble-sensitive listeners report peaks, glare, or fatigue around the upper mids and lower treble.
Is it comfortable for long sessions?
Usually yes, thanks to low weight, soft pads, and even pressure distribution. Small-headed users may not achieve a secure fit at the minimum adjustment.
Does it need a powerful amplifier?
No; portable DACs and dongles can drive it to useful levels. Better-matched amplification can still tighten bass and smooth the tonal balance.
Is the Strada easy to repair?
Yes. Its modular, screwed construction and tool-free magnetic earpads make maintenance and component replacement unusually straightforward.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - the Honest Audiophile
- Review score
- 2.8
Article Reviews
audiokeyreviews.com
First, the STRADA unlike Meze’s planar headphones will need, at least, 50 hours and nearly 100 hours to sound their best. The initial...
- Review score
- 5.0
futureaudiophile.com
Live from Romania, comes a pair of $800 audiophile grade headphones that suit the needs of music lovers and deliver true luxury
- Review score
- 4.3
architeg-prints.com
Experience the Meze Audio Strada’s lush green design and impressively wide soundstage in this detailed review.
- Review score
- 4.3
youraverageguystyle.com
In my latest tech review, I explore the advantages of the premium Meze Strada Headphones and report on their design, sound quality, and value...
- Review score
- 4.8
techradar.com
Elements from pricier models, elements from similarly priced models, but definitely no Frankenstein’s monster-style outcome…
- Review score
- 4.2
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