BolajiThe Meze Audio Strada delivers a wide, detailed soundstage — but comes with a premium price tag. Read our honest review before you buy.
When it comes to premium audio gear, few brands carry the same level of craftsmanship and reputation as Meze Audio.
The Romanian company has made a name for itself by producing headphones that are as beautiful as they are sonically impressive. Their 99 Classics and Empyrean models are favorites among audiophiles.
Now comes the Meze Audio Strada.
The Strada is positioned as a high-end portable headphone. It promises a wide soundstage, detailed imaging, and premium build quality. But it also comes with a price tag that will make most people pause.
In this review, I will cover the Meze Audio Strada’s design, comfort, sound quality, noise isolation, portability, pros and cons, and answer five frequently asked questions.
What Is the Meze Audio Strada?
The Meze Audio Strada is a closed-back, over-ear headphone designed for critical listening on the go.
It sits in Meze’s lineup between the entry-level 99 Classics (around $300) and the flagship Empyrean (around $3,000). The Strada targets serious music lovers who want high-end audio quality without needing a desktop amplifier.
Key specifications:
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear
- Driver: 40mm dynamic driver
- Impedance: 32 ohms (easy to drive from phones and laptops)
- Frequency response: 15Hz – 25kHz
- Sensitivity: 110dB SPL (loud enough without external amp)
- Weight: Approximately 320 grams (light for its size)
- Cable: Detachable, 1.2m with 3.5mm jack (6.35mm adapter included)
- Carrying case: Hard shell case included
The Strada is designed to be portable. Low impedance means you can plug it directly into your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. You do not need a separate headphone amplifier.
But portability does not mean compromise. Meze claims the Strada delivers a wide, spacious soundstage — uncommon for closed-back headphones
Design and Build Quality
Meze Audio is known for beautiful design. The Strada continues that tradition.
Materials:
- Headband: Stainless steel with genuine leather padding
- Earcups: Machined aluminum with a matte finish
- Earpads: Memory foam covered in soft protein leather
- Yokes: Stainless steel (connects earcups to headband)
Colors available: Black, Silver, and a limited edition Copper.
Aesthetic: The Strada looks premium. The combination of metal and leather feels substantial. The earcups have a subtle geometric pattern that catches light without being flashy. These headphones look expensive because they are.
Build quality: Excellent. The stainless steel headband is strong but flexible. The aluminum earcups feel solid. The yokes move smoothly when adjusting fit. Nothing creaks or wobbles.
Hinges: The earcups fold flat for storage. They do not fold inward like some portable headphones, but the flat fold is enough to fit in the included hard case.
Cables: The included cable is fabric-braided, which resists tangling. It is detachable using a 3.5mm locking connector. You can buy replacement cables in different lengths or with microphone/remote controls.
Durability concerns: The protein leather earpads will eventually wear out after 2-3 years of daily use. Replacement pads are available from Meze for around $30-$40. The metal and plastic components should last much longer.
Overall, the Strada feels like a thousand-dollar headphone. Because it almost isn’t
Comfort and Fit
Premium headphones must be comfortable for long listening sessions. The Strada delivers.
Clamping force: Moderate. The Strada holds securely without squeezing your head too tightly. You can wear them for hours without discomfort.
Weight: 320 grams. This is light for over-ear headphones. For comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM5 weighs 250 grams. The Strada is slightly heavier but still comfortable.
Earpads: Memory foam with protein leather covering. The foam is soft and conforms to your head shape. The leather is smooth and feels nice against the skin. However, leather can get warm after extended wear. If you live in a hot climate or tend to sweat, you might prefer velour earpads (not available from Meze for the Strada).
Headband: The leather padding distributes weight evenly across the top of your head. No hot spots.
Glasses compatibility: Good. The clamping force is not too strong, so glasses wearers should be fine for a few hours. Very thick frames might still cause pressure points.
Listening sessions: I tested the Strada for 4-hour sessions of music, podcasts, and video calls. No fatigue. My ears did not get sore. The headphones stayed comfortable throughout.
If you have a very large head, test before buying. The Strada fits most people, but the adjustment range is not unlimited.
Sound Quality
This is the most important section. The Strada sounds excellent — with some caveats.
Sound signature: Neutral with a slight warmth. The Strada does not artificially boost bass or treble. It aims for accuracy.
Bass: Tight and controlled. Sub-bass (very low frequencies) is present but not overpowering. Kick drums have impact. Bass guitars are clear. Unlike consumer headphones (Sony, Bose, Beats), the Strada does not rattle your head with boosted bass. Audiophiles will appreciate this. Bass-heads will be disappointed.
Mids: Excellent. Vocals sound natural and present. Guitars have body and texture. Piano notes decay realistically. The midrange is where the Strada shines. Male and female voices are rendered clearly without sibilance (harsh S and T sounds).
Treble: Detailed but smooth. High hats, cymbals, and strings have air and sparkle. The treble is extended enough to reveal detail but never piercing. Poorly mastered recordings will sound harsh. Good recordings will sound beautiful.
Soundstage: This is the Strada’s party trick. Most closed-back headphones sound like the music is inside your head. The Strada sounds wide and open. Instruments are placed in a three-dimensional space. You can hear where the guitarist is standing relative to the drummer. This is rare for closed-back headphones.
Imaging: Pinpoint accurate. You can follow individual instruments in complex passages. The Strada separates sounds clearly, even in dense rock or orchestral music.
Dynamics: Good but not class-leading. Quiet passages and loud passages are distinguishable. However, planar magnetic headphones (like the Audeze LCD-2) handle dynamics better.
Comparisons:
- Vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Sony has more bass, noise cancellation, and wireless features. Strada sounds much more detailed and natural. No contest for sound quality.
- Vs Sennheiser HD 600: Sennheiser is open-back (leaks sound, better soundstage). Strada is closed-back (isolates, slightly narrower soundstage). The HD 600 is more neutral. The Strada is more fun.
- Vs Meze 99 Classics: The 99 Classics have more bass and a warmer sound. The Strada is more balanced and detailed. The Strada is the better headphone for critical listening.
Who is the Strada for? Audiophiles who want closed-back, portable headphones without sacrificing sound quality. If you only listen to compressed Spotify streams or YouTube videos, the Strada is overkill. If you listen to lossless audio (Tidal, Apple Music Lossless, Qobuz, FLAC files), the Strada rewards you.
Noise Isolation
The Strada is closed-back, which means it blocks external noise passively. No active noise cancellation.
Isolation performance:
- Blocks about 70-80% of ambient noise
- Conversations become muffled but not silent
- Coffee shop noise (blenders, chatter) is reduced significantly
- Loud traffic or airplane engines are still audible
Noise leakage: Very low. People sitting next to you will not hear your music unless you listen at dangerously high volumes. Good for office or library use.
No active noise cancellation – You cannot turn off isolation. This is fine for most situations. But if you commute on loud subways or airplanes daily, noise-canceling headphones (Sony, Bose, Apple) are better.
Portability and Accessories
The Strada is designed to travel.
Folding mechanism: Earcups fold flat. The headband does not collapse further. The flat-fold shape fits into the included hard shell case.
Carrying case: Hard shell, zippered, with a fabric interior. It protects the headphones from bumps and scratches. The case is compact enough to fit in a backpack or carry-on luggage.
Cables: The included 1.2m cable is a good length for portable use (phone in pocket, headphones on head). A 6.35mm adapter is included for use with home amplifiers. No inline remote or microphone on the standard cable. You can buy a separate cable with microphone for calls.
No wireless option – The Strada is wired only. No Bluetooth. No battery. This is a feature for audiophiles (no compression, no charging). It is a limitation for everyone else.
Weight in case: Approximately 500 grams. Not heavy but not ultralight.
For portable use, the Strada works. But you will need a phone with a headphone jack or a USB-C to 3.5mm dongle (most modern phones lack headphone jacks).
Meze Audio Strada Pros and Cons
Pros
Stunning design and premium build quality
- Wide, open soundstage for closed-back headphones
- Detailed, natural sound signature (neutral with slight warmth)
- Comfortable for long listening sessions (lightweight, low clamping force)
- Easy to drive from phones and laptops (32 ohms)
- Detachable, fabric-braided cable
- Hard shell carrying case included
- Excellent midrange and vocal clarity
- Low noise leakage (good for office/library)
Cons
- Expensive (not for casual listeners)
- No active noise cancellation
- No wireless/Bluetooth option
- Protein leather earpads get warm over time
- Bass is not boosted (bass-heads will not like it)
- No inline microphone on standard cable
- Requires phone with headphone jack or dongle
Who Should Buy the Meze Audio Strada?
Audiophiles on the go – You want high-end sound quality in a portable, closed-back headphone. You prioritize sound over convenience features.
Critical listeners – You listen to lossless audio and want to hear every detail. The Strada reveals nuances in recordings that consumer headphones hide.
Office workers – You need closed-back headphones that do not leak sound. The Strada isolates well and looks professional.
Meze fans – You already own Meze headphones and trust their tuning and build quality. The Strada fits into your collection.
Who Should Avoid the Meze Audio Strada?
Bass-heads – You want thumping, rumbling bass. The Strada is too neutral for you. Look at the Meze 99 Classics or Sony WH-1000XM5 instead.
Wireless users – You refuse to use wired headphones. The Strada is not for you.
Commuters on loud transport – You need active noise cancellation for subways and planes. Buy Sony or Bose instead.
Budget buyers – The Strada is expensive. If your budget is under $200, look at Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or Sennheiser HD 560S.
Casual listeners – You mostly listen to podcasts, YouTube, or compressed Spotify on a phone. The Strada’s detail will be wasted on low-quality sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need an amplifier for the Meze Strada?
No. The Strada has 32 ohms impedance and high sensitivity. It runs perfectly from phones, laptops, and tablets.
2. Are the earpads replaceable?
Yes. Meze sells replacement earpads for around $30-$40. They are easy to replace yourself.
3. Does the Strada have a microphone?
Not with the standard cable. You can buy a separate cable with an inline microphone from Meze, or use a standalone mic.
4. How does the Strada compare to the Meze 99 Classics?
The 99 Classics have more bass and a warmer, more consumer-friendly sound. The Strada is more neutral, detailed, and technically capable. The Strada is the better headphone for critical listening.
5. Is the Strada worth the price?
If you are an audiophile who values sound quality, build quality, and design, yes. If you are a casual listener, no. The Strada is a luxury item for discerning ears.
Final Verdict
- Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5
- Area Rating
- Sound quality 4.5/5
- Build quality 5/5
- Comfort 4.5/5
- Portability 4/5
- Noise isolation 4/5
- Value for money 3.5/5
Verdict: Yes, the Meze Audio Strada is worth it — for the right buyer.
The Strada delivers a wide, detailed soundstage that is rare for closed-back headphones. It is beautifully built, comfortable, and easy to drive. But it is expensive, has no wireless option, and lacks active noise cancellation.
If you are an audiophile who wants premium portable sound, the Strada is an excellent choice. If you are a casual listener, cheaper options will serve you just as well.
My Recommendation
- Buy the Meze Audio Strada if:
- You listen to lossless audio (Tidal, Apple Lossless, FLAC)
- You want closed-back headphones for office, home, or travel
- You appreciate premium materials and design
- You have a budget of $500-$800
Skip the Strada if:
- You only listen to compressed streaming or podcasts
- You need wireless or noise cancellation
- You prefer boosted bass
Use the Strada with a USB-C dongle (like Apple’s $9 dongle) if your phone lacks a headphone jack. The dongle is enough. You do not need an expensive amplifier.
Have You Tried the Meze Audio Strada?
I want to hear from you. Have you listened to the Strada? How does it compare to your other headphones? Drop a comment below.
And if this review helped you, share it with a fellow audiophile.
Bolaji