Compare Meze Audio 105 Silva Headphones vs SONY WH-1000XM6 Headphones

Reviewers consistently call the XM6 noise canceling best-in-class, especially for voices and higher-frequency chatter, with many saying it slightly edges Bose and clearly improves over prior XM models. The XM6 offers plenty of ANC control through adaptive modes, multiple ambient levels, and quick gestures like covering the earcup, giving users more ways to tailor isolation than simple on/off.

Android users get strong support via Fast Pair and LDAC hi-res options, and several reviewers note Android is the better match if you care about Sony codecs and deeper app features.

The companion app is powerful but divisive: some praise the refreshed layout and feature depth, while others still find it crowded or unintuitive for everyday settings changes.

Multiple reviews point out the lack of aptX support (including aptX HD), which limits non-Sony hi-res options on Android compared with some rivals.

Bass is generally controlled and textured, with some listeners hearing a fuller, pillowy low end and others calling it restrained or dry compared with bassier alternatives. Sub-bass is present but not the main emphasis, so slam-heads may want more weight.

Bass is widely described as punchy and satisfying with better control than XM5, though a few listeners still find the low end a bit dominant unless you EQ it.

Battery life is repeatedly reported around 30 hours with ANC on and up to 40 with it off, which beats AirPods Max but trails battery champs like Sennheiser Momentum 4 or JBL in some tests. At least one review criticizes the lack of a replaceable battery, which limits long-term serviceability compared with more repair-friendly designs.

Bluetooth performance is generally stable in daily use, with only occasional notes that the highest LDAC bitrate can be finicky on some Android devices.

Build quality is consistently described as excellent, with premium materials, tight assembly, and a refined feel. Several reviews highlight serviceability and long-term durability as part of the value proposition.

Build quality gets mixed feedback: the headphones feel well-made and lighter than metal rivals, but the mostly plastic shell does not feel as premium as AirPods Max or some Bose and Bowers models.

Sony’s two-button layout is praised for being easy to distinguish by feel (especially the redesigned power button), though some users still wish for more physical controls overall.

Cable impressions are mixed: many find the stock cable sturdy and functional, but some report microphonics or less-than-ideal ergonomics, and several note the lack of a balanced stock option.

Included cables draw some criticism for feeling basic at a premium price, with requests for higher-quality or more modern USB-C-to-USB-C accessories.

The included hard/semi-hard case is widely praised as well-made and protective, with room for cables/adapters and a secure zipper. It supports storage and occasional transport effectively.

The magnetic hard case is a standout: reviewers love the fast latch, compact footprint enabled by folding, and solid protection, with only minor complaints about fitting the headphones in quickly.

Fast charging is a consistent highlight (roughly 3 minutes for about 3 hours), and several reviews applaud that you can now charge while listening.

Clamp force is generally described as moderate and well-distributed, supporting stability without obvious pain. A handful of impressions mention the clamp feeling a bit tight out of the box, with minor adjustment/break-in helping.

Clamping pressure is generally described as secure without being painful, helping the seal for ANC; a few note glasses pressure or a slightly tighter fit than prior models.

Codec support is strong overall with SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3 commonly mentioned, plus LE Audio talk in some coverage; the main knock is what is missing rather than what is included.

Comfort is a consistent strength: the self-adjusting suspension design and soft pads enable long listening sessions for most people. A few note fit quirks (small cups for some ears or clamp that starts slightly tight).

Comfort is usually rated excellent for long sessions thanks to low weight and soft pads, but there are repeated caveats about heat buildup, occasional sweaty ears, and fit hotspots for some ear shapes.

Design is a standout, with walnut accents and Meze’s mid-century styling repeatedly called premium-looking and distinctive. Even critics of the tuning tend to praise the aesthetics and finish quality.

Aesthetics are seen as clean and understated with multiple color options, but some reviewers call the look less premium than metal competitors and note the earcups can protrude more than rivals.

The detachable dual 3.5mm system is convenient for replacement, yet recessed/narrow connector sizing can limit third-party cable compatibility compared with more universal designs. Connection security itself is generally praised.

The included USB-C DAC dongle/adapter is viewed as a nice convenience for modern devices, generally adequate for casual listening. Enthusiast reviewers still expect better performance from dedicated DAC/amps.

Velour/suede pads are commonly described as plush, breathable, and comfortable, helping distribute pressure and avoid hotspots. Some users wish for a touch more ear room, but pad comfort is still rated highly.

The vegan leather pads feel soft and seal well, but multiple long-wear notes mention warmth or sweat buildup, and a few users report fit hotspots from the internal cup shape.

Cup articulation is generally sufficient for a good seal/fit, with tilt helping the pads conform, though some describe movement as limited compared with more freely articulating designs.

The return of greater swivel and flat rotation helps comfort when resting around the neck and makes packing the headphones into the case more practical.

EQ tools are a major strength, with a full 10-band EQ and guided tuning features that help users dial bass, mids and treble to taste.

Find My style tracking is mentioned mainly for Android Find My Device support, adding convenience for locating the headphones in the right ecosystem.

Tonality is often described as balanced or smooth rather than strictly neutral, with a coherent frequency integration that avoids obvious bloat. Some characterize it as tastefully colored (warm-bright/W-shaped) rather than reference-flat.

The auto/self-adjusting headband system is repeatedly singled out as one of the best parts of the design, requiring little to no fiddling while spreading pressure evenly. It also helps with consistent fit and comfort over time.

The wider headband and easy adjustability earn praise for spreading pressure better than before, though a few people still want more padding thickness at the top.

Build discussions suggest robust hinges and a durable chassis, with spring-steel structures and solid joints expected to hold up well over years of use.

The hinge redesign is widely viewed as a meaningful durability upgrade over XM5, but a handful of reviewers remain cautious about long-term wear in the folding joint.

Accessories are generally seen as generous for the price: a protective case, cables, and adapters (often including USB-C). The main recurring complaint is the absence of a balanced cable in the box.

Most reviews confirm you get a 3.5mm cable and a USB charging cable plus case storage, though several wish the bundle felt more premium given the price.

Instrument separation and imaging are widely regarded as excellent for the price, helping complex mixes stay organized and making positional cues easy to track. Even reviewers who nitpick tuning tend to credit the Silva’s placement and delineation.

Instrument separation is generally described as clear and well-layered for a mainstream ANC headphone, though a few comparisons still give the edge to AirPods Max for openness.

LDAC support is a key advantage for Android listeners who want higher-quality Bluetooth audio, with some notes that dropping to a lower LDAC mode can help stability on certain phones.

When pushed louder, reviewers who mention it report the presentation staying composed, with bass and treble control holding together without obvious strain.

Call noise suppression is repeatedly praised, with reviewers citing strong wind reduction and AI-driven voice separation that keeps conversations clear in busy streets.

Microphone performance is frequently labeled among the best in the category, delivering clear voice pickup for calls and meetings even in noisy environments.

Midrange is a highlight for many, with clear, forward vocals/instruments and an overall transparent character. A few note that certain vocal ranges can sound a bit thin, scooped, or pushed depending on recording and pairing.

Midrange and vocal clarity are a strong point in many tests, with several reviewers calling voices more natural, textured, or forward compared with XM5.

Reviewers frequently describe good compatibility across sources (phones with dongles, laptops, DAPs, and desktop amps), helped by easy drivability. Some note it scales with source quality and can reveal harshness from poor gear.

Multipoint is commonly reported as reliable for two-device use, and reviewers like the flexibility of mixing Apple and non-Apple devices.

As open-backs, passive isolation is low and sound leakage is expected; a couple of reviewers note mild attenuation compared to very open designs, but these are still best for quiet rooms.

Even before ANC, the seal provides strong passive isolation; multiple reviews mention the natural seal doing a lot of the work for travel and office noise.

Portability is mixed: they’re easy to drive and include a protective case, but the open-back design and size make them better suited to home or quiet environments than true travel/commute use.

Folding is back and widely celebrated, making the XM6 much more travel-friendly than XM5, with a smaller packed footprint and easier around-the-neck resting.

Guided or test-based EQ features are seen as helpful for non-audiophiles, letting you land on a preferred sound quickly without manual frequency tweaking.

Where discussed, earpads are replaceable and intended for long-term ownership, with guides or documentation supporting pad swaps and maintenance.

Replaceable earpads are called out as a plus for longevity and hygiene, keeping the XM6 more maintainable than some sealed designs.

Wear detection, quick attention, speak-to-chat, and gesture options are frequently cited as practical quality-of-life features that make the XM6 feel smarter day to day.

The matte finish can show fingerprints and smudges, especially on darker colors, so buyers who care about appearance may prefer lighter finishes.

Across reviews, the 105 Silva is described as an engaging open-back with a premium “Meze” presentation: natural timbre, strong technicalities for the price, and a tuning that favors musical enjoyment over strict neutrality. A minority find the voicing less competitive on pure sound-per-dollar versus cheaper rivals without EQ.

Sound quality is broadly praised as an upgrade over XM5 with a richer, cleaner presentation; most reviews call it excellent out of the box and even better once you tailor EQ. Several reviews say wired listening via the 3.5mm cable can improve clarity, but you still do not get a digital USB-C audio path.

Soundstage impressions vary: some describe it as expansive, airy, and three-dimensional, while others find it only moderately wide or a touch narrow with limited depth/layering. Imaging is commonly cited as more consistent than sheer stage size.

Soundstage is generally good but not class-leading; some reviews call it slightly constrained compared with AirPods Max or other audiophile-leaning over-ears.

Spatial audio support is mixed: upmix and head tracking can be fun for movies, but music support and service availability are inconsistent, and some reviewers find the setup confusing or the results underwhelming.

Fit stability is usually strong thanks to moderate clamp and the suspension design, with reports of little slippage and secure positioning. One review flags potential fit issues for smaller heads due to the frame geometry.

Sustainability is repeatedly tied to Meze’s serviceable approach: parts can be replaced rather than discarding the headphone, supporting longevity and repairability over time.

Touch gestures are usually accurate and responsive, but critics dislike accidental swipes, glove-unfriendliness, or the lack of sensitivity controls.

Transparency mode is widely improved and often described as near top-tier, though some people still hear a slightly processed quality or amplified self-voice versus AirPods Max.

Treble is typically praised for clarity and refinement, but several reviews note peaks/extra air that can sound a little spicy, sizzly, or less forgiving on bright or compressed tracks. Others hear it as smooth and well-balanced for long sessions.

Treble is generally detailed and clear, with a few listeners noting a bit of sizzle or peaks that may benefit from minor EQ.

USB-C support comes via an included adapter/dongle, enabling plug-and-play use with phones and computers lacking a headphone jack. It’s positioned as convenience rather than a high-end solution.

USB-C is solid for charging and quick top-ups, but multiple reviews call out the absence of wired USB-C audio as a notable miss at this price.

Voice assistant features range from handy to hit-or-miss: integration for assistants and voice commands is present, but at least one long-term review reports inconsistent recognition.

Multiple reviews call the 105 Silva very easy to drive (high sensitivity, modest impedance) and capable of reaching loud listening levels from phones, dongles, laptops, and DAPs. Higher-quality sources can still improve refinement and control.

No summary yet.

At roughly mid-300g, the Silva isn’t ultra-light, but reviewers frequently say it feels lighter on-head due to excellent weight distribution. Most report minimal fatigue from weight during extended sessions.

At roughly 254g, weight is a consistent advantage; multiple comparisons highlight it as far lighter than AirPods Max and easy to wear for travel days.