Compare Meze Audio 105 Silva Headphones vs Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

The lack of a built-in 3.5mm analog jack was a repeated drawback, even though USB-C-to-3.5mm wired listening is possible.

ANC was usually judged good, solid, or decent for daily use, but several reviewers said it still trails Bose, Sony, or the top tier.

Advanced software features were considered solid and modern, but reviewers did not see them as uniquely class-leading.

One review directly praised the product as visually appealing and authentic.

Aesthetics were distinctive and often praised, but some reviewers noted the retro Marshall look will not suit everyone.

ANC background noise performance was decent: one review measured strong overall noise reduction, and another said white noise was not bad.

ANC-off listening measured slightly better in one review, suggesting ANC can subtly affect the sound signature.

ANC slightly affects audio performance, with one review noting higher sound-quality scores when ANC is disabled.

Android compatibility was positive in one review that found the headphones sounded good on Android.

The app was viewed positively for customization, controls, battery options, and a generally intuitive experience.

aptX support was criticized as absent, especially for Android or lossless-codec users.

Audio-video sync was a concern for gaming because one reviewer tied the lack of low-latency codecs to more noticeable latency.

Auracast support was treated as a positive future-facing feature, especially for Android and LE Audio readiness.

Auto-play and wear detection worked but was slow to react in one test.

Bass was generally praised for control, texture, punch, and warmth, with repeated caveats that sub-bass slam is limited or the low end can feel bloomy.

Bass was usually described as punchy or well-balanced, though several reviewers said it could use more impact, cleaner control, or stronger low-end weight.

Battery life had the strongest agreement: reviewers repeatedly described it as class-leading, incredible, extraordinary, or far ahead of competitors.

Bluetooth performance was praised in one review as stable and high-performance.

Bluetooth version support was tied to a stable, high-performance wireless connection in one review.

Build quality was consistently praised as robust, premium, refined, and carefully assembled.

Build quality was generally strong and rugged, with praise for durability and materials, offset by one report of creaking.

The included USB-C DAC adapter was praised for convenience, but the evidence supports an external adapter rather than a fully built-in headphone DAC.

Hi-res playback support was a weakness because reviewers repeatedly noted no hi-res Bluetooth audio support.

Button controls were a standout strength, with reviewers preferring the tactile joystick and physical buttons over touch controls.

Cable feedback was mixed: some liked the sturdiness or low microphonics, while others criticized ergonomics, microphonics, or the lack of a balanced option.

Cable quality received praise in one review for the black cable with brass tips and premium-feeling presentation.

The included case was consistently praised as robust, well-made, useful, and attractive.

The carry case was usually praised as sturdy, compact, premium, or travel-friendly, though a few reviewers found it bulky or unnecessary.

Charging was praised for fast top-ups, with reviewers citing up to 12 hours of playback from a short charge.

Clamp was mostly comfortable and well distributed, though one review found it a bit tight at first.

Clamping comfort was rated very highly, with reviewers reporting little to virtually zero pressure.

Codec support was a clear weakness because reviewers noted no hi-res, lossless, or low-latency codec support.

Comfort was one of the strongest points, with reviewers repeatedly praising long-session wearability and Meze’s ergonomics.

Comfort was one of the strongest consensus wins, with reviewers repeatedly praising all-day wear, soft fit, and low fatigue.

Connectivity was mixed because USB-C/3.5mm convenience was offset by narrow connectors and the absence of a balanced stock cable.

Connectivity options were mixed: wired and wireless playback were useful, but the lack of a built-in 3.5mm jack and coiled cable hurt convenience.

Design was a major strength, with reviewers praising the walnut-accented look, vintage-modern styling, and overall visual execution.

Design and aesthetics were mostly praised for the distinctive Marshall look, premium detailing, and rugged styling, though taste varied.

Detachable cable use was mixed, with secure connection praised but aftermarket cable fit called harder due to the recessed/narrow connectors.

The USB-C dongle/DAC was received positively as a convenient and classy included accessory.

Durability expectations were positive due to flexibility and a design intended for long-term ownership.

Durability over time was viewed positively because reviewers described more durable, repairable construction and long-term toughness.

Earpads were widely praised as soft, plush, comfortable, and well made.

Ear cup padding was widely praised as extremely soft, plush, pillow-like, and important to comfort and sealing.

Cup articulation was praised for helping fit and seal, with one review noting broad pivoting movement.

Ear cup rotation and swivel helped portability, though one reviewer found the twisting mechanism odd on the head.

Earpad/body-borne noise was a notable negative for one reviewer, who heard footsteps and heartbeat-like sounds.

EQ customization was broadly useful and responsive, though one reviewer wanted more precision than the five-band setup provides.

Features at launch were adequate but not standout, with one reviewer saying the standard feature set lacked a truly distinctive tool.

Tuning was described as smooth, balanced, and coherent by many, but not neutral; several reviewers noted colorations and divisive response traits.

The default frequency response was judged broadly listener-friendly, especially for casual listeners.

The self-adjusting headband was repeatedly praised for fit, convenience, and comfort.

Headband adjustability earned a small positive note for visible adjustment numbering.

One review praised the headband’s pressure distribution across the top of the head.

Headband comfort was praised for reducing top-of-head pressure through light weight and support-strap design.

Hinge durability was praised for being able to twist without showing signs of breaking.

Immersive audio was a repeated strength, with reviewers describing lifelike, emotional, three-dimensional, or enveloping presentation.

Immersive audio quality was mixed, with some reviewers enjoying the added atmosphere and others finding the effect limited or not truly immersive.

Included accessories were positively viewed, especially when tied to the case, adapters, cable, and overall value.

Included accessories received praise for the attractive red-velvet case and included cables.

Instrument separation and imaging were consistently praised, with reviewers highlighting precise placement, strong layering, and easy focus on individual sounds.

Instrument separation was a consistent strength when mentioned, with reviewers noting solid layering, instrument placement, and separation across bass, mids, and highs.

Integrated microphone feedback was mixed, with clear/crisp quiet-room results but criticism of vocal clarity or noisy-environment performance.

LDAC was only discussed as an absent higher-quality codec, making it a codec-support weakness.

LE Audio readiness was treated as a positive future-proofing feature by multiple reviewers.

One review specifically said the headphones kept dynamics intact at louder volumes.

Maximum-volume clarity was strong in the reviews that addressed it, with no audible or max-volume distortion reported.

Microphone noise reduction was praised for handling simulated or real wind well, despite some vocal-clarity caveats elsewhere.

Call microphone quality received strong praise from one reviewer, especially for windy phone calls.

Midrange was often treated as a strength, especially for clarity, timbre, and vocals, but a few reviewers noted forwardness, hollowness, or harshness with some voices.

Midrange impressions were mixed: some praised vocals and instruments, while others heard under-emphasized mids, prominent high mids, or occasional clutter.

Source and platform compatibility was strong overall, with reviewers saying it works well from phones, laptops, DAPs, and varied sources.

Multi-platform compatibility was positive where tested on both iOS and Android.

Multipoint reliability was strong where tested, with seamless switching or extremely reliable two-device use.

Passive isolation was considered weak or reduced, which reviewers framed as expected for an open-back design.

Passive isolation was praised for the soft cushions and seal, which helped block noise even before ANC was considered.

Overall recommendation was positive across most reviews, though not unanimous; one reviewer found it not fully competitive on sound alone.

Overall recommendations were positive but caveated: reviewers liked the package, especially for travel and rock-focused listening, while noting ANC, codecs, and wired tradeoffs.

One review framed the headphones as relatively portable-friendly for an open-back design.

Portability and foldability were major strengths thanks to the compact folding design and small travel footprint.

Premium feel was a clear strength, with reviewers emphasizing luxury materials, refined styling, and ownership experience.

Premium feel was praised through richer materials, superior build impressions, and a luxurious presentation.

The preset EQ experience was praised in one review, especially the bass boost setting for adding dynamic sound without excess bass.

One review confirmed removable pads as part of the serviceable construction.

Replaceable earpads were praised as easy to remove or replace and useful for longevity.

Replaceable pads/headband were praised as part of the long-term serviceable design.

Replaceable pads and headband parts were a repairability plus where described.

Sensor performance was a concern because one reviewer reported random wear-sensor triggers.

Smart listening features were mixed: adaptive volume, Spotify Tap, and battery preservation drew praise, while missing convenience features held the score down.

Smart Pause performance was criticized for random triggering in one longer test.

Setup simplicity received praise from one reviewer who called pairing/setup easy.

One review found leakage lower than expected for an open-back headphone.

Sound leakage was viewed positively in one review because the plush ear cups helped minimize leak.

Most reviewers praised the 105 Silva’s sound as musical, engaging, and refined, though one measurement-focused review found it less competitive acoustically.

Reviewers generally liked the sound, describing it as pleasing, energetic, balanced, or excellent, with the strongest praise for rock and instrument-driven listening.

Soundstage impressions were mixed: several heard expansive or organized staging, while others found the stage narrower, modest, or not especially deep.

Soundstage width drew mixed reactions, from solid or opened-up presentation to narrow, cluttered, or not true-spatial enough.

One review praised the front-to-back and left-to-right spatial definition.

Spatial audio was divisive: some liked the extra space, but others found it unnatural, underwhelming, or below true Atmos-style experiences.

Fit stability was praised in the reviews that addressed it, with no slippage and secure head fit noted.

Connection stability was praised as stable and high-performance in one review.

Streaming service integration was praised strongly for Spotify Tap, especially for starting playback without pulling out a phone.

Repairability and sustainability were strong positives, with reviewers emphasizing disassembly, serviceability, and replaceable parts.

Sustainability and repairability were praised for replaceable parts and repair-minded design, with a caveat that batteries are not user-replaceable.

Sustainability materials received a modest positive note for recycled plastic use.

Transparency mode was considered usable and sometimes natural, but reviewers also noted hiss, limited realism, or weaker performance than the best rivals.

Travel friendliness was mixed: reviewers liked the case and some outdoor practicality, but open-back leakage and size limited true portable use.

Travel friendliness was a major strength due to battery life, compact folding, wired flexibility, and protective case design.

Treble drew strong praise for clarity, air, and refinement, while several reviewers warned about spice, sizzle, or timbral issues on brighter recordings.

Treble feedback was split between clear, impressive highs and complaints about sibilance, fatigue, or sharpness on some tracks.

USB-C support through the included adapter was positively received for convenience and pleasant out-of-box use.

USB-C was useful for charging and wired listening, but reviewers criticized the one-port limitation and need for power in wired use.

Value was mostly positive, especially for build, sound, accessories, and price, though competition at $500 was noted.

Value was generally fair to good, especially on sale, but reviewers noted strong cheaper or better-performing rivals.

Voice prompts and feedback added personality through Marshall-style guitar sounds during power and pairing.

Reviewers repeatedly found the headphones easy to drive and capable of high volume from modest devices.

One reviewer found the headphones plenty loud, with comfortable listening volume well below maximum.

Water and sweat resistance was a weakness because reviewers noted the headphones are not waterproof and should avoid rain or gym use.

Wear detection auto-pause was only moderately successful, working but reacting slowly.

Wear detection performance was a weakness in one longer test because the sensor randomly triggered.

Weight comfort was praised because the headphone feels lighter than expected and distributes weight well.

Weight comfort was a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly calling the headphones light for the class and easy to wear.

Wind handling was mixed: one reviewer found wind susceptibility in ANC/transparency, while another found moderate wind manageable.