Over-Ear
Meze 105 Aer
84Great
$299
Full review dataMeze 105 Aer vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nectar Hive comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nectar Hive - Outstanding overall at around $197.
Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Meze 105 Aer
Sound8.5
Value8.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Meze 105 Aer | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $299 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 50 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-30kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 42 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 112 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 336 g | 370 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
Meze 105 Aer
The Meze 105 Aer is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone that combines premium craftsmanship with a warm, natural sound signature. It offers easy drivability from portable devices, a spacious soundstage, and strong detail retrieval, making it a versatile choice for home listening. While its build and comfort are standout features, the lack of a balanced cable and some tuning quirks hold it back slightly.
- Pro:Excellent build quality and premium design
- Pro:Comfortable for long sessions with moderate clamp
- Pro:Easy to drive from phones or laptops
- Con:No balanced 4.4mm cable included
- Con:Upper midrange dip and limited treble extension
- Con:Headband may feel loose for smaller heads
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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