I got my new Meze 109 Pro headphones a week ago, I come from utilizing the Sennheiser 58x (RIP lower bass frequency response) and the Hifiman XS.
So far really enjoying the comfort, they feel extremely nice and well built compared to the Hifiman which seems like they came out of a McDonald's Happy Meal. Soundwise, I think I might have liked the Hifiman relaxed sound a little more, the Meze is "on your" face sound, especially with the bass and treble frequencies. The Hifiman does have better imaging and soundstage, but I prefer the mid-presentation of the 109 along with its punchy bass.
The only issues I have with these headphones so far are 1. The cable it came with was complete garbage, if you get these, I'd recommend getting a Hart cable, if you own the XS or another device that utilizes dual 3.5mm, they will fit the Meze 109 Pro. The other problem is the sharpness of the treble and high frequencies, however with a nice EQ similar to what Oratory1990 has I was able to fix the issue and I've been enjoying it quite a lot.
I would say my 58x had a very good neutral sound, but poor bass and sub-bass which the XS and the Meze 109 completely win over, I'd say is more fun to listen to music on these cans.
I utilize the Schiit Vali 2++ with a 5670W Tube, it opens the sound more and makes it cleaner compared to the stock tube.
I'll provide my EQ settings if you are interested, it completely takes off that annoying sharp sound imo and makes it more relaxed. These cans take Eqing pretty well. If you own the Hifiman XS and won the QC lottery, I am jealous, because they are pretty good headphones although very uncomfortable and heavy (I had to return them twice because of driver problems, sorry Hifiman but not buying from you again if I want long-lasting headphones). When I had them I had to get a headband to make them last longer than 40 minutes on my head without feeling like it would cause a dent on my skull. I will attach an Amazon link to it as well alongside the stuff I own.
Thank you for reading this and I'd like to hear your opinion about these headphones, alongside other recommendations below the 1000 dollar range, I will settle with these for now but in the future will definitely look to test and try other pairs.
EQ MEZE 109 PRO (Using Oratory1990 as a reference and Peace EQ to change the frequencies) -
Frequency - 95, 105, 215, 880, 2100, 2850, 3800, 7400, 10000
Gain Values: -3.1, 6.26, -0.7, -0.9, 2.38, -2.5, -2, -2.5, -10.2 (I really disliked how much thinness and airness it had so really had to tune this one down on the high 10k frequency)
Q values: 0.5, 0.71, 2, 2, 1, 4, 6, 5, 0.71
FIlters: Peak, Q Low Shelf, Peak, Peak, Peak, Peak, Peak, Peak, Q High Peak
5670W Tube:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2M3T779?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Headband Pad for Hifiman XS:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0993NBFCR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
SKW Hifi RCA Cable:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073WQBXJX?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Hart Cable:
https://hartaudiocables.com/collections/meze/products/dual-3-5mm-cable-for-meze-99-and-109
Schiit Vali 2++:
Songs I used to test EQ for comfortable sound:
Arkad Tevvez (Techno)
Dystopia - Megadeth (Metal)
Symphony of Destruction - Megadeth (Metal)
Valentine - Xandria (Symphonic Metal)
Love Ghost Score - Nightwish (Symphonic Metal)
Futakuchi Mana - Megitsune Cover (J-Metal).
Went with the hart cable as well for my 109s. Good stuff.