Latest news with #Meze
Stuff.tv
29-07-2025
- Stuff.tv
I've been waiting for these open-back headphones, and now they're finally available
While there are plenty of top headphones to pick from, open-backs are revered as some of the best. They can let more air inside the headphones, which delivers better accuracy and a more open soundscape. Meze Audio showed off its latest set earlier this year, and I've been waiting for them ever since. Fortunately, the 105 Silvas are now finally available. The styling alone is worth talking about. Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, the 105 Silva pairs a radial grille with walnut wood earcups to create a silhouette that's both refined and fresh. There's nothing flashy here – just clean craftsmanship and detail where it counts. That same attention to detail runs through every part of the headphones, with soft deep-cushioned pads and a self-adjusting headband to ensure long listening sessions don't come at the expense of comfort. Inside, Meze hasn't held back. The 50mm dynamic driver uses a cellulose composite dome with a titanium-covered surround to deliver clarity, richness, and a punchy transient response. It's all been tuned with a strong emphasis on the mid-range, especially vocals and strings, offering the kind of intimacy and warmth that audiophiles expect. It builds on the technical prowess of the 109 Pro while capturing the genre flexibility of the 105 AER – making it an appealing choice for a variety of music tastes. What I really appreciate is Meze's attention to long-term ownership. Every component of the 105 Silva is user-serviceable, so if anything ever wears out, you're not locked into buying a whole new pair. The Meze Audio 105 Silva is available to order now directly from the brand and selected retailers. The headphones are priced at $499/£469/€499, which is pretty reasonable for a set of open-backs.
Telegraph
23-06-2025
- Telegraph
The 21 best restaurants in Istanbul
It's hardly surprising that Istanbul boasts one of the world's richest cuisines – it's superbly located at the confluence of the Mediterranean and Black Sea worlds, with easy access to the fertile farmlands of Thrace and Anatolia and the agricultural riches of Turkey 's hinterland. Whether it is freshly caught bluefish, tender lamb kebab, melt-in-your-mouth stuffed aubergine, the vast array of meze (starters) or rich, butter-soaked, pistachio-stuffed baklava, there's something for every taste. Dine in the atmospheric old city, or for a more local feel head across the Golden Horn to the entertainment quarter centred on Beyoğlu, Galata and Karaköy. You can even take a ferry to Asia for a bite to eat in historic Üsküdar or hip Kadıköy. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best restaurants in Istanbul. Find out more below, or for more Istanbul inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, bars and things to do. Find restaurants by type: Best all-rounders Balıkçı Sabahattın This place is so highly-regarded that affluent Istanbulites from across the metropolis sweep stylishly into the lovely period wooden building it occupies in droves. In summer the vine-shaded cobbled street is the place to sit; in winter head into the airy wood-panelled dining room. Start with a couple of meze; mussels in fragrant saffron rice and tangy aubergine salad recommended, before enjoying a moist grilled fish main (bluefish is most prized). Locals will watch with detached amusement if you drink anything other than the aniseed spirit rakı with your spread, but there's a great wine list too.
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits ditch Spain for European hotspot with £1 pints and beautiful beaches
Spain has long been the favourite holiday hotspot for Brits. But with rising prices and furious anti-tourism protests, sunseekers are taking their suitcases elsewhere For decades, Brits have been flocking to Spain in search of sun and sangria - but there's been a notable shift in recent times that's driven beach lovers elsewhere. Overtourism protesters have been taking to the streets in Barcelona and the island of Majorca recently, brandishing water pistols against holidaymakers. Spain has been at the forefront of the anti-tourism protests currently sweeping Southern Europe. Campaigners are calling upon local and central governments to adequately regulate the industry. They have also taken issue with firms such as Airbnb, which they claim are pushing up rents. Meanwhile, rising costs and packed beaches have been driving British travellers away from popular Spanish resorts, in search of affordable tranquillity elsewhere. Back in 2024, Spain hosted a record 84 million international visitors, compared with 83 million in 2019, but it's expected this could well change this summer, with sunseekers instead making a beeline for a lesser-known hotspot with plenty to offer. Greek travel experts at Ionian Island Holidays have now revealed that more Brits are opting to travel to Greek islands such as Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri, the Daily Star reports. Here, they can relax for less while enjoying all the authentic local charm these picturesque islands have to offer. With scenic beaches and unique cultural gems, you can be assured of a memorable stay. Best of all, this little slice of paradise won't cost you the earth, and you could well find yourself gazing out across the ocean with a £1 or £2 pint in hand. According to a spokesperson for Ionian Island Holidays: "British holidaymakers are craving a slower pace and better value. Greece's smaller islands offer both—plus hospitality and scenery that rivals any postcard." The travel company has noted a significant upturn in bookings for these destinations, particularly during shoulder seasons such as May, June and September. Travellers can enjoy evenings out at family-run establishments where they can expect a warm welcome, and likely a complimentary glass of ouzo. The spokesperson revealed: "Many of these tavernas have been in families for generations. They care more about welcoming guests than maximising profit." Thrifty foodies will be in their element, on the islands of Kalymnos and Agistri, where it's not unusual to order Meze dishes of grilled vegetables, fried cheese or seafood for under €5 (£4.30), washed down with a 500ml draught beer or a carafe of house within the region €1.50 and €2.50 (£1.30 to £2.10). You can also enjoy classic Greek mains such as moussaka or souvlaki for €6 to €9 (£5 to £8), with many tavernas focusing on fresh, quality local ingredients. Expect fish caught in the nearby harbour, homegrown herbs, and locally pressed olive oil. Ionian Island Holidays shared: "It's not just cheap—it's authentic. These aren't tourist menus; they're cooking for neighbours, too." For just £25 to £35 per night, you can book yourself a double room at a guesthouse on Thassos or Lefkada. However, the focus here is on a community feel, which locals and visitors alike hope to protect. Ionian Island Holidays continued: "Visitors often say they feel like they're in a real community, not a tourist zone. That authenticity is priceless."
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meze debuts gorgeous new open-back planar headphones
Meze Audio's latest premium open-back wired headphones feature new custom-designed planar magnetic drivers — technology that audiophiles have long revered for its clarity and ultra-low distortion. But it's the design of the new $2,000 Meze Poet that might woo would-be buyers. A lot of planar headphones tend to be bulky affairs with designs that don't exactly offer as much for the eyes as they do the ears. The Meze Poet, are decidedly different, with copper-toned and finely patterned steel grilles, magnesium earcup chassis, a titanium alloy frame, and a suede leather headband. The copper accents extend into the height rods, and continue into the detachable, hand-braided copper cable. The earcushions attach magnetically, making them easily replaceable when they eventually breakdown from use. For the Poet, Meze has once again partnered with Ukrainian electro-acoustics specialists, Rinaro Isodynamics. Inside each earcup lives an MZ6 Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver — a hybrid magnet array linked to an ultra-low mass planar diaphragm (0.06g). It's a similar unit to the one that powers Meze's $4,000 Elite Tungsten flagship headphones. Those drivers deliver some impressive claimed specs: Frequency range: 4 Hz – 96 kHz Sensitivity: 101 dB SPL/mW at 1kHz Maximum SPL: >130 dB SPL Total harmonic distortion (THD): <0.05% Plus, the Poet, with an impedance of just 55 ohm, should be remarkably easy to drive, even from a standard 3.5mm jack on a laptop. For a more poetic description of the Poet's sound signature, here's Meze's take: 'a sonic experience with lush, airy vocals and precise bass impact, balancing low-end depth with delicate high-frequency clarity. The headphones' natural tonality is enhanced by subtle hints of sparkle, providing a lively yet effortless listening experience.' $2,000 is a big investment for anyone. But Meze Audio helps cushion that blow literally by including what looks like a very sturdy, PC-ABS headphone hard case. There's also a separate synthetic leather pouch to store your cables. The included cable uses 3.5mm mono jacks at the earcup connectors and a standard, unbalanced 6.3mm (1/4-inch) source connection, however Meze sells several optional accessory cables that can provide 2.5 or 4.4mm balanced connections if needed. For a much more affordable way into the open-back audiophile category, check out the Meze Audio 105 AER. They may not use fancy planar drivers, but they look great and sound fantastic.
