The Box, Accessories, and Price
The Meze Empyrean II, a high-end headphone offering, showcases a redesigned carrying case and premium accessories. Here are the highlights:
Carrying Case: The original aluminum case has been replaced with a more compact ABS plastic case. It features a foam insert for protection and a leather handle for improved portability.
Earpads: The Empyrean II includes two sets of earpads:
Duo Earpads: A hybrid design combining leather and Alcantara with perforated internal lining.
Angled Alcantara: Fully Alcantara earpads with an angled structure.
Cables: Meze offers two premium cable options:
Silver-Plated PCUHD Cable: USD 419.
Copper-Plated PCCUHD Cable: USD 349.
Connectors include 2.5mm, 3.5mm (1/8 in), 4.4mm, 6.3mm (1/4 in), and 4-pin XLR.
Price: The Empyrean II retails at USD 2,999 / €2,999 / £2,749.
This premium package is meticulously crafted for audiophiles seeking a luxurious and refined audio experience.
New Earpads and Their Impact on Sound
The Empyrean II introduces redesigned earpads with distinct sonic characteristics. Both the Duo and Angled Alcantara pads leverage the isodynamic magnetic alignment system to enhance performance, significantly shaping the headphones’ audio signature for a tailored listening experience.
Duo Earpads
The Duo pads offer a hybrid design: a leather base for enhanced bass response and Alcantara on the upper section for refined mids and highs. This combination creates a dynamic, engaging sound profile with:
Fuller bass: Ideal for bass guitars and drums, adding warmth and depth.
Musical delivery: A slightly warmer and more balanced sound signature, perfect for listeners who enjoy a richer, more immersive audio experience.
Angled Alcantara Earpads
Designed for neutrality, the Angled Alcantara pads prioritize accuracy and precision. Key features include:
Tighter bass: Clearer, more controlled low frequencies.
Enhanced clarity: Particularly in the midrange, resulting in a more neutral tonal presentation.
Improved airflow: Shorter than the original pads, with perforations on the inner wall for a more open and airy sound.
Overall Comparison
Duo Earpads: Best for those seeking a warm, dynamic sound with richer bass.
Angled Alcantara Earpads: Perfect for listeners who prefer a neutral, accurate audio signature.
Meze’s innovative approach allows audiophiles to fine-tune the Empyrean II’s sound according to their preferences.
Specifications
Driver Type: Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array
Operating Principle: Open-back
Ear Coupling: Circumaural
Frequency Response: 8 – 110,000 Hz
Impedance: 32 Ω
Sensitivity: 105 dB SPL @ 1 V, 1 kHz
Maximum SPL: >130 dB
THD: <0.5% (across the frequency range)
Weight: 385 g (without earpads)
MZ3 Driver Specifications:
Shape: Ovoid (102 mm x 73 mm)
Weight: 82 g
Casing: Fiberglass-infused ABS
Diaphragm: Rinaro Isoplanar® with an active area of 4650 mm²
Frequency Range: 8 Hz – 110,000 Hz
Magnetic Array: Isodynamic (75 mm x 49 mm, magnetic flux of 0.35 T)
Conclusion
The Meze Empyrean II represents a significant evolution over its predecessor, offering a refined sound signature emphasizing neutrality, clarity, speed, and spaciousness. While it doesn’t aim to replace the ELITE model, the Empyrean II carves its identity with a distinct sonic profile.
Meze Audio’s commitment to craftsmanship and luxury is evident in the Empyrean II. With its premium build quality, innovative earpads, and customizable sound, it caters to both bass enthusiasts and those who favor precision and neutrality.
Priced at USD 2,999, the Empyrean II is undoubtedly a high-end investment. However, its performance and design justify the cost for audiophiles seeking the best. For those considering this purchase, a personal audition is highly recommended.
In the realm of high-end headphones, where perfection is the benchmark, the Meze Empyrean II is a remarkable achievement.
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