Meze Audio
Empyrean 2 Headphones
$2,999.00 USDThe Meze Empyrean II is a better headphone in every way. Much more controlled sound across the board that translates to a refined listening experience compared to the original. The Empyrean II shows us what high-end sonic improvements and technological advancements can do to an already stellar-sounding headphone, but such is the case with product generations. In this case, the difference is stark - the Empyrean II leans much towards the tuning of the Flagship Meze Audio Elite - with more detail, clarity, transparency in the mids, but has a much more refined low-end. Control across the frequency spectrum is the theme here. The Elite is still the flagship headphone with a much larger and more mature presentation, but you can't deny when something just sounds good.
What's New: For the second-generation Empyrean model, Meze has refined the Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver design, enhancing the headphones’ ability to reproduce fine details and achieve a more neutral sound signature, all the while preserving the original “easy to listen to” character. With the new tuning, there is better resolution and detail retrieval, achieving a cleaner and more accurate representation of audio.
The bass and low mids are more defined - still maintaining that excellent extension and representation, but it's tighter than the original Empyrean, without sacrificing the impact it provides. Rather than feeling the overall effect of the bass response, the Empyrean II takes it over with precision and control. It's still there, it's just not bleeding into the other frequencies like before.
The same thing goes for the mids and highs. There's a lot more clarity across the board here compared to the original Empyrean. Tuned a lot more like the Elite in many ways, you'll find more of that top-end sparkle that the original Empyrean was missing. Mids are transparent and allow for vocals to shine through no matter what genre you throw at them. Again, the theme here is control. It's not that they're mid-forward in this regard, but that the planar magnetic driver with its dual coils, hybrid design, and tuning allows room for the specific frequencies to perform without getting in the way of other instrumentation or the overall arrangement.
EMPYREAN II: GATEWAY TO SONIC PARADISE
Building upon the legacy of its predecessor, Empyrean II emerges as a symphony of artistry, innovation and craftsmanship.
“When we first talked about creating the second generation of Empyrean, I knew it would be far from easy. With many ideas in mind, I reached out to our community, eager to gather their feedback in any way I could. I wanted to dive into their hearts and minds, to understand their expectations, and so their input is what shaped the path toward Empyrean II. What followed was a test of patience and precision. At first, the possibilities seemed endless, but reality showed us that only a few of our plans were feasible. We made a lot of revisions to discover the right proportions and materials that would deliver the sound signature we aimed for.”
Alex Grigoras, Acoustic Engineer
ARTISTRY MEETS CRAFTSMANSHIP
A natural step forward from Meze Audio's first ever planar magnetic headphone, Empyrean II retains all the beloved elements of its iconic predecessor, with an added touch of sculptural elegance. Crafted with precision via CNC milling, the frame features a sleek matte black finish with silver accents, and a redesigned grill that draws inspiration from the bold and timeless art deco patterns.
“As good as the initial design looked, the headphones we thought were final proved to be fragile. The aluminum grill wasn’t turning out that great, there was an unexpected structural failure, and we were changing the colors almost daily, struggling to decide upon the perfect combination. A lot of determination, a few more iterations and we finally nailed it – Empyrean II.”
– Vladimir Brezovszki, Product Designer
MEZE X RINARO
Empyrean II emerges as the fruitful collaboration of two passionate companies that set out to explore uncharted territories. Meze Audio's engineering team has masterfully harnessed the power of Rinaro’s Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver to reach a new world of sound.
SONIC MASTERY REIMAGINED
The result of years of research and development, Empyrean II lets you experience more of what you love: more clarity, more depth, more fun.
Meze Audio's goal was to enhance the headphones’ ability to reproduce fine details and achieve a more neutral sound signature, all the while preserving the original “easy to listen to” character.
Using ingenious tuning methods, we revealed new possibilities in terms of resolution and detail retrieval, achieving a cleaner and more accurate representation of audio. The reliability and resistance of the membrane inside the driver was also improved, ensuring exceptional performance even in challenging acoustic environments.
ARCHITECTURE OF THE ISODYNAMIC HYBRID ARRAY DRIVER©
The Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver combines individual switchback and spiral shaped voice coils in one driver, allowing sound to be targeted with more accuracy around the natural form of the ear.
Patented in U.S., EU and China
ACCURATE REPRODUCTION
Total harmonic distortion (THD) measures under 0.1% in the whole frequency range
LIGHTWEIGHT
Reduced driver weight designed to create a headphone that offers prolonged listening sessions
ERGONOMIC SHAPE
Ergonomically shaped driver structure with an increased active area
ULTRA-HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO
Upper-frequency limit of audio reproduction is 110,000 Hz
[MZ3] HYBRID MAGNET ARRAY
Symmetrically placed on each side of the diaphragm, the neodymium magnets are specifically arranged into a Hybrid Array to create the efficient Isodynamic magnetic field required for a uniform activation across the whole diaphragm surface.
RINARO ISOPLANAR® DIAPHRAGM
Weighing only 0.16 g while having 4650 mm2 of active area.
[MZ3] FRAME
Fiberglass infused ABS.
ISOPLANAR® DIAPHRAGM MATERIAL
The switchback coil is more efficient at reproducing lower frequencies and is positioned in the upper part of the driver. The spiral coil is more efficient at reproducing middle-high frequencies and is positioned directly over the ear canal enabling more direct sound waves to enter the ear without any time delays.
ISOMAGNETIC® EARCUP TO EARPAD COUPLING TECHNOLOGY
Rinaro’s Isomagnetic® coupling technology makes switching earpads a breeze. It utilizes the demagnetizing field generated by the driver to secure the earcup in place, while simultaneously redirecting the magnetic field back into the driver, thereby enhancing efficiency.
YOUR SOUND, YOUR CHOICE
Elevate your listening experience to new heights – Empyrean II comes with two sets of earpads included, allowing the ultimate sound customization. Switch between Meze Audio's Duo and Angled earpads for an auditory journey that is entirely your own.
- Duo Earpads
Meze Audio's all-new Duo earpads are specifically tailored to match Empyrean II.
Crafted from a precise blend of premium leather and Alcantara, the Duo Earpads introduce a contemporary dimension to the signature sound profile of Empyrean II. With leather forming the base half and Alcantara covering the rest, these earpads deliver a harmonious tonal balance that resonates across all music genres. Meze researched and tested various material ratios to achieve the best there is to offer. The outcome is a flawless fusion: well-sustained bass frequencies owed to the leather, with beautiful refinement and spatiality from Alcantara.
- Angled Alcantara Earpads
Made of soft foam coated with Alcantara, with a fine protective mesh on the grill, the angled earpads excel at rendering intricate details and nuances in your recordings. The angled shape creates more space inside the earpad, which translates to an airier sound signature, with cleaner bass and improved presence in the mid-range frequency. Paired with Empyrean II, they create a detailed, airy and accurate listening experience, for the classic audiophile.
UNBOUNDED COMFORT
With Empyrean II, your music takes center stage. Following Meze Audio's highest standard for comfort, with a purpose-built structure that minimizes weight and pressure, this headphone instantly adapts to the shape of your head. This highly acclaimed synergy of ergonomics and premium materials guarantees more than just exceptional sound – it allows you to enjoy uninterrupted hours of music, without any discomfort.
FULLY SERVICEABLE
Meze Audio believes in creating products that last. Empyrean II is no different: every part of the headphone chassis can be disassembled and serviced with ease, if ever needed.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Driver Type | Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver |
|---|---|
| Operating Principle | Open |
| Ear Coupling | Circumaural |
| Frequency Response | 8 – 110,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB SPL @ 1 V, 1 kHz |
| Maximum SPL | >130 dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | <%0.5 (in the whole frequency range) |
| Weight | 385g (without earpads) |
MZ3 DRIVER SPECIFICATIONS PHYSICAL
| Geometrical Shape | Ovoid |
|---|---|
| Size | 102 mm x 73 mm |
| Weight | 82g |
| Casing | Fiberglass infused ABS |
| Type | Rinaro Isoplanar® |
| Active Area | 4650 mm2 |
| Weight | 0.16 g |
| Acoustic Mass | 10.7 kg/m4 |
| Lower Frequency Limit | 8 Hz |
| Upper Frequency Limit | 110,000 Hz |
| Array Type | Isodynamic |
| Size | 75 mm x 49 mm |
| Magnetic Flux | 0.35 T |
What's in the box?
- Case: High-strength ABS plastic suitcase with foam inserts and leather handle
- Two sets of earpads included: Duo Earpads + Angled Alcantara
- Cable type: Premium Silver-plated or Copper PCUHD
- Connector type: 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm (1/8 in), 4.4 mm, 6.3 mm (1/4 in), 4 pin XLR
