Meze Audio
Elite Headphones
$3,999.00 USDMEZE X RINARO: End-Game Sound
Meze Audio and Rinaro Isodynamics have joined forces once again to introduce the groundbreaking high-end Elite Isodynamic Hybrid Array headphone. This collaboration merges Meze Audio's exceptional mechanical design and ergonomic expertise with Rinaro's cutting-edge technology and acoustic engineering. The result is the Elite, poised to redefine the pinnacle of headphone performance.
Built upon Meze Audio's renowned craftsmanship, the Elite open-back headphone integrates seamlessly engineered components for unparalleled comfort and durability. Meanwhile, Rinaro's innovative Isodynamic Hybrid Array technology ensures a pristine audio experience characterized by unparalleled clarity, detailed imaging, and a natural sound signature. With the Elite flagship headphones, discerning audiophiles and audio professionals alike can expect a transformative listening experience that sets a new benchmark in high-fidelity audio reproduction.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Meze Audio Elite Headphone with the Black Dragon Premium Headphone Cable for Meze Audio. The Black Dragon Premium is a wonderful Meze Elite or Meze Empyrean upgrade cable. Copper strands in the Black Dragon will enhance the body, shape, and immediacy of your music by warming the bass and midrange tones. The result is a musical sound and a smooth top end with no loss of detail. The Meze Empyrean is a warm and lush headphone, while the Elite has some warmth but is more forward and resolute-sounding. If the rest of your system is bright-sounding, or you want maximum warmth and fullness, then the Black Dragon will be a great match for your Meze headphones. The versatile Black Dragon works well with most genres, particularly music with a big, bold presentation like Rock and Roll, Pop, R&B, and Electronica. If your goal is an engaging and immersive sound that gives you that "I'm there" feeling, you'll want to pair your Meze headphones with a Black Dragon cable.
About Meze Audio: For the past 10 years, Meze Audio has been developing audiophile headphones and earphones (IEMs) renowned for their timeless design, pure comfort, and engaging, vivid sound. From looks to technology, Meze Audio products are designed to surpass all short-living trends and become heirlooms, rather than just headphones. Today, founder Antonio Meze and his skilled team design and develop their products in Baia Mare, Romania, in the spirit of their original ‘no-compromise’ vision.
About Rinaro Isodynamics: Rinaro originated in the USSR (today’s Ukraine) during the Cold War as part of a state-funded acoustic technology research program. With government backing and access to advanced testing facilities, the team was able to focus all of its efforts on planar magnetics. A field they have continued to innovate in for the last 30 years, since the collapse of the USSR. In the last decade, Rinaro has expanded its capabilities and capacity with the development of state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facilities in Ukraine and Poland. The new facilities have been a driving force in the creation of the revolutionary Isodynamic Hybrid Array technology found in Meze Empyrean and ELITE headphones.
PASSION BROUGHT US HERE, TECHNOLOGY MADE IT HAPPEN
Blending an exclusive aesthetic with cutting-edge engineering, the Elite headphone offers a precise, authentic listening experience designed to exceed the expectations of discerning audiophiles. With an uncompromising commitment fueled by our passion for art and sound, we've crafted a unique headphone that harmonizes innovative design and advanced technologies to evoke pure emotion.
THE PROGRESSION OF THE FLAGSHIP RINARO ISODYNAMIC HYBRID ARRAY DRIVER®
With a custom, newly designed driver, created by Rinaro Isodynamics, ELITE is the result of 3 years of research and development through which we strived to create a powerful, lifelike, and immersive experience that awakens the senses of the listener.
- ULTRA LOW DISTORTION: Total harmonic distortion (THD) measures under 0.05% in the whole frequency range.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: 75g combined driver weight designed to create a headphone that offers prolonged listening sessions.
- ULTRA HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO: Upper frequency limit of audio reproduction is 112,000 Hz.
- RINARO PARUS® DIAPHRAGM: An innovative low-mass acoustic diaphragm constructed on an ultra-thin biaxially oriented semi-crystalline film.
- EASY TO DRIVE: 101dB@1mw/1kHz; 32Ω Can be driven by almost any source without the need for amplification.
- PATENTED ISODYNAMIC HYBRID ARRAY TECHNOLOGY: One of the most sophisticated and advanced planar magnetic technologies in the world.
- ARCHITECTURE OF THE ISODYNAMIC HYBRID ARRAY DRIVER: The MZ3SE driver builds on the pioneering technology of the flagship MZ3 driver found in the Empyrean headphones.
- [MZ3SE] CASING: Reinforced polymer housing designed to withstand the demanding 12,7N load generated by the Hybrid Magnet Array.
- RINARO PARUS® DIAPHRAGM: Weighing only 0.11g with a large active area of 4650mm.
- [MZ3SE] HYBRID MAGNET ARRAY: Symmetrically placed on either side of the diaphragm, two neodymium magnets are arranged into a Hybrid Array to create a 0.35 Tesla Isodynamic magnetic field required for a uniform activation across the whole diaphragm surface.
INTRODUCING RINARO PARUS : A LOW MASS DIAPHRAGM MATERIAL THAT SETS A NEW BENCHMARK IN ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE
SEQUENTIAL BIAXIAL LENGTHENING TECHNOLOGY
Recent advancements in polymer processing have revolutionized acoustic performance, particularly evident in the new driver powering the ELITE headphones. Featuring Rinaro Parus®, this innovative driver employs a low-mass acoustic diaphragm constructed from an ultra-thin, biaxially oriented semi-crystalline polymer film. This material, combined with Rinaro's signature Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver technology, enhances precision in directing sound waves around the contours of the ear. The result is unparalleled natural sound transparency and an expansive, detailed soundstage. The polymer undergoes a bespoke sequential biaxial lengthening process, where it is stretched in transverse directions at elevated temperatures. This method enhances the material's structural integrity, resulting in a sophisticated semi-crystalline microstructure. This structure imbues the polymer with exceptional strength, stiffness, and stability, all while maintaining an incredibly low acoustic mass. This technological synergy ensures that ELITE delivers exceptional audio fidelity, setting a new standard in headphone performance.
RINARO PARUS® DIAPHRAGM MATERIAL: DUAL DRIVEN SYSTEM ADVANTAGES
Conventional planar magnetic technology introduces time-varying delays in reflecting signals into the ear canal, impacting the headphone's 3D sound imaging. By employing different voice coil configurations, the hybrid array achieves a more even distribution of sound intensity across the wavefront directed towards the auricle and ear canal, especially at higher frequencies.
Rinaro Parus® features an innovative low-mass acoustic diaphragm crafted from an ultra-thin, biaxially oriented semi-crystalline polymer film. The use of dual coil arrays not only ensures a balanced frequency response across the entire range but also facilitates precise frequency targeting within specific ear regions, enhancing acoustical perception in the upper-frequency range. The switchback coil, positioned in the upper part of the driver, excels in reproducing lower frequencies efficiently. In contrast, the spiral coil, strategically placed directly above the ear canal, is optimized for middle to high frequencies, enabling direct sound waves to enter the ear without time delays.
DUAL DRIVE EFFICIENCY AT HIGHER FREQUENCIES
For frequencies exceeding 10kHz, where the wavelength of sound is smaller than the inner cavity of the cushions, the sound field inside the ear canal becomes diffuse due to a mix of direct and reflected sound waves. Enhancing direct sound waves can be achieved by strategically placing the most efficient section of the diaphragm for mid-high frequencies directly above the ear canal. This positioning enhances 3D imaging and spatial localization, leading to an improved auditory experience.
PRECISION MANUFACTURED FROM THE GROUND UP
It takes more than 100 hours to produce and test each driver unit that has been manufactured at Rinaro Isodynamics in Ukraine, before delivering the drivers to Meze Audio for final assembly of the headphone.
ISOMAGNETIC EARCUP TO EARPAD COUPLING TECHNOLOGY
An innovative design feature developed by Rinaro is the Isomagnetic® earpad attachment, which uses the demagnetizing field generated by the driver to hold the earpad in place, whilst also redirecting the magnetic field back into the driver and improving driver efficiency.
- 95% MAGNETIC FIELD SHIELDING: The ferromagnetic earpads decrease the magnetic stray field affecting the listener's head by 95%
- INVISIBLE LOCKING SYSTEM: This innovation uses the magnetic field of the drivers to keep the earpads in place
- 12% INCREASE IN DRIVER POWER: Patented ferromagnetic plates channel the magnetic field back into the driver increasing output by 1dB or 12%
CALIBRATE YOUR SOUND
The Meze ELITE headphone comes with two uniquely shaped earpads developed by Rinaro, which allow for personal calibration of the sound signature.
- 01. ALCANTARA®: This is the well-known 30mm deep Alcantara earpad, originally developed for the Empyrean headphone in 2018.
- 02. HYBRID (Perforated Alcantara® Interior + Real Leather Exterior): Developed especially for ELITE by Rinaro, the 25mm deep Leather + Alcantara earpad is a new addition to the line-up that combines the best of two materials
Designed for life
At Meze, we firmly believe in crafting products that endure through years of industry evolution, delivering enduring value to our customers. The Elite headphone embodies this philosophy seamlessly. Designed to transcend fleeting trends, it combines timeless aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, aspiring to become a cherished heirloom. Elevating long-term sustainability, Elite is fully serviceable: from replaceable earpads to high-performance materials, every component of the headphone chassis can be easily disassembled and serviced, ensuring longevity and continued performance. - Meze Audio
What's in the Box?
- Suitcase: High-strength aluminum suitcase with foam inserts.
- Two sets of ear pads included: one ALCANTARA®, one LEATHER + ALCANTARA® HYBRID
- Cable options (included):
- 3.5 mm OFC Standard, or
- 6.3 mm OFC Standard, or
- 4 PIN XLR OFC Standard
FAQ
What makes the Meze Audio Elite headphones special?
The Meze Audio Elite headphones are renowned for their luxurious design, exceptional build quality using premium materials, and their detailed, natural sound signature. The Elite represents the best Meze Ausio has to offer, and apart from its stunning design, its sound quality is equally impressive. It's a true end-game sound.
Are the Meze Audio Elite headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?
Yes, the headphones are designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft ear pads and a lightweight construction that allows for extended use without fatigue.
What type of sound signature do the Meze Audio Elite headphones have?
The Meze Audio Elite headphones offer a balanced sound profile with deep, controlled bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs, providing a rich and immersive listening experience across various genres.
Are the Meze Audio Elite headphones suitable for professional use?
Yes, these headphones are favored by both audiophiles and professionals alike for their accurate sound reproduction and high-quality build, making them ideal for critical listening and studio work.
Do the Meze Audio Elite headphones come with a carrying case?
Yes, the headphones come with a protective hard case, ensuring safe storage and transport when not in use.
Are the cables on the Meze Audio Elite headphones detachable?
Yes, the headphones feature detachable cables, allowing for easy replacement or customization with different cable options. Upgraded cable options like the Black Dragon Premium Headphone Cable for Meze Audio are available for an upgraded tonality and soundstage.
What devices are compatible with the Meze Audio Elite headphones?
The headphones are compatible with a wide range of devices including smartphones, tablets, amplifiers, and audio interfaces that have a standard 3.5mm or 6.3mm headphone jack. We recommend pairing them with a DAC/AMP that will drive the headphones with ease, ensuring that you are getting the best performance from your premium headphones.
HEADPHONE'S TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Driver Type | Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array® [MZ3SE] |
|---|---|
| Operating Principle | Open |
| Ear Coupling | Circumaural |
| Frequency Response | 3 - 112,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
| Nominal SPL | 101 dB (1 mW / 1 kHz) |
| Maximum SPL | > 130 dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <0.05% (in the whole frequency range) |
| Weight | 430 g |
MZ3SE DRIVER SPECIFICATIONS
| PHYSICAL | |
|---|---|
| Geometrical Shape | Ovoid |
| Size | 102 mm x 73 mm |
| Weight | 75 g |
| Casing | Fibreglass reinforced polymer |
| DIAPHRAGM | |
| Type | Rinaro Parus® [MZ3SE] |
| Active Area | 4650 mm2 |
| Weight | 0.011 g |
| Acoustic Mass | 7.5 kg/m4 |
| Lower Frequency Limit | 3 Hz |
| Upper-Frequency Limit | 112,000 Hz |
| MAGNET ARRAY | |
| Type | Isodynamic |
| Size | 75 mm x 49 mm |
| Magnetic Flux | 0.35 T |