Bloom's Take
When Meze released the original Empyrean in 2018, it was a revelation in high-end headphones, specifically due to the Rinaro hybrid isodynamic driver that combined the technicality of planars with the natural feeling of dynamics. Empyrean II retains the warmth and color of the original but aims for a higher degree of accuracy in the tuning, delivering a natural timbre, with a lush, organic sound.
Visually, the basic look, materials and design remain the same albeit with a more conventional black and silver color scheme and an updated grill design. And certainly, that “melt onto your head” comfort is just as good as it’s always been. However, the earpads are new with their ‘Duo’ hybrid providing the best sound overall with its half-leather, half-Alcantara design.
“Is the Empyrean II better?” We feel the answer is found somewhere in the nexus of price, performance, and tuning preference. But it’s safe to say that Empyrean II is an improvement by most measurable standards, and boasts a more accurate, versatile sound while maintaining the core Empyrean identity.
Artistry Meets Craftsmanship
A natural step forward from Meze'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 bold and timeless art deco patterns.
“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... A lot of determination and many iterations later, we finally nailed it – Empyrean II.”
Meze Audio Designers and Engineers
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 R&D, Empyrean II lets you experience more of what you love: more clarity, more depth, more fun. The 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, new possibilities in terms of resolution and detail retrieval were revealed, 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.
Isodynamic Hybrid Array Architecture
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.
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 110,000Hz.
[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 surface.
Rinaro Isoplanar® Diaphragm
Weighing only 0.16g while having 4650mm2 of active area.
[MZ3] Frame
Fiberglass infused ABS.
Your Sound, Your Choice
Elevate your listening experience to new heights – Empyrean II comes with two sets of earpads, allowing the ultimate sound customization. Switch between Duo and Angled earpads for an auditory journey that is entirely your own.
Duo Earpads
Specifically tailored to match Empyrean II, Duo pads are crafted from a blend of premium leather and Alcantara. With leather forming the base half and Alcantara covering the rest, they are a flawless fusion delivering a tonal balance that resonates across all music genres.
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 for an airier sound signature, cleaner bass, and improved presence in the mid-range.