Meze Empyrean II are finally here! What can we expect from this long-awaited upgrade?
Meze Audio, in conjunction with Rinaro Isodynamics, has finally introduced the Empyrean II, a promised improvement from the well-acclaimed Meze Empyrean.
According to Meze, their aim was to build on the groundwork of its predecessor, improving in reproducing fine details and achieving a more balanced sound, all while keeping that ‘easy to listen to’ vibe intact.
To make it happen, their engineering team improved their driver, promising to deliver new levels of responsiveness and accuracy, and even making it more reliable in tricky acoustic settings.
Criticism of the First Model
Despite the success of the first model, some critical voices within the audiophile community have expressed their disappointment regarding the original Empyrean’s performance. Specifically, it has been characterized as being sluggish, excessively warm, and lacking in detail, which some argue does not align with its premium pricing.
Still, the Empyrean remains an end-game headphone for many audiophiles.
Expectations on the Meze Empyrean II’s Sound Performance
Despite the Empyrean’s success, any negative impressions prompted discussions and raised expectations about how the Empyrean II addresses and improves upon these shortcomings.
So far, only a few reviewers have managed to get their hands on the Empyrean II. But overall, the feedback has been highly positive, noting that it diverges in sound profile, presenting a notably more neutral tuning than the original Empyrean.
The Empyrean II still approximates the tonal qualities of the original model, but now offering a more nuanced sonic experience. While the soundstage has not been enhanced significantly, you can expect a leaner profile, with improved clarity and speed emerging as its key defining characteristics.
Given its distinct tuning, the Empyrean II doesn’t position itself as a direct competitor to the original, warm and gooey Empyrean. Instead, these models can complement one another, offering individual listening experiences that are noticeably different in sound signature.
Design and Build Quality
As with the first model, craftsmanship takes a prominent role in the Empyrean II’s design. The aluminum frame, shaped through CNC milling, features a matte black finish and a redesigned grill.
A silver accent at the frame’s core adds a subtle touch and reflects the quality of this musical and nuanced headphone.
Technical Specifications
Here are the technical specs of the Meze Empyrean II:
- Driver Type: Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver
- Enclosure: Open-back
- Ear Coupling: Circumaural
- Frequency Response: 8 – 110,000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Sensitivity: 105 dB SPL @ 1 kHz, 1 V
- Maximum SPL: > Maximum SPL – >130 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.05% @ 1 kHz, 1 V
- Weight: 385 g (without earpads)