What Was Once Considered End-Game Sound Is Now Redefined
Meze Empyrean II Headphones Review & Comparison Video
PROS
Stellar Meze Audio Soundstage
Premium Comfort and Materials
CONS
Officially Replaces the Empyrean 1 (sad face)
Empyrean II Headphone Features:
- The second generation of Meze Audio's popular Empyrean Headphone
- Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver
- Accurate sound reproduction
- Lightweight for longer listening sessions
- Ergonomic shape for extreme comfort
- Rinaro Isoplanar Diaphragm weighing only 0.16 g
- New MZ3 frame
- Isomagnetic earcup to earpad coupling technology
- Two different sets of premium earpads to adjust your sound
- Fully Serviceable headphone design
Meze Audio & Rinaro Isodynamics
About Meze & Rinaro
Design
The Empyrean II takes a lot of cues from the original. carbon fiber headband returns with a flexible and lightweight structure. It's incredibly strong and balances the weight well between the ear cups. The pressure distribution wings, otherwise known as the headrest, is also mostly unchanged. These patented suspension wings increase the leather headrest's surface area and contact with the top of the head, relieving uncomfortable pressure points. The leather headrest this time around is lined with soft felt-like material, feeling much more premium and actually cooler than the plain leather headrest, since it sits more atop the head with room between the head and leather rest. With the original Empyrean, the leather would feel hot after some time since there was little to no air circulation between your scalp and headphones. A minor but important upgrade here for greater comfort and longer listening sessions.
The cups are an ovoid shape and are a special design detail of the Empyrean. Most headphones have either a circular, elliptical, or even a rectangular design. However, Meze designed their ear cup in an ovoid shape, understanding the more natural shape of the ear should be mirrored by the ear pad – and even the driver too. Since the earpad fits the shape of the ear itself, it allows for less “room” within the earcup for sound to bounce around and get lost. In other words, you have a more direct channel to the music. The ovoid shape also allows for a smaller driver size compared to other planar magnetic headphones, resulting in reduced weight and longer listening sessions without ear fatigue.
SONIC MASTERY REIMAGINED
ARTISTRY & CRAFTSMANSHIP
YOUR SOUND, YOUR CHOICE
Empyrean II comes with two sets of earpads, included for the ultimate sound customization, Duo and Angled Alcantara.-Meze Audio, On the Empyrean II Design Elements
The Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver
Sound
- Improved Comfort: Angled Alcantara earpads are designed to conform to the shape of your ears and provide a comfortable fit. This can help reduce pressure points and discomfort, especially during extended listening sessions.
- Enhanced Sound Quality: The angled design of Alcantara earpads can also improve the overall sound quality of your headphones. By positioning the drivers at a slight angle, sound waves can more easily reach your ears, resulting in a more natural and immersive listening experience.
by Carter Vail
by Switchfoot
by Alanis Morissette
A TIMELESS STATEMENT OF HI-FI
The Arena Show: Empyrean Soundstage & Presentation
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Comparisons: Empyrean vs. Elite vs. Empyrean II
It's a night and day difference between the second-generation Empyrean and the first. I can actually completely understand why they would be officially retiring the OG Empyrean. Better dynamics, better clarity and transparency, just - better. Look, we've come a long way since 2019 and back then the Empyrean was ground-breaking soundstage and emotive sound in one crazy good-looking headphone. The Empyrean II is what years of sonic improvements and technological advancements can do to an already stellar headphone. It was a good run OG Empyrean, and we solute you.
Empyrean 2.0 - Better In Every Way
- Duo Earpads: Our 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. We 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 our 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.
Dragon Cables
If you're looking for a more analytical sound, however, you can always check out the Silver Dragon Premium Cable for Meze Audio as an option to bring out more top-end sizzle and soundstage. The Silver pairs exceptionally well with the original Empyrean and the Elites to help tighten up the low end resolution in particular. The Empyrean II already has some great definition in the lower frequencies, but would certainly make a great option for those looking for a more analytical presentation.
Verdict
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What's in the Box
-Angled Alcantara Ear Pads (Duo comes attached to headphones)
-Meze Audio Premium Silver-Plated or Copper PCUHD Cable
-Warranty Information
-Hard Shell ABS Briefcase/Storage w/ Leather Handle
Connector Options: 2.5mm, 3.5mm (1/8in), 4.4mm, 6.3mm (1/4in), or 4-pin XLR
Specifications
Original Empyrean Headphone Specs
Diaphragm Type: Rinaro ISOPLANAR®
Empyrean II Headphone Specs
Driver Type: Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver
Weight: 385g (without earpads)
Performance