Meze Empyrean 2 Review: A Premium Headphone Experience RedefinedIf you’re a passionate audiophile, chances are you’ve heard of Meze Audio and their flagship product, the Empyrean. Now, with the release of the Meze Empyrean 2, the company has taken their already impressive design to a whole new level. In this Meze Empyrean 2 review, we’ll explore everything from sound quality and build to comfort and value. Whether you’re upgrading from the original Empyrean or considering your first step into the world of high-end planar magnetic headphones, this guide is designed for you.
First Impressions and Design
The first thing that strikes you about the Meze Empyrean 2 is the elegance of its design. Meze has always been known for its craftsmanship, and this model continues that tradition with style.
The ear cups are beautifully machined from aluminum, featuring subtle details that make them look both futuristic and luxurious. The suspension headband design is both functional and visually appealing. Unlike other headphones that feel bulky, the Empyrean 2 maintains a sleek and refined aesthetic.
The carbon fiber headband provides incredible durability while remaining lightweight. This design ensures pressure is evenly distributed, eliminating hot spots and discomfort during long listening sessions.
Comfort and Fit
When it comes to comfort, the Meze Empyrean 2 truly excels. The memory foam earpads are thick, plush, and covered in Alcantara and leather, offering a soft touch against the skin. The clamping force is perfectly balanced snug but never tight.
For audiophiles who spend hours listening to music, comfort is just as important as sound quality. The Empyrean 2 provides an experience where you can get lost in the music without adjusting your headphones repeatedly.
The overall weight distribution is excellent, and you barely feel the presence of these headphones, despite their solid build.
Sound Quality Overview
Now, onto the most important part of any Meze Empyrean 2 review sound quality. The Empyrean 2 features Rinaro’s latest planar magnetic driver technology, known for delivering exceptional detail and clarity.
What sets these headphones apart is their incredibly balanced and natural sound. The tuning is precise yet musical, offering a perfect blend of warmth and transparency.
Bass Performance
The bass is rich, deep, and controlled. Unlike other high-end headphones that sometimes exaggerate the low end, the Empyrean 2’s bass is both powerful and accurate. It extends well into the sub-bass region without sounding bloated.
Whether you’re listening to orchestral pieces or modern electronic tracks, the bass complements rather than dominates, providing a solid foundation for every genre.
Midrange Clarity
The midrange is where the Meze Empyrean 2 truly shines. Vocals are lifelike, clear, and intimate. Instruments in this range are rendered with natural timbre and exceptional detail.
You can clearly hear every nuance from the subtle breath of a singer to the resonance of a guitar string. This makes the Empyrean 2 an excellent choice for genres like jazz, acoustic, and classical.
Treble Performance
The treble is smooth, extended, and never harsh. The headphones deliver sparkling highs without causing fatigue. High-frequency details are presented with air and precision, but there’s no sharpness or sibilance that can be distracting.
This treble performance adds brilliance to orchestral music and detail to complex electronic tracks, without ever becoming overwhelming.
Soundstage and Imaging
One of the highlights of the Meze Empyrean 2 is its expansive soundstage. The presentation is open and three-dimensional, making you feel like you’re in the room with the musicians.
Imaging is pinpoint accurate. You can easily place every instrument and voice in a mix, and there’s a wonderful sense of depth. Whether listening to live recordings or well-produced studio albums, you’ll appreciate how the sound surrounds you naturally.
Build Quality and Materials
The build quality of the Meze Empyrean 2 is second to none. From the precision-machined aluminum to the carbon fiber headband, every part feels meticulously crafted. The headphones feel robust yet elegant.
The connectors are solid, and the detachable cable design allows for easy replacement or upgrades. Meze includes both balanced and unbalanced cables, catering to different setups.
Even the packaging is premium, with a hard-shell carrying case included for safe transport.
Who Is the Meze Empyrean 2 For?
The Meze Empyrean 2 is for audiophiles who want the best of both worlds: luxurious comfort and incredible sound quality. It’s ideal for critical listening, whether you’re enjoying classical symphonies, jazz ensembles, or modern pop music.
It’s also a great option for professionals in the music industry, like mixing engineers who need detail and accuracy in their reference listening.
However, it’s worth noting that the Empyrean 2 is a high-end product, and its price point reflects that. It’s not aimed at casual listeners, but for those who value craftsmanship and audio excellence, it’s worth every penny.
Comparisons to the Original Empyrean
If you’re wondering how the Empyrean 2 compares to the original Meze Empyrean, here are a few key differences:
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The Empyrean 2 features a more refined and balanced tuning, offering better control in the bass and more sparkle in the treble.
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Build materials have been slightly upgraded, with subtle design improvements.
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The overall sound signature is more neutral and revealing, making it a better choice for purists who seek accuracy.
The Empyrean 2 maintains everything that made the original great but fine-tunes the experience to deliver even more detail and balance.
Value for Money
The Meze Empyrean 2 sits at a premium price point. However, given its superb sound quality, outstanding comfort, and top-tier build, it justifies the investment.
Many audiophiles who purchase these headphones consider them end-game gear a product they’ll use and treasure for years to come. When paired with a high-quality amplifier and DAC, the Empyrean 2 reaches its full potential, offering an immersive and unforgettable listening experience.
Final Verdict
In this Meze Empyrean 2 review, it’s clear that these headphones are more than just a technical marvel; they’re a work of art. The combination of precise tuning, luxurious design, and incredible comfort makes them one of the best planar magnetic headphones on the market today.
Whether you’re an audiophile looking for your next upgrade or a music professional seeking accuracy and refinement, the Meze Empyrean 2 delivers. Every note, every nuance, and every beat is rendered with detail and emotion that few headphones can match.
If you value audio perfection and aesthetic beauty in your gear, the Meze Empyrean 2 should be at the very top of your list.