Abyss JOAL vs. Meze POET Comparison Review

The Abyss JOAL and Meze POET were two of the most talked-about models at CanJam NYC. Priced similarly, these two high-end headphones invite natural comparison, and enthusiasts want to understand their key differences and similarities. While both headphones cater to the premium market, they take different approaches to sound design, comfort, and overall presentation. This review breaks down their design, performance, and sound signatures in depth to determine which might be the right choice for different listeners.

What Comes In The Box

Aesthetics and Functionality

The JOAL follows the Abyss design language, sharing similarities with the Diana series. Its CNC-machined aluminum frame provides a lightweight yet durable structure, and the earcup design features a distinctive wavy texture in matte black. The clamping force offers a secure fit without becoming uncomfortable, making it suitable for extended listening sessions. While some users might find the firm clamp slightly tight at first, it gradually conforms to the head, ensuring stability without excessive pressure. The ultra-suede earpads contribute to a comfortable listening experience, though they may retain heat over long sessions.

The POET’s aesthetic is visually striking, with an intricate and detailed earcup design reminiscent of a closed-back headphone. Structurally, it aligns with Meze’s high-end lineup, sharing design elements with the Empyrean II, Elite, and Liric II. Comfort is a standout feature, with a sturdy over-ear fit that avoids excessive clamping pressure while maintaining stability. The POET’s earcups provide a slightly more spacious fit compared to the JOAL, making them a better option for users with larger ears or those who prioritize a more relaxed wear. Additionally, the POET’s overall build quality gives a sense of durability while maintaining a stylish and refined aesthetic.

Gear Pairing / Power Requirements

The JOAL, with its 30Ω impedance and 93dB/mW sensitivity, benefits from a high-quality amplifier to unlock its full potential. While portable players with strong balanced outputs can drive it, desktop amplifiers deliver a more refined experience. When tested with the Chord MOJO 2, the volume had to be pushed near its limit, raising concerns about distortion. However, the Hifiman Goldenwave Serenade V2 provided ample power, enabling a richer, distortion-free listening experience. The JOAL benefits from a high-current Class A amplifier or hybrid tube amp, which enhances its tonal richness and spatial articulation. The impact of amplification quality is more apparent with the JOAL compared to the POET, making source pairing a more critical factor for optimal performance.

The POET, rated at 55Ω impedance with 101dB sensitivity, is easier to drive and integrates well into a variety of setups. It pairs effectively with both portable and desktop devices, including the Chord MOJO 2, FiiO BTR17, and the Hifiman EF500. Even the Astell & Kern SP3000M provided sufficient power, demonstrating the POET’s versatility in different listening environments. Unlike the JOAL, which demands careful amplifier selection, the POET delivers a more consistent performance across different sources. This makes it a more convenient choice for users who frequently switch between desktop and portable listening setups.

Tech Specs

Listening Review

Soundstage

The JOAL presents a fairly wide soundstage with strong imaging accuracy. The frequency balance ensures that bass remains powerful while maintaining midrange clarity. Initially, the treble may seem veiled, but with adequate power, it opens up beautifully. The relaxed yet detailed signature allows for extended listening without fatigue, making it a compelling option for those who enjoy immersive soundscapes. Compared to the POET, the JOAL offers a greater sense of openness, allowing instruments and vocals to breathe in a more natural environment. The soundstage extension, particularly in depth, makes it a strong contender for classical and live recordings.

The POET, by contrast, offers a noticeably narrower soundstage, reminiscent of a closed-back headphone. While lacking in expansiveness, its imaging precision and depth compensate for the restricted width. The result is a highly immersive experience with a more intimate presentation. Unlike traditional Meze headphones, which lean toward a warm signature, the POET introduces a sharper tonal balance with enhanced clarity. While it may not match the JOAL in sheer soundstage size, its pinpoint imaging makes it a solid choice for those who prioritize precision over airiness.

Low Frequencies

The JOAL delivers deep, impactful bass with excellent body, avoiding the overwhelming presence that some closed-back designs can exhibit. The bass remains tight and well-controlled, providing just enough punch and warmth to complement various genres without overpowering the mix. Its low-end response is more neutral compared to bass-heavy headphones but offers a level of texture and detail that makes it an excellent option for analytical listening.

The POET, in contrast, takes a more reserved approach to the low end. Jazz tracks showcase well-defined bass and drum textures, but the bass response is more subtle than in other Meze models. While it doesn't deliver the same weighty impact as the JOAL, it compensates with clarity and articulation. The POET’s bass presentation is less about power and more about refinement, appealing to those who prefer a lighter yet well-defined low-end signature.

Midrange Frequencies

JOAL’s midrange is rich in detail, offering excellent spatial separation and natural vocal reproduction. The layers in this range are well-defined, allowing instruments and vocals to shine independently while maintaining cohesion. The organic and textured presentation makes the JOAL an engaging listen, particularly for vocal-heavy tracks. Compared to the POET, the JOAL’s midrange is more spacious and natural, making it a strong choice for genres that require instrumental separation and clarity.

The POET’s midrange is detailed and leans toward a V-shaped response, bringing the mids forward in the mix. Due to the narrower soundstage, midrange layering is more apparent, though not as separated as one might expect from a flagship-tier headphone. While it has excellent clarity, it doesn’t offer the same level of openness as the JOAL. This makes it more engaging for listeners who prefer a more forward and immediate presentation.

High Frequencies

The JOAL’s treble presentation is smooth yet detailed, avoiding harshness while maintaining airiness. It leans toward a refined and natural high-end rather than an overly bright or sharp response. Initially, the treble may seem slightly reserved, but with proper amplification, it gains extra clarity and shimmer, allowing intricate details in cymbals and upper harmonics to emerge. This subtle yet resolving character makes it ideal for long listening sessions without fatigue while still offering the necessary precision for critical listening. The treble’s openness also enhances the JOAL’s sense of space, contributing to its expansive soundstage.

The POET, by contrast, takes a slightly more aggressive approach to treble, emphasizing crisp detail and articulation. High frequencies are more forward, lending an extra sense of sharpness and definition to string instruments, vocals, and percussive elements. While this adds excitement and a heightened sense of resolution, it can occasionally border on brightness, particularly on recordings with already prominent upper frequencies. This makes the POET a strong contender for listeners who enjoy a more immediate and revealing treble response, though those sensitive to brighter tunings may prefer the JOAL’s smoother delivery.

Summary

Both the Abyss JOAL and Meze POET deliver high-end performance, but they cater to different listening preferences. The JOAL excels in soundstage width, midrange warmth, and relaxed yet detailed bass, making it ideal for long listening sessions. It demands proper amplification to shine fully, rewarding users with a spacious and immersive sound.

The POET, on the other hand, offers a tighter, more focused soundstage with enhanced imaging precision. Its sharp treble and forward mids provide a livelier signature than Meze’s typical offerings, appealing to listeners who crave clarity and precision. While its bass is more restrained, the overall tonal balance makes it a compelling choice for those who prefer a more analytical yet engaging sound.

Ultimately, choosing between these two headphones depends on personal preferences—whether you prioritize expansive staging and a balanced signature or a more intimate and detailed presentation. Both models stand as strong contenders in the flagship headphone space, each bringing something unique to the table.

The Abyss JOAL and Meze POET are available at Audio46.