Meze Audio Comparison Review: POET vs. Empyrean II

With the introduction of the new POET from Meze Audio, audiophiles may wonder how it compares to other headphones in the Meze lineup. Is it a true upgrade from the 109 Pro? Is it a more affordable ELITE? Today, we compare the POET with the Empyrean II, the model that established Meze’s high-end open-back offerings. This review examines all aspects, from accessories and technical specifications to sound quality.

What Comes In The Box

Between these two models, the Empyrean II offers greater adaptability with cable options and additional earpads, enhancing customization and comfort. The POET, while less adaptable, provides a streamlined package with everything necessary for high-fidelity listening.

Aesthetics and Functionality

Meze Audio maintains a consistent structural design across its lineup, with both models featuring a suspended headband and adjustable side poles. The POET’s design includes copper-colored metal plating with intricate detailing, whereas the Empyrean II adopts a darker aesthetic with silver accents.

Comfort-wise, both headphones provide a full over-ear fit with natural noise isolation. The clamping force is moderate, ensuring a secure fit for long listening sessions. Despite its bulkier profile, the Empyrean II is slightly heavier than the POET, which may contribute to a more weighted feel during extended use.

The connection points differ as well: the POET utilizes dual 3.5mm jacks, while the Empyrean II features mini XLRs, allowing greater flexibility with aftermarket cable choices. The POET, though limited to its included cable, remains compatible with Meze’s upgrade cables.

Tech Specs

While both headphones feature open-back designs and low distortion, their impedance and sensitivity levels differ. The POET, with higher impedance and lower sensitivity, requires more power, whereas the Empyrean II is easier to drive across a variety of devices. Using these with the Astell & Kern SP3000M and the Hifiman EF500 were great pairings to get the most out of these headphones. 

Listening Review

Soundstage

The POET presents a relatively narrow soundstage compared to the expansive and immersive field of the Empyrean II. Despite this, both models exhibit precise imaging, allowing for accurate instrument placement. The POET focuses more on depth and height rather than width, making for an intimate yet engaging listening experience. The Empyrean II, in contrast, delivers an all-encompassing spatial effect, creating a more natural and effortless sense of immersion.

The POET diverges from Meze’s traditionally warm sound, opting for a sharper, more revealing profile. The Empyrean II retains a warm and dynamic tonality, offering a relaxed yet detailed listening experience. Both models provide exceptional clarity and balance across the frequency spectrum, but their overall tonalities cater to different listening preferences.

Low Frequencies

The Empyrean II delivers a rich, full-bodied bass response that adapts well to different genres, offering weight and warmth that emphasize musicality. The POET, in contrast, maintains a more restrained low-end, favoring balance over emphasis. While both exhibit natural and detailed bass reproduction, the POET’s bass is tighter and more controlled, lending itself to a more analytical presentation. The Empyrean II’s bass is rounder and more textured, giving it a greater presence in the overall mix.

Midrange Frequencies

Both headphones excel in midrange detail. The POET’s forward midrange contributes to a V-shaped response, emphasizing clarity and articulation in vocals and lead instruments. The Empyrean II offers more spacious separation, allowing instruments and vocals to stand out with clarity and depth. The POET’s mids are slightly more prominent, adding a sense of immediacy, whereas the Empyrean II provides a richer and more organic timbre, making it particularly well-suited for acoustic and vocal-centric music.

High Frequencies

The most pronounced difference lies in the treble. The Empyrean II follows Meze’s signature relaxed high-end, similar to the Liric II and Elite. The POET, however, introduces a sharper, crisper treble presentation. Initially, this heightened treble presence may be striking, but over time, it reveals an intricate level of texture and detail that sets it apart from the brand’s typically warm tuning. This added treble energy makes the POET more revealing of microdetails, offering a more analytical approach to high frequencies, whereas the Empyrean II prioritizes smoothness and refinement for long listening sessions.

Summary

The Meze POET and Empyrean II cater to distinct listening preferences while maintaining Meze Audio’s commitment to craftsmanship and high-fidelity sound. The POET, at a lower price point, offers a sharper, more revealing sound signature with a narrower soundstage and a streamlined set of accessories. The Empyrean II, positioned as a high-end offering, provides a broader soundstage, enhanced bass presence, and a more relaxed treble response, along with greater flexibility in cable options and ear pad customization.

For listeners seeking an analytical and detailed experience, the POET stands out as a compelling choice. Meanwhile, those who favor warmth, spaciousness, and adaptability may find the Empyrean II more suitable. Both models demonstrate Meze Audio’s dedication to delivering exceptional audio experiences, each with its own unique strengths.

The Meze POET and the Empyrean II are both available at Audio46.