Testing out the Meze Liric II got me thinking about the Dan Clark Audio E3, so I decided to compare the two. They're in the same price range and boast similar top-tier quality, so it seemed like a no-brainer. Both headphones share similar features on paper, but in terms of sound, they're quite different. Want to know more? Let's see how they measure up.

What you get

Look and Feel
These headphones feel and look top-notch. The Meze Liric II has a beautiful design with leather, metal, and wood parts, and it feels comfy to wear for long periods. The Dan Clark Audio E3 is more rugged but still high-quality, with strong materials like gorilla glass and Nitinol. Both provide great isolation and comfort, whether you're at home or on the move. Personally, I found myself loving the feeling of wearing both, as they enveloped me in premium comfort while delivering exceptional sound.



Design and Functionality
Both the Liric II and E3 headphones are packed with innovative technology to enhance your listening experience. Meze incorporates their Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask (QWRM) in the Liric II, strategically targeting frequencies above 7kHz to reduce harshness and refine the sound from the MZ4 driver. On the other hand, the E3 utilizes an Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System to control diffusion and improve treble response, along with a Dual-Mode Bass Port for clearer and more defined bass. These advanced features ensure that whether you choose the Liric II or the E3, you're embracing cutting-edge audio technology for an unparalleled listening journey.

Soundstage
When comparing soundstage, the Liric II and E3 take different approaches. The E3 by Dan Clark Audio aims to mimic the openness of open-back headphones, resulting in a wide but sometimes distant sound. Meanwhile, the Liric II offers a more authentic and precise imaging, even though it's a bit narrower. Both headphones create a spacious sound within their closed-back design, but the Liric II stands out for its clear separation between sounds. Whether you prefer wide or precise sound, both headphones offer great performance, enhancing your listening experience in their own ways.

Low End
When comparing the low end, the Meze Liric II and Dan Clark Audio E3 showcase distinct characteristics, despite sharing neutral-warm sound signatures. The Liric II presents a bass with notable dynamic punch and a boosted midbass, providing a robust and resonant experience. In contrast, the E3 offers a more controlled bass response, ensuring clarity without sacrificing detail. While the Liric II delivers a darker timbre and richer texture in the low end, the E3 impresses with its precise detailing and balanced impact, offering a more controlled yet articulate bass presentation.



Mids
When it comes to midrange performance, both the Meze Liric II and Dan Clark Audio E3 shine with their clarity and detail. Reproducing vocals and instruments with finesse, each headphone offers its own unique characteristics. The Liric II impresses with quick and weighty instrumentals, while the E3 excels in smoothness and lively vocals, especially in the upper mids. Despite their differences, both headphones provide an engaging midrange experience that enhances your overall listening pleasure. However, during my listening session, the Dan Clark Audio E3 particularly stood out when playing Disclosure's "You and Me" (Rivo Remix), delivering an exceptional auditory experience.



Highs
Personally, I find the high-frequency response on both the Meze Liric II and Dan Clark Audio E3 quite impressive. They both offer a crisp presentation with striking details, although their timbres differ slightly. In my opinion, the Liric II exhibits more pinpoint accuracy in the highs, while the E3 provides excellent control but with a texture that feels more like a top layer rather than a natural extension of the sound spectrum. 

Summary
In my exploration of the Meze Liric II and Dan Clark Audio E3 headphones, I've discovered a captivating journey through the nuances of sound. Both models offer top-tier quality and innovative technology, each with its own unique sonic signature. From the luxurious design and comfortable fit to the dynamic low-end response and engaging midrange, these headphones excel in various aspects. While the Liric II impresses with its robust bass and pinpoint accuracy in the highs, the E3 stands out for its controlled bass and smooth midrange. Ultimately, whether immersing myself in the Liric II's intricate soundstage or reveling in the E3's lively vocals, both headphones have enriched my listening experience in their distinct ways.

Meze Liric II Vs Dan Clark Audio E3 are available now at Audio46.