Come along as I compare the Meze Liric II and the original Meze Liric headphones. Having tested both extensively, I've gained a clear understanding of what sets them apart. Despite Meze's intention to phase out the first generation with the Liric II, I'm here to assist you in choosing the best option. Let's explore their sound, comfort, and overall performance to determine which one suits your needs.



What you get

Look and Feel
Both the Liric and Liric II present a modern aesthetic with distinct finishes. While the Liric I features a matte black exterior, the Liric II impresses with its opulent Macassar ebony wood ear cup adornments, offering a luxurious and warm tactile experience. Despite their differences, both headphones exude a sense of luxury and refinement straight out of the box.
After spending hours wearing them, I can personally attest to the exceptional comfort of both models; the cushioning on the headband and the extra deep, soft ear pads made for an absolutely amazing experience that I didn't want to end.

Design and Functionality
The Meze Liric headphones boast a portable, closed-back planar magnetic design, incorporating cutting-edge technology from Rinaro Isodynamics, creators of the Meze Elite. Equipped with a scaled-down Isodynamic Hybrid Array MZ4 driver and a "Pressure Equalization System," they ensure improved airflow and chamber pressure for an airy, transparent sound.
In contrast, the Meze Liric II headphones represent a fusion of Meze Audio's design finesse and Rinaro's advanced technology, delivering a refined sound profile ideal for audiophiles seeking superior audio quality on the go. With the inclusion of the Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask (QWRM), the sound remains smooth and fatigue-free, enhancing the enjoyment of extended listening sessions. Additionally, the Meze Liric II is equipped with detachable magnetic ear pads and premium hand-braided copper cables, ensuring durability and exceptional sound quality whether you're on the move or at home.

Soundstage
The original Liric boasts a pronounced high-mid range, while the second-generation iteration prioritizes low-mid and low-end frequencies. During my experience with the Liric, I appreciated the clarity of the mids and highs, though I occasionally desired more presence in the low end. However, upon listening to the Liric II, I found the bass I craved, resulting in a more balanced sound signature. While this adjustment slightly impacted the mids and highs, the sacrifice is worthwhile for those who prioritize bass. For this review, I used the Questyle M15 amp switching between the headphones to compare their soundstage and tone.



Low End 
The original Liric impresses with its tight and controlled bass, providing a balanced low-end response suitable for various genres. However, some listeners may find its bass slightly lacking in presence compared to the more substantial and satisfying low frequencies offered by the Liric II. While the Liric II enhanced bass adds depth, it does subtly alter the overall balance, particularly affecting the mid and high frequencies.

Mids
Both headphones excel in delivering excellent midrange performance, with minimal differences between them. While listening to "Losing My Religion" by R.E.M, I noticed that the guitars exhibited a slightly clearer tone on the Liric, albeit requiring attentive listening to discern. The Liric II showcases enhanced presence in the low mids, contributing to a fuller sound, while the original Liric maintains a superior balance across the midrange frequencies, including impressive higher mids clarity in the Liric II.



Highs
Both headphones deliver exceptional high-frequency performance, offering crisp and detailed highs that elevate the listening experience. While the Liric II presents a slightly warmer sound signature, the Liric I shines with its more exposed and present highs, providing a touch of brightness and clarity to the overall sound profile. Nonetheless, both headphones excel in reproducing high frequencies with impressive fidelity and precision.

Summary
With their remarkable sound quality and design, choosing between the Liric and Liric II headphones proves challenging. Personally, drawn to bright highs and a matte black finish, I find myself leaning towards the Liric II, which offers a fuller soundstage and warmer tonality—perfect for enjoying EDM tracks with enhanced bass. However, individual preferences play a significant role in the decision-making process, and regardless of which option you choose, both headphones promise an incredible auditory experience that you won't regret.

Meze Liric II and Meze Liric are available at Audio46