Meze POET Headphone Review

Meze Audio has long been established as a leading name in the realm of high-end headphones, consistently delivering products that balance innovative design with audiophile-grade performance. As anticipation builds for CanJam NYC 2025, Meze unveils its latest creation: the Meze POET. Positioned at a premium price point of $2,000, the POET aims to offer a refined listening experience with a focus on precision and detail, serving as both an evolution of Meze's established sound signature and a bold exploration into new sonic territory.

Unboxing and Accessories

The Meze POET is presented with a suite of premium accessories designed to complement its stature and ensure that users have a complete out-of-the-box experience. Included in the package are:

• POET Headphones
• PC-ABS headphone hard case
• 2.5m braided Furukawa PCUHD copper cable
• Dual 3.5mm mono TS jacks to 6.3mm termination
• PU leather cable pouch

The inclusion of a high-purity copper cable reflects Meze's attention to both build quality and signal integrity. The hard case offers robust protection, suitable for both home storage and travel, while the leather cable pouch adds an extra touch of sophistication to the overall presentation. These accessories underscore Meze's commitment to delivering a complete premium experience beyond the headphones themselves.

Design and Comfort

The POET's design language aligns with Meze Audio's signature aesthetic, sharing structural similarities with flagship models such as the Empyrean II, Elite, and Liric II. The open-back ear cups are distinguished by intricate external plating that exhibits a level of craftsmanship often associated with closed-back designs. This visual detail underscores Meze's commitment to merging art with functionality, and it is clear that the POET is intended to make a statement both sonically and visually.

Comfort is a hallmark of the POET. The circumaural fit is secure without excessive clamping force, promoting extended listening sessions without fatigue. The adjustable suspension headband further contributes to a balanced distribution of weight across the head, enhancing the overall ergonomic experience. The earpads, made from high-quality memory foam and covered in soft materials, conform comfortably to the listener's head while creating a reliable acoustic seal. 

Users will find that the POET is suitable for both casual, long-form listening sessions and critical, studio-level evaluation. The lightweight 350g design prevents strain, even during prolonged usage, which is a notable achievement given the headphone's robust construction.

The stock cable provided is a high-purity Furukawa PCUHD copper cable with a 6.35mm termination, optimizing the connection for studio-grade and high-fidelity setups. Meze's modular approach ensures compatibility with their range of upgrade cables, offering users the flexibility to tailor the connection to their preferred audio chain. Balanced terminations and custom cable options are readily available for those who wish to explore alternate configurations.

Technical Specifications

• Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array MZ6
• Open-Back
• Circumaural Ear Coupling
• Frequency Range: 4 Hz - 96 kHz
• Impedance: 55 Ω
• Sensitivity: 101 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
• Maximum SPL: >130 dB SPL
• THD: <0.05%
• Weight: 350g (without earpads)

Amplification and Pairing

With an impedance of 55 Ω and a sensitivity rating of 101 dB, the POET is a relatively efficient planar magnetic headphone, capable of integrating seamlessly with a variety of source equipment. It demonstrates versatility across portable and desktop amplification setups. During testing, the POET paired effectively with devices such as the Chord MOJO 2, FiiO BTR17, Hifiman EF500, and Astell & Kern SP3000M. The headphone's efficiency allows it to perform admirably on portable devices while scaling with higher-powered desktop systems.

While portable solutions like the MOJO 2 offer an excellent listening experience with the POET, the headphone reveals additional layers of detail and spatial definition when paired with more robust desktop amplifiers. The Hifiman EF500, for instance, brought out a noticeable increase in soundstage dimensionality and low-frequency texture, underscoring the POET's capacity to scale with improved power delivery and DAC quality.

Sound Performance

Soundstage and Imaging

The POET's soundstage exhibits a more intimate presentation compared to traditional open-back designs. The spatial reproduction leans towards a closed-back characteristic, resulting in a narrower field. However, this is counterbalanced by precise imaging and notable depth. Vertical layering is particularly well-executed, contributing to an immersive listening environment.

While some listeners may desire a more expansive stereo image, the POET's approach to imaging excels in conveying positional accuracy. Instrument placement is finely etched within the sound field, and the headphone's depth allows for a realistic sense of front-to-back separation. This quality proves advantageous for complex orchestral works and live recordings, where spatial cues play a vital role in the listening experience.

Low Frequencies

The bass response is controlled and reserved compared to other Meze offerings. Sub-bass extension is present, but the emphasis is on texture and accuracy rather than impact. This restraint in the low end allows for greater focus on midrange articulation, catering to listeners who prioritize balance over bass dominance.

Basslines and percussive elements are rendered with precision, avoiding the common pitfall of excessive bloom. The low-frequency delivery is particularly well-suited to acoustic genres and jazz, where the POET accurately conveys the nuances of upright bass and kick drums without masking other elements in the mix.

Midrange Frequencies

The midrange is forward and exhibits a degree of richness and detail that aligns with Meze Audio's renowned tuning philosophy. Instrument separation is commendable, though not class-leading for this price bracket. Textural nuances are well-represented, offering a natural timbral quality that enhances the listening experience.

Vocal reproduction is a standout, with both male and female voices carrying a lifelike presence. Guitars, strings, and pianos maintain their harmonic complexity, allowing listeners to appreciate the finer details in both studio recordings and live performances.

High Frequencies

The treble response marks a departure from Meze's traditionally warm signature. The POET delivers a sharper, more pronounced high-frequency presentation. This elevated treble imparts increased clarity and articulation, revealing microdetails with precision. While the upper range may initially feel aggressive to some listeners, acclimatization reveals its role in enhancing the headphone's overall transparency.

High hats, cymbals, and string overtones are presented with crisp definition, avoiding excessive sibilance while ensuring that high-frequency content retains a natural sparkle. This treble tuning lends the POET an analytical character, making it an excellent choice for listeners seeking to uncover every facet of their music.

Conclusion

The Meze POET is a noteworthy addition to the brand's lineup, offering a sound signature that diverges from its predecessors. Its balanced tonality, with an emphasis on clarity and precision, caters to discerning listeners seeking an analytical yet engaging auditory experience. The narrower soundstage and reserved low end may not align with every preference, but the POET's meticulous imaging and detailed high frequencies solidify its position as a competitive option in the $2,000 segment.

The Meze Audio POET is available now at Audio46.