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Meze Audio at Audio46
Meze Empyrean Hybrid Array Planar Magnetic Headphones
WIRED HEADPHONE
Open-Back
over-ear
planar magnetic
Product SKU: Jet Black / Silver-Plated PCUHD 2.5 mm - 1.3 m (4.2 ft)
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Product Details
↓ Details provided by Meze Audio ↓
The Meze Empyrean Headphones are one of the most technologically innovative planar magnetic headphones in the world. A blend of premium materials, exquisite craftsmanship and detailing that’s unmistakably Meze Audio.
Empyrean is the product of two passionate companies coming together to explore what is possible beyond their inpidual capabilities. The result is a no-compromise headphone embodying Meze’s daring aesthetic and user-centered design approach and Rinaro’s experience in research and development within the field of planar magnetics.
ARCHITECTURE OF THE ISODYNAMIC® HYBRID ARRAY DRIVER
FRAME
Fiberglass infused ABS
RINARO ISOPLANAR® DIAPHRAGM
Weighing only 0.16 g while
having 4650 mm² of active area.
HYBRID MAGNET ARRAY
Symmetrically placed on each side of the diaphragm, our neodymium magnets are specifically arranged into a Hybrid Array to create efficient Isodynamic magnetic field required for a uniform activation across the whole diaphragm surface.
HYBRID ARRAY DRIVER ADVANTAGES
Combines two independently shaped voice coils within the same diaphragm delivering more selective acoustic performance to the various areas within the structure of the ear.
ACCURATE REPRODUCTION
Total harmonic distortion (THD) measures under 0.1% in the whole frequency range
LIGHTWEIGHT
Reduced driver weight designed to create a headphone that offers prolonged listening sessions
ERGONOMIC SHAPE
Ergonomically shaped driver structure with an increased active area
ULTRA-HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO
Upper-frequency limit of audio reproduction is 110,000 Hz
ULTRA EFFICIENT
100db@1mw/1kHz High performance without needing amplification
PATENT PENDING ISODYNAMIC HYBRID ARRAY DRIVER
World's first in planar magnetic headphones
Over 30 years of research and development have led to the creation of the first Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver. Meze Audio have collaborated with Rinaro to create a new standard in planar magnetic audio, the resulting technology being one of the lightest and most advanced planar magnetic drivers on the market.
The Empyrean Driver combines inpidual switchback and spiral-shaped voice coils, their unique shapes allowing sound to be targeted with more accuracy around the natural form of the ear. This unique combination generates an increased exposure of direct sound wave frequencies over the 10kHz range and improves imaging and localization by decreasing the impact of shortwave time delays caused by diffused field reflections.
AUDIBLE BENEFITS OF A DUAL DRIVEN SYSTEM
One of the problems with conventional planar magnetic arrays is coming from reflected signals entering the ear canal with different time delays, thereby worsening the focus of 3D sound imaging.
Combining different voice coil configurations makes it possible to create a better sound intensity distribution across the sound wavefront at high frequencies when directed at the auricle and ear canal.
ISOPLANAR® DIAPHRAGM MATERIAL
The diaphragm is manufactured from a custom developed isotropic thermally stabilized polymer with a conductive layer. Through unique processing methods, an ultralight yet rigid diaphragm has been achieved.
SWITCHBACK COIL
The switchback coil is more efficient at reproducing lower frequencies and is positioned in the upper part of the driver.
SPIRAL COIL
The spiral coil is more efficient at reproducing middle-high frequencies and is positioned directly over the ear canal enabling more direct sound waves to enter the ear without any time delays.
AN ERGONOMIC APPROACH LEADS TO A NEW WAY OF THINKING
Anatomically designed ovate earcups
Anthropometric earpad design
To create an audiophile headphone that is powerful yet light the driver needed to maximize power output while reducing weight as much as possible.
Weight was minimized by optimizing a magnet structure around an ovoid shape that fits the ear more closely. Power output was increased through the use of a completely bespoke coil and magnet array design that optimized the active usable area of the driver within its ovoid shape.
ISOMAGNETIC® EARCUP TO EARPAD COUPLING TECHNOLOGY
An innovative feature is the Isomagnetic® ear cup attachment which utilizes the demagnetizing field generated by the driver to hold the ear cup in place whilst also redirecting the magnetic field back into the driver and improving driver efficiency.
Magnetic field shielding
The ferromagnetic ear pads decrease the magnetic stray field affecting the listeners head.
Increase in driver efficiency
Patented ferromagnetic plates channel the magnetic field back into the driver, increasing output.
Invisible locking system
Innovative use of the magnetic field of the drivers to fix the earcups in place.
STRAY FIELD REDUCTION FROM ISOMAGNETIC® PLATE COUPLING
Patented ferromagnetic plates channel the demagnetizing field back into the driver increasing efficiency by 1db or 12% and deflect 95% of stray fields away from the head.
ISODYNAMIC DRIVER MANUFACTURED BY RINARO
Each driver has been hand assembled and tested in an industrial facility in Ukraine.
PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION WINGS
Patented suspension wings increase the leather headrest’s contact surface area with your head and relieve uncomfortable pressure points.
- LIGHTWEIGHT CARBON / ALUMINIUM SKELETON
- CARBON FIBER HEADBAND
- LEATHER HEADREST
- SCULPTED ALUMINIUM SKELETON (CNC milling time: ≈20 hours)
High precision CNC sculpted chassis, milled from a single piece of solid aluminum (Weight: ≈ 430 g)
AIRFLOW CONTROL
CNC MILLED ALUMINUM GRILL
ensures a natural sound transparency
and is a work of art in its own right.
DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED
IN BAIA MARE, ROMANIA
For the audiophiles who want to hear how 30 years of progression sound like, Empyrean pairs the advances in audio reproduction with a headphone chassis that delivers extended hours of listening pleasure.
HAND ASSEMBLED
We carefully hand assemble each headphone in our facilities in Baia Mare, Romania.
FULLY SERVICEABLE
A core belief of Meze is to create products that last. The Empyrean is no different: from the replaceable earpads to the high-performance materials used, every part on the headphone chassis is available to be serviced and disassembled by our skilled team.
ACCESSORIES
• Case: High-strength aluminum suitcase with foam inserts
• Two sets of earpads included: one real leather, one Alcantara
• Cable options:
- 3m OFC cable, 4pin mini XLR plugs ending with 6.3 jack connector
or
- 1.3m OFC cable, 4pin mini XLR plugs ending with 3.5 jack connector
or
- 3m OFC cable, 4pin mini XLR plugs ending with 4 pin XLR connector
SPECIFICATIONS
Colors: Black Copper, Jet Black
Wearing Style: Over-Ear
EMPYREAN TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver Type
- Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array
- Operating Principle
- Open
- Ear Coupling
- Circumaural
- Frequency Response
- 4 - 110,000 Hz
- Impedance
- 31.6 Ω
- Nominal SPL
- 100 dB (1 mW / 1 kHz)
- Maximum SPL
- > 130 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- < 0.1%
- Weight
- ~ 430 g
MZ3 DRIVER SPECIFICATIONS
• PHYSICAL •
- Geometrical Shape
- Ovoid
- Size
- 102 mm x 73 mm
- Weight
- 82 g
- Casing
- Fiberglass Infused ABS
• DIAPHRAGM •
- Type
- Rinaro ISOPLANAR®
- Active Area
- 4650 mm2
- Weight
- 0.16 g
- Acoustic Mass
- 10.7 kg/m4
- Lower Frequency Limit
- 4 Hz
- Upper-Frequency Limit
- 110 kHz
• MAGNET ARRAY •
- Type
- Isodynamic
- Size
- 75 mm x 49 mm
- Magnetic Flux
- 0.35 T
WARRANTY PERIOD: 2 YEARS
WHAT THE PRESS IS SAYING
"Meze Empyrean is the most complete product in the headphone market right now. Where it’s competitors offer an outstanding aspects they do tend to fall short in one or more categories."
"Overall, the Meze Empyrean is a beautifully executed headphone. It is comfortable, sounds incredible for a wide variety of genres, and gives life to both dense and sparse arrangements. It feels active without feeling hard, but rather gives an aesthetic sense of softness to mixes that need it, and specificity to mixes that need it equally."
"The Empyrean is a beautiful looking headphone with an endearing tuning quality that I think will appeal to both the hardcore and casual alike. "
"The Meze Empyrean offers a new breed of planar magnetic earphone. It’s less intense and more agreeable, even, than the Audeze LCD-3 at the same price. Its soundstage begs a comparison with high-end HifiMan headphones, but with better design giving the Empyrean a decisive edge. If you wanted a brighter, even more musical experience, the only real contender would be the Focal Utopia."
Product Reviews
Comparisons
- Reviews
- Questions
United StatesTasty!
Unlike most of the audiophiles, I prefer a bit darker presentation and I love Empyrean. Not the most resolving headphones for sure (not even beating my Arya stealth), but plays amazing Jazz! It's more about a milky flow of music, simulating the experience of listening among the live audience rather than listening on the stage.
United StatesWorth every penny
Honestly when I first put these on I was a bit disappointed. It didn’t give me the immediate “Wow” factor I was expecting. I let them burn in overnight and switched to the leather ear pads and when I put them on the next day I was blown away. I finally found the magical warm glow I’d been searching for. The design, build quality, and comfort of the Empyrean is simply stunning. They rest effortlessly on the the head and both sets of ear pads are very comfortable (I prefer the leather). One thing I think is very important to note: this headphone is NOT a sports car, it’s not the fastest car on the road and it won’t reveal every detail of a song. If that’s what you’re looking for I’d recommend looking elsewhere. These are more like a luxury SUV that you can be comfortable in all day. Once you put them on you won’t want to take them off.
United StatesWorth every penny!
First of all, Audio 46 was outstanding, and my Empyreans arrived safe and sound 1 business day after ordering. Highly recommend them, I look forward to taking the drive down to visit their store at some point. This is my first set of what could be considered TOTL headphones, and it may very well be my last. I know, many say that. I believe "End-game" is the overused term. However, I do have pics of duct taped together HD595's that may convince you that I might actually be that type of user. I tend to find gear I really like and use it. I listen to music more than ever (partially because these wonderful headphones) and game mainly through a PC connected to a Topping DX7 Pro for the time being, which works fine, btw. For me, the search for the ultimate headphone began in December 2020 with a simple purchase of a Schiit Fulla 3 to better drive my HD598 SE's, which was as amazing and transformative an experience as when I first listened to my HD595's in 2004. It really opened up a new world of possiblity for me, intrigued and quickly hooked. And I quickly asked, if this cheap little DAC/Amp makes my music sound this much better, what would higher end headphones sound like? After a few tryouts and a quick journey up the price ladder (DT770 Pro, Sundara, Elex), I have arrived at a definitive answer with the wonderful Meze Empyreans. The build/design of the Empys is- art, pure and simple, as many have previously said. Simply, it is one of those things that one has to experience to know. And as beautiful as the design is, it is also very functional. The comfort is truly first class, not quite as light as my plastic , but extremely well designed and can be worn for hours on end without issue. First of all, the Empyreans prove that you don't have to have to strap a tank to your head to get great Planar sound. Nothing against anybody or any particular gear, but comfort, usability and build quality were high up on my list. When people buy TOTL headphones, they typically look at detail retrieval first and foremost. Which is fine, after all, that's kind of what higher end gear is all about. However, my Focal Elexes, which I love, gave me some pause and I was not satisfied. A little hot on the treble for my tastes at points, just a bit unforgiving at points. I listen to industrial, goth, new wave, metal. Many of these recordings just don't need any additional help to become harsh. The Empyreans are forgiving and versatile, but I take issue with those who say that these headphones are not resolving. Plenty of micro details, but presented in a very even manner, especially with the Alcantara pads. I've heard some higher end gear since I bought my Empys, and some of this I liked, and other gear just tried too hard to stuff treble and details in my face, which did seem enjoyable to me. The Empys sound natural, especially with the Alcantara pads, transparent and convincing. When they need to thump, they thump, which they are well known for. But they are also outstanding with vocals. With the leather pads, female vocals in particular are...astonishing. Which leads me to my next point. My experience has been that the Empyreans are definitely subject to break in. At first, the Alcantara pads sounded flat and lifeless. Now, they're my go-to. Wider, convincing soundstage and instrument separation. The leather pads could be a bit hot when I got my set, but they've gotten much better. Both sets of pad have their place. So, give them a couple hundred hours, I would say. In conclusion of what is already a long subjective review, I would say: the Empyreans are 4x more than any other set of headphones I have ever bought- and I know exactly why they cost what they do. The Meze Empyreans are amazing, and I can't recommend them enough, especially to those who are looking for a versatile, resolving, all day, every day headphone.
United StatesMeze Empyreans
I found this headphone to be a pleasant listen. It is a bottom up sounding headphone and the top end is slightly rolled off to my senior ears. It is easy to listen to and very warm sounding.
United StatesIncredible Sounding headphones.... Very comfortable as well.
Sound and Comfort. These have it call. Drive them with a good DAC, and you will hear things in your music you haven't heard before.
