One of the most formidable contenders in the headphone space is Meze Audio, a company that is committed to iteration in its pursuit of excellent audio. Founded in 2011 by Antonio Meze in Romania, the headphone designer and manufacturer has consistently offered technologically innovative and beautifully crafted headphones. Whether it's their new releases or updates to existing ones, audiophiles look forward to any product from Meze. Their product-line is intimate but covers a lot of ground, and we're here to break it down so you can decide which Meze headphone is right for you.

Entry-Level

99 Neo ($199)

Meze is perhaps most renowned for their high end headphones. But they are also leaders in the industry when it comes to entry-level ones as well. The 99 Neo is the base level headphone from Meze and it's intended to deliver similar sound quality to the mid-fi 99 Classic while paring down the design aesthetic a bit. The matte black headphone has a vintage look, thanks in part to its headband style. It looks similar to the 99 Classic, but ditches wood ear cups for a more modest looking cast zinc alloy with electroplated coating.

While not the most detail-oriented headphone, it looks to create a warm and engaging sound that might serve as a nice entry point to Meze's broader line of products. Its bass is bunchy and deep without being muddy, and its midrange is lush and engulfing. The top end is tactile, providing great contrast to the warmer low end tones. Soundstage is solid for the price and its high quality imaging capabilities also make it a strong option for gaming, especially when paired with Meze's own boom mic accessory.

Mid-Fi

99 Classics ($309)

The 99 Classics is the first step into Meze's wood headphones. Just from a build and looks perspective, the 99 Classics are an incredible offering. Using walnut wood that is produced in a process that takes over 45 days, and complemented with gold or silver colored trim, the 99 Classics give you a beautiful headphone at an affordable price. But they aren't just good on the outside. The 99 Classics are also a fantastic sounding headphone. Their sound is similar to the 99 Neo but with a more refined bass and a little bit more detail. It also scales with an amplifier and DAC a little easier than the Neo with its slightly higher impedance. That said, it doesn't need a DAC/amp to perform well.

109 Pro ($799)

Under $1,000, it's tough to beat the 109 Pro. Crafted from familiar materials (walnut wood and zinc) as well as other durable and comfortable materials, the 109 Pro continues Meze's attention to design on top of sound quality. This is the company's most affordable open back model but it does not slack in any way. The 109 Pro is led by its warm and rich midrange, tasteful low end and well extended high end. Its soundstage is quite wide and has a great sense of space. But most impressive is its ability to resolve details. And like the 99 series, the 109 Pro is also relatively easy to drive at 40 ohms. Still, it's best used with a DAC/amp to get the highest possible performance from them.

High End

Liric II ($2,000)

Now we take a big step up into the world of Meze's high end headphones, starting with their closed-back Liric II. Opting this time for Macassar ebony wood for its ear cups, the Liric II takes things to another level in terms of build. But it's in the headphone's technological design that things really advance. The Liric II uses the same MZ4 isodynamic driver from Rinaro that Meze has used in some of their open back headphones. But they do introduce some newer tech like their Phase-X system which enhances soundstage and imaging and QWRM which helps attenuate unpleasant frequencies to create a richer sound sound signature.

The soundstage that this closed back headphone is capable of is nothing short of miraculous. It goes toe to toe with other industry leading closed backs while offering a unique presentation of a well extended low end, romantic and warm mid range, yet tactile and crisp top end. The Liric II winds up with a totally unique sound signature that is sure to please.

Empyrean II ($2,999)

The Empyrean II is Meze's high end open back option. Again working with Rinaro's Isodynamic driver, the Epyrean II balance the best of both worlds: mixing "easy to listen" characteristics together with some of the best depth and clarity in the game. Ergonomically designed for prolonged listening sessions, the lightweight structure, in combination with its Isomagnetic earcup-to-earpad coupling technology, makes comfort an essential feature. Empyrean II includes both Duo and Angled earpads to cater to individual listening preferences, further customizing the listening experience.

Whether you're aiming for a harmonious tonal balance or intricate audio detail, these headphones deliver on all fronts-elevating sound to new realms of depth and realism. You get deep, nuanced bass response with an emphasis on texture, a wonderfully neutral-warm reference sound, and luscious highs that resolve tension rather than create harshness.

Top of the Line

Elite ($4,000)

At the core of the Meze Elite is the custom-designed MZ3SE driver, which builds upon the pioneering technology found in the Empyrean. The use of the Rinaro Parus diaphragm allows for incredible sound transparency and an articulate soundstage. By combining different voice coil configurations within the driver, the Elite provides a more selective acoustic response tailored to the shape of the ear.

A focus on premium materials and craftsmanship is evident in every detail of the Elite, from its CNC-machined aluminum frame with a silver finish to the carbon fiber headband and leather headrest. Meze's dedication to long-lasting value extends to the patent-pending pressure distribution wings, which make the headphones extremely comfortable for prolonged use by distributing weight evenly across the head. Rinaro's revolutionary Isomagnetic earpad attachment system further enhances efficiency by utilizing the magnetic field to secure the earpads in place while minimizing stray magnetic interference. With this blend of advanced technology, ergonomic design, and sustainable craftsmanship, Meze intends for the Elite to be not just a pair of headphones, but an heirloom built to be cherished for generations.

Final Thoughts

As a company, Meze is committed to bringing you exceptional quality and value no matter the price range. From $199 to $4,000, Meze has something for everyone. Their headphones' durable build quality, beautiful looks, and incredible sound makes them easy to recommend.