Meze Audio Empyrean II Headphone, Wired, Isodynamic Hybrid Open‑Back

Meze Audio Empyrean II — A more revealing, effortlessly comfortable way to lose yourself in music

What if your reference headphone could uncover more detail and space without ever tipping into harshness—or fatigue? Empyrean II does exactly that. Building on Meze Audio’s beloved flagship, the second‑generation tuning delivers greater neutrality, clarity, and resolution while preserving the relaxed, “listen‑all‑day” character fans adore. Two included pad sets let you tailor the presentation from richer and fuller to airier and more linear, so your music—and mood—always sound just right.

Why Audiophiles Choose This Product

• Bold, balanced sound: A more neutral, cleaner tuning versus the original Empyrean brings extra micro‑detail and upper‑mid/treble definition, with imaging that snaps into focus—yet remains smooth and inviting. Duo pads add warmth and bass presence; Angled Alcantara pads open the stage and emphasize clarity.
• Engineering that matters: Rinaro’s 102×73 mm Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver uses spiral and switchback voice coils to optimize frequencies and minimize distortion (<0.05% THD), extending from 8 Hz to 110 kHz. The result is speed, control, and low fatigue.
• Made to disappear on your head: A carbon‑fiber headband with pressure‑distribution wings, plush memory‑foam pads, and a CNC‑milled aluminum frame deliver signature Meze comfort for long sessions.
• Easy, versatile connectivity: Dual 4‑pin mini‑XLR earcup connectors and the included copper PCUHD premium cable terminated to 6.3 mm slot seamlessly into high‑quality desktop sources and interfaces. Low 32‑ohm impedance and 90 dB/mW sensitivity (≈105 dB/V) mean it plays happily from a wide range of gear—and scales beautifully as your chain improves.
• Thoughtful extras, true longevity: Two distinct earpad sets and a high‑strength ABS suitcase come standard, while magnetically attached pads make swaps tool‑free. Every part is designed for serviceability to keep Empyrean II performing for years.

What’s Included

• Empyrean II open‑back planar magnetic headphone
• Duo Earpads (leather + Alcantara blend)
• Angled Alcantara Earpads
• Mini‑XLR to 6.3 mm copper PCUHD premium cable
• High‑strength ABS suitcase with foam inserts and leather handle
• Warranty: 2 years (global) and user documentation

Technical Specifications

Specifications validated from Meze Audio’s official product page. Sensitivity equivalence shown for both dB/mW and dB/V as provided by Meze and pro reviews.

Professional Recognition

• What Hi‑Fi?: “Comfortable, well‑built and deliver a charming listen… richer and full‑bodied, once carefully partnered,” with clear pad‑based tuning differences.
• The Ear: Praises “superb” sound quality, “refinement,” and “remarkable” soundstage placement; a true long‑session headphone.
• Headfonics: “New sound signature… more neutral… improved tonal accuracy and a more spacious, revealing soundstage.”
• Heritage and innovation: Co‑developed with Rinaro Isodynamics, a planar‑magnetic specialist with 30+ years of research—originating in Ukraine and expanding across Europe.
• Community feedback: Owners frequently cite elite comfort and build; some note dynamics are more relaxed than the most “technical” rivals—underscoring Empyrean II’s smooth, musical priority.

The Bottom Line

Empyrean II is the rare flagship that reconciles resolution with ease. It extracts fine detail and spacious imaging, yet keeps the treble civilized and the fit sublimely comfortable. With two included earpad voicings, robust build, and serviceable design, it’s a confidence‑inspiring, long‑term companion for discerning audiophiles who value musical connection as much as measurement‑grade performance.

Notes for headphone buyers

• Connectivity: Wired only; no ANC or wireless features.
• Sound signature: Neutral‑leaning with tunable warmth/air via pad swaps (Duo = richer; Angled Alcantara = airier/cleaner).
• Comfort: Designed expressly for extended listening through smart weight distribution and premium materials.

If you want a flagship that makes every session feel effortless—and every recording feel newly illuminated—Empyrean II deserves your shortlist.