The Meze Audio Empyrean II was kindly loaned to me for the purpose of this review. I haven’t received monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the Empyrean II is $2999 and you can buy it from Meze Audio.
Meze Audio Empyrean II
The Meze Audio Empyrean was the brand’s inaugural foray into the high-end headphones market, a planar magnetic headphone that was the first to use Rinaro’s Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver. The Empyrean proved a great success and established Meze Audio as a premium headphones manufacturer, setting the pave for many other lauded models like the Meze Audio Elite and the Liric 2.
Fast forward to the present and Meze Audio decided that time had come for the second generation of the Empyrean.
Technical highlights
Meze Audio informs us that the aim when designing the Empyrean II was to enhance the headphones’ ability to reproduce fine details and achieve a more neutral sound signature, all while preserving the “easy to listen” character of the original model. A necessity born out after taking into consideration the community’s strong feedback that was asking for a new Empyrean with better clarity and detail retrieval.
The Meze Audio Empyrean II still uses Rinaro’s Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver and the dual-shaped voice coil but in a newer and improved version than the original model.
For people who are not familiar with these technologies you can read more information here.
Design and build quality
The Empyrean II is almost identical looking to the Empyrean, however there are some small but cleverly redesigned details that help it differentiate and look unique. Crafted with precision via CNC milling, the frame now features a sleek matte black finish with discreet silver accents. The outer grills have a brand new design that draws inspiration from the bold and timeless art deco patterns. The Empyrean II radiates silent luxury, it is beautiful and classy looking like the finest jewelry.
Solid aluminum alloy, real leather and carbon fiber are the premium materials that are used to make one of the best made headphones in existence. Meze Audio’s craftsmanship and attention to detail are unparalleled and no other headphone manufacturer can match them no matter the price.
The Meze Audio Empyrean II is exceptionally well made and the proud owner has the feeling that his money was well invested. In case that something happens, all parts of the headphone are replaceable and Meze Audio offers excellent after sales service.
The ear-pads
The Empyrean II, just like the original model, features Rinaro’s Isomagnetic coupling technology that makes switching ear-pads a simple task. It utilizes the demagnetizing field generated by the driver to secure the ear-pads in place, while simultaneously redirecting the magnetic field back into the driver, thereby enhancing efficiency.
The ear-pads have an oval shape and are roomy and deep enough to cover the whole ear without letting it touch the driver. The Empyrean II comes with two sets of ear-pads that offer two unique sound signatures as we are going to find later on.
The Duo ear-pads are specifically designed to sonically match the Empyrean II and are not sold separately. They are crafted from a precise blend of premium leather and Alcantara in contrast to the angled Alcantara pads that are entirely made from Alcantara. These pads are also compatible with the Elite and the original Empyrean.
Wearing comfort
The Empyrean was hailed by reviewers and users alike as one of the most comfortable headphones ever made and the same holds true for the Meze Audio Empyrean II. The headphone is synonymous with the word comfort as it is exceptionally comfortable, lightweight and ideal for extended listening sessions.
The headband structure minimizes weight and pressure while the headphone easily adapts to larger and smaller heads. The adjusting mechanism is smooth, the clamping force is low and the headphone doesn’t make any noises during use or size adjustment.
If there is something that deserves some special attention it is the clamping force that is relatively low so someone should be careful not to do intense head movements as there is a chance that the headphone might slip off the head.
Stock cable
Something that was criticized upon the release of the Empyrean was the quality of the stock cable that was too average for such a pricey headphone. The owner had to pay extra in order to buy one of the premium cables that Meze Audio makes.
Meze Audio had their ears open, they listened carefully to the complaints and they have now equipped the Empyrean II with a premium cable. The buyer can select between two options, silver-plated PCUHD copper or PCUHD pure copper cable.
Both cables are available with 4-pin XLR and 6.35mm plugs in 2.5m lengths or 4.4mm, 2.5mm and 3.5mm plugs in 1.3 lengths. The braided cables are very well made with solid aluminum plugs, they are soft, they bend easily without getting tangled and have low friction noise.
Accessories
Except for the cable and the two sets of ear-pads, the headphone comes packed in a high quality, ABS plastic suitcase with foam inserts and a leather handle. The case is not as premium as the aluminum suitcase that was offered with the Empyrean but it is much more compact and practical.
Power requirements
Meze Audio specifies an impedance rating of 32Ω with 90dB SPL/mW for the Empyrean II but i found it much easier to drive than expected.
Powerful DAPs like the iBasso DX320 and the FiiO M17 where excellent options, however the Meze Empyrean II also loved more powerful, desktop gear. Portable or desktop, the source must be of the highest quality because the Empyrean II scales extremely well and it has a rather unforgiving nature.
For this review I have used Meze Audio’s silver-plated PCUHD copper cable and a Lavricables Grand pure silver cable.
Listening impressions
The following text includes sound comparison notes with the Empyrean fitted with the original suede pads.
The Empyrean II has two very distinctive sound signatures depending on the ear-pads used. Let’s start with the angled Alcantara pads that offer the most neutral frequency response.
With these pads, the Meze Audio Empyrean II is a more neutrally tuned and slightly brighter version of the Empyrean. The bass region is toned down a little bit, with less mid-bass emphasis and slightly less extended sub-bass. The mid-range is also more balanced while the treble is boosted in comparison to the Empyrean.
The new sound signature is closer to the reference-neutral standard, making the Meze Empyrean II an excellent choice for critical listening, all while retaining the musical and warm character of the original model. Meze Audio have managed to create a more neutral version of the Empyrean without sacrificing its renowned musicality and avoiding any clinical and sterile elements.
Except for their tuning difference, the newer version has outstanding clarity and definition far surpassing its predecessor in these regards. The Meze Empyrean II has class-leading detail retrieval and insight without sounding boring or analytical. It has the unique skill to extract the finest details in favor of the music itself and not for the sake of technical impression.
More listening impressions
The Meze Audio Empyrean II is also exceptionally skillful when it comes to its positioning accuracy and the overall separation of the different sound sources within the soundstage, easily outperforming the original. The Empyrean might be a touch more holographic but the Empyrean II throws a wider and more expansive soundstage with enhanced air circulation and excellent ambient information.
Going back to the frequency response narrative, the bass can easily reach down to the lowest octave while staying almost neutral and free of any significant coloration. The tonal accuracy of the low-end is much improved over the Empyrean and sits closer to the ideal reference but it can also become very exciting and fun with the Duo pads.
The low-end technical performance is outstanding, the bass is crystal clear and well defined without the slightest traces of mid-range masking. Fast, tight and exceptionally controlled with excellent dynamic behavior and great physical impact. The low-end of the Empyrean II is outright technical and textured but at the same time sufficiently weighty and full bodied, albeit not as much as it is in the Empyrean.
The mid-range is less emphasized and more neutrally tuned in comparison to the Empyrean. Both headphones have a mild upper mid-range emphasis, however the Empyrean II has the tendency to show more prominence in this area. The sound is not sibilant or fatiguing but some people might find it brighter and maybe more persistent than their actual preferences.
And some more…
The textures have a full bodied and weighty quality but they are not as thick and lush as in the Empyrean. The new headphone is much more resolving with improved articulation and definition. The timbre is still natural and organic, with plenty of colorful harmonies, but not as saturated as in the Empyrean.
The treble is generously emphasized, giving the Empyrean II a livelier and more energetic character with extra brightness in comparison to the Empyrean. The Meze Audio Empyrean II is not sharp or fatiguing but it is definitely more luminous than its predecessor with faster transients and extra sparkle in the treble. The headphone retains a great deal of the original warmth but it is less forgiving and more exposing. The higher frequencies sound natural enough but are not devoid of some artificiality while the textures are leaner in comparison to the Empyrean and the sound decays somewhat faster.
The Duo ear-pads
The Duo ear-pads are very effective in raising the low-end all the way from the sub-bass to the lower mid-range while also slightly attenuating the treble. In this scenario, the sound signature of the Empyrean II reminds that of the Empyrean, making for a more fun and enjoyable listening experience with contemporary music.
However the Duo pads don’t affect the exceptional technical performance and the outstanding clarity of the Meze Audio Empyrean II which still sounds brighter and more energetic than the original model.
The Duo and the angled Alcantara pads offer two very different and unique sound signatures so they add great versatility to the Empyrean II, making it suitable for both critical and casual listening.
Vs the Meze Audio Empyrean
The sound differences between the two headphones have been described in detail in the previous section and the only question that remains to be answered is if the Empyrean II is better than the Empyrean. The answer is not that simple and as always it depends on your actual musical preferences and sound ideals.
If you have been looking for a more neutral and technically advanced version of the Empyrean, then the Meze Audio Empyrean II is a major upgrade and will reward you with a big smile.
But I can see many people not sympathizing with the new tuning concept and the bold technicalities of the Empyrean II, thus preferring the original. Someone should also consider the option of using the Empyrean with the angled Alcantara pads that make it sound more neutral, closing the gap between the two headphones. Still the Empyrean II will be the most technically advanced and transparent headphone of the two but with the angled Alcantara pads you can make your beloved Empyrean more suitable for critical listening.
Unfortunately, the original Empyrean has been discontinued and the only way to find one is to search for remaining stock or reach for the second hand market.
In the end
The Meze Audio Empyrean II is an exceptional headphone that should not only be viewed in comparison with the original model. The Empyrean II is not only a more neutrally tuned and technically advanced version of the Empyrean but it is also one of the most balanced sounding and transparent headphones on the market.
It has a sound character that skillfully balances between bold reference and sheer enjoyment making it an ideal choice for both the discerning audiophiles and the casual listeners alike, especially if we throw the two different ear-pads into the equation.
Let alone sound quality, the Empyrean II is actually without competition from other brands when it comes to build quality while it is one of the best looking and most comfortable headphones in existence.
The Meze Audio Empyrean II is a flagship headphone that combines outstanding sonic qualities with excellent craftsmanship at a price tag that can be viewed as a bargain when considering the current status of the high-end market.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2025.
+ Neutral - balanced tuning
+ Tonal accuracy and mostly natural timbre
+ Dynamic and impactful bass
+ Exceptional technical performance
+ Excellent detail retrieval and insight
+ Outstanding clarity and transparency
+ Expansive and very accurate soundstage
+ Two pad choices with different sound signatures
+ Suitable for both critical and casual listening
+ Easy to drive
+ Super comfortable
+ Exceptionally well made
+ Luxurious yet not flashy appearance
+ Premium cable with various configuration options
+ High quality carrying case
+ Competitively priced for a high-end headphone
- Less warm and inviting than the Empyrean
- Some traces of metallic artificiality
- Mildly bright and not as smooth as the Empyrean
- Leaner and drier textures than the Empyrean
- Rather unforgiving
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