The Meze Audio Liric 2 was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the Liric 2 is $2000 and you can buy it from Meze Audio online store.
Meze Audio Liric 2
The Liric 2 represents the second generation of Meze Audio’s acclaimed closed-back planar magnetic headphones. This updated model retains the essence of the beloved original while introducing a refined tuning and several aesthetic upgrades, all informed by comprehensive user feedback. Importantly, despite these enhancements, the Liric 2 is available at the same price point of $2000, with no increase compared to the original Liric.
Technical highlights
The Liric 2, much like its predecessor, incorporates the MZ4 Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver, which has been intentionally reduced in size and fine-tuned to provide an audio experience akin to that of the larger models, such as the Empyrean II and Elite. Its closed-back design further contributes to maintaining the music’s original clarity and emotional depth by enhancing sound quality and reducing external noise. Each driver undergoes meticulous hand assembly and testing at Rinaro’s manufacturing facility in Ukraine.
The Liric 2 features the advanced Pressure Equalisation System that was introduced in the Liric and now has been enhanced to facilitate a more seamless transition from the bass frequencies to the low midrange. This cutting-edge system ensures optimal pressure within the ear-cup chambers and improves airflow management, resulting in a more natural and comfortable listening experience.
A brand new feature is the Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask, a precisely designed metal part that selectively covers certain openings in the driver frame. This design effectively reduces high-frequency peaks exceeding 7kHz, resulting in a less fatiguing listening experience.
You can read more about the Liric 2 by clicking here.
Aesthetics and build quality
The Liric 2 is constructed using a blend of high-quality materials, including wood, metal, and leather. The headband frame is crafted from magnesium and connects to the ear cups through copper-plated aluminum adjustment rods. Additionally, the inner side of the headband is cushioned for comfort against the head, while the outer surface is elegantly finished with genuine leather.
The design language remains consistent with the original model; however, the leather exterior of the ear-cups has been substituted with Macassar ebony, a hardwood known for its dense, deep brown hue accented by intricate golden-brown stripes. Personally, I find the brown wooden aesthetic more appealing than the darker finish of the original model.
The Meze Audio Liric 2 stands out as one of the finest and most elegantly designed earphones available, significantly outshining many competitors in both aesthetics and build quality. Additionally, the headphones are entirely serviceable, with all components readily accessible for replacement in the event of accidental damage.
The magnetically attached ear pads
The most notable non-audio improvement in the Liric 2 is the newly designed ear pads, which now attach magnetically, similar to the Empyrean II and the Elite models. This innovative design facilitates an easier process for replacing the ear pads and allows for potential sound customization with various pad designs that may be introduced in the future.
Wearing experience
The Liric 2 has a slightly increased weight compared to the previous model, now at 427g; however, this weight is well-balanced at the head, ensuring it remains comfortable during use. The ear pads are spacious and deep enough, allowing most ears to fit without coming into contact with the driver. As a result, the Liric 2 offers a comfortable listening experience suitable for extended wear, and even with its closed design, the ear pads don’t sweat a lot.
The clamping force of the Liric 2 is rather low, making it unsuitable for outdoor activities and vigorous head movements, as it is likely to slip off. Furthermore, the passive noise isolation is generally average; while the Liric 2 can effectively reduce mild noise, it does not perform well in louder settings. To ensure an optimal fit, it is necessary to press the ear cups firmly against your head to create a suction effect, allowing some air to escape through the ventilation holes.
The stock cables
The Liric has faced criticism for its standard cables, which were of average quality for a $2,000 headphone and lacked a balanced option. Meze Audio has addressed this issue by substituting the original 1.5m short cable with a 1.3m long, high-quality braided Furukawa PCUHD copper cable featuring a 4.4mm plug. This premium cable is expertly crafted and is priced at $269 if you buy it alone. The second cable remains the generic 3m soft TPE option with a 3.5mm jack.
The balanced cable is a really good one but I also used Lavricables pure silver cables to ensure maximum transparency and the best possible sonic performance.
Accessories
The Liric 2 comes well-equipped, featuring two cables, a PU leather cable pouch, 6.3mm and airplane jack adapters, as well as a premium hard EVA carrying case lined with velvet.
Power requirements
The Meze Audio Liric 2 features an impedance of 61Ω and a sensitivity of 100dB SPL/mW, making it relatively easy to drive with high-quality portable devices such as the FiiO M15S or the iBasso DX320. Nevertheless, it performs exceptionally well when paired with superior equipment, and it benefits from additional power. Therefore, consider experimenting with desktop amplifiers to fully explore its capabilities.
Listening impressions
Comparison notes with the original Liric are embedded in the text.
The Liric 2 improves the tuning of its predecessor, offering a more balanced sound across the entire frequency range, from the lows to the higher frequencies. Its overall audio profile presents a natural and mildly warm sound, delivering impressive tonal accuracy, even with its slight emphasis on both bass and treble.
The lower frequency response exhibits a gently descending curve, with the bass being marginally more pronounced than the mid-bass. The overall impression is one of subtly enhanced bass, featuring respectable sub-bass extension that remains balanced and does not dominate the sound profile. While it may not adhere strictly to reference tuning, it is still skillfully crafted, providing a satisfying bass experience without significant coloration that could disrupt tonal fidelity.
The technical performance has significantly advanced compared to the earlier model, showcasing remarkable capabilities for a closed-back headphone. The bass is delivered without noticeable cup reflections, hollowness, or any masking effects. It is quick, precise, and well-controlled, offering outstanding clarity and layering. While the bass is well-defined and textured, it may fall short in terms of body weight and mass; however, it shines in detail and layering without appearing dry. The bass is both punchy and impactful, and its dynamic response is enhanced when paired with a high-quality amplifier.
More listening impressions
The mid-range of the Liric 2 is characterized by a neutral and balanced quality, featuring a less pronounced upper mid-range compared to its predecessor. This model demonstrates exceptional timbral realism, effectively capturing music with its full harmonic richness and intricate overtones. Instruments and vocals are rendered with lifelike accuracy and tonal fidelity, with minimal shifts that are noteworthy. While the mid-range remains coherent and balanced, higher female vocals and certain instrumental overtones may occasionally stand out more prominently.
A slight degree of sibilance may still be present, depending on the recording, but it is well-managed and significantly less intense than in the original model. Overall, the mid-range of the Liric 2 is musical and captivating, offering lush and warm textures without veering into darkness, resulting in a sound profile that feels natural and fluid, akin to the flow of spring water.
And more
The treble is accentuated, perhaps even more so than in the earlier model, yet it does not come across as particularly bright or harsh. Interestingly, I perceive the original version as sounding sharper, more piercing, and metallic compared to the second generation. This may be attributed to the influence of the Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask. The Liric 2 exhibits plenty of energy and luminosity, delivering flagship-level detail and profound insight. It is notably more resolving and refined, with a significant reduction in coarseness and graininess compared to the Liric. Additionally, the textures are of superior quality, avoiding a thin or dry presentation, while the timbre remains natural and realistic, albeit with some artificiality noticeable in the upper treble frequencies.
The soundstage of the Liric 2 is remarkably expansive and open for a closed-back headphone. While it may not offer the widest or most extended experience, it never conveys a sense of confinement. The audio does not feel congested or restricted; instead, there is ample space surrounding the performers, even in the densest orchestral compositions. This spaciousness is enhanced by effective layering and precise positioning. The soundstage is holographic, slightly improving upon its predecessor in this regard. The Liric 2 manages to deliver the auditory experience of an open headphone despite being a closed-back design.
In the end
The Liric 2 is an exceptional closed-back headphone that embodies the signature sound of Meze Audio, allowing for an immersive listening experience free from external interruptions. This model has seen significant enhancements in both audio performance and design compared to its predecessor. The Meze Audio Liric 2 offers a captivating sound profile, remarkable comfort, and a luxurious appearance, making it a standout choice for anyone in search of a premium closed-back headphone featuring planar magnetic drivers.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Balanced and warm sound profile
+ Plenty of well tuned bass
+ Excellent bass technicalities without cup reflections
+ Clean and natural sounding mid-range
+ Bright but not fatiguing treble
+ Spacious and holographic soundstage
+ Pretty easy to drive
+ Magnetically attached ear pads
+ New attractive design
+ Now comes with a premium balanced cable
+ Exceptionally well made and luxurious appearance
+ Comfortable to wear
+ Plenty of high quality accessories
+ No price rise
- Some people might prefer the older design
- Doesn't isolate as well as the competition and doesn't fold
- Still some upper mid-range prominence and treble emphasis
- Low clamping force make it unsuitable for outdoors use
- Needs careful positioning at the head
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