Meze Empyrean Ii

The reviewer initially received a defective pair of Meze Empyrean II headphones with an inverted phase in one driver, which made them sound small and unclear. After getting a working replacement, he found the headphones to have an incredibly large soundstage and excellent clarity, especially when paired with the Elite pads. However, he notes that the Empyrean II is now more amplifier-dependent than its predecessor, which he considers a drawback for a $3,000 headphone.

The reviewer finds the Meze Empyrean II to be a significant improvement over the original, with a less dark and thick sound, more detail, and better value due to the inclusion of the upgraded cable and dual earpads. The design remains comfortable and premium, and the new tuning options provide versatility. Overall, it is a well-received update that addresses previous criticisms.

The reviewer finds the Meze Empyrean II to be an exceptionally well-balanced and neutral-sounding planar magnetic headphone, excelling in bass weight, treble refinement, and low-level detail. While noting a slight mid-range depression and minor bass elevation, the overall performance is considered top-tier, and the reviewer states that no better option has been found at this price point so far.

The reviewer is impressed with the Meze Empyrean II, finding it retains the musicality of the original while offering more versatility through swappable ear pads. They praise its build quality, comfort, and premium accessories, and note that it sounds excellent across a variety of sources, though they plan a more detailed follow-up comparison.

The reviewer finds the Meze Empyrean II to be an excellent premium open-back planar headphone, praising its outstanding comfort, beautiful build, and a smooth, highly resolving sound that is forgiving and non-fatiguing for long listening sessions. While noting the high price and expensive replacement ear pads, the reviewer considers it a top-tier choice for both music and gaming, slightly preferring it over the HiFiMAN HE1000 for its pleasant presentation.

The reviewer found the Meze Empyrean II to be a significant improvement over the original, with a well-balanced, rich, and engaging sound signature that worked across all genres. They praised the exceptional build quality and comfort, though they noted the bass could be more pronounced for their personal taste. Overall, they gave it an easy recommendation for those with the budget for a luxury headphone.