With the introduction of the brand new POET from Meze Audio, audiophiles could surprise the way it compares to different headphones within the Meze lineup. Is it a real improve from the 109 Professional? Is it a extra inexpensive ELITE? Right this moment, we examine the POET with the Empyrean II, the mannequin that established Meze’s high-end open-back choices. This evaluate examines all points, from equipment and technical specs to sound high quality.
What Comes In The Field
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Between these two fashions, the Empyrean II presents larger adaptability with cable choices and extra earpads, enhancing customization and luxury. The POET, whereas much less adaptable, offers a streamlined package deal with the whole lot needed for high-fidelity listening.
Aesthetics and Performance
Meze Audio maintains a constant structural design throughout its lineup, with each fashions that includes a suspended headband and adjustable facet poles. The POET’s design contains copper-colored steel plating with intricate detailing, whereas the Empyrean II adopts a darker aesthetic with silver accents.
Consolation-wise, each headphones present a full over-ear match with pure noise isolation. The clamping power is average, guaranteeing a safe match for lengthy listening classes. Regardless of its bulkier profile, the Empyrean II is barely heavier than the POET, which can contribute to a extra weighted really feel throughout prolonged use.
The connection factors differ as properly: the POET makes use of twin 3.5mm jacks, whereas the Empyrean II options mini XLRs, permitting larger flexibility with aftermarket cable decisions. The POET, although restricted to its included cable, stays suitable with Meze’s improve cables.
Tech Specs
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POET – $2,000 |
Empyrean II – $2,999 |
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Driver Sort |
Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array MZ6 |
Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver |
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Enclosure |
Open-Again |
Open-back |
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Ear Coupling |
Circumaural |
Circumaural |
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Frequency Vary |
4 Hz – 96 kHz |
8 Hz – 110 kHz |
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Impedance |
55 Ω |
32 Ω |
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Sensitivity |
101 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz |
105 dB SPL @ 1 kHz |
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Most SPL |
>130 dB SPL |
>130 dB SPL |
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THD |
<0.05% @ 1 kHz, 1 V |
<0.05% @ 1 kHz, 1 V |
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Weight |
350g (with out earpads) |
385 g (with out earpads) |
Whereas each headphones function open-back designs and low distortion, their impedance and sensitivity ranges differ. The POET, with greater impedance and decrease sensitivity, requires extra energy, whereas the Empyrean II is simpler to drive throughout quite a lot of units. Utilizing these with the Astell & Kern SP3000M and the Hifiman EF500 have been nice pairings to get probably the most out of those headphones.
Listening Assessment
Soundstage
The POET presents a comparatively slender soundstage in comparison with the expansive and immersive discipline of the Empyrean II. Regardless of this, each fashions exhibit exact imaging, permitting for correct instrument placement. The POET focuses extra on depth and top moderately than width, making for an intimate but partaking listening expertise. The Empyrean II, in distinction, delivers an all-encompassing spatial impact, making a extra pure and easy sense of immersion.
The POET diverges from Meze’s historically heat sound, choosing a sharper, extra revealing profile. The Empyrean II retains a heat and dynamic tonality, providing a relaxed but detailed listening expertise. Each fashions present distinctive readability and stability throughout the frequency spectrum, however their total tonalities cater to totally different listening preferences.
Low Frequencies
The Empyrean II delivers a wealthy, full-bodied bass response that adapts properly to totally different genres, providing weight and heat that emphasize musicality. The POET, in distinction, maintains a extra restrained low-end, favoring stability over emphasis. Whereas each exhibit pure and detailed bass replica, the POET’s bass is tighter and extra managed, lending itself to a extra analytical presentation. The Empyrean II’s bass is rounder and extra textured, giving it a larger presence within the total combine.
Midrange Frequencies
Each headphones excel in midrange element. The POET’s ahead midrange contributes to a V-shaped response, emphasizing readability and articulation in vocals and lead devices. The Empyrean II presents extra spacious separation, permitting devices and vocals to face out with readability and depth. The POET’s mids are barely extra outstanding, including a way of immediacy, whereas the Empyrean II offers a richer and extra natural timbre, making it notably well-suited for acoustic and vocal-centric music.
Excessive Frequencies
Essentially the most pronounced distinction lies within the treble. The Empyrean II follows Meze’s signature relaxed high-end, much like the Liric II and Elite. The POET, nevertheless, introduces a sharper, crisper treble presentation. Initially, this heightened treble presence could also be putting, however over time, it reveals an intricate degree of texture and element that units it aside from the model’s usually heat tuning. This added treble vitality makes the POET extra revealing of microdetails, providing a extra analytical method to excessive frequencies, whereas the Empyrean II prioritizes smoothness and refinement for lengthy listening classes.
Abstract
The Meze POET and Empyrean II cater to distinct listening preferences whereas sustaining Meze Audio’s dedication to craftsmanship and high-fidelity sound. The POET, at a lower cost level, presents a sharper, extra revealing sound signature with a narrower soundstage and a streamlined set of equipment. The Empyrean II, positioned as a high-end providing, offers a broader soundstage, enhanced bass presence, and a extra relaxed treble response, together with larger flexibility in cable choices and ear pad customization.
For listeners looking for an analytical and detailed expertise, the POET stands out as a compelling alternative. In the meantime, those that favor heat, spaciousness, and adaptableness could discover the Empyrean II extra appropriate. Each fashions display Meze Audio’s dedication to delivering distinctive audio experiences, every with its personal distinctive strengths.
The Meze POET and the Empyrean II are each out there at Audio46.
