Empyrean II

Description

Overview

The Empyrean II is Meze Audio‘s flagship open-back planar-magnetic headphone, building on the legacy of the original Empyrean. Developed with Rinaro Isodynamics, it sets out to reproduce finer detail and a more neutral balance while preserving the easy, musical character that made its predecessor a benchmark. It is a headphone conceived as a complete piece of craftsmanship, not merely a driver in a shell.

Design & build

The chassis is precision CNC-milled, with silver accents and a redesigned grille inspired by art-deco ornamentation. The ear cups use fibreglass-infused casings, and the headphone is supplied with two sets of Duo ear pads — leather and angled Alcantara — and a high-strength ABS case with foam inserts. The complete headphone weighs 449g, a considered balance of substance and comfort.

Sound & performance

The Empyrean II is tuned for clean, accurate reproduction with elevated resolution and detail. Quoted frequency response is an exceptionally wide 8Hz–110kHz, with total harmonic distortion below 0.05% across the range and a maximum SPL above 130dB. The result is a detailed yet relaxed presentation that suits long listening.

Key features

At its heart is the Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array (MZ3) driver, an ovoid planar transducer measuring 102 × 73mm with an active area of 4,650 square millimetres. The redesigned Duo ear pads combine premium leather and Alcantara to match the headphone’s balance. Connection is by dual four-pin mini-XLR, with a mini-XLR to 6.3mm PCUHD copper cable supplied.

Technology

The Isoplanar diaphragm weighs just 0.16g and carries two different voice-coil traces: a switchback coil in the upper part of the driver for low frequencies, and a spiral coil positioned directly over the ear canal for efficient mid-to-high reproduction. Placing each coil where it works best is central to the driver’s agility and its wide, low-distortion response.

Specifications

Type: open-back planar-magnetic headphone. Driver: Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array (MZ3), 102 × 73mm, 4,650 mm² active area. Frequency response: 8Hz–110kHz. Impedance: 32 ohms. Sensitivity: 90dB SPL/mW at 1kHz. Max SPL: above 130dB. THD: below 0.05%. Weight: 449g. Ear pads: leather and Alcantara Duo pads. Connection: dual 4-pin mini-XLR; 6.3mm PCUHD cable supplied.

Who it’s for

The Empyrean II suits the serious headphone listener who wants reference-grade detail and neutrality without fatigue, and who values genuine craftsmanship and comfort for extended sessions. It rewards a capable headphone amplifier and a clean source, and repays careful matching in a considered head-fi system.

Why buy from Hidden Home Technology

A flagship headphone of this class benefits from the right amplification and source. We can advise on partnering electronics, help you get the best from the Empyrean II, and arrange delivery across the South. Speak to our team to discuss the ideal head-fi setup for your listening.

The wider view: Meze Audio Empyrean II reviews in brief

The Empyrean II is the flagship open-back headphone from Meze Audio. Its planar driver comes from Meze’s long collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics in Ukraine. Two sets of ear pads in the box give two slightly different balances, and they fix to the earcups magnetically, so swapping takes moments.

Simon Lucas gave it five out of five for Trusted Reviews in November 2023 and called it “a gloriously complete and thoroughly enjoyable listen”. He found it comfortable through even his longest listening sessions.

What Hi-Fi? gave it four stars in April 2024. Its reviewers found it a pleasure to wear and a charming listen, and wrote that it is “made as well as anything we’ve seen at this level”. Given a good enough source and amplifier, they say, it shines.

Trevor Butler reviewed it for The Ear in January 2024 and was struck by the emotion it drew from female voices. He rated the midrange the standout, and the bass had far more drive and punch than he expected from an open-back design. He wore it for long spells without discomfort and called it “really rather special”.

What Hi-Fi? heard some spikiness in the lower treble that makes sibilants a little too keen, so it wants a source and amplifier with a refined top end. The open design leaks sound and lets the room in, and The Ear also sees it as a headphone for home.

It suits someone who listens for hours at a time in a quiet room and wants a rich, involving sound that still shows what is in the recording. A decent headphone amplifier is a must, and we can help you choose one.

What the reviewers say, in a nutshell

• Trusted Reviews, Simon Lucas, November 2023. Five out of five. Complete and enjoyable, and comfortable for hours. Wants a decent headphone amplifier.
• What Hi-Fi?, April 2024. Four stars. Superbly made and a pleasure to wear, with a classy sound. The lower treble could be smoother.
• The Ear, Trevor Butler, January 2024. Emotionally involving with a superb midrange and punchy bass. Strictly a headphone for home.

Read what the critics say about more of our headphones in The Hi-Fi Review Bible.