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.