Meze Empyrean vs LIRIC vs ELITE

If you’re in the market for a top-of-the-line full-sized headphone, you’ve surely run across the name Meze. Meze Audio is a Romanian company that started in 2011 after its founder, Antonio Meze, failed to find a pair of headphones that he connected to as emotionally as he did his beloved Fender Strat. Since then, Meze Audio has worked hard to become an international brand, with a trophy case of awards to show for it.

The Empyrean, LIRIC, and ELITE are their top-of-the-line models. From a consumer perspective, three’s a crowd, and you may be overwhelmed trying to decide between the options. We’re here to help.

What are the differences between the Empyrean, LIRIC, and ELITE?

We've collected the differences between the models and highlighted the winner of each category in Apos red. In some cases, there is no winner, only differences in approach.

Before we get to our takeaways, we’re going to try to head off some questions you might have. If you don’t have any questions, skip on down to our Takeaways section.

Why are swappable ear pads better?

Swappable ear pads are ear pads that can be attached and detached to the headphone as easily as the headphone’s cable. This is a great feature because it lets you experiment with the different sonic characteristics of different ear pads.

Why is Fully Serviceable better?

Fully serviceable means that the headphone is built with discrete parts that can be disassembled and repaired or replaced with ease.

Why are Pressure Distribution Wings better?

Pressure Distribution Wings are a headband design unique to certain Meze headphone models. They increase the headrest’s contact surface on your scalp and relieve uncomfortable pressure points, offering additional comfort than traditional headrest designs.

What is “+” Headband Airflow Control?

The “+” Headband Airflow Control is a design feature unique to the Meze LIRIC. A “+” shaped depression in the headband cushion allows proper airflow, lowering heat and humidity buildup.

What is a Pressure Equalization System?

The Pressure Equalization System is a precisely tuned air vent hole punched into the backplate of the Meze LIRIC. It improves chamber pressure in the ear cup and promotes a sound that is airy and transparent. We should mention that an air vent hole isn't necessary for open-back headphones, since their backplates are semi-permeable.

What is the Phase-X System?

The Phase-X system improves the accuracy of spatial imaging, bringing the closed-back LIRIC more in-line with its open back counterparts. Phase-X makes corrections to phase response and transient response decay. This allows for a more faithful reproduction of transient sounds and improves ambience and spatial imaging for the listener, taking them closer to the environment of the original source recording.

What is the Ear Pad Air Flow System?

The Ear Pad Air Flow System is unique to the Meze LIRIC. It reduces the weight and size of the LIRIC, allowing for a compact and truly portable closed-back headphone profile without compromising acoustic performance.

Takeaways

The biggest difference here is the difference between the LIRIC, on the one hand, and the ELITE and the Empyrean on the other. The LIRIC is a closed-back portable headphone, while the ELITE and Empyrean are open-back headphones.

Because the LIRIC is a closed-back headphone, sound doesn’t travel freely through its backplate. You could very comfortably use the LIRIC on public transportation, a shared living or work space, or on a walk.

The Empyrean and ELITE headphones, on the other hand, are open-backs, meaning that they use semi-permeable backplates that allow sound to travel freely. Others will hear what you’re listening to, so you wouldn’t want to use either publicly.

If a closed-back headphone is what you’re after, the LIRIC is right for you.

If you’re interested in an open-back headphone, then your options come down to the ELITE or the Empyrean.

The first major difference between these headphones is price point. The ELITE is about $1,000 more expensive than the Empyrean. This difference in price doesn’t spell a huge difference in specs or feature set but in sound quality.

The Empyrean is a warm, lush, and expansive headphone. Often described as being more “musical” than the ELITE, it’s a great headphone for anyone who wants to kick back, relax, and simply enjoy music.

The ELITE, on the other hand, is a more detailed, “reference quality” headphone. It prioritizes imaging and treble clarity, and as such, it’s a bit less warm and a bit more objective than the Empyrean. It’s a great headphone for those who want to analyze and appreciate music on a more technical level.

To use an analogy, the Empyrean is to a super comfy fleece robe as the ELITE is to a sharp business suit.

Both are terrific options as high-end, end-game headphones. It really all comes down to which experience you want.

We hope this guide has helped! Please reach out to our Support Team if we missed anything or if you have additional questions.