Planar headphones like no other - Meze Empyrean

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00:00 - Intro
00:35 - Build, Design & Comfort
02:24 - Sound: Subjective
06:45 - Sound: Objective
07:36 - Conclusion

[TheHEADPHONEShow]

Just for reference, this is the Meze Empyrean Phoenix Edition, which is an aesthetic change from the default one, but I'm told the sound is intended to be the same.

[metal]

That GoldenSound quote is exactly what I said back when I reviewed these things. An amazingly built offering but the sound will not impress the very picky audiophiles among us. I found it very enjoyable for modern music, but once you start comparing the sound quality to other planars it loses pretty quickly

[dasninjastix]

Just to lend to the perspective of "who is this for?", I'm currently shopping an Empyrean (but not at MSRP) for the reasons you specify. I want to be able to enjoy all of the music I listen to, the quality and the garbage. It guess it makes sense why some folks get up in arms regarding the sound quality of Meze if they're listening for accuracy or just enjoy listening analytically. That's not really my use case. I'm not sure I know what "audiophile" music is but judging from many a shared playlist from reviewers it doesn't seem to be stuff I'm into. Ultimately I'm looking for the king of the open back bass head's cans and then working out how much I'm willing to invest for that experience. The distinctions you make for movie watching or gaming is also makes them appealing. While I could pursue the Elite, I just don't know that I need the added resolution. I have an Arya and a Stellia and the Arya is just about as far as I want to go resolution-wise with the Stellia going a fair bit too far. Great bass and dynamics from the Stellia, but it absolutely reveals and emphasizes poorly recorded music. Thanks for the info, I think this helps me to confirm that the Empyrean is likely worth the buy for my usage.

[leighjames]

Owned this headphone from new for 2 years and I have loved it. Type of headphone you get if you just want to enjoy music for long periods. Build quality is a must at the high end of headphones, American cans are the worst imo. Loved these so much I just got the elites in dark mystery paint job.

[brandonburr]

As long as this headphone has been put, I can't believe DMS is finally reviewing it. Next up is the elite version. Thank you!

[nicholaswilks]

great review. I would like to see more affordable headphones reviewed please, because I would love an affordable pair with similar sonic characteristics (bass extension that you can feel and soundstage). I don't need detail and resolution, I just want subbass extension and the ability to hear sounds coming from all around me.

[-germancarnivore-]

I‘d love to see A DMS review of the Meze Elite!

[The_Hipster_Cow]

Lmao that golden sound quote was taken directly from Metal571. I believe that he said, "It has the sound of a $2000 headphone and the build of a $6000 headphone which I guess makes $3000"

[juliangreen]

I just got the Empyreans and enjoy the extra bass power and rumble to more neutral headphones - I had stax L700s before and DC Ether C Flow 1.1s and just missed the impact... that said, I have used Oratory1990 EQ settings on this and that is a very Harmon-like sound signature - spot on I'd say, Very enjoyable.

[annabelle]

I feel like the more I see reviews of really expensive headphones, the more I'm happy with the 500 dollars worth of equipment right now

[GadZookz]

Thanks DMS. Great production quality on the video! But isn‘t there a false equivalence in Golden Sound’s analogy of great BQ and middling SQ balancing out to a good price. A $1k build with a $5k sound could be $3k well spent but not the other way around.

[rogontorogon]

While I can't speak for the Empyreans, I have Elites which are viewed in a similar light by reviewers who have tested them both.

Imo the Elites are the perfect headphones for listening in the evening after work. Something about the sound just invites you to keep listening. Despite their looks they are the audiophile equivalent of your favourite sweatpants. Not the most fancy technicalities, but damn they are comfortable and just sound so nice and relaxing.
Also they are perfect for gaming (big soundstage, accurate imaging).

A perfect supplement would be an extremely detailed/revealing headphone. Best of both worlds!

[peterkuchar]

After listening emps i find Aryas somehow compressed like i switched from flac to mp3.. so not sure i agree with this video (tbc i’m the owner of both models)

[atypicalaudio]

Looking at the red, isnt this specific model the Empyrean Phoenix? Another thousand buckaroonies on top of the regular empyrean. Got to listen to an empyrean a few months back, blew me away. Will be thinking about that Arya tho!

[Hari-kxer]

Will you be reviewing the Hifiman Edition XS ?

[CriPPleR_HD]

Can’t speak for the Meze Empyrean, but the Meze Elite blew me away for gaming! Elite is great for music but absolutely S Tier, TOTL, End Game for gaming! Critical Hits in games like Elden Ring have so much impact, operating a lift is bone chillingly deep, strings in music are rendered with so much emotion, and positioning makes for a Dolby Atmos like experience. This was in normal stereo. Turn on ‘Dolby Atmos for Headphones’ and it takes gaming to a level that my HD800s can’t get close to in single player games due to their lack of bass impact and slam.

That being said $4K is a lot for headphones that will only be used for gaming. But if you want great sound for music, enjoy watching movies, and are a avid gamer, you have to give the Elites a listen with some of your favorite games. Modern Warfare Campaign in Dolby Atmos is UNBELIEVABLE! I want to stress this, NO headphone, not even the Susvara can do what the Meze Elite can do when it comes to gaming. Try for yourself!

[aracari]

I think this headphone is the "conventionally good" endgame. It's not for purist wanting perfect sound, but rather it's more fun focused with a best in class build.

[mini-]

DMS what track did you feel vertical imaging the most while testing?

[thelastrhino]

What do we want to see in the future? ZMF Atrium review.

[thelastrhino]

I'm a simple man. I see a DMS review, I click Like.