Audio T Verdict
The original Empyrean established Meze as a serious force at the very top end of headphone design. Empyrean II does not abandon what made that headphone special; instead, Meze has carefully moved the balance towards greater neutrality, clarity and detail while preserving the relaxed, easy-to-listen-to character that made the original so enjoyable.
At its heart remains Rinaro's enormous MZ3 Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver. The 102 x 73mm ovoid transducer uses a 4,650mm² diaphragm weighing just 0.16g, driven by two differently shaped voice-coil arrays rather than one conventional trace.
The Switchback coil is optimised for lower frequencies, while the Spiral coil handles the middle and upper frequencies and sits directly over the ear canal. That positioning allows more high-frequency energy to reach the ear directly rather than first reflecting around the outer ear.
The second-generation tuning brings more resolution and a cleaner, more accurate presentation than the original Empyrean, but Meze has deliberately avoided turning it into an unforgiving analytical tool. There is still a sense of flow and ease to the presentation, only now accompanied by greater focus and definition.
Two magnetically attached earpad designs are supplied. The Duo pads combine premium leather and Alcantara for a balance of sustained bass, refinement and spaciousness, while the Angled Alcantara pads create more room around the ear for a lighter, airier presentation with cleaner bass and stronger midrange presence.
The electrical specification is more demanding than Meze's dynamic headphones but still sensible for a reference planar design. At 32 ohms and 90dB SPL/mW, Empyrean II rewards a quality headphone amplifier but does not demand extreme impedance-matching gymnastics.
The chassis is just as considered. CNC-machined aluminium, carbon-fibre headband elements, Meze's pressure-distribution system and Rinaro's magnetic pad coupling combine to make a substantial 449g headphone remarkably comfortable over long sessions.
If the 109 PRO and 105 Series demonstrate how accessible Meze can make great headphone listening, Empyrean II shows what happens when that same emphasis on comfort and musical enjoyment is applied to a genuinely reference-level Rinaro planar driver.
Meze Empyrean II Open-Back Isodynamic Hybrid Array Headphones
Meze Empyrean II is a premium circumaural open-back headphone developed in partnership with Rinaro Isodynamics.
Its second-generation tuning is designed to increase fine-detail retrieval, clarity and neutrality while retaining the smooth, engaging and effortless character associated with the original Empyrean.
Second-Generation Empyrean
Empyrean II is not simply the original Empyrean with a redesigned grille.
Meze spent months experimenting with materials and acoustic tuning to achieve a presentation with:
- Greater fine-detail retrieval
- Improved clarity
- Cleaner sound reproduction
- More accurate tonal balance
- A more neutral overall presentation
- The relaxed listening character of the original Empyrean
Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array MZ3 Driver
Each earcup contains a:
Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array MZ3 driver.
Rather than using a conventional moving-coil dynamic driver, the MZ3 uses an ultra-light diaphragm carrying conductive voice-coil traces within a powerful magnetic field.
102 x 73mm Ovoid Driver
The MZ3 driver measures:
102mm x 73mm.
Its ovoid shape more closely follows the natural outline of the human ear than a conventional circular driver.
82g Driver Weight
Meze specifies the complete driver at:
82g.
The second-generation engineering focuses on reducing unnecessary mass while retaining the mechanical structure required by the large planar diaphragm and magnet system.
Rinaro Isoplanar MZ3 Diaphragm
The diaphragm is officially specified as:
Rinaro Isoplanar MZ3.
It carries the two distinct conductive coil patterns used by the Hybrid Array architecture.
0.16g Diaphragm Weight
The enormous diaphragm itself weighs just:
0.16g.
Extremely low moving mass allows the diaphragm to respond rapidly to changes in the music signal.
4,650mm² Active Area
The active radiating area is:
4,650mm².
This large surface allows the driver to move air across a much broader area than a conventional small dynamic headphone diaphragm.
Hybrid Magnet Array
Neodymium magnets are positioned symmetrically on both sides of the diaphragm.
Rinaro arranges them into a Hybrid Array to create an efficient Isodynamic magnetic field and provide uniform activation across the diaphragm surface.
Dual-Shaped Voice-Coil Array
The MZ3 diaphragm uses two different coil geometries:
- Switchback coil
- Spiral coil
Each has been optimised for a different part of the audio spectrum.
Switchback Coil
The:
Switchback coil
is positioned in the upper section of the diaphragm and is more efficient at reproducing lower frequencies.
Spiral Coil
The:
Spiral coil
handles the middle and upper frequencies.
It is positioned directly over the ear canal.
Why Put the Spiral Coil Over the Ear Canal?
Positioning the mid and high-frequency coil directly in front of the ear canal allows more direct sound energy to reach the listener without unnecessary time delay or reflection from the outer ear.
This forms an important part of Rinaro's approach to imaging, localisation and high-frequency detail.
Fibreglass-Infused ABS Driver Casing
The MZ3 driver casing is made from:
Fibreglass-infused ABS.
The reinforced polymer structure supports the large planar assembly while controlling weight.
8Hz to 110kHz Frequency Range
Meze specifies:
8Hz–110kHz.
The published upper-frequency limit is:
110,000Hz.
Less Than 0.05% Total Harmonic Distortion
Meze specifies:
THD below 0.05%.
The company states that distortion remains below this level throughout the audible frequency range.
Maximum SPL Above 130dB
Maximum sound pressure level is specified at:
Greater than 130dB.
Maximum SPL Is Not a Safe Listening Level
This figure describes the technical capability of the driver rather than a recommended listening level.
Prolonged exposure to excessive sound pressure can permanently damage hearing.
32-Ohm Impedance
Nominal impedance is:
32 ohms.
That relatively moderate impedance allows Empyrean II to partner with a broad range of quality headphone amplifiers.
90dB SPL/mW Sensitivity
Meze specifies sensitivity at:
90dB SPL/mW at 1kHz.
This is noticeably less sensitive than Meze's dynamic models such as the 109 PRO and 105 Series, so amplifier quality and available power become more important.
Do Empyrean II Need a Dedicated Headphone Amplifier?
For a headphone at this level, we would strongly recommend one.
Suitable partners can include:
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
- High-quality DAC and headphone amplifier combinations
- Premium streaming headphone amplifiers
- Suitable valve headphone amplifiers
- Quality balanced headphone outputs
The 32-ohm load is not unusually awkward, but Empyrean II is sufficiently revealing that source and amplification quality deserve proper consideration.
Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition
Audio T has specifically used the Meze Empyrean II as a recommended partner for the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition.
That combination provides network streaming, DAC and dedicated headphone amplification within a single compact system.
Read: This Time It's Personal - The Naim Uniti Atom HE
Open-Back Acoustic Design
Empyrean II is fully:
Open backed.
The rear of the planar driver is allowed to interact freely with the surrounding air rather than being enclosed within a sealed chamber.
This supports qualities such as:
- Spatial openness
- Natural airflow
- Precise imaging
- Reduced enclosed-cup resonance
Designed for Quiet Listening Environments
Empyrean II provides very little acoustic isolation.
Sound will escape through the open earcups and surrounding noise will remain audible, making these headphones most suitable for dedicated home listening.
Circumaural Fit
Meze specifies the ear coupling as:
Circumaural.
The large earpads surround the ears rather than resting directly on them.
449g Headphone Weight
The current official Meze specification gives:
449g / 15.84oz.
Although this is a substantial full-size planar headphone, the suspension system is designed to spread the mass over a broad area of the head.
Purpose-Built Comfort
Meze has designed the complete frame to adapt automatically to the wearer's head.
The structure reduces concentrated pressure and supports prolonged listening sessions.
CNC-Machined Aluminium Frame
The Empyrean II frame is produced using:
Precision CNC milling.
Its current finish combines matte black aluminium with silver accents.
Redesigned Art Deco Grille
One of the most obvious visual changes from the original Empyrean is the redesigned open-back grille.
Meze draws its pattern from:
Art Deco design.
The grille therefore forms both part of the acoustic opening and the visual identity of the second-generation model.
Isomagnetic Earpad Attachment
The earpads are held in place using Rinaro's:
Isomagnetic coupling technology.
The demagnetising field generated by the driver secures the pads magnetically while also redirecting magnetic flux back towards the driver.
Swap Earpads Without Tools
The magnetic attachment makes changing pad type extremely quick.
That is particularly useful because Meze supplies two distinctly different earpad designs with Empyrean II.
Duo Earpads
The first supplied option is Meze's:
Duo earpad.
It combines:
- Premium leather
- Alcantara
Meze developed the material ratio specifically for Empyrean II.
How Do the Duo Pads Sound?
Meze describes the combination as providing:
- Well-sustained bass from the leather sections
- Refinement from the Alcantara sections
- Spatiality
- A contemporary take on the Empyrean II sound
Angled Alcantara Earpads
The second supplied option uses:
Soft foam covered in Alcantara.
A fine protective mesh covers the grille.
Why Are the Alcantara Pads Angled?
The angled shape creates additional internal volume between the driver and ear.
Meze describes the resulting presentation as offering:
- More air
- Cleaner bass
- Greater midrange presence
- Enhanced detail retrieval
- A more accurate overall presentation
Two Manufacturer-Approved Sound Options
The earpads are part of the acoustic tuning rather than merely comfort accessories.
Because they attach magnetically, it is well worth trying both before settling on a favourite.
Dual 4-Pin Mini-XLR Inputs
Empyrean II uses:
Dual 4-pin mini-XLR headphone inputs.
Each earcup receives its own detachable cable connection.
Fully Detachable Cable
The mini-XLR connection allows cable replacement and alternative terminations without altering the headphones themselves.
Compatible cable configurations can include:
- 6.3mm stereo
- 4.4mm balanced
- 4-pin XLR balanced
- Other compatible Meze premium cable configurations
Current Supplied Copper PCUHD Premium Cable
Meze's current standard Empyrean II product package specifies:
Mini-XLR to 6.3mm Copper PCUHD premium cable.
This should be treated separately from the wider range of optional Meze cable configurations.
Do Not List Every Cable Option as Supplied
Meze offers compatible Copper PCUHD and Silver-Plated PCUHD premium cables in several terminations.
The current standard Empyrean II product listing specifically shows the 6.3mm Copper PCUHD cable in the box. Alternative cable configurations should be described as available options unless a different package is explicitly ordered.
What Is PCUHD?
Meze's premium cables use high-purity copper conductor technology intended for high-quality headphone signal transmission.
Silver-plated PCUHD versions are also available separately for compatible Meze mini-XLR headphones.
High-Strength ABS Carrying Case
The current package includes a:
High-strength ABS plastic suitcase.
It features:
- Protective internal foam
- Dedicated headphone storage
- Leather carrying handle
Original Empyrean or Empyrean II?
Original Empyrean
- Original MZ3 Isodynamic concept
- Warm, relaxed tonal balance
- Rich and full presentation
- Original grille design
- Original pad configuration
- Established the Hybrid Array platform
Empyrean II
- Second-generation MZ3 implementation
- Greater fine-detail retrieval
- Cleaner and more accurate balance
- More neutral tuning
- Redesigned Art Deco grille
- Duo pads developed specifically for Empyrean II
- Angled Alcantara pads included
Meze's goal was not to remove the original model's musical ease, but to add clarity, accuracy and resolution.
Empyrean II or ELITE?
Empyrean II
- Rinaro MZ3 driver
- 8Hz–110kHz
- 32-ohm impedance
- 90dB SPL/mW sensitivity
- 0.16g diaphragm
- 82g driver
- 449g headphone weight
- Duo and Angled Alcantara pads
- Neutral-leaning but easy-listening tuning
ELITE
- Rinaro MZ3SE driver
- 3Hz–112kHz
- 32-ohm impedance
- 101dB SPL/mW sensitivity
- 0.11g Parus diaphragm
- 75g driver
- More advanced flagship diaphragm system
- Angled Alcantara and Hybrid pads
ELITE takes the Hybrid Array concept further with its lighter Parus diaphragm and MZ3SE driver, while Empyrean II occupies the next position down in Meze's premium open-back hierarchy.
Compare the Meze ELITE at Audio T.
Empyrean II or POET?
POET brings Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array technology into a smaller and considerably less expensive open-back headphone.
It uses its own MZ6 driver rather than the much larger MZ3 employed by Empyrean II.
Compare the Meze POET at Audio T.
Empyrean II or 109 PRO?
The 109 PRO is a fundamentally different headphone, using a 50mm conventional dynamic driver rather than Rinaro's large Isodynamic Hybrid Array planar architecture.
It is substantially more affordable and easier to drive, while Empyrean II offers a considerable step in transducer sophistication, spatial presentation and ultimate resolution.
Compare the Meze 109 PRO at Audio T.
Audio T Listens to Empyrean II
Audio T has spent time with Empyrean II alongside the wider Meze range and found the step from 109 PRO significant, with a more mature, refined and sophisticated presentation.
Our Swindon team also highlighted the openness of Empyrean II against Meze's closed-back LIRIC II, while retaining the clarity and linearity associated with the Rinaro driver platform.
Read: Meze Audio - Makers of Headphones That Sound as Good as They Look
Who Are the Meze Empyrean II For?
Well Suited To
- Reference home headphone listening
- High-quality dedicated headphone amplifiers
- Premium DAC and headphone systems
- Listeners wanting open-back planar headphones
- Customers prioritising spatial presentation and imaging
- Long listening sessions
- Listeners who want neutrality without an aggressive tonal balance
- Balanced headphone systems
- Customers who enjoy experimenting with different earpad voicings
- Systems built around Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition or similar equipment
Check Before Buying
- Open-back construction leaks sound
- Very little isolation from surrounding noise
- 449g full-size headphone
- 90dB SPL/mW sensitivity rewards suitable amplification
- Premium headphone at a substantial price
- Different earpads deliberately change the presentation
- Standard cable package should be distinguished from optional Meze premium cables
- Designed primarily for quiet home listening
Key Features
- Meze Empyrean II
- Open-back circumaural headphones
- Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array MZ3 driver
- Ovoid driver geometry
- 102 x 73mm driver
- 82g driver weight
- Rinaro Isoplanar MZ3 diaphragm
- 0.16g diaphragm weight
- 4,650mm² active area
- Fibreglass-infused ABS driver casing
- Hybrid Neodymium Magnet Array
- Switchback low-frequency coil
- Spiral mid and high-frequency coil
- Spiral coil positioned over ear canal
- 8Hz–110kHz frequency range
- Less than 0.05% THD
- Greater than 130dB maximum SPL
- 32-ohm impedance
- 90dB SPL/mW sensitivity at 1kHz
- 10.7kg/m4 acoustic mass
- 449g headphone weight
- CNC-machined aluminium frame
- Matte black finish with silver accents
- Art Deco inspired grille
- Self-adjusting ergonomic structure
- Rinaro Isomagnetic earpad attachment
- Duo leather and Alcantara pads included
- Angled Alcantara pads included
- Dual 4-pin mini-XLR inputs
- Detachable cable
- Copper PCUHD premium cable
- 6.3mm standard supplied termination
- High-strength ABS carrying case
- Foam case inserts
- Leather case handle
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Meze Empyrean II open or closed back?
They are fully open-back circumaural headphones.
Are Empyrean II planar magnetic?
Yes. They use Rinaro's Isodynamic Hybrid Array planar driver technology.
What driver does Empyrean II use?
The Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array MZ3.
What size is the MZ3 driver?
102mm x 73mm.
What shape is the driver?
Ovoid.
How much does the driver weigh?
82g.
What diaphragm is used?
Rinaro Isoplanar MZ3.
How much does the diaphragm weigh?
0.16g.
What is the active diaphragm area?
4,650mm².
What is the driver casing made from?
Fibreglass-infused ABS.
What is the frequency range?
8Hz to 110kHz.
What is the impedance?
32 ohms.
What is the sensitivity?
90dB SPL/mW at 1kHz.
What is the maximum SPL?
Meze specifies greater than 130dB.
What is the total harmonic distortion?
Meze specifies less than 0.05%.
What does Hybrid Array mean?
The diaphragm carries two differently shaped voice-coil arrays, with Switchback and Spiral coils optimised for different frequency ranges.
What is the Switchback coil?
It is the coil section optimised for lower-frequency reproduction.
What is the Spiral coil?
It is the coil section optimised for middle and upper frequencies and is positioned directly over the ear canal.
Why is the Spiral coil positioned over the ear canal?
It allows more direct mid and high-frequency sound to reach the ear canal without unnecessary delay from reflections around the outer ear.
How much do Empyrean II weigh?
Meze's current specification is 449g or 15.84oz.
Do they need a headphone amplifier?
We recommend using a good headphone amplifier. The 32-ohm impedance is manageable, but the 90dB SPL/mW sensitivity and overall quality of the headphones reward capable amplification.
Can Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition drive them?
Yes. Audio T has specifically recommended Empyrean II as a suitable partner for the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition.
How many earpad sets are included?
Two.
What are the Duo pads made from?
A combination of premium leather and Alcantara.
How do the Duo pads change the sound?
Meze describes them as combining well-sustained bass from the leather with refinement and spatiality from Alcantara.
What are the Angled pads made from?
Soft foam covered in Alcantara with a fine protective mesh.
What difference do the Angled Alcantara pads make?
Meze describes a more spacious and airy presentation with cleaner bass and increased midrange presence.
Are the earpads magnetic?
Yes. They use Rinaro's Isomagnetic coupling system.
Can I change the pads without tools?
Yes.
What headphone connectors are fitted?
Dual 4-pin mini-XLR inputs.
What cable currently comes with Empyrean II?
Meze's current standard product page specifies a Mini-XLR to 6.3mm Copper PCUHD premium cable.
Does Empyrean II come with a silver-plated cable?
Meze offers compatible Silver-Plated PCUHD premium cables, but the current standard product package specifically shows the Copper PCUHD 6.3mm cable.
Can Empyrean II be used balanced?
Yes, with an appropriate compatible balanced mini-XLR cable and suitable headphone amplifier.
Is a carrying case included?
Yes. Meze supplies a high-strength ABS plastic suitcase with protective foam inserts and leather handle.
What changed from the original Empyrean?
Empyrean II has been retuned for greater fine-detail retrieval, clarity, neutrality and accuracy while preserving the easy-listening character of the original.
Is Empyrean II more neutral than the original?
Yes. Meze specifically describes greater neutrality as one of the principal aims of the second-generation tuning.
Is ELITE easier to drive?
On Meze's published figures, ELITE has the same 32-ohm impedance but higher 101dB SPL/mW sensitivity compared with 90dB SPL/mW for Empyrean II.
Can Audio T arrange a demonstration?
Where demonstration stock is available, contact your local Audio T store to arrange a listen and compare amplifier, cable and earpad options.
Related Meze Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Reference headphone demonstrations where available
- Empyrean II versus ELITE comparisons
- Empyrean II versus POET comparisons
- Open-back versus closed-back guidance
- Planar headphone amplifier matching
- DAC and headphone amplifier demonstrations
- Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition matching
- Balanced versus unbalanced connection advice
- Copper PCUHD and Silver-Plated PCUHD cable guidance
- Duo versus Angled Alcantara earpad demonstrations
- Fit and comfort advice
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store for advice on Meze Empyrean II, arranging a demonstration or matching the headphones with a suitable DAC, headphone amplifier, cable and earpad configuration.