Meze has just revealed the highly awaited Liric 2nd Generation headphones. This new audio gem promises an even more refined listening experience. Packed with innovations, these Planar Magnetic headphones, sold for €1,999, ensure immersive sound similar to that of the brand’s open-back models.
Included accessories
The Meze Liric 2 hi-fi headphones come in an elegant box with packing foam inside to protect the headphones’ carrying case. The latter is made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) with a velvet inner lining. The Meze Liric 2nd Generation headphones are carefully placed inside this case, accompanied by a 1.3m braided Furukawa PCUHD copper balanced cable with a 4.4mm Pentaconn jack connector. A soft pouch contains a flexible 3m unbalanced TPE cable with 3.5mm mini-jack connector. For full connectivity, a 6.35mm jack adapter and airplane connector are included.
Presentation of the Meze Liric 2 headphones
Successor to the Meze Liric, this second generation brilliantly perpetuates the heritage of its predecessor by using the key elements behind the brand’s success. The Romanian manufacturer made sure to take into account the extensive user feedback received after the release of the Liric to create an even more refined pair of headphones, meeting the expectations and needs of discerning audiophiles. This new iteration is warmer, both in terms of sound and design.
MZ4 isodynamic transducers
The Meze Liric (2nd Generation) closed-back hi-fi headphones feature MZ4 Isodynamic Hybrid Array transducers, developed in collaboration with high-end transducer expert Rinaro. Tried-and-tested in the first generation Liric headphones, they are reputed to be some of the lightest and most advanced Planar Magnetic transducers available. Their oval shape, specifically designed to fit the ear cups, provides an emissive surface area of 3,507mm². This system ensures a wide frequency response ranging from 4Hz to 92kHz.
Voice coils
The MZ4 transducers’ hybrid design combines two separate coils, one spiral and one switchback, on the same diaphragm. This configuration enables more precise sound reproduction, effectively targeting different frequencies. The switchback coil, positioned in the upper part of the transducer, is optimized for reproducing low frequencies, while the spiral coil, positioned directly above the ear canal, is more effective for midrange and high frequencies.
Moreover, neodymium magnet arrays on either side of the diaphragm ensure uniform transducer control and maximize dynamics. The reinforced polymer housing withstands the load generated by the hybrid magnetic network.
Phase-X system
Designed for portable use and isolation from outside noise, the Meze Liric 2ᵉ generation hi-fi headphones feature a closed-back design. Thanks to the integration of the Phase-X system developed by Rinaro, they benefit from a more linear phase response and faster transient decay. This technological advance allows for a more precise reproduction, while improving ambience and spatial imaging.
Pressure equalization system
What’s more, the Meze Liric II headphones feature a finely tuned port to ensure optimum pressure in the ear and precise control of airflow. This technology has been enhanced to provide a smoother transition between the bass and low midrange, resulting in more even, balanced sound reproduction.
Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask (QWRM)
To deliver a warmer sound while maintaining tonal balance, the Romanian manufacturer has developed the Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask (QWRM). This carefully crafted metal component is strategically placed on the transducer chassis to effectively attenuate high-frequency peaks above 7kHz. As well as ensuring a warmer listening experience, this also makes listening less tiring, by avoiding any sibilance.
A warmer design
The luxurious, robust aspect of the Meze Liric (2ᵉ generation) headphones is expressed through every one of its components. These Meze headphones retain the combination of black leather, matt and shiny micro-textures on the magnesium and metallic copper accents of their predecessor. Macassar ebony is now used for the shells. This is a hard, heavy, dense and elegant wood, known for its deep, rich brown color, flecked by intricate golden-brown stripes. The result is greater warmth and sophistication.
The distinctive nature of Macassar ebony means that each pair is inherently sui generis, or unique in its essence. This characteristic ensures that your headphones are not just a tool for experiencing music but a personal statement piece with its own story and character—no two pairs are exactly alike. Every owner of this second generation of LIRIC experiences exclusivity, holding in their hands a piece of craftsmanship that is as individual as their taste in music.
Extract from the Meze press release
Tailored comfort
The height of the ear cups can be adjusted by means of an anodized aluminum threaded rod, for a perfect fit for all users. The generously padded earcups wrap comfortably around the ears, without creating excessive pressure.
The headband is equipped with several symmetrically placed “+” shaped pads to maximize airflow and reduce heat build-up. The leather-covered headband offers a perfect fit for ideal pressure distribution. As a result, we were able to wear the Meze Liric 2 headphones for long hours without the slightest discomfort or excessive overheating.
Durable headphones
In a move towards continuous improvement, the Meze Liric 2ᵉ generation hi-fi headphones now incorporate removable magnetic earpads. This makes them easy to maintain and replace in the blink of an eye. What’s more, their construction guarantees resistance to impacts, wear and oxidation, ensuring their longevity.
Note that the carrying pouch provides optimum protection for the headphones, but does not incorporate a handle or shoulder strap, and is quite bulky. You’ll need a pretty large bag to carry it.
High-end Meze hi-fi cables
The Meze Liric 2 headphones boast a high sensitivity of 100 dB at an impedance of 61 ohms. They’re ideal for use with a DAP or headphone amp to enjoy their full potential. The Romanian manufacturer offers high-quality cables with this second iteration, starting with a 1.3-meter-long balanced cable. Hand-braided, it features Furukawa PCUHD copper conductors and a Pentaconn 4.4mm jack connector.
A flexible 3-meter TPE cable with a 3.5mm mini-jack plug is also included. In addition to an airplane connector, these Meze headphones come with a 6.35mm adapter for association with a hi-fi amp, for example.
Key specifications
- Design: closed-back, over-ear
- Rinaro MZ4 Isodynamic Hybrid Array transducers
- Phase-X System and QWRM technologies
- Frequency response: 4 – 92,000Hz
- Impedance: 61 ohms
- Connectors: 4.4mm and 3.5mm cables, 6.35mm and airplane adapters
- Macassar ebony earcups
- Weight: approx. 427g
Listening conditions
We used the Meze Liric 2ᵉ generation headphones with the FiiO R9 and Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition headphone amplifiers. We listened to Hi-Res music on the Qobuz music service.
Listening impressions
As soon as we put the headphones on, we were impressed by the quality of the passive isolation. It effectively blocked out the majority of ambient noise, including the animated conversations in our open space office. However, there was some sound leakage at high volumes.
Although the soundstage was not as wide and ample as that of open-back headphones, it was impressive for a closed-back model. On the track “Time” from Hans Zimmer’s Inception soundtrack, each instrument was clearly identifiable and was precisely positioned in the soundscape. No single element was overpowering, creating a coherent signature that was a pleasure to listen to. The impactful, lively bass allowed us to feel the full dramatic intensity of this track.
In a completely different genre, when listening to the tracks from the album Kind of Blue by Miles Davis, every detail of the recording was revealed, providing a sensation of total escape. We enjoyed a great sense of space, and we simply had to close our eyes to imagine the artists performing in front of us. These 2ᵉ generation Meze Liric headphones offered great clarity and an immersive listening experience, with both complex orchestral compositions and intimate jazz recordings.
The highs were extremely accurate and remarkably smooth. Meze’s QWRM technology worked like a charm, ensuring that the highest notes were always precise and natural, without ever becoming aggressive. We experienced no auditory fatigue, even after long listening sessions at high volume.
Meze Liric (2nd generation) VS Meze Liric
The Meze Liric 2nd generation headphones are warmer than their predecessor, both in design and sonic signature. Their revamped design features Macassar ebony, a luxurious material that gives each pair of headphones a unique touch thanks to its distinctive grooves. What’s more, the QWRM technology makes highs rounder yet well-defined, offering a less fatiguing listening experience. Furthermore, this second generation comes with a high-end balanced 4.4mm jack cable, in addition to the 3.5mm mini-jack cable, allowing you to connect it to a variety of high-end audio sources.
Meze Liric (2nd generation) VS Meze Empyrean II
Priced at €2,999, the Meze Empyrean II headphones are an open-back model for use from the comfort of your sofa, in a quiet environment. The Meze Liric 2 headphones, meanwhile, boast excellent passive isolation, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. However, the Empyrean 2 reveal an even wider and deeper soundstage. The sound balance is great on both models, but the Liric 2nd Generation has a slightly warmer signature.
Who are Meze Liric hi-fi headphones (2nd Generation) designed for?
The Meze Liric 2nd Generation headphones are aimed at discerning audiophiles and music lovers looking for a high-end listening experience, unhampered by ambient noise, even on the move. With their luxurious design and high-quality components, these headphones deliver precise, immersive sound, while guaranteeing optimum comfort for long listening sessions. Whether for audio professionals, music lovers or traveling audiophiles, the Meze Liric 2 are an ideal choice for those wishing to acquire an aesthetically pleasing, high-performance and durable model.
Conclusion
Meze once again demonstrates its expertise, in terms of sound performance, comfort and design. The Liric 2 deliver a balanced, warm and highly detailed sound. Despite their closed-back design, the soundstage is remarkably wide and immersive. When combined with a headphone amplifier in the same price range, a DSD-compatible DAC or a DAP, they reveal the full extent of their capabilities.
We liked
- The warm, luxurious design
- The breadth of the soundstage
- The softness of the highs
- The included balanced/unbalanced cables and adapters
- The detachable magnetic ear pads
- The comfort
We would have liked
- A pouch with a handle
