[Malevolent]

Of course, the sound is (pretty much) the only thing that should matter, but I actually prefer the look of the O.G. Empyrean, as opposed to the chrome-clad Elite. It looks a little too silvery for my liking; it almost looks cheap-ish.

Still, it's a revised flagship, and Meze hasn't disappointed me, thus far - I enjoy the 99 Classics, the RAI Penta, and I absolutely love the Empyrean.

 

[Ciggavelli]

I listened to them for a quick bit. Luckily the Elite cable connector is compatible with the Audeze connector, so I could try both single ended and balanced.

I'm a bit of a basshead, so I always focus on that first. I think the bass is pretty good on the Elites. I listened to some rap albums and the sub-bass was sufficient (which is not always the case with headphones).

In terms of detail, and keep in mind this is just off a first listen, the Elites are not at TC or Susvara transparency levels. I recently got rid of my Solitaire P, and I feel the P is more detailed than the Elite as well.

I don't think the level of detail is a big problem, at least not for me. Off this quick first listen, I'd say the Elites are at LCD-4 levels in terms of detail.

One thing I really like about the Elites, I can drive them very well with a red DragonFly. I like this because most of my headphones are hard to drive, and I can't really use them outside of my listening area.

Also, I too think the original Empyrean looks better than the Elite. I don't care about aesthetics, so I don't mind, but I agree with what some of your are saying. The comfort level on the Elites is very good, with perhaps a little too much clamping pressure (but I have a big head). The clamping isn't really a problem, and I forgot about it quickly.

I will listen to the Elites more critically later tonight and tomorrow.

 

[Bimbleton]

I listened to them for a quick bit. Luckily the Elite cable connector is compatible with the Audeze connector, so I could try both single ended and balanced.

I'm a bit of a basshead, so I always focus on that first. I think the bass is pretty good on the Elites. I listened to some rap albums and the sub-bass was sufficient (which is not always the case with headphones).

In terms of detail, and keep in mind this is just off a first listen, the Elites are not at TC or Susvara transparency levels. I recently got rid of my Solitaire P, and I feel the P is more detailed than the Elite as well.

I don't think the level of detail is a big problem, at least not for me. Off this quick first listen, I'd say the Elites are at LCD-4 levels in terms of detail.

One thing I really like about the Elites, I can drive them very well with a red DragonFly. I like this because most of my headphones are hard to drive, and I can't really use them outside of my listening area.

Also, I too think the original Empyrean looks better than the Elite. I don't care about aesthetics, so I don't mind, but I agree with what some of your are saying. The comfort level on the Elites is very good, with perhaps a little too much clamping pressure (but I have a big head). The clamping isn't really a problem, and I forgot about it quickly.

I will listen to the Elites more critically later tonight and tomorrow.

Very nice impressions, thank you! Am particularly curious about what you think about the treble — any sharpness? Too forward or too recessed?

Great to hear they can be driven easily with a Dragonfly. Most importantly, hope you enjoy the new cans!

 

[Ciggavelli]

Very nice impressions, thank you! Am particularly curious about what you think about the treble — any sharpness? Too forward or too recessed?

Great to hear they can be driven easily with a Dragonfly. Most importantly, hope you enjoy the new cans!

No treble sharpness so far. I need to listen more to better assess though. I’ll run through some albums tonight and report back.

 

[ThanatosVI]

No treble sharpness so far. I need to listen more to better assess though. I’ll run through some albums tonight and report back.

When they have a few hours on them, would you compare them in more detail to the LCD-4?
As a fellow basshead I'm especially interested in how they compare down low

 

[newtseverywhere]

Thanks for the early impressions! I'd be interested to know how the soundstage is.

 

[PointyFox]

Summary (from Ciggavelli's post) : pretty good bass, sufficient sub-bass, easy to drive, level of detail not a big problem.

Doesn't sound like the description of a $4000 headphone.

 

[paradoxper]

Summary: pretty good bass, sufficient sub-bass, easy to drive, level of detail not a big problem.

Doesn't sound like the description of a $4000 headphone.

Not with the big boys.

 

[Bimbleton]

Summary: pretty good bass, sufficient sub-bass, easy to drive, level of detail not a big problem.

Doesn't sound like the description of a $4000 headphone.

Oh you’ve got a pair too? Sorry to hear you’re not pleased with them.

 

[PointyFox]

Oh you’ve got a pair too? Sorry to hear you’re not pleased with them.

Sorry was trying to paraphrase Ciggavelli.

 

[ufospls2]

No treble sharpness so far. I need to listen more to better assess though. I’ll run through some albums tonight and report back.

Thanks for sharing your early impressions dude : )

 

[thecrow]

Sorry was trying to paraphrase Ciggavelli.

You forgot detail at lcd4 level (or thereabout) and easy to drive.
No issues with treble, (like lcd4)

at same rrp as lcd4

 

[Roasty]

@Ciggavelli thanks for sharing your impressions! I was really close to doing a blind purchase, but decided I am going to wait for your "final thoughts"...

 

[MatW]

@Ciggavelli thanks for sharing your impressions! I was really close to doing a blind purchase, but decided I am going to wait for your "final thoughts"...

Me too. It's in the shopping cart, but I managed to resist the initial temptation... Looking forward to more impressions..

 

[Roasty]

@Ciggavelli

When u have some free time could you do me a favour, and have a listen to the album Stella and Steve by Benee.



It isn't anything masterful and does not offer much in terms of showing off headphone technicalities or soundstage/imaging etc but it remains one of my favourite albums. I love her voice and the constant bass notes/melody and punch.

Could you listen to a few songs and share what u think of the sub-bass, leading punch/snap to the bass, and also her voice (whether u notice any sibilance or etch). I also like how her music has a lot of small elements in the background, which can be easily made out and isolated on the Utopia/Susvara.

Her voice (and it's leading edges) and the snap of the snare drum element keeps the whole album engaging for me. It's when I fell asleep to this album when listening with the original Empy that I realized it had to go... Just wondering if the same thing may happen with the Elite.