Looking for some Alternative End-game options

[PrincessLeliana]

After multiple years of saving, working, and getting ready. I am finally on the journey to getting my (personal) end game headphones, the Meze Empyrean (Original). No other headphone I've demoed has sounded the same, or made me feel the same within its price range. I've tried Focal utopias, ive tried elites, but I always come back to the OG empyreans.

That being said, the money for them is a significant chunk of change, and it has been several years since I last seriously looked at competitors. What else is there in the market that might be an alternative? I like the warmer, non reference sound of the Empyreans, I prefer a bit more bass (not at the expense of everything else) and I am extremely sensitive to sibilance in the highs. I already love the Empyreans, they've made my cry every time I demo'd them, but I may as well see what else is out there before committing.

I use a mixture of FLACs and vinyl (technics sl1200mk2), and route all of that through an SPL Phonitor X. For other equipment, in case thats relevant.

 

[msing539]

After multiple years of saving, working, and getting ready. I am finally on the journey to getting my (personal) end game headphones, the Meze Empyrean (Original). No other headphone I've demoed has sounded the same, or made me feel the same within its price range. I've tried Focal utopias, ive tried elites, but I always come back to the OG empyreans.

That being said, the money for them is a significant chunk of change, and it has been several years since I last seriously looked at competitors. What else is there in the market that might be an alternative? I like the warmer, non reference sound of the Empyreans, I prefer a bit more bass (not at the expense of everything else) and I am extremely sensitive to sibilance in the highs. I already love the Empyreans, they've made my cry every time I demo'd them, but I may as well see what else is out there before committing.

I use a mixture of FLACs and vinyl (technics sl1200mk2), and route all of that through an SPL Phonitor X. For other equipment, in case thats relevant.

I think... if this is how you feel about the Empyrean, why look for anything else.

This is how I felt about the Elite and still do, and had I passed it up for another headphone, I would surely have acquired it down the line.

Another headphone that comes to mind is the Denon D7200, based on what you've said, but the Empyrean is better in many ways.

What's the cost on the Empy in England?

 

[PrincessLeliana]

I think... if this is how you feel about the Empyrean, why look for anything else.

This is how I felt about the Elite and still do, and had I passed it up for another headphone, I would surely have acquired it down the line.

Another headphone that comes to mind is the Denon D7200, based on what you've said, but the Empyrean is better in many ways.

What's the cost on the Empy in England?

Its less "passing it up for something else" and more "is there anything I should go listen to FIRST." Ya know? They're around £1500-£2000 used, though given the limited market id likely be importing.

 

[msing539]

Its less "passing it up for something else" and more "is there anything I should go listen to FIRST." Ya know? They're around £1500-£2000 used, though given the limited market id likely be importing.

1715 on Audio Sanctuary
https://www.audiosanctuary.co.uk/meze-audio-empyrean-isodynamic-hybrid-array-headphone.html

And I know what you mean.

 

[PrincessLeliana]

1715 on Audio Sanctuary
https://www.audiosanctuary.co.uk/meze-audio-empyrean-isodynamic-hybrid-array-headphone.html

And I know what you mean.

Where are you getting that price? It says 2000 for me.

If that is 1715 then id prolly go for that tbh. £200 for warranty and brand new is worth it

 

[msing539]

That's really interesting... I would call Audio Sanctuary and see if they'd honor this.

 

[PrincessLeliana]

I think its because you are not buying from the UK. In the UK it adds VAT on top, so I pay the taxes right away IN the price of the thing.

 

[msing539]

Makes total sense.

 

[PrincessLeliana]

Makes total sense.

Might end up keeping to the used market then haha. £500-600 is a lot more to swing around

 

[Death_Block]

There is one going in the classifields, wrapped in an elite colour. £1400

 

[PrincessLeliana]

There is one going in the classifields, wrapped in an elite colour. £1400

Is that one still around? Every time I go to look at it its closed

 

[Death_Block]

Ah bugger, my bad. I forgot he sold it yesterday. I was talking to him about it, I nearly bought it.

 

[PopZeus]

Different sounds and all, but i feel like ZMF is the closest comparison to Meze in terms of their relative place in the hobby. As someone who used to own the og Empyrean, the Bokeh with leather pads gets me close enough to that warm, lush, tuned-south-of-neutral sound of the original Empy. And tbh I might prefer it more than the Empy. I've got the Bokeh hybrid pads on their way, which should be more neutral-ish.

 

[PrincessLeliana]

Ah bugger, my bad. I forgot he sold it yesterday. I was talking to him about it, I nearly bought it.

What was the story behind it? Who did the mod and all that. I would be interested in something similar, if you're gonna take it apart to rehouse it, then I could get someone to paint it a hideously lovely pink for me.

 

[Death_Block]

I believe meze did it themselves