MEZE AUDIO ELITE - The New Isodynamic Hybrid Array Headphone - official thread

[TheMiddleSky]

I'm starting to really enjoy the Elite and would like to upgrade the cable. Normally I would go straight for the Danceable Nirvana because I've had it with other headphones and always been impressed. However, I recently got a JPS Superconductor for the Abyss 1266 and have been comparing it to the Nirvana that I've been using with the 1266 for a while. SQ wise it is too early to tell which I prefer, I think they are in same league with each other so would probably come down to personal preference. What I have been delighted with is the comfort and usability of the JPS cable. It is really nice not having the heavier and stiffer Nirvana cable to deal with. If JPS made a Superconductor for the Elite I would get it.

So, any thoughts on an upgraded cable that is light and flexible like the Superconductor but in the same SQ league as the Nirvana?

Interesting thought. What do you like (sound wise) from SC when compared to Nirvana?

 

[kwilkins]

Interesting thought. What do you like (sound wise) from SC when compared to Nirvana?

I haven't had the SC long enough to provide a fair comparison. On first blush the Nirvana base is deeper and the SC base is tighter. They are both fantastic and noticeably better than stock cables. For me, the main thing the SC has going for it over the Nirvana is it being much lighter weight. I'm looking for a cable for the Meze Elite that physically is lighter than the Nirvana but on the same level SQ wise.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

I always think that JPS cable usually at energetic and aggressive side. I never thought about it before, but after read your post, I thought it might become good combination with Elite.

 

[kwilkins]

I always think that JPS cable usually at energetic and aggressive side. I never thought about it before, but after read your post, I thought it might become good combination with Elite.

I don't think JPS makes a cable for the Elite.

 

[devilboy]

The Lavri Grand silver is the only cable I've ever had with my Elite so I can't compare sound. However, it's very light and "comfortable" to wear.

 

[The1Signature]

I'm starting to really enjoy the Elite and would like to upgrade the cable. Normally I would go straight for the Danceable Nirvana because I've had it with other headphones and always been impressed. However, I recently got a JPS Superconductor for the Abyss 1266 and have been comparing it to the Nirvana that I've been using with the 1266 for a while. SQ wise it is too early to tell which I prefer, I think they are in same league with each other so would probably come down to personal preference. What I have been delighted with is the comfort and usability of the JPS cable. It is really nice not having the heavier and stiffer Nirvana cable to deal with. If JPS made a Superconductor for the Elite I would get it.

So, any thoughts on an upgraded cable that is light and flexible like the Superconductor but in the same SQ league as the Nirvana?

i know just the stock cable and the meze silver upgrade cable which i - and my other head-fiers - can hear an instant improvement. however, i can't compare this cable with others as have not tried it.

 

[incredulousity]

By far the best cable I've used with Elite is the Hapa Kn0t full-size silver cable. Absolutely worth the cost of entry. Brings out the best of Amp and headphone, and creates no problems of its own. Not as cuddly as Forza, and not as supple as the Meze SPC, but very tolerable, and worth it for the sound quality. They make a cheaper, lighter weight version that sounds almost as good.

 

[betula]

I have been using my Elite with the Meze copper upgrade cable for almost a year. I have recently acquired the Meze silver plated upgrade cable.

Both of these cables are clear step up from the stock version with immediately noticeable increase in clarity. The stock cable sounds mushy and hazy compared to these.

I was curious to hear how much of an improvement the silver-plated cable is compared to the already nice copper upgrade cable.
In certain areas it is a clear improvement, but I am not sure if I like it better than the copper upgrade cable. The difference between the two Meze upgrade cables is smaller than the difference between the stock cable and the copper upgrade cable; but present.

The silver-plated cable sounds even clearer and more balanced. The extra clarity is most apparent in the treble region. This enhanced clarity contributes to the perception of a bigger space. The downside of the silver-plated cable is a slightly thinner sound which can be a little disappointing in the bass department depending on your amp/system. Nothing a little EQ couldn't solve though.
The copper upgrade cable is still a lot clearer than the stock one, but not as clear and airy as the silver-plated. The advantage of the copper upgrade cable over the silver-plated one is a slightly warmer sound with more bass quantity and impact, also a little sweeter and more forward vocals. Treble is not as crystal clear and detailed as it is on the silver-plated cable.

I can see now why Meze is offering two different upgrade cables. One is for ultimate clarity and details, while the other one is still clearer than the stock but maintains a bit more warmth and soul.

Anyone complaining about the Empyrean or the Elite that they are not detailed enough I would give them a silver-plated cable. It is a definite improvement even compared to the copper upgrade cable, although it comes at the price of a couple small compromises like a slightly thinner bass.

Early days, so I have to put more listening hours into the silver-plated cable, but I don't really want to keep both so eventually one of them will go.
I like the extra clarity of the silver-plated but also like the copper's warmth and bass body.

(Sorry guys, but I will never spend $1000+ on a cable, looking at the recommendations above. Or $3000+ on a single cable... That is straight out scary and outrageous! )

 

[ThanatosVI]

I have been using my Elite with the Meze copper upgrade cable for almost a year. I have recently acquired the Meze silver plated upgrade cable.

Both of these cables are clear step up from the stock version with immediately noticeable increase in clarity. The stock cable sounds mushy and hazy compared to these.

I was curious to hear how much of an improvement the silver-plated cable is compared to the already nice copper upgrade cable.
In certain areas it is a clear improvement, but I am not sure if I like it better than the copper upgrade cable. The difference between the two Meze upgrade cables is smaller than the difference between the stock cable and the copper upgrade cable; but present.

The silver-plated cable sounds even clearer and more balanced. The extra clarity is most apparent in the treble region. This enhanced clarity contributes to the perception of a bigger space. The downside of the silver-plated cable is a slightly thinner sound which can be a little disappointing in the bass department depending on your amp/system. Nothing a little EQ couldn't solve though.
The copper upgrade cable is still a lot clearer than the stock one, but not as clear and airy as the silver-plated. The advantage of the copper upgrade cable over the silver-plated one is a slightly warmer sound with more bass quantity and impact, also a little sweeter and more forward vocals. Treble is not as crystal clear and detailed as it is on the silver-plated cable.

I can see now why Meze is offering two different upgrade cables. One is for ultimate clarity and details, while the other one is still clearer than the stock but maintains a bit more warmth and soul.

Anyone complaining about the Empyrean or the Elite that they are not detailed enough I would give them a silver-plated cable. It is a definite improvement even compared to the copper upgrade cable, although it comes at the price of a couple small compromises like a slightly thinner bass.

Early days, so I have to put more listening hours into the silver-plated cable, but I don't really want to keep both so eventually one of them will go.
I like the extra clarity of the silver-plated but also like the copper's warmth and bass body.

(Sorry guys, but I will never spend $1000+ on a cable, looking at the recommendations above. Or $3000+ on a single cable... That is straight out scary and outrageous! )

The Meze cables are nice for the asking price. Imo the copper upgrade cable should become the Stock cable of Empyrean and Elite.

My Norne cables are still a clear step above and I luckily bought them years ago before the silver prices skyrocketed.
I'd be interested in a comparison between the entry level Norne cables and the Meze cables ... especially for impatient ones the Meze cables get a clear recommendation from me.

 

[turbofeet]

I have been using my Elite with the Meze copper upgrade cable for almost a year. I have recently acquired the Meze silver plated upgrade cable.

Both of these cables are clear step up from the stock version with immediately noticeable increase in clarity. The stock cable sounds mushy and hazy compared to these.

I was curious to hear how much of an improvement the silver-plated cable is compared to the already nice copper upgrade cable.
In certain areas it is a clear improvement, but I am not sure if I like it better than the copper upgrade cable. The difference between the two Meze upgrade cables is smaller than the difference between the stock cable and the copper upgrade cable; but present.

The silver-plated cable sounds even clearer and more balanced. The extra clarity is most apparent in the treble region. This enhanced clarity contributes to the perception of a bigger space. The downside of the silver-plated cable is a slightly thinner sound which can be a little disappointing in the bass department depending on your amp/system. Nothing a little EQ couldn't solve though.
The copper upgrade cable is still a lot clearer than the stock one, but not as clear and airy as the silver-plated. The advantage of the copper upgrade cable over the silver-plated one is a slightly warmer sound with more bass quantity and impact, also a little sweeter and more forward vocals. Treble is not as crystal clear and detailed as it is on the silver-plated cable.

I can see now why Meze is offering two different upgrade cables. One is for ultimate clarity and details, while the other one is still clearer than the stock but maintains a bit more warmth and soul.

Anyone complaining about the Empyrean or the Elite that they are not detailed enough I would give them a silver-plated cable. It is a definite improvement even compared to the copper upgrade cable, although it comes at the price of a couple small compromises like a slightly thinner bass.

Early days, so I have to put more listening hours into the silver-plated cable, but I don't really want to keep both so eventually one of them will go.
I like the extra clarity of the silver-plated but also like the copper's warmth and bass body.

(Sorry guys, but I will never spend $1000+ on a cable, looking at the recommendations above. Or $3000+ on a single cable... That is straight out scary and outrageous! )

The Lavricables Grand are on another level in terms of detail. I really like them but appreciate what you say here about the bass.
I EQ a bit in with that cable and it's very resolving but still soulful.

I use the silver plated copper Meze on the Empyrean and use that when I want to listen to some Drum & Bass or Hip-Hop and don't really care about the details.

 

[betula]

Imo the copper upgrade cable should become the Stock cable of Empyrean and Elite.

Agreed.

 

[betula]

The Lavricables Grand are on another level in terms of detail. I really like them but appreciate what you say here about the bass.
I EQ a bit in with that cable and it's very resolving but still soulful.

I use the silver plated copper Meze on the Empyrean and use that when I want to listen to some Drum & Bass or Hip-Hop and don't really care about the details.

I had a bad experience with Lavricables a few years ago so I will never buy from them again. (Broken connectors and arrogant customer service.)
I am sure they improved a lot as their business seems to go well but they lost me back then.

 

[turbofeet]

I had a bad experience with Lavricables a few years ago so I will never buy from them again. (Broken connectors and arrogant customer service.)
I am sure they improved a lot as their business seems to go well but they lost me back then.

Yes I remember you mentioning that. It's good information for people to know.

Hopefully mine will stay intact! Seems very well made.

 

[karlheinz147]

I don't think JPS makes a cable for the Elite.

You can use the SC cable with Elite, just get the corresponding affinity adapters.

 

[commtrd]

The Toxic pure silver cable that came with my Elite performs very nicely. I also have a Norne Silvergarde that I could try with it but have not got around to it. The Toxic cable works extremely well with these headphones, no complaints here. I have not tried the stock cable with it so no comparisons here. I will say these headphones will certainly rock when the amp is turned up. Although I do listen mostly to acoustic, tried out some older 80s and 90s rock I used to listen to a lot more, OMG these tempt me way too much to crank it up. MUST RESIST