MEZE AUDIO ELITE - The New Isodynamic Hybrid Array Headphone - official thread
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TheMiddleSky
Headphoneus Supremus
I wonder if the extra $1000 for the limited edition Meze Audio’s Epoque is just for the special paint job, or... if this limitd edition also has a special upgraded cable v/s the Elite ?
Yes
ThanatosVI
Headphoneus Supremus
The Epoque comes with the silver plated upgrade cable that you have to buy separately for the regular EliteI wonder if the extra $1000 for the limited edition Meze Audio’s Epoque is just for the special paint job, or... if this limitd edition also has a special upgraded cable v/s the Elite ?
And which is included with my Dark Mystery as well
My take on the new angled alcantara pads (and Elites overall):
Introduction:
I'm a single-headphone kinda guy, who's after one well balanced solution for all music types.
I've had the HEKse (upgraded from V2) for 2-3 years that fit the bill nicely - but I've been looking for a new all-rounder that is better built and doesn't have HEK's slight treble peaks. After comparing a number of TOTL headphones, I ended up with the Elites. I intended to sell the HEK, but haven't yet because it's still ahead of the Elites in certain areas.
Elites with Hybrid pads:
I prefer the hybrids to the og alcantaras because of better dynamics, sound stage, focus, image definition and bass impact.
However, the hybrids have some downsides: the sound stage can feel a bit "shut in", the mid-range a bit recessed, and the pads a touch too shallow such that the grill sometimes slightly touches my ear. That's compared to the og alcantaras. That recessed, shut-in presentation is more obviously shown up by the HEKse which are very open and airy (and wide). Note that I always use cross-feed for a more accurate 3D sound stage. YMMV a lot if you don't use CF.
Elites with angled Alcantara pads:
More linear than the hybrids, with tighter (better) bass, more prominent mid-range and treble to give a more open and airy presentation that approaches (but not quite reaches) the HEKse. To me this is a good thing, but Empyrean fans may consider this a step too far - becoming more like the TOTL headphone herd. I think system synergy has a lot to do with this. A few years back, I was always looking for ways to "warm up" the sound, but as my up-stream components improved, I now realise that neutrality and transparency is the key to overall musical engagement. Going back to the hybrids can still be a pleasant experience, particularly on brighter recordings, but for most recordings I feel it's a step down to that slightly recessed, shut-in presentation.
In short, the angled alcantaras are my favourite pads for the Elites. The end result Elite is still not quite perfect enough for me to completely stop looking out for my single end-game headphones, but I don't feel I'm being short changed in the meantime. If I was told I had to live with what I've currently got, I'd be very content with that.
Introduction:
I'm a single-headphone kinda guy, who's after one well balanced solution for all music types.
I've had the HEKse (upgraded from V2) for 2-3 years that fit the bill nicely - but I've been looking for a new all-rounder that is better built and doesn't have HEK's slight treble peaks. After comparing a number of TOTL headphones, I ended up with the Elites. I intended to sell the HEK, but haven't yet because it's still ahead of the Elites in certain areas.
Elites with Hybrid pads:
I prefer the hybrids to the og alcantaras because of better dynamics, sound stage, focus, image definition and bass impact.
However, the hybrids have some downsides: the sound stage can feel a bit "shut in", the mid-range a bit recessed, and the pads a touch too shallow such that the grill sometimes slightly touches my ear. That's compared to the og alcantaras. That recessed, shut-in presentation is more obviously shown up by the HEKse which are very open and airy (and wide). Note that I always use cross-feed for a more accurate 3D sound stage. YMMV a lot if you don't use CF.
Elites with angled Alcantara pads:
More linear than the hybrids, with tighter (better) bass, more prominent mid-range and treble to give a more open and airy presentation that approaches (but not quite reaches) the HEKse. To me this is a good thing, but Empyrean fans may consider this a step too far - becoming more like the TOTL headphone herd. I think system synergy has a lot to do with this. A few years back, I was always looking for ways to "warm up" the sound, but as my up-stream components improved, I now realise that neutrality and transparency is the key to overall musical engagement. Going back to the hybrids can still be a pleasant experience, particularly on brighter recordings, but for most recordings I feel it's a step down to that slightly recessed, shut-in presentation.
In short, the angled alcantaras are my favourite pads for the Elites. The end result Elite is still not quite perfect enough for me to completely stop looking out for my single end-game headphones, but I don't feel I'm being short changed in the meantime. If I was told I had to live with what I've currently got, I'd be very content with that.
I would look at the Stealth and Raal CA-1A (should get mine in a week or so). If the Raal don't top the Stealth, nothing will for me and I'll just wait for new flagships. Technically they are way ahead of the Elites, D8k Pro LE and Susvara for me. Decided to forego electrostatics as well, don't see a future in those for me.
ThanatosVI
Headphoneus Supremus
It's a great feeling to have found THE ONE.
Knowing that all potential competitors that could surpass it have yet to be released.
Still I'd love your opinion on the Corina...
I tried the RAAL CA-1a on their VM-1A at Axpona a week ago and I didn't care for them at all. I found them to be fatiguing. Also they look and feel cheap. Since I didn't like them on their flagship amp, I doubt whether I would like them on any other amp. I ended up buying the Elites at Axpona after hearing them directly after listening to the CA-1a. We all have different preferences so good luck with the CA-1a.
I ordered a pair of angled pads last week for my Elites. I should get them on Wednesday and after reading your post and a few others, I'm looking forward to trying them out.
Well the CA-1A seem to need the silver cable (more than most headphones because of the 0.1 ohm impedance) and the absolute sound convolution filters to sound their best apparently, so I'm going straight to that. I like the idea of a very capable driver that takes EQ well, can be tuned with multiple pads, and it seems comfortable enough.
I assume you listened to it without EQ?
No EQ AFAIK. The highs of the CA-1A definitely need to be tamed for my taste. I also would have liked more bass. I really appreciate how well the Elite was designed for sound, comfort and styling. The ease of changing pads is also a big plus.
The angled pads just arrived, 2 days early! I ordered from them from Woo Audio last Thursday. They weren't in stock but Mike told me that Meze will drop ship them and shouldn't be a long wait. He wasn't lying, incredibly fast and no shipping charge. Great service from Woo Audio and Meze! Now I'm going to try them out!
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jlbrach
Headphoneus Supremus
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I owned the stealth and now own the CA-1a and to me and just my personal opinion the CA-1a is revelatory....especially with the VM-1a which is admittedly expensive but even with the interface box it is truly outstanding..at 2500 dollars with the interface it is again in my personal opinion the best bargain available...to me as good as any option at any price
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One more thing about the pads:
Like most headphones, adjusting the Elite's pad position can subtly change the presentation, both for sound stage and perceived frequency curve.
Both the thicker alcantara pads ride slightly higher than the hybrid pads (for the same vertical setting), which tends to result in a slightly lighter and less spacious presentation (for me).
The og Alcantara pads could not be adjusted much because the opening was so small, but the angled ones can be adjusted almost as much as the hybrids.
I've found it particularly beneficial to try moving the top headband further forward than usual, whilst keeping the bottom of the pads under my earlobes - this "diagonal" approach also slightly lowers the overall height (for my head).
Everyone's head and ears are different, and randomly trying different positions may at first seem futile. But I've found I can eventually find a position that sounds a bit more satisfying than the original position. The Elite's lack of precise click height adjustment doesn't help in being able to set reference points, so the OCD in me has cut some different sized tiny "measurement sticks" to quickly get back to certain reference positions. It's fine if you can't be bothered with all that fuss, but I'd then ask why did you spend $4k on a set of headphones and then aren't prepared to get the best out of them?
Like most headphones, adjusting the Elite's pad position can subtly change the presentation, both for sound stage and perceived frequency curve.
Both the thicker alcantara pads ride slightly higher than the hybrid pads (for the same vertical setting), which tends to result in a slightly lighter and less spacious presentation (for me).
The og Alcantara pads could not be adjusted much because the opening was so small, but the angled ones can be adjusted almost as much as the hybrids.
I've found it particularly beneficial to try moving the top headband further forward than usual, whilst keeping the bottom of the pads under my earlobes - this "diagonal" approach also slightly lowers the overall height (for my head).
Everyone's head and ears are different, and randomly trying different positions may at first seem futile. But I've found I can eventually find a position that sounds a bit more satisfying than the original position. The Elite's lack of precise click height adjustment doesn't help in being able to set reference points, so the OCD in me has cut some different sized tiny "measurement sticks" to quickly get back to certain reference positions. It's fine if you can't be bothered with all that fuss, but I'd then ask why did you spend $4k on a set of headphones and then aren't prepared to get the best out of them?
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