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

[Solasuke]

Hi all! I recently picked up a pair of elites and can happily say they are the headphones I have been dreaming of for years! So happy for so many reasons.

I’m finding myself wanting to wear them as I move throughout the house and so I’m looking into finally picking up what would be my first DAP. Do folks have experience and would you be willing to share?

Specifically my needs are for streaming through Tidal most of the time on Wi-Fi, occasionally listening to downloaded files from streaming services, obviously enough power to drive the elites and potentially noir X if I pick that up too, enough portability that I can throw it in a loose pant pocket. I’m always extremely interested in the most Bang for Buck.

Any suggestions?

Size can be an issue, but I very much enjoy my Hugo 2 + 2 Go (with a good upgrade cable) for this. Using it in conjunction with Roon or with local playback from a MicroSD Card.

 

[Newsee]

Hi all! I recently picked up a pair of elites and can happily say they are the headphones I have been dreaming of for years! So happy for so many reasons.

I’m finding myself wanting to wear them as I move throughout the house and so I’m looking into finally picking up what would be my first DAP. Do folks have experience and would you be willing to share?

Specifically my needs are for streaming through Tidal most of the time on Wi-Fi, occasionally listening to downloaded files from streaming services, obviously enough power to drive the elites and potentially noir X if I pick that up too, enough portability that I can throw it in a loose pant pocket. I’m always extremely interested in the most Bang for Buck.

Any suggestions?

I love Elite on Cayin N30LE and Hiby RS8. Both pulls the pocket quite heavily (literally as well).
Hiby R8ii is also almost there and lighter on pocket.
No problem with WiFi and streaming services.
I move with them throughout the house.
RS8 has become Roon certified recently.

 

[Daniel4IEM]

Size can be an issue, but I very much enjoy my Hugo 2 + 2 Go (with a good upgrade cable) for this. Using it in conjunction with Roon or with local playback from a MicroSD Card.

I love Elite on Cayin N30LE and Hiby RS8. Both pulls the pocket quite heavily (literally as well).
Hiby R8ii is also almost there and lighter on pocket.
No problem with WiFi and streaming services.
I move with them throughout the house.
RS8 has become Roon certified recently.

Thank you so much for the advice !

These sounds like true TOTL options… but both out of my (current) price range. I was thinking under $1k but maybe it’s worth postponing until I can afford / justify more (like 6-12 months after this recent spending spree that included acquiring Elite and more has passed).

As an alternative, I’m considering streaming from my phone and using a top of the line dongle dac/amp. I’m OK losing the convenience value of a single device (as opposed to two tethered devices) so long as I can still realize the same sound quality.

My sense is something like the ibasso DC07 pro would do well. Thoughts on the comparative sound quality?

 

[aoaaron]

Hi what discount can you usually expect from dealers when buying meze elite?

 

[NJoyzAudio]

Hi what discount can you usually expect from dealers when buying meze elite?

IF there is not a sitewide sale going on at the store your shopping at usually none
Meze still has this as their flagship and stores that have it are generally not looking to discount.
I was lucky enough to use a CanJam special discount code with a major reseller when I got mine several years ago, and I see from that same seller their MRSP today is the same as when I purchased.

Not to say you wont find someone who is willing to discount, but I think it will be far and few between
You might have better luck working with some in the classifieds here on Head-Fi

 

[Badsquirrel]

Thank you so much for the advice !

These sounds like true TOTL options… but both out of my (current) price range. I was thinking under $1k but maybe it’s worth postponing until I can afford / justify more (like 6-12 months after this recent spending spree that included acquiring Elite and more has passed).

As an alternative, I’m considering streaming from my phone and using a top of the line dongle dac/amp. I’m OK losing the convenience value of a single device (as opposed to two tethered devices) so long as I can still realize the same sound quality.

My sense is something like the ibasso DC07 pro would do well. Thoughts on the comparative sound quality?

I use the Elite with the Astell & Kern SP1000M Gold. Sounds great! But the SP1000M is an expensive option also. I haven't listened to any other DAPs so I can't help there. But I did want to mention that the Elite is super easy to drive - almost any DAP or dongle DAC will have enough power to drive it well. Hope this helps!

 

[Daniel4IEM]

I just received DX180 and will let you all know! Ideally would compare against something much more powerful like DX340…

 

[Badsquirrel]

I just received DX180 and will let you all know! Ideally would compare against something much more powerful like DX340…

Great choice I bet, I’ve been eyeing that one. I bet you’ll love it. I’ll be interested to hear what you think!

 

[Daniel4IEM]

Great choice I bet, I’ve been eyeing that one. I bet you’ll love it. I’ll be interested to hear what you think!

Listened for about 30 minutes yesterday and it definitely sounds good- plenty of power, indeed! using an unbalanced cable I never wanted volume higher than ~45/100. I didn't get a chance to AB vs. my desktop (Audio-gd R27RE) setup but I certainly did not feel like the sound was majorly lacking in dynamics, detail, slam. Still want to compare with DX340 though...

 

[Badsquirrel]

Listened for about 30 minutes yesterday and it definitely sounds good- plenty of power, indeed! using an unbalanced cable I never wanted volume higher than ~45/100. I didn't get a chance to AB vs. my desktop (Audio-gd R27RE) setup but I certainly did not feel like the sound was majorly lacking in dynamics, detail, slam. Still want to compare with DX340 though...

Nice! Yes I've always felt that one of the big plusses of the Elite is that they are so easy to drive. You can use them with almost anything it seems.

 

[shaunbr15]

Which cable pairs best with the elite… the Meze copper or Meze silver plated copper official cables?

 

[Lambiek]

Which cable pairs best with the elite… the Meze copper or Meze silver plated copper official cables?

It's very subjective. There's a lot been said about it in this thread.
For my ears the silver is detailed but too bright. I prefer the copper, less detailed but with a better tone colour.

 

[Toonartist]

It’s one of those questions answered by a… It depends. As in preference and system. If your system is already leaning to the bright side of neutral then the copper maybe better. If it’s slightly warmer then the silver may do it for you.

I’ve used Meze Silver cable (copper silver plated) and Lavricable Grand pure silver. My preference is the Lavricable Grand.

 

[ckhirnigs113]

I use a ZMF Verite (silver/copper hybrid) cable with my Elite, but I think the consensus has generally been a preference for the silver upgrade cable from Meze with the Elite. I'm sure there will be those who prefer the copper cable though. If looks matter at all to you, the silver cable is a perfect match with the aluminum Elite.

 

[shaunbr15]

I use a ZMF Verite (silver/copper hybrid) cable with my Elite, but I think the consensus has generally been a preference for the silver upgrade cable from Meze with the Elite. I'm sure there will be those who prefer the copper cable though. If looks matter at all to you, the silver cable is a perfect match with the aluminum Elite.

Awesome. Thanks! I went with the Meze silver for detail and clarity upgrade (from searching this thread)