[Ichos]

I somehow ask myself why they didn't also create Alcantara pads in the size of the new hybrids

Because they don't like the frequency response effect.

 

[No KNOTsense]

IMO the leather Empyrean pads are essential with the Elite. Ergonomically speaking, I dislike everything Meze changed with the hybrid pads. The decreased clamping force and enlarged hole size cause the Elite to slip around whenever I move and my ears touch the inside grill no matter how I position the headphones. The alcantara pads remedy all of the comfort issues but roll off the sub bass which makes them useless to me. The leather Empyrean pads combine the best of both pad types without the flaws of either. If the all leather pads weren't an option I would probably have returned the Elite. With them installed, the Elite is my favorite headphones.

 

[ThanatosVI]

IMO the leather Empyrean pads are essential with the Elite. Ergonomically speaking, I dislike everything Meze changed with the hybrid pads. The decreased clamping force and enlarged hole size cause the Elite to slip around whenever I move and my ears touch the inside grill no matter how I position the headphones. The alcantara pads remedy all of the comfort issues but roll off the sub bass which makes them useless to me. The leather Empyrean pads combine the best of both pad types without the flaws of either. If the all leather pads weren't an option I would probably have returned the Elite. With them installed, the Elite is my favorite headphones.

Nice to have the option
I preferred the hybrid pads but I can understand your position

 

[llamaluv]

IMO the leather Empyrean pads are essential with the Elite. Ergonomically speaking, I dislike everything Meze changed with the hybrid pads. The decreased clamping force and enlarged hole size cause the Elite to slip around whenever I move and my ears touch the inside grill no matter how I position the headphones. The alcantara pads remedy all of the comfort issues but roll off the sub bass which makes them useless to me. The leather Empyrean pads combine the best of both pad types without the flaws of either. If the all leather pads weren't an option I would probably have returned the Elite. With them installed, the Elite is my favorite headphones.

Nice to have the option
I preferred the hybrid pads but I can understand your position

Would you mind describing the sound of the Empyrean leather pads on the Elite?

I borrowed the Elite for a few days and liked them a lot using the hybrid pads, but wouldn't mind a little less in the upper-mids...

 

[No KNOTsense]

Would you mind describing the sound of the Empyrean leather pads on the Elite?

I borrowed the Elite for a few days and liked them a lot using the hybrid pads, but wouldn't mind a little less in the upper-mids...

Resolve took some measurements with the hybrid vs full leather pads.
https://forum.headphones.com/t/meze...open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones/14284/34

 

[dfiled]

Resolve took some measurements with the hybrid vs full leather pads.
https://forum.headphones.com/t/meze...open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones/14284/34

The frequency response seems almost identical. For those that find the hybrid pads too thin, seems like there’s little downside to trying the empyrean pads.

 

[klaus2325]

IMO the leather Empyrean pads are essential with the Elite. Ergonomically speaking, I dislike everything Meze changed with the hybrid pads. The decreased clamping force and enlarged hole size cause the Elite to slip around whenever I move and my ears touch the inside grill no matter how I position the headphones. The alcantara pads remedy all of the comfort issues but roll off the sub bass which makes them useless to me. The leather Empyrean pads combine the best of both pad types without the flaws of either. If the all leather pads weren't an option I would probably have returned the Elite. With them installed, the Elite is my favorite headphones.

100% my opinion and experience. Couldn‘t agree more

 

[xenithon]

Hey all. New owner here. Wanted to ask if anyone has tried the Meze PCUHD cables with the Elite; and if so if you had a preference for the copper or silver?

Or do you have any other recommendations for aftermarket cables for the Elite?

 

[slainte]

Hey all. New owner here. Wanted to ask if anyone has tried the Meze PCUHD cables with the Elite; and if so if you had a preference for the copper or silver?

Or do you have any other recommendations for aftermarket cables for the Elite?

I have both and prefer the silver. Either would be an upgrade to the stock cables.

I understand they can turn more bills by selling them separately, but it would've been a solid gesture for what's considered their flagship model.

 

[Ichos]

I have the copper and haven't bothered anymore.

 

[oniel459]

I have both and prefer the silver. Either would be an upgrade to the stock cables.

I understand they can turn more bills by selling them separately, but it would've been a solid gesture for what's considered their flagship model.

Do you feel both upgrade cables improve the same ways over the stock cable, or would you feel the copper and silvers are meant for different things?

 

[slainte]

Do you feel both upgrade cables improve the same ways over the stock cable, or would you feel the copper and silvers are meant for different things?

Felt like they sounded better when I originally compared. Been some time since. Guess I should do so again. Bear in mind, I already had the copper set purchased for my OG Empyreans. So part of the desire to purchase the silver was to keep 'em both cabled at any given time.

I remember the Elites sounding fine with the copper. So much better than the stock. Outside of the sound, just the flexibility they offer in comparison was worth it to me.

The impression had with the silver was a slight improvement.

Not that it should matter, the Elite looks better cabled in silver, IMO.

I know some people speak highly of Toxic Cables. I have no experience with 'em.

Perhaps someone else can chime in with some additional recommendations.

 

[turbofeet]

Note the silver is actually also copper, just silver plated copper.

I have both for the original Empyrean and I would say the fully copper is an improvement over the stock and the silver plated even more so.

Neither add any brightness either just extra clarity and detail. Everything is improved imho. It's quite clear to my ears.

I don't have the Elites (yet) to try them on those so I can only assume a similar level of improvement.

They are both beautifully made as well.

I would 100% recommend doing it. I think you would be happy with either cable

As Currawong mentioned in his review I would have to agree that they should ship the Elites with an upgrade cable.

 

[ThanatosVI]

Hey all. New owner here. Wanted to ask if anyone has tried the Meze PCUHD cables with the Elite; and if so if you had a preference for the copper or silver?

Or do you have any other recommendations for aftermarket cables for the Elite?

I had the silver plated Meze cable which is nice but not as nice as the flagship offerings from Norne Audio.

 

[Hifikatt]

Hey all. New owner here. Wanted to ask if anyone has tried the Meze PCUHD cables with the Elite; and if so if you had a preference for the copper or silver?

Or do you have any other recommendations for aftermarket cables for the El Rose Silver