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

[TheMiddleSky]

If anyone is curious I did try the new Empy 2 duo pads on the Elites at Canjam today, honestly I didn't hear much difference compared to the hybrids but they definitely had more bass presence compared to the angled Alcantara. It was pretty crowded around the Meze booth so I could not properly critically listen. I liked them mainly for ergonomics, the thicker duo pads fit my smaller head better. I also compared the Elites to the new Empy 2 and I'm slightly leaning towards the Elites now but I'm just worried that as soon as I get them there will be an Elite 2 which will complicate matters further

Based on current data, I think they may release Elite 2 at 2026.

Nothing stop them to release a newer flagship that cost more than Elite sooner than 2026 though, but I doubt that.

 

[bunnygal23]

If you get a chance, try the Angled Alcantara pads on all three. I know on my Elite it makes a noticeable difference and they are my preferred pads. Supposedly it makes an even larger difference on the OG Empy. Not sure how different they will be on the Empy 2 vs the new Duo pads.

Definitely interested in how the Duo pads sound on the Elite as well, so I’m looking forward to you trying that as well.

I kind of touched on this in an earlier post but I spent a very brief time pad rolling and the noisy show floor also didn’t help with critical listening. All I remember is hearing less bass from the AA pads and a more "airy" presentation. The Duo pads sounded similar to the Hybrids on the Elites to me, comfort was way better since the thicker pads fit my head better. I did chat with a few of the Meze reps and they did mention they have plans to sell the Empy 2 Duo pads individually because a lot of people were asking about them so that tells me people liked them with the Elites and Empy OG's! Hopefully more people get to try them so we get a better idea.

I am also kicking myself now for not spending more time there and also not plugging in the Elites to the Vio V222 that was sitting right across it, it's my current amp and I am miffed for not at least checking for synergy, if anyone has any experience with the Elites on Vio amps pls lmk if they work well together!

 

[ckhirnigs113]

Yeah, I imagine pad differences would be really hard to zero in on with open-back headphones in a noisy environment. I appreciate the info nonetheless! I'll definitely keep my eye out for the release of the Duo pads from Meze. I'm sure we'll have some info pretty soon from the Elite/OG Empy owners who ordered an Empy 2 once they get a chance to try out the Duo pads at home on the other two headphones.

 

[ThanatosVI]

Based on current data, I think they may release Elite 2 at 2026.

Nothing stop them to release a newer flagship that cost more than Elite sooner than 2026 though, but I doubt that.

Maybe they also release a dynamic driver flagship in between.

Or am electrostat, who knows

 

[krude]

Ok, got some more refined impressions of the Elites after some more days with all 3 pads. For my specific taste and stack I like the OG Alcantara best.

TL;DR it's a really great headphone and I think I'll keep it long term : )

vs Utopia :
Utopia has the same resolution from a SS amp, but to me it needs to be ran off tubes ... but on tubes it trades resolution for amazing dynamics and slam. Running from tubes Elites are a way more technically proficient headphone. I would say that they are literally a smidge behind Susvara and TC but make it up with tuning and timbre.

vs TC :
I would place them in the same tier, TC has amazing technicalities and slam, but Elites takes timbre and midrange. They trade blows rather equally for me.

Today I got back to exploring Ne Obliviscaris, and Elites are a great vehicle for that. They keep up with layering of those extremely packed and nuanced mixes while still delivering great timbre, texture, drums sound excellent with great body and resonance ... generally it all sounds excellent. That is exactly why I wanted to get this set : ) I remember Empy giving me the same type of sound (Elites with OG Alcantara) but missing last 10% of detail, which Elites serve.

And then changing pads really affects the sound.

And the build is just fantastic. Even as an art piece it's worth it : )

Ok enough gushing, great headphone. My first experiences were a bit hit and miss, but I'm discovering their strenghst and loving the sound.

I would risk saying that Elites are my Susvara ... <<BLASPHEMY!! they shout taking pitchforks xD>> ... but it's true ... Elites give me more less what I wanted from Susvara : )

 

[ThanatosVI]

I would risk saying that Elites are my Susvara ... <<BLASPHEMY!! they shout taking pitchforks xD>> ... but it's true ... Elites give me more less what I wanted from Susvara : )

For me the Elites are better than Susvara

 

[up late]

i liked the elite but it's no susvara - not to my ears anyway

 

[FooFighter]

I completely understand where @krude is coming from having had Susvara and TC and Solitaire P which I all consider as technical superior in one or another way and still what is left in my possession is Elite but I think it's highly personal what people are valuing higher.

 

[up late]

the elite is a lovely sounding headphone with superb build quality and comfort. i can appreciate why folks are enamored with it.

 

[ckhirnigs113]

I think it’s been said a million times, but once headphones get to a certain level of technical ability, it really is just a matter of preferences. For some, including myself, the Elite has the best balance of sound, comfort and build quality. For others, another headphone strikes the best balance. This is perfectly fine.

There will never be a definitive “best” headphone because everyone has a different opinion on the combination of attributes that makes a particular headphone best for them.

 

[BassicScience]

the elite is a lovely sounding headphone with superb build quality and comfort. i can appreciate why folks are enamored with it.

To my ears, the Elite has the most similar tuning to the Susvara of any planar. I remember hearing it for the first time at a CanJam and being wowed to the point that I arranged an overnight loaner to take up to my hotel room. After an hour or two of A/B'ing with the Susvara, the differences were quite clear. Elite wasn't quite as resolving and had a midbass hump that *I* got tired of rather quickly. Still, it's a headphone with a lot going for it and, as you say, I completely understand why a lot of people love it, especially factoring in its superb ergonomics and higher sensitivity.

 

[ckhirnigs113]

To my ears, the Elite has the most similar tuning to the Susvara of any planar. I remember hearing it for the first time at a CanJam and being wowed to the point that I arranged an overnight loaner to take up to my hotel room. After an hour or two of A/B'ing with the Susvara, the differences were quite clear. Elite wasn't quite as resolving and had a midbass hump that *I* got tired of rather quickly. Still, it's a headphone with a lot going for it and, as you say, I completely understand why a lot of people love it, especially factoring in its superb ergonomics and higher sensitivity.

The Angled Alcantara pads pretty much “fix” the mid-bass hump, so it might be worth re-visiting the Elite if this was your main complaint.

 

[krude]

I completely understand where @krude is coming from having had Susvara and TC and Solitaire P which I all consider as technical superior in one or another way and still what is left in my possession is Elite but I think it's highly personal what people are valuing higher.

Yeah especially with the ever expanding choice of pads Elites are the best generalist imo.

I love the midbass hump (that's why I like the OG Alcantara with its slightly wonky non-reference tuning) ... it gives instrument (drums!) that awesome full body resonance.

With the 3 pads it's almost like having 3 headphones in one. Will have to try the new Duo : )

 

[Sunset1982]

I have the Elites for over a year now and I enjoyed every second with them. I almost feel bad that I use them as my daily driver for videogames together with my RME ADI-2. For gaming I use the Hybrid Pads because of the rumbleing bass with the nice bass airpressure with explosions.

I am excited to see some reviews/experiences for the new pads soon!

 

[ThanatosVI]

I have the Elites for over a year now and I enjoyed every second with them. I almost feel bad that I use them as my daily driver for videogames together with my RME ADI-2. For gaming I use the Hybrid Pads because of the rumbleing bass with the nice bass airpressure with explosions.

I am excited to see some reviews/experiences for the new pads soon!

Why would you feel bad about using them for Video games?
It's not like they are tubes that wear out.

You paid quite some money for the Elite, isn't it nice that they give you your moneys worth not only for music but also for Video games?