Meze EMPYREAN - the First Isodynamic Hybrid Array Headphone

[Hifiearspeakers]

Here’s a frequency response graph of the Empyrean.

 

[Rowethren]

15db peak at 3k... So basically the polar opposite of the LCD-4Z, surprised that no one has raised that as an issue.

 

[cskippy]

That's an uncompensated frequency response. Compare ti to RAW grey lines from Innerfidelity.

 

[Dobrescu George]

Here’s a frequency response graph of the Empyrean.

If that was the whole story, that would be a very specific tuning

15db peak at 3k... So basically the polar opposite of the LCD-4Z, surprised that no one has raised that as an issue.

That is how it looks, but I feel like this graph doesn't tell the whole story

That's an uncompensated frequency response. Compare ti to RAW grey lines from Innerfidelity.

I also think it is uncompensated.

 

[Hifiearspeakers]

That response reminds me of the AKG K702 frequency response, which I really love. The elevated upper mids is around 2K, which doesn’t sound sibilant to me like peaks at 6K or 8K. Also, it is a smooth curve, not a spike, and that combined with very low distortion should sound really good.

And I also agree it is probably uncompensated. Plus, no one who has heard these has ever described them as bright. Currawong called them “Mellow”.

 

[Rowethren]

I think you are right it must be uncompensated; if it wasn't I am sure that wouldn't sound like the impressions we have which make it sound like a super HE1k. Can't say I am an expert in graphs though to be honest.

 

[jinxy245]

Then there's the question of which version of the Empyrean is this?

 

[Rowethren]

I forgot about that, a very valid point!

 

[Pharmaboy]

That response reminds me of the AKG K702 frequency response, which I really love. The elevated upper mids is around 2K, which doesn’t sound sibilant to me like peaks at 6K or 8K. Also, it is a smooth curve, not a spike, and that combined with very low distortion should sound really good.

And I also agree it is probably uncompensated. Plus, no one who has heard these has ever described them as bright. Currawong called them “Mellow”.

"mellow" is certainly what I heard. in fact, the word that came to mind is "ravishing" (as in seductive and irresistable)

 

[Currawong]

Then there's the question of which version of the Empyrean is this?

And which pads. Because it was a meet situation, I didn't attempt to take notes on what I heard. I'm keen to give them a proper review though.

 

[Beagle]

Hopefully this summer. The date and the exact price are not yet agreed upon.

"Hopefully" never sounds very hopeful, does it

 

[XERO1]

Here are links to a couple write-ups about the Empyrean that were at Munich High-End 2018.

https://darko.audio/2018/05/playback-pioneers-2018-antonio-meze/

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/meze3/1.html

 

[Hifiearspeakers]

Here are links to a couple write-ups about the Empyrean that were at Munich High-End 2018.

https://darko.audio/2018/05/playback-pioneers-2018-antonio-meze/

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/meze3/1.html

Thanks for that! But at this point, I think everyone just wants a release date.

 

[XERO1]

According to the video interview in the Darko.audio link, the first batch should be coming out in June or July with a MSRP of €3500.

 

[Hifiearspeakers]

According to the video interview in the Darko.audio link, the first batch should be coming out in June-July with a MSRP of 3500 Euros.

According to the video interview in the Darko.audio link, the first batch should be coming out in June-July with a MSRP of 3500 Euros.

At the end of that Darko video, Antonio says he will release it in June. Man I hope that happens.