Meze EMPYREAN - the First Isodynamic Hybrid Array Headphone

Aug 26, 2020 at 3:46 AM Post #7,607 of 13,252
I am using a copper+silver fusion cable (Norne Skraug), and find it to be an excellent pairing
 
Aug 26, 2020 at 8:38 AM Post #7,609 of 13,252
Maybe this is the wrong thread, but lately I've seen lots of Empy's for sale, and often it's from first or even second owners that have held on to them for just a few weeks or months. Is that indicative of anything?

It’s an indication that people are influenced by reviews, which were lately not kind to the Empy. They are not as clear in sound as other flagships, but instead focus on fun and pleasure. Let them fiddle around with their raal or adjust their hedd, I meanwhile put on my Empy and listen, lol.
 
Aug 26, 2020 at 10:53 AM Post #7,610 of 13,252
Silver-plated super OCC copper + ultra-pure OCC copper + silver-plated copper
Resistance reduction technology
Empyrean's different styles of adjustment are very flexible
Three tunings

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Aug 26, 2020 at 1:37 PM Post #7,611 of 13,252
I don't like my Abyss TC's out of the TT2 single ended outputs. They sound underpowered. The Empyrean's on the other hand sounded great. Notes had plenty of weight to them and everything was in musically.
Just curious, how the RME-ADI2 sounds compared to TT2?
 
Aug 26, 2020 at 1:43 PM Post #7,612 of 13,252
It’s an indication that people are influenced by reviews, which were lately not kind to the Empy. They are not as clear in sound as other flagships, but instead focus on fun and pleasure. Let them fiddle around with their raal or adjust their hedd, I meanwhile put on my Empy and listen, lol.
I will not say that better. I am listening for loving music, for emotions. Not for finding details (Empyreans is not missing them, it is just not ear piercing tool) or analyzing dynamic range of the song. For me, it is only about one question. Do I enjoy the listening? It is yes or no. And with Empyrean, it is fokin yes!
 
Aug 26, 2020 at 1:44 PM Post #7,613 of 13,252
I will not say that better. I am listening for loving music, for emotions. Not for finding details (Empyreans is not missing them, it is just not ear piercing tool) or analyzing dynamic range of the song. For me, it is only about one question. Do I enjoy the listening? It is yes or no. And with Empyrean, it is fokin yes!

I only sold them to try other planars, I still love the Empyrean and will probably get them again.
 
Aug 26, 2020 at 1:55 PM Post #7,614 of 13,252
I only sold them to try other planars, I still love the Empyrean and will probably get them again.

A bit unrelated, but how is the ZMF experience? Everybody seems to love them, especially the VC, which seems sometimes a bid unreal to me. Just asking because I might have let go of my empy but only because I really do need a closed headphone in my environment.
 
Aug 26, 2020 at 1:59 PM Post #7,615 of 13,252
A bit unrelated, but how is the ZMF experience? Everybody seems to love them, especially the VC, which seems sometimes a bid unreal to me. Just asking because I might have let go of my empy but only because I really do need a closed headphone in my environment.

I personally love the natural timbre and vocals on ZMF, it's a very pleasing sound to me. I only chose the Stellia as my closed back as I already have 2 other ZMF and wanted something different for that. Doubt you'd be disappointed in the VC, especially if you like the Empy.
 
Aug 26, 2020 at 2:12 PM Post #7,616 of 13,252
Spending a (romantic) night with Empy today. Pair it with 8 braid Ares 2+ from effect audio.

Warm (of course), lush, sweet and relax are the main keywords. Bass is tighter, more agile, and seems deeper than original cable. Vocal has beautiful presence, with silky smooth treble. The upper mid / lower treble "bite" still there, that may sound a little sharp for certain recording, but butter smooth for most of them.

I always think Empyrean has more unique signature than kind of Audeze/Abyss/ZMF sound, that we need more of brain burn in to enjoy the Empy character, especially if we used to listen something closer to neutral character.

Throwing a picture:

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Aug 26, 2020 at 2:32 PM Post #7,618 of 13,252
I personally love the natural timbre and vocals on ZMF, it's a very pleasing sound to me. I only chose the Stellia as my closed back as I already have 2 other ZMF and wanted something different for that. Doubt you'd be disappointed in the VC, especially if you like the Empy.

But of course there are many reasons to hold on my to my Empy - style (I like industrial design more than rustic wood), comfort and of course easiness to drive. Ah, decisions, decisions :)
 
Aug 26, 2020 at 3:59 PM Post #7,619 of 13,252
Just curious, how the RME-ADI2 sounds compared to TT2?
Let me start off by saying, that both have no problem driving the Empyrean’s. The TT2 is one of the best sources for the Empyrean’s. The RME is a gateway to the ultimate source but is just as enjoyable. To me, the RME holds its own against the TT2. The RME gets edged out in the end as it‘s not as refined sounding as the TT2. The TT2 sounds so natural in timbre and tone. Notes have more weight to them and the sound is expansive. The RME sounds a little etched in comparison and closed in. It also can’t match the TT2’s detail retrieval and resolution.

The onboard features of the RME does help it come close in performance to the TT2. The PEQ really comes in handy, but unfortunately is also really needed in most cases to get the RME to sound its best. I really like the SE output of RME. It has more than enough power to drive all of my headphones except for my Susvara’s and TC’s. It’s also an excellent preamp.

They serve two different purposes in my system and I’m glad I own both. The TT2 is a reference component and the RME is a great alternative that is hard to fault. It’s only when you compare it to more expensive components that you do hear some of it’s short comings.
 
Aug 26, 2020 at 8:23 PM Post #7,620 of 13,252
But of course there are many reasons to hold on my to my Empy - style (I like industrial design more than rustic wood), comfort and of course easiness to drive. Ah, decisions, decisions :)

Don't do it unless you need to.

Stellia over VC anyway :)
 

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