Meze EMPYREAN - the First Isodynamic Hybrid Array Headphone

[elisiX]

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.

Thank you for that insight.

I've got the RME currently and i've been considering a jump to TT2 so this is particularly helpful.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

I might be the minority here, but actually Empyrean with TT2 pairing sound too "sleepy" for me. Like, literally a sleepy sound because they make me feel want to sleep after 20-30 minutes of listening time.

I listen to headphone mostly at midnight time for few hours. While I always prefer something smooth and a bit at relax side, this combo is perhaps over smooth for me, and feel a little dull in character (not in detail!).

Add something in chain like Alo Studio Six or Auris HA2 SE or some energic SS amps would be my preference.

 

[nwavesailor]

I also have a TT2 paired with my Empy's and don't find the combo to sound 'sleepy'. I am not looking for more detail, clarity or energy from the Empy's. We all hear differently and prefer a particular sound.
Having said that, I tend to use my TT2 less as a SS amp and more in DAC mode feeding a ZMF Pendant (ampsandsound) tube amp.

I also listen late at night into the early AM hours and do find myself dozing off, but I think that it is just late AND this combo as well as the ZMF VO is relaxing...............maybe I prefer 'sleepy' ?

 

[yyzSB]

I also have a TT2 paired with my Empy's and don't find the combo to sound 'sleepy'. I am not looking for more detail, clarity or energy from the Empy's. We all hear differently and prefer a a particular sound.
Having said that, I tend to use my TT2 less as a SS amp and more in DAC mode feeding a ZMF Pendant (ampsandsound) tube amp.

I also listen late at night into the early AM hours and do find myself dozing off, but I think that it is just late AND this combo as well as the ZMF VO is relaxing...............maybe I prefer 'sleepy' ?

I doze off with my Empy almost every night in bed. I usually wake up a few hours later and take the headphones off. So far lucky to not have busted the headphones with any sudden moments. I use a Bryston BHA-1 in this scenario and it is not what I would call smooth. It is an exciting sound.

 

[ThanatosVI]

I doze off with my Empy almost every night in bed. I usually wake up a few hours later and take the headphones off. So far lucky to not have busted the headphones with any sudden moments. I use a Bryston BHA-1 in this scenario and it is not what I would call smooth. It is an exciting sound.

Yet another Bryston + Empyrean fan.
I might get one myself after the primaluna and wavelight.

 

[Dan Fuentes]

Hello Phonitor X or GSX Mini?

 

[yyzSB]

Yet another Bryston + Empyrean fan.
I might get one myself after the primaluna and wavelight.

I put my BHA-1 up for sale last night. It has the mod for the 2 channel XLR gain reduction done (by Bryston).

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649649905-bryston-bha-1-headphone-amppreamp-silver-19-faceplate/

 

[naynay]

I switched DACs about a week ago. I went from the Chord Qutest to the Topping D90 MQA. I highly recommend the d90 with the Empyreans. The level of detail I get to experience is a solid step above what the Qutest offered and it feels like a whole new set of headphones.

Surely your choice of going from Qutest to D90 is a step back I can not personally comment as I have only heard the Qutest which sounded great.

 

[LCMusicLover]

Surely your choice of going from Qutest to D90 is a step back ...

... I can not personally comment ...

Wait! What?!?

 

[AnimalOnDrums]

My Empys arrived on Friday and they are absolutely fantastic. I am usually the guy that goes with all black, but I fell in love with the look of the copper grill on the back of the cups before I even knew what these were. With the "suede" ear pads they rival my LCD-3 as my favorite headphone. I have been enjoying them right out of the box with no "break in" time or EQ, so they obviously match my preferred sound almost perfectly. I have been using them on my Benchmark DAC3L & HPA4 setup and my SPL Phonitor XE with DAC768 and think they are both excellent matches for these headphones. I got the stock balanced cable and have no complaints, so I am unsure if I will be upgrading to one of their more premium cables. $500 is a lot for a cable and I am still unsure if I think they make any, or enough of, a difference over a decent stock cable. I was nervous to buy these because of their cost and the fact that they are a first generation, but this thread helped put my mind at easy about pulling the trigger. Thanks for that!

 

[Bompah]

My Empys arrived on Friday and they are absolutely fantastic. I am usually the guy that goes with all black, but I fell in love with the look of the copper grill on the back of the cups before I even knew what these were. With the "suede" ear pads they rival my LCD-3 as my favorite headphone. I have been enjoying them right out of the box with no "break in" time or EQ, so they obviously match my preferred sound almost perfectly. I have been using them on my Benchmark DAC3L & HPA4 setup and my SPL Phonitor XE with DAC768 and think they are both excellent matches for these headphones. I got the stock balanced cable and have no complaints, so I am unsure if I will be upgrading to one of their more premium cables. $500 is a lot for a cable and I am still unsure if I think they make any, or enough of, a difference over a decent stock cable. I was nervous to buy these because of their cost and the fact that they are a first generation, but this thread helped put my mind at easy about pulling the trigger. Thanks for that!

Welcome to the owners club, glad to hear you’re enjoying them! You can look forward to many hours of happy listening!

 

[Arcayne]

I've owned an Empyrean for around 6 months by now, loved it from the moment I first auditioned it and my appreciation for it has only grown since then. It has been quite the challenge to find the right DAC and amp for it, but after auditioning a lot of different source gear I eventually settled with a Schiit Bifrost 2 and a Feliks Audio Euforia Mk2 (Gold) which I have owned for around 6 weeks by now.

The Euforia is exceptional, as it is the only OTL tube amp I've come across that gives the Empyrean all the potential benefits of tubes, but without compromises. It's not a warm sounding amp, but rather a slightly bright-leaning and highly dynamic sounding amp. It addresses 2 of what I find to be the Empyrean's weakest spots; Air and dynamics. The result is a much more lively and engaging sounding Empyrean with a more expansive soundstage and a liquid smooth timbre. I can highly recommend anyone looking for the right amp for their Empyreans to give the Euforia a closer look!

 

[elisiX]

Glad to hear that. I tried my Empyrean on my WA2 and it wasn't such a great match.

HD800S on the WA2 however, incredibly well paired.

Glad to hear your enjoying the Empyrean. I'm finding they pair well with my RME/V281 stack.

 

[HarveyKrisz]

Anyone had the chance to compare the Emmys with the Focal Clear? I have the Clears now but very tempted to buy one.

 

[ThanatosVI]

Anyone had the chance to compare the Emmys with the Focal Clear? I have the Clears now but very tempted to buy one.

They are completely different in sound signature and imo the clear don't even come close
Empyrean is a way better headphone.