[arielext]

Burn-in is absolutely necessary.
If someone is not a believer then better skip pure silver cables.

Thx! I already saved so much money using that state of mind.

 

[IXOYE]

The diaphragm crinkling noise that many have reported about, is that a big problem? and is it something that can be heard while listening to music?

 

[Neweymatt]

The diaphragm crinkle that many have reported about, is that a big problem? and is it something that can be heard while listening to music?

I've had my pair for over a year, never heard of this possible issue until now

 

[IXOYE]

I've had my pair for over a year, never heard of this possible issue until now

Good to hear, but before I spend 2999€ I want to know why so many people complain about this and if the problem occurs while listening to music, right now I feel that it is not a good idea to buy any expensive headphones, all regardless of price seem to have some problems.

 

[ColSaulTigh]

Good to hear, but before I spend 2999€ I want to know why so many people complain about this and if the problem occurs while listening to music, right now I feel that it is not a good idea to buy any expensive headphones, all regardless of price seem to have some problems.

I've never heard of any kind of issue with the Empyreans. Can you cite specific examples, please? I'd be interested in reading more.

 

[Klmahnn]

I’ve seen a few reports of this scattered around the web. It seems to be a thing with planars, hence the “planar crinkle” moniker.

I suspect that it has something to do with owners “mishandling” their headphones. You need to be quite gentle when putting them on/taking them off and avoid pressing the pads when they’re on your head or on a stand etc.

Things like hard clapping or door slamming in the same room are probably I’ll advised. I’ve even wondered if a nearby open window on a mildly windy day could pose a problem, as I watched my curtains being drawn towards and blown away from the window (sometimes quite aggressively).

 

[IXOYE]

Nice to hear that it's not a specific problem with the Empyrean in particular but something that belongs to planar magnetic headphones in general.

 

[Arcamera]

Just received my second pair of Empyreans. They sound beautiful. I love this headphone.

 

[IXOYE]

I will probably order Empyrean directly from Meze at the end of January.

 

[turbofeet]

I will probably order Empyrean directly from Meze at the end of January.

Just listening to mine on my SE180 (SEM4). A full silver cable really opens them up without losing that lovely soul. They respond well to tweaks just like the Elites.

 

[Jukka]

No problems with the Empyrean. I wish the Stellia had this build and comfort. Enjoying the Empyrean as my relaxing and comfort listening. Suede pads and silver cable are my sweet spot.

 

[turbofeet]

I also loved the Alcantara best but I have recently switched to the leather and haven't looked back for a while now. They are both different flavours. It's nice to have the choice.

Funny I found the Stellia ridiculously comfortable. They just had zero bass. Empyrean were so much better for my tastes.

 

[ThanatosVI]

I will probably order Empyrean directly from Meze at the end of January.

Excellent choice!

 

[arielext]

Looking back at 2022 I'd say that for me personally the Empyrean was my best audio purchase. It took the postal services a full month to get it from Austria to the Netherlands but it's forgiven by the sheer joy the Empyrean brings.
I swapped the pads out for elite pads and 'upgraded' the cable to the silver-plated meze cables. Pads make the difference
With the elite pads I get some more treble details and less of the mid-bass bump compared to the Empyrean pads.

 

[Jukka]

How do you perceive the Elite pads changing the sound? Enjoying the suede ones but always willing to try something else.