So, I've pitted these 2 headphones against each other. Both are priced within the same bracket and/or tier - one's a cult favorite (admittedly), and the other, the new kid on the (closed) block.
Let's see how they fare against each other.
Notes
- Both headphones were driven straight out of my Chord Hugo TT 2 (with Hugo M Scaler).
- I've used a combination of tracks, but they are mostly EDM (75% Dance Music, 25% Pop and Rock).
Bass
Of course, we have to start with the region of the frequency spectrum that I am most invested in, the lows. The AH-D9200 has a greater mid-bass punch that is rather palpable, in comparison to the LIRIC. There is certainly greater impact and slam. Sub-bass extension is, again, brilliant on the Denon - the sub-bass rumble reaches deep into the nether regions (I know, this sounds weird, bear with me).
On the other hand, the LIRIC has a cleaner bass profile. In fact, the lows are very well sculpted, with bands of bass pockets distinctly separate from each other. It fares better in this department than the Denon, IMO. Unlike the AH-D9200, the LIRIC has less bloom in the lower registers, resulting in a region that has slightly better definition.
Ultimately, the lows on the Denon have better texture and character, thanks to a greater bass shelf that invokes a sense of prominence and grandeur. Conversely, the LIRIC offers a well-cast low-end section that retains a decent touch of rumble and slam; it's just not as inviting as the Denon in this regard.
Midrange
The mids on the AH-D9200 are well balanced, with good representation throughout. Vocals and instruments are reproduced with a small degree of luscious and verdant authority. Moreover, the Denon flagship appears to add a touch of emotive expression to voices - they sound slightly fuller and richer.
The LIRIC's midrange, like its bass, is slightly cleaner and leaner. Its mids aren't as abundantly expressive as those on the AH-D9200, but it readily trades some of that sweet texture for slightly-better resolution, resulting in better-defined vocals and instruments.
It's very difficult to decide between these 2 headphones, to be honest. When I was going back-and-forth between my favorite Pop and Rock songs, some of them sounded better on the Denon, whilst others sounded better with the Meze. Curiously, I think the LIRIC does better with male vocals, whilst the AH-D9200 does slightly better on female ones; this preference is not set in stone, however.
With that being said, what's obvious, though, is how they vary in the way vocals are presented - the LIRIC is leaner with slightly better definition; the AH-D9200 is warmer, slightly thicker, and fuller.
Treble
The AH-D9200 is easily the brighter headphone of the 2. There is an air of prominence, energy, and air about its highs. If you want crisp and detailed treble, the AH-D9200 is the better choice; you'll hear a healthy blend of sparkle, grain, and extension. However, the Denon's highs are slightly hot and peaky at the worst of times - this may be an undesirable characteristic for those seeking a headphone that's free of sibilance or sharp highs.
In contrast, the LIRIC's higher registers are decidedly free of unwanted peaks. The treble is well controlled and represented, providing adequate sparkle and sizzle without dialing the treble intensity to 11. However, it is also less energetic and prominent in the overall sense. Thus, like the caveat that I've provided for the AH-D9200's treble, the converse holds true - if you are looking for a brighter headphone, the LIRIC may not be the right choice.
In summary, the Denon is brighter, and the LIRIC is..
less bright? It's an easy conclusion to reach, yes, but there are varying nuances that also separate the 2. The AH-D9200 has slightly better clarity overall, and has slightly better treble extension. The LIRIC has very good reach into the highest regions, too, but offers a modestly-muted presentation that results in a small loss in detail.
Technicalities
Both of these headphones are very good at resolving detail; clarity is certainly one of their fortes. Moreover, the Denon and the Meze passed the layering and instrument separation tests. It was a struggle to separate the 2 in the technical front.
However, if I had to differentiate between the 2, I'd say that the Meze is a tad better at resolving the finest bits of detail and nuances. The Denon usually comes undone during crowded passages, where it struggles to isolate myriad voices and instruments from each other. The LIRIC achieves this objective in a more facile manner.
Staging & Imaging
The Denon has a smaller stage in all dimensions; this was fairly obvious from the get-go. The LIRIC quashes its rival in this aspect, providing a noticeably wider and deeper stage.
Thankfully, the AH-D9200 redeems itself by providing excellent imaging; the LIRIC matches it in this department, though.
Comfort
There is no contest here. The AH-D9200 feels more cramped, has a stronger clamp, and comes with a headband that is less comfortable on my head than the LIRIC. Moreover, the pads are rather small for a full-sized headphone; they are quite comfortable on my ears, thankfully.
In comparison, the LIRIC feels lighter on my head, even though it isn't - 391g VS 375g. This is probably due to a combination of larger, plusher pads, a better weight-distribution design, and a headband system that is a lot more comfortable to use.
If you're listening to music for extended periods -
and I assume you should be, right? - the LIRIC is the definite choice, at least within the topic of comfort. In fact, I have yet to try a Meze headphone that fails to impress in this crucial aspect, but that is a topic for another day.
Final Thoughts
The LIRIC impressed me during my first audition, and has continued to delight ever since. Pitting it against the Denon was quite the treat; many of you know that I
love the AH-D9200 to bits. Thus, I approached this comparison with an open mind - I sought to discover if the LIRIC could dethrone the Denon from its spot.
Did it succeed? Well..
not exactly.
The LIRIC is certainly leaner in tone, with a slight edge in resolution, a cleaner and better-defined bass section, and a less-prominent treble section. Ergo, it doesn't sound very much alike the Denon at all. Thus, as a standalone headphone, it is a great choice for any audiophile seeking a closed-back solution for general use.
However, for the music that I listen to (EDM, mostly), the Denon still performs on a higher level. With that being said, as an all-rounder, the LIRIC is a brilliant option; in fact, if you prefer a headphone that is less boosted in the bass and the treble, the Meze will probably fit your tastes better.
In parting, whatever choice you make, you can't go wrong with either headphone, IMO.
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