When Romanian audio company Meze Audio launched its Empyrean headphones in 2018, they were among the most talked-about products in the audiophile world. And now there’s a sequel, the Empyrean II.
The original Empyrean headphones were a bit of a surprise, as Meze Audio had until then focused on more budget-friendly audio kits for the mid-range market. Since then, it has firmly entered the premium market with launches such as the Meze Audio Liric, which we rated as the best wired headphones for audiophiles.
At just under £3,000, the Empyrean headphones were almost ten times more expensive than the company’s second most expensive headphones, and were as much a passion project as a new product line. Built around Rinaro’s innovative Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver, which took thirty years to develop, the headphones delivered exceptionally low distortion and an absolutely massive frequency response from 4 to 110,000 Hz.
The reviews at the time were mostly positive. For example RTINGS.com praised their neutral sound, their wide, open and spacious sound image and their somewhat warm sound profile. But they also felt there was still room for improvement, and now, a few years later, that’s exactly what the Empyrean II promises to deliver.
What’s new in the Empyrean II headphones?
This time there’s an improved version of the Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver, designed to deliver an even more neutral signature. The company says the new driver “reveals new capabilities in responsiveness and accuracy.”
They’re beautiful things, precision milled with a redesigned aluminum grille, a black matte finish and silver accents. As before, they’re designed to minimize weight and pressure on your head, and there are now two sets of ear cushions. The first, the Duo EarPads, are a mix of leather and Alcantara with comfort as a top priority. The other included set, the Angled Alcantara earpads, are angled to “create more space in the earpad, which translates into a airier sound signature with cleaner bass and improved midrange presence.”
The new Empyrean II headphones are available for pre-order today at select retailers and mezeaudio.com. The recommended retail price is $2,999 / €2,999 / £2,749.