The Meze Elite is, as the name suggests, the new flagship model from Meze. This open-back over-ear planar-magnetic headphone features all the technical advancements that the Romanian manufacturer has developed over the past three decades. The result is a headphone with a magical soundstage, delightful warm tonal balance, and remarkably lifelike timbre. Despite performing very well with most audio sources, it delivers top-notch performance when used with a high-quality headphone amplifier.
The components of this headphone are precision-manufactured with CNC and undergo thorough inspection for each unit before being entirely assembled by hand. The design of the headband structure of the Meze Elite is not only visually appealing but also significantly contributes to the high level of comfort during prolonged use. Thanks to the use of carbon fiber with optimal pressure distribution and the smooth, head-conforming leather of the headband, this lightweight headphone fits like a glove.
Isodynamic Hybrid Array
The planar-magnetic driver of the Elite is equipped with an ultra-light Rinaro Parus Membrane. Thanks in part to the high speed of this ultra-thin membrane and the powerful magnets, this headphone plays with ultra-high resolution, faithfully reproducing even the smallest nuances and important transients in the music. The Magnetic Field Shielding technology protects the listener's head up to 95% better against magnetism.
Love for Music
Thanks to the shared membrane with the Dual Driven System, the bass is built in the upper part of the membrane, and the mid and high tones in the lower part, right in front of the ear canal. The sound reproduction occurs in a more "natural" way, resulting in uncompromising audiophile music playback.
This headphone comes with a 3.5mm, 6.3mm, or 4-pin XLR headphone cable and two comfortable earpads made of different materials. The Alcantara variant, developed for the Empyrean flagship model, allows the listener to experience music with ultimate comfort. The Hybrid earpad is composed of a combination of Alcantara and leather, providing a delightful openness, and the bass is reproduced with less power without sacrificing the emotion in the music. Finally, Meze delivers this flagship model in a robust protective aluminum carrying case, emphasizing its premium character.
Awards & Reviews
EISA Award Best Hi-Fi 2022-2023
"Meze's Elite leverages the breathtaking design of its earlier Empyrean headphone and betters it with new low-distortion drivers, once again provided by Ukraine’s Rinaro Isodynamics. These lightweight, ultra-thin, dual-coil drivers – an evolution of planar magnetic technology – ensure the open-back Elite captivates with its detailed bass performance and lifelike soundstaging, and unlike many other flagships this headphone is also easy to drive, making your choice of amplifier more straightforward. Completing a remarkable high-end package is the Meze’s superb build quality (including rugged aluminium carry case) and focus on listening comfort. Once you put this headphone on, you’ll never want to take it off…"