Meze Audio ELITE Reference Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones

The Meze Audio ELITE is a reference-level open-back planar magnetic headphone built around one idea: extracting more resolution, speed and transparency without sacrificing the natural, effortless presentation Meze is known for.

Developed in collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics, ELITE uses the advanced MZ3SE Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver, an incredibly light 0.11-gram diaphragm and a dual voice-coil system engineered to deliver precise imaging, low distortion and an expansive sense of space.

It's highly resolving without becoming clinical, and comfortable enough that listening doesn't have to end after one album.

Rinaro MZ3SE Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver

At the center of ELITE is the Rinaro MZ3SE Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver.

The 102 × 73mm ovoid driver uses neodymium magnets positioned symmetrically on either side of the diaphragm, creating a uniform 0.35 Tesla magnetic field across its surface.

The driver itself weighs only 75 grams while providing an active diaphragm area of 4,650mm².

0.11-Gram Rinaro Parus Diaphragm

One of the biggest differences between ELITE and the original Empyrean platform is its Rinaro Parus diaphragm.

The diaphragm weighs just:

0.11 grams

Rinaro constructs it from an ultra-thin biaxially oriented semi-crystalline polymer film engineered for strength, stiffness and extremely low acoustic mass.

Reducing moving mass allows the driver to react quickly to the signal, contributing to ELITE's speed, resolution and ability to separate complex musical information.

Dual Voice-Coil Architecture

The MZ3SE doesn't use one conventional voice-coil pattern.

Instead, Rinaro uses two different coil geometries optimized for different portions of the frequency range.

The switchback coil handles lower frequencies and is positioned toward the upper portion of the driver.

The spiral coil handles the mid and high frequencies and is positioned directly over the ear canal.

Placing the mid/high-frequency coil closer to the ear helps reduce time delays and contributes to ELITE's precise imaging and spatial localization.

3Hz–112kHz Frequency Range

ELITE's MZ3SE driver has an exceptionally wide specified frequency range:

3Hz–112kHz

Total harmonic distortion remains:

Below 0.05%

throughout the audible frequency range.

Maximum output exceeds 130dB SPL.

Those specifications are impressive, but ELITE isn't designed to sound like a technical exercise. Its strength is combining that resolution with a full, natural and highly listenable presentation.

Easy to Drive

ELITE has a nominal impedance of:

32 ohms

Sensitivity is:

101dB SPL/mW at 1kHz

That makes ELITE unusually easy to drive for a reference planar magnetic headphone.

You don't need an enormous headphone amplifier just to make it work.

But that doesn't mean amplification doesn't matter.

ELITE is resolving enough to expose differences between DACs, headphone amplifiers and source components. Better electronics can improve soundstage, dynamics, low-frequency control and overall transparency.

Two Ear Pad Tunings

ELITE includes two different ear pad options, allowing you to change its presentation without changing anything else in the system.

Angled Alcantara

The Angled Alcantara pads create additional space around the ear and move ELITE toward an airier presentation.

Expect cleaner bass, greater midrange presence and a more spacious overall presentation.

Hybrid

The Hybrid pads combine a perforated Alcantara interior with a genuine leather exterior.

They provide a comfortable, immersive presentation with the combination of openness and body that many listeners associate with the classic Meze sound.

Switching between them takes seconds.

Isomagnetic Ear Pad Attachment

The pads attach magnetically using Rinaro's Isomagnetic ear pad attachment system.

Beyond making pad changes incredibly easy, the system redirects part of the driver's demagnetizing field back toward the transducer to improve efficiency.

It's a perfect example of Meze engineering something that's technically interesting while also making the headphone easier to own.

Built for Long Listening Sessions

A reference headphone isn't much use if it's uncomfortable after 30 minutes.

ELITE weighs 433 grams, but Meze's suspension system distributes that weight across the head.

Its elongated pressure-distribution wings, carbon fiber and leather headband structure and large circumaural pads are all designed around extended listening.

Comfort is one of the areas where Meze has consistently separated itself from many other high-end planar headphones.

CNC-Machined Aluminum Chassis

Each ELITE chassis is precision machined from a single piece of solid aluminum, with the milling process taking approximately 20 hours.

The open-back grille is also CNC machined, while the adjustable headband combines carbon fiber and leather.

The current Tungsten-inspired finish uses Cerakote, a highly durable coating technology also used in demanding automotive and aerospace applications.

ELITE looks like a high-end product because it is built like one.

Designed to Last

Meze doesn't treat ELITE as disposable electronics.

The headphone is designed to be fully serviceable, with the chassis constructed so components can be disassembled and serviced.

Ear pads are replaceable, and the detachable dual mini-XLR cable architecture makes cable replacement or upgrades straightforward.

For a headphone at this level, long-term ownership should be part of the design.

Key Specifications

• Type: Reference Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
• Operating Principle: Open-Back
• Ear Coupling: Circumaural
• Driver: Rinaro MZ3SE Isodynamic Hybrid Array
• Driver Shape: Ovoid
• Driver Size: 102 × 73mm
• Driver Weight: 75g
• Diaphragm: Rinaro Parus MZ3SE
• Diaphragm Weight: 0.11g
• Active Area: 4,650mm²
• Magnetic Field: 0.35 Tesla
• Impedance: 32 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 101dB SPL/mW at 1kHz
• Frequency Range: 3Hz–112kHz
• Maximum SPL: >130dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.05%
• Headphone Weight: 433g / 15.27 oz.
• Chassis: CNC-Machined Aluminum
• Headband: Carbon Fiber & Leather
• Input Connectors: Dual 4-Pin Mini-XLR
• Included Ear Pads: Hybrid & Angled Alcantara
• Ear Pad Attachment: Isomagnetic Magnetic Coupling
• Serviceable Construction: Yes

ELITE or Empyrean II?

Both headphones share Meze and Rinaro's Isodynamic Hybrid Array philosophy, but they don't sound or perform exactly the same.

Empyrean II is an outstanding reference headphone with a musical, engaging presentation and a more neutral tuning than the original Empyrean.

ELITE moves further toward transparency, speed and resolution through its more advanced MZ3SE driver and lighter 0.11-gram Parus diaphragm.

If you love the Meze presentation but want to hear deeper into the recording, ELITE is the logical move up.

And with ARTA now representing Meze's newest summit-level driver platform, ELITE remains an important part of the lineup for listeners who want the mature MZ3SE design, easy amplification and unmistakable Meze presentation.

Experience Meze Audio ELITE at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi is your Meze Audio and high-performance personal audio expert in Houston, Texas.

At this level, the question isn't simply which headphone has the best specifications.

ELITE, Empyrean II, POET and ARTA each approach music differently. The DAC and headphone amplifier behind them can change the experience even further.

The Grid can help you compare the Meze lineup and properly match ELITE with the right DAC, streamer, tube or solid-state headphone amplifier and cabling.

ELITE may be relatively easy to drive, but it's good enough to justify putting excellent electronics behind it.

The best way to decide?

Come listen.

Contact The Grid HiFi to experience the Meze Audio ELITE and let us help build the right reference headphone system around it.