Meze Audio Empyrean II Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones

The Meze Audio Empyrean II takes one of the headphones that helped establish Meze at the highest level of personal audio and pushes it toward greater clarity, neutrality and resolution.

Developed in collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics, Empyrean II uses the MZ3 Isodynamic Hybrid Array planar magnetic driver, an ultra-light diaphragm and Meze's distinctive dual voice-coil architecture to create an expansive, detailed and remarkably natural listening experience.

But Empyrean II isn't about chasing detail at the expense of enjoying the music.

Meze specifically tuned this generation to reveal more information while retaining the smooth, effortless and easy-to-listen-to character that made the original Empyrean special.

Rinaro MZ3 Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver

At the center of Empyrean II is the Rinaro MZ3 Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver.

The driver measures 102 × 73mm and uses neodymium magnets arranged symmetrically on both sides of the diaphragm to create a uniform magnetic field across its active surface.

The result is the speed and low distortion expected from a reference planar magnetic headphone combined with the musical presentation Meze is known for.

Ultra-Light Isoplanar Diaphragm

The MZ3's Rinaro Isoplanar diaphragm weighs only:

0.16 grams

Despite that incredibly low mass, it has an active area of 4,650mm².

The lightweight diaphragm allows Empyrean II to respond quickly to subtle changes in the signal, helping reproduce fine detail, transient information and spatial cues without sounding forced or overly analytical.

Dual-Shaped Voice Coil Array

One of the most distinctive aspects of Meze and Rinaro's driver technology is the use of two different voice-coil geometries on the same diaphragm.

The switchback coil is optimized for lower frequencies and 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.

That placement allows critical midrange and high-frequency information to travel more directly toward the ear, contributing to Empyrean II's imaging, clarity and sense of space.

A More Neutral Empyrean

The original Empyrean earned a following for its rich, relaxed and highly musical presentation.

With Empyrean II, Meze wanted more.

The second generation was tuned for greater resolution, cleaner detail retrieval and a more neutral overall presentation, while preserving the non-fatiguing character of the original.

That's an important distinction.

Empyrean II isn't trying to become a clinical studio monitor. It's designed to give you more information without taking the fun out of listening.

Two Ear Pads. Two Presentations.

Empyrean II includes two different sets of ear pads, and changing between them allows you to alter the headphone's presentation without changing anything else in the system.

Duo Ear Pads

The Duo pads combine premium leather with Alcantara.

The leather helps maintain bass weight and impact, while the Alcantara contributes spaciousness and refinement.

This is the richer and more immediately engaging presentation.

Angled Alcantara Ear Pads

The Angled Alcantara pads create additional space inside the earcup and move the presentation toward greater neutrality.

They provide cleaner bass, increased midrange presence and greater emphasis on fine detail and spatial information.

For listeners looking for the more traditional audiophile presentation from Empyrean II, these are likely where you'll start.

Isomagnetic Ear Pad Coupling

Changing pads is remarkably simple thanks to Rinaro's Isomagnetic ear pad coupling system.

The pads attach magnetically to the earcups, making it easy to switch between the Duo and Angled Alcantara pads.

The system also redirects part of the magnetic field back toward the driver, helping improve efficiency.

It's one of those Meze details that is both clever engineering and genuinely useful in everyday ownership.

8Hz–110kHz Frequency Range

The MZ3 driver has a specified frequency range of:

8Hz–110kHz

Total harmonic distortion remains below:

0.05%

throughout the audible frequency range.

Maximum output exceeds 130dB SPL, while sensitivity is rated at 90dB SPL/mW at 1kHz.

32-Ohm Impedance

Empyrean II has a nominal impedance of:

32 ohms

That makes it relatively easy to drive compared with many reference headphones.

But easy to drive and easy to drive well are two different things.

Empyrean II has enough resolution and dynamic capability that the quality of the DAC and headphone amplifier behind it absolutely matters.

Give it better electronics and it will tell you.

Built Around Comfort

Meze has always treated comfort as part of performance rather than an afterthought.

Empyrean II weighs 449 grams, but its suspension system and anatomically shaped earcups distribute that weight across the head rather than concentrating pressure in one area.

That's important because a reference headphone isn't much use if you want to take it off halfway through an album.

Empyrean II is designed for long listening sessions.

CNC-Machined Construction

The Empyrean II chassis is precision CNC machined and finished in matte black with contrasting silver accents.

A redesigned open-back grille takes inspiration from classic Art Deco patterns, giving Empyrean II a visual identity that's unmistakably Meze.

This is one of those rare high-end headphones that feels as carefully considered mechanically and aesthetically as it does acoustically.

Key Specifications

• Type: Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
• Operating Principle: Open-Back
• Ear Coupling: Circumaural
• Driver: Rinaro MZ3 Isodynamic Hybrid Array
• Driver Shape: Ovoid
• Driver Size: 102 × 73mm
• Driver Weight: 82g
• Diaphragm: Rinaro Isoplanar MZ3
• Diaphragm Weight: 0.16g
• Active Area: 4,650mm²
• Impedance: 32 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 90dB SPL/mW at 1kHz
• Frequency Range: 8Hz–110kHz
• Maximum SPL: >130dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.05%
• Headphone Weight: 449g / 15.84 oz.
• Input Connectors: Dual 4-Pin Mini-XLR
• Included Ear Pads: Duo Leather/Alcantara & Angled Alcantara
• Ear Pad Attachment: Isomagnetic Magnetic Coupling

Empyrean II in the Meze Lineup

Empyrean II occupies an interesting place in Meze's reference headphone family.

It delivers a more neutral and resolving presentation than the original Empyrean while still leaning into the comfort, warmth and musicality that made that headphone so enjoyable.

Move further up the Meze range and ELITE takes the concept toward even greater transparency and refinement, while the new ARTA represents Meze and Rinaro's latest summit-level planar magnetic platform.

Empyrean II remains the sweet spot for someone who wants a true reference planar headphone but still puts musical enjoyment and long-term listening comfort at the top of the list.

Experience Meze Audio Empyrean II at The Grid HiFi

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

At this level, we don't recommend choosing a headphone from a specification sheet.

Empyrean II, ELITE, POET and ARTA each have their own presentation, and the DAC and headphone amplifier you put behind them can change the experience considerably.

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

That's where buying a reference headphone from a real HiFi dealer matters.

Come listen.

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