The Empyrean II embodies the natural evolution of the first planar magnetic headphone from Meze Audio. Developed in partnership with Rinaro Isodynamics, this model preserves the iconic elements of its predecessor while offering a refined sound signature and increased resolution.
Driver design and technology
At the heart of the Empyrean II is the MZ3 Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver developed by Rinaro. This patented technology combines two types of voice coils on the same diaphragm: a zigzag configuration dedicated to low frequencies (down to 8 Hz) and a spiral configuration positioned directly above the ear canal for midrange and treble frequencies. This dual architecture enables more precise distribution of sound waves around the natural shape of the ear.
The Rinaro Isoplanar diaphragm, weighing just 0.16 grams with an active surface area of 4,650 mm², uses an ultra-thin polymer film with a biaxial semi-crystalline structure. Neodymium magnets are symmetrically arranged on either side of the diaphragm, creating a 0.35 Tesla isodynamic magnetic field required for uniform activation across the entire surface.
Design and ergonomics
The Empyrean II features a matte black finish with silver accents, replacing the original’s bronze. The CNC-machined aluminum grilles now feature a complex Art Deco-inspired pattern, reflecting Meze’s manufacturing expertise. The chassis uses a glass fiber-reinforced polymer, contributing to a reduced weight of 385 grams without the earpads.
The suspension system includes a carbon fiber headband with patented pressure-distribution wings. The vertical adjustment rods use manganese spring steel, providing controlled flexibility. The isomagnetic magnetic attachment system enables quick earpad changes while also contributing to the final acoustic tuning.
Earpads and sound customization
Two types of earpads are supplied with the Empyrean II, each substantially altering the sound signature:
The Duo earpads represent a major innovation. They combine leather in the lower section with Alcantara in the upper section, while the inner wall uses perforated leather. This hybrid configuration offers a balance between the rich bass of leather and the transparency of Alcantara.
The Angled Alcantara earpads feature an angled shape that creates more internal space. Fully covered in Alcantara with perforations on the inner wall, they favor a more airy signature with cleaner bass and increased midrange presence.
Evolution compared with the original Empyrean
The Empyrean II represents a significant evolution over its predecessor. Whereas the original favored a warm, enveloping signature, the new model aims for a more neutral balance while retaining the brand’s musical character. Resolution and detail retrieval have been markedly improved thanks to a new front acoustic mesh and a redesigned acoustic damper at the rear of the driver.
The treatment applied to the diaphragm has also been refined to strengthen it and improve its resilience. These modifications provide better instrument separation and a more precise soundstage, meeting the expectations of audiophiles seeking greater neutrality without sacrificing musicality.
Compatibility and amplification
With an impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 105 dB SPL/V, the Empyrean II remains relatively easy to drive. Portable sources can operate it at suitable listening levels, although dedicated amplification reveals its full potential. Total harmonic distortion remains below 0.05% across the entire frequency range, ensuring faithful reproduction even at high volume.
The 4-pin mini-XLR connectors on each earcup allow the use of balanced cables. The supplied cable is made of plated PCUHD copper and terminates in a 6.3 mm jack. To offer a simpler and more enjoyable experience for everyone, each headphone will now be supplied with a single premium cable.
What the press says
A new masterpiece from the Romanian manufacturer Meze, the Empyrean II further enhances an already exceptional formula. This planar magnetic headphone is remarkably refined, both in its construction and acoustic performance. It offers everything one could hope for in a high-end Hi-Fi headphone, excelling in comfort, design, and sound quality. For us, it is an essential benchmark and one of the best models on the market, across all price ranges.
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Nouveau tour de force du constructeur roumain Meze, l'Empyrean II optimise encore une formule déjà exceptionnelle. Ce casque à transducteurs orthodynamiques planaires est d'un raffinement hors norme tant dans sa construction que ses performances acoustiques. Il possède tout ce que nous pouvons espérer d'un casque Hifi très haut de gamme en matière de confort tout comme sur la forme et le son. C'est pour nous une référence incontournable et l’un des meilleurs modèles du marché, toutes classes de prix confondues.
Included cable: mini-XLR to 6.3 mm jack, plated PCUHD copper
Included earpads: 2 pairs (Duo + Angled Alcantara)
Carrying case: ABS hard case with foam inserts and leather handle
Dimensions and weight
Headphone weight: approximately 385 g (without earpads)
Package dimensions: 32 x 35 x 15.5 cm
Total package weight: approximately 2,300 g
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the Empyrean and the Empyrean II?
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The Empyrean II offers a more neutral and balanced sound signature compared to the characteristic warmth of the original. Resolution, instrument separation, and detail retrieval have been significantly improved thanks to modifications made to the driver and the new ear pads.
Are Duo or Angled Alcantara ear pads better?
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Neither is objectively superior—they offer two distinct sound signatures. The Duo provide more body and warmth in the bass, ideal for jazz and electronic music. The Angled Alcantara prioritize transparency and spatial precision, excellent for classical and acoustic music.
Does the Empyrean II require a dedicated amplifier?
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Although it can be used with portable sources thanks to its 32-ohm impedance, the Empyrean II reveals its full potential with quality amplification. A high-end portable DAC/amp or a desktop system will noticeably improve dynamics and bass control.
What is Rinaro Isodynamic technology?
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Developed over more than 30 years since the Soviet era, this technology combines two voice coil configurations (zigzag and spiral) on a single planar diaphragm. This hybrid approach enables precise frequency targeting according to areas of the ear, improving 3D imaging.
Are spare parts readily available?
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Meze Audio maintains a complete stock of spare parts for all its products. Earpads, cables, headbands and even drivers can be ordered individually, ensuring exceptional product longevity.
How does the Empyrean II compare to the Elite?
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The Elite uses a different Rinaro Parus diaphragm and aims for an even more analytical and detailed sound signature. The Empyrean II strikes a balance between the musicality of the original and the precision of the Elite, at a price around 1,000 euros lower.
Is the included cable of good quality?
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The supplied copper-plated PCUHD cable is of high quality, featuring Furukawa conductors. Silver-plated versions are available for those seeking even greater treble transparency.
User reviews
Michel
Very expensive headphones, but very good. Paired with a FiiO R9 and a balanced cable, I find the result excellent. On top of that, they’re light and genuinely comfortable. Their mini-XLR connectors feel very solid, but the only small “downside” is that you have to disconnect the cable in order to store them in their little case.
Comment from 22 December 2025 — Experience from 8 December 2025
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Casque très cher mais très bon. Associé avec un FiiO R9 et un câble symétrique je trouve le résultat excellent. De plus il est léger et réellement confortable.
Sa connectique mini-XLR respire la santé mais seul petit "bémol", on est obligé de le déconnecter de son câble pour pouvoir le ranger dans sa valisette.
Gérard
I’ve owned the EMPYREAN (first generation) for 4 years and have been very satisfied with it, and given the tests published by specialist magazines on the EMPYREAN II, I’ve just bought it to compare.
Listening is done with a silver-plated Meze cable, 2.5 mm connector, on a FIIO M17 (burned-in).
From the very first listen with the EMPYREAN II, the difference is immediately obvious (with high-quality files)! Faster, tighter, and more precise bass, even better-defined mids and highs, and a heightened sense of clarity—you can clearly hear instruments that you could only just make out with the EMPYREAN I. On the other hand, it’s unforgiving with mediocre recordings, whereas they’re still listenable with the EMPYREAN (first).
The soundstage delivered by the EMPYREAN II is slightly wider than with the EMPYREAN I, and instrument placement on the stage is even more precise.
The 6.3 mm-terminated cable supplied with the EMPYREAN II is clearly better than the one supplied with the EMPYREAN I.
I’m really very satisfied and surprised by the leap in precision and audio quality with this new EMPYREAN II. The mids and highs are truly very refined, not to mention the overall detail—an absolute delight!
My listening was done with the PAD DUO earpads, as the ALCANTARA sound a bit bland to me.
I should point out that the original EMPYREAN remains an excellent headphone.
With certain “live” recordings, you get the impression of being in the hall with the EMPYREAN I, whereas with the EMPYREAN II you feel like you’re on stage, close to the artists and instruments.
A very satisfied audiophile!
Comment from 18 September 2025 — Experience from 7 September 2025
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Je possède depuis 4 ans l’EMPYREAN (premier) dont je suis très satisfait et vu les tests réalisés par des revues spécialisées concernant l'EMPYREAN II, je viens de l'acheter pour pouvoir comparer.
L’écoute est réalisée avec un câble plaqué argent de chez Meze, connecteur 2,5mm sur un FIIO M17 (rodé).
Dès la première écoute avec l’EMPYREAN II la différence saute aux oreilles (avec des fichiers haute qualité)! Des basses plus rapides, sèches et plus précises, des médiums et aigus encore mieux définis, une impression de clarté plus poussée, on entend bien des instruments que l’on devinait seulement avec l’EMPYREAN I. Par contre cela ne pardonne pas avec des enregistrements très moyens alors que c’est encore écoutable avec l’EMPYREAN (premier).
La scène sonore délivrée avec l'EMPYREAN II est légèrement plus large qu'avec l'EMPYREAN I et l'on situe encore mieux les instruments sur la scène.
Le câble terminaison 6.3 mm livré avec l’EMPYREAN II est nettement meilleur que celui livré avec l’EMPYREAN I.
Je suis vraiment très satisfait et surpris par la progression en précision et qualité audio de ce nouvel EMPYREAN II. Les médiums et aigus sont vraiment très fins sans parler des détails en général, un régal !
Mes écoutes ont été réalisées avec les coussinets PAD DUO car pour moi le rendu des ALCANTARA est un peu fade.
Je précise que l'EMPYREAN premier reste un excellent casque.
Avec certains enregistrements en "live" on a l'impression d'être dans la salle avec l'EMPYREAN I alors que l'on a l'impression d'être sur la scène, près des artistes et des instruments avec l'EMPYREAN II.
Un audiophile très satisfait !
Jean-Jacques
Hello,
After several weeks of use, I am very satisfied and here is my feedback:
Positive points: + very high transparency + exceptional immersion, presence, and a wide soundstage + outstanding layering + deep bass without affecting the rest of the sound spectrum
+ premium cables included with the headphones + easy to drive, even with a portable audio device + very comfortable, no pressure + very high-quality carrying case + long listening sessions without fatigue
Negative points: - the soundstage tends to narrow depending on the recording, especially in the upper mids - sometimes a slightly metallic aspect in the highs, depending on the amplification power used - unforgiving with poor quality recordings
In the end, this is an excellent pair of headphones that allows for extended listening without fatigue. What’s truly impressive is its ability to bring out presence and deliver great immersion in the soundstage.
Highly recommended.
Comment from 19 April 2025 — Experience from 7 April 2025
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Bonjour,
Après plusieurs semaines d’utilisation. J’en suis très satisfait et voici mes retours :
Points positifs : + très grande transparence + immersion, présence exceptionnelle et scène sonore élargie. + étagement exceptionnel. + basses profondes sans impacter le reste du spectre sonore.
+ câbles premium vendus avec le casque. + facile a driver même avec un audio portable. + très confortable. Pas de pressions. + valise de transport de très bonne qualité. + longues sessions d’écoute sans fatigue.
Points négatifs : - l’image sonore a tendance à se rétrécir en fonction des enregistrements dans le haut médium. - aspect parfois légèrement métallique au niveau des aigus en fonction de la puissance d’amplification utilisée. - intraitable avec les enregistrements de mauvaise qualité.
Au final, c’est un excellent casque ou l’on pourra bénéficier d’une écoute prolongée sans ressentir de fatigue. Ce qui est bluffant c’est sa capacité à faire ressortir la présence et à apporter une bonne immersion au niveau de la scène sonore.
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