Each year, dozens of European journalists gather to select the best electronic products of the year. Awarded by a diverse and impartial jury, the EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) awards recognize exceptional products for their performance, design, or ergonomics.
Overview
The Meze Audio Poet is an open-back wired hi-fi headphone that embodies the perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and refined design. The result of a close collaboration between Meze Audio and Rinaro Isodynamics, this high-end model promises an exceptional listening experience in a compact and elegant format.
A design combining lightness and durability
The Poet stands out with its magnesium frame, a material that is both lightweight and durable, contributing to its featherweight of 350 grams (without ear pads). The titanium alloy headband, paired with a suede leather headrest, ensures comfortable support even during long listening sessions. The stainless steel grills, with a carefully designed pattern, protect the drivers while enhancing the headphone’s refined aesthetics.
The ear pads, equipped with an innovative magnetic attachment system, are easily detachable for cleaning or replacement. This attention to detail reflects Meze Audio’s commitment to creating a product that is both functional and enjoyable for daily use.
Cutting-edge audio technology
At the heart of the Poet lies the Rinaro MZ6 driver, a hybrid isodynamic array that represents the culmination of over 30 years of research and development. This driver, specially designed for the Poet, synthesizes the technologies used in Meze Audio’s Liric and Elite models.
The MZ6 features a Parus membrane, a biaxially oriented semi-crystalline polymer film, with an impressively low weight of 0.06 grams. This membrane is activated by a symmetrically arranged array of neodymium magnets, creating an isodynamic magnetic field of 0.3 Tesla. This configuration enables uniform activation across the entire membrane surface, ensuring precise and detailed sound reproduction.
Uncompromising sound quality
The Poet delivers an exceptional frequency response, ranging from 4 Hz to 96 kHz. This extended range, combined with a sensitivity of 101 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz and an impedance of 55 ohms, allows the headphones to faithfully reproduce the subtlest nuances of music.
The total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.05% at 1 kHz attests to the purity of the sound produced by the Poet. Listeners can expect balanced sound reproduction, characterized by airy vocals, precise bass, and a wide, detailed soundstage.
The Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS), a technology licensed from Dan Clark Audio, helps optimize high-frequency response. By attenuating unwanted peaks, the AMTS ensures less fatiguing long-term listening without compromising sound precision and clarity.
Comfort and practicality for listening
Meze Audio has paid particular attention to the Poet’s user comfort. The balanced weight distribution, combined with the flexibility of the titanium headband, allows for a natural fit to each user’s morphology. The ear pads, whose exact composition is unspecified, promise effective acoustic isolation while remaining breathable to prevent sweating during long listening sessions.
The included cable, with a generous length of 2.5 meters, is made of high-quality PCUHD copper and hand-braided. Its 6.3 mm jack termination ensures optimal compatibility with high-end audio equipment, while a 3.5 mm adapter is included for use with portable sources.
Accessories and compatibility
The Poet comes with a rigid ABS carrying case, featuring foam inserts for optimal protection during transport. This attention to accessories highlights the product’s premium positioning and its purpose to accompany users in all listening situations.
While designed to deliver optimal performance with high-end audio sources, the Poet remains versatile enough to be used with a variety of equipment. Its relatively high sensitivity allows for use with portable players, although a quality amplifier will be necessary to fully exploit its sound potential.
What the press says
Impeccable in design and very comfortable, the Meze Poet Hi-Fi headphones also feature an impressive audio architecture. It faces strong competition but stands out with its highly pleasant and versatile sound reproduction.
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Impeccable sur la forme et très confortable, le casque Hifi Meze Poet est également doté d’une très belle architecture audio. Il ne manque pas de concurrents, mais tire sa force de sa restitution sonore très agréable et polyvalente.
Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.05% at 1 kHz, 1 V
Connectors: 3.5 mm TS jack plug
Innovative Technologies
Rinaro MZ6 Isodynamic Hybrid Array Transducer
Ultra-high-resolution audio up to 96 kHz
Transducer weight: 73 g
THD < 0.05% across the entire frequency range
Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS)
High-frequency optimization
Elimination of unwanted peaks
Enhanced sound precision and balance
Included Accessories
Rigid ABS case with foam inserts
Premium cable:
3.5 mm mono jack to 6.3 mm jack
Length: 2.5 m
Material: high-grade PCUHD copper
Hand-braided
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Poet differ from Meze Audio's Elite and Liric models?
+
The Poet is positioned as an intermediate model, combining elements of both. It uses an adapted version of the Elite’s driver in a more compact format, similar to the Liric, while maintaining an open-back design for a wider soundstage.
Does the Poet require a specific amplifier?
+
While the Poet can operate with a variety of sources, a quality amplifier is recommended to fully exploit its sound capabilities. Its 55-ohm impedance makes it compatible with most high-end headphone amplifiers.
Is the Poet suitable for all music genres?
+
Yes, the Poet has been designed to deliver neutral and precise sound reproduction, making it versatile and suitable for all music genres. Its wide frequency range and low distortion allow for faithful reproduction of all music styles.
Can the supplied cable be replaced with a third-party model?
+
The Poet uses standard connectors, theoretically allowing the use of third-party cables. However, the supplied cable is of very high quality, and it is recommended to use it to ensure optimal performance.
Is the Poet suitable for on-the-go use?
+
While the Poet comes with a carrying case, its open-back design and long cable make it more suited for home use or quiet environments. For on-the-go use, closed-back models like the Liric might be more appropriate.
User reviews
Claude
Paired with a Gold Note headphone amp, it makes a formidable duo and, whenever I can, it’s my preferred way to listen. What a difference on female vocals, and I’m only at the beginning of my discoveries (thanks to Qobuz). It’s prohibitively expensive, but if you can manage it, take the leap—you won’t regret it.
Comment from November 24, 2025 — Experience from November 13, 2025
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Associé à un ampli casque Gold Note il fait un duo formidable et dès que je peux c'est mon moyen d'écoute préféré.
Quel gap sur les voix féminines et je ne suis qu'au début de mes découvertes (merci à quobuz).
Cela a un coût prohibitif mais si vous le pouvez sautez le pas et vous ne le regretterez pas.
To better understand our visitors, measure marketing effectiveness and personalise ads, we and our partners use cookies and mobile advertising identifiers on your device. This data makes it possible to display personalised and non-personalised ads and measure their performance. Some cookies, which are technically necessary, are exempt from consent. You can accept those that require your consent, refuse them by clicking "Refuse", or customise your choices via the settings screen.
To find out how Google uses the data collected once you have given your consent, see Google’s Business Data Responsibility site.
You can change or withdraw your consent at any time via the "Consent and cookies" link. Your choices will apply on our site for 12 months.
