Meze Audio LIRIC 2nd Generation Closed-Back Headphones

Our new closed-back isodynamic planar headphone delivers an even richer listening experience, ideally situated between a balanced and warm sound profile. A blend of clear and precise sound with a touch of warmth for added depth. We chose to retain the original Liric design language but to warm it up by integrating wooden earcups, which, in reverence to the craftsmanship traditions of Maramureș, are made from refined Macassar ebony, giving a personalized look. To combine ideal form and practicality, the ear pads have been redesigned and are now magnetically attached for easy future replacement.

Tuned Sound Profile

The 2nd generation of Liric continues the successful collaboration between Meze Audio's industrial design and Rinaro's technological development. For the new model, a QWRM (Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask) has been developed. This precisely manufactured metal component strategically covers openings in the driver frame and effectively dampens high-frequency peaks above 7 kHz, making the listening experience even more pleasant.

Meze Audio

Meze Audio audiophile headphones are known for their timeless design, pure comfort, and immersive, vivid sound. From appearance to technology, Meze Audio products are designed to transcend fleeting trends and become heirlooms rather than "just headphones." Today, founder Antonio Meze and his skilled team design and develop their products in Baia Mare, Romania, in the spirit of his original "no compromise" vision.

Rinaro Isodynamics

Rinaro was born in the Soviet Union (modern-day Ukraine) during the Cold War as part of a state-funded research program in acoustic technology. With government support and advanced testing facilities, the team was able to focus all its efforts on planar magnetics. In this field, they have continued to innovate for the past 30 years since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Over the last decade, Rinaro has expanded its capabilities and capacity by developing state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facilities in Ukraine and Poland. The new facilities have been the driving force behind the revolutionary Isodynamic Hybrid Array technology found in Meze Audio EMPYREAN, ELITE, and LIRIC headphones.

AWARD-WINNING TECHNOLOGY IN A COMPACT FORM

Liric incorporates Rinaro's cutting-edge technology, redesigned for versatile usability. The MZ4 Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver was miniaturized and tuned to provide a sound experience on par with the larger Empyrean and Elite models.

Despite its closed-back design, Liric manages to preserve the original clarity and emotion of your favorite music, enhancing sound quality and minimizing external interference. Each driver is entirely hand-assembled and tested at Rinaro's industrial facility in Ukraine.

MZ4 - Isodynamic Hybrid Driver

LIRIC is the first closed-back headphone to utilize Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array drivers. Created exclusively for Meze Audio, the MZ4 driver features the same dual voice coil system first seen in Meze Audio's acclaimed Empyrean flagship model. Over 30 years of research have gone into developing this technology, resulting in one of the lightest and most advanced planar magnetic systems on the market.

Robust Enclosure

Reinforced polymer casing designed to withstand the demanding 10.7 N load generated by the Hybrid Magnet Array.

Sensitive Isoplanar Diaphragm

Weighs only 0.08 g and has a large active area (3507 mm2).

Hybrid Magnet System

Our neodymium magnets are symmetrically positioned on both sides of the diaphragm as a hybrid array to create a 0.3 Tesla isodynamic magnetic field, activating the entire diaphragm area evenly.

Ultra-Low Distortion

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is less than 0.15% across the entire frequency range.

Lightweight

With a total driver weight of only 71 g, the headphones offer comfortable listening even on the go.

Phase-X™ System

Pending patent, this innovative phase technology elevates the spatial reproduction of closed-back headphones to a class of its own.

Ultra-High Frequency Reproduction

With an upper-limit frequency of 92,000 Hz, the headphones are capable of exceptional purity at frequencies not directly audible to humans but which have a cumulative effect on lower frequencies and perceived spatiality.

Easy to Drive

100dB@1mw/1kHz; 30Ω
Can be driven by almost any portable source without amplification.

Scaled from Flagship Technology

One of the world's most advanced and sophisticated planar drivers has been miniaturized for portable use. Patented in Europe, USA, and China, among others.

ADVANTAGES OF THE DUAL-ACTIVATED DIAPHRAGM

The MZ4 driver combines separate switchback and spiral voice coils on the same diaphragm, allowing for more precise sound targeting according to the ear's natural shape. This achieves superior acoustic performance in many ways, such as more direct sound waves in the 10 kHz range, as well as more natural spatial reproduction and localization by reducing the proportion of reflected sound waves.

Switchback Coil

The coil positioned in the upper part of the driver more efficiently reproduces lower frequencies.

Spiral Coil

The spiral-shaped coil more efficiently reproduces mid and high frequencies and is placed directly over the ear canal, allowing more direct sound waves to reach the ear without time delays.

Isoplanar Diaphragm

The diaphragm is made from a custom-developed isotropic thermally stabilized polymer with a conductive layer. Unique processing methods have achieved an ultra-light and rigid diaphragm.

PHASE-X™ REVOLUTION IN SOUNDSTAGE

A major innovation in the MZ4 driver is the Rinaro-developed Phase-X™ system, which minimizes phase distortion typically found in closed-back headphones. This technology helps produce a natural soundstage.

The Phase-X™ system improves the accuracy of spatial imaging, comparable to the soundstage of open-back headphones. The benefit is particularly noticeable with binaural audio recordings.

Original Recording

Absolutely linear phasing provides the listener with the original soundstage as recorded. The recording contains spatial information about both the instruments and the recording environment.

Non-Linear Phase Response

Phase distortions, typically found in traditional closed-back headphones, significantly narrow the soundstage.

Phase-X™ System

With Phase-X™ technology, LIRIC achieves accurate phase response and faster transient decay. This allows for more realistic reproduction of sharp impact sounds and enhances the listener's perceived ambiance and soundstage, bringing you closer to the original performance.

LIGHTWEIGHT MAGNESIUM CHASSIS

The lightweight magnesium chassis ensures that the headphones remain flexible, impact-resistant, and non-oxidizing, while also being ideal for long listening sessions.

OPTIMAL AIRFLOW CONTROL

The padded headband pads are symmetrically placed in a "+" shape to allow for efficient airflow and reduce heat and moisture buildup. The genuine leather-covered headband is perfectly tuned for optimal pressure distribution - it conforms to the head's shape, creating firm and even contact. Like all Meze Audio headphones, Liric is easily adjustable to feel secure yet comfortable and fit most head shapes.

ERGONOMIC OVOID SHAPE

The earcup shape was best suited for snugly encompassing your ear without adding unnecessary pressure or weight, while providing deeper sound and better passive isolation from external interference.

PRESSURE EQUALIZATION SYSTEM

To achieve optimal pressure in the earcup chamber and better airflow control, LIRIC features a finely tuned pressure equalization system. It has been further improved to achieve a smoother transition from bass frequencies to the lower mid-range.

LOVE AT FIRST TOUCH

No detail was left to chance in creating a multi-sensory experience. Every surface texture of Liric was carefully chosen to complement the other, creating a unique tactile feel that stands out upon first touch. These headphones evoke the textures of magnesium parts in professional photographic cameras, retaining the same softness to the touch while demonstrating excellent wear resistance.