Technology

Review of Meze Audio Elite Headphones

tvxposed

Apr 15, 2022 - 07:42

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Appearance and construction

If the top model Empyrean isn't enough for you, Meze has created an even more refined, tightened version called Elite.

At first sight, this appears to be Empyrean, with its strange and yet appealing shapes, but in a different color scheme, notably black with silver highlights. However, it is almost believed that Empyrean is more visually appealing.

However, it is solely a matter of personal preference and, for example, has no bearing on processing quality. Elites are obviously high-priced headphones.

It begins with a load-bearing bridge comprised of two strips of carbon fiber that arch in a pretty prominent arc to end over each ear with a tiny "swing," which helps to distribute the weight of the headphones on your head more evenly and comfortably. Your head is in touch with a leather belt.

The teardrop-shaped baffles are attached to beautifully working mechanics - a beautifully machined piece of metal is placed on a seemingly ordinary rod, and yet this system has such a pleasant oil resistance that you can easily adjust the correct height and optimally fit the headphones on your head.

Despite the lack of a locking method, the fixed height remains constant. The pressure of the headphones is then absolutely "just right," and it does not irritate you after a few hours.

Although there is not enough room for the ear, the shells are relatively thick. However, you do not have to be concerned about "running aground" with an arch.

The shells' outer sides are embellished with a delicate, elegant pattern that mimics lace. The XLR signal connectors are positioned at an angle on the lower edge of the shell.

As with the Empyrean, an isodynamic solution developed by Rinaro Isodynamics is placed within the shell. This firm is a leading creator of magneto-planar solutions. Although the premise is the same as in the Empyrean model, it is supposed to be a new speaker - the MZ3 in Empyrean, this MZ3SE.

The point is that the lightweight membrane has a magnetic "map" with varied shapes depending on which component of the membrane is in which place around your ear. It is said to be a radiation adjustment that allows for even better resolution.

The conductive parts in the upper section of the diaphragm "zigzag" from left to right, which is supposed to better reproduce deep frequencies, but the circular conductors below the diaphragm function better to the centers and are thus exactly opposite the entrance to the ear canal.

Neodymium magnets with a diaphragm and chassis weigh only 75 grams, the manufacturer claims a total harmonic distortion value of less than 0.05 percent and a frequency range that climbs up to 112,000 Hz thanks to the lightweight Rinaro Parus (manufacturer says it is a biaxially oriented semicrystalline film weighing only 0.11 grams) and magnetic field strength of 0.35 T.

Other important parameters to note are the impedance of only 32 ohms and the sensitivity of 101 dB / mW / 1 kHz, which should imply that you can play them with your phone. So much for another misconception, namely that planes use a lot of amplifiers.

You can choose between two styles of earrings, like Empyrean: Alcantara coupled with genuine leather on top and perforated Alcantara on the inside. The second set of earphones is brand new and aims to lessen bass pressure while emphasizing the "airiness" of reproduction, at least according to the maker.

Expensive headphones have been popular in recent years, and it's fascinating to observe how rapidly this market is growing and evolving. Apart from complete shots like HIFIMAN Shangri-La, Limes Audio Elite belongs to the highest pricing category, and everything relates to that.

It is a luxurious and beautifully industrialized product in a nice package; the headphones have two sets of earbuds, which combine high wearing comfort while significantly differentiating the sound characteristics with which they transform the sound of headphones; and, last but not least, there is a high dose of musicality.

Meze Audio Elite has its unique personality, which is based on serenity and quiet.

It's similar to the headset of a luxury private yacht, on which you can sail any water, fast or slow, and yet it retains the experience's overwhelming refinement. Elite is rightfully in the top headphone league, even if their personality isn't for everyone.

Technical parameters