Based in Baia Mare, Romania, Meze Audio has been making high-end audio gear targeted at audiophiles since 2011 and has just launched the latest in its ultra-premium line up of headphones – Empyrean II. The new iteration builds on the best features of the original, combining Meze’s innovative design spirit and close attention to craftsmanship with the latest in audio technology. Empyrean II arrive in a monochrome execution of deep blacks and silver accents. The headphones’ metal frame has undergone precision milling and is complimented by an art-deco-inspired aluminium grille that’s been redesigned since the original Empyrean.
There is a choice of two cable types – silver plated or copper – and five different kinds of mini XLR connectors. Moving on to comfort, Meze Audio continued to use its winged design to better distribute the headphones across your head. Again, there are also two different ear pad sets included with your purchase: a leather/Alcantara blend and a classic all-Alcantara pad set. You can pick which one works best for you, with each changing the tuning of the headphones slightly. Meze Audio calls this a “step-change” in performance, but we’ll need to put them through our usual round of tests before we can back that up.
