Meze Audio LIRIC (2nd Generation) Closed Back Headphone

LIRIC, Meze's closed-back isodynamic headphone is turning the page on a new chapter, enhancing its essence while introducing a richer sound and refined tuning.

Macassar ebony wood adorns the ear cups, extending an invitation to connect with the feeling of warmth that only Mother Nature can provide. Merging form with function, the ear pads have been re-engineered for effortless maintenance, now adopting a detachable magnetic design.

The art of evolution means to change with a familiar note.

The sound of the LIRIC has been refined with the help of community feedback, and it now falls in between a balanced and a warm profile. This means you get a mix of clear and accurate audio, with a touch of warmth for added depth.

LIRIC features the state-of-the-art technology developed by Rinaro, re-engineered for day-to-day use. The MZ4 Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver was purposefully scaled down and tuned to deliver a similar audio experience with its larger counterparts found in the Empyrean II and Elite. Combined with the closed-back design, it helps preserve the original clarity and emotion of your favorite music through enhanced sound and minimised external noise. Each driver is entirely hand-assembled and tested by in Rinaro’s industrial facility in Ukraine.

Created exclusively for Meze Audio, an innovation to the MZ4 driver developed in-house by Rinaro is the Phase-X™ system, which improves ambience and spatial sound imaging, often found to be a problem in closed-back headphone designs.

ISODYNAMIC is a registered trademark of Rinaro Isodynamics Limited.

The Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask is a precision-crafted metal component that strategically covers select openings in the driver frame, to effectively attenuate high-frequency peaks above 7kHz for a less fatiguing listening experience.

The QWRM includes technology licensed from DAN CLARK AUDIO, Inc.

Coming from a tradition of Maramures craftsmanship, Meze decided to preserve the design language of the first generation of LIRIC, but warm it up with the introduction of wood. This journey led Meze to discover Macassar ebony – a heavy, dense, aesthetically pleasing hardwood known for its deep, rich brown coloration punctuated by intricate golden-brown stripes. 

A premium hand-braided copper cable now serves as the stock cable for LIRIC. Included with the LIRIC is a 4.4 mm termination premium cable suitable for most portable balanced headphone amplifiers, as well as a 3 m soft TPE cable with a 3.5 mm jack, ideal for home headphone setups.

To allow for optimal ear cup chamber pressure and better airflow control, the finely tuned Pressure Equalisation System has been upgraded to achieve a smoother transition from the bass frequency region into the low midrange.

In the spirit of natural evolution, LIRIC joins the Meze Audio family of products with detachable magnetic ear pads. This ultimately translates into enhanced reliability and serviceability, characteristics that audiophiles and music enthusiasts worldwide have grown accustomed to.

Staying true to Meze's  ‘no-compromise’ mindset, the new LIRIC's fusion of leather, wood and metal is flexible and resistant to shock, wear, and oxidation.

The effect of this premium selection echoes across multiple sensory dimensions: a lightweight, lovely-to-the-touch, easily adjustable headphone that will stand the test of time for generations.