Meze - Empyrean II

Build & design
Biggest news is the ongoing refinement of the magnetic planar drive unit used in these headphones. Meze calls it an Isodynamic Hybrid array and it is a design that was developed by Rinaro Isodynamics. Rinaro originally started off as a state-funded initiative in the former USSR (now Ukraine) and has been developing such driver technology for over 30 years.
At the heart of the drive unit sits a 102 x 73mm oval-shaped diaphragm made from a thermally stabilised isotropic polymer with a conductive layer. The diaphragm is impressively light at just 0.16g and is claimed to have an active area of 4650mm squared. The really interesting bit is that the conductive layer has two types of coil: a spiral that sits down towards the base of the oval and is positioned directly over the ear canal and a switch-back track that covers the top two-thirds of the diaphragm.
The switch-back coil design is claimed to be more efficient at delivering bass. Magnets are placed symmetrically on either side of the diaphragm and should generate a uniform magnetic field across the surface of the diaphragm. There are plenty of benefits to this including low distortion (Meze claims under 0.05% THD across the whole frequency range) and a wide frequency response (a highly impressive 8-110,000Hz).
Pleasingly, the use of this unusual driver hasn’t made the Empyrean II a difficult electrical load. They have an impedance of 32 ohms, which means even basic portables will be able to drive them to a decent level, even though their sensitivity is notably below rivals such as Austrian Audio’s The Composer (105dB SPL/V vs 112dB SPL/V).
There is no shortage of clever engineering here, so we’re glad to report that these Meze have the build quality to back it up. In fact, that is understating things as the Empyrean II are made as well as anything we’ve seen at this level. The quality of fit and finish is top-class, as is the feel of the materials chosen. The intricate pattern on the aluminium backing of the earpads (revised for this MkII version) is a lovely touch. The use of carbon fibre for the headband structure and fibre glass-infused ABS frame for the drive unit helps to keep the headphones’ weight down to a sensible 385g.
Sound
Regardless of music genre, we still find the Empyrean II a pleasure to listen to. They have a more overt sonic signature than the likes of The Composer, sounding richer and full-bodied and for the most part easier going once carefully partnered. You will need to feed them with a source and electronics that have a refined top end, as there is some spikiness in the lower treble region that highlights sibilances in voices a little too enthusiastically. But take care in system matching and, for most people, it won’t be an issue unless you are particularly sensitive to such things.
These headphones sound tuneful with bass and deliver a sense of authority and solidity in this region that many alternatives struggle to match. Marley's voice comes through with passion and natural warmth intact. The Empyrean’s midrange is articulate, full-bodied and projected well, so avoiding any issues with getting swamped by the backing instrumentation.
A decent sense of rhythmic drive and the ability to communicate the changing momentum of music well means that they have no issue holding our attention, though it would be nice to have more free-flowing dynamics. As it is, these headphones sound just a little restrained for our tastes. Even so, they still encourage you to keep listening, and before you know it one track becomes a complete album, and you still want more.
It’s also true that these Mezes aren’t the most analytical of headphones. They don’t encourage a listener to dissect a recording or go out of their way to highlight flaws in the production. However, they still resolve plenty of detail and manage to organise it in an intuitive and musically convincing way. There is no sense of confusion and only a gentle sense of mild restraint.
It is a surprisingly authoritative presentation, with a good degree of solidity. Scale is represented well, though perhaps these headphones could make more of the space between the instruments. Their presentation doesn’t sound cluttered or congested as such but certainly displays less in the way of air than the class-leaders.
Verdict
The Empyrean II are comfortable, well-built and deliver a charming listen. Match with care though
Pros
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Full-bodied and entertaining presentation
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Impressively well-made
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Excellent comfort
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Choice of cables

Cons
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Lower treble region could be smoother
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Dynamics sound a little restrained
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Open design leaks sound and doesn’t offer much in the way of isolation

Sir, I am going to be very honest with you...I'm not audiophile yet...but I do love my music and I have never touched any as luxurious as Empyrean 2 and sound as clear as this headphones........it has ended my quest of finding that headphones that has it all......and I can put it on and use use for any genre......and I get absolute best.....and it's design is so breathtaking it's like status symbol....even after hours of using i don't feel fatigue.........hope to meet you in Amdavad sir...

The MEZE Empyrean II is not your typical studio-grade headphone designed for clinical precision or analytical listening. Instead, it’s an emotional journey, a headphone that wraps you in its sonic embrace and immerses you in a world of sound that feels alive and expansive. It’s not about perfection in the traditional sense—it’s about connection, immersion, and sheer enjoyment.

From the moment I put them on, the Empyrean II transported me to a different realm. The soundstage is breathtakingly wide and vivid, creating a sense of space that feels almost tangible. It’s not just listening to music—it’s experiencing it. Whether it’s the sweeping orchestral movements of Dvořák’s “From the New World” or the cosmic grandeur of Holst’s “The Planets,”the Empyrean II makes you feel as though you’re sitting in the best seat in an auditorium, surrounded by the music.
What’s even more impressive is how light and comfortable these headphones are. You can wear them for hours without any fatigue or discomfort, making them perfect for long listening sessions. And when it comes to performance, the Empyrean II delivers unparalleled clarity and detail across genres. Whether you’re listening to the intricate rhythms of Tavleen Singh’s tabla or the mesmerising melodies of Niladri Kumar’s sitar in their album “Together,” every note is rendered with stunning precision and depth. It’s a headphone that prioritizes musicality over neutrality, and it does so with such finesse that you can’t help but be captivated. What really makes the Empyrean II special is how effortlessly they disappear. The sound is so spacious and immersive that it feels like the music exists beyond the headphones, surrounding you completely. It’s an experience that draws you in and keeps you captivated.
This is, without a doubt, the best-sounding and most enjoyable pair of headphones I’ve till date owned. To truly appreciate the Empyrean II, lay back in a recliner , put them on, pour yourself a glass of Blue Label, and raise a toast to MEZE for creating such a masterpiece. Salute!