Meze Audio LIRIC: Full Review

We’re discussing another Meze Audio headset today. The LIRIC closed-back model was released recently. Following my excellent experience with the Empyrean and particularly the Elite, I was interested in finding out what kind of closed-back headphone Meze would offer and what kind of tuning it would have. The LIRIC is a substantial investment, considering it was just released with an MSRP of $2000 USD. Let’s see how it performed in comparison to its siblings with open backs.

Compared to the Elite and Empyrean, the LIRIC is physically smaller and has a different, non-suspension-based headband because it is meant to be a more portable headset. It is also quite portable, coming in a case that can easily fit in a backpack or other such bag. There are two 3.5mm-terminated cables included with the LIRIC.

one longer, one shorter. Although Meze offers excellent aftermarket 4.4mm cables from their 99 series headphones at very reasonable prices, I would have preferred to have at least one 4.4mm cable included in the package. Upgraded LIRIC cables from the 99 series are also available for purchase, and from what I’ve read, those will soon be available in 4pin XLR as well.

Of course, there are compromises made in terms of materials and general build quality in order to reach a price point that is half of the ELITE’s. Compared to the ELITE and Empyrean, the LIRIC simply feels a little less “premium.” Nevertheless, it continues to be among the best-built headphones I have ever seen. Meze Audio does a fantastic job with this. They are still over-ear headphones, despite their much smaller physical dimensions, and they are quite comfy. The pads have a rich, velvety feel. Additionally, at 400g, they are a lightweight headphone that is perfectly comfortable for extended listening periods.

In terms of looks, I believe the LIRIC is one of the most appealing headphones on the market. The modest, slightly textured black with copper accents is totally up my alley, and I adore how it looks. I mean, in the end, it probably doesn’t matter, but it can’t hurt.

. Overall, the isolation level is good for a closed back, but if you require the highest level of isolation, I would strongly suggest earphones or something with active noise cancellation.
The LIRIC is, in my opinion, one of the most attractive headphones available.

I adore how they look, and the subtle, somewhat textured black with copper accents is exactly my style. In the end, I suppose it makes no difference, but it also can’t harm.

It’s an intriguing concept that works nicely with a closed back and a large soundstage. Although the LIRIC sound more expansive and roomy than other open backs, it’s still illusive.

The LIRIC pads do not use the same magnetic attachment mechanism as the Empyrean and ELITE, which is unfortunate because it is the greatest system I’ve seen. However, I believe Meze did this to achieve the sound quality and isolation that LIRIC provides.

I’ll add a screenshot of Meze’s earpad airflow mechanism, which the website explains better than I can. It’s a fascinating concept that lends itself well to a big soundstage with a closed back. The LIRIC are not as wide and spacious-sounding as other open backs, yet this remains illusive.

They sound much more expansive than Focal headphones, both closed and open. I think what Meze has accomplished in terms of soundstage with the LIRIC is incredible, and I’m intrigued what they’ll be able to achieve in the future if they keep developing the technology.

Earpad Airflow System

The LIRIC’s driver is essentially a scaled-down version of the Rinaro ISODYNAMIC planar driver used in the ELITE and Empyrean. If you’re unfamiliar with this driver, I recommend reading my ELITE review or visiting Mezes’ website to learn more. It’s an intriguing approach to planar magnetic driver design that you should consider if you’re going to buy these headphones.

Given that it is physically smaller and costs half as much as the ELITE, it is evident that you cannot expect the same performance from the driver. And it is undoubtedly accurate. Technically speaking, the LIRIC is not as proficient as the ELITE or even the Empyrean. It has a tinier, less detailed, and less dynamic sound. Having said that, I think its frequency response and tuning are superior to the Empyrean’s. Although the LIRIC’s bass is not as deep as the Empyrean’s, it is nonetheless a little higher than the Empyrean’s.

Luckily, I’ve become accustomed to the sound of headphones that are essentially at the top of the market (well, maybe not Sennheiser HE1-type esoterica).
It follows that some performance areas will be sacrificed for a set of headphones that cost less than half as much.
That being said, I occasionally thought the LIRIC’s tone sounded a little plasticky and, as previously indicated, a little shouty and “boxy,” especially when snare drums were used. As I said before, the soundstage is excellent for a closed-back.

Not smallest, but not the broadest either. I am reminded of the Empyrean by the imagery, detail, and motion since they excel at the “macro” aspects yet struggle with the “micro” aspects. It was interesting to note that turning up the volume appeared to ease this aspect significantly.

But I really believe that the full product, together with the expert tuning, is well worth the asking price. The LIRIC makes a strong argument for itself if you require a closed-back headphone and don’t want to pay $4000 on the DCA stealth or $5500 on the Hifiman HE-R10p. Furthermore, the LIRIC has a strong argument for itself if you want a headset that is more compact and lightweight in terms of size. Compared to the Empyrean, it is more tuned and has better construction and materials. It’s a strong,

headphones with a “fun” sounding tone. I understand Meze Audio’s goals with the LIRIC, and I believe they accomplished them admirably. Though I haven’t used closed-back headphones as frequently as open-back ones, I can’t recall ever using one that was as enjoyable as the LIRIC. It is definitely worth considering, in my opinion, if you evaluate your use case and determine that the LIRIC meets your needs.

Even if the LIRIC isn’t as good as its open-backed Rinaro driver-based brothers in terms of performance, it costs half as much and has many of their advantages in terms of portability and isolation. That results in a product that is both intriguing and powerful.

A full-sized closed back from Meze that incorporates the ELITE’s driver and tune would be amazing. Whatever the cost, I believe that would rank among the greatest closed-backs. But till then? The LIRIC performs the task admirably.

I was asked to include a link to Mezes’ website in my review, and here it is. Please be aware that in no way, shape, or form is this an affiliate link. Simply click the link to see their company profile, goods, etc.