Meze Audio LIRIC 2nd Generation closed headphones

Our new closed isodynamic planar headphone presents an even richer listening experience, ideally positioned between a balanced and warm sound profile. A blend of clear and precise sound with a touch of warmth to add depth. We decided to keep the original Liric design language, but warm it up by integrating wooden ear cups, which, respecting the craftsmanship traditions of Maramures, are made of refined and unique Macassar ebony. To combine the ideal form and functionality, the ear cushions have been redesigned and are now magnetically attached for easy replacement in the future.

Tuned sound profile

The 2nd generation of Liric continues the successful collaboration between Meze Audio's industrial design and Rinaro's technological development. The new model features a QWRM (Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask). This precision-crafted metal component covers strategic openings in the driver frame and effectively attenuates high frequency peaks above 7 kHz for an even more pleasant listening experience.

Meze Audio

Meze Audio's audiophile headphones are known for their timeless design, pure comfort and immersive, lifelike sound. From looks to technology, Meze Audio products are designed to transcend momentary trends and be heirlooms rather than "just headphones." Today, founder Antonio Meze and his skilled team design and develop their products in Baia Mare, Romania, in the spirit of their original "no compromise" vision.

Rinaro Isodynamics

Rinaro was born in the Soviet Union (now Ukraine) during the Cold War as part of a state-funded research program into acoustic technology. With government support and advanced testing facilities, the team was able to focus all their efforts on planar magnetism. This is an area in which they have continued to innovate for the past 30 years since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Over the past decade, Rinaro has expanded its capabilities and capacity by developing state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facilities in Ukraine and Poland. The new facilities have been the driving force behind the creation of the revolutionary Isodynamic Hybrid Array technology found in Meze Audio’s EMPYREAN, ELITE and LIRIC headphones.

AWARD-WINNING TECHNOLOGY IN A COMPACT FORM

The Liric features cutting-edge technology developed by Rinaro, redesigned for versatile usability. The MZ4 Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver has been downsized and tuned to deliver a sound experience that is in line with the larger Empyrean and Elite models.

Despite its closed-back design, Liric manages to preserve the original clarity and feel of your favorite music by improving sound quality and minimizing external interference sources. Each element is assembled entirely by hand and tested at Rinaro's industrial facility in Ukraine.

MZ4 - isodynamic hybrid element

LIRIC is the first closed-back headphone to feature Rinaro's Isodynamic Hybrid Array drivers. Created exclusively for Meze Audio, the MZ4 driver features the same dual voice coil system first seen in Meze Audio's acclaimed Empyrean flagship model. Over 30 years of research has gone into developing this technology, resulting in one of the lightest and most advanced flat-diaphragm magnet systems on the market.

Strong casing

Reinforced polymer housing designed to withstand the demanding 10.7N load generated by the Hybrid Magnet Array.

Motion-sensitive isoplanar membrane

Weight only 0.08 g and large active area (3507 mm2).

Hybrid magnet system

Our neodymium magnets are symmetrically placed on both sides of the membrane as a hybrid array to create a 0.3 Tesla isodynamic magnetic field that activates the entire membrane area evenly.

Very low distortion

Total harmonic distortion (THD) is less than 0.15% across the entire frequency range.

Light

The total weight of the element is only 71 g, allowing headphones to provide comfortable listening even on the go.

Phase-X™ system

Patent-pending innovative phase technology elevates the spatial reproduction of a closed-back headphone to a class of its own.

Ultra-high frequency reproduction

The upper frequency limit is 92,000 Hz, so the headphones are capable of exceptional purity at frequencies that humans cannot directly hear, but which have a multiplier effect on lower frequencies and the perceived sense of space.

Easy for the amplifier

100dB@1mw/1kHz; 30Ω
Can be controlled from almost any portable source without amplification.

Scaled from flagship technology

One of the world's most advanced and sophisticated planar elements has been miniaturized for portable use. Patented in Europe, the United States and China, among others.

ADVANTAGES OF DUAL ACTIVATED MEMBRANE

The MZ4 driver combines a separate reciprocating and spiral voice coil in the same diaphragm, allowing sound to be more precisely focused according to the natural shape of the ear. This results in improved acoustic performance in many ways, such as more direct sound waves in the 10 kHz range, and more natural spatial reproduction and localization by reducing the proportion of reflected sound waves.

Reciprocating reel

The coil placed at the top of the element reproduces lower frequencies more effectively.

Spiral coil

The spiral-shaped coil reproduces mid and high frequencies more effectively, and is placed directly over the ear canal, allowing more direct sound waves to reach the ear without time delays.

Isoplanar plane film

The membrane is made from a custom-developed isotropic heat-stabilized polymer with a conductive layer. Unique processing methods have been used to achieve an ultra-light and rigid membrane.

PHASE-X™ A REVOLUTION IN SOUND IMAGE

The MZ4 driver's major innovation is Rinaro's Phase-X™ system, which minimizes phase distortions typically found in closed headphones, helping to produce a natural sound image.

The Phase-X™ system improves spatial imaging accuracy, comparable to the sound imaging of open headphones. The benefit is especially noticeable with binaural audio recordings.

Original recording

Absolute linear phasing provides the listener with the original sound image as it was recorded. The recording contains spatial information from both the instruments and the recording environment.

Nonlinear phase repetition

Phase distortions, which are typically found in traditional closed headphones, significantly narrow the soundstage.

Phase-X™ system

With Phase-X™ technology, LIRIC achieves true phase reproduction and faster transient response decay. This enables more realistic reproduction of fast impact sounds and improves the listener's perceived ambience and soundstage, bringing you closer to the original performance.

LIGHTWEIGHT MAGNESIUM BODY

The lightweight magnesium body ensures that the headphones remain flexible, shock-resistant and oxidation-resistant, while being ideal for long listening sessions.

OPTIMAL AIRFLOW CONTROL

The padded headband cushions are symmetrically placed in a "+" shape to allow for efficient airflow and reduce heat and moisture build-up. The genuine leather-covered headband is perfectly tuned for optimal pressure distribution - it follows the shape of your head, creating a firm and even fit. Like all Meze Audio headphones, the Liric is easily adjustable for a supportive yet comfortable fit that fits most head shapes.

ERGONOMIC OVOID SHAPE

The ear cup shape is best suited to surround your ear tightly without adding unnecessary pressure or weight, while providing deeper sound and better passive isolation from external noise.

PRESSURE BALANCING SYSTEM

To optimize the pressure in the ear cup chamber and improve airflow control, LIRIC features a finely tuned pressure equalization system. This has been further improved to achieve a smoother transition from bass frequencies to the lower midrange.

LOVE AT FIRST TOUCH

No detail was left to chance in creating a multi-sensory experience. Each texture of the Liric was carefully chosen to complement the other, creating a unique feel that stands out at first touch. These headphones reference the textures of magnesium parts in professional photo cameras, and they maintain the same softness to the touch while demonstrating excellent wear resistance.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Element type: Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array [MZ4]
• Ear cup design: closed
• Frequency response: 4 Hz - 92 kHz
• Impedance: 61 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 100 dB (1 mW / 1 kHz)
• Maximum sound pressure: over 130 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): less than 0.15% (over the entire frequency band!)
• Weight: 427g
• Warranty: 24 months

Delivery content:

• Premium quality PU leather storage case
• Durable EVA carrying case with velvet interior
• 1.3 m long PCUHD Premium copper cable with balanced 4.4 mm connector
• 3 m long soft TPE cable with 3.5 mm stereo plug
• 6.3 mm plug adapter
• Airplane adapter