OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
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Meze Audio Empyrean II Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£2,640Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Meze Audio Empyrean II Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Meze Audio Empyrean II
5.0/10

Overall score

Score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

80%

5.0

Technical score

20%

5.1

User score

▼Worse than 97% of headphones
3.8

Value for money

Value for money
3.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

5.0

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

▼Worse than 99%
5.0

Technical score

Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

52%

5.4

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.4

Design

8%

5.3

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.4

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 92%
5.1

User score

User score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

6.2

User ratings

30%

2.4

Number of reviews

▼Worse than 99%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Meze Audio Empyrean II

Technical score
Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components:

52%

5.4

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.4

Design

8%

5.3

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.4

Calls & Controls

5.0
User score
User score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

6.2

User ratings

30%

2.4

Number of reviews

5.1
Popularity
Popularity
2.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 72% of models
Popularity:
Meze Audio Empyrean II has a popularity score of 2.4 points, which is lower than that of 71.3% of products in this category.
2.4
Value for money
Value for money
3.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

5.0

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

3.8
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
hybrid
Driver size
102 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 102 mm, larger driver size than 99.1% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
8 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 8 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 80.3% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
?
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Meze
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
449 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 449 g, heavier than 97% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Meze Audio Empyrean II vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 62 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (102 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    102 mm vs 40 mm
  • 90,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (110,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    110,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    8 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • 0.25 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.05 % vs 0.3 %
  • 14 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (74 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    74 mm vs 60 mm
  • 1.3 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.5 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 14 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (74 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    74 mm vs 60 mm
  • 1.3 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.5 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 62 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (102 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    102 mm vs 40 mm
  • 90,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (110,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    110,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    8 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.25 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.05 % vs 0.3 %
  • 20 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    130 dB vs 110 dB
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • 7 newer release date
    This pair of headphones was released more recently than the average pair of headphones (2023 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    November 2023
    2023 vs 2016
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2.06x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (449 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    449 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 12 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 29.33x more expensive
    Meze Audio Empyrean II is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£2,640 vs £90).
    £2,640 vs £90
  • 57.9% lower user score
    User score
    5.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Meze Audio Empyrean II
    the average pair of headphones
    Meze Audio Empyrean II has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.07 vs 8).
    5.07 vs 8
  • 89.9% worse value for money
    Meze Audio Empyrean II has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (3.83 vs 7.3).
    3.83 vs 7.27
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 29.33x more expensive
    Meze Audio Empyrean II is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£2,640 vs £90).
    £2,640 vs £90
  • 57.9% lower user score
    User score
    5.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Meze Audio Empyrean II
    the average pair of headphones
    Meze Audio Empyrean II has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.07 vs 8).
    5.07 vs 8
  • 89.9% worse value for money
    Meze Audio Empyrean II has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (3.83 vs 7.3).
    3.83 vs 7.27
  • 2.43x less popular
    Meze Audio Empyrean II is less popular than the average pair of headphones (2.42 vs 5.9).
    2.42 vs 5.87
  • 2.06x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (449 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    449 g vs 218 g
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 12 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 13 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (90 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    90 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 0.5 dB looser channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    1 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.5
Master Marslander
≈ estimated
10/10/2025
Hands-on review · build, comfort, imaging and sound
Verdict
Meze Audio Empyrean II combines a beautiful build, pleasant sound and strong imaging.
9.0
Enigma Fotos Reviews
≈ estimated
15/04/2025
Long-term use · about a year of daily listening
Verdict
Meze Audio Empyrean II is a great pick if you want two distinct tunings you truly enjoy from one pair of excellent headphones.
9.5
THE ABSOLUTE SOUND
≈ estimated
02/07/2024
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and pad tests
Verdict
Meze Audio Empyrean II has many strengths and only mild flaws, and is hard to beat at this price.
9.0
TylersEclectic
≈ estimated
28/06/2024
Loan review · listening tests across genres and formats
Verdict
Meze Audio Empyrean II is a strong, well-built headphone with a pleasing, slightly warm tone, recommended if the budget allows.
6.0
Reviews By WaveTheory
≈ estimated
02/05/2024
Full review · loaner unit, resolution and tuning tests
Verdict
Meze Audio Empyrean II has a pleasing, lush tuning, but its resolution and driver speed are weak for the price; the loaner was sent back for checking.
8.0
Passion for Sound
≈ estimated
23/03/2024
Hands-on review · sound tests, measurements and comparison
Verdict
Meze Audio Empyrean II is a very enjoyable, solid headphone, though not quite as captivating as its predecessor.
9.5
Joshua Valour
≈ estimated
08/11/2023
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and amplifier tests
Verdict
Meze Audio Empyrean II is the best Empyrean yet and a strong reference for high-end headphones, though its soundstage could be deeper.
8.0
GadgetryTech
≈ estimated
28/01/2024
Comparison · versus Elite, sound, comfort and amp pairing
Verdict
Meze Audio Empyrean II has a warmer, more traditional V-shaped sound and is the better pick for vocals and electronic music.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

headfonics.com
06/12/2023
Listening review · Original comparison
Verdict
The Meze Audio Empyrean II is clearer and very comfortable, but it sounds different enough from the original that its fans may not warm to it.
majorhifi.com
20/11/2023
Listening review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The Meze Audio Empyrean II has precise imaging and natural bass, though its treble can turn sharp on some recordings.
the-ear.net
16/01/2024
Extended listening test · Open-back planar
Verdict
The Meze Audio Empyrean II sounds emotional and punchy, with surprisingly strong bass for an open design, but its bulk limits it to indoor listening.
ear-fidelity.com
29/04/2024
Hands-on review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The Meze Audio Empyrean II has tactile, balanced bass, a well-made build and comfort for long sessions, though it feels heavier than lighter rivals.
musictech.com
26/03/2024
Comparison review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The Meze Audio Empyrean II is a balanced, accurate open-back that places instruments precisely, though the pricier Elite goes a little deeper and sparkles more.
audiograde.uk
17/04/2026
Audiophile review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The Meze Audio Empyrean II is a finely built, even-handed open-back that reproduces brass, vocals and reverb realistically, though its pad choice trades bass for sparkle.
hometheaterhifi.com
22/01/2025
Hands-on test · Open-back planar
Verdict
The Meze Audio Empyrean II sounds warm and powerful, and its two earpads give very different tunings, though the headband may not shrink enough for smaller heads.
whathifi.com
22/04/2024
Listening review · Planar headphones
Verdict
The Meze Audio Empyrean II is a comfortable, well-made headphone with a full, entertaining sound, though it needs careful pairing to tame its spiky treble.
stereonet.com
09/11/2023
Listening review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The Meze Audio Empyrean II is a balanced, engaging headphone with a three-dimensional soundstage and vivid vocals, though poor recordings lose detail and focus.
trustedreviews.com
13/11/2023
Hands-on review · Wired over-ear
Verdict
The Meze Audio Empyrean II is a poised, detailed headphone with a neutral tone and comfort for long sessions, though its bass can sound thin at first.
kopfhoerer.de
01/12/2025
Hands-on test · Open-back high-end
Verdict
The Meze Audio Empyrean II is a detailed, silky-warm open-back suited to home listening and studio mixing, though its low clamping force lets it shift during quick head moves.
on-mag.fr
24/01/2024
Private listening test · Premium open-back
Verdict
The Meze Audio Empyrean II is a comfortable, lightweight open-back whose detailed sound and easy drive suit good sources, though the Warwick Bravura is more technically sharp.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Meze Audio Empyrean II

  • World-class comfort with a patented suspension wing headband that distributes weight effectively for long sessions.
  • Exceptional build quality featuring CNC-milled aluminum, carbon fiber, and a high-end Art Deco-inspired aesthetic.
  • Improved clarity and resolution compared to the original Empyrean, offering a more neutral and reference-friendly tuning.
  • Versatile sound signature that works well across almost all musical genres, from classical to EDM.
  • Includes two sets of magnetically attached earpads (Duo and Angled Alcantara) that allow users to meaningfully customize the sound profile.
  • Relatively easy to drive for a flagship planar magnetic headphone, performing well even with portable gear.
  • Precise 3D imaging and a spacious soundstage that provides a realistic, 'out-of-head' listening experience.

What customers don't like about Meze Audio Empyrean II

  • High premium price point (approximately $3,000) that puts them in the luxury 'endgame' category.
  • Treble can occasionally be a touch sharp or sibilant on certain tracks, especially for those sensitive to higher frequencies.
  • Slightly less physical 'heft' or warmth in the low-end compared to the original Empyrean, which may disappoint fans of the first version's darker sound.
  • The large briefcase-style storage box is bulky and not practical for actual travel or portable use.
  • Size adjustment may not go small enough to provide a perfect fit for users with smaller-than-average heads.
  • Lacks isolation due to the open-back design, making them unsuitable for noisy environments as they both leak and let in sound.

Verdict

The Meze Audio Empyrean II is an open-back isodynamic hybrid planar magnetic headphone featuring a refined Rinaro MZ3 driver with dual switchback and spiral voice coils, delivering an ultra-high frequency response of 8 Hz to 110,000 Hz with a sensitivity of 105 dB and 32-ohm impedance. Its distinctive CNC-milled aluminum frame and carbon fiber headband use a patented suspension wing system to distribute its 385g weight, making it one of the most comfortable high-end headphones on the market. Main pros include a highly detailed, neutral sound signature that remains engaging, an expansive soundstage with precise imaging, and exceptional build quality with two sets of swappable magnetic ear pads (Duo and Alcantara) to tailor the sound profile. However, potential cons include a slightly sharp or peaky lower treble on certain tracks, somewhat restrained dynamics compared to competitors, and a large, non-discreet physical profile that may not fit smaller head sizes securely.

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