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Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£3,520
Avg. price in US: ~$4,000
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.4

Poor

3.4

Poor

?

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.5
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
1.0
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

No image

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Best prices in UK

N/A~ £3,520

Best rankings

Verdict

The Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix is a limited-edition, open-back flagship headphone featuring the world's first Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver, which combines spiral and switchback voice coils on a single ultra-lightweight diaphragm. Hand-assembled in Romania, it boasts a frequency response of 4 Hz to 110 kHz, an impedance of 31.6 Ω, and a high sensitivity of 100 dB/mW, making it remarkably easy to drive even with portable sources. Its primary characteristics include a CNC-sculpted aluminum chassis with a unique hand-painted 'Phoenix' fire-red finish, a carbon fiber headband with a pressure-distribution wing system, and a 430g build that remains exceptionally comfortable for long sessions. Main pros include its lush, warm musical tonality, expansive soundstage, and industry-leading build quality with magnetic user-swappable earpads. However, some users note cons such as a lack of analytical detail retrieval for its price, a slight upper-bass bleed into the lower mids, and a relatively loose clamping force that can cause the unit to slide when reclining.

Technical Specifications of Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix

Overall score

3.4

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?

Popularity

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.

Sound

3.7

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

hybrid

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

3.1

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

N/A

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

2.9

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

5.3

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Meze

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix vs the average headphone

Why is Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix better than the average headphone?

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62 mm larger driver size
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (102 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (102 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.102 mm vs 40 mm
14 Hz lower bass extension
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.4 Hz vs 18 Hz
90,000 Hz higher treble extension
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (110,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (110,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.110000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
20 mm more spacious earcup height
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (80 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (80 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.80 mm vs 60 mm
0.2 % lower distortion
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
12 mm more spacious earcup width
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (55 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (55 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.55 mm vs 43 mm
Open-back design
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
1.3 m more useful cable length
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (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
20 mm more spacious earcup height
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (80 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
12 mm more spacious earcup width
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (55 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
Open-back design
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
1.3 m more useful cable length
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
62 mm larger driver size
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (102 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
14 Hz lower bass extension
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
90,000 Hz higher treble extension
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (110,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
0.2 % lower distortion
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
20 dB higher max SPL
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Boom microphone included
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix worse than the average headphone?

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97.2% higher weight
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix is heavier than the average headphone (430 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
No passive noise reduction
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
No voice assistant support
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
97.2% higher weight
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix is heavier than the average headphone (430 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix is heavier than the average headphone (430 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.430 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
39.11x more expensive
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix is more expensive than the average headphone (£3,520 vs £90).
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix is more expensive than the average headphone (£3,520 vs £90).£3,520 vs £90
2.51x worse value for money
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has worse value for money than the average headphone (2.68 vs 6.736).
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.
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has worse value for money than the average headphone (2.68 vs 6.736).2.68 vs 6.74
4.65x less popular
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
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.
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW

Graphic comparison of Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix?

Exceptional comfort, often described as 'wearing a puffy cloud' with a highly effective weight-distribution system
Top-tier build quality featuring premium materials like CNC-milled aluminum and carbon fiber
Rich and textured bass that provides deep rumble and impact without being overwhelming
Musical and non-fatiguing sound signature characterized by a 'honey-like' smoothness
Very easy to drive, performing well even with mobile devices or low-powered sources
Vast and open soundstage with precise imaging and multi-dimensional instrument placement
Luxurious presentation including a high-quality aluminum flight case and swappable magnetic ear pads

What customers dislike about Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix?

High retail price of approximately $2,999, which some users feel is not fully justified by its technical performance
Detail retrieval and resolution may lag behind other flagship competitors in the same price range
Mid-bass elevation can sometimes bleed into the lower mids, causing a slightly 'woolly' or congested transition
Treble can occasionally exhibit an artificial-sounding 'gleam' or glassy quality
Recessed upper-mids may push vocals further back in the mix than some listeners prefer

Expert reviews

headphone.shop

30/06/2026

Meze Empyrean Phoenix - Headphone Shop

The Meze Audio Empyrean Phoenix is a limited-edition, 10th-anniversary headphone from the "Art Gallery" collection, featuring a hand-painted, fiery red and black aluminum chassis. It utilizes the Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver for improved efficiency and sound accuracy, paired with premium accessories like real leather pads and a robust case. Key strengths include a very...Read more

supersonido.es

26/01/2021

Meze Empyrean Review - SuperSonido

The Meze Empyrean is a high-end headphone produced by a Romanian company in collaboration with Rinaro, priced at €2,999.00. Tested using a Mytek Digital Brooklyn DAC+, a Feliks Audio Elise amplifier, and high-resolution FLAC and TIDAL HiFi tracks, the headphones offer an ultra-premium experience right from the unboxing. They come packaged in a metallic briefcase that includes two...Read more

hifi.nl

17/02/2019

Meze Audio Empyrean Review: Are you looking for specific technical measurements for this limited edition, or are you more interested in where it is st...

The Meze Audio Empyrean is a high-end headphone that blends luxury craftsmanship with excellent physical ergonomics and comfort. Designed by industrial designer Antonio Meze, its aesthetic matches that of a luxury watch, creating an immediate sense of high quality. Despite its substantial physical weight of 430 grams, the headphone feels remarkably light due to its superb weight...Read more

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