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Meze Audio Rai Solo Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£220
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.0

Good

4.4

Poor

7.5

Very good

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
2.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
10
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
7.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
9.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

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Verdict

The Meze Audio Rai Solo is a premium in-ear monitor featuring a single 9.2mm UPM dynamic driver with a ultra-thin 9µm diaphragm, housed in robust, vibration-reducing injection-molded stainless steel shells. Technically efficient with a 16 Ohm impedance and 105dB sensitivity, these headphones offer a frequency response of 18Hz to 22kHz and are easily powered by mobile devices. Main characteristics include a fun-neutral, slightly V-shaped sound signature with high levels of micro-detail, clear upper-mids, and excellent ergonomic comfort for long listening sessions. Pros include exceptional build quality, impressive passive noise isolation, and a rich accessory package including a silver-plated copper MMCX cable. However, notable cons include limited sub-bass extension, a slightly metallic edge in the high frequencies, and a cable that is prone to tangling.

Technical Specifications of Meze Audio Rai Solo

Overall score

5.0

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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

4.2

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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

dynamic

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

2.8

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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

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

6.2

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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

10

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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

in-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

closed-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

N/A

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Meze Audio Rai Solo vs the average headphone

Why is Meze Audio Rai Solo better than the average headphone?

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90.9% lower weight
Meze Audio Rai Solo is lighter than the average headphone (19.8 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 Rai Solo is lighter than the average headphone (19.8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.19.8 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Meze Audio Rai Solo includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Meze Audio Rai Solo includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Meze Audio Rai Solo has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 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 Rai Solo has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Meze Audio Rai Solo has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 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 Rai Solo has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
90.9% lower weight
Meze Audio Rai Solo is lighter than the average headphone (19.8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Meze Audio Rai Solo has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Meze Audio Rai Solo has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Meze Audio Rai Solo includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Meze Audio Rai Solo worse than the average headphone?

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Tangle-prone cable
Meze Audio Rai Solo uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
30.8 mm smaller driver size
Meze Audio Rai Solo has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.7 % higher distortion
Meze Audio Rai Solo has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
No neodymium magnet
Meze Audio Rai Solo does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
1 fewer microphones
Meze Audio Rai Solo has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Meze Audio Rai Solo does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
30.8 mm smaller driver size
Meze Audio Rai Solo has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9.2 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 Rai Solo has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.9.2 mm vs 40 mm
No voice assistant support
Meze Audio Rai Solo 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 Rai Solo does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
0.7 % higher distortion
Meze Audio Rai Solo has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (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 Rai Solo has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
1 fewer microphones
Meze Audio Rai Solo has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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
Meze Audio Rai Solo has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
Tangle-prone cable
Meze Audio Rai Solo uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Meze Audio Rai Solo uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
2.44x more expensive
Meze Audio Rai Solo is more expensive than the average headphone (£220 vs £90).
Meze Audio Rai Solo is more expensive than the average headphone (£220 vs £90).£220 vs £90
No neodymium magnet
Meze Audio Rai Solo does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
What it is: Uses neodymium magnets for stronger, clearer sound
When it matters: When driver construction details are part of how you compare sound hardware.
Importance: LOW
Meze Audio Rai Solo does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
6.7% worse value for money
Meze Audio Rai Solo has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.31 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 Rai Solo has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.31 vs 6.736).6.31 vs 6.74

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Meze Audio Rai Solo and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Meze Audio Rai Solo?

Exceptional build quality with a premium brushed stainless steel shell.
Highly ergonomic and comfortable anatomical design, suitable for long listening sessions.
Energetic and detailed sound signature, particularly strong in the midrange and lower treble.
Wide and spacious soundstage with good imaging and instrument separation.
Very easy to drive using standard devices like smartphones and laptops without needing a powerful amplifier.
Generous accessory package, including a high-quality carrying case and a wide variety of eartips.

What customers dislike about Meze Audio Rai Solo?

Sub-bass extension is limited, which may disappoint 'bassheads' or those used to Meze's more expensive models.
The upper midrange can sound slightly thin, hollow, or 'nasal' on certain tracks.
Some users report a sharp or metallic peak in the lower treble that can be fatiguing without EQ or burn-in.
The included silver-plated cable is prone to tangling and may feel less sturdy than premium alternatives.
May struggle with complex or extremely fast-paced musical tracks due to its single dynamic driver design.

Expert reviews

ear-fidelity.com

29/10/2020

Meze Rai Solo - Ear Fidelity

The Meze Rai Solo is a $249 single-dynamic-driver in-ear monitor (IEM) that excels in its physical presentation and craftsmanship. It features an outstanding build quality with flat, medium-sized metal shells that feature an eye-catching, precisely tooled Meze logo alongside color-coded nozzles and stiff MMCX connectors. The unboxing experience is premium, including a high-quality...Read more

headfonics.com

23/10/2020

Meze Rai Solo Review - Headfonics

The Meze Rai Solo IEM features a robust stainless steel design and utilizes a 9.2mm Unified Pistonic Motion (UPM) driver to deliver clean, low-distortion audio. Pros highlighted include an efficient, easy-to-drive nature, strong micro-detail retrieval, and high-quality included accessories. Conversely, the review notes a slightly V-shaped sound signature with sharp treble that can...Read more

head-fi.org

12/03/2020

Meze Audio Rai Solo | Headphone Reviews and Discussion

The Meze Audio Rai Solo features an exceptionally durable, ergonomically designed stainless-steel chassis and a unique Unified Pistonic Motion (UPM) driver that delivers a fast, energetic, "fun-neutral" sound with superior imaging. Positive reviews highlight the comfortable, fatigue-free fit and a premium accessory package, including a solid carrying case. However, the sound...Read more

headfonia.com

05/11/2019

Review: Meze Audio Rai Solo - "Rise and Shine" - Headfonia

The Headfonia review of the Meze Rai Solo highlights an IEM with a bright, energetic sound signature that departs from the brand's typically warmer profile. Key pros include exceptional comfort, strong passive noise isolation, and a durable, aesthetically pleasing raw stainless steel finish. Conversely, the review notes cons regarding the bright tuning, which may require EQ or a...Read more

majorhifi.com

15/11/2019

Meze Rai Solo Review - Major HiFi

The Meze Rai Solo ($249) is a durable, stainless steel in-ear monitor (IEM) utilizing a single 9.2 mm dynamic driver and a removable 4-foot MMCX cable with color-coded left/right nozzles. It provides high comfort and decent passive noise isolation. Sound-wise, the earphones offer a slightly V-shaped but well-balanced profile with a bright high-end that brings energy to violins and...Read more

t3.com

23/07/2021

Meze Audio Rai Solo review: in-ear wired headphones that are so fresh, so clean

The Meze Audio Rai Solo in-ear wired headphones deliver an exceptionally clean, detailed, and dynamic soundstage at a highly competitive real-world price of around $149 to $179. Featuring a unique 9.2mm single driver with a conductive membrane that eliminates internal wiring interference, they are housed in rigid, durable stainless steel enclosures. While they have a low 16-ohm...Read more

primeaudio.org

08/12/2020

Meze Rai Solo IEM Review

The Meze Rai Solo is a single dynamic driver in-ear monitor (IEM) tested at $249 that aims to bring the brand's premium design philosophy into a more affordable price bracket. Reviewer David Becker praises the exceptional injection-moulded stainless steel craftsmanship and an incredibly ergonomic fit that mimics custom-molded monitors, yielding above-average passive noise isolation....Read more

moonstarreviews.net

20/06/2020

MEZE Rai Solo IEM Review

Review Summary The Meze Audio Rai Solo is a $249 In-Ear Monitor (IEM) featuring an ergonomic, durable sintered stainless steel shell and a unique 9.2mm wire-free UPM dynamic driver that ensures symmetrical piston movement. Packaged with a high-quality detachable silver-plated copper cable and a generous variety of silicone eartips, it offers a slightly warm, mildly V-shaped sound...Read more

headfonia.com

05/11/2019

Review: Meze Audio Rai Solo - "Rise and Shine"

The Meze Rai Solo ($249) is a highly refined entry-level in-ear monitor featuring an exceptionally comfortable, durable, and polished stainless steel shell design that draws from the flagship Rai Penta. Pros include a non-microphonic silver-plated cable and an "easy-to-drive" nature that performs well with standard mobile devices. Sonically, the IEM offers a forward, energetic sound...Read more

hifiplus.com

02/11/2021

Meze Audio RAI Solo in-ear monitors - Hi-Fi+

The Meze Audio RAI Solo is a wired, non-wireless in-ear monitor (IEM) designed to bring the brand's high-end engineering principles into the mainstream audio market at a price of £229. The review highlights several major strengths, beginning with its durable, injection-moulded stainless steel housing that offers low resonance and an anatomically comfortable fit for long listening...Read more

audioreviews.org

31/05/2021

Meze RAI Solo Review - Touch Of Class • Music For The Masses

The Meze RAI Solo review on AudioReviews.org praises the in-ear monitors for their excellent industrial design, high-quality build, and comfortable fit, featuring a unique, refined look. The single-dynamic driver earphones deliver a mid-centric sound signature characterized by great imaging capabilities, offering an engaging, specialized listening experience. However, the review...Read more

hifiandmusicsource.com

28/05/2021

Meze RAI Solo - HiFi and Music Source

The Meze RAI Solo in-ear monitors deliver exceptional, audiophile-grade performance that far exceeds their entry-level price point of £179. Designed with a proprietary 9.2mm Unified Pistonic Motion (UPM) dynamic driver housed in injection-moulded stainless steel, they offer a highly balanced, comfortable, and low-resonance listening experience. The sonic performance is highly...Read more

hifichoice.com

27/01/2021

Meze Audio RAI Solo - Hi-Fi Choice

The Meze Audio RAI Solo in-ear monitor is recognized by Hi-Fi Choice as an engaging, fast-paced, and highly sensitive, making it easy to drive with portable equipment. It features an exceptionally durable build with a comfortable, anatomical fit that promotes long-term listening, while delivering a rhythmic, energetic sound that remains enjoyable even with compressed audio sources....Read more

avguide.ch

07/04/2019

Sound, Design, and Comfort - Meze Audio – Perfectionism

The avguide.ch review highlights the Meze Audio EmpyreanGo as a masterful, high-end open-back headphone tailored for audiophiles seeking pure musical immersion over stark clinical realism. A major standout feature is the unique dual-sonic signature enabled by the two included sets of earpads: the leather-like pads deliver a purist, highly neutral sound profile, while the microfiber...Read more

homecinema-fr.com

31/01/2020

HCFR Review: Meze Audio RAI SOLO, Closed-Back IEMs

The HCFR review evaluates the Meze Audio Rai Solo, a closed-back in-ear monitor (IEM) designed to bridge the financial gap between the company’s flagship Rai Penta and its more budget-friendly entry-level series. While inheriting the aesthetic elegance, comfortable ergonomic shape, and accessory package of its premium sibling, the review stresses that the Rai Solo is a uniquely...Read more

on-mag.fr

15/10/2019

Meze Rai Solo Review: Audiophile earphones with steel shells protecting slightly cramped drivers

The ON-mag review highlights the Meze Rai Solo as an entry-level, wired, mono-driver in-ear monitor priced between 200 and 300 Euros. On the positive side, the reviewer heavily praises the exemplary build quality, which features hyper-robust, ultra-dense molded stainless steel shells paired with a reliable, detachable MMCX cable. Comfort is deemed excellent thanks to their...Read more

afdigitale.it

07/08/2023

Meze Audio: headphones that please everyone

The Romanian brand Meze Audio, founded in 2011 by musician and graphic designer Antonio Meze, has built a global reputation for crafting high-quality audio gear designed to combat modern product obsolescence. A core strength of their products is exceptional sustainability and repairability, featuring user-replaceable parts and eco-friendly materials like vegan leather and recycled...Read more

hvt.nl

02/05/2020

Meze Audio RAI Penta In-Ear Monitor Review (Including Solo Testing and Comparison)

The review by Ernst Neve from HVT highlights Meze Audio’s triumphant entry into the high-end in-ear monitor (IEM) market with the flagship RAI Penta, priced at €1,099. Following the immense success of their dynamic 99 Classics and the planar-magnetic Empyrean, the Romanian brand replicates its winning formula by crafting a high-end hybrid solution. The reviewer notes that despite...Read more

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