Meze Audio
Meze Audio LIRIC Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
Best portable planar magnetic headphones for discerning audiophiles on the go.
Experience reference-class audio with the Meze Audio LIRIC 2nd Generation headphones. These closed-back planar magnetic headphones offer a private listening experience with exceptional sound quality. Featuring advanced Rinaro driver technology and a new Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask, they deliver smooth treble and remarkable clarity. The redesigned ear pads and chassis damping enhance realism, while the premium build ensures lasting comfort and durability. Perfect for audiophiles seeking the dynamic performance of planar magnetic drivers in a portable, closed-back design for home, studio, or travel.
$2000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
437
/ 5518
#437 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+240%
Above average
Driver Type
Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array
/ Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking immersive clarity and dynamic musical engagement
- Listeners prioritizing long-term comfort and premium material quality
- Commuters and office workers needing effective passive noise isolation
Who should skip it
- Purists demanding the expansive soundstage of open-back designs
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level or mid-range value
- Users sensitive to headphone weight during marathon listening sessions
Performance breakdown
Soundstage Depth
Remarkably spacious imaging that defies typical closed-back design limitations.
Driver Precision
Rinaro technology delivers exceptional clarity and lightning-fast transient response.
Build Craftsmanship
Magnesium frame and premium leather offer a luxurious, durable tactile experience.
Treble Smoothness
Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask effectively eliminates harsh high-frequency fatigue.
Portability Factor
Compact footprint and hard-shell case make high-end audio travel-ready.
Long-term Comfort
Memory foam pads and ergonomic weight distribution ensure fatigue-free listening sessions.
Key Specs
Driver Type
Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array
Impedance
61 Ω
Sensitivity
100 dB (1 mW/1 kHz)
Frequency Response
4 Hz – 92 kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
<0.15%
Weight
427 g
Headband
Genuine leather with magnesium frame
Ear Pads
Hybrid leather and Alcantara with memory foam
Features
- Second-gen closed-back planar magnetic headphones
- Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver technology
- Reduced treble resonance for smoother highs
- Enhanced clarity and realism with improved damping
- Spacious, natural soundstage for closed-back design
- Premium magnesium frame and leather finishes
- Includes detachable cables and protective case
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Meze Audio LIRIC headphones for their exceptional sound quality and exquisite build. Listeners frequently highlight the detailed, dynamic audio presentation, noting its engaging character for a closed back design. The premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship receive widespread acclaim, contributing to a luxurious feel and impressive durability. Many appreciate the sophisticated aesthetic and comfortable fit, making extended listening sessions enjoyable. This combination of sonic excellence and superior construction establishes the LIRIC as a highly regarded choice among discerning audiophiles.
Know before you buy
While open-back headphones offer a wider soundstage, the LIRIC 2nd Generation provides a closed-back design that isolates you from ambient noise. This makes them significantly more versatile for travel or office environments without sacrificing the detailed, fast transient response planar magnetic drivers are known for.
With an impedance of 61 Ω and a sensitivity of 100 dB, they are relatively efficient for planar magnetic headphones. While you can drive them directly from a high-quality portable device, using a dedicated DAC or amplifier will better unlock their full dynamic range and clarity.
The LIRIC features a magnesium frame that keeps the weight to 427g, paired with memory foam ear pads finished in a mix of leather and Alcantara. This combination provides a secure fit that balances weight distribution well, making them suitable for extended use.
This component is specifically engineered to manage high-frequency resonance. By effectively dampening unwanted treble peaks, it results in a smoother, more natural sound profile that is less fatiguing during long listening sessions.
Yes, the LIRIC 2nd Generation uses detachable cables. The package includes both 1.5m and 3m cables with standard 3.5mm and 6.3mm terminations, allowing you to easily swap them or upgrade to balanced cables if desired.
As a closed-back design, they offer substantial passive noise isolation compared to open-back models. While they do not feature active noise cancellation, the physical seal of the ear pads is effective at blocking out a significant amount of ambient background noise.
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$2000