Meze Audio today released the LIRIC 2nd Generation Headphones which feature performance improvements and a stunning new striped Macassar ebony wood finish and more modularity for easier upgrades.
LIRIC 2nd Generation’s sound profile is said to be tuned up to offer a compelling blend of clear, accurate audio performance with a touch of warmth for added depth. Meze says the sound signature falls in between a balanced and warm profile.
A new QWRM (Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask – a precision-crafted metal plate that strategically covers select openings in the driver frame) effectively attenuates high-frequency peaks above 7kHz for a smoother listening experience.
The LIRIC 2nd Generation design has also been warmed up with the replacement of LIRIC’s leather-clad earcups with ones beautifully dressed in striped Macassar ebony. These combine gorgeous wood grain and a luxury feel with the durability hardwood delivers.
The distinctive nature of Macassar ebony means that each pair is inherently sui generis, or unique in its essence. This characteristic ensures that your headphones are not just a tool for experiencing music but a personal statement piece with its own story and character—no two pairs are exactly alike.
Developing great headphones means listening to a lot of music, but also listening to our community carefully, too! LIRIC was already an impressive headphone but based on feedback from our customers and reviewers we’ve taken its capabilities to new heights with the new LIRIC 2nd Generation,” explains Meze Audio’s founder and lead designer, Antonio Meze.
LIRIC 2nd Generation features state-of-the-art planar magnetic technology developed by Rinaro, re-engineered for day-to-day use. The Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver was scaled down and tuned to deliver an audio experience in-line with its larger counterparts found in Empyrean and Elite.
Combined with the closed-back design, it helps preserve the original clarity and emotion of your favourite music through enhanced sound and minimized external noise. Each driver is entirely hand assembled and tested in Rinaro’s specialist workshops in Ukraine.
The LIRIC 2nd Generation headphones also follow Meze Audio’s mission for both enhanced sustainability and choice, featuring detachable magnetic earpads that can be easily repaired and replaced.
Further performance and flexibility benefits are offered by the cable choices. LIRIC 2nd Generation now comes with Meze Audio’s premium hand-braided copper cable as standard; a 4.4mm design ideal for portable players and headphone amps, plus a 3m TPE cable for home listening. The LIRIC 2nd Generation’s modular design allows for easy cable upgrades and replacements as desired.
Specifications
- Driver Type: Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array®
- Enclosure: Closed-back
- Ear Coupling: Circumaural
- Frequency Response: 4-92,000 Hz
- Impedance: 61 Ω
- Sensitivity: 100 dB SPL @ 1 kHz, 1 mW
- Maximum SPL: > 130 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.15%
- Weight: 427 g
Price & Availability
The Meze Audio LIRIC 2nd Generation Headphones will be available for $2,000 at mezeaudio.com beginning March 7, 2024 and at mezeaudio.eu and in selected retailers worldwide for €2000/£1850.
