A light in the shape of sound – FIRST LIGHT

All beginnings are marked by the reverie of a bright light – its warm, hopeful rays soothe and energise, imprinting memories that define our journey ever after. Imagine being able to hold this light in the palm of your hand, taking it with you wherever you go.

Warm. Hopeful. Universal.

Light, even when not physically present, always manages to find its way into our lives. We never forget the first dawn and the energy it brings – it binds us to life. Let Alba shine through and experience the magic of pure, natural sound. Anywhere. Anytime.

“It was a combination of factors that brought Alba into existence. Coming from a musical background, having maintained direct contact with our customers on a daily basis, and also being an audiophile myself for the better part of a decade, really helped me understand the expectations for a complete and immersive listening experience. Designed for those who dance to their own beat, for the curious and the free-spirited, Alba comprises a perfectly accessible and qualitative introduction into the world of elevated audio enjoyment.”
Vlad Toca, Product Manager

Sound that sparks Emotion

Experience the unmistakable Meze sound. Possessing a neutral sound profile with an added touch of warmth, Alba can vividly emphasize both the rain and the thunder in your favorite songs. Reach for the light, close your eyes, and press play.

Built for Comfort

By preserving the Meze Audio design language, high levels of comfort, ergonomics, and noise isolation are assured. The combination of zinc alloy and anodized aluminium parts ensures a resilient build. Additionally, the shell feels precious due to the iridescent color finish, giving Alba theappearance of a lustrous pearl.

Radiant Compatibility

Take the light with you anywhere you go. The Meze Audio custom-designed 3.5mm to USB-C adapter lets you connect your earphones to any music source that has a USB-C connector. Made from the same high-quality materials as the headphone cable, this custom-made adapter has a built-in DAC/AMP (Digital-to-Analog Converter) to ensure an immersive audio experience. The adapter also features an LED indicator that turns on when properly connected.

Features & Accessories

The braided SPC 1.2m cable comes with a 3.5mm gold-plated jack termination, ensuring high durability, while not compromising on comfort. Specially designed silicone ear tips help improve comfort and enhance noise isolation to let your music shine in any scenario. Four sizes included: S, M, L, and XL. The eco-leather pouch is a stylish and practical solution to keep your earphones safe, and easily portable.

Specifications

• Driver Type 10.8 mm Dynamic Driver
• Frequency Range 15 Hz – 25 kHz
• Impedance 32Ω at 1kHz
• SPL 109 dB SPL/V at 1 kHz
• Distortion <0.1% at 1 kHz

Antonio Meze about the new Alba

ALBA is a Romanian word, signifying THE FIRST LIGHT. And this is precisely how we think of Alba within our portfolio: as the first touchpoint with the Meze Audio universe and the Meze sound. Designed for those who dance to their own beat, for the curious and the free-spirited, for the stylish travelers and people on the move, ALBA comprises a perfectly accessible and qualitative introduction into the world of elevated audio enjoyment. ALBA features the unmistakable Meze sound: a neutral sound profile with an added touch of warmth, for a complete and immersive listening experience.

By preserving the Meze Audio design language, high levels of comfort, ergonomics, and noiseisolation are assured. The combination of zinc alloy and anodized aluminum parts ensures aresilient build. Additionally, the shell feels precious due to the iridescent color finish, giving ALBAthe appearance of a lustrous pearl. ALBA is portable and sociable: the included Meze Audio custom-designed 3.5mm to USB-C adapter lets you connect your earphones to any music source that has a USB-C connector. Made from the same high-quality materials as the headphone cable, this custom-made adapter has a built-in DAC/AMP (Digital-to-Analog Converter) to ensure an immersive audio experience.

Alba shares the same shell design as the renowned Advar. What are the differences between these two earphones?

The internal chamber of Advar has been modified to fit the 2-pin connection, but other than that, Alba shares the same design language as Advar. The materials and technologies are different, Alba is made with zinc alloy and anodized aluminium, through diecast, compared to Advar’s stainless steel, made through injection moulding.

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“Our inspiration comes in many shapes and forms, so it was only a matter of time before we shifted to a lighter palette, following our brand’s new look and feel. As you might have noticed on our new website, we’re adopting lighter, natural colours, as a sign of spiritual growth and mindfulness. Made in collaboration with Headphone.Shop, The White Empyrean is our first limited edition that conveys this message. The White Empyrean and also a white Elite will be available in limited quantities, exclusively on headphone.shop, our official distributor in Germany.”

Meze – Elite

The partnership between Meze Audio and Rinaro Isodynamics continues with the launching of the new MEZE – ELITE Isodynamic Hybrid Array headphones. ELITE is coming to set a new benchmark in top-of-the-line headphone performance, combining Meze Audio’s superb mechanical design and ergonomics with Rinaro’s distinctive technology and acoustic engineering.

ELITE gives an accurate, realistic listening experience suited to exceed the highest standards of the accomplished audiophile by combining an elite aesthetic with state-of-the-art engineering.

Meze Audio created a one-of-a-kind headset with revolutionary designs and technology that perfectly complement each other to generate a pure feeling with a no-compromise philosophy, inspired by the love for art and sound.

Meze ELITE Maximum durability and a stunning appearance

Firstly, Materials were chosen not just for their raw texture’s thrilling sensory experience, but also for their comfort and longevity. A carbon fiber headband with a real leather headrest was added to the frame for an ultra-light feel, and the deep black grill with detailed carvings gives the Elite its stunning appearance.

Meze ELITE Designed to last a lifetime

Secondly, Meze Audio’s main idea is to produce products that will persist through years and years of industry changes, providing customers with long-term value.
Elite is no exception.

From its appearance to its technology, this headset created to outlast all passing fads and become a true treasure.

Elite is entirely serviceable, taking long-term sustainability to a new level: from the replacement earpads to the high-performance materials utilized, every aspect of the headphone chassis can be readily disassembled and maintained.

The enormous time commitment of world-class drivers

Thirdly, Each driver unit made at Rinaro Isodynamics in Ukraine takes more than 100 hours to develop and test before being delivered to Meze Audio for the final assembly of the headphone.

Two different ear pads for optimum comfort and sound quality with innovative design

The Isomagnetic® earpad attachment is an innovative design feature invente by Rinaro that leverages the driver’s demagnetizing field to secure the earpad in place while also redirecting the magnetic field back into the driver and enhancing driver efficiency.

The Rinaro-designed Meze ELITE headphone comes with two distinctively shaped earpads that allow for specific sound signature calibration.

ALCANTARA®
The Alcantara earpad originally developed for the Empyrean headphone in 2018 is 30mm deep.

HYBRID (Perforated Alcantara® Interior + Real Leather Exterior)
Lastly, The 25mm deep Leather + Alcantara earpad, designed just for ELITE by Rinaro, is a new addition to the line-up that blends the best of two materials.

Meze – Elite Technical Specifications

• Driver Type Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array® [MZ3SE]
• Operating Principle Open
• Ear Coupling Circumaural
• Frequency Response3 – 112,000 Hz
• Impedance 32 Ω
• Nominal SPL101 dB (1 mW / 1 kHz)
• Maximum SPL > 130 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) <0.05% (in the whole frequency range)

PHYSICAL

• Geometrical Shape Ovoid
• Size 102 mm x 73 mm
• Weight 75 g
• Casing Fibreglass reinforced polymer
• MAGNET ARRAY
• Type Isodynamic
• Size 75 mm x 49 mm
• Magnetic Flux 0.35 T

DIAPHRAGM

• Type Rinaro Parus® [MZ3SE]
• Active Area 4650 mm2
• Weight 0.011 g
• Acoustic Mass 7.5 kg/m4
• Lower Frequency Limit 3 Hz
• Upper-Frequency Limit 112,000 Hz

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The ACTIVO P1 promises an experience that will connect you to music in a whole new way.

ACTIVO has put a lot of effort into developing products with excellent portability and expanded usability for music enthusiasts to listen to and enjoy music anywhere and at any time. From design to performance, P1 offers new experiences and values.

• Premium Sound (tuned by Astell&Kern)
• Bit Perfect Lossless Music Streaming Support
• Provides a lossless music streaming experience
• One-handed compact design
• Fast and pleasant system performance with an Octa-core Processor
• Amazing battery efficiency with 20 hours of non-stop playback
• Dual-band Wi-Fi support for a seamless wireless environment

Iconic Design

ACTIVO P1 comes with an iconic design for simple and intuitive sound experiences.
The compact palm size of P1 allows for great portability and usability and emphasizes the beauty of simplicity.

The design uses a combination of aluminum and polycarbonate to create a smooth curve for a comfortable grip.
The easy-to-grip aluminum body and powerful audio performance module parts are divided into blocks to maximize contrast.

Tactile Control

The buttons on either side of the player are shaped so that users can tell the difference between each button by touch alone.
Three keys (play/pause, next, and previous) are combined to allow users to easily control the device while focusing on the display.

Powered By Astell&Kern TERATON ALPHA

Astell&Kern, a pioneering brand in the Hi-Fi audio market, presents its expertise in audio technology with the unique TERATON ALPHA sound solution, which is used in the ACTIVO P1. Enjoy the beautifully balanced audio experience.

Fast and Seamless System Performance

The octa-core processor offers high-quality sound performance at a fast and seamless system speed.

Precision DAC and AMP Design for Premium Sound

ACTIVO P1 features the ESS ES9219Q SABRE Dual-DAC.
The dual-DAC structure creates a perfectly balanced circuit to deliver vivid sounds that are true to the original.
The P1 also has AMP circuit, which doesn’t use the AMP function built into the DAC.
The TERATON ALPHA AMP ensures sound clarity and broad spatial resonance with its design technology. With it, you can catch the faintest sounds of instruments you could not hear before.

Simple & Solid UI

The UI design of P1 consists of triangles, circles, and squares.
These basic elements are placed harmoniously throughout its UI, creating a beautiful design with a solid style.

Easy on Interface

The simple and intuitive user interface provides a familiar and friendly experience that even first-time DAP users can easily control.
Physical buttons on both sides of the player allow easy control of the P1 while inside a pocket.

Even More Joy, Dive on Music

ACTIVO P1 supports 3rd party music streaming apps so that you can enjoy even more music. You can now listen to your choice of music anywhere and at any time or create your own music library and playlists using popular music streaming apps that provide lossless music playback, such as Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz and more.

*Bit-perfect Playback transmits audio files to audio devices without changing bit depth, sample rate, or the number of channels.

Plug & Play

ACTIVO P1 provides diverse options for DAC mode and a seamless environment to enjoy music.

• Connect ACTIVO P1 to use it as an external DAC.
• Easily check the sample rate and DSD/PCM information of the music being played.
• Set the DAC filter to your preference to enjoy music that is to your liking.
• Use the battery more efficiently with the on/off charging options.

Digital Audio Remaster Technology for Even More Vivid Original Sound

The P1 is equipped with digital audio remaster (DAR) technology. DAR technology is developed to upsample the sample rate of the sound source being played to go beyond the limits of the source format.

The high sample rate allows more refined play and offers delicate and analog-like original sound, helping you to enjoy the richness of the original sound, enhancing subtle differences in the nuance of the music and rich sounds.

Create your perfect sound

Adjust the frequency characteristics to fit your preference and environment for the best sound experience.

The parametric equalizer options in the P1 separates frequency ranges into 20 bands, and Gain is adjustable by 0.01dB increments for precise and accurate control. Users can also control the Q value to set the precise frequency range they like.

Control a maximum of 20 different EQ bands to create your very own sound.
Equalizer is applied to PCM sound files of 24bit/192kHz or less.

Specifications

General Specifications

Model Name: P1

Body Color: Whisper White

Body Material: Aluminum, Polycarbonate

Display: 4.1inch 720 x 1280 touch screen

Supported Audio Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA

Sample rate:

PCM : 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo

Output Level: Unbalanced 2Vrms │ Balanced 4.2Vrms (Condition No Load)

CPU: Octa – core

DAC: ESS ES9219Q x2

Decoding: Support up to 32bit / 384kHz Bit to Bit playback

Input: USB Type – C input (for charging & PC & MAC)

Outputs:

Unbalanced Out (3.5mm),
Balanced Out (4.4m, only 5-pole supported)

Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)

Bluetooth: V5.3 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm®aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC,AAC, SBC)

Dimensions: 2.44” (62mm)[W] x4.69” (119.2mm)[H] x 0.67” (17.2mm)[D]

Weight: About 5.46oz (155g)

Feature Enhancements: Firmware upgrade supported (OTA)

Operating Temperature: 0°C~ + 40°C(32°F~104°F)

SAR: Body 10g[W/Kg] – WLAN 2.4GHz: 0.216 / WLAN 5.8GHz: 0.155

Audio Specifications

Frequency Response

±0.013dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced │±0.013dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
±0.024dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced │±0.022dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced

S/N: 120dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 121dB @ 1kHz, Balanced

Crosstalk: -139dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -140dB @ 1kHz, Balanced

THD+N: 0.0006% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.0007% @ 1kHz, Balanced

IMD SMPTE: 0.0002%, Unbalanced / 0.0003%, Balanced, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1)

Output Impedance: 3.5mm (1ohm), 4.4mm (2ohm)

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Amps like the Aegis, that are transformer coupled, possess the ability to output at different impedances to match both objective headphone power needs, and subjective preferences, as well as delivering ample power at the different impedances of each driver. ZMF has headphones of varying needs, that benefit from headroom above their power requirements. The Aegis possesses the power, malleability, and timbral characterizes to make every ZMF and really any dynamic or planar headphone shine.

Being a transformer coupled amp, the Aegis has a LOT of IRON in transformers, chokes, and a huge power supply. All of this means that the “foundation” of sound coming from the Aegis is substantial, and you can hear it.

We may be able to change the aesthetic of the Aegis from time to time, but since we use an OEM to make the Aegis, it will likely be at most changes once per year.

The 4.4mm jack on the Aegis uses a voltage divider, which in layman’s terms means that you can use very sensitive IEMs and headphones on the 4.4mm, and still have full use of the range of the volume knob.

Insights from Keenan – the designer of the Aegis

1. Tube amplifiers offer a unique listening experience that is euphonic, natural, and musical made possible by simple circuits with clean signal paths. Most people are shocked at the clarity and spaciousness that tube amplifiers can achieve, it’s something everyone should try at least once. Listening is believing!

2. Generally, single-ended triode amplifiers achieve 3:1 damping ratios, meaning the headphone impedance is at least 3x the output impedance of the amplifier. But some may prefer either higher or lower damping ratios. You can try the various impedance settings and see what sounds best to you with your favorite headphones, there is no hard and fast rule.

3. I learned to design single-ended tube amps by experimentation, coming up with circuit ideas, prototyping them in the real world, then listening and measuring. A high degree of clarity, spaciousness, and musicality can be achieved in a tube amp if following simple design rules. That means keeping signal paths short, the circuits simple, and the distortion relatively low within the confines of single-ended tube design.

4. On average, Aegis is a 2-watt amplifier, although power output will be slightly higher or lower depending on the impedance setting and headphone impedance. Headphone transducers are low power devices requiring power outputs on the order of milliwatts; 2 watts of power is plenty to drive even the most demanding headphones. Power output is a function of the amplifier’s output voltage and the impedance of the headphone transducer; power will vary depending on the impedance setting and the headphone being used. Amplifier gain is the degree to which an amplifier boosts the input signal voltage, usually expressed in decibels (dB).

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Elevating Hi-Fi Experience

Named after the goddess of festivity, Thalia headphones deliver unparalleled hi-resolution sound quality, tailored for on-the-go enjoyment. Meticulously crafted for compatibility with a range of portable devices such as phones, tablets, DAPs, and portable DACs, they boast exceptional performance without draining power.

Aesthetic Evolution, Acoustic Revolution

Maintaining their signature octagonal cups, the new Thalia V2024 boasts significant upgrades:

• The steel headband makes way for a lightweight carbon-fiber design.
• Wooden cups are replaced with resin, enabling intricate internal geometries for superior acoustics.
• Enhanced comfort with larger, softer earpads.
• Upgraded to an 8-core silver-plated OFC cable for optimal signal transmission.

Blaž Erzetič, founder and chief designer, reflects on the evolution: “Through years of user feedback and observation, we’ve refined Thalia to a new level, to deliver enhanced comfort and sound quality.”

Customizable Elegance

Available in silver or black cover finishes, Thalia headphones can also be personalized with custom colors upon request, ensuring a bespoke touch.

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Moon Rover is a return to classic Campfire Audio form with an all-new take on a planar sound. Featuring a new custom 12mm planar magnetic driver, Moon Rover delivers your music with exceptional speed and linearity. Detailed recordings come to life with this exceptional new high-fidelity earphone from Campfire Audio.

Moon Rover is housed in a machined titanium body that has been individually flame treated for a unique blued aesthetic. Each earphone possesses a unique and individual finish because of this process, making each pair special in its own way. Moon Rover is finished with a black stainless-steel spout and gold-plated screws.

Tech Specs:

• Frequency Response: 5-20kHz
• SPL: 94 dB @ 1 kHz: 66.37 mVrms
• Impedance: 22.5 Ohms @ 1 kHz
• Less than 1% THD

Accessories:

• Super Smokey Litz Cable; 3.5mm
• Premium Waxed Leather Case
• Breezy Bag Micro
• Earphone Tips – Various (S, M, L)
• Limited Series of 888

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“Our inspiration comes in many shapes and forms, so it was only a matter of time before we shifted to a lighter palette, following our brand’s new look and feel. As you might have noticed on our new website, we’re adopting lighter, natural colours, as a sign of spiritual growth and mindfulness. Made in collaboration with Headphone.Shop, The White Empyrean is our first limited edition that conveys this message. The White Empyrean will be available in limited quantities, exclusively on headphone.shop, our official distributor in Germany.”

Meze Empyrean II 

Gateway to sonic paradise

The new Meze Empyrean II builds on the legacy of its predecessor and embodies a true symphony of sound, design, innovation and craftsmanship.

The result is a carefully refined Empyrean with a more modern sound and fresh design while retaining its successful features. In the second generation, the specialists at Meze Audio have further refined the exceptional isodynamic hybrid array design from Rinaro Isodynamics and achieved a groundbreaking increase in performance.

The aim was to improve the reproduction of the finest details while achieving a more neutral sound signature without losing the original, easily accessible character. The second generation thus sets new standards in terms of sound quality and audiophile enjoyment.

Artistry meets craftsmanship

The Meze Empyrean II is a natural evolution from Meze’s first planar-magnetic headphones, the first generation Empyrean. It retains all the beloved elements of its iconic predecessor, with an added touch of sculptural elegance.

Crafted with precision by CNC milling, the frame has a sleek matte black finish with silver accents and a redesigned grille inspired by timeless Art Deco patterns.

MEZE X RINARO

The result of the successful collaboration between two passionate companies is visible in perfection in the Meze Empyrean II. The power of Rinaro’s isodynamic hybrid array driver has been masterfully harnessed to achieve a new world of sound.

A sonic masterpiece reinterpreted

The result of years of research and development, the Empyrean II has more of everything:

more clarity
more depth
more fun

Meze’s goal was to improve detail reproduction and achieve a more neutral sound signature without compromising the original “easy listening” character.
Sophisticated tuning methods were used to achieve better resolution and detail reproduction, setting a new benchmark for cleaner and more accurate audio reproduction.

The reliability and resilience of the diaphragm inside the driver has also been improved to ensure exceptional performance even in challenging acoustic environments.

Architecture of the Isodynamic Hybrid-Array-Driver©

Inside the ornate, fiberglass-reinforced ABS frame, two Isodynamic Hybrid Array Drivers are mounted symmetrically on either side. These advanced drivers use powerful neodymium magnets positioned in a unique hybrid array to create a powerful isodynamic magnetic field. This magnetic field ensures an even distribution of sound pulses over the entire surface of the cone.

The diaphragm itself has an active area of 4650 mm² and weighs an astonishingly light 0.16 grams, enabling extremely precise and clear audio reproduction.

The ear cups – or rather the frame – are made of robust, glass-fiber reinforced ABS. This construction not only ensures durability, but also resistance to external influences. The driver is therefore not only a masterpiece of engineering, but also a guarantee of outstanding performance and reliability in every situation.

What makes the Meze Empyrean even more special: Within the same diaphragm, two independently shaped voice coils are combined to provide more selective acoustic performance at specific locations on the ear structure, thereby tuning the sound to the ear’s structure with the utmost accuracy.

This unique combination maximizes the direct sound wave frequency over the 10 kHz range and improves imaging and stage positioning by reducing the effects of time delays from stray field reflections in the short wave range.

By the way, each driver is handmade and carefully tested in an industrial facility in Ukraine.

A design with anthropometric measurements in mind

The Meze Empyrean II features ergonomically shaped, oval ear cups with an anatomical design. Like a sports car, the weight and material are light but extremely robust to optimize not only the ease of use but also the sound reproduction quality.

The formula for an F1 race car or a high-end audiophile headphone is to optimize its output power. And fine-tuning it to give it the best control – not forgetting to minimize the weight as much as possible. With an egg-shaped design, the frame is highly weight-reduced and fits all ears with first-class comfort.

The driver’s power output has been maximized thanks to a fully bespoke coil and a special magnet arrangement that maximizes the driver’s active usable area within its oval shape.

New ear pads

Proven sound experience on a new level – The Meze Empyrean II comes with two sets of ear pads for ultimate sound customization.

Duo ear pads
The brand new duo ear pads are specially tailored to the Empyrean II.
Made from a sophisticated blend of high-quality leather and Alcantara, the Duo ear pads add a modern dimension to the Empyrean II’s characteristic sound profile. One part of the ear pads is made of leather, the other of Alcantara.

The result is a harmonious sound balance that runs through all music genres. And a flawless fusion of well-placed bass frequencies, courtesy of the leather, with a wonderfully detailed and airy spatiality thanks to the use of Alcantara.

Angled Alcantara EarPods
The angled ear pads made of soft Alcantara-coated foam are ideal for reproducing fine details and nuances in your recordings. The angled shape creates more space inside the ear pad, resulting in a more airy sound signature with clearer bass and improved midrange presence.

When paired with the Meze Empyrean II, they provide a detailed, airy and precise listening experience for the avid music lover.

Unlimited comfort

With the Meze Empyrean II, the music takes center stage as the headphones immediately adapt to the shape of the head thanks to their specially developed mechanism that minimizes weight and pressure.

This highly acclaimed synergy of ergonomics and high-quality materials not only guarantees exceptional sound, but also allows you to enjoy uninterrupted music without any discomfort.

Meze Empyrean II technical specifications

• Driver Type – Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver
• Operating Principle – Open Ear Coupling – Circumaural
• Frequency Response – 8 – 110,000 Hz
• Impedance – 32 Ω
• Sensitivity – 105 dB SPL @ 1 V, 1 kHz
• Maximum SPL – >130 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) – <%0.5 (in the whole frequency range)
• Weight – 385 g (without earpads)

MZ3 DRIVER SPECIFICATIONS

PHYSICAL

• Geometrical Shape – Ovoid
• Size – 102 mm x 73 mm
• Weight – 82 g
• Casing – Fiberglass infused ABS

DIAPHRAGM

• Type – Rinaro Isoplanar® [MZ3]
• Active Area – 4650 mm2
• Weight – 0.16 g
• Acoustic Mass – 10.7 kg/m4
• Lower Frequency Limit – 8 Hz
• Upper Frequency Limit – 110,000 Hz

MAGNET

• Array Type – Isodynamic
• Size – 75 mm x 49 mm
• Magnetic Flux – 0.35 T

ACCESSORIES

• Case: High-strength ABS plastic suitcase with foam inserts and leather handle
• Two sets of earpads included: Duo Earpads + Angled Alcantara
• Cable type: Premium Silver-plated or Copper PCUHD
• Connector type: 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm (1/8 in), 4.4 mm, 6.3 mm (1/4 in), 4 pin XLR

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Caldera Closed. ZMF’s first “from the ground up” closed planar headphone. Born from the Caldera Open (Headfonics Best Ortho 2023- the Closed utilized the now Patented Atrium Damping System and the Patent Pending Caldera Pad and Caldera Magnet Systems.

Sonically the Closed version imparts the speed, immediacy and dynamism of the open, while adding a sub-bass boost and closer to Harman tuning with the incredible isolation of a closed back.

Aesthetically the Caldera Closed for the first time uses a geometrically “Caldera Volcano” influenced cup shape, with asymmetrical dips and dives that allow the sonic character of our driver to shine through. A unique shape that feels amazing in the hand and much lighter on the head than you could ever imagine.

The current stock wood for the Caldera is Shou Sugi Ban Ash. The Ash is treated with a burning technique that brings out the beauty on this special EU Ash.

Headphones may vary from sample photos due to natural wood variance.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Impedance: 60 Ohms
• Driver: 2 um thick Planar Magnetic with CAMS Patent Pending technology
• Weight: 500-560g
• Sensitivity: ~95dB/mW

INCLUDES

• ZMF Caldera Closed
• ZMF Stock Braided Cable and OFC Cable
• ZMF Caldera Closed Hybrid Pads and 1 set of your choice
• ZMF Owner’s Card
• Lifetime Driver Warranty

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The Art Of Evolution

Ascending through time is a craft mastered by a select few—an art woven with threads of patience and contemplation. LIRIC, Mezes closed-back isodynamic headphone, is now unfurling a new chapter, elevating its core while unveiling a more nuanced sound and refined tuning.

The earcups, adorned with Macassar ebony wood, extend a compelling invitation to embrace the warmth that only Mother Nature can bestow. This harmonious marriage of form and function is further exemplified in the re-engineered earpads, designed for seamless maintenance and now featuring a detachable magnetic design.

Tuned Up

The sonic character of the LIRIC has undergone meticulous refinement, guided by valuable insights from our community. It now delicately straddles the realms of a balanced and warm audio profile. This results in a harmonious blend of clarity and accuracy, enriched with a subtle touch of warmth for added depth.

QWRM

Introducing the Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask (QWRM), a finely crafted metal component designed with precision. Strategically placed over specific openings in the driver frame, the QWRM adeptly attenuates high-frequency peaks above 7kHz, ensuring a more gentle and less fatiguing listening experience.

A Feeling Of Warmth

Rooted in the traditional craftsmanship, Meze made a deliberate choice to preserve the design language of the first generation of LIRIC while infusing it with the inviting touch of wood. Their exploration led them to the exquisite embrace of Macassar ebony—an opulent, dense hardwood renowned for its profound, rich brown hue adorned with intricate golden-brown stripes.

Much like the rings within a tree’s grain, each telling a story of years gone by, the incorporation of this distinguished wood into the LIRIC signifies a new chapter in the journey of evolution.

The unique nature of Macassar ebony ensures that every pair is inherently one-of-a-kind, or sui generis. This characteristic guarantees that your headphones are not merely a conduit for music but also a distinctive statement piece with its own narrative and character—no two pairs are identical. Each owner of this second generation of LIRIC revels in exclusivity, cradling in their hands a piece of craftsmanship as individual as their taste in music.

Designed For Life

In the spirit of natural evolution, LIRIC II proudly joins the esteemed Meze Audio product family, now featuring detachable magnetic earpads. This innovative design not only reflects the organic progression of our creations but also ensures heightened reliability and serviceability—qualities cherished by audiophiles and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Quality In Every Aspect

Elevating the listening experience, the premium hand-braided copper cable takes center stage as the stock cable for LIRIC. We offer a 4.4mm termination premium cable suitable for most portable headphone amplifiers, alongside a 3m soft TPE cable with a 3.5mm jack, perfect for home headphone setups.

Robust Build, Supremely Comfortable

Introducing the addition of striped ebony wood to the optimal blend of materials, solidifying LIRIC’s status as a refined work of art in the realm of material choices alone. A meticulously gradual development process led to the formidable fusion of leather, wood, and metal. Upholding our ‘no-compromise’ philosophy, this new build remains flexible and resistant to shock, wear, and oxidation.

The impact of this premium selection resonates across multiple sensory dimensions—a lightweight, tactilely pleasing, easily adjustable headphone poised to withstand the test of time for generations.

Award-Winning Technology

LIRIC showcases cutting-edge technology developed by Rinaro, thoughtfully re-engineered for everyday use. The MZ4 Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver, originally found in its larger counterparts like the Empyrean II and Elite, has been scaled down and tuned to deliver a comparable audio experience.

Coupled with the closed-back design, this technology preserves the original clarity and emotion of your favorite music, offering enhanced sound while minimizing external noise. Each driver undergoes meticulous hand assembly and testing at Rinaro’s industrial facility in Ukraine, ensuring a premium and reliable audio experience.

Dual Driven System

The MZ4 driver introduces an innovative Dual Driven System, incorporating individual switchback and spiral-shaped voice coils within the same diaphragm. This unique configuration enables more precise targeting of sound around the natural contours of the ear, enhancing the headphone’s acoustic performance with greater selectivity.

By combining these coils, the headphone achieves heightened exposure of direct sound wave frequencies over the 10kHz range. This results in improved imaging and localization by minimizing short-wave time delays caused by diffused field reflections. The switchback coil, positioned in the upper part of the driver, excels at reproducing lower frequencies, while the spiral coil, situated directly over the ear canal, efficiently reproduces middle-high frequencies, ensuring direct sound waves reach the ear without time delays.

Isoplanar® Diaphragm Material

Crafted from a custom-developed isotropic thermally stabilized polymer with a conductive layer, the diaphragm achieves an ultralight yet rigid composition through unique processing methods.

Phase-X, Immersive Spatial Sound Imaging

An innovative addition to the MZ4 driver is the Phase-X system, designed by Rinaro to mitigate phase distortion commonly encountered in closed-back headphone designs. This patent-pending technology enhances spatial sound imaging, aligning with the performance of open-back counterparts, particularly noticeable in binaural recordings.

Original Source Recording

The Phase-X system maintains absolute linear phasing, faithfully delivering the original spatial image as recorded, capturing both instrumentation details and the recording environment.

Phase-X System

The integration of the Phase-X system ensures a more linear phase response and faster transient response decay in LIRIC. This results in a faithful reproduction of transient sounds, enhancing ambience and spatial imaging, bringing the listener closer to the authenticity of the original source recording.

Pressure Equalization System

LIRIC features a finely tuned Pressure Equalization System for optimal earcup chamber pressure and improved airflow control. Upgraded for a smoother transition from the bass frequency region into the low midrange, this system further enhances the overall audio experience.

Specifications

• Diaphragm Type Rinauro Isoplanar® [MZ4]
• Frequency response 4 – 92,000 Hz
• Impedance 61 Ω
• Nominal SPL 100 dB (1mW/1kHz)
• Maximum SPL >130dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.15% (in the whole frequency range)
• Weight: ~ 427g

Meze Liric II Accessories

• Case: Hard EVA pouch with velvet lining
• Earpads: 1 x magnetically attached ear pad set, PU leather + Alcantara hybrid
• Two cables included: 1.3m braided Furukawa PCUHD copper cable with 4.4 mm jack, 3m soft TPE cable with 3. 5mm jack
• Adapters: 6.3 mm jack adapter, Airplane jack adapter, Cable pouch

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Precision Craftsmanship Meets Audiophile Excellence

Elegant and Ergonomic Machined Aluminum Design – Indulge your senses with Fathom, an audio masterpiece seamlessly blending elegance and ergonomic design. Its machined aluminum shell, in a black, bright-dipped anodized finish, not only captivates with a refined shape but ensures optimal listening comfort.

The machined body, adorned with uniquely prismatic rainbow PVD stainless steel fasteners and MMCX capture, makes each Fathom set a one-of-a-kind colorway marvel. A visual and auditory symphony awaits.

New Driver Configuration with Audiophile Tuning

Fathom hosts six custom-made balanced armature drivers, each meticulously designed for a specific role in enhancing your listening experience. From dual custom high-definition super tweeters for crisp highs to custom mid-range drivers for accurate vocal and instrument reproduction, and dual custom BA woofers for rich, balanced bass – Fathom’s audiophile tuning promises precise sound reproduction across the entire frequency range.

The goal of Fathom’s design is to stay true to the original recording, delivering music with clarity and depth. Dive into an immersive and authentic listening experience across various musical genres.

Enhanced Ownership Experience

Fathom comes complete with two Time Stream Cables: a 3.5mm Stereo termination and a balanced 4.4mm terminated cable. These cables feature eight silver-plated copper conductors in a ribbon configuration, offering superb ergonomics and low microphonics.

A Dimensional Folding leather carrying case, hand-made in Portugal, ensures convenient and easy-to-use storage for your earphones and cables on the go. A rainbow PVD carabiner adds functionality while referencing the understated details of Fathom’s fasteners.

Included Accessories

– 2x ‘Time Stream’ Cables: 3.5mm Stereo, 4.4mm Balanced
– Dimension Folding Leather Case with Magnetic Closure and Complementing Rainbow PVD Carabiner
– Black Breezy Bag Jr.
– 3x Marshmallow Tips (S, M, L)
– 3x Silicone Tips (S, M, L)
– Earphone Cleaning Tool & Campfire Audio Lapel Pin

Immerse yourself in the Fathom experience – where precision meets passion, and every detail contributes to an extraordinary audio journey.

Tech Specs:

• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 20kHz
• SPL 94dB @1K = 6.75 mVrms
• 11.7 Ohm @1K
• THD <1%

The post Campfire Audio Fathom appeared first on headphone.shop.

Astell&Kern and Empire Ears are once again joining forces to introduce their second collaboration IEM, embodying the essence of audio technology. The first collaboration, Astell&Kern X Empire Ears Odyssey, was a product that epitomized the innovation of both companies in unlocking the full potential of Astell&Kern’s flagship SP3000, garnering significant attention with its flawless sound and distinctive design.
The newly unveiled Astell&Kern X Empire Ears NOVUS builds upon the technological advancements of its predecessor. It seam-lessly integrates the sound and design philosophy of Astell&Kern players with Empire Ears’ unique technology, establishing a remarkable new paradigm at an astonishing level.

Where Artistry Meets Technology

NOVUS has been developed to extract the pinnacle of sound from the Astell&Kern SP3000T, combining the most delicately crafted analog vacuum tube sound with ultra-high-resolution original sound.
Every component and material has been meticu-lously chosen without compromise to deliver a flagship sound that has never been experienced before. It is completed with a design that befits the highest-grade product, encapsulating the essence of Astell&Kern X Empire Ears.

• 13 Driver Quadbrid, Dual Conduction
• 24K Wet Gold Plating Faceplates
• Sapphire Glass
• 6061-T6 Aluminum Shell finished in DLC
• 4-Wire Hybrid Copper, Gold & Silver Cable

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