MEZE AUDIO ELITE REVIEW. Elite by name, Elite by nature?

[@jarjared3522]

For me the Meze Elite is worth it if you only want one headphone or are looking for the ultimate stress free listening experience. Yes there are more affordable headphones with a relaxed tuning, but the Meze Elite takes relaxed tuning to another level. I already had the Audeze LCD-24, Meze Empyrean Phoenix, Focal Utopia, and Final D8000 Pro before getting these. However none of those are as relaxing to listen to as the Meze Elite. So at the end of a long work day I go to these every time. True the Audeze LCD-5, Dan Clark Stealth, and Abyss Diana Phi TC out perform these in detail but none of those are relaxing headphones. In fact some of those stab my eardrums with their level of detail that I cannot enjoy listening to them for more than 30 minutes. The Meze Elites on the other hand I can listen to for hours without fatigue.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Extremely concisely put, I agree, full heartedly, they are a one headphone solution, absolutely beautiful too, but Atrium has a lot to say these days as well wait for that review

[@sommer619]

This is the reason I'm purchasing them.

[@CaptainCrunch823]

I thought the Elites are a bit more detailed than the Empyreans?

[@TheSPazCORE]

@@CaptainCrunch823 They are, they also sound the opposite of the Empyrean. The Empyrean has boosted mid-bass and is smooth/rolled off in the treble and the Elite is more neutral in the bass and brighter up top. I think for less money I'd personally rather have the D8000 Pro instead of the Elite. But I think people exaggerate the whole "Empyrean/Elite isn't resolving/detailed compared to other TOTL headphones." They're not that far off.

[@mchapeyron]

Wow, I think this is the best review I have seen done by anyone about anything. What a tremendous job !

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Thank you, it’s greatly appreciated, and welcome to the fam

[@Level42Man]

Your reviews are super intriguing and obsessively addictive....Great job buddy 👍🏻👌🏻🎵👏🏻

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Thank you so much I appreciate it welcome to the fam 🐅

[@norbsi]

As someone who is for so long into hifi, i thought you know that detail retrieval does not matter at all in a headphone. Since when does detail makes music listening enjoyable? Details always will fade away after a short amount of time and you remain with the music presentation. This is because of a human flaw with our sensors. The same thing applies to smelling: even putting a whole bottle of cologne on you, your ability to smell the cologne will fade away after a short amount of time because you get used to the smell. Susvara are great for sure for a half a hour or so, but i am convinced that they suck after that and are not enjoyable for a long listening period. Of course you get the detail impact from the Susvara when switching from the Elite, but the detail impact fades away like cologne. Dont want to complain about your review. It is great as always, but want to give some cues on a overhyped attribute in hifi. Details does not matter as much as the whole hifi industry wants us to believe. Meze as one of few in this industry has another view on how headphone should sound.

[@latle111]

Absolutely beautiful looking headphone. The case is almost as beautiful. I owned the Empyrean and it's the most beautiful sounding vocals I've ever heard. As much as I love this company n their headphones. I cannot PERSONALLY justify a 4,000 headphone simply because I can name a few loudspeakers for 4,000 dollars one with RAAL tweeters that are soo so sooo good. Thanks for the video. Wonderful and entertaining as always. Love you man.

[@V4zz33]

Just get them used then, there are plenty out there. I've scored one a few weeks ago for €2400. I still have to sell my Empyrean though...;))

[@corndog9482]

Thank you for another wonderful and thorough review. I always appreciate the honesty.

[@alexseaford4029]

Literal translation is " I don't know what". Enjoyed the review, many thanks, keep them coming.

[@Level42Man]

My Elite Chameleon just arrived in SE London today so looking forward to our 1st evening together 🤣

[@marcfoss7687]

Great review, thank you. Spot-on in my humble opinion, still my preferred headphones.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

They make a perfect all around one head phone solution

[@mechantl0up]

Elite is one of the only two headphones that for me sound good even on low listening volumes, that is, render the music musically and with engagement yet without artificial Empyrean boom or HD800s bloom when the volume is low. The other one is Stax L700mk2, which though is a totally different kind of sound and technical performance with numerous superlatives (ridiculous speed, effortlessness in processing any recorded material, transparency) but also drastic weaknesses inherent to the electrostatic driver (tonality, bass reach and weight, soundstaging on some recirdings, etc.) Elite is built to be the sole headphone you own, yet I actually enjoy it most when not having to rely solely on it. I would pay a lot more attention to its faults were it my only headphone. I would not do so with Stax or even Hifiman, as you get more adapted to their sound.

[@tweedpenguin712]

Why would you want to listen at low volumes?

[@mechantl0up]

@@tweedpenguin712 Long continues listening sessions at above-average volumes will damage hearing. That is why most audiophiles do suffer from hearing damage. Moreover, my right ear is unusually sensitive on mid frequencies, which makes the matter of particular concern. I am 40, yet I can still hear better than normal 20-year-olds. I am visually-impaired, but at least my hearing works; and I rather keep it that way. So, often when not listening critically, and after a longer "proper" listening session, I turn the volume down more than a few dBs.

[@tweedpenguin712]

@@mechantl0up I’ve been listening loud for 20 years and I’m 35 and still hear amazing.

[@mechantl0up]

@@tweedpenguin712 That is good. However, one should hesitate to extrapolate from your experience. A doctor once told me that there are three groups of 30+year-olds that he sees regularly with hearing loss: The first are bluecollar workers operating machinery or spending time in industrial settings with ambient noise levels of over 85dB. They wear no hearing protection; and that exposure, repeated daily for years, takes its toll, ever so gradually. They lose the mid frequencies. The second group comprises professional classical/concert musicians. There is, he argued, no professional violin player in the world who would have an intact hearing. Musicians suffer more severe hearing loss (that includes higher frequencies, too) and often develop tinnitus during their careers. The third group are audiophiles.

[@nxxxxzn]

@@mechantl0up does the "driver material noise" bother you?

[@dasninjastix]

Were I to spend this kind of money on a headphone (which I probably wouldn't) it'd likely be the Elites. I just adore the build. I know most would expect the sound at the cost to reinvent their understanding of music listening, and who could blame them, but comfort, build, and ease of source compatibility are high on my list as well. I'm very happy with the Arya v3 and see no reason to move any higher for an open-back but.. should I come into the kind of money to warrant an irresponsible purchase I'm pretty sure Antonio is getting some of those funds. Love the review and the context you provide, keep 'em coming please.

[@jarjared3522]

My Empyrean Phoenix came with Meze's upgraded copper cable. Hooking this cable up to the Meze Elite really did something special. It gave the headphones more clarity and detail without losing the relaxing tuning. Something the Elite's stock cable just does not provide.

[@tweedpenguin712]

Cables are snake oil

[@jarjared3522]

@@tweedpenguin712 "Premium" RCA, XLR, and HDMI cables, yes. Premium headphone cables, no.

[@TheSPazCORE]

@@tweedpenguin712 Not necessarily. You'd have to be deaf to not hear the difference between a pure silver and a pure copper headphone cable on the same headphone and source gear.

[@mareknowakowski1692]

I agree to your summary. That is why I bought the Elites, Acro CA 1000 and silver upgraded cable all together and have a portable end point set up.Happy with it, but still considering Liric as well.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Lirik are absolutely exceptional as well especially considering the half the price It’s a departure from old traditions in regards the total balance and detail is amazing I love it

[@mareknowakowski1692]

@@ConvinceMeAudio looking forward to see open back flagship comparison:) And I agree - Elites are very holographic, anyone who doubt that-please listen Bruce Springsteen ,,I 'm On Fire"..Simply Amazing!

[@BenoSaradzic]

What's your streamer?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Holo Audio Red

[@BenoSaradzic]

@@ConvinceMeAudio looks cool. Thanks

[@force330]

Just bought a pair of Elite and watched this video after that. I am totally agree with your pov. For me is not regret. Not even 1%. I can only afford one TOTL headphones at the moment to enjoy music and relax after work. Not for working and I'm not a musician. So that 10% less details I don't really care. About the value of money. All of the TOTL headphones haven't got those kind of thing imo, not only Meze. They are all overpriced, but this hobby is like that. If you want those listening experience and you care about the quality difference, you can only pay for that. There's no negotiations!

[@hosseinalmet]

If I have the money, I will either buy the LCD5 or the Utopia, I couldn't care less even if the Susvara is a details god, let alone a details monster. I nearly pulled the trigger on the HeKse for $2000, but I kept being haunted by the look of the cables that come with. In the end, I decided to put my money on the Clear OG.

[@nxxxxzn]

i almost bought these, thinking they might accompany my ah-d9200 nicely. but you're saying this is merely 2k$ sound, and then the "i can hear the driver material". naaah. sadly, apparently, meze is still learning to make a headphone, alongside audeze, hifiman, dca... thank you, i feel like i can rely on your reviews. please remain this way

[@ReZzYeLL]

Hey! awesome review, can you compare Susvara with Elite please?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

I will do a super flagship shootout video. It’s been planned for awhile with all of the top-of-the-line headphones going head-to-head.

[@ReZzYeLL]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Thank you!

[@N02tradamus]

Interesting. I have a Dave + Farad3 and Ferrum stack. I own Susvara and Solitaire P. I used to own the LCD5 (before Ferrum stack), Empyrean, 1266 Phi TC and Arya V2. I just bought a used Elite for $2850. Looking for something less clinical/dry than the SolP. Something good for poor recordings. Looking for very seductive midrange. We shall see.

[@latle111]

Hey CMA, I have a question. As someone who trusts your ears more than I trust my own, how do u feel about speaker cables? Like do they change the sound like some people say or what? I'm not trying to start a fire, I am simply curious. Thank you.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

It’s a genuine question, but I will be 100% frank with you, I have not tested many speaker wire cables, my experience lies with I.e. M wires, headphone wires, interconnects,. It depends what quality of equipment you are using and how capable they are, how transparent is the driver, but the order of magnitude is is as follows I.e. M has the greatest impact when it comes to cable,s, in fact at times it is so drastic it can change the shape and the tune in almost, then we have headphones where it’s far more subtle I will say it’s like one or 2% just on the edge of hearing refining or exacerbating Finally we have interconnects depending on the synergy of the system this can make a difference in regards to tone or clarity, but it’s very very subtle sometimes it will bring a system a little sparkle sometime deadening the sound We also have to consider well-made cables versus crazy 3000 $5000 cables and the difference is far less than these companies would have you believe But do I hear a difference, like I explained up there depending on the chain yes there is a difference they make a difference they are the vein of the system

[@latle111]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Many many thanks for this answer. Believe it when I say this was a bucket list question of mine. I have to admit the most surprising part was when you said IEM has much more impact in changes than headphone.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@latle111 yes, it’s down to impedance and sensitivity

[@LeggoMaEggo17]

Interesting. These sound like the perfect upgrade to the Arya, no? I love them but also want that stellar wide stage that the hd800s, which is something I plan on complimenting for the best of both worlds. But the elite might make owning both of them redundant?

[@LeggoMaEggo17]

Nvm doesn’t sound like the sound quality would wow me like the Arya does. Just got to the point where you mentioned the sound doesn’t equal or match the price tag

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@LeggoMaEggo17 oh it’s a significant upgrade from the Arya like huge LOL Different league mate

[@LeggoMaEggo17]

@@ConvinceMeAudio oh really? Just sounds like from your perspective, it’s not very resolving or presenting any wow factor, as you said. What attributes do you think it improves on the Arya? I’ve heard from a couple buyers that the elite is a direct upgrade from them, I just never personally understood why. You’re one of the very few that’s actually toyed around with both lol

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@LeggoMaEggo17 The elite is not only up to scratch against the other big boys in the $4500 category it out layers Arya definition separation vividness base are all improved quite a lot from Aria And this is me talking about Aria running on a chain like a benchmark and spring Aria does not have clarity there is some kind of haze on the driver but it’s not audible until you test true flagship headphones or the Luna-C category as I’d like to call it Its presence presence on elite is absolutely exceptional superb bass response to, it’s huge and impactful But I will say the jump from Aria to elite is not as huge as Aria to LCD5 now that is different universes

[@LeggoMaEggo17]

@@ConvinceMeAudio thanks for the more elaborate response. I’ll keep that in mind for later. Think I may take a dive on the sennheiser hd800s a bit further down the road, since it’s such a unique experience, and maybe I’ll soak up to the elites. Depending on how great they are, I may sell both. Not sure yet. Your fireside chat on high end audio and diminishing returns is probably my favorite video by you yet. No snake oil or bullshit, just someone sharing his long tenured experience

[@dougquesnel5613]

How are they with glasses / seal ? Love your reviews BTW :)

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Thank you, it’s greatly appreciated Due to the light clamp force they are okay, but it really does depend on the glasses and how much you can tolerate the arms of the glass is digging into your head behind your ears In my experience there are very very few headphones that can even create a successful seal when glasses are worn I will give you an example, let’s take the AirPod max for example where the pads feel like they’re full of air these have a tendency to seal around the arm of the glasses, very few headphone AirPads have this density, this is what we are looking for for example

[@dougquesnel5613]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Good point. I do have a dedicated pair of headphone glasses at least. It's basically glasses with a nylon strap that wraps around my head :) I have the DCA Stealth which are incredibly sensitive to seal (same with the VC when I had those). These mostly mitigate that problem. I was just curious as you never know with open backs. I then saw you had mentioned the sealing issue in your video I should have waited a little bit longer.

[@ahmad.sa.20300]

Get the silver upgrade cable it affects sound greatly

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

It’s a good cable I owned that when I did the empy review

[@ahmad.sa.20300]

Well great review I respect your opinion but for me I prefer it over stax sr009s and l700mk2 which I own. it's just relaxed easy to listen to and good with all types of music. As for resolution IMHO it's resolving and true to music not over resolving in highs like hifiman which is actually forward bright not resolving (IMHO) I owned the Arya non stealth. Would like to own a susvara cuz of great reviews but it's similar to sr009s hence Iam hesitating. What do u think should I get susvara or sr009s is similar sounding.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@ahmad.sa.20300 I have not personally put STAX through the review period yet, but tomorrow we are going to do a entire session on this with goldensounds, As for the SUS, it’s not just a headphones unfortunately like the 009, you will have to consider the chain, and the chain will cost you anywhere between 8000 and 13,000 depending on how far you want to take it, because SUS keeps taking and giving LOL

[@V4zz33]

@@ahmad.sa.20300 I don't know if this is still relevant, just had a listening session at my local store including the Elite and Susvara, and parts the Susvara was thinner, and for sure way to harsh and bright for me. I've tried it on a €7000 solid state amp, and then on a €16000 tube amp, but not even the tubes took that harshness away for me. Then again, I was having my Empys for 2 years at that point.

[@ahmad.sa.20300]

@@V4zz33I suggest your try zmf caldera with suede pads since we have similar taste

[@x32i77]

There is no review on KZbin of the Warwick acoustics bravura headphone system. If you could do one would me amazing . 🙏🙏🙏

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

I will reach out mate and see what can be done that’s intriguing thank you for the heads up

[@Fenom60]

I love your reviews. I now upgraded to Susvara with my Holo Spring 3 kte and ifi pro iCAN signature setup. The susvara is just perfect for jazz vocal, pop music. I am looking for something that works better for Rock and heavy bass music. Which headphone do you recommend to compliment Susvara? I demoed Elite, D8000 pro, Utopia. The Elite is most comfortable and i value that alot because my head is huge and i use the highest setting on Susvara. Focal is kinda too tight at largest setting. I also looked into abyss 1266 TC but i am not sure about the fit and the sound might not be right for me. Many folks have the Susvara + 1266 Tc combo, what a good alternative to 1266 TC? Should i go Utopia or D8000 pro?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Do you have tried a fair few headphones that I would’ve mentioned, especially the final you want a large headphone that’s non-fatiguing for those genres, and EDM, And you have your detailed transparency resolution and absolute top of the line with SUS and you can upgrade the amplifier later to a benchmark or something, I recommend the elite honestly that might be the best thing that will cover all bases but if you’re not happy with that You need to grab atrium

[@Fenom60]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Atrium eh? I watched your review and it didn’t really seem to be on the level of Utopias or D8000 pro

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@Fenom60 for tuning and timbre it is, but you want something fun mate, you already have SUS that is absolutely incredible trust me you want Atrium LOL it suits those genres you’re talking about perfectly Otherwise if you want something on the calibre of SUS but specifically for those genres it would be something like elite Diana PHII but the Diana pH I am reviewing right now is very small The best of the bunch for those genres would be the final

[@Fenom60]

@@ConvinceMeAudio ZMF Atrium or the Final D8000 pro for Rock Hip Hop Edm? Thanks, let me go test out the Zmf Atrium not too sure about the fit. The D8000 pro fits very nice but kinda heavy. And 1/3 more expensive too lol

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@Fenom60 for what it’s worth if I already owned SUS I would go atrium

[@h.hristov]

How does the soundstage of the Empyrean compare to the Elite? I wonder if Empy would be a safer and better buy, also 1000 less. The Honest Audiophile says he prefers the Empyrean because it sounds more natural to him.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Maybe I should’ve done a comparison during the review, with a lot more in-depth info. But the elite is significantly better than the empy, higher resolution better tonal balance better control stage is the same, The elite has got the best aspect of the leather pads and the best aspect of the Alcanterra pads, and combines it into one If money is not an issue you should always go for the elite, but you can get used ENPY for under 2000 so that could be a winner But the elite is better

[@h.hristov]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Thank you for the insights! What are some of the best places for buying 2nd hand headphones? AVexchange on Reddit? Any other site/forums you can recommend? I am from the EU.

[@h.hristov]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Do you have a Telegram community? What's the Telegram channels I should follow?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@h.hristov hi, yes, we have two communities, one is part of the private telegram chat where early reviews are dropped The other is the public telegram chat for CMA and here is the link t.me/joinchat/rwkfV9LXW1kyZTRk

[@latle111]

Wait for the release of Meze Imperium. a $10,000 headphone that sounds like a $5,000 flagship lmfao.

[@jarjared3522]

I think at the 10k dollar price point anyone would be better off with speakers.

[@V4zz33]

I think a fair amount of people are missing out on the point that the Empyrean and the Elite can be considered a piece of art compared to the other flagships. Maybe the MZF headphones come anywhere close to them. So the sound+beauty+comfort+easy to drive+it works great with all genres+works great with all amps. You cannot say this about any other flagship as far as I can tell, so unless you are for something very specific, the price for the Meze headphones is just right. There is the second hand market too that can shave off the extra €1000 that you don't want to spend on them.;))