Meze Empyrean Review: Sound Check

Meze Empyrean Review: Sound Check
IN THIS EPISODE:
Meze Empyrean
www.mezeaudio.com
Drop Sennheiser HD 8XX
drop.com/buy/d...
COURTESIES:
The Clash “London Calling”
Courtesy SME, ASCAP
www.theclash.com
The Clash “Train In Vain”
Courtesy CMRRA, UBEM, ASCAP
www.theclash.com
Midnight Oil “Truganini”
Courtesy SOLAR Music Rights Management, BMI
www.midnightoil...
Midnight Oil “Beds Are Burning”
Courtesy SME SOLAR Music Rights Management
www.midnightoil...
Midnight Oil “Blue Sky Mine”
Courtesy Warner Chappell, SOLAR Music Rights Management
www.midnightoil...
Art Blakey “Moanin’”
Courtesy Javier Rodriguez / KZbin
Courtesy WMG, UMG
www.bluenote.com
MUSIC IN THIS EPISODE:
/ directorsgarage
RECOMMENDED:
Favorite budget IEM:
Moondrop Starfield:
amzn.to/2KGviwQ
Smitty's Glass Wax
amzn.to/3nCg7DN
TENNMAK Turbo Pro Tips
amzn.to/36NXTJB
Sedna Eartips
amzn.to/34A081D
STUDIO INFO:
Mic: RCA-77DX
Processor/Pre: Universal Audio LA-610 Mk II
A/D Converter: Apogee Symphony Desktop
Camera: Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K
Close Up Camera: Sony RX-100 VII
Lens: Canon Cine Prime 24mm
Lighting: Aputure 120D, MC
Software: Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve
Hardware: Blackmagic Design Ultrastudio Mini 4k
Switcher: Blackmagic Design Television Studio HD
Computer: 12-Core Apple Mac Pro (2013)
Music: Epidemic Sound www.epidemicso...
Instagram: directorsgarage
Facebook: directorsgarage
Twitter: directorgarage (no "s")
Head-Fi Handle: reeltime

[@justina9914]

I read somewhere online a post where someone compared the susvara, empyrean, abyss phi 1266 tc, sennheiser he1, utopia, lcd4, lcd2c, heddphone, he1000se, arya, hd800s, raal sr1a and mysphere 3.2 etc and his conclusion was that the empyrean isn't the most technically capable, but when he starts comparing them he just ends up listening to the music on the empyrean. He later bought the empyrean

[@robm321]

That's what I've gathered from different reviews

[@krisrudecki9477]

I can confirm that. Also Empyreans technical capability is hard to judge because of the warmer tuning. The more I listen to them, especially on better upstream the more detail I find. I’m at the stage where I don’t think they are any leas capable than Utopia.

[@samanlashkari1702]

Now that's how you review audio gear. EXCELLENT! Thank you.

[@gli7utubeo]

Yep, it's a cliche, but as you say at 4:50, Musical is THE WORD for the Meze Empys. That nails it. Nice review. Thanks.[PS: Great headphone for listening to the Beatles. Calms down the digital glare.]

[@CuervoMathew]

Love your review. Concretly the way your present and your pure joy talking about headphones. I didnt expect it but this review made my day and had some good laughts with you during the video. Great work.

[@briannienaber7908]

Amazing, I'm enjoying your videos quite a bit. Thanks for your service! 🙂

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Great review. Both detailed and entertaining. Lots of informative content. Very well done!

[@yngvemikkelsen4086]

Thanks, Michael for another great review. Looking forward to the Empyrean/Utopia shoot out! :-)

[@G-entleManAndScholar]

They should’ve made upgraded cable standard. It brings out the missing life. I upgraded.& was a BIG difference.

[@DirectorsGarage]

At $500 for the upgrade-- the Director's Garage funds need replenishing first! My main complaint is that the Meze seems a little slow, compared to other magnetic planars. The tuning is perfect. The comfort is unmatched. I just think this headphone could use a little speed in the mids. They get confused when a lot of information is run through them at once.

[@picklesandufos7860]

He doesn't like the mids.........but some other reviewers are saying the mids are the best of anything. This headphone is polarizing Trying to decide on Meze's or Arya's

[@G-entleManAndScholar]

The upgraded cable unveils them & takes them up a notch.

[@DirectorsGarage]

Whatcha think? Got a favorite?

[@mrmrgaming]

I have/love the Audeze LCD2f, and I wonder, with the Meze being on the dark/warm side, are they a step up from the LCD2f....if you like that sound.

[@DirectorsGarage]

I've never had the 2f, but the Meze has extended bass and a generally colored V tuning. I loved them (I've since sold them for the Meze Elite which has similar sound but better technicals). I'd look for a used set. They're running around $1600 on the used market.

[@mrmrgaming]

@@DirectorsGarage Yeah, used is what I am looking at. Thanks

[@casualmime2792]

Great review!

[@KipFox]

Thoughts on these on clearance for right at 2k due to Empy II release? I'm all for a more colored HP and looking for an easier to drive planar while waiting on my Tungstens.

[@DirectorsGarage]

You should be able to find these around $1500 ish used. And for that price, yeah, go for it. Not the endgame in detail or technicals, but a fantastic pair for kicking back and listening to music-- and they're ridiculously comfortable. You can wear these forever without any discomfort. Worst case, you'll sell them for what you paid for them if you purchase used.

[@Han-Sensei]

i can picture an Audiophile Mafia Boss wearing these, i dont know the looks seem very elegant to me, its just like an italian supercar

[@eskamobob8662]

Hey. I have no idea if you are open to viewers sensing stuff for review, but I havent seen yoy review arya or LCD-X yet and would be more than happy to send (drive lol? I'm in OC) them over

[@johnhayes8476]

Would love to hear his thoughts on those two headphones!

[@DirectorsGarage]

Thanks Bob, I'm so back-logged with gear right now, I'd hate to put a pair of your headphones on ice for a month until I can get to making something with them. It's a good problem to have, I suppose! I've heard the Arya and I owned the HE1000, but I've spent almost no time with Audeze headphones at all.

[@eskamobob8662]

@@DirectorsGarage no worries at all! If you would ever like to get the X in feel free to hit me up

[@1ce2berg]

@@DirectorsGarage What's your summary regarding the Arya?

[@yoramdiamand]

Hi, I bought the Empyreans second hand. I do like the mids a lot, they are called the mids king by some, also I like wind music: Jazz sax wood and vocals, air. But the stock cable does not do justice to the cans. Everything got better with a silver litz cable. I bought Lavricables Grand. But I heard Norne makes a good cable as well. I have the Feliks audio Euforia, it matches well with the Meze, I do like the WA 5 LE on the photo, the tubes, the reviews, but it has more power than the Meze need. And it too is a bit costly. If I had the Abyss, I'd try them on the WA5 LE. Best wishes Yoram

[@jaroslavfricek7772]

So what about the critique of the mids here… is it subjective then…✌️😁

[@yoramdiamand]

@@jaroslavfricek7772 Nothing beats listening yourself

[@frankcastle13]

I get the impression that you want to Keep and suggest that $3k USD for a headphone that is only good for like a couple of albums is a sound investment? For that price I think they should have been good with almost anything you throw at them. So, what is the best headphones or IEM's that you would recommend to fit a really wide spectrum of music?

[@mariodrv]

It does not work that way. The better the headphone the shittier shitty mixed songs will sound.

[@frankcastle13]

@@mariodrv You misunderstood what I meant. I was trying to ask for something that works with a vide range of different music genres. All my music library is the highest quality possible. What I don't want is a headset or IEM's that is only good for classic music for example. 8 hope this makes sense now?

[@mariodrv]

@@frankcastle13 Ah, ok - my mistake. :) May I suggest the ZMF Verite then in that case?

[@eskamobob8662]

Honestkt, the higher end you go the more niche you tend to get. Susvara, VC, and maybe diana V2 are more generalist sumit-fi cans, but something to keep in mind is that the average sumit-fi customer doesn't just have one can in that tier....

[@frankcastle13]

@@eskamobob8662 Okay. Thanks for the help and suggestions guys 👍

[@Nephilim-81]

Hey Michael. Yeah I always thought, once I auditioned the Meze, is that your paying more for the design of the headphone itself and the fact that Meze introduced the “Isometric “ driver style into the headphone world. Good headphone, but not 3500 CAN good. Also. I enjoy Midnight Oil as well. Diesel and Dust and Blue sky Mining are audiophile gold. Great recordings

[@CLaudiusClemensJimmy]

i think it's the only headphone made for predator ( u know the predator movies... ) love how they look & please don't give me a chance to test them on my head. #laura

[@alf_ours]

I am a happy owner of a Meze Empyrean, and, in a strange or amusing way, we have the same musical taste: from The Clash to Art Blakey. Many thanks for this very nice review.

[@fatdoi003]

oh well Michael what did i tell ya..... a $1500 headphone with double the price tag.... i think you want to like it but just can't.... I always wondered what pedigree Meze has in making top end headphones.....

[@DirectorsGarage]

In Meze’s defense (don’t have a stake in this- just an observation), the market determines the value of an item. If it wasn’t worth the $3000, no one would buy it. It may sound like $1500 to you, but others are buying it at $3000- so it is worth that much to someone

[@eskamobob8662]

@@DirectorsGarage they actualy have solid resale too. Hold money better than utopias do by a lot

[@marekkouril7134]

Which one do you like more? ZMF Verite Open or Empyrean?

[@DirectorsGarage]

It’s the Empyrean, for me.

[@johnhayes8476]

Great review by our favorite big dumb guy!

[@EclecticIdeas]

I am just here to listen to the theory because of my interest. It’s very fascinating even though I doubt I will spend 3k for a headphones. (Heart attack) 😂🤣 I think that’s more than my commuter car would fetch.