“With ELITE, we’ve created something that transcends all barriers of headphone design and engineering and moves to a new, artistic, graceful level. Following in the footsteps of a successful partnership, together with Rinaro Isodynamics we managed to exceed our expectations once again and create something for the ages. It’s not mass production; it’s the craftsmanship that sparks the magic and wonder in ELITE, what makes it exciting, and these are values that we choose over any shortcuts” says Antonio Meze, Lead designer and Founder of Meze Audio
Meze Audio and Rinaro Isodynamics continue their collaboration for the release of the new ELITE Isodynamic Hybrid Array headphone. A unique cooperation that bursts of synergy creating exceptional products, combining the mechanical design and ergonomics from Meze Audio with the signature technology and acoustic engineering of Rinaro. More about both companies in the Meze – Behind the Scenes article.
Meze Audio Elite – Hybrid Array Driver
With a custom, newly designed driver, created by Rinaro Isodynamics, ELITE is the result of 3 years of research and development through which we strived to create a powerful, lifelike, and immersive experience that awakens the senses of the listener. This patented planar magnetic technology is one of the most sophisticated in the world.
The MZ3SE driver builds on the pioneering technology of the flagship MZ3 driver found in the Empyrean headphone. The innovative Isodynamic Hybrid Array technology delivers a more selective acoustic performance to the various areas within the structure of the ear. Advances in diaphragm materials have opened the doors to even higher resolution and accuracy of the sound reproduction, setting a new benchmark in headphone design.
The hybrid array lightweight driver with an overall weight of 75 gram, has impeccable ratings, with total harmonic distortion (THD) measures under 0.05% in the whole frequency range. Elite pushes boundaries on all levels with an ultra high resolution bandwith up to 112,000 Hz. Featuring Parus® Diaphragm developped by Rinaro, which has an innovative low mass acoustic diaphragm constructed on an ultra-thin biaxially oriented semi-crystalline film. The hybrid array driver is very efficient with 101dB@1mw/1kHz at 32Ω, therefore can be driven by almost any source without the need for amplification.
The new driver behind ELITE features Rinaro Parus®, an innovative low mass acoustic diaphragm built on an ultra-thin biaxially oriented semi-crystalline polymer film. This, combined with the signature Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver technology, allows sound waves to be targeted with more accuracy around the shape of the year, producing natural sound transparency and a wide, articulate soundstage.
The polymer is produced with bespoke sequential biaxial lengthening technology, a process that involves stretching the polymer in transverse directions at elevated temperatures to improve structural performance. This results in a complex semi-crystalline micro-structure developing in the material, which exhibits remarkable strength, stiffness, and stability, combined with an extremely low acoustic mass.
The use of dual coil arrays not only creates a balanced frequency response around the whole range, it also allows for better frequency targeting within different areas of the ear, improving acoustical perception on the upper frequency range.  The switchback coil is more efficient at reproducing lower frequencies and is positioned in the upper part of the driver. The spiral coil is more efficient at reproducing middle-high frequencies and is positioned directly over the ear canal, enabling more direct sound waves to enter the ear without any time delays.
The patent-pending suspension wings support system is elongated and curved at both ends, descending further on the side of the head and distributing the weight of the headphone evenly, for an utmost comfortable listening experience.
A core belief of Meze is to create products that last through years and years of industry changes, bringing long-lasting value to the customer. Elite is no different and is designed to surpass all short-living trends and become a true heirloom. Taking long-term sustainability to a new level, Elite is also fully serviceable: from the replaceable earpads to the high-performance materials used, every part on the headphone chassis is available to be easily disassembled and serviced.
Driver Type: Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array® [MZ3SE]
Operating Principle: Open
Ear Coupling: Circumaural
Frequency Response: 3 – 112,000 Hz
Impedance: 32 Ω
Nominal SPL: 101 dB (1 mW / 1 kHz)
Maximum SPL: >130 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.05% (in the whole frequency range)
Weight: 430 grams
Meze Audio Elite MSRP €4000 incl VAT
