The Meze Audio Elite is the latest flagship open-back isodynamic hybrid array headphones featuring a new MZ3SE driver made by Rinaro. This 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.
One of the first websites to publish their review of the Elite was Headfonia. Lieven received his headphones a little earlier, so he could get hands-on experience with this new flagship model. Lieven has already reviewed several Meze models and he is really familiar with the products from Antonio Meze.
Much attention in this review is given to the technology and the background of the Elite. A great in depth view is given in all the new MZ3SE driver details, design of the cups, headband, etc. The next part of this 5 page review is going into the comparison against Meze Empyrean, as Lieven states that much Empyrean owners would be very curious to see what the difference could be between the two models. The Meze Audio Elite is compared in this review with the HiFiMAN Susvara, Kennerton Wodan and HiFiMAN HE-1000SE, playing on electronics from Violectric , Ferrum Audio and Niimbus Audio . Conclusion of this Headfonia review:
“Meze together with Rinaro built new drivers from the ground up, and that resulted in a more balanced, faster, more precise and cleaner sounding headphone. The clarity of the ELITE is really nice and it does complex and fast passages in a better way”. Resulting in a Headfonia Recommended award for the Meze Audio Elite.
The competition in the high-end head-fi market has increased quite a bit in 2021 as Marcus from Headfonics concluded quite while in his review of the Meze Audio Elite which was only just published. This Headfonics review also highlights the technical details and innovations of the Elite, with a clear explanation of all the novelties. Marcus also goes into potential upgrades, such as the Furukawa cables that Meze has an offer, in a copper and silver version.
The review does an excellent job in describing the sound and “presence” of the Elite, also with the preference of the earpads that are provided with this headphone. The comparisons done with the Meze Empyrean makes it quite clear that the Elite is not just an upgrade from the former flagship headphone. Interesting is the comparison between the new LCD5 from Audeze, that is an entirely different headphone from the Elite. Lastly Marcus ends with the Final Audio D8000 Pro that also has been a favorite for him.
The conclusion of this Headfonics review of the Meze Audio Elite with a score of 9.3 out of 10: “The Elite to me is like taking the excellent Empyrean, listening to some of the feedback over the last three years, and coming out with an even more likable and resolving flagship headphone……The Elite is a step up but a step up in a very competitive high-end headphone market right now in 2021. Thankfully it has a unique sound signature that is I think many will embrace. Both portable and desktop audiophiles are included in that statement which is rare for flagship planars”.
Jamie Biesemans from Hifi.nl did the honors of reviewing the Elite, taking his experience from the Empyrean which he reviewed in 2019. The review is in Dutch, so I will just translate the conclusion of this 5-star review:
“They really are high-end headphones that are much more universal in sound than many other top models. It doesn’t sacrifice everything to score in one or two areas, but performs across the board at the highest level.” – Jamie Biesemans
6Moons.com published an extensive review of the Elite as well, with great photos/ renders, combination of all the likable angles of this headphone. Srajan is not one to give you just a sum up of the tech inside the headphone and the sonic characteristics of the Elite. This article brings you that and much more of his favorite topics, such as industry trends, reasons why you should pick up head-fi, etc.
Naturally comparisons are made in this review as well, as it still is a review. The Final Audio D8000 make their appearance, but als HiFiMAN’s Susvara, Audeze LCD-2 are joining its stage. The conclusion from Srajan in this 6Moons.com review: “Besides looking real pretty and wearing exceptionally comfortable, Elite sounds it. If pretty and comfortable also are your sonic true north, your headfi GPS now has another key destination. Go visit when you have a chance. Happy travels!”
Meze Audio Elite MRSP €4000 incl VAT