The Meze Audio LIRIC represents one of the most ambitious closed-back headphones ever developed by Meze Audio and marks the company’s first portable planar magnetic headphone. Designed in collaboration with Ukrainian driver specialist Rinaro Isodynamics, the LIRIC brings much of the flagship Empyrean and Elite technology into a more compact and travel-friendly design without sacrificing the musicality and luxurious craftsmanship Meze is known for.
At the core of the LIRIC is the proprietary MZ4 Isodynamic Hybrid Array planar magnetic driver. This advanced driver technology was specifically scaled down from the larger MZ3 drivers used in the Empyrean and Elite while preserving many of their acoustic advantages. The driver combines two independently shaped voice coil patterns positioned strategically on the diaphragm surface. One coil is optimized for low frequencies while the other focuses on upper frequencies and detail retrieval. This unique architecture helps the LIRIC achieve excellent imaging precision, fast transient response, deep bass extension, and highly detailed treble reproduction.
Unlike many closed-back headphones that can sound narrow or congested, the LIRIC produces an unusually spacious and open presentation. Reviewers consistently praise its holographic imaging, expansive soundstage, and ability to preserve openness despite the closed acoustic design. The bass response is powerful, fast, and deeply extended while remaining controlled and articulate. Midrange performance is rich and expressive with highly realistic vocals and strong instrument separation. Depending on the generation and pad configuration, the treble presentation ranges from energetic and highly detailed to smoother and warmer in the second-generation tuning.
One of the defining innovations inside the LIRIC is Meze and Rinaro’s Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask (QWRM) technology. This acoustic system was developed to attenuate high-frequency resonances above 7 kHz, reducing harshness and listening fatigue while preserving detail and clarity. The newer LIRIC II refines this system even further to provide a smoother and more relaxed presentation compared to the original version.
Comfort is another major strength of the LIRIC. The headphones utilize a lightweight magnesium chassis combined with a spring steel headband, pressure-distributing suspension strap, and premium memory-foam earpads. Multiple reviewers describe the LIRIC as one of the most comfortable closed-back planar headphones currently available, capable of remaining comfortable during four-hour or longer listening sessions.
The closed-back architecture also provides excellent passive noise isolation without requiring active noise cancellation. This makes the LIRIC particularly attractive for portable high-end listening, office environments, or situations where open-back headphones are impractical. Despite being designed for portability, the LIRIC scales noticeably with premium desktop DACs and headphone amplifiers.
Visually, the LIRIC continues Meze Audio’s unmistakable industrial design philosophy. The headphones combine magnesium alloy, leather, aluminum, and intricate pressure-equalizing earcup grilles into a luxurious and highly durable construction. Every component is fully serviceable and replaceable, reflecting Meze’s long-term sustainability approach.
The included accessory package is exceptionally complete and includes premium detachable cables, a rigid travel case, airplane adapter, and 6.35 mm adapter. Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the carrying case and overall presentation.
The LIRIC has become one of the most respected high-end closed-back planar magnetic headphones available today thanks to its combination of portability, comfort, luxurious build quality, and engaging audiophile tuning.
• Product Type: Closed-back planar magnetic headphones
• Driver Type: Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array MZ4
• Driver Size: Approx. 92 mm × 63 mm
• Acoustic Design: Closed-back circumaural
• Frequency Response: 4 Hz – 92 kHz
• Impedance: 30 Ω
• Sensitivity: Approx. 100 dB SPL/mW
• Weight: Approx. 390 g (Gen 1)
• Chassis Material: Magnesium alloy
• Headband Material: Spring steel with leather suspension strap
• Earpads: Memory foam
• Cable Connection: Dual mono 3.5 mm TS
• Included Cables: 1.5 m portable cable and 3 m desktop cable
• Included Adapters: 6.35 mm adapter and airplane adapter
• Isolation: Passive closed-back isolation
• Technology: QWRM high-frequency resonance attenuation
• Construction: Fully serviceable modular design
• Compatibility: Portable DACs, desktop amplifiers, DAPs, laptops
• Design Origin: Romania / Ukraine collaboration
• Closed-back planar magnetic headphones
• Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array technology
• Proprietary MZ4 planar magnetic driver
• Portable high-end audiophile design
• Exceptional passive noise isolation
• Spacious closed-back soundstage
• Deep and controlled bass response
• Fast transient response
• Detailed and expressive midrange
• Airy highly detailed treble
• QWRM resonance control technology
• Lightweight magnesium chassis
• Spring steel headband
• Pressure-distributing suspension strap
• Premium memory-foam earpads
• Detachable premium cables
• Portable DAC and amplifier compatible
• Scales with desktop hi-fi systems
• Fully serviceable modular construction
• Replaceable components
• Luxury industrial design
• Premium hard carrying case included
• Designed for home and portable audiophile listening