(March 9, 2024) Meze Audio has announced the release of its LIRIC 2nd Generation, an update to its LIRIC line of closed-back headphones. This new version incorporates feedback from the user community and introduces several technical and design enhancements.
The LIRIC 2nd Generation features adjustments to its sound profile aimed at providing clear audio performance with added warmth. A notable addition is the QWRM (Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask), a metal plate designed to reduce high-frequency peaks above 7kHz and smooth out the listening experience.
The exterior design also sees a change from leather-clad earcups to ones finished in striped ebony wood, aiming for a combination of aesthetic appeal and durability. Antonio Meze, the company's founder and lead designer, emphasized the importance of community feedback in refining the headphones' design and performance.
“Developing great headphones means listening to a lot of music, but also listening to our community carefully, too! LIRIC was already an impressive headphone, but based on feedback from our customers and reviewers we’ve taken its capabilities to new heights with the new LIRIC 2nd Generation,” explains Meze.
The headphones utilize a re-engineered planar magnetic technology developed in partnership with Rinaro. The Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver is designed to offer a sound experience comparable to the company's Empyrean and Elite models while being suitable for everyday use. The drivers are hand-assembled and tested in Rinaro’s Ukrainian workshops.
In line with Meze Audio's focus on sustainability and modularity, the LIRIC 2nd Generation includes detachable magnetic earpads for ease of repair and replacement. It comes equipped with a premium hand-braided copper cable for portable use and a 3m TPE cable for home listening, with the modular design allowing for easy cable upgrades or replacements.
Availability and Pricing
The LIRIC 2nd Generation is available for purchase through Meze Audio's website, its European site, and select dealers globally, with a retail price of $2,000. You can see, feel, and hear the headphones at this weekend's CanJam NYC Show held at the Marriott Marquee in Times Square (March 9-10). Stop by, give them a listen, and report back!
