I’ve always been fascinated by how sound can transport you—a powerful bassline that makes you want to move, the soaring vocals that give you chills, or the intricate details in a quiet acoustic piece. Finding headphones that truly capture those moments is a journey, and the Meze Liric 2 headphones are a compelling stop along the way. Building on the success of the original Liric, the Liric 2 offers some key refinements that make them worth a serious look. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just starting your exploration of high-fidelity sound, join me as we unpack what makes these closed-back planar magnetic headphones tick. We’ll cover everything from sound quality and design to technical specs and who these headphones are best suited for.
Key Takeaways
- The Meze Liric 2 offers a refined listening experience: With a warmer sound and improved comfort, the Liric 2 builds upon its predecessor’s strengths. These headphones are a good choice for extended listening and a balanced sound signature.
- Planar magnetic technology and innovative design create detailed sound: The Liric 2 uses planar magnetic drivers and features like the Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask to deliver an immersive soundstage. Pair them with a dedicated amplifier for the best results.
- Think about your audio setup and where you’ll listen: The closed-back design provides excellent sound isolation, making these headphones suitable for various settings. Make sure your audio source and amplifier can drive the Liric 2 effectively.
What are the Meze Liric II Headphones?
The Meze Liric II headphones are a refined version of the original Meze Liric, closed-back planar magnetic headphones designed for audio enthusiasts and music professionals. Building on its predecessor, the Liric II offers several improvements in sound quality, comfort, and design. These headphones aim to deliver an immersive, high-fidelity listening experience suitable for various music genres and listening environments. If you’re curious about planar magnetic technology, our exploration of different speaker types might be helpful, as it discusses this driver type. The closed-back design helps isolate you from outside noise, creating a more focused experience, similar to the noise reduction you find in some in-ear monitors (IEMs).
Sound Quality and Performance
The Meze Liric 2 headphones have earned accolades for their impressive sound. Let’s explore the qualities that make these planar magnetic headphones a compelling choice.
A Warm, Coherent Sound
The Liric 2 offers a smoother, more relaxed presentation than its predecessor. This refined tuning creates a warmer, more coherent sound signature that works beautifully with various musical genres. Where the original Liric could occasionally sound a bit sharp, the Liric 2 delivers a more forgiving and pleasant experience. This cohesive sound makes it competitive among closed-back planar magnetic headphones.
Enhanced Soundstage and Imaging
Soundstage and imaging are essential for an immersive listening experience. The Liric 2 shines in this area, presenting a wider and deeper soundstage than the original Liric. This expanded spaciousness allows instruments and vocals to breathe, creating a more three-dimensional and realistic presentation. The accurate placement of sounds within the stereo field adds depth and clarity to your music.
Bass Response and Richness
The warmer tuning contributes to a richer, more substantial bass response. The low end has a satisfying weight and presence, adding fullness to the overall sound without becoming overpowering. This full bass complements the midrange and treble, creating a well-rounded and engaging listening experience.
Clear, Balanced Midrange
The midrange frequencies, where most instruments and vocals reside, are crucial for an enjoyable listening experience. The Liric 2 delivers a clean and balanced midrange that seamlessly connects the low and high frequencies. This refined midrange results in natural-sounding vocals and instruments, free from any harshness or muddiness.
Treble Characteristics
The Liric 2 addresses some treble concerns present in the original Liric. The high frequencies are now more controlled and refined, offering detail and clarity without becoming harsh or fatiguing over time. The updated technology in the Liric 2 contributes to this improved treble performance, resulting in a more balanced and enjoyable overall sound.
Design and Build
The Meze Liric 2 closed-back headphones prioritize both sturdy construction and comfortable wear, crucial for long listening sessions. Let’s examine the design elements that contribute to this balance.
Premium Materials and Aesthetics
Meze Audio opted for high-quality materials in crafting the Liric 2. The earcups are made from aluminum, contributing to their lightweight nature and durability. This metal construction not only looks sleek but also adds to the headphones’ premium feel. The headband combines magnesium and carbon fiber, further enhancing the balance between weight and strength. This combination of materials ensures the headphones can withstand regular use while remaining comfortable. Aesthetics haven’t been overlooked. The Liric 2 boasts a sophisticated design, making it a stylish accessory for music lovers. Different speaker types use various materials for their construction.
Comfort for Extended Listening
Comfort is paramount, especially for extended listening. The Liric 2 addresses this with earpads made from hybrid leather and velour. This combination provides a soft, plush feel against the skin while offering breathability to prevent overheating during longer use. The headband’s design also contributes to overall comfort, distributing weight evenly to avoid pressure points. This balanced design ensures a comfortable fit even during hours-long listening sessions. The closed-back design further enhances comfort by passively isolating you from external noise, allowing for a more immersive experience. In-ear monitors are another option for comfortable listening.
Detachable Components and Serviceability
A standout feature of the Liric 2 is its focus on serviceability. The detachable cables contribute to the headphones’ longevity. If a cable becomes damaged, you can simply replace it instead of needing to replace the entire unit. This modular design also allows for customization. The included cable terminates in a 4.4mm balanced plug, but you can swap it out for cables with different terminations to suit your audio setup. This flexibility ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio sources and amplifiers. Soundbars often utilize various audio connections. This commitment to serviceability and user-replaceable parts sets the Liric 2 apart, making it a long-term investment for serious audiophiles.
Technical Specs and Features
This section covers the Meze Liric 2’s core technical attributes, contributing to its distinct sound profile.
Two-Way Planar Magnetic Drivers
The Liric 2 uses two-way planar magnetic drivers. Unlike traditional dynamic drivers, planar magnetics use a thin diaphragm suspended between two magnetic arrays. This design allows for faster, more precise movement, resulting in lower distortion and a more detailed sound. The two-way system means separate driver sections handle different frequency ranges, similar to how some studio monitors use multiple drivers for optimal sound reproduction. For more on driver types and how they impact your listening experience, see our speaker types overview.
Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask (QWRM)
Meze Audio incorporates a Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask (QWRM) into the Liric 2’s design. This intricate system sits in front of the driver and helps control sound reflections within the earcup. The QWRM aims to minimize unwanted resonances and improve clarity, especially in the midrange frequencies, contributing to the Liric 2’s detailed and open soundstage.
Impedance and Sensitivity
The Liric 2 has an impedance of 30 ohms and a sensitivity of 100dB. This relatively low impedance makes them compatible with various sources, including portable music players and some smartphones. However, a dedicated headphone amplifier can further refine performance, particularly dynamics and detail retrieval. For a deeper understanding of impedance and its impact on audio, our discussion on subwoofers offers helpful context.
Frequency Response
The Meze Liric 2 boasts a frequency response of 4Hz to 92kHz. This wide range theoretically covers the entire spectrum of human hearing and beyond. While the extremes might not be fully perceptible, a wide frequency response generally suggests a headphone’s ability to reproduce a full and detailed sound.
Improvements over the Original Meze Liric
The Meze Liric 2 closed-back planar magnetic headphones take the already strong foundation of the original Liric and make some smart refinements. These upgrades make the Liric 2 a serious contender for music lovers looking for a more polished and adaptable listening experience.
Refined Sound
The most immediate difference you’ll hear with the Liric 2 is a smoother, more coherent sound compared to the original. The original Liric could sometimes sound a bit sharp on the high end, but the Liric 2 offers a more relaxed presentation. This makes the headphones work well with a wider variety of music, from quiet acoustic sets to high-energy electronic music. Headfonics points out this refined sound is more enjoyable and easier on the ears, especially during long listening sessions.
Enhanced Tuning and Balance
Beyond smoothing out the overall sound, Meze also improved the tuning and balance across the frequencies. This leads to a more accurate and natural sound, with better control and definition in both the bass and treble. Head-Fi reviews emphasize this improved balance as a major plus.
Design and Comfort Upgrades
Meze Audio didn’t stop at sound quality. They also improved the design and comfort of the Liric 2. Made with premium materials, the headphones have a more luxurious feel. A key practical improvement is the Liric 2’s serviceability. You can take the headphones apart and replace individual components, like earpads or the cable, which means they’ll last you longer. Everyday Listening has a good discussion of the design and serviceability.
Upgraded Cable
The cable included with the Liric 2 got an upgrade too. It’s a higher-quality braided cable made with Furukawa PCUHD copper, and it terminates in a 4.4mm balanced plug. This new cable helps improve signal transmission and sound quality. The balanced connection is a nice feature for people with audio sources that support it. The Headfonics review covers the cable upgrade in more detail.
Versatility Across Music Genres
The Meze Liric 2’s adaptability is a major selling point. These headphones aren’t designed for just one genre; they offer a pleasant listening experience across a wide range of musical styles. Whether you appreciate the intricate layers of classical music, the driving rhythms of electronic dance music, or the raw energy of rock, the Liric 2 handles each genre with remarkable finesse. This makes them a solid all-around choice for music lovers with varied tastes.
Performance with Different Styles
The Liric 2’s balanced sound signature ensures that no single frequency range dominates. This balance is especially noticeable when listening to complex orchestral pieces, where the clarity and separation of instruments are essential. The headphones reproduce the subtle nuances of strings, the weighty presence of brass, and the vibrant textures of woodwinds with impressive accuracy. The Liric 2’s controlled bass response also performs well in genres like hip-hop and EDM, providing a tight, impactful low-end without muddying the overall sound. User reviews often mention the Liric 2’s impressive handling of various genres, highlighting its balanced tuning and detail retrieval. This balanced approach allows the headphones to present a clear and engaging sonic landscape regardless of the music you choose.
Home and Portable Listening
The closed-back design of the Liric 2 provides excellent sound isolation, making them suitable for listening at home or on the go. At home, you can focus on your music without distractions. The comfortable design ensures long listening sessions remain enjoyable. In busy environments, the closed-back design blocks ambient noise, allowing you to appreciate your music even on a commute or in a crowded space. The Liric 2’s portability is further enhanced by its foldable design and included carrying case. Headphone Dungeon specifically mentions the Liric II’s suitability for both home and portable use, praising its ability to provide an immersive experience in various settings.
Amplification and Audio Source Pairing
Proper Amplification: Why It Matters
Planar magnetic headphones like the Meze Liric 2 often perform better with a dedicated amplifier. These headphones usually have higher impedance and lower sensitivity than dynamic headphones, meaning they need more power to shine. A good amplifier provides this power, creating a cleaner, more dynamic sound with tighter bass and a wider soundstage. Without enough power, the sound can be muddy, compressed, and lacking detail. Think of it like filling a swimming pool with a garden hose versus a fire hydrant—the fire hydrant (amplifier) delivers the water needed for the job (driving the headphones). A proper amplifier ensures you hear the Liric 2 as Meze intended, revealing all the nuances and details. Learn more about headphone impedance and sensitivity in our article on headphone specs.
Recommended Setups
The Meze Liric 2 works well with various amplifiers, from portable options for on-the-go listening to desktop setups for a more focused home experience. For portable use, consider compact yet powerful amplifiers like the iFi xDSD Gryphon or the Chord Mojo 2. These offer excellent sound and portability. For a desktop setup, the Topping A90 Discrete or the Schiit Jotunheim 2 are solid choices, providing ample power and a clean signal. If you prefer an all-in-one device, some digital audio players (DAPs) like the Astell&Kern A&ultima SP2000T can power the Liric 2 effectively. The best setup depends on your budget and what you like. See our recommendations for headphone amplifiers.
Compatibility with Audio Sources
The Meze Liric 2 connects to many audio sources, from smartphones and laptops to dedicated DAPs and high-end audio interfaces. Its closed-back design minimizes noise from outside sources, allowing for enjoyable listening anywhere. While the Liric 2 works directly with some smartphones, using a dedicated amplifier or a DAP with a strong headphone output usually sounds better. When connecting to a computer, a USB digital-to-analog converter (DAC) can improve sound quality. Our DAC guide explains the benefits and offers recommendations. The source and amplifier are key to the overall sound, so choose components that complement the Liric 2.
Sound Isolation and Closed-Back Design
The Meze Liric 2’s closed-back design is a key feature, impacting both its sound and how you use it. This section explores how this design influences your listening experience.
Benefits for Focused Listening
Closed-back headphones are known for their ability to block out external noise. This sound isolation creates a quiet, focused listening environment, ideal for enjoying the nuances of your music without distractions. Whether you’re in a busy office, on a noisy commute, or simply want to immerse yourself in sound, the Liric 2’s closed-back design helps you create your own sonic sanctuary. This isolation also prevents sound leakage, so you won’t disturb those around you. For more on how different headphone types handle sound, check out our beginner’s guide to speaker types.
Performance in Different Environments
While closed-back headphones are great for noisy environments, they can sometimes struggle to create a wide, spacious soundstage. The Liric 2, however, aims to address this. Reviews suggest its soundstage is surprisingly open and expansive for a closed-back model. This means you get a good sense of instrument separation and placement, making your music sound more realistic and three-dimensional. Understanding stereo imaging can help you appreciate this aspect of headphone performance. This balance of isolation and spaciousness makes the Liric 2 adaptable for various listening situations, from quiet home listening to more bustling environments.
Accessories and Connectivity
The Meze Liric 2 comes with a thoughtful selection of accessories designed to enhance your listening experience. Knowing what’s included and how it all connects is key to getting the most from these headphones.
Included Cables and Connectors
Meze provides several cables to ensure compatibility with various audio sources. You’ll find a shorter, 1.5-meter cable with a 3.5mm termination, ideal for portable use with phones or laptops. A longer, 3-meter cable with the same 3.5mm termination is also included for more comfortable home listening. For higher-end setups, Meze includes a balanced 4-pin XLR cable, allowing you to connect to balanced headphone amplifiers and hear everything the Liric 2s have to offer. All cables use high-quality materials and are designed for durability and minimal signal loss. The inclusion of both balanced and unbalanced cables shows Meze’s commitment to accommodating a range of listening preferences and equipment.
Carrying Case and Accessories
Beyond the cables, the Meze Liric 2 comes with a sturdy, well-designed carrying case. This hard-shell case provides excellent protection during travel or storage. Inside, you’ll find a dedicated compartment for the cables and other small accessories. This keeps everything organized and prevents the cables from tangling or damaging the headphones. The case itself is compact and easy to transport, making the Liric 2 a practical choice for listening on the go. The attention to detail in the included accessories reflects the overall premium quality of the Meze Liric 2 package.
Who Should Consider the Meze Liric II?
The Meze Liric 2 headphones cater to a specific listener. If you prioritize sound quality and comfort and are willing to invest in premium audio, these headphones might suit you. They’re designed for extended listening, so if you frequently lose yourself in music for hours, the Liric 2’s comfortable design is a plus.
These closed-back planar magnetic headphones offer excellent sound isolation. This makes them a solid choice for anyone needing to block out distractions, whether working in a busy office, commuting, or simply wanting to immerse yourself in music at home. If noise isolation isn’t a priority, check out our article on soundbars. Open-back headphones or a different audio setup altogether might be a better fit.
While the Liric 2 offers a warm, engaging sound, some listeners might prefer a brighter, more analytical presentation. If you primarily listen to genres that benefit from crisp detail, explore other options or learn more about different speaker types. If a rich, smooth sound is what you’re after, the Liric 2 could be just right.
Finally, consider your current audio setup. The Liric 2 benefits from proper amplification, so ensure your source can drive them effectively. If you’re unsure about subwoofers or other components, research before investing in high-end headphones. Matching your headphones to your audio source ensures the best possible listening experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a headphone amplifier for the Meze Liric 2? While the Liric 2 works with devices like smartphones and laptops, a dedicated headphone amplifier often improves the sound quality, especially dynamics and detail. The amplifier provides the necessary power to fully drive the planar magnetic drivers, resulting in a cleaner, more dynamic sound.
How comfortable are the Meze Liric 2 for long listening sessions? Meze designed the Liric 2 with comfort in mind. The hybrid leather and velour earpads provide a soft feel while allowing for breathability. The headband distributes weight evenly to avoid pressure points. The closed-back design also helps isolate you from outside noise, further enhancing the listening experience.
What’s the difference between the Meze Liric 2 and the original Liric? The Liric 2 builds upon the original with a warmer, more refined sound, addressing some of the treble harshness found in the first version. Meze also improved the design, using premium materials and focusing on serviceability with detachable cables and earpads.
What comes with the Meze Liric 2 headphones? The Liric 2 includes a variety of cables: a short 3.5mm cable for portable use, a longer 3.5mm cable for home listening, and a balanced 4-pin XLR cable for use with balanced amplifiers. It also comes with a sturdy carrying case to protect the headphones during travel and storage.
Are the Meze Liric 2 good for all music genres? The Liric 2’s balanced sound signature makes it versatile across various genres. Its controlled bass, clear midrange, and refined treble work well with everything from classical and jazz to rock, electronic, and hip-hop.
