Meze Audio LIRIC 2 Review

Sound – Comparison

The comparison part was done in full balanced mode, with the Musician Aquarius DAC and the SAEQ PDA-1b amplifier as I find this to be one of the best amps for the LIRIC 2. The bog advantage with this amp also is that you can connect up to four headphones simultaneously without any loss of power or quality. It’s perfect for reviews and comparisons.

Vs LIRIC

The original LIRIC is a typical sounding closed-back headphone, and in general people describe it as crowded and shouty because of the density and hotter top end tuning. Because of the more inside your head rendering, the original LIRIC can sound more centered, coming in with a bigger boldness.

The LIRIC 2 is a nice improvement over the original LIRIC, and as such it does make sense to no longer offer the original. LIRIC 2 sounds more open, spacious and all around you. It has far better 3-dimensionality, immersiveness and positioning than before. LIRIC 2 is easier on the ears, softer, warmer, It’s more in line with the Meze sound, think 109 and original Empyrean. LIRIC 2 is cleaner, more spacious and as such shows better extension and better control. The original LIRIC sounds more muffled compared to the new version. In regards to sound stage I don’t see that much of a difference, though the separation, spaciousness and control on the LIRIC 2, help improve the stage perception.

From a graph point of view both headphones are fairly close, but the LIRIC 2 has more mid bass presence though not as concentrated. Treble is still energetic like in the original but it’s also better done, with better control, extension and spaciousness. This also helps with the decay and detail retrieval, it’s just easier to listen to and the quality is better. At the same time the treble still is quite present like in the original, so do take that into account.

Vs Competition

The Dan Clark Audio DCA E3 is one of the hot and new closed-back headphones and it’s also selling for $2k USD. These headphones look, feel and sound very different. Both headphones are comfortable though the headband system is very different. The Meze feels smaller as the cups on the E3 are much larger but all-in-all I’d say they’re both very comfortable. It’s a personal thing which design you prefer most and I personally prefer the DCA headphone as I prefer the glass look over the wood and plastic, but that’s just me.

Sound wise, as said these are very different and when you switch from the Meze to the E3, you will immediately notice the lighter weight and body from top to bottom. The DCA E3 is a far more neutrally tuned headphone where the LIRIC 2 is warmer and fuller, with more bass presence. The LIRIC 2 is more v-shaped where the E3 is the more balanced headphone. The LIRIC 2 is edgy in both bass and highs. From a resolution and overall technical point of view I have to give the E3 the better marks, but not for everything. In example note extension and layering are better on the LIRIC2. The latter is more fun and dare i say, more tuned for the regular consumer? The E3 also has a smooth (mid) delivery, and especially the mids here have a better tuning than the LIRIC’s. The E3 is the most balanced and linear headphone of both. Soundstage wise I would say these are quite different. The width, spaciousness and airiness seems better on the E3, where the LIRIC 2 has the best 3-dimensionality and all-around you immersive sound with the best positioning. Vocal tonality is the same but it’s fuller and more upfront in the LIRIC 2. In short, the E3 is more neutral, clear, clean, balanced, faster, lighter and airier. The LIRIC 2 is fuller, warmer and more edgy/contrasting but it also has the better upper frequency resolution. The technical points the LIRIC 2 is stronger is are the layering, note extension and decay. Very differently tuned headphones for a different type of listener.

The ZMF Headphones Atrium closed is another hot competitor. It’s a bit more expensive at $2.5k, and it is the bigger headphone in size. While I have no issues with the Atrium closed comfort wise, it isn’t as comfortable as the LIRIC 2. The tuning of both of these headphones is much closer together, making it quite interesting.

The LIRIC 2 still is the fuller sounding headphone of both, and it has a bigger body, bass impact and punch at all times. The ZMF is more spacious and airy looking at width. For the rest these headphones are quite comparable when it comes down to the technical level though I find the Meze to be the more refined one. The LIRIC 2 has an edgier, livelier v-shape presentation where the Atrium Closed is more balanced in presentation, softer and maybe a tad slower. The LIRIC 2 is more refined overall with a better definition and resolution but it’s more fatiguing. The ZMF is the most balanced one of both headphones and has a more relaxed presentation which is easier on the ear and better for long listening sessions. The LIRIC 2’s top end is more extended and refined, but the vocals in the Atrium closed are more natural sounding (and a little less present). The choice between these headphones is more difficult as they both have really good things going for them. It really depends on the mood and the musical style you’re listening to.

Conclusion

Looking at design, build quality and comfort, the Meze Audio LIRIC 2 still delivers. It’s a nice headphone to use and look at, though not everyone will feel the partly wooden cups match the design. That is very personal however.

With the LIRIC 2, Meze Audio have built a far better tuned version of the original LIRIC. LIRIC 2 now is warmer, more spacious, more refined, controlled and a lot easier on the ear. That said, some of you still might find the treble tuning on the edgy side.

The LIRIC 2 is a very peculiar tuned headphone which some will absolutely love. At the same time I don’t feel like it’s a headphone for everyone or for all musical types. The LIRIC 2 doesn’t have the typical do-it-all tuning, but if you liked the original LIRIC, you will be very happy with the improvements the LIRIC 2 brings.

Summary

Pros:

• Package
• Comfort
• Drivability
• Improved sound over original

Cons:

• Design (though it’s personal)
• Foldability
• Top end and vocals are not for everyone

Specifications