Meze Audio Elite headphones

The "wow" factor begins when you unpack the Meze Elite headphones from their heavy-duty traveling case. A new masterpiece from the artists at Meze Audio As attractive as the Meze Audio Elite headphones are in pictures, they are even more stunning in person. Master-of-his-craft Antonio Meze and his team of engineers and artists built them on the backbone of their acclaimed Empyrean planar magnetic headphones . I spent less than thirty minutes with these premium open-back headphones, but it was clear even in that brief audition: Meze has enhanced an already deluxe multi-sensory experience. These Elite headphones feature a completely revamped driver system. Meze teamed up once again with Ukrainian research team Rinaro who created thinner, lower mass diaphragms to deliver more accurate sound, particularly in the highs and upper mids. All while preserving the authoritative bass that Meze planars are known for. Even lighter with a fuss-free fit The Elite headphones boast a design that's beautifully sculpted, with the same textured, machined-aluminum earcups as the Empyreans. But Meze has re-imagined the headband suspension system with a patent-pending wing design that slides right into place. For me, it was one and done - no adjustments needed. They are large headphones for sure, but somehow feel super light on the head. The ear pads have been streamlined a bit, and are lined with a pleasant leather-Alcantara mix. They hug the side of the head and avoid pressure points - a gentle touch overall. Solidly constructed with fine attention to detail It's hard to appreciate some of the design touches until you are holding these headphones in your hands. First, the robust aluminum frame is symmetrical, serpentine, and charmingly smooth to the touch. And at first glance, the earcups appear to be closed-back, but closer examination reveals an intricately etched pattern in the earcup that lets air move freely. A close-up of the machined aluminum frame and earcup etchings. Me