Description
Meze LIRIC – Reference Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
If you’re here, you already know closed-back planar magnetic headphones rarely nail detail, soundstage, and natural tonality without compromises. The Meze LIRIC doesn’t just inch closer — it leaps ahead. Designed and handcrafted in Romania with Rinaro Isodynamics’ revolutionary Hybrid Array driver, this is the reference-grade closed-back headphone that many audiophiles have been waiting for.
Why the LIRIC is Different
Closed-back headphones often trade spatial depth for isolation. The LIRIC challenges that orthodoxy with its patented Phase-X™ technology — preserving a spacious, three-dimensional soundstage unheard of in closed designs. Thanks to the advanced dual-coil planar driver, distortion is kept ridiculously low (<0.15% THD), delivering micro-detail retrieval and precise transient response on par with open-back counterparts.
The result? A headphone that delivers true-to-source timbral accuracy, seamless midrange, and punchy but controlled bass — not overblown or veiled. If you’re analytical about imaging, separation, and musical coherence, the LIRIC rewards deep critical listening sessions with clarity and realism.
Build Quality and Comfort
- Lightweight magnesium frame — rigid but featherlight, minimising listener fatigue
- Milled aluminium cups — precision-machined to eliminate unwanted resonances
- Premium real leather and Alcantara earpads — breathable, ergonomic, perfect for marathon listening
- Fully serviceable design — Meze’s commitment to longevity and repairability
Technical Specifications
| Driver Type | Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array planar magnetic |
| Frequency Response | 4 Hz – 92 kHz |
| Impedance | 30 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB SPL @ 1 mW |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | < 0.15% at 100 dB SPL |
| Weight | ~391 g |
| Included Accessories | Hard case, 3.5mm cable, 4.4mm balanced cable, travel adapters |
Ideal Pairings — Unlock the LIRIC’s Potential
The LIRIC demands amplification and digital front ends capable of revealing its fine resolution and dynamics. Here are three standout partners we recommend:
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Rotel DX-3 Headphone Amplifier/DAC
Built around the ESS Sabre ES9028PRO chip and a fully balanced Class-AB output stage, the DX-3 delivers up to 2.8W into 16Ω — effortlessly driving the LIRIC with zero strain and reference-class precision. The analogue volume control and custom toroidal transformer make for a clean, dynamic, and highly detailed listening experience. -
Chord Hugo 2
Still one of the most revered portable DAC/amps for a reason — the Hugo 2's lightning-fast transient response, airy presentation, and micro-detail retrieval perfectly complements the LIRIC’s planar magnetic driver, making for an addictive, reference-grade combo. -
Volumio Motivo
An elegant all-in-one streamer/DAC with engaging tonality and exceptionally low jitter, Motivo pairs beautifully with the LIRIC for seamless digital music enjoyment—whether on the desktop or in a high-end portable setup.
Customer Reactions
“I wasn’t expecting the LIRIC to hold up for critical listening, but the imaging and instrument separation are next‑level. The Rotel DX‑3 drives them effortlessly—everything feels more alive.”
– Adrian P., Carlton North
“Running the LIRIC through a Chord Hugo 2 is like having a reference speaker system on your head. Bass is tight, mids neutral, and the detail retrieval is addictive.”
– Melissa D., Brisbane
“I needed something that sounds like a proper Hi‑Fi rig on the road and at my desk. The Motivo + LIRIC combo delivers emotional engagement with technical resolution. It’s not just good for closed‑back—it’s just good.”
– Jon H., Perth
Tech Deep Dive — What Makes the Meze LIRIC So Special?
Click to expand technical insights and design details
The heart of the LIRIC lies in its Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array planar magnetic driver. Unlike traditional planar drivers that use a single conductive membrane, the Hybrid Array employs a dual-coil design allowing for an optimized force distribution across the diaphragm. This reduces distortion and improves frequency response linearity — critical for maintaining accurate timbre and transient precision.
The planar magnetic driver’s inherently low moving mass allows for exceptionally fast transient response and low distortion. The LIRIC achieves <0.15% THD at 100 dB SPL, which means you hear your music without smearing or coloration — the raw waveform remains pristine.
The Phase-X™ acoustic design is a major technical breakthrough for closed-back headphones. By incorporating acoustic reflectors and phase manipulation, Meze controls internal reflections and cavity resonance to preserve a three-dimensional soundstage usually reserved for open-back designs. This means the LIRIC provides exceptional imaging and a sense of space, even in a closed-back form factor.
The build materials are equally thoughtful. Magnesium alloys for the frame reduce unwanted vibrations and weight. Milled aluminum cups provide a rigid enclosure that eliminates boxiness or resonant coloration common in plastic shells. And the choice of natural leather and Alcantara for earpads enhances both comfort and acoustic damping.
The 30 Ω impedance and 100 dB sensitivity make the LIRIC relatively easy to drive compared to other planar headphones, expanding compatibility across portable DAC/amps and desktop systems without sacrificing detail or dynamics.
In summary, the Meze LIRIC doesn’t just push the boundaries of closed-back headphone design—it resets the benchmark entirely. The attention to driver architecture, acoustic treatment, and build quality create a headphone that’s as technically impressive as it is musically engaging.
Available now at The Audio Experts — Australia’s destination for reference-quality headphones and high-end audio gear.
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