Meze – LIRIC

Designed in Romania Balanced Sound Signature 2 Years ofWarranty Ideal forAudiophiles Ideal forIndoor Use Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Drivers MetalBuild Closed-BackDesign NeedsAmplification Replaceable Cables DESCRIPTION PRESENTING MEZE AUDIO LIRIC – WHEN SOUND MEETS POETRY Meze Audio Liric is the company’s first portable planar-magnetic headphone developed in collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics. These headphones were born from their mutual love for music, poetry and the attachment of their home country’s culture. Following the two successful collaborations with Rinaro, it was a natural next step to develop a portable planar headphone. Naming the headphone LIRIC was not a game of chance. It was an ideal metaphor to paint the authentic, vivid and poetic sound disguised behind its ethereal silhouette. FEATURING THE AWARD-WINNING ISODYNAMIC HYBRID ARRAY DRIVER Meze Audio Liric is the first closed-back headphone to be powered by Rinaro’s Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver. Created exclusively for Meze Audio, the MZ4 driver offers the same dual shaped voice coil array seen in Meze Audio Empyrean. Over 30 years of R&D have gone into developing this technology, resulting in one of the lightest and most advanced planner magnetic drivers on the market. This combined with the closed-back design, helps preserve the original clarity and emotion of your favourite music through enhanced sound and minimised external noise. Each driver is entirely hand-assembled and tested in Rinaro’s industrial facility in Ukraine. EMBEDDED WITH PHASE-X SYSTEM AND ISOPLANAR DIAPHRAGM Meze Audio Liric is a perfect blend of timeless aesthetics and the best in audio engineering from Rinaro Isodynamics. Liric comes equipped with an Isoplanar Diaphragm which is manufactured from a custom developed isotropic thermally stabilised polymer with a conductive layer. Through the unique processing methods, an ultralight yet rigid diaphragm is achieved that weighs only 0.08g with a large active area of 3507mm2. With the addition of the Phase-X system, Liric achieves a more linear phase response and a faster transient response decay. This allows for a more faithful reproduction of transient sounds and improves ambience and spatial imaging for the listener, taking them closer to the environment of the source recording. Original Source Recording: Source recordings usually have an Absolute Linear Phase and this offers the listener the actual audio image of the recordings. This includes audio information not just from the instruments but the recording environment too.Nonlinear Phasing : Contrary to Absolute Linear Phase that can be heard in original recordings, NonLinear Phasing is typically found in closed-back headphones due to Phase distortion. This noticeably affects the accuracy of the spatial image of the original recording.Phase-X™ System : With the addition of the Phase-X™ system, Liric presents the correct phase and a faster transient response decay. This allows for a more faithful reproduction of transient sounds and improves ambience and spatial imaging for the listener, taking them closer to the environment of the source recording. MEZE AUDIO PRESENTS THE EARPAD AIRFLOW SYSTEM FOR THE LIRIC Meze Audio Liric introduces an Earpad Air Flow (EAF) system, developed by Rinaro, which reduces the weight and size of the Liric headphone by optimising its acoustic volume. Precision cut air vents that run from the Liric ear cup chamber into the ear pads allow the MZ4 driver to utilise acoustic volume from the earpads as well as the ear cup chamber. This significantly reduces the required size of the ear cup chamber allowing Liric to keep a compact and truly portable closed-back headphone profile without compromising on the acoustic performance. DUAL DRIVEN DIAPHRAGM SYSTEM AND HYBRID MAGNET ARRAY The MZ4 driver featured on the Meze Audio Liric combines individual switchback and spiral-shaped voice coils within the same diaphragm, allowing sound to be targeted with more accuracy around the natural form of the ear, for a more selective acoustic performance. Using this combination allows the headphone to achieve an increased exposure of direct sound wave frequencies over the 10kHz range, as well as improved imaging and localisation, by decreasing the impact of short-wave time delays caused by diffused field reflections. Liric also features symmetrically placed neodymium magnets on either side of the diaphragm. They are arranged into a Hybrid Array to create a 0.3 Tesla Isodynamic magnetic field required for a uniform activation across the whole diaphragm surface. UNPARALLELED EFFICIENCY AT HIGHER FREQUENCY SPECTRUM At frequencies above 10kHz, where the sound wavelength is smaller than the ear cushions inner cavity, the sound field becomes diffused with an amount of the direct and reflected sound waves within the ear canal. A significant increase of direct sound waves is achieved by positioning the most efficient part of the diaphragm in mid-high frequencies directly over the ear canal in the Meze Audio Liric, resulting in improved 3D imaging and spatial localisation. Liric also offers Absolute linear phasing to the listener where the original spatial image remains as it was recorded. This includes information from the instrumentation as well as the recording environment itself. Liric also corrects Nonlinearities in phase response that noticeably affect the reproduction of the spatial image of the original recording. DESIGNED WITH AIRFLOW CONTROL AND PRESSURE EQUALISATION SYSTEM Meze Audio Liric features padded headband cushions that are symmetrically placed in a “+” shape to allow proper airflow and lower the heat and humidity buildup. Covered in genuine leather, the headband is perfectly tuned for optimal pressure distribution and it follows the structure of the head, creating firm and even contact. A precisely tuned air vent hole can make a world of difference in how you perceive the sound around you, that is why the team at Meze Audio decided to add a Pressure Equalisation System in Liric’s ear cups. The result is better-controlled airflow, improved ear cup chamber pressure, and a sound that is airy, transparent, detailed and flows naturally, enveloping you into a whole new world of music. ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED WITH STRIKING ATTENTION TO DETAILS Meze Audio Liric showcases an actual harmony of form and function meant to set a new benchmark in high-end portable audio. Designed for high fidelity listening on the go, Liric delivers high build quality, excellent comfort and a life-like, immersive listening experience. The angled ovoid ear cups featured on Liric are perfect for surrounding your ears closely without adding unnecessary pressure or weight while offering a deeper sound and better passive sound isolation. A lightweight magnesium skeleton ensures the headphone stays flexible, shock-resistant and oxidation free while maintaining an ideal fit for long listening sessions. Reinforced polymer housing is designed to withstand the demanding 10,7N load generated by the Hybrid Magnet Array. The union of black leather, gloss-matte spatters on magnesium, and metallic copper accents were the perfect addition to this contemporary aesthetic, completing the portable personality of the headphone. SPECS OVERVIEW DRIVER TYPE Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array® MZ4 OPERATING PRINCIPLE Closed EAR COUPLING Circumaural IMPEDANCE 30 Ω FREQUENCY RESPONSE 4-92,000 Hz NOMINAL SPL 100 dB (1 mW / 1 kHz) MAXIMUM SPL > 130 dB THD <0.15% WEIGHT 391 g MZ4 DRIVER SPECIFICATIONS GEOMETRICAL SHAPE Ovoid SIZE 92mm x 63mm WEIGHT 71 g CASING Fibreglass reinforced polymer TYPE Rinaro Isoplanar® MZ4 ACTIVE AREA 3507 mm2 DIAPHRAGM WEIGHT 0.08 g ACOUSTIC MASS 6.5 kg/m4 LOWER FREQUENCY LIMIT 4 Hz UPPER FREQUENCY LIMIT 92,000 Hz IN THE BOX BOX CONTENTS 1. Meze LIRIC Headphones 2. Hard EVA pouch with velvet lining 3. 1.5m soft TPE cable with 3.5mm jack3m soft TPE cable with 3.5mm jack 4. 6.3mm jack adapterAirplane jack adapter 5. Cables pouch FAQs What is the warranty period on the Meze LIRIC? The warranty period on all Meze Audio products is 2 years. Read more about Meze warranty. Which drivers are used in Meze LIRIC? The Meze LIRIC is loaded with Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array® drivers. The drivers have been hand-assembled and tested in the Rinaro industrial facility in Ukraine. What are the advantages of a dual driven system in the Meze LIRIC? The driver system in the Meze LIRIC combines individual switchback and spiral shaped voice coils within the same diaphragm, allowing sound to be targeted with more accuracy around the natural form of the ear, for a more selective acoustic performance. What are the advantages of a dual driven system in the Meze LIRIC? The driver system in the Meze LIRIC combines individual switchback and spiral shaped voice coils within the same diaphragm, allowing sound to be targeted with more accuracy around the natural form of the ear, for a more selective acoustic performance.SWITCHBACK COIL:The switchback coil is more efficient at reproducing lower frequencies and is positioned in the upper part of the driver.SPIRAL COIL:The spiral coil is more efficient at reproducing middle-high frequencies and is positioned directly over the ear canal, enabling more direct sound waves to enter the ear without any time delays. What is a Isoplanar Diaphraghm Material? The diaphragm is manufactured from a custom developed isotropic thermally stabilized polymer, with a conductive layer. Through unique processing methods, an ultralight yet rigid diaphragm has been achieved for the Meze LIRIC. What is Phase-X System? With the addition of the Phase-X™ system, LIRIC achieves a correct phase response and a faster transient response decay. This allows for a more faithful reproduction of transient sounds and improves ambience and spatial imaging for the listener, taking them closer to the environment of the original source recording. What is Ear Pad Air Flow System? Meze LIRIC introduces an Earpad Air Flow (EAF) system, developed by Rinaro, which reduces the weight and size of the Liric headphone through optimising its acoustic volume. Precision cut air vents that run from the Liric ear cup chamber into the ear pads allow the MZ4 driver to utilise acoustic volume from the earpads as well as the ear cup chamber. This significantly reduces the required size of the ear cup chamber allowing LIRIC to keep a compact and truly portable closed-back headphone profile without compromising on the acoustic performance. What material is the Liric made of? Meze LIRIC is made out of a lightweight magnesium skeleton that ensures the headphones stay flexible, shock-resistant and oxidation free, while maintaining an ideal fit for long listening sessions. What comes bundled with the Meze LIRIC? The Meze LIRIC comes bundled with a variety accessories to help you get started with your new headphones. There is a Hard Case EVA pouch with velvet lining included along with 2 cables of different lengths with 6.3mm Adaptors. You also get an Airplane Jack Adaptor and a pouch for the included cables. Does the Meze LIRIC require an amp? Yes, it does require amplification. You can check out our collection of amplifiers and DACs here. Does the Meze LIRIC come with a travel case? Yes, it does come with a Professional travel case. Is the Meze LIRIC foldable? No, you cannot fold the headphones but you could definitely detach the cable for portability. How is the overall fit? Meze LIRIC comes with an adjustable headband so that it firmly and comfortably cradles your head. What is the impedance on the Meze LIRIC? The Meze LIRIC comes with the impedance of 30Ω. What do “Impedance” and “Ohms” mean? Impedance is the so-called alternating-current resistance that headphones have under specific standard conditions. On devices with low output impedance, headphones are the louder, the lower their impedance is. In principle, we recommend that you choose headphones with low impedance for use on devices that are operated by battery/rechargeable battery (i.e. most portable devices such as smartphones, tablet computers but also notebooks). You can distinguish between high and low impedance. Usually, the gradations 18 Ω, 32 Ω, and 80 Ω are used in the low range. In the high range, 250 Ω are common. If you want to get the most out of your system (and it has the power to do so), choose a model with 600 Ω. Warranty & Media Reviews 2 Year Warranty Don’t sweat it, this Meze LIRIC comes with a 2 year warranty from Meze that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer’s warranty. Read more about Meze’s warranty in India. Gold Award Major Hi-FI Nov, 2021 “With an innovative lightweight build, and a transparent sound that can be described as nothing other than state-of-the-art, the LIRIC is a game changer that rings in a new sonic future.” Read More “Meze Audio’s Liric headphones combine high-grade magnesium, leather and aluminium in an all-new ergonomic design. Rinaro created the Phase-XTM system, promising improved spatial imaging accuracy.” Read More “The Liric is also surprisingly spacious with near open-back levels of dimension and separation, very impressive! You don’t get the natural fall off of an open-back, listeners will be impressed here.” Read More “New to the MZ4 variant is Meze/Rinaro’s patent-pending Phase X™ system that takes aim at the phase distortions introduced by a closed-back earcup to improve the Liric’s spatial cue accuracy.” Read More “I would say that amongst closed-back headphones, even those in a similarly prestigious price tier, the soundstage impressed me greatly, depth is excellent, and the headphones separate well too.” Read More “Meze and Rinaro have undoubtedly succeeded in bringing their Isodynamic driver technology to a closed-back headphone that is lightweight, comfortable, compact & one that indeed sounds great.” Read More ”The Liric will sound amazing with everything, given the superb imaging, clarity, and sound signature of the headphone. Meze makes some of the best sounding headphones on the market.” Read More “Liric is a look back at Meze’s roots with 99 Classics, taking basic principles – a portable design with a sound that evokes the joy & emotion of music and pushes it forward into flagship level headphone.” Read More