Meze ELITE

Open-back flagship planar headphones with Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array

In Search of Perfection

Antonio Meze:

"With ELITE, we've created something that transcends all barriers of headphone design and engineering and moves to a new, artistic, graceful level. Following in the footsteps of a successful partnership, together with Rinaro Isodynamics we managed to exceed our expectations once again and create something for the ages. It’s not mass production; it’s the craftsmanship that sparks the magic and wonder in ELITE, what makes it exciting, and these are values that we choose over any shortcuts."

A Collaboration Between Meze & Rinaro Isodynamics

While Meze Audio pushes build quality, comfort, and aesthetics to a new level, Rinaro contributes a unique driver architecture so the sound leaves nothing to be desired: the Isodynamic Hybrid Array.

Key benefits at a glance:

• THD (distortion) stays below 0.05% across the entire frequency range
• Total driver weight under 75 g for long-session comfort
• Frequency range up to 112 kHz
• Easy to drive: high efficiency at 101 dB @ 1 mW / 1 kHz and only 32 Ω impedance

The Hybrid Array

As you can see, the driver is split into a spiral section designed for treble, and a larger area above it that reproduces mids and bass with more surface area.

Together with the two included earpad options, this design aims for the best possible balance of sound and comfort. And beyond that, the entire headphone—where every component is individually replaceable—was built around one core idea:

Longevity

Through radical transparency about how their products are built, Meze aims to raise awareness around longevity: every part is available as a spare, there are no “planned weak points” that make a repair uneconomical later on. The goal is simple—your Meze product should deliver enjoyment and value for many years.

What’s Included

So what do you actually get with a Meze ELITE?

• Aluminum case with foam inserts for safe transport (headphones, second pad set, cables, and potentially a portable player)
• Meze ELITE
• Two sets of earpads: velour & leather
• One cable of your choice (additional cables available)

What reviewers say:

Soundnews.net

I find them easy to drive, sounding great even from entry-level electronics and portable devices, their tonality is spot on, their midrange and bass performance is fabulous and their stage is among the grandest I have experienced via headphones. They have the easiest and the coolest earpad removal system, having three distinct sound signatures depending on the earpads and these are up there with some of the best headphones in the business. Build quality, design and sound quality-wise, these are as good as it gets, what’s there not to like?

Darko.audio

If we judge based upon design and build quality, the Elite has no rivals.

It’s a remarkable achievement that pairs easily with a wide range of audio gear, musical genres, and recording quality, making it perhaps the most “accessible” option in this rarified segment of the headphone market.

The Meze Elite is a high-end headphone with no compromises in comfort, no questionable build choices or reliability issues, no absurd amplification requirements, excellent industrial design, and a sonic presentation that is both technically impressive and musically appealing. Sounds like a winner to me.

Technical Specifications

Driver

Magnet Array

Diaphragm