Meze Audio POET Headphones: Poetry for your Ears
Read Time: Approx. 10 min.
Engineering Precision Meets Emotive Expression in Meze's Newest Open-Back
What's better than a new headphone? A new high-end headphone from Meze Audio! The company behind some of our favorite audiophile-grade cans has unveiled its latest innovation, the Meze Audio POET Open-Back Headphones. The POET combines Meze's past, present, and future, sporting Meze's signature headphone design with some innovative technologies, and a sound quality for years of happy listening.
The Meze Audio POET is easy like Sunday morning. It's the headphone you gravitate toward when you want to feel inspired, relaxed or uplifted. Full of musicality, lifelike realism, and emotion, the POET really is poetry for your ears.
PROS
- Lush, emotive sound quality
- Compact form factor & Snug fit
CONS
- Not for bass lovers
- Genre specific
Design
The POET is one of Meze's most daring design ventures yet. It's a beautiful culmination of the company's best audiophile headphones with the ear cup styling of the ELITE, LIRIC II, and EMPYREAN, and similar headband height rods and compact form factor of the 109 Pro and Meze 99 Classics. I've been staring at it for hours trying to come up with words that do the POET justice.
It features Meze's signature ovoid ear cups with a steel grille and magnetic ear pads. The pattern on the steel grille is practically identical to the OG EMPYREAN, sporting the same copper finish as the limited edition copper EMPYREAN. Meze says the pattern elevates the fine audio tuning of the POET, making it highly durable and striking. To really up the ante, Meze made the adjustable height rods copper too.
The POET carefully balances durability and comfort with a compact form factor, magnesium chassis, soft suede leather headrest, and flexible titanium alloy headband. The headband evenly distributes weight, delivering you a snug yet comfortable fit. Snug is the perfect word to describe the comfort level of the headband. Snug enough that it won't fall off, but not snug to the point of experiencing a headache. Weight-wise, it's incredibly lightweight. Holding it with both hands without the cable attached it feels a lot like the Focal Bathys Wireless Headphones. Once you slide the POET over your head and onto your ears you'll be so pleased with the weight distribution that you'll probably forget you have it on!
The POET is specifically designed to last for a lifetime. Meze Audio has made the POET fully serviceable, from the replaceable ear pads to the high-performance materials used. Every part of the headphone's chassis can be easily disassembled–by a professional ;) –and serviced.
Every pair of POET Headphones comes with a hand-braided copper cable with 3.5mm plugs and a 6.3mm termination. And if you're wondering "why a 6.3mm termination?" it's intentionally geared toward desktop setups. The copper cable is a nice aesthetic touch, pulling in the copper accents on the headphone. And just when you think it couldn't get any better, Meze includes a hard shell storage case with foam inserts.
Sound
When Meze Audio emailed us announcing a new headphone and asking if we wanted to review it...immediately... YES. We all have a personal pair of 99 Classics at our desk so it's safe to say we're a big fan of Meze Audio in the office. Meze does a great job at delivering a lifelike sound. Regardless of whether you're enjoying tiny details on the Meze Audio 109 Pro Headphones or the warmer sound signature of the EMPYREAN, Meze never fails to deliver a lifelike presentation. And the POET is truly no exception.
For a planar magnetic headphone, the POET was pretty easy to drive. I was fairly impressed with how effortless it was. I paired it with the Astell&Kern SP3000M DAP, but I could see you using a dongle DAC or DAC/Amp combo easily. As always, we recommend additional amplification for a planar magnetic driver, just so you can guarantee optimal performance. That and at least eight hours of burn-in time. We passed the POET around quite a bit before it got to me so they were ready to go by the time I started listening.
If you came here wondering what the POET sounds like compared to the Meze Audio EMPYREAN, I'll divulge. In my opinion, the POET pulls a lot of inspiration from the EMPYREAN and LIRIC, from the subtle design nods to the driver, but it still sits in its own category. The first-generation EMPYREAN delivered an expansive sound and warm presentation. The second generation EMPYREAN (EMPYREAN II) has more definition and delivers more of a reference-friendly sound. The POET's sound quality leans more toward the first-generation EMPYREAN with a warm side of neutral presentation. The first-generation LIRIC was detailed, defined, and textured. The second-generation LIRIC delivers a more refined sound that's balanced and warmer.
To put it simply, the POET's sound quality is as intoxicating, emotive, and powerful as poetry. From the moment I slipped them on I was transported to a world full of musicality and life. The Marias song No One Noticed features the lead vocalist singing very softly, almost whispering. I've only heard this song once before so I wasn't too familiar with it when it popped up on my queue. It's got a very unique sound and no sooner did it start, the POET placed the lead vocalist right at my ears as if she was whispering on my neck. Needless to say, it was a moment of chills running down my spine and I proceeded to listen to the song on repeat for far longer than I'd like to admit.
Female vocals were breathy and airy. Up close and personal. Male vocals were outstanding with The Jungle's song I've Been In Love leaving me no choice but to groove in my seat. This song is a typical house beat that's uplifting and full of instrumentation. The POET has an impressive soundstage that's wide and tall. With the right songs, it delivered an amphitheater-like experience. The key word to describe the POET is musical. If I could use one word and nothing else it would be that. The midrange is lush, full, and incredibly rich. Meze did a nice job of balancing that with some detail retrieval so it never felt muddied. Fine details and nuances were more present in acoustic, jazz, folk, and other genres that aren't synth-heavy.
The bass response was in line with a planar magnetic driver headphone. It was tight and precise with a nice mid-bass slam but no apparent rumble. Songs like Next to Me by SYRE that are synthesizer-heavy had a small but noticeable level of physicality to them, but in no way is the POET a bass monster.
The POET does a great job of balancing every element in a song and marrying them together in a harmonious, effortless sound. I was most impressed with folk, country, indie, jazz, alternative, and house music.
Who is the Meze Audio POET for? The POET is the perfect headphone for music lovers and audiophiles looking for a full, rich sound with wonderful timbre, a precise bass impact, and a smooth tonality. The POET is easy like Sunday morning. They're the pair of headphones you wear as you slowly fall into the cushions of your favorite seat with an accompanying beverage in hand. The Meze Audio POET is full of life, emotion, and raw vocals.
I've Been In Love
By Jungle
(Volcano)
No One Noticed
By The Marias
(Submarine)
Next To Me
By SYRE
(Next To Me)
Freddie's Mood
By Vince Guaraldi
(Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown)
Features
Rinaro MZ6 Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver
Rinaro has become practically synonymous with Meze Audio Headphones, using the Isodynamic Hybrid Array Drivers in the Meze ELITE, EMPYREAN, LIRIC and now POET Headphones. The POET features Rinaro's MZ6 Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver which is a synthesis of the MZ4 and the MZ3E drivers featured in the LIRIC and ELITE Headphones. This new design delivers a compact yet high-performance experience akin to the ELITE and is one of the most advanced and lightweight full-size planar magnetic drivers currently available on the market.
The Isodynamic Hybrid Array uses a dual-driven voice coil system which optimizes sound distribution, specifically at frequencies above 10kHz. Positioned in the upper section is the switchback coil which is optimized for the efficient reproduction of lower frequencies, delivering a robust bass response. The spiral coil, placed over the ear canal, excels at reproducing mid-to-high frequencies. The specific positioning of this coil enables direct transmission of sound waves into the ear, minimizing time delays and enhancing clarity. The result of these two coils working together is enhanced spatial imaging and precise localization in the reproduced sound field.
The MZ6 driver itself is composed of three pieces: Casing, Parus Diaphragm, and Hybrid Magnet Array. The casing is made of a reinforced polymer housing designed to withstand the demanding 10.7N load generated by the Hybrid Magnet Array. The Parus Diaphragm is a biaxially oriented, semi-crystalline polymer film with a low of weight of 0.06g and an expansive active area of 3507mm. The Hybrid Magnet Array is composed of neodymium magnets that're symmetrically placed on either side of the diaphragm and arranged into a hybrid array to create a 0.3 Tesla Isodynamic magnetic field.
Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS)
A surprising piece of technology to be featured in the POET is Dan Clark Audio's Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS). Licensed from Dan Clark Audio for use in the POET, the AMTS technology refines high-frequency performance, eliminating unwanted peaks for a smoother, more immersive sound signature. The AMTS technology strategically covers select openings in the driver frame to effectively attenuate high-frequency peaks for a less fatiguing listening experience.
Dragon Cables
[Silver Dragon Premium Headphone Cable]
There are a lot of reasons why you need to make sure your audio cables are not afterthoughts.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Verdict
The Meze Audio POET Headphones are a true testament to the company's commitment to technical precision, craftsmanship, and exceptional sound quality. They're the perfect headphones for those who love a laid-back, musical listening experience. Genres like indie, alternative, rock, and folk present rich vocals full of emotion that transport you to the center of the music. The POET takes everything you love from a planar magnetic headphone–technical precision, speed, and accuracy–and enhances it. They've redefined what you expect from a planar magnetic driver, unlocking a new level of emotion, richness, and musicality. With a precise bass impact and good detail retrieval in the mids and highs, the POET delivers an easy-to-love sound that's only elevated when paired with an upgrade cable like the Silver Dragon Premium Headphone Cable. Details and nuances are brought to the front and the top-end becomes more resolute.
At a $2,000 sale price, the POET brings flagship-level performance to a compact over-ear form factor. The build quality alone is impressive and worth every penny. Meze Audio is one company that never misses a single detail down to the copper accents and magnetic ear pads. Those looking for a full and rich-sounding headphone with a wonderful timbre and natural vocals should look no further than Meze's new product, the Meze Audio POET.
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What's in the Box
- Meze Audio POET Headphones
- ABS Hard Case with foam inserts
- One cable included: mono 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm, 2.5m (8.2 ft) copper PCUHD premium cable
Specifications
HEADPHONE SPECS
Driver Type: Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array MZ6
Frequency Range: 4Hz - 96kHz
Impedance: 55 Ohms
Sensitivity: 101 dB SPL/mW at 1kHz
Maximum SPL: > 130 dB SPL
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.05% at 1kHz, 1V
Headphone Connectors: 3.5mm TS Jack
Weight: 350g or 12.34 oz (without earpads)
DRIVER SPECS
Geometrical Shape: Ovoid
Size: 92mm x 63mm
Driver Weight: 73g (2.5 oz)
Casing: Fiberglass reinforced polymer
Diaphragm Type: Rinaro Parus MZ6
Active Area: 3,507 mm(^2)
Diaphragm Weight: 0.06g
Acoustic Mass: 6.5 kg/m
Lower Frequency Limit: 4Hz
Upper Frequency Limit: 96kHz
