Meze Audio Liric II

The Meze Audio Liric II is aimed at audiophiles seeking a refined, natural sound with a strong sense of space, paired with top-tier craftsmanship and materials. In our practical test, its MZ4 planar magnetic drivers delivered warm, detailed playback, housed in a build that blends robustness, elegance, and serviceability. This is a headphone for those who prioritise listening quality at moderate volumes.

Premium accessories

From the moment you open the Meze Audio Liric II’s packaging, its premium status is clear. The outer box is adorned with artistic watercolour artwork, while inside is a large, jewellery box-style container with a leather-look lid embossed with the model name “Liric.” The interior is lined with velvet and fitted with precision-cut black foam.

Inside sits a matte black hard case with the Meze logo on top. This zippered case is lined with soft velvet and contains the headphones and a black PU leather drawstring pouch holding the cables and adapters.

The accessories include:

• A hand-braided, coiled Furukawa PCUHD copper cable (137 cm) with a 4.4 mm Pentaconn connector for high-quality portable headphone amps
• A 3.15 m straight TPE cable with a 3.5 mm mini-jack for flexibility and durability
• Gold-plated 6.35 mm adapter and airline adapter

All plugs and connectors are gold-plated for corrosion resistance. The cables are neatly secured with branded Velcro straps and cord ties, underscoring the meticulous presentation.

Design and build

The Meze Audio Liric II’s design is both modern and refined. Almost every component is finished in matte black, with three exceptions: the copper-coloured adjustment mechanism, the pressure-equalisation vent covers, and the Macassar ebony veneer on the ear cup backs. These glass-fibre reinforced polymer ear cups combine durability with a luxurious finish.

Sustainability played a role in the choice of materials, and build quality is impeccable. The magnetically attached ear pads are easy to replace, ensuring the headphones remain serviceable for years.

Planar magnetic array drivers for phase-linear reproduction

Inside, the Meze Audio Liric II uses a scaled-down version of the planar magnetic MZ4 driver arrays found in Meze’s flagship Empyrean II and Elite models. Their array configuration is designed for phase-linear reproduction and an exceptionally spacious soundstage.

The frequency range is impressive: from ultra-low 4 Hz to an extended 92 kHz, well beyond human hearing. Measured impedance is 32.7 ohms, meaning the Meze Audio Liric II doesn’t require high-voltage outputs and works well with portable headphone amps. However, its measured maximum SPL of just 89.72 dB makes it a quieter headphone compared to many competitors.

Comfort and fit

The detachable cables connect to 3.5 mm sockets on each ear cup and hold securely without locking mechanisms. The Y-split position on both cables allows plenty of movement freedom.

The ear cups rotate 360° horizontally and tilt slightly vertically for a comfortable fit. The oval ear pads have PU leather outer covers and Alcantara-hybrid inner surfaces, resting softly and breathably against the ears. The headband features a central recess to relieve pressure on the top of the head and is padded for comfort.

At 428 g without cables (480 g with), the Meze Audio Liric II is not overly heavy, and its clamping force of 587.5 g is on the lighter side. This, combined with very freely moving ear cups, can lead to an insecure fit — even tilting your head forward may cause the headphones to slip.

Sound – warmth across the spectrum

The Meze Audio Liric II’s sound signature is consistently warm. Its treble is detailed but smooth, avoiding analytical sharpness. The super-high frequencies, while technically extended, do not sound as airy as the specifications suggest. Mids are equally warm, with vocals and speech presented with adequate forwardness but no harshness.

Bass frequencies integrate naturally at lower listening volumes, but increasing the volume can cause audible distortion — especially in sub-bass content. This makes the Liric II better suited to moderate listening levels.

Transient response is more rounded than sharply defined, complementing its overall warm character. While the stereo image is spacious, it is not exceptional for a closed-back model. Dynamic performance is competent but not class-leading.

On the plus side, external sound leakage is well controlled, while passive noise isolation is moderate. For my taste, the Liric II shines most with classical music played at moderate volume, where its warmth and spaciousness enrich the listening experience.

Conclusion

The Meze Audio Liric II is a high-end planar magnetic headphone with strengths that span its premium accessory package, material selection, craftsmanship, design, warm tonality, and spacious presentation. However, potential buyers should note its relatively low maximum SPL, preference for moderate volume listening, and less secure fit. It’s a great match for audiophiles seeking this specific sonic signature — and willing to trade off some loudness and stability for it.