I was surprised to find out that the company is from Romania, not far from where I live. It's great to see top-end products made in Eastern Europe gaining global recognition. Hats off to Meze, I'm sure there are challenges to starting a company in Eastern Europe with the ambition of global coverage.
@@christopherdiaz5846Probably means the Liric 1 since Liric 2 was just announced, which sounds different from the 2. Also not sure what "better" means. In what use case? Was it more impactful bass? Clearer sounding? Better imaging/soundstage? Sounded more natural? Ik they meant well, but that comment is genuinely useless lol
@PantsaBear tuning is 90% of a headphones worth to most people, and the E3 was designed with the harmen research, so most people will agree its better ignoring every other factor between them. "Better" is a good enough indicator for most people.
Interesting to see something which sounds as if the focus has been placed more on the bass than the treble to me. Seems like so much 'hifi' stuff leans more towards the treble in the name of clarity.
I'm a Liric enjoyer and the only upgrade envy I have for this one is the easily removable pads! The Liric 1 pads are a bit fiddly. I haven't had any issues with the 1 and I don't EQ headphones. I tend to pick this over my LCD-X for listening, even if the X is like a HD600 on steroids (which I like).
OFF TOPIC: I can't help but admire how effortlessly stylish and comfortable you look in every video with those fantastic hoodies you always rock! Your reviews on high-end headphones are always on point, but I've got to say, your hoodie game is equally impressive. It's refreshing to see someone prioritize both function and fashion, and your choice of high-quality, well-designed hoodies perfectly complements the professionalism of your content. You know, with the way you carry those hoodies, it's got me thinking - have you ever considered making a dedicated channel for hoodie enthusiasts? Your keen eye for detail and appreciation for quality could make for some seriously compelling content. Just a thought! Keep up the great work, and keep those hoodie recommendations coming too - you've got me seriously considering upgrading my wardrobe!
Mid bass: punchy, like a kick drum. If done improperly it can mask the fundamental tones of the lower midrange (bass bloom). Some people like that though. Sub bass: rumbly, the type of bass that you feel more than you hear it. Timbre: the ability to reproduce tones in a lifelike fashion (example: on a device with good timbre instruments sound different from one another - like in real life - even when playing the same note).
really enjoyed your take on this. Are the hps perfect? nope. there's hardly any single one out there that'll be perfect for everyone, but it's got its pros and cons, which you made a good case for, as usual.
Meze right now is still seldom worth in in terms of price (not the biggest fan of the empyryan 2) but they have been making major steps forward with each iteration, im hoping that in 3 years or so by the time we get the empyryan 3 it will be very worth it for its price just based on pure sound, and that sweet sweet build quality will be a major plus
I'm surprised that you didn't try resting it around your neck. Last review I saw of the Liric says it's a great travel headset. That hunch you're talking about feels like a response to that
Fun fact, just bought the xdo5 few days ago and currently using an IEM for listening to music with. Looking to get a headphone and might get this based on this review or might go for the Arya Organic instead.
Hello, I really enjoyed the review I was going to buy Lyric 1, but I'm waiting for the release of 2 in Korea. Is there a lot of improvement in 2 compared to 1 and 2? If there is no significant change compared to 1, I'm going to buy 1
As Josh suggested, it sounds like pad swap could greatly improve the overall performance. Perhaps Meze could specially-design a pair with perforations to reduce the mid-bass, congestions, while increasing the size of the sound-stage.
Closed back planar is definitely interesting. Ive owned the Caldera Open and wasn't the biggest fan of it. Feel like its headphone made for people who are solely looking for detail and timbre from their headphones (which is fine, but definitely think thats a minority of people even into headphones in the 1st place). As far as it being emotionally engaging and special, I don't really see it as something I'd take over the Meze Elite unless you listen only to classical. It also sounds almost nothing like a usual planar, which some I can see liking, but its basically a very beryllium dynamic driver sounding headphone like a Verite or Focal
I know this is a bit of a NOOB question..but when it comes to desktop DAC/Amps, do you all leave yours on or is it better to turn them off in between uses? I’m using Joshes favorite TA-Zh1es
With the exception of tube amps, leaving them turned on shouldn't be a problem. Sounds wise it shouldn't make a difference (except again tube amps and some gear like Schiit Yggy, those need time to warm up).
Considering the Empyrean 2, while very solid, is the most overhyped headphone in a long time, yeah gonna go in and say this headphone is what the people really want when it comes to frequency response and comfort. Just like when reviewers said the Empyrean 1 and even Elite weren't recommended even on the used market lmfao Recommending the Audeze Maxwell over this solely bc of soundstage is... laughable honestly lol. Giving me the same vibes as recommending the Drop PC38x over every headphone up to the HD800s. Just delusional compared to what 99% actually want from a headphone, gaming or not Great camerawork and editing though as usual. Backwards hat was a nice touch for the camera
I tried the original Lyric at Canjam London and found it pretty bad, although obviously not as bad as the Sennheiser HD820. I'd like to see if they have this new version there this year. The Sony MDR Z1R has fantastic bass and I think I'll struggle to ever upgrade from it, it just does bass like I've never seen before.
I very much like this new Liric look, I feel like it makes it look more it's price, of course I never touched either one so don't know how the recent old one really felt which can be quite different to how thing look on photos and videos.
I find it really interesting that you call this their best/your favorite closed back from Meze as they're pretty divisive amongst the hardcore audiophile crowd (Crin), most people just brush them aside, and I can't deny that with my 99 classics, as gorgeous as they are I still find myself gravitating towards my AKG K371's, and once again, as divisive as it is, my Custom Cans 250 ohm DT770's, which after about a year of owning them I finally came around to really enjoying them because I find both more comfortable and better sounding. Good on Meze for taking a clear step in the right direction, damn shame I can't afford their top cans lmao
Meze 99s are their most "consumer audio" sounding headphone that are lacking in sound in many ways, but literally everything above that in their lineup is worlds more tasteful and awesome. Even the Empyrean 1, which is divisive since its very warm-emphasized headphone, is a pretty amazing headphone for what it takes to get one nowadays (Ive seen them as low as $1300 on the used market). Empyrean 2 is tuned more for the people looking for pure timbre and neutrality in their sound, which is fine, but I suspect theres tons of ppl who would love the Empyrean or Elite that dont try them for themselves because reviewers said to avoid it.
Nice unbiased review by a literal paid representative of the company. These are ugly as sin. 2 grand on a headphone that may or may not sound like sh*t because of QC, and looks like the painted dashboard of a Kia.
Seeing reviews like this always makes me sad that I live where I do. Closest place that has headphones to test out has maybe about 8 pairs and it’s only Audeze and Grado
Why? Useless comment like this makes me hate TH-cam comments from small kids like you. The man is brilliant and makes some of the best videos that are visually Hollywood class.
It saddens me to say this but this review i felt was really below Josh's standards. Visually awesome, but the actual review was so weird. Where were the comparisons? Comparing a headphone only to the other Headphones by the same manufacturer isn't all that helpful. Especially when most people haven't heard the Empyrean 2 as it hasn't been on the market for long and people in the comments are begging for a comparison with the new DCA (that i don't think is neccessarily required, but any other Closed-back he reviewed would do at least). And the Liric 1 he seems to have not even heard but is comparing the second rendition to it "based on what he gathered"? I can lookup Meze's marketing myself. Also i found that sentence weird where he said it's nice that they didn't just make a Liric 2 just to have the 2 next to it, but improved specific problems from the first one instead? That's to be expected and it ain't unusual in the Headphone space. If anything, it's uncommon how quickly they've updated such an expensive headphone. Another thing, while "in this price range' is often said, i don't recall him mentioning the price (2000$ btw) which is also just weird. And lastly, this may be just me, but anyone wondering how he's sitting in the a-roll shots? Wouldn't have taken him for a big floor sitting guy
Exactly. Reading between the lines, it’s a POS he should have declined to review it. the DCA closed options are awesome. Even the Noire for a fraction of the price would be a way safer option, it’s outstanding. ZMF closed Caldera or Bokeh would be way better options too and look beautiful.
He did mention the price and he is doing something creative which is refreshing. If you can do a better job why don’t you. Talk is cheap. He is a family man and I support people trying to make it in this world. He basically gives you a video review for free and yet you still complain. I bet you live in USA
I can't help but feel like you sound a little bit 'coached' with how you're phrasing some things. If this is actually the case I'm really not a fan of you being directly affiliated with Meze.
Then stop watching something that is completely free and complaining here in comments. You don’t know the life situation of someone else. You Americans complain about the smallest things.
I might have phrased my comment unfavourably. I usually enjoy Josh's videos quite a bit. Since this video felt somewhat off compared to previous ones, I thought I would leave some criticism. I am also not American ;)@@LencoTB
Isn’t one person‘s coached simply the others well prepared and scripted? it may well be that he just put considerable effort into nailing it in one take
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 89 | คู่เอก "ยอดไอคิว vs คิริลล์"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z3vYkHJ_5Ig/mqdefault.jpg)
I was surprised to find out that the company is from Romania, not far from where I live. It's great to see top-end products made in Eastern Europe gaining global recognition. Hats off to Meze, I'm sure there are challenges to starting a company in Eastern Europe with the ambition of global coverage.
Just the other day, I received a pair of OLLO headphones, which are also made in Eastern Europe.
Isn't RAAL from Slovenia?
@@En_Joshi-Godrez Serbia 😁
Their Empyrean 2 is one of my favorite headphones of all time. It's truly great
Think also of Rockna! A further top notch company in Romania ❤
Meze is going to dominate. Comfort, build quality, and a new balance between resolution and enjoyable listening.
I appreciate your honesty. I know your TH-cam channel need income and sponsorship. It does make me feel however, that things can become biased...
I dont know how it sounds but that is one of the most elegant and beautiful pairs I ve ever seen.
It's easily one of the most beautiful headphones on the market.
Need a versus with the Dan Clark E3.
Wave Theory has done a "from memory" comparison of the two.
E3’s are practically perfect if harman target is concerned
E3 is better, I mean, Liric 2 will probably burn your ears with the treble. It's very peaky
If you had the opportunity to listen to the DCA E3, I would love to hear your comparison. Thanks.
I recently compared the LIRIC and the E3 and the latter was undoubtedly the better headphone (better than even the open-back Meze).
@@JagadguruSvamiVegananda Thanks. The Liric 1 or 2? I know the Liric 1 is not thought of very highly by most. I own the E3 and they are incredible.
@@christopherdiaz5846Probably means the Liric 1 since Liric 2 was just announced, which sounds different from the 2.
Also not sure what "better" means. In what use case? Was it more impactful bass? Clearer sounding? Better imaging/soundstage? Sounded more natural? Ik they meant well, but that comment is genuinely useless lol
@PantsaBear tuning is 90% of a headphones worth to most people, and the E3 was designed with the harmen research, so most people will agree its better ignoring every other factor between them. "Better" is a good enough indicator for most people.
Absolutely gorgeous looking headphones! Although, Josh makes everything he holds look like its made by the gods with his b-roll.
Interesting to see something which sounds as if the focus has been placed more on the bass than the treble to me. Seems like so much 'hifi' stuff leans more towards the treble in the name of clarity.
Please do a comparison with the Denon d9200 and the Focal clear Mg
I'm a Liric enjoyer and the only upgrade envy I have for this one is the easily removable pads! The Liric 1 pads are a bit fiddly.
I haven't had any issues with the 1 and I don't EQ headphones. I tend to pick this over my LCD-X for listening, even if the X is like a HD600 on steroids (which I like).
OFF TOPIC:
I can't help but admire how effortlessly stylish and comfortable you look in every video with those fantastic hoodies you always rock! Your reviews on high-end headphones are always on point, but I've got to say, your hoodie game is equally impressive. It's refreshing to see someone prioritize both function and fashion, and your choice of high-quality, well-designed hoodies perfectly complements the professionalism of your content.
You know, with the way you carry those hoodies, it's got me thinking - have you ever considered making a dedicated channel for hoodie enthusiasts? Your keen eye for detail and appreciation for quality could make for some seriously compelling content. Just a thought! Keep up the great work, and keep those hoodie recommendations coming too - you've got me seriously considering upgrading my wardrobe!
I wish someone of these TH-cam rock stars could explain to normal people what timbre is and what is meant by mid bass vs sub-bass.
Mid bass: punchy, like a kick drum. If done improperly it can mask the fundamental tones of the lower midrange (bass bloom). Some people like that though.
Sub bass: rumbly, the type of bass that you feel more than you hear it.
Timbre: the ability to reproduce tones in a lifelike fashion (example: on a device with good timbre instruments sound different from one another - like in real life - even when playing the same note).
@@0rogontorogon well explained. Thank you for the effort and examples. I get it more now. Greetings from 🇩🇰
really enjoyed your take on this. Are the hps perfect? nope. there's hardly any single one out there that'll be perfect for everyone, but it's got its pros and cons, which you made a good case for, as usual.
I love how comfortable they are, but ultimately they could not live up to my Caldera, which is still my go-to daily driver.
Meze right now is still seldom worth in in terms of price (not the biggest fan of the empyryan 2) but they have been making major steps forward with each iteration, im hoping that in 3 years or so by the time we get the empyryan 3 it will be very worth it for its price just based on pure sound, and that sweet sweet build quality will be a major plus
I would turn down mid base a bit and give them a base shell for sub base with EQ then.
Another well filmed video. I watch, for the headphone/iem's of course, but mainly for the videography. Great stuff man!
Meze for the win ❤
Please compare with the Denon 9200
They might have my interest at half that price, too many compromises but some people prefer fit and finish over sound quality
I'm surprised that you didn't try resting it around your neck. Last review I saw of the Liric says it's a great travel headset. That hunch you're talking about feels like a response to that
Can we buy the wood inserts and swap them into the first generation Lyrics?
Z1R best bass?!
Compare to MDR-Z1R
Well, it could only have improved from Liric 1. Curious to hear these.
Fun fact, just bought the xdo5 few days ago and currently using an IEM for listening to music with. Looking to get a headphone and might get this based on this review or might go for the Arya Organic instead.
Hello, I really enjoyed the review
I was going to buy Lyric 1, but I'm waiting for the release of 2 in Korea. Is there a lot of improvement in 2 compared to 1 and 2? If there is no significant change compared to 1, I'm going to buy 1
Between this and empyrean what better to buy and easier to drive ?
How does it compare in your view with the DCA E3?
DCA E3 review when, good sir? 👀
Please, add comparisons to the reviews. It’s critically important!
Which products would you get instead of this product in the same price range ?
If you can please give me three recommendations ($2000 ~ 3000)
As Josh suggested, it sounds like pad swap could greatly improve the overall performance. Perhaps Meze could specially-design a pair with perforations to reduce the mid-bass, congestions, while increasing the size of the sound-stage.
In terms of resolution, how does the Meze liric 2 compare to the Sony MDR Z1r?
These or the Clear MG?
ZMF caldera closed should be 🔥🔥🔥
Closed back planar is definitely interesting. Ive owned the Caldera Open and wasn't the biggest fan of it. Feel like its headphone made for people who are solely looking for detail and timbre from their headphones (which is fine, but definitely think thats a minority of people even into headphones in the 1st place). As far as it being emotionally engaging and special, I don't really see it as something I'd take over the Meze Elite unless you listen only to classical. It also sounds almost nothing like a usual planar, which some I can see liking, but its basically a very beryllium dynamic driver sounding headphone like a Verite or Focal
I know this is a bit of a NOOB question..but when it comes to desktop DAC/Amps, do you all leave yours on or is it better to turn them off in between uses?
I’m using Joshes favorite TA-Zh1es
With the exception of tube amps, leaving them turned on shouldn't be a problem.
Sounds wise it shouldn't make a difference (except again tube amps and some gear like Schiit Yggy, those need time to warm up).
Hi Joshua I now this video is not related to this but can you recomment the close back Sundara for a 150 dollars? that's the price right now!
No dude. Stay the hell away from that one. Only exception is if you get is as a gift. Then you can give it forward to someone else.
It's been 150 for a long time now. It's a permanent price drop.
it looks great! can't wait to hear it.
Considering the Empyrean 2, while very solid, is the most overhyped headphone in a long time, yeah gonna go in and say this headphone is what the people really want when it comes to frequency response and comfort. Just like when reviewers said the Empyrean 1 and even Elite weren't recommended even on the used market lmfao
Recommending the Audeze Maxwell over this solely bc of soundstage is... laughable honestly lol. Giving me the same vibes as recommending the Drop PC38x over every headphone up to the HD800s. Just delusional compared to what 99% actually want from a headphone, gaming or not
Great camerawork and editing though as usual. Backwards hat was a nice touch for the camera
Nice... need to upgrade my hearing first
I love Meze but these are waaaaayyyy out of my price range 😅
I tried the original Lyric at Canjam London and found it pretty bad, although obviously not as bad as the Sennheiser HD820. I'd like to see if they have this new version there this year.
The Sony MDR Z1R has fantastic bass and I think I'll struggle to ever upgrade from it, it just does bass like I've never seen before.
Most people who are over age of 50 57% in America can't hear 13-14,000 hz...the best can only hear 11-12,000 hz
now we wait for the elite II
I very much like this new Liric look, I feel like it makes it look more it's price, of course I never touched either one so don't know how the recent old one really felt which can be quite different to how thing look on photos and videos.
I find it really interesting that you call this their best/your favorite closed back from Meze as they're pretty divisive amongst the hardcore audiophile crowd (Crin), most people just brush them aside, and I can't deny that with my 99 classics, as gorgeous as they are I still find myself gravitating towards my AKG K371's, and once again, as divisive as it is, my Custom Cans 250 ohm DT770's, which after about a year of owning them I finally came around to really enjoying them because I find both more comfortable and better sounding. Good on Meze for taking a clear step in the right direction, damn shame I can't afford their top cans lmao
Meze 99s are their most "consumer audio" sounding headphone that are lacking in sound in many ways, but literally everything above that in their lineup is worlds more tasteful and awesome. Even the Empyrean 1, which is divisive since its very warm-emphasized headphone, is a pretty amazing headphone for what it takes to get one nowadays (Ive seen them as low as $1300 on the used market).
Empyrean 2 is tuned more for the people looking for pure timbre and neutrality in their sound, which is fine, but I suspect theres tons of ppl who would love the Empyrean or Elite that dont try them for themselves because reviewers said to avoid it.
@@PantsaBear don't tempt me dammit, I can't justify spending that much on headphones yet
Yeah I think you did the Liric 1 dirty. You should've listened to it dude.
Voshua Jalour
A comedian.
@JoshuaValour What hoodie were you wearing in this video?
I wish you would cover some stuff like the holo bliss, ferrum oor, ferrum wwndla, holo may etc
Nope - just got my iFi iCan, HE1000's, and Focal Elex.... I'm done till Xmas.
Nice unbiased review by a literal paid representative of the company. These are ugly as sin. 2 grand on a headphone that may or may not sound like sh*t because of QC, and looks like the painted dashboard of a Kia.
I really like the design but, hopefully the sound aren't QC issues.
What!? No DCA comparison?
One dealbreaker issue with the OG Liric is sibilance. Wondering how much of this has been improved, if at all?
He discussed exactly this at the 5 minute mark.
This is made in my country România
When did you become a short king bro 😮 lol joking! Love the video! 🫶
Seeing reviews like this always makes me sad that I live where I do. Closest place that has headphones to test out has maybe about 8 pairs and it’s only Audeze and Grado
What Shame this channel has fallen so much
Why? Useless comment like this makes me hate TH-cam comments from small kids like you. The man is brilliant and makes some of the best videos that are visually Hollywood class.
I just come to see the headphone . How stunning. Focal Sennheiser and Meze design teams are genius. Poor audeze 5 with the ugliest design and $5k tag
the cups match your beard 🙂
It saddens me to say this but this review i felt was really below Josh's standards. Visually awesome, but the actual review was so weird. Where were the comparisons? Comparing a headphone only to the other Headphones by the same manufacturer isn't all that helpful. Especially when most people haven't heard the Empyrean 2 as it hasn't been on the market for long and people in the comments are begging for a comparison with the new DCA (that i don't think is neccessarily required, but any other Closed-back he reviewed would do at least). And the Liric 1 he seems to have not even heard but is comparing the second rendition to it "based on what he gathered"? I can lookup Meze's marketing myself. Also i found that sentence weird where he said it's nice that they didn't just make a Liric 2 just to have the 2 next to it, but improved specific problems from the first one instead? That's to be expected and it ain't unusual in the Headphone space. If anything, it's uncommon how quickly they've updated such an expensive headphone. Another thing, while "in this price range' is often said, i don't recall him mentioning the price (2000$ btw) which is also just weird.
And lastly, this may be just me, but anyone wondering how he's sitting in the a-roll shots? Wouldn't have taken him for a big floor sitting guy
Exactly. Reading between the lines, it’s a POS he should have declined to review it. the DCA closed options are awesome. Even the Noire for a fraction of the price would be a way safer option, it’s outstanding. ZMF closed Caldera or Bokeh would be way better options too and look beautiful.
He did mention the price and he is doing something creative which is refreshing. If you can do a better job why don’t you. Talk is cheap. He is a family man and I support people trying to make it in this world. He basically gives you a video review for free and yet you still complain. I bet you live in USA
Hoping a VEGAN version eventuates!
For what I know mese uses vegan leather. The m109 pro is vegan
I can't help but feel like you sound a little bit 'coached' with how you're phrasing some things. If this is actually the case I'm really not a fan of you being directly affiliated with Meze.
Spot on.
Then stop watching something that is completely free and complaining here in comments. You don’t know the life situation of someone else. You Americans complain about the smallest things.
I might have phrased my comment unfavourably. I usually enjoy Josh's videos quite a bit.
Since this video felt somewhat off compared to previous ones, I thought I would leave some criticism.
I am also not American ;)@@LencoTB
Fair thought but if he was coached he will now try to hide it more
Isn’t one person‘s coached simply the others well prepared and scripted? it may well be that he just put considerable effort into nailing it in one take