Meze Audio Launches 2nd Generation Liric 2 Closed Back Headphones

LIRIC 2nd Generation: the art of evolution

Next-generation headphone developed with community feedback to deliver an even better listen and a stunning new striped ebony finish.

Meze Audio is delighted to introduce LIRIC 2nd Generation, a major evolution of its acclaimed LIRIC closed-back headphones with performance enhancements, a stunning new striped ebony wood finish and more modularity for easier upgrades and a long life of listening pleasure.

LIRIC 2nd Generations' sound profile has been tuned up to offer a compelling blend of clear, accurate audio performance with a touch of warmth for added depth. A new QWRM (Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask - a precision-crafted metal plate that strategically covers select openings in the driver frame) effectively attenuates high-frequency peaks above 7kHz for a smoother listening experience.

The LIRIC 2nd Generation design has also been warmed up with the replacement of LIRIC’s leather clad ear cups with one's beautifully dressed in striped ebony. These combine gorgeous wood grain and a luxury feel with the durability hardwood Delivers.

“Developing great headphones means listening to a lot of music, but also listening to our community carefully, too! LIRIC was already an impressive headphone but based on feedback from our customers and reviewers we’ve taken its capabilities to new heights with the new LIRIC 2nd Generation,” explains Meze Audio’s founder and lead designer, Antonio Meze.

LIRIC 2nd Generation features state-of-the-art planar magnetic technology developed by Rinaro, re engineered for day-to-day use. The Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver was scaled down and tuned to deliver an audio experience in-line with its larger counterparts found in Empyrean and Elite.

Combined with the closed-back design, it 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 specialist workshops in Ukraine.

The LIRIC 2nd Generation headphones also follow Meze Audio’s mission for both enhanced sustainability and choice, featuring detachable magnetic earpads that can be easily repaired and replaced. 

Further performance and flexibility benefits are offered by the cable choices. LIRIC 2nd Generation now comes with Meze Audio’s premium hand-braided copper cable as standard; a 4.4mm design ideal for portable players and headphone amps, plus a 3m TPE cable for home listening. The LIRIC 2nd Generations' modular design allows for easy cable upgrades and replacements as desired.

Tech Specs

• Driver Type Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array®
• Enclosure Closed-back
• Ear Coupling Circumaural
• Frequency Response 4-92,000 Hz
• Impedance 61 Ω
• Sensitivity 100 dB SPL @ 1 kHz, 1 mW
• Maximum SPL > 130 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) <0.15%
• Weight 427 g

Pricing, availability, and further information

LIRIC 2nd Generation will be available starting March 7th, on mezeaudio.com, mezeaudio.eu and in selected retailers worldwide, with a suggested retail price of $2000/€2000/£1850.