Meze Headphones roundup
The Best Meze Headphones for the Money
The best Meze model depends on what you are paying for. The 99 Classics leads under £500, the 105 AER or 109 PRO in the mid-range, and the Empyrean II at the top — with the LIRIC as the only closed-back planar option.
Value in audio equipment means different things at different price points. For meze headphones, the best-value model is not always the cheapest — it is the one that delivers the most relevant performance for your specific use case without paying for capabilities you will not use.
Best Value Under £500: The 99 Classics
The 99 Classics is where the brand made its name, and it remains the most straightforward recommendation for anyone entering the meze headphones range. It is a closed-back dynamic headphone with wooden ear cups, a distinctive design, good comfort over long sessions and an easy-to-drive impedance. You do not need a dedicated amplifier, the replaceable cable and pads extend its lifespan, and it handles most music styles competently.
The 99 Neo is the more affordable alternative on the same platform. It uses plastic instead of wood for the ear cups and a slightly leaner sound signature. If budget is the primary constraint, the Neo offers the same fundamentals at lower cost, but the Classics justifies its premium through build quality and longevity.
Best Mid-Range: The 105 AER
For home listening in the £500–£900 range, the 105 AER represents strong value within meze headphones. It is an open-back dynamic design with a relaxed, detailed presentation suited to long listening sessions. It does not require anything beyond a modest DAC and amplifier combination. The 109 PRO is an alternative at a similar price, with a different sound character — more energetic where the 105 AER is smoother. Comparing both on your preferred music before buying is worth doing if you have the opportunity.
Best High-End: The Empyrean II
At the top end of the range, the Empyrean II delivers the best combination of engineering, comfort and materials. The Rinaro planar-magnetic driver provides fast transients and controlled bass. The suspension headband distributes weight effectively for long-session comfort, despite the physical mass. At this price, the Elite is the alternative for those who want a more reference-oriented presentation.
The value argument for the Empyrean II rests on build quality and longevity. Meze headphones at the flagship tier are expensive by any measure, but they are built to last and supported with replacement parts — a characteristic that is not universal at this price tier.
The LIRIC: Best Closed-Back Planar
The LIRIC is the right recommendation if you want planar-magnetic performance in a closed-back enclosure. This is an unusual combination at any price. It is more expensive than the 99 Classics or even the 105 AER, but it occupies a genuinely distinct position: planar precision with meaningful isolation, which no open-back model can provide.
Summary by Use Case
Everyday closed-back listening: 99 Classics. Open-back home listening under £1,000: 105 AER or 109 PRO. Reference-grade planar performance at home: Empyrean II or Elite. Closed-back planar: LIRIC. For common errors that affect value — buying the wrong tier for your source equipment, for example — the beginner guide covers what to watch out for.
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