When industrial designer Antonio Meze realized over a decade ago that the headphone market wasn’t offering anything that would satisfy his sophisticated taste in sound and design, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Thus was born the Meze Audio brand, which quickly established itself as one of the most respected in the audiophile world. In 2015, they impressed with the Meze 99 Classics model, and the turning point came with the Empyrean, the first high-end planar-magnetic headphones that left the competition far behind – both in quality and price. This time, Meze Audio presents the POET.
But while the Empyrean and later the Elite were every audiophile's dream come true, they had one key flaw: almost no one could afford them. The $3,000 and $4,000 price tags placed these models in an exclusive club reserved for only the most discerning and wealthy buyers. So it was high time Meze offered something more affordable without sacrificing its commitment to superior sound and design. And so the Meze Audio POET – open planar-magnetic headphones that cost $2,000, setting a new threshold for those who want the extras but don't want to sell their car.
Planar magnetic driver technology is not new, but Meze Audio interprets it in its own way. Classic headphones usually use dynamic drivers, where sound is created by a membrane that vibrates under the influence of a magnetic field. Planar magnetic headphones work differently - an ultra-thin membrane is clamped between magnets and vibrates when an electric current passes through it. This allows for exceptional sound accuracy, less distortion and deeper bass, which is why this technology is popular among connoisseurs.
POET maintains this philosophy, with a few compromises compared to more expensive models. Instead of the MZ3 Isodynamic Hybrid Array drivers used by Empyrean, POET uses the MZ6 Isodynamic Hybrid Array, which has a less complex magnetic structure. However, it retains the characteristic warm and open sound that has become a trademark of Meze Audio. In addition, the headphones are more compact and lighter, which means better ergonomics and comfort during extended listening.
In terms of design and materials, POET remains true to the brand's prestigious nature. The body is made of magnesium and steel, while the headband is made of titanium alloy, ensuring robustness and elegance. The ear pads are magnetic, allowing for easy replacement, while the cables are braided and connected via two 3.5mm jacks, which is standard for headphones of this type.
The main difference between the POET and its more expensive siblings is primarily in the soundscape, as the Empyrean and Elite are still the reference in this area. But for most users, it will be Meze Audio POET offered more than enough - an open and spacious soundstage, natural reproduction of instruments and extremely low distortion levels, even at higher volumes.
So who are these headphones for? Certainly not for those looking for powerful bass and isolation from the outside world, as this is an open model that is not intended for use in noisy environments. But for those who experience music as art and want to hear every last detail, the POET offers a great experience at a significantly more affordable price than previous Meze Audio models.
POET headphones are now available witha pre-order on the official Meze Audio website priced at $1,999, with first deliveries expected in mid-March 2025. That's still a high price tag, but in the world of premium planar magnetic headphones, it may be the best compromise between price and quality currently on the market.
