My journey with high end headphones started a few years ago. I started with an Audeze LCD-2 and since have collected a lot more headphones. Throughout my time listening, I've realized I've spent so much time analyzing the music or the gear I'm listening to. While that's been fun at times, it's taken some joy in simply enjoying listening to whatever headphones I've had on.
When I sat with that realization, I came to the conclusion that I wanted a headphone where I could enjoy listening to all types of music while still being technically good enough to where I wouldn't feel I took a huge step down in that department compared to what I'm used to getting with my other headphones (like Susvara, Utopia and LCD-4).
So, I went with the Empyrean. I thought I could exchange for an Elite if I really didn't like the tuning. Maybe it's partly due to my intention of enjoying music more, but I can say that they are incredibly good at allowing me to feel the music and enjoy it without analyzing it. The soundstage is particularly good and pulls you in, but not in an overdone way, as is the non-fatiguing tuning. I was worried I wouldn't like the tuning, particularly the mid-bass, but it doesn't bother me. Some headphones over-do that area and I end up feeling like I'm listening to singers with an added hand in front of their mouth, but this is different: a pleasing, warm-blanket kind of mid-bass. Everything sounds nice on this headphone. The comfort is also a huge plus, as is the inspired art-like design. I get it now. It's about refined enjoyment. And I've been thoroughly enjoying. Thank you Meze and Bloom! Always a pleasure ordering from Bloom.
Comfort with incredible sound.
I never realized I had treble anxiety on other cans. At certain points in songs I would subconsciously brace myself, but the Empyrean are so smooth it doesn't hurt. Yet they still have great detail.
There may be a better headphone in each category like detail, sound stage, etc, but this is my favorite pair that get near perfect in every category that is important to me.
Did i mention comfort? 8 hours straight comfort.
Great sounding cans: accurate, totally enjoyable. Andrew from Bloom was especially helpful. Highly recommended.
Meze Audio Empyrean | Open-Back Isodynamic Hybrid Planar Headphones