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Meze Audio ELITE TUNGSTEN
PASSION BROUGHT US HERE. TECHNOLOGY MADE IT HAPPEN.
At Meze Audio, we aim to transform each listening session into a multi-sensory experience you can get lost in. With a no-compromise mindset, driven by our love for art and sound, we use innovative designs and technologies that perfectly complete each other to create pure emotion.
"With Elite, we've created something that transcends all barriers of headphone design and engineering and moves to a new, artistic, graceful level. Following in the footsteps of a successful partnership, together with Rinaro Isodynamics we managed to exceed our expectations once again and create something for the ages. It’s not mass production; it’s the craftsmanship that sparks the magic and wonder in Elite, what makes it exciting, and these are values that we choose over any shortcuts."
Antonio Meze, Lead Designer and Founder of Meze Audio
BEAUTIFUL AESTHETICS. TAILORED FOR LONG LISTENING SESSIONS
A core belief of Meze Audio is to create products that last through years and years of industry changes, bringing long-lasting value to the customer. Elite is no different. From looks to technology, this headphone was designed to surpass all short-living trends and become a true heirloom.
IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Materials were chosen not just for the exciting sensory experience their raw texture provides, but also for comfort and durability.
Aluminium frame
The high precision CNC sculpted chassis is milled from a single piece of solid aluminum, a process that takes approximately 20 hours.
Adjustable headband
The carbon fiber and leather structure of the headband ensure an ultra-lightweight, comfortable fit.
CNC milled grille
A deep black grille with intricate carvings completes the look, turning Elite into a futuristic take on personal audio design.
TUNGSTEN-INSPIRED RESILIENCE
Naturally found on various mineral deposits, tungsten ore becomes one of the toughest metals on earth, when processed. The color we chose for this headphone is similar to what tungsten looks in its final form, and we chose it as a visual metaphor for our commitment to making things that are reliable, things that last well through the years. We achieved this stone-like texture by coating each piece of the frame with Cerakote, one of the best types of finishes out there.
Traditionally used for the automotive, aerospace, defence, and healthcare industries, Cerakote coatings are renowned for their high resistance, unmatched hardness and outstanding UV resistance. The unique structure of Cerakote not only offers a beautiful finish and a significant increase in durability, but does so without adding any unnecessary weight to the headphone chassis.
MEZE AUDIO X RINARO ISODYNAMICS
OVER THIRTY YEARS OF AUDIO INNOVATION
Rinaro Isodynamics was founded in Ukraine during the Cold War to research acoustic technology and has been innovating in planar magnetics for over 30 years. They expanded with new R&D and manufacturing facilities in Ukraine and Poland, which were instrumental in developing Isodynamic Hybrid Array technology used in EMPYREAN, ELITE, LIRIC, and POET headphones.
THE PROGRESSION OF THE FLAGSHIP
With a custom Rinaro-designed driver, Elite delivers a powerful, lifelike and immersive experience that awakens the senses of the listener. Combining the outstanding mechanical design and ergonomics from Meze Audio with the signature technology of Rinaro, Elite sets a new standard in top-of-the-line performance.
ISODYNAMIC is a registered trademark of Rinaro Isodynamics Limited
ULTRA LOW DISTORTION
Total harmonic distortion (THD) measures under 0.05% throughout the audible frequency range.
LIGHTWEIGHT
75 g combined driver weight designed to create a headphone that offers prolonged listening sessions.
ULTRA HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO
Upper frequency limit of audio reproduction is 112,000 Hz.
RINARO PARUS® DIAPHRAGM
An innovative low mass acoustic diaphragm constructed on an ultrathin biaxially oriented semi-crystalline film.
EASY TO DRIVE
101 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz; 32 Ohm; can be driven by almost any source without the need for amplification.
PATENTED ISODYNAMIC HYBRID ARRAY TECHNOLOGY
One of the most sophisticated and advanced planar magnetic technologies in the world.
DRIVER ARCHITECTURE
[MZ3SE] CASING
Reinforced polymer housing designed to withstand the demanding 12,7 N load generated by the Hybrid Magnet Array.
[MZ3SE] RINARO PARUS® DIAPHRAGM
Weighing only 0.11 g with a large active area of 4650 mm2.
HYBRID MAGNET ARRAY
Symmetrically placed on either side of the diaphragm, neodymium magnets are arranged into a Hybrid Array to create a 0.35 Tesla Isodynamic magnetic field required for a uniform activation across the whole diaphragm surface.
RINARO PARUS®
AN INNOVATIVE DIAPHRAGM MATERIAL
The driver behind Elite features Rinaro Parus, a low-mass acoustic diaphragm made of an ultra-thin polymer film. This film, when combined with Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver tech, produces natural sound and a wide soundstage, improving definition and speed across the frequency range. The polymer is made using a process of sequential biaxial lengthening that improves its structural performance, resulting in remarkable strength, stiffness, and stability, with an extremely low acoustic mass.
DUAL DRIVEN SYSTEM
The Isodynamic Hybrid Array enhances sound intensity distribution at high frequencies, resolving issues with traditional arrays where reflected signals negatively affect 3D sound imaging. Dual coil arrays provide better frequency targeting within different ear areas, improving auditory perception of higher frequencies.
SWITCHBACK COIL
The switchback coil is more efficient at reproducing lower frequencies and is positioned in the upper part of the driver.
SPIRAL COIL
The spiral coil is more efficient at reproducing middle-high frequencies and is positioned directly over the ear canal, enabling more direct sound waves to enter the ear without any time delays.
Positioning the most efficient part of a diaphragm in mid-high frequencies directly over the ear canal can increase direct sound waves and improve 3D imaging and spatial localization in the ear canal for frequencies above 10 kHz.
ISOMAGNETIC® EAR PAD ATTACHMENT
REVOLUTIONARY EAR PAD TECHNOLOGY
An innovative design feature developed by Rinaro is the Isomagnetic ear pad attachment, which utilises the demagnetizing field generated by the driver to hold the earpad in place whilst also redirecting the magnetic field back into the driver and improving efficiency.
95% MAGNETIC FIELD SHIELDING
Reinforced polymer housing designed to withstand the demanding 12,7 N load generated by the Hybrid Magnet Array.
RINARO PARUS® DIAPHRAGM
Weighing only 0.11 g with a large active area of 4650 mm2.
HYBRID MAGNET ARRAY
Symmetrically placed on either side of the diaphragm, neodymium magnets are arranged into a Hybrid Array to create a 0.35 Tesla Isodynamic magnetic field required for a uniform activation across the whole diaphragm surface.
Switch between two ear pad types for the ultimate customization.
These earpads are designed to enhance the acoustic personality of your Elite, revealing new, exciting sound nuances. The angled shape creates more space inside the ear pad, which translates to an airier sound signature, with cleaner bass and improved presence in the mid-range frequency. Made of soft foam coated with Alcantara, with a fine protective mesh on the grille, the angled ear pads provide increased wearing comfort for most ear shapes.
(Perforated Alcantara® Interior + Real Leather Exterior)
With a soft, yet durable outer finish, the HYBRID ear cushions perfectly balance the qualities of Alcantara and leather into a single design. Besides the high wearing comfort, this unique combo delivers an airy sound signature, in which sound waves appear to trancend the space around you to create an immersive experience.
PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION WINGS
The patent-pending suspension wings support system is elongated and curved at both ends, descending further on the side of the head and distributing the weight of the headphone evenly, for an utmost comfortable listening experience.
DESIGNED FOR LIFE
Taking long-term sustainability to a new level, Elite is also fully serviceable: from the replaceable earpads to the high-performance materials used, every part of the headphone chassis is available to be easily disassembled and serviced.
Note: The videos and pictures above may include previous finishes that are now discontinued.
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Professional Reviews 93/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Comfort Fit
94/100
Build Quality
94/100
Features Usability
89/100
Value for Money
89/100
Meze’s ELITE TUNGSTEN turns planar listening into an expansive, intimate event: a huge, precisely layered soundstage, clean, fast bass, and electrostatic-like midrange detail reveal nuance without sacrificing warmth. Soundnews praises its natural tonality and long-session comfort, while its efficient 32-ohm design makes this reference-class open-back flagship unusually easy to drive.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Expansive, precisely organized soundstage with exceptional imaging depth and stable instrument placement.
Clean, fast, highly resolved bass with strong pitch definition rather than bloat or bleed.
Exceptional comfort and premium, durable construction support extended listening sessions.
Efficient 32-ohm planar design performs well without demanding a powerful dedicated amplifier.
&
Cons
Open-back construction provides limited isolation and can leak sound to nearby listeners.
Raw aluminum earcups may show cosmetic damage over time.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviewers portray the Elite as a highly refined, natural-sounding flagship with unusually strong spatial performance, clarity and musical ease. Its presentation combines clean, textured bass, an exceptionally resolving midband and smooth detail, while the notably expansive staging may be more dramatic than strictly realistic for some listeners.
Bass
94/100
Bass is repeatedly praised for its deep extension, speed, cleanliness and pitch definition rather than sheer weight. Soundnews calls its extension, sustain, decay and overall quality outstanding, while The Absolute Sound highlights clean, fast low frequencies with exceptional resolution; MajorHifi similarly found it nuanced, textured and free of bleed.
Midrange
91/100
The midrange is widely described as transparent, fast and richly detailed, with Soundnews calling its purity and musicality exemplary. The Absolute Sound compares its clean inner detail to an electrostatic headphone, though MajorHifi hears the presentation as somewhat subdued and filtered rather than strongly colored.
Treble
93/100
Reviewers hear greater top-end information, bite and sparkle than the earlier Empyrean, without sharpness, sibilance or fatigue. MajorHifi finds the Elite distinctly bright and glossy, but also says it avoids harshness; other reviewers specifically praise its controlled handling of demanding female vocals.
Resolution Detail
95/100
Detail retrieval is one of the Elite's most consistently celebrated strengths. Soundnews reports a major gain in transparency and definition, The Absolute Sound praises exemplary inner detail and the ability to uncover buried instrumental lines, and MajorHifi hears exceptionally high clarity.
Soundstage Imaging
96/100
The Elite receives especially strong praise for its large, deep and airy spatial presentation. The Absolute Sound calls its staging among the best it has heard and highlights precise, stable placement of performers, while Soundnews says its imaging and depth lead the planar field; MajorHifi notes that the width can extend beyond strict realism.
Dynamics
94/100
Reviewers find the Elite quick, lively and highly capable of conveying both impact and subtle shifts in level. Soundnews describes faster, harder-hitting performance, Audiophilepure praises its bite and drive, and The Absolute Sound says it handles quiet-to-loud contrasts with aplomb.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Comfort Fit
94/100
Comfort is a clear consensus strength. Soundnews considers the Elite and Empyrean nearly unbeatable for comfort, MajorHifi praises the exceptionally soft pads, and The Absolute Sound reports extended listening without discomfort.
Build Quality
94/100
Reviewers describe a robust, premium construction with a sturdy frame and extensive use of metal, leather and carbon fiber. Soundnews expects the headphones to last a lifetime, while The Absolute Sound characterizes them as tough enough to withstand accidental mishandling.
Features Usability
89/100
The Elite includes two pad options, is fully serviceable according to Soundnews, and uses dual mini-XLR cable connectors. The included aluminum flight case aids transport, although the open-back headphone itself does not fold into a compact portable form.
Value for Money
89/100
At roughly $4,000, the Elite is firmly a flagship purchase, but reviewers generally consider its performance commensurate with that price. Soundnews says it is worth every penny despite the expense, while The Absolute Sound calls it worthy competition for leading reference-class alternatives including the Focal Utopia and Dan Clark Stealth.
Reviews
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Authorized dealers for Meze Audio ELITE TUNGSTEN
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- 8th Dimension Audio — United Kingdom (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
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- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Apollo HiFi — online and in-store — Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Apos Audio — online and in-store — Oakland, California, United States (website)
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