By: Dipin Sehdev

Meze Audio, renowned for its premium headphone offerings, unveils the POET, a compact open-back planar-magnetic headphone designed to deliver flagship-level performance. This meticulously crafted audio instrument invites listeners on an immersive sonic journey, blending cutting-edge technology, luxurious materials, and ergonomic design. Let's delve into the specifications, availability, and pricing of this exciting new release.

Sonic Excellence: The Heart of POET

The POET's sonic signature is characterized by lush, airy vocals and precise bass impact. It achieves a delicate balance between deep low-end extension and crystal-clear high-frequency clarity. Subtle hints of sparkle enhance the natural tonality, creating a lively yet effortless listening experience. Exceptional detail retrieval and instrument separation breathe life into music, offering a harmonious blend of technical prowess and emotive expression. Every note resonates deeply, every nuance emerges vividly, immersing the listener in a soundscape that feels both expansive and intimate.

Technical Prowess: The MZ6 Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver

At the core of the POET's exceptional audio performance lies the MZ6 Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver. This state-of-the-art planar-magnetic technology, developed exclusively for Meze Audio by Rinaro Isodynamics, represents a pinnacle of audio engineering.

• Driver Type: Rinaro Isodynamic® Hybrid Array MZ6
• Operating Principle: Open-back
• Ear Coupling: Circumaural
• Frequency Range: 4 Hz - 96 kHz
• Impedance: 55 Ω
• Sensitivity: 101 dB SPL/mW at 1kHz
• Maximum SPL: >130 dB SPL
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.05%
• Driver Geometry: Ovoid
• Driver Size: 92 mm x 63 mm
• Driver Weight: 73 g
• Casing: Fiberglass reinforced polymer
• Diaphragm Type: Rinaro Parus® MZ6
• Active Area: 3,507 mm²
• Diaphragm Weight: 0.06 g
• Acoustic Mass: 6.5 kg/m?
• Lower Frequency Limit: 4 Hz
• Upper Frequency Limit: 96,000 kHz

Rinaro Isodynamics: A Legacy of Innovation

Rinaro Isodynamics, with over three decades of expertise in planar-magnetic technology, brings its acclaimed Isodynamic® Hybrid Array technology to the POET. The MZ6 driver, the result of years of research and development, is a testament to Rinaro's precision and innovation. Each driver is meticulously hand-assembled and tested at Rinaro's state-of-the-art facility in Ukraine, ensuring unparalleled quality and performance.

Key Technological Advancements

The POET incorporates several groundbreaking features that distinguish it in the high-end headphone market:

• Hybrid Magnet Array: This innovative design creates a uniform and powerful magnetic field across the diaphragm, optimizing driver performance and minimizing distortion.
• Parus® Diaphragm: This incredibly lightweight diaphragm (just 0.06g) boasts an expansive active area, enabling pristine audio reproduction with exceptional detail and clarity.

These advancements contribute to the POET's ultra-low distortion (<0.05%) and ultra-high-resolution audio capabilities, capturing every nuance of the music, from the deepest sub-bass to the highest treble frequencies.

Luxurious Design and Uncompromising Build Quality

The POET's design is a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality. The intricate steel grill, magnesium chassis, and soft suede leather headrest are not only visually striking but also contribute to the headphone's durability and acoustic performance.

• Weight: 350 g (without earpads)
• Input Connector: Dual 3.5 mm TS Jack

The flexible titanium alloy headband evenly distributes weight, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for extended listening sessions. The lightweight design and magnetic ear pads enhance user-friendliness, allowing for seamless pad swapping and long-term maintenance.

Serviceability and Longevity: Built to Last

Meze Audio's commitment to craftsmanship extends to the POET's long-term serviceability. Every component is designed for easy disassembly and replacement, ensuring that the POET can be enjoyed for years to come. From the magnetic ear pads to the high-performance materials used throughout the chassis, the POET is built to stand the test of time.

Premium Cable: A Perfect Match

The POET is equipped with a premium hand-braided copper cable, ensuring not only superior technical performance but also aesthetic elegance. The cable's high-quality construction complements the headphones' overall design and reinforces their premium feel.

Availability and Pricing

The Meze Audio POET will be available from February 20, 2025, at mezeaudio.com. The price is set at $/€2000.

A Statement from Meze Audio

"From the very beginning of our POET journey, we knew we wanted to create something unique — a more compact planar-magnetic open-back headphone that is every bit as capable as our flagship models," says Alex Grigoras, Acoustic Engineer at Meze Audio. "In collaboration with our friends at RINARO ISODYNAMICS, we synthesized the essence of ELITE’s driver technology and gave it new life. I believe POET turned out to be more than just a headphone; it’s a nod to a huge stepping stone in our development as a team and a testament to how far we’ve come.”

Conclusion: A New Era of Compact High-Performance Audio

The Meze Audio POET represents a new era of compact high-performance audio. By combining cutting-edge planar-magnetic technology, luxurious materials, and a focus on long-term serviceability, Meze Audio has created a headphone that is as enjoyable to listen to as it is to own. The POET is a testament to Meze Audio's dedication to pushing the boundaries of audio excellence and delivering an unparalleled listening experience.