Meze Audio POET Review: Measurement Errors & Burn-in Effects

This review revisits the Meze Audio POET headphones, addressing initial measurement discrepancies that painted an inaccurate picture of their sound signature. My original assessment, based on a single set of measurements, indicated a dark, bass-heavy sound. However, subjective listening and comparisons with other reviews revealed a significant disparity, prompting a thorough re-evaluation. This led to a deeper investigation into potential contributing factors, ultimately revealing a crucial error in the initial testing methodology.The inconsistencies spurred a second round of measurements using a more refined approach. These subsequent tests unveiled a substantial difference in the treble response, suggesting a significant burn-in effect had occurred. This article details the original flawed measurements, the revised, accurate data available on Squig.link, and analyzes the impact of burn-in on the overall sound profile. The updated analysis provides a comprehensive and corrected assessment of the Meze Audio POET's performance, highlighting its smooth and balanced sound.

Pros And Cons

Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?

Initial Review and Discrepancies

My initial review of the Meze Audio POET headphones revealed a measurement profile that suggested a dark, bass-heavy sound signature. However, my subjective listening experience didn't entirely align with this data. The headphones sounded less dark than the measurements implied, leading me to question the accuracy of my initial findings.

This discrepancy prompted me to revisit my review and consider factors beyond simple frequency response measurements. The character of a headphone's sound can vary due to other elements not captured in graphs. I decided to wait and see what other reviewers thought before jumping to conclusions.

External Reviews and Second Measurements

I watched Andrew from Headphones.com's review, as suggested by a Patreon member. His measurements differed significantly from mine, further fueling my suspicion that something was amiss. Additionally, I noted the POET's tuning deviated from Meze's usual bright treble signature in my initial assessment.

To address the inconsistencies, I conducted a second set of measurements using my mini DSP rig. This revealed significantly more treble energy than my initial tests had shown. This highlighted a crucial mistake in my original measurements and showed the importance of repeated testing.

Burn-in Effect and Measurement Variability

The significant difference between my initial and subsequent measurements suggests a potential burn-in effect. While some argue against burn-in, the consistent change across multiple measurements on these headphones indicates it's a real phenomenon in this instance. The measurements also highlight that single-test results can be misleading.

My earlier practice of measuring headphones only once, at a random point after unboxing, proved insufficient in this case. Repeated measurements, especially considering burn-in, are needed to obtain a more comprehensive and accurate picture of a headphone's frequency response. The consistent difference across multiple measurements makes burn-in a serious possibility.

Updated Measurements and Comparisons

The updated measurements, available on Squig.link, now accurately reflect the sound of the Meze Audio POET after burn-in. I’ve included all measurements for transparency and comparison, allowing viewers to assess the changes. The average responses from pre- and post-use testing are starkly different.

Comparing these updated measurements with other headphones, such as the Meze Audio Elite and the Focal Elegia, provides valuable insights. The POET exhibits a smoother, more natural sound than the Elite, particularly in the 8-10kHz range, where the Elite shows a resonance that the POET lacks.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Meze Audio POET headphones offer a wonderful, smooth listening experience. My initial measurements were inaccurate due to neglecting the burn-in effect, which significantly altered the headphone's frequency response. The updated measurements on Squig.link reflect the reality of using the POET, giving a more accurate representation of its sound signature.

While the burn-in effect highlights the importance of repeated measurements, my subjective experience and now corrected objective measurements confirm the POET's exceptional sound quality. Therefore, despite the initial measurement errors, I maintain my positive assessment. They sound smooth and balanced and lack that slightly artificial upper midrange that some other Meze headphones exhibit.