The Meze Poet headphones represent a compelling evolution in Meze Audio's design and sonic philosophy. This review delves into the unique blend of aesthetics and audio performance offered by the Poet, examining its design influences, build quality, and overall sound signature. Borrowing familiar design cues from the acclaimed Lyric and Imperion models, the Poet boasts a refined, slimmer profile while retaining the premium feel expected from Meze. Its weight and impedance are discussed, highlighting its versatility across various audio sources.Crucially, the review explores the integration of Dan Clark Audio's AMT (Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning) system, a novel addition to the Meze lineup. We examine the subjective listening experiences, comparing the Poet's sound to other Meze models, and analyzing its performance across different genres. Objective measurements and comparisons are also included, offering a comprehensive evaluation of its frequency response and impedance characteristics, demonstrating how the choice of amplifier significantly impacts the overall listening experience. The review concludes with an assessment of the Poet's strengths and weaknesses, targeting the ideal listener profile for this unique headphone.
Pros And Cons
- Unique aesthetic blending elements of different Meze headphones
- Uses Dan Clark Audio's AMT acoustic metamaterial tuning system
- Efficient, drivable by various devices (laptops, DAPs)
- Decent dynamics
- Strong vocals
- Spatious sound
- Excellent vocal presentation and imaging
- Competitive with much more expensive headphones
- Gives weight, body, and life to vocals
- Strong performance with acoustic instruments, folk, acoustic rock, jazz, indie, and classical music
- Earcups and pads not as spacious as some other Meze headphones (Imperion, Elite)
- May not expand as much for larger heads
- AMT can interfere with EQ
- AMT's effectiveness might not be consistent across all listeners and circumstances
- Subjectively, may not be as strong with metal, modern pop, and electronic music needing bass punch or warmth
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Design and Build
The Meze Poet boasts a striking design, blending familiar elements from previous Meze headphones like the Lyric and Imperion. The copper grills evoke the classic Imperion aesthetic, while the silver hardware shares similarities with the Elite. However, the Poet’s profile is slimmer than its predecessors, falling somewhere between the Lyric and Imperion in terms of size.
The earcups, while more spacious than the Lyric’s, are not as roomy as the Imperion’s. Individuals with larger heads or ears might find the fit slightly less accommodating than other Meze models. The 3.5mm TS connection is consistent with other Meze headphones such as the Lyric and 109 Pro, offering compatibility with their existing cables.
The headphone weighs 14.3 oz (405g), including the earpads. Its 55-ohm impedance makes it relatively efficient and easy to drive from a variety of sources, from laptops to high-end DAC/amps. The included cable features a 6.3mm termination, reflecting Meze's commitment to high-quality accessories.
Technical Aspects and Sound Signature
The Meze Poet incorporates Dan Clark Audio's AMT (Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning) system, a new feature for Meze. While AMT allows for precise tuning adjustments, it can also limit the effectiveness of EQ. Some users reported inconsistencies in AMT's frequency filtering.
Subjective listening experiences varied. Initially, the sound was perceived as natural and revealing, deviating from the characteristic Meze warmth. Further listening revealed a nuanced sound that blended the familiar Meze house sound with increased clarity and detail. The sound is more analytical compared to other models.
The core Meze sound—natural, emotional, and warm—is still present, but with a noticeable shift towards a more reference-neutral sound akin to the Meze 109 Pro. Vocals are exceptionally clear and well-separated. The headphone performs remarkably well with acoustic genres and vocals.
Comparisons and Measurements
Measurements reveal similarities between the Meze Poet and Imperion in the mid-range and treble, but the Imperion features a significant low-mid bump. The Poet offers clearer vocals and better separation but sacrifices some of the Imperion's relaxed and forgiving nature.
Compared to the Elite, the Poet exhibits a flatter mid-range and bass response, lacking some of the Elite's coloration. The Meze 109 Pro shows the closest tonal match, with both headphones exhibiting similar clarity and detail.
The impedance curve of the Poet is not entirely linear, possibly influencing performance with different amplifiers. Listening experiences varied depending on the amp used. The reviewer’s home setup (RME ADI-2 DAC and xDuoo TA-66 OTL amp) revealed a fuller, more powerful bass response compared to their portable setup (B&O Beoplay A1).
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Meze Poet excels with acoustic instruments, vocals, and imaging, competing with much more expensive headphones in its class. Genres like folk, acoustic rock, jazz, and classical music shine, but genres needing more bass punch (e.g., metal, electronic music, modern pop) might not be as enjoyable.
The reviewer found the sound to be significantly improved with an OTL amplifier, adding warmth and bass to the sound signature. This combination provided an exceptional listening experience, rivalling some top-tier headphones like the Hifiman Susvara and HE1000.
Ultimately, the Meze Poet is a unique and high-performing headphone that will appeal to listeners who value accuracy and detail in their sound. However, its less warm and more revealing nature might not suit those seeking a more forgiving and colorful sound.