MEZE AUDIO MEZE AUDIO | LIRIC 2nd Generation | Wired Over-Ear Review

The Meze Liric 2nd Gen is a $2000 wired headphone built like a tank (98th percentile build) for critical listening (87th percentile sound). It's a specialist, scoring 80/100 for music but failing at calls and gaming. Only buy this if you value repairable craftsmanship and pure sound over wireless, ANC, and a microphone.

The Meze Audio Liric 2nd Gen is a $2000 statement piece for your ears, and it's built like one. Its 98th percentile build quality score isn't just a number, it's a promise. Every component, from the Macassar ebony wood earcups to the planar magnetic drivers, is designed to be replaceable, making these headphones a long-term investment rather than a disposable gadget. That's the core pitch: timeless, serviceable hardware paired with a specific, refined sound signature. On the performance front, it lands in the 87th percentile for sound, with a focus on clear mids, detailed highs, and impactful bass that's been tuned to reduce listener fatigue above 7kHz. This isn't a jack-of-all-trades headphone, and our data shows it. It's a specialist, scoring an 80.4/100 for music listening and a 77.2/100 for studio use, while gaming and calls lag far behind.

Let's talk about what you're paying for. That 87th percentile sound score means you're getting into the top tier of audio fidelity. The MZ4 Isodynamic Hybrid Array planar magnetic drivers deliver a rich, immersive signature that's notably detailed without being harsh. The high-frequency attenuation above 7kHz is a thoughtful touch for long listening sessions. Comfort is another high point, sitting in the 90th percentile, thanks to the adjustable headband and plush magnetic earpads that create a proper seal. Just don't expect any modern conveniences. With a 74th percentile connectivity score, you're dealing with wires only. The 57th percentile battery score is a bit misleading, as there is no battery to speak of, but it reflects the lack of wireless features. And the 38th percentile mic score confirms this is purely for listening, not chatting.

The value proposition here is singular: you are paying for exceptional build longevity and a specific, high-end sound signature. At $2000, you're not getting wireless, ANC, or a microphone. You're getting a meticulously crafted, serviceable tool for critical listening. Compared to mainstream flagships like the $550 Sony WH-1000XM6, you're paying nearly four times the price for a fraction of the features. But that's the wrong comparison. The value is in the decades of use and the repairability, something almost no other headphone at any price offers. It's an heirloom, not an accessory.

Stacking the Liric 2nd Gen against its logical competitors reveals its niche. The $549 Apple AirPods Max offers a seamless wireless ecosystem, spatial audio, and ANC, but its build and long-term repairability don't touch Meze's. The $400 Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is a fantastic all-rounder with epic battery life, but its plastic construction feels cheap next to the Liric's ebony and metal. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the king of noise cancellation and convenience for $550, but its sound signature is tuned for mass appeal, not critical detail. The Liric doesn't compete on features. It competes on craftsmanship and sonic purity for a very specific listener who values those things above all else.

Skip the Liric 2nd Gen if you need a microphone. Its 38th percentile mic performance and 26.3/100 score for calls mean it's functionally useless for meetings, gaming chat, or phone calls. Also, avoid it if you want wireless freedom or active noise cancellation—its 74th percentile connectivity score confirms it's wired-only, and it has no ANC to speak of. If your headphone needs to do more than just play music exceptionally well, your money is better spent elsewhere.

We can only recommend the Meze Audio Liric 2nd Gen to a very specific person: the audiophile who prioritizes timeless build quality and a refined, detailed sound signature above every modern convenience. Its 98th percentile build and 87th percentile sound scores back up its lofty price for that purpose. For everyone else—the commuter, the gamer, the casual listener, the person who takes calls—the data is clear. Its low scores in mic, gaming, and social proof show this is a tool, not a daily driver. If you see yourself in the first description and have the budget, it's a masterpiece. For the other 99% of people, there are better, more versatile options.