Meze debuts gorgeous new open-back planar headphones
A lot of planar headphones tend to be bulky affairs with designs that don't exactly offer as much for the eyes as they do the ears. The Meze Poet, are decidedly different, with copper-toned and finely patterned steel grilles, magnesium earcup chassis, a titanium alloy frame, and a suede leather headband.
The copper accents extend into the height rods, and continue into the detachable, hand-braided copper cable.
The earcushions attach magnetically, making them easily replaceable when they eventually breakdown from use.
For the Poet, Meze has once again partnered with Ukrainian electro-acoustics specialists, Rinaro Isodynamics. Inside each earcup lives an MZ6 Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver — a hybrid magnet array linked to an ultra-low mass planar diaphragm (0.06g). It's a similar unit to the one that powers Meze's $4,000 Elite Tungsten flagship headphones.
Those drivers deliver some impressive claimed specs:
Frequency range: 4 Hz – 96 kHz
Sensitivity: 101 dB SPL/mW at 1kHz
Maximum SPL: >130 dB SPL
Total harmonic distortion (THD): <0.05%
Plus, the Poet, with an impedance of just 55 ohm, should be remarkably easy to drive, even from a standard 3.5mm jack on a laptop.
For a more poetic description of the Poet's sound signature, here's Meze's take: 'a sonic experience with lush, airy vocals and precise bass impact, balancing low-end depth with delicate high-frequency clarity. The headphones' natural tonality is enhanced by subtle hints of sparkle, providing a lively yet effortless listening experience.'
$2,000 is a big investment for anyone. But Meze Audio helps cushion that blow literally by including what looks like a very sturdy, PC-ABS headphone hard case. There's also a separate synthetic leather pouch to store your cables.
The included cable uses 3.5mm mono jacks at the earcup connectors and a standard, unbalanced 6.3mm (1/4-inch) source connection, however Meze sells several optional accessory cables that can provide 2.5 or 4.4mm balanced connections if needed.
For a much more affordable way into the open-back audiophile category, check out the Meze Audio 105 AER. They may not use fancy planar drivers, but they look great and sound fantastic.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
5 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
Jack White-Trump Feud Erupts Over Gold Oval Office
Jack White and the Trump administration are beefing — again. Donald Trump recently remodeled the Oval Office, covering everything in those gold medallion-thingys, little gold cherub babies, basically gold everything, and people are not happy about it. Jack, a 12-time Grammy award-winning musician, is one of those people. He can't stand Trump's "vulgar" transformation of the Oval Office. "Look at how disgusting trump has transformed the historic White House. It's now a vulgar, gold leafed and gaudy, professional wrestler's dressing room," Jack wrote in an Aug. 19 Instagram post. "Can't wait for the UFC match on the front lawn too, he's almost fully achieved the movie 'Idiocracy.'" The guitarist, who released six studio albums as a solo artist after The White Stripes disbanded, pointed out the president's "disgusting taste," suggesting he's a "conman" who shouldn't be trusted with nuclear codes. "Also pictured in this photograph, a REAL leader of a nation in a black suit," he finished, referencing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sitting beside Trump. The White House caught wind of Jack's viral insult and responded. Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, reportedly told The Daily Beast that Jack is "a washed up, has-been loser posting drivel on social media because he clearly has ample time on his hands due to his stalled career." Defending the president's "guady" gold room, Steven apparently said, "It's apparent he's been masquerading as a real artist, because he fails to appreciate, and quite frankly disrespects, the splendor and significance of the Oval Office inside of 'The People's House.'"' Jack, set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year with Meg White (the other half of the White Stripes), had a lengthy response to the White House's rather brutal rebuttal in an Aug. 20 Instagram post. "Funny that it wasn't me calling out trump's blatant facist manipulation of government, his gestapo ICE tactics, his ractist remarks about Latinos, Native Americans, etc.," he wrote before listing a laundry list of allegations against Trump and his administration including "ignorance of dying children in Sudan, Gaza, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and "constant lying to the American people." "No, it wasn't me calling out any of that, it was the fucking DECOR OF THE OVAL OFFICE remarks I made that got them to respond with insults. How petty and pathetic and thin-skinned could this administration get?" Jack said. In response to the claim Jack is "masquerading as a real artist" he said, "trump is masquerading as a human being." "He's masquerading as a christian, as a leader, as a person with actual empathy. He's been masquerading as a businessman for decades as nothing he's involved in has propsered except by using other people's money to find a loophole after loophole and grift after grift," Jack continued before criticizing Trump's supporters. In the caption of the Instagram post alongside several jarring photos of recent Trump-related news, Jack wrote, "I was raised to believe that we defeated fascism in World War II and that we would never allow it again in the world." Jack's response received praise from some celebrities. Comedian and actor Patton Oswalt wrote, "You hit a fuckin' nerve 'cuz they don't put out statements this length for earthquakes and shootings. Keep going." Actor Beverly D'Angelo wrote, "Thank you Jack. As you always have done, you've given a voice to those who for whatever reason ( including current culturally endemic oppression ) really need it. I needed this. I'm with you. PREACH" Actor Adam Goldberg told Jack to "Keep it up!! 👍 👏" Jack's been a longtime critic of Trump and his administration. Meg and Jack had filed a lawsuit against Trump's 2024 re-election campaign for the use of their hit song "Seven Nation Army." While the lawsuit was dropped, Jack's been rather vocal about his dislike of Trump on social media. Following Trump's 2024 victory over vice president Kamala Harris, Jack was part of several celebrities, including Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, and Cardi B, who spoke out against the Republican victory. Jack wrote in a Nov. 6, 2024, Instagram post, "Trump won the popular vote. End of story. Americans chose a known, obvious fascist and now America will get whatever this wannabe dictator wants to enact from here on in. We all know what he is capable of: Project 2025, deportations, nationwide abortion ban, ending his own 2 term limit, backing Putin and his war, shutting down the Board of Education, adding to climate change, limiting LGBTQ rights, controlling the DOJ, keeping the minimum wage down, etc. etc. etc.." Jack went on to criticize the "rich pricks riding in their Cybertrucks listening to their Rogan and Bannon and Alex jones podcasts laughing all the way to the bank looking foraward to their tax cuts that don't apply to the middle class." What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
Los Angeles Times
10 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
A Ukrainian startup develops long-range drones and missiles to take the battle to Russia
When a Ukrainian-made drone attacked an ammunition depot in Russia last September, it showcased Kyiv's determination to strike deep behind enemy lines and the prowess of its defense industry. The moment was especially gratifying for the woman in charge of manufacturing the drones that flew more than 620 miles to carry out this mission. For months after, Russia no longer had the means to keep up devastating glide bomb attacks like the one that had just targeted her native city of Kharkiv. 'Fighting in the air is our only real asymmetric advantage on the battlefield at the moment. We don't have as much manpower or money as they have,' said Iryna Terekh, head of production at Fire Point. Terekh spoke as she surveyed dozens of 'deep-strike drones' that had recently come off the assembly line and would soon be used by Ukrainian forces to attack arms depots, oil refineries and other targets vital to the Kremlin's war machine and economy. Spurred by its existential fight against Russia — and limited military assistance from Western allies — Ukraine has fast become a global center for defense innovation. The goal is to match, if not outmuscle, Russia's capabilities, which were on brutal display Thursday — and Fire Point is one of the companies leading the way. The Associated Press was granted an exclusive look inside one of Fire Point's dozens of covert factories. In a sprawling warehouse where rock music blared, executives showed off their signature FP-1 exploding drones that can travel up to 994 miles. They also touted publicly for the first time a cruise missile they are developing that is capable of traveling 1,864 miles, and which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes will be mass-produced by the end of the year. Even as President Trump presses for an end to the three-and-a-half -year war — and dangles the prospect of U.S. support for NATO-like security guarantees — Ukrainian defense officials say their country is determined to become more self-sufficient in deterring Russia. 'We believe our best guarantee is not relying on somebody's will to protect us, but rather our ability to protect ourselves,' said Arsen Zhumadilov, the head of the country's arms procurement agency. Ukraine's government is now purchasing about $10 billion of weapons annually from domestic manufacturers. The industry has the capacity to sell triple that amount, officials say, and they believe sales to European allies could help it reach such potential in a matter of years. Like most defense companies in Ukraine, Fire Point grew out of necessity after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Despite pleas from Ukrainian military officials, Western countries were unwilling to allow Kyiv to use their allies' longer-range weapons to strike targets deep inside Russian territory. That's when a group of close friends, experts from various fields, set out to mass-produce inexpensive drones that could match the potency of Iranian-made Shahed drones that Russia was firing into Ukraine with devastating consequences. The company's founders spoke with AP on the condition of anonymity out of concern for their safety and the security of their factories. By pooling together knowledge from construction, game design and architecture, the company's founders — who had no background in defense — came up with novel designs for drones that could fly further and strike with greater precision than most products already on the market. Their long-range drones had another benefit: they did not need to take off from an air field. When Terekh — an architect — was hired in the summer of 2023, she was given a goal of producing 30 drones per month. Now the company makes roughly 100 per day, at a cost of $55,000 apiece. The FP-1 looks more like a hastily made science project than something that would roll off the production lines of the world's biggest defense contractors. 'We removed unneeded, flashy glittery stuff,' she said. But the FP-1 has been extremely effective on the battlefield. With a payload of explosives weighing 132 pounds, it is responsible for 60% of strikes deep inside Russian territory, including hits on oil refineries and weapons depots, according to Terekh. These strikes have helped to slow Russia's advance along the 620 mile-long front line in eastern Ukraine, where army units have reported a sharp decline in artillery fire. 'I think the best drones, or among the best, are Ukrainian drones,' said Claude Chenuil, a former French military official who now works for a trade group that focuses on defense. 'When the war in Ukraine ends, they will flood the market.' Fire Point's story is not entirely unique. Soon after Russia's 2022 invasion, hundreds of defense companies sprouted almost overnight. The Ukrainian government incentivized innovation by relaxing regulations and making it easier for startups to work directly with military brigades. Patriotic entrepreneurs in metallurgy, construction and information technology built facilities for researching and making weapons and munitions, with an emphasis on drones. The ongoing war allowed them to test out ideas almost immediately on the battlefield, and to quickly adapt to Russia's changing tactics. 'Ukraine is in this very unique moment now where it is becoming, de facto, the Silicon Valley of defense,' said Ukrainian defense entrepreneur Yaroslav Azhnyuk. 'The biggest strategic asset that we have is that we have been at war with Russia for 11 years.' A case in point: Fire Point had initially sourced navigational equipment for its drones from a major Western firm, but before long Russia was able to disrupt their effectiveness using electronic warfare; so Fire Point developed its own software to outwit the enemy. Because defense companies are high-value targets for Russia, many operate underground or hidden within civilian centers to evade detection. Although they are guarded by air defenses, the strategy has the disadvantage of putting civilians at risk. Many Ukrainians have died in imprecise Russian attacks that were likely targeting weapons facilities. Entrepreneurs said the alternative is to operate openly and face attacks that would set back the war effort. On the day AP reporters visited the Fire Point factory, there were dozens of drones awaiting delivery. They would all be gone within 72 hours, shipped to the battlefield in inconspicuous cargo trucks. The Fire Point team receives regular feedback from army units, and the company has reinvested most profits toward innovating quickly to keep pace with other drone makers. Increasingly, those profits are being directed to develop a new, more potent weapon. The company completed testing this year for its first cruise missile, the FP-5. Capable of traveling 1,864 miles and landing within 45 feet of its target, the FP-5 is one of the largest such missile in the world, delivering a payload of 2,535 pounds, independent experts said. Because initial versions of the missile came out pink after a factory error, they called it the Flamingo — and the name has stuck. Fire Point is producing roughly one Flamingo per day, and by October they hope to build capacity to make seven per day, Terekh said. Even as Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials pursue ways to end the war, Terekh said she is skeptical that Russia will accept terms for a real peace. 'We are preparing for a bigger, much scarier war.' Kullab and Lukatsky write for the Associated Press. AP journalist Dmytro Zhyhinas contributed to this report.
Eater
10 hours ago
- Eater
Chipotle Founder's Fast-Casual Sandwich Shop Is Opening Two New Locations
is a born-and-raised New Yorker who is an editor for Eater's Northeast region and Eater New York, was the former Eater Austin editor for 10 years, and often writes about food and pop culture. Fast-casual sandwich shop Counter Service is on track to open two more locations this year. The first is coming to Noho at 15 East Fourth Street, at Lafayette Street, starting on Monday, August 25. Then there's one set for the Upper East Side's Lennox Hill neighborhood at 1302 First Avenue, near East 70th Street, in the late fall. Expect Counter Service's compact, jam-packed breakfast and lunch sandwiches, such as the Smokehouse with roasted chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, and jalapeños in three ways: pickled, roasted, and smoked; and the veggie Gigante with braised chard, kale, and white beans, broccoli rabe, and melted fontina, Parm, and provolone cheeses. Chipotle founder Steve Ells started his growing fast-casual chain earlier this year, a pivot of his short-lived vegan robot restaurant Kernel, in Greenwich Village. Fine-dining U.S. Open watch parties Upper East Side fine-dining restaurant Daniel is turning its private dining room into a high-end U.S. Open watch party space next month. The Evian Club is a collaboration with the water brand and its global brand ambassador, American tennis player Frances Tiafoe, along with chef Daniel Boulud. The space is meant to feel like you're actually at the matches while enjoying passed canapés, family-style dishes, and screenings of the tennis competition. Dishes include shrimp and peach salad, Texas wagyu sliders, and Alaskan king salmon. It runs from Wednesday, September, through Sunday, September 7; reservations can be booked online. There will also be an iteration of the dishes available for national shipping through Goldbelly. Tennis player Frances Tiafoe and chef Daniel Boulud. Plural A Ukrainian take on the Gibson Two New York City icons are collaborating on a savory cocktail right now. The teams of cocktail bar Attaboy and Ukrainian restaurant Veselka created the Burachky Gibson, an iteration of the drink made with a beet- and horseradish-infused gin. It's available through Saturday, September 13, at Attaboy's Lower East Side location and Veselka's East Williamsburg restaurant. Eater NY All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
