Review: Meze Audio Poet

Meze Audio POET – A new milestone in the portfolio

With the POET, Meze Audio is expanding its range of open, planar-magnetic headphones. Positioned between the 109 Pro and the high-end models Empyrean II and Elite , POET is meant to close the gap between these models and create a product for discerning audiophiles who appreciate musical sound quality, first-class workmanship and high wearing comfort.

Design and Workmanship

The Meze POET remains true to the manufacturer’s design philosophy: timeless, elegant and high-quality. The combination of magnesium for the ear cups and a titanium alloy for the headband ensures stability at a weight of just 350 g. Thanks to the wide, ergonomically shaped suede headband, the contact pressure is evenly distributed, ensuring comfort even during longer listening sessions.

Visually, the POET combines elements from the top models Empyrean, Elite and Liric. Its open ear cups are completed with a copper-coloured steel grille reminiscent of the Elite’s pattern. The infinitely variable height adjustment of the headband uses a tried-and-tested friction system without a ratchet – occasional readjustment may be necessary.

Sustainability also plays a role: all components of the POET are screwed together and can be replaced if necessary. This not only makes it more environmentally friendly, but also allows for long-term maintenance.

Technology and Sound

The POET utilises the new Rinaro MZ6 Isodynamic® Hybrid Array driver, a further development of the award-winning technology from the Elite and Liric models. The driver has been specially optimised for the POET and delivers high-resolution reproduction with minimal distortion (<0.05%). With a frequency response of 4 Hz to 96 kHz, the finest details are reproduced precisely.

A technical highlight is the Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) from Dan Clark Audio, which is being used for the first time in headphones outside of the company’s own product line. This technology improves high-frequency reproduction and eliminates unwanted peaks, resulting in a smoother and more balanced sound signature.

With the POET, Meze Audio presents a headphone that combines audiophile performance, exceptional design and innovative technology – an exciting addition to the premium segment.

Driver

The design of the POET driver is a special feature: the oval, asymmetrical construction combines a switchback coil for the bass range with a spiral coil for mids and highs. This arrangement enables precise and delay-free sound transmission directly into the ear canal, which benefits spatial imaging and transparency.

Accessories

The POET is supplied in a stylish black hard case that securely stores the headphones and the supplied cable. The 2.5 metre long premium copper cable with a 6.3 mm jack plug impresses with its flexibility and pleasant feel – it remains tangle-free and has a high-quality feel. However, a larger selection of cable options would be desirable, for example with a 4.4 mm balanced connection, as is the case with models such as Liric.

Wearing Comfort

Typical for Meze Audio, the POET offers excellent wearing comfort. The wide, ergonomic headband distributes the weight evenly, while the soft ear pads remain comfortable even during long listening sessions. The ear cups are slightly more compact than those of the flagship Empyrean and Elite models, but still offer enough space for most ears.

Sound Quality

The Meze POET is characterised by a warm, musical sound signature that is particularly predestined for acoustic music and classical music. But instead of analytical precision, the focus is on the emotional listening experience – typical of Meze Audio. The bass is controlled and focusses on the mid-bass. Low bass is also present, but rather restrained, making the POET less suitable for bass-intensive genres such as EDM or hip-hop. Instead, it impresses with acoustic music with a clear punch and fast response, with bass drums sounding defined and powerful.

The mids are the heart of the POET: they sound full-bodied, detailed and slightly emphasised. Vocals benefit from this tuning and sound particularly natural and expressive – female vocals in particular are shown to their best advantage. Acoustic instruments are reproduced with precision and nuance, while distorted guitars in rock and metal genres occasionally seem a little overpowering.

The treble is well balanced and offers a pleasant brilliance without being obtrusive. As a result, the POET remains pleasant even over long listening sessions. However, the treble does lack a certain airy width – an area in which the Elite, for example, is superior.

The sound stage of the POET is rather compact and intimate. This can provide a particularly direct reproduction for smaller ensembles or jazz recordings. At the same time, it lacks the expansive spatiality offered by models such as the Elite or Empyrean. Separation is good and individual instruments can be clearly differentiated. The resolution is at a high level, but does not quite reach the depth of detail of the Meze flagships. Overall, the POET offers a harmonious, musical reproduction with a high level of long-term listening comfort and a sound signature focussed on emotions.

Conclusion

With the POET, Meze Audio closes the gap between mid-range and high-end headphones and combines proven technologies such as the Rinaro drivers with innovative features such as the AMTS system from Dan Clark Audio.

In terms of sound, the POET impresses with a warm, musical tuning that brings out the best in acoustic music and classical music in particular. On the other hand, those looking for maximum detail or pronounced low bass will be happier with an Elite or Empyrean – albeit at a significantly higher price.

Thanks to luxurious materials, excellent workmanship and high wearing comfort, the POET is an exciting choice for audiophiles who appreciate emotional sound. With a price tag of around €2,000 it offers a strong overall package in the high-end segment.