Meze Audio has built a reputation for combining luxurious craftsmanship with a deeply musical sound signature. Two of its most compelling closed-back offerings, the Meze Audio Strada and the Meze Audio Liric II, approach premium listening from different angles. While both prioritize comfort, isolation, and refined tuning, they sit in different price brackets and cater to slightly different listeners. Here’s a direct comparison of how these two models stack up.
What You Get
| Strada | Liric II |
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Look & Feel
The Strada and Liric II share the same design, just with different build materials. With the Strada being the cheaper of the two, you might think that it would have a more plasticky build, but its Macassar ebony wood ear cups and magnesium frame say otherwise. You still get a more premium build with the Liric II, of course, with upgraded wood detailing and a more understated finish. Although slightly heavier than the Strada, the Liric II distributes weight well, resulting in a secure and comfortable fit that enhances passive isolation.
Design
The Strada is a modern closed-back headphone built around dynamic driver technology and housed in a magnesium and wood chassis. Its construction feels durable without adding unnecessary weight, making it especially suitable for extended listening sessions. The clamp force is moderate and non-intrusive, contributing to a fatigue-free experience that aligns with its relaxed sonic character. In contrast, the Liric II is built around Meze’s Isodynamic planar driver technology, adapted into a compact closed-back form factor. The materials feel denser and more premium overall, and the headphone offers slightly stronger isolation thanks to its secure seal. Every element, from the headband to the ear pads, feels engineered for long-term durability and high-end performance.
Soundstage
Both the Strada and Liric II feature an impressively spacious presentation for a closed-back headphone. However, the Liric II takes spatial presentation to another level. Its planar drivers create an expansive and precise soundstage that approaches open-back realism. Instruments feel distinctly placed within the stereo field, almost suspended in their own pockets of air. The Strada still does a good job communicating a convincing sense of space that feels immersive without exaggeration, but the Liric II’s depth is much more impressive. Complex recordings unfold more naturally. For a closed-back design, the Liric II’s imaging performance stands out as exceptional.
Low End
The Strada’s bass is balanced and layered, providing depth without overpowering the mix. With the Liric II, you get a richer and more textured low end that delivers bass with speed and precision, maintaining clarity even in complex passages. The Strada still has a refined sub-bass presence, but its presentation is still very mellow compared to the Liric II. You get greater extension and authority compared to the Strada, yet it never feels bloated. The bass integrates seamlessly into the rest of the frequency range, enhancing immersion without overshadowing detail.
Mids
On the Strada, the midrange is smooth and clean, with a slightly relaxed character, but the Liric II is more transparent. Both headphones have a strong vocal resposne, with the Strada having them comfortably balanced, while the Liric II pushes them forward. The Strada doesn’t emphasize micro-detail as well as the Liric II, but still excels in creating a cohesive and fatigue-free listening experience for the price. With the more expensive Liric II, you’re buying a better sense of openness and articulation that gives the midrange more energy and engagement. This livelier presentation makes it especially appealing for critical listening and genres where vocal detail is paramount.
Highs
The Strada keeps its treble smooth and controlled, avoiding harshness or sibilance. High frequencies extend cleanly but are tuned to remain non-fatiguing, which makes it ideal for extended listening sessions. There’s enough sparkle to maintain clarity, but the emphasis remains on balance rather than brilliance. The Liric II introduces a more expressive and energetic treble response. High frequencies shimmer with clarity while remaining refined. The extension feels more pronounced, adding air and openness to recordings. Despite its added sparkle, it avoids sounding sharp, maintaining Meze’s characteristic musicality while elevating overall resolution.
Summary
The Meze Audio Strada stands out as a beautifully crafted closed-back headphone that delivers impressive spatial performance and a relaxed, musical tuning at a more accessible price point. It’s an excellent choice for listeners who prioritize comfort, balance, and long listening sessions without fatigue. The Meze Audio Liric II, however, pushes the boundaries of what a closed-back headphone can achieve. With its planar driver precision, expansive imaging, and heightened detail retrieval, it offers a more immersive and high-resolution experience. For audiophiles seeking top-tier closed-back performance and willing to invest accordingly, the Liric II emerges as the stronger technical performer. Ultimately, the decision comes down to preference and budget. The Strada delivers accessible luxury and smooth musicality, while the Liric II delivers reference-level refinement and expansive immersion.
The Meze Strada and Liric II are available at Audio46.
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