Meze Audio

Meze Audio is a Romanian high-end audio company headquartered in Baia Mare, in the north-west of the country. The brand designs and markets audiophile headphones and earphones for international customers, with a product philosophy that combines industrial design, material quality, long-term comfort and specialized acoustic engineering. It was established as Meze Headphones in 2011 by industrial designer Antonio Meze and later adopted the Meze Audio name. The company's origins trace to 2009, when Antonio Meze was traveling extensively for work as an industrial designer and wanted a pair of headphones that connected with him aesthetically and emotionally in the way his Fender Stratocaster guitar did. He began experimenting with commercially available components and studying headphone construction. One early point of differentiation was his use of wood for headphone earcups, an approach that contrasted with the plastic and polymer construction common in many contemporary products. The initial design work developed into a broader ambition to create headphones from the ground up rather than simply modify existing components. Meze's first major commercial breakthrough came with the Meze 99 Classics, introduced in 2015 after an Indiegogo campaign. The model was the first headphone developed fully in-house by the company and helped establish its reputation in the audiophile market. Its combination of wooden earcups, metal hardware and accessible high-fidelity positioning gave the young brand visibility beyond Romania. The 99 family expanded with the 99 Neo in 2017, while the company also entered the earphone segment with the 12 Classics and 11 Neo in 2016. The company moved decisively into the premium and flagship market through a partnership with Rinaro Isodynamics, a Ukrainian specialist in planar-magnetic driver research and development. Their collaboration produced the Empyrean, which used Rinaro's Isodynamic Hybrid Array technology and became a defining product for Meze's high-end positioning. The partnership subsequently supported the development of ELITE, an open-back flagship using a related driver platform, and LIRIC, a closed-back planar-magnetic headphone designed for portable use. Meze also developed the Rai Penta and Rai Solo in-ear monitors, extending its range beyond full-size headphones. In 2021, Meze refreshed its earphone line with the 12 Classics V2 and introduced the Art Gallery collection, a collector-oriented interpretation that pairs high-end audio with artistic presentation. The brand's products are sold internationally through online channels and specialist retail. Meze Audio remains primarily associated with premium headphones and earphones, particularly those emphasizing distinctive industrial design, replaceable or service-conscious construction, comfort and advanced driver technology.

Meze Audio began with the personal design problem of its founder, Antonio Meze. In 2009, while traveling frequently for work as an industrial designer, Meze wanted headphones that were not merely functional but also reflected the emotional and material appeal he associated with his Fender Stratocaster guitar. Existing products did not meet that expectation, so he began experimenting with available parts and learning about headphone acoustics, mechanical construction and ergonomic design. A notable feature of the early experiments was the use of wood for headphone earcups. At the time, many headphones relied heavily on molded plastics and polymers, whereas wood offered a different visual identity and a more tactile, crafted character. The experiments gradually developed from a personal project into a plan for an independent audio brand. In 2011, Meze established Meze Headphones in Baia Mare, Romania. The company later changed its name to Meze Audio as its activities expanded across headphones and earphones. The first important stage of the company's commercial development was the 99 Classics. Launched in 2015 after an Indiegogo campaign, the model was the first headphone Meze developed in-house from the ground up. Its design-led appearance, wooden construction elements and audiophile-oriented performance gave the company an identifiable position in a crowded market. The success of the 99 Classics helped Meze gain recognition among headphone enthusiasts and supported subsequent product development. In 2016, the company introduced its first earphones, the 12 Classics and 11 Neo, demonstrating that its scope extended beyond full-size headphones. The 99 Neo followed in 2017, expanding the 99 family with a complementary design and material treatment. Meze's move from boutique headphone maker to high-end audio specialist accelerated through its collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics. Rinaro, based in Ukraine, had longstanding expertise in planar-magnetic driver research. Meze contributed industrial design, user-centered product development and its emphasis on comfort and physical finish, while Rinaro supplied driver-development expertise. Their work resulted in the Empyrean, introduced in 2018. Its Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver technology and flagship construction placed Meze in a more demanding tier of the audiophile market and made the company internationally visible among high-end headphone users. The company then broadened its premium portfolio. Rai Penta became Meze's first flagship in-ear monitor, using a hybrid driver configuration that combined balanced-armature and dynamic-driver elements. Rai Solo followed at the end of 2019 as a more accessible option in the Rai family. The partnership with Rinaro continued with ELITE and LIRIC, both introduced in 2021. ELITE used a related planar-magnetic platform in an open-back flagship design, while LIRIC applied the technology to a closed-back headphone re-engineered for portable listening. Also in 2021, Meze introduced the 12 Classics V2 as an updated earphone design and launched Empyrean Phoenix as part of an Art Gallery collection. Phoenix positioned a high-end audio product as a limited or collector-oriented object as well as a listening device. Across these stages, Meze's development has combined independent brand design with specialist technology partnerships rather than relying only on conventional mass-market product cycles. Meze Audio's current identity is centered on audiophile headphones, planar-magnetic models, closed-back and open-back designs, and in-ear monitors. Its products are distributed internationally through online sellers and specialist retail channels. The company remains based in Baia Mare and is particularly associated with handcrafted visual details, replaceable or service-conscious construction, wearing comfort and a distinctive alternative to anonymous, plastic-dominated headphone design.

• 2021

  ELITE, LIRIC and Art Gallery products arrive

  [1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  Meze launches ELITE and LIRIC with Rinaro, updates the 12 Classics as the V2, and presents Empyrean Phoenix through its Art Gallery collection.

• 2019

  Rai Solo is released

  [1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  Rai Solo completes the initial Rai in-ear monitor range as a more accessible model alongside Rai Penta.

• 2018

  Empyrean enters the high-end market

  [1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  Meze and Rinaro introduce the Empyrean, using planar-magnetic technology and establishing a major flagship line.

• 2017

  99 Neo expands the headphone range

  [1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  The 99 Neo extends the product family established by the 99 Classics.

• 2016

  First earphones are introduced

  [1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  Meze expands into earphones with the 12 Classics and 11 Neo.

• 2015

  99 Classics launches

  [1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  The 99 Classics becomes the first headphone developed fully in-house and gains market attention following an Indiegogo campaign.

• 2011

  Meze Headphones is established

  [1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  Antonio Meze establishes Meze Headphones in Baia Mare, Romania. The company later adopts the Meze Audio name.

• 2009

  Antonio Meze begins headphone experimentation

  [1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  While traveling as an industrial designer, Antonio Meze begins developing headphone concepts inspired by his interest in music, design and the material character of musical instruments.

A premium and high-end audio brand combining distinctive industrial design, carefully selected materials, comfort-oriented ergonomics and advanced acoustic technologies for audiophile and enthusiast users.

• Wired over-ear headphone · 2015

  99 Classics

  The 99 Classics is Meze's breakthrough headphone and the first model the company developed fully in-house. It is recognized for combining wooden earcups, metal structural elements and an audiophile-oriented tuning in a design intended to be comfortable for extended listening. Its launch after an Indiegogo campaign helped establish Meze's reputation internationally.

• Wired over-ear headphone · 2017

  99 Neo

  The 99 Neo extends the 99 family introduced by the 99 Classics. It retains the family’s general headphone concept while using a different visual and material treatment, giving Meze an additional option for listeners seeking the 99 platform in a more contemporary presentation.

• Flagship planar-magnetic over-ear headphone · 2018

  Empyrean

  Empyrean is Meze's landmark high-end headphone, developed in partnership with Rinaro Isodynamics. It uses Rinaro's Isodynamic Hybrid Array planar-magnetic driver technology and pairs the acoustic platform with Meze's emphasis on distinctive industrial design, premium materials and long-wearing comfort.

• Hybrid in-ear monitor · 2018

  Rai Penta

  Rai Penta is Meze's first flagship in-ear monitor. Its hybrid architecture combines two pairs of balanced-armature drivers with a dynamic driver, extending the brand's audiophile design language into a compact earphone format.

• In-ear monitor · 2019

  Rai Solo

  Rai Solo was introduced as a more accessible model in the Rai range. It gives entry-level audiophile listeners an in-ear option below the flagship Rai Penta while retaining the family's design positioning.

• Flagship planar-magnetic over-ear headphone · 2021

  ELITE

  ELITE is a high-end open-back headphone developed with Rinaro. It uses a related Isodynamic Hybrid Array platform to the Empyrean but employs different driver materials and tuning choices to produce a distinct presentation within Meze's flagship range.

• Closed-back planar-magnetic headphone · 2021

  LIRIC

  LIRIC is Meze's first closed-back headphone using a Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver. The platform was reworked for portable use, giving listeners a closed-back alternative to the company's open-back planar-magnetic flagships.

• Wired earphone · 2021

  12 Classics V2

  The 12 Classics V2 is an updated version of Meze's original 12 Classics earphone. The revision introduces a new design while continuing the company's presence in the compact wired-audio segment.

• Collector-oriented planar-magnetic headphone · 2021

  Empyrean Phoenix

  Empyrean Phoenix was presented through Meze's Art Gallery collection. It frames the Empyrean platform as a collector-oriented object, emphasizing the relationship between high-end audio engineering, visual design and artistic presentation.

• 2015Indiegogo campaign for 99 Classics

  International

  Meze used an Indiegogo campaign to support the launch of the 99 Classics. The campaign helped introduce the young Romanian company to a wider audience and preceded the model's role as the brand's main early breakthrough in the audiophile market.

  Outcome. The 99 Classics became an important foundation for Meze's international reputation.

  Source

• 2021

  Refresh the compact earphone rangeGeneration change

  Background

  Meze continued developing its wired earphone offering after the original 12 Classics and 11 Neo.

  Action taken

  The company introduced the 12 Classics V2 with a revised design.

  Aftermath

  The update maintained the 12 Classics name within Meze's broader headphone and earphone portfolio.

  Source

• 2021

  Extend the planar-magnetic platform with ELITE and LIRICProduct launch

  Background

  Following the Empyrean, Meze and Rinaro had an established planar-magnetic technology platform that could be adapted to additional listening formats.

  Action taken

  ELITE was launched as an open-back flagship and LIRIC as a closed-back planar-magnetic headphone designed for portable use.

  Aftermath

  The two models broadened Meze's high-end range across different enclosure types and listening contexts.

  Source

• 2018

  Partner with Rinaro for planar-magnetic developmentStrategy

  Background

  Meze sought to enter a more demanding high-end audiophile category, while Rinaro Isodynamics contributed specialist experience in planar-magnetic driver research.

  Action taken

  The companies combined Meze's industrial design and user-centered approach with Rinaro's driver technology to develop the Empyrean.

  Aftermath

  The Empyrean and later ELITE and LIRIC products strengthened Meze's position in premium and flagship headphones.

  Source

• 2011

  Establish an independent design-led audio brandStrategy

  Background

  Antonio Meze's personal headphone experiments developed into a business centered on distinctive materials, industrial design and audiophile listening.

  Action taken

  Meze Headphones was established in Baia Mare and subsequently expanded its scope under the Meze Audio name.

  Aftermath

  The company developed a portfolio spanning full-size headphones, planar-magnetic flagships and in-ear monitors.

  Source

• 2021

  Meze launches ELITE and LIRIC[1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch · Product generation

  The company and Rinaro extend their planar-magnetic collaboration with ELITE and LIRIC. ELITE is a flagship open-back model, while LIRIC is a closed-back model intended for more portable use.

• 2021

  Meze updates the 12 Classics and introduces Empyrean Phoenix[1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch · Product generation

  The 12 Classics V2 refreshes the company's earphone line, while Empyrean Phoenix launches as a collector-oriented Art Gallery product combining high-end audio and artistic presentation.

• 2019

  Meze adds the Rai Solo to its in-ear range[1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch

  Rai Solo is introduced as a more accessible in-ear option within the Rai product family, following the higher-positioned Rai Penta.

• 2018

  Meze and Rinaro introduce the Empyrean[1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch · M&A

  A partnership with Ukrainian planar-magnetic specialist Rinaro Isodynamics produces the Empyrean, a flagship headphone that strengthens Meze's position in the high-end audiophile segment.

• 2017

  Meze expands the 99 range with the 99 Neo[1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch · Product generation

  The 99 Neo extends the company's established 99 headphone family with a different material and finish concept.

• 2016

  Meze enters the earphone market[1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch

  The brand introduces the 12 Classics and 11 Neo, its first earphone products.

• 2015

  Meze launches the 99 Classics after an Indiegogo campaign[1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  Campaign · Product launch

  The 99 Classics becomes the company's first headphone developed fully in-house and gives Meze wider recognition in the audiophile market.

• 2011

  Meze Headphones is founded in Baia Mare[1]Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  Industrial designer Antonio Meze establishes Meze Headphones in his hometown of Baia Mare, Romania. The company later changes its name to Meze Audio.

1. 1Meze Audioen.wikipedia.org