Meze Audio, a high-end audio company based in Romania, in collaboration with “progressive Ukranian audio company” Rinaro Isodynamics have developed the new Elite Isodynamic Hybrid Array headphone, which the companies describe as their most advanced planar magnetic headphone to date.

The new headphones blend innovative technology and acoustic engineering with outstanding mechanical design and ergonomics, Meze Audio says. According to the company, ELITE is the result of three years of research and development which opened the path for creating a powerful, lifelike sound experience.

Antonio Meze, lead designer and founder of Meze Audio, comments: “With Elite we’ve created something that transcends all barriers of headphone design and engineering and moves to a new, artistic, graceful level. Following in the footsteps of a successful partnership with Rinaro Isodynamics, we managed to exceed our expectations once again and create something for the ages. This is not mass production; it’s the craftsmanship that sparks the magic and wonder in Elite, what makes it exciting, and these are values that we choose over any shortcuts.”

Powering the Elite is the custom-developed MZ3SE Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver created by Rinaro, which sees a combination of individual switchback and spiral shaped voice coils in the one driver to target soundwaves with more accuracy around the natural form of the ear, Meze Audio says.

The driver features Rinaro Parus, a new, high performing diaphragm material that has been developed specifically for the Elite. The innovative low mass acoustic diaphragm is produced with bespoke sequential biaxial lengthening technology, a process that involves stretching the material in transverse directions at elevated temperatures to improve structural performance.

“Rinaro Parus is the result of three years of exploration into material sciences by the team at Rinaro. The semi-crystalline micro structure exhibits remarkable strength, stiffness, and stability, combined with an extremely low acoustic mass. This brings a new level of performance to Isodynamic Hybrid Array drivers”, said Pavlo Shymanovych, Founder of Rinaro Isodynamics.

On the outside, the alien-like chassis combines aluminium, carbon fibre and leather to ensure maximum comfort and long-term durability. Another new addition developed especially for ELITE, the 25mm deep HYBRID ear cushions, which balances the qualities of Alcantara and leather into a single design. Besides the high wearing comfort, this unique combo lowers the bass pressure and delivers an airy sound signature, in which sound waves appear to transcend the space around to create an immersive experience.

Meze Audio and Rinaro are also demonstrating their commitment to sustainability by making the Elite fully serviceable: from the replaceable earpads to the high-performance materials used, every part on the headphone chassis is available to be easily disassembled and serviced.

From looks to technology, this headphone was designed to surpass all short-living trends and become a true heirloom, one that lasts for life, Meze Audio claims.

Key Selling Points

• Custom-developed MZ3SE Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver
• Rinaro Parus, a new, high performing diaphragm material that has been developed specifically for the ELITE
• Aluminium, carbon fibre and Alcantara leather construction for maximum comfort

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