Meze Liric II and Dan Clark Audio E3 Comparative Review

testing the Lyrical Meze II made me think of him Dan Clark Audio E3, so I decided to compare the two. They're in the same price range and feature similar top-notch quality, so it seemed like a no-brainer. Both headphones share similar features on paper, but in terms of sound they are quite different. Do you want to know more? Let's see how they measure up.

What you get

look and feel
These headphones feel and look top notch. The Meze Liric II is beautifully designed with leather, metal, and wood pieces, and is comfortable to wear for long periods. The Dan Clark Audio E3 is tougher but still high quality, with durable materials like Gorilla Glass and Nitinol. Both provide great insulation and comfort whether you are at home or away. Personally, I loved the feeling of wearing both as they enveloped me in superior comfort while delivering exceptional sound.

Design and functionality
Both the Liric II and E3 headphones are equipped with innovative technology to enhance your listening experience. Meze incorporates its Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask (QWRM) into the Liric II, strategically targeting frequencies above 7 kHz to reduce harshness and refine the sound of the MZ4 driver. On the other hand, the E3 uses an acoustic metamaterial tuning system to control diffusion and improve treble response, along with a dual-mode bass port for clearer and more defined bass. These advanced features ensure that whether you choose the Liric II or the E3, you're embracing cutting-edge audio technology for an unparalleled listening journey.

sound stage
When comparing the soundstage, the Liric II and the E3 take different approaches. Dan Clark Audio's E3 aims to mimic the openness of open-back headphones, resulting in a wide but sometimes distant sound. Meanwhile, the Liric II offers a more authentic and accurate image, although it is a little narrower. Both headphones create spacious sound within their closed-back design, but the Liric II stands out for its clear separation between sounds. Whether you prefer wide or precise sound, both headphones offer excellent performance and enhance your listening experience in their own way.

low end
When comparing the low end, the Meze Liric II and the Dan Clark Audio E3 display distinct characteristics, despite sharing warm and neutral sound signatures. The Liric II features a bass with notable dynamic punch and boosted mid-bass, providing a robust and resonant experience. In contrast, the E3 offers a more controlled bass response, ensuring clarity without sacrificing detail. While the Liric II offers a darker timbre and richer bass texture, the E3 impresses with its precise details and balanced impact, offering a more controlled yet articulate bass presentation.

media
When it comes to midrange performance, both the Meze Liric II and Dan Clark Audio E3 shine with clarity and detail. Delicately reproducing voices and instruments, each headphone offers its own unique characteristics. The Liric II impresses with fast and heavy instrumentals, while the E3 stands out with its smoothness and lively vocals, especially in the upper mids. Despite their differences, both headphones deliver an engaging mid-range experience that enhances overall listening pleasure. However, during my listening session, the Dan Clark Audio E3 particularly stood out when playing Disclosure's “You and Me” (Rivo Remix), providing an exceptional listening experience.

Highs
Personally, I find the high frequency response of both the Meze Liric II and the Dan Clark Audio E3 quite impressive. Both offer a crisp presentation with stunning details, although their timbres differ slightly. In my opinion, the Liric II shows more precise precision in the treble, while the E3 provides excellent control but with a texture that feels more like a top layer than a natural extension of the sound spectrum.

Summary
In my exploration of the Meze Liric II and Dan Clark Audio E3 headphones, I discovered a captivating journey through the nuances of sound. Both models offer top-notch quality and innovative technology, each with its own unique sound signature. From the luxurious design and comfortable fit to the dynamic bass response and engaging mids, these headphones excel in several aspects. While the Liric II impresses with its robust bass and pinpoint precision in the treble, the E3 stands out with its controlled bass and smooth mids. Ultimately, whether immersing myself in the intricate soundstage of the Liric II or delighting in the lively vocals of the E3, both headphones have enriched my listening experience in their different ways.

Lyrical Meze II against Dan Clark Audio E3 are available now at Audio46.