Meze Empyrean JAPONIA Revives the Original’s Sound

The Meze Empyrean JAPONIA was launched in Japan on August 21. The JAPONIA is an exclusive limited edition developed specifically for the Japanese market. Those residing in Japan can purchase it from several retailers. For customers wishing to import the headphones, however, e-Earphone is the most practical option. Below, you can find all the details about this new version of the Meze Empyrean.

JAPONIA Features Exclusive Colors and a Sound Based on the Original Empyrean

The design and sound of the JAPONIA are inspired by the original Empyrean (OG). Meze Audio’s lyrebird emblem is engraved in red on the headphone’s ear cups. Its tuning was designed to reproduce the musicality for which the original Empyrean is known, while introducing several refinements.

Symbol Inspired by the Sun on the Japanese Flag

An interesting detail of the Empyrean JAPONIA is the red circular design located at the base of the headband, with the headphone’s name inscribed inside it. The image below illustrates this feature.

In summary, the JAPONIA adopts the original Empyrean’s black-and-copper color scheme, complemented by red symbols referencing Japan. The following photograph shows the Empyrean II, the JAPONIA, and the original Empyrean.

The Same Ear Pads as the Original Empyrean

The Empyrean JAPONIA includes the same two pairs of ear pads supplied with the original Empyrean. One pair is made of genuine sheepskin leather, while the other is covered in Alcantara [1].

[1] Alcantara is a suede-like fabric with a velvety texture.

Sound Designed to Reproduce the Immersive Character of the Original Empyrean

According to Yamayu, a writer on e-Earphone’s public relations team, the sound of the Empyrean JAPONIA “was refined while preserving the musicality of the original Empyrean’s sound.”

Yamayu described the JAPONIA’s sound as follows:

“The bass and midrange characteristics of the original model are complemented by reverberation that expands naturally throughout the space. Both the energy of the performance and the atmosphere of the venue are reproduced with a sense of presence that makes you feel as though you were there.”

A review of the JAPONIA written by an e-Earphone customer named “Byacco” provides further insight into the differences introduced by the new version. He states that he has owned the original Empyrean and currently owns both the second-generation model and the Elite. Interestingly, the JAPONIA was the model he enjoyed the most.

“Although I no longer own it, I previously had the original EMPYREAN. I currently own the EMPYREAN II and the Elite.
Of all of them, the EMPYREAN JAPONIA is the one I enjoyed the most.”

Byacco also stated in his review that although the Empyrean II and the Elite offer good clarity, well-judged attack, and a large soundstage, the JAPONIA has greater body. The result is a sound that is more natural and generally more pleasant than that of the other models in the Empyrean series.

“The EMPYREAN II and the Elite are very well-balanced headphones, with a clear sound, appropriately judged attack, and a wide soundstage. I feel that they provide an experience that cannot be found in products from other manufacturers. The JAPONIA builds on these distinctive qualities but shifts the tonal center of gravity slightly downward, while substantially enhancing the body and density of the sound. This has been achieved naturally, resulting in an extremely pleasant sound signature. Personally, compared with the II and the Elite, I can enjoy an even more engaging experience, with a greater sense of rhythm and a warmer, more enveloping presentation.”

Meze Empyrean JAPONIA: Specifications

• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Sensitivity: 105 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 1 V
• Frequency response: 8 Hz–110,000 Hz
• Weight: 385 g (without ear pads)

What Is Included with the Empyrean JAPONIA?

The following items and accessories are included with the Empyrean JAPONIA:

• Upgraded PCUHD copper cable with a 6.35 mm single-ended (SE) plug, identical to the cable supplied with the Empyrean II
• Exclusive carrying case signed by founder Antonio Meze
• One pair of sheepskin leather ear pads, identical to those supplied with the original Empyrean
• One pair of Alcantara ear pads, identical to those supplied with the original Empyrean

Release, Price, and Availability

The Meze Empyrean JAPONIA is now available in the Japanese market for ¥550,000, equivalent to approximately US$3,432. Customers residing outside Japan who wish to import the JAPONIA can purchase it from the Japanese online retailer e-Earphone through this link.