Meze Audio Advar is under my spotlight. I want to share my experiences with Meze Audio Advar headphones. In order to provide prospective purchasers with insightful information, this review will cover a variety of aspects of the headphones, including their design, sound quality, and ease of use.
Box, Advar, Cable, and Ease of Use
Meze Advar headphones are presented in an elegant and durable packaging. The box contents include:
- Meze Advar headphones
- Special carrying case
- Headphone cable
- Different sizes of ear tips
- User manual and warranty documents
Meze Audio Advar IEM:
The Meze Advar is a pair of headphones that have an open-back design and a fashionable appearance. The headphone’s design and build quality are unforgettable. The open design allows the sound to disperse outward, creating a natural soundstage. The headphones usually offer comfortable use and are suitable for long listening sessions.
Cable:
Meze Advar headphones come with a detachable MMCX cable. The silver-plated and slim cable is elegant, but it may experience oxidation over time. A higher quality cable provides the best sound transmission and offers users more flexibility.
Ease of Use:
Meze Advar headphones have a user-friendly design for easy use. Since the headphone cables are detachable, users enjoy convenience when carrying or storing the headphones. Additionally, considering its delicate appearance, it’s worth noting that it may surprise users with its power requirements.
Meze Audio Advar Sound
Meze Advar’s sound signature ranges from neutral to dark. The soundstage is wide, almost infinite, giving a sense of dissolution into space. The high resolution and ability to handle multiple instruments simultaneously are impressive. However, the headphones are not strong in 3D imaging, and while the tones are strong, the projection is weak. While the headphones excel in realism, they may lack in layering.
Bass
Meze Audio Advar headphones are not capable of booming bass; this is an important point to note. As a result of their emphasis on midrange frequencies, they might not have enough sub-bass frequencies, and in certain songs, they might prevent bass frequencies from coming forward. However, when used with a source like the iBasso DX320, bass can be slightly boosted, enhancing the listening experience, especially in songs with prominent bass guitar parts.
Midrange
The midrange and, to a lesser extent, the treble are the primary areas of emphasis for Meze Advar headphones. According to the sound level and voltage of the source, the instrument projection will increase in volume. When continued with the iBasso DX320, a fuller sound presentation is achieved.
Treble
As mentioned earlier, the trebles are relatively successful. The headphones are capable of delivering challenging high frequencies in a manner that is both rich and detailed, effectively conveying the nuances of instruments such as the piano.
Comparison
VS Softears Twilight:
Twilight, with its dark tone, strong and clear mid-bass, high resolution, and crystal-clear treble strikes (where Advar performs slightly better), has controlled bass, preventing drowning in reference tracks like “Marilyn Manzur – Farewelling.” Advar surpasses Twilight in critical listening and ear fatigue. However, it is weak in 3D imaging compared to Twilight. Overall, Advar is slightly better than Twilight.
VS EPZ Q5:
Both headphones have similar power requirements, but we can see that Q5 has more controlled trebles and powerful mid-bass frequencies. Advar displays detailed features reminiscent of famous piston basses. However, Advar’s cold realism is not present in Q5, and while it has a wide soundstage like Advar, it’s not as high. Considering the price difference, this seems reasonable. In summary, Q5 can be described as a dynamic driver headphone with analytical tendencies. In spite of the fact that Advar may not be able to master chaos control in math rock, guitar riffs are an entirely different story.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High resolution: Meze Advar delivers music with rich details.
- Wide soundstage: The headphones offer a wide and deep soundstage, providing a realistic experience in live recordings.
- Detailed and analytical: The headphones emphasize details and instrument nuances.
- Treble success: High frequencies are presented richly and detailed, successfully conveying the nuances of instruments like the piano.
Cons:
- Bass performance: Advar’s bass performance is limited, and bass may lag behind in some songs.
- High power requirement: The headphones require high sound levels and a powerful source, limiting portable use.
- Tonal balance: The headphones’ focus on midrange and treble may cause tonal balance issues for some users.
- Weak 3D imaging: The headphones are not strong in 3D sound and can be improved in this area.
- Capricious structure: A high-quality source like the DX320 should not be required to satisfy sound quality.
Meze Advar Review Conclusion
Meze Advar holds a special position in the Top of the Line (TOTL) entry segment due to its high price and special requirements. It is important to keep in mind that this is a headphone that requires high sound levels and a powerful source, and it may occasionally be lacking in bass. Therefore, it may be perceived as providing a more professional studio recording experience. Nevertheless, I salute those who admire the unique features of Meze Advar.
