Short answer: the ZMF Ori 3.0. Both are rated 3.7/5 for sound quality (#111 and #106 of 216 over-ear headphones), and the ZMF Ori 3.0 costs $2,199.99 against $2,999 for the Meze Empyrean II, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
Buy the ZMF Ori 3.0. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $799.01 less than the Meze Empyrean II.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Meze Empyrean II | ZMF Ori 3.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,999.00 | $2,199.99 |
| Ranked | #106 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #111 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 76 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 75 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.21 dB standard deviation | 2.76 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.61 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.22 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.3 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.8 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Closed |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 102 x 73mm planar magnetic (Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array) | 1 x 80mm planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 60 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB SPL/mW | 95 dB/mW |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 110kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Weight | 1 lbs (449 g) | 1.2 lbs (540 g) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
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- Austrian Audio The Composer vs Meze Empyrean II
- HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 vs Meze Empyrean II
- Meze Empyrean II vs ZMF Caldera Closed
- HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 vs ZMF Ori 3.0
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Meze Empyrean II: $2,999.00 Headphones.com eBay
Full Meze Empyrean II review and specifications →
| Back | Open |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.21 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 102 x 73mm planar magnetic (Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array) |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 110kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 76 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB SPL/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.61 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 1 lbs (449 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
ZMF Ori 3.0: $2,199.99 ZMF eBay
Full ZMF Ori 3.0 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.76 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 80mm planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 75 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 60 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 95 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.8 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.22 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (540 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons