Short answer: the Meze Poet. It ranks #233 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $2,000. The Denon AH-D9200 ranks #238, rated 3.5/5, at $1,799, $201 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
What the Meze Poet does well: At 55 ohms and 101 dB SPL/mW this open planar plays at satisfying levels from most desktop sources without needing a powerful amp. The catch: A 9.6 dB dip near 9.5 kHz and a 3.7 dB shortfall in presence dull cymbal attack and vocal articulation, while a 6.0 dB peak near 11.9 kHz adds a thin glint above that, leaving a preference score of 72.1.
The case for the Denon AH-D9200: The bass is well behaved, within about 1.4 dB of target through the sub-bass and about 1.2 dB over in the bass, which gives a full but controlled foundation. Watch for: Upper mids are about 2.4 dB under target and a 6.1 dB dip near 2.3 kHz recesses vocals and piano.
Buy the Meze Poet. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $201 saving on the Denon AH-D9200 is not enough to make up the difference.
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At 55 ohms and 101 dB SPL/mW this open planar plays at satisfying levels from most desktop sources without needing a powerful amp.
Amazon $2,000.00 eBay
The bass is well behaved, within about 1.4 dB of target through the sub-bass and about 1.2 dB over in the bass, which gives a full but controlled foundation.
Amazon $1,799.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Meze Poet | Denon AH-D9200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,000.00 | $1,799.00 |
| Ranked | #233 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #238 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 72 (median of 2 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 71 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.43 dB standard deviation | 2.50 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.69 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.80 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.9 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Closed |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 55 ohms | 24 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB SPL/mW | 105 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (350 g) | 0.8 lbs (375 g) |
| Frequency Response | 4Hz - 96kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 56kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
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