Meze Audio Strada vs Meze Audio Liric II – The best closed-back headphones compared in 2026

Meze Audio has built a reputation for combining high-quality craftsmanship with the signature sound of deep music. Two of its most compelling closed-back offerings, the Meze Audio Strada and the Meze Audio Liric II, approach premium listening from different angles. While both prioritize comfort, isolation, and refined tuning, they sit in different price brackets and cater to slightly different audiences. Here’s a direct comparison of how the two models stack up.

What You Get

See & Feel

The Strada and Liric II share the same design, with different materials. Since the Strada is the cheaper of the two, you might think it would have a plastic build, but its Macassar ebony wood ear cups and magnesium frame say otherwise. You still get a more premium build with the Liric II, of course, with improved wood detailing and a lower finish. Although slightly heavier than the Strada, the Liric II distributes weight well, resulting in a secure and comfortable fit that enhances practical isolation.

Design

The Strada is a modern closed headphone built around powerful driving technology and housed in a magnesium and wood chassis. Its construction feels solid without adding unnecessary weight, making it particularly suitable for extended listening sessions. The clamp force is moderate and unobtrusive, contributing to a fatigue-free feel that matches its comfortable feel. In contrast, the Liric II is built around Meze’s Isodynamic planar driver technology, adapted to a closed form factor. The materials feel thick and premium overall, and the headphone offers slightly stronger isolation thanks to its shielded seal. Every element, from the headband to the ear pads, feels designed for long-term durability and high performance.

Sound stage

Both the Strada and the Liric II feature a surprisingly wide range of closed-back headphones. However, the Liric II takes local presentation to another level. Its engineered drivers create an expansive and precise soundstage that approaches true open-back. The instruments feel clearly placed within the stereo field, almost suspended in their air pockets. The Strada still does a good job of communicating an immersive sense of space without exaggeration, but the Liric II’s depth is more impressive. Complex recordings occur naturally. With an enclosed design, the Liric II’s imaging performance stands out as unique.

The Low End

The Strada’s bass is balanced and layered, providing depth without overwhelming the mix. With the Liric II, you get a richer and more defined low end that delivers bass with speed and precision, maintaining clarity even in complex passages. The Strada still has refined sub-bass, but its presentation is still very soft compared to the Liric II. You get more extension and authority compared to the Strada, yet it doesn’t feel cramped. Bass integrates seamlessly across the entire frequency range, enhancing immersion without overshadowing detail.

Mids

On the Strada, the midrange is smooth and clean, with a slightly relaxed character, but the Liric II is more noticeable. Both headphones have a strong vocal response, the Strada balances them well, while the Liric II pushes them forward. The Strada doesn’t emphasize the finer details as well as the Liric II, but it still excels in creating a compact listening experience that’s affordable. With the more expensive Liric II, you buy a better sense of openness and articulation that gives the midrange power and engagement. This live presentation makes it particularly attractive for intensive listening and genres where vocal detail is most important.

They are high

The Strada keeps its treble smooth and controlled, avoiding harshness or balance. The high frequencies extend cleanly but are tuned to remain non-fatiguing, making them ideal for extended listening sessions. There’s enough sparkle to stay clear, but the emphasis is on balance rather than brightness. The Liric II presents a bright and powerful treble response. High frequencies sparkle with clarity while remaining refined. The extension sounds very bright, adding air and openness to the recording. Despite its extra sparkle, it avoids sounding harsh, maintaining the quality of the Meze’s music while promoting overall clarity.

Summary

The Meze Audio Strada stands out as a well-designed closed-back headphone that delivers impressive spatial performance and comfortable, musical tuning at an accessible price point. It is an excellent choice for listeners who prioritize comfort, balance, and long listening sessions without fatigue. The Meze Audio Liric II, however, pushes the boundaries of what closed-back headphones can achieve. With the precision of its programmed driver, scalable imaging, and high detail retrieval, it provides a highly focused and high-resolution experience. For audiophiles who want top-of-the-line performance and are willing to invest accordingly, the Liric II stands out as a powerful technical player. Ultimately, the decision comes down to preference and budget. The Strada delivers accessible and smooth luxury music, while the Liric II delivers reference-level refinement and extended immersion.

Meze Strada and Liric II are available from Audio46.

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