Meze ARTA Reference Planar Magnetic Headphones

Flagship openback headphones The ARTA is Meze Audio's new reference flagship headphone, developed over several years in collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics. At its heart is a MZ5 HΩ High Impedance Isodynamic® Hybrid Array driver, a 225Ω planar magnetic transducer engineered around a high-voltage, low-current operating principle. Its warm-neutral tuning, expansive spatial presentation, low distortion, and fully serviceable construction establish a new tier above the Elite in the Meze Audio lineup. A new high-impedance planar driver Developed with Rinaro Isodynamics, the MZ5 HΩ is the highest-impedance planar magnetic headphone transducer produced by the company. Its 225Ω architecture operates with higher voltage and lower current, supporting signal purity, thermal stability, and THD below 0.05%. The driver reaches from 3 Hz to 115 kHz with a sensitivity of 98 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz. Speaker-like scale and spatial presence The ARTA is tuned with a warm-neutral sound signature and a presentation designed to extend beyond the familiar boundaries of headphone listening. Bass carries physical weight, instruments occupy clearly defined positions, and the soundstage presents music with broad, room-filling scale. A maximum output above 130 dB SPL provides substantial dynamic headroom when paired with suitable amplification. Angled acoustic blade diffusion The open-back grille incorporates angled acoustic blades that diffuse rear-wave energy from the driver. By minimizing unwanted reflections, the acoustic structure supports cleaner transients and a more natural sense of openness. The grille is an active part of the ARTA's acoustic design rather than a purely visual element. Two magnetic ear pad tunings Two sets of magnetic ear pads allow the ARTA's presentation to be adjusted without changing the headphone itself. Duo Angled pads combine lambskin and Alcantara® for a richer presentation. Slim Alcantara pads provide a smoother, more neutral balance. The ARTA uses its own magnetic attachment system — its ear pads are not compatible with Elite or Empyrean series headphones, and pads from those models cannot be fitted to the ARTA. Designed for dedicated desktop amplification The ARTA is designed for desktop DAC and headphone amplifier systems capable of driving its 225 Ω transducer architecture. Amplification should provide at least 200 mW at 225 Ω, with 500 mW or more recommended. Dual 4-pin mini-XLR headphone connectors support detachable cabling, and both single-ended and fully-balanced cables are included. Fully serviceable for long-term ownership Every component in the ARTA can be fully disassembled, serviced, or replaced. This modular construction supports long-term maintenance rather than treating the headphone as a sealed product. The ARTA includes a two-year standard warranty, extended to four years when registered through My Meze. Product highlights Rinaro MZ5 HΩ High Impedance Isodynamic® Hybrid Array driver 225Ω high-impedance planar magnetic architecture Warm-neutral, speaker-like presentation Open-back circumaural design Angled acoustic blades diffuse rear-wave energy THD below 0.05% Two magnetic ear pad sets with distinct acoustic presentations Dual 4-pin mini-XLR headphone connectors Single-ended and fully-balanced cables included Fully disassemblable and serviceable construction Hand-assembled in Baia Mare, Romania Four-year warranty with My Meze registration Specs Driver: Rinaro MZ5 HΩ High Impedance Isodynamic® Hybrid Array Driver type: Planar magnetic Sound signature: Warm-neutral, speaker-like presentation Impedance: 225 Ω Frequency range: 3 Hz–115 kHz Sensitivity: 98 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz Maximum SPL: Greater than 130 dB SPL THD: Less than 0.05% Operating principle: Open-back, circumaural Weight: 17.5 oz (495 g) Input connectors: Dual 4-pin mini-XLR Minimum recommended amplifier output: 200 mW at 225 Ω Preferred amplifier output: 500 mW or greater at 225 Ω Cable length: 6.6 ft (2 m) Single-ended cable termination: 0.25 in (6.3 mm) Balanced cable termination: 4-pin XLR What’s included ARTA headphones, hand-assembled in Baia Mare, Romania Duo Angled magnetic ear pads in lambskin and Alcantara® Slim Alcantara magnetic ear pads 6.6 ft (2 m) silver-plated LC-OFC cable with 0.25 in (6.3 mm) single-ended termination 6.6 ft (2 m) silver-plated LC-OFC cable with 4-pin XLR fully-balanced termination