Meze Audio ARTA - Black

Description

The summit of artistic headphone creation at Meze Audio

The ARTA is Meze Audio's flagship open-back planar magnetic headphone, the culmination of a passion project born from a simple question: what does it sound like when nothing is held back? Developed in close collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics — the Romanian brand's long-time partners — it embodies a sound signature that is expansive, realistic and immediate, closer to the acoustic experience of a well-treated listening room than to a signal confined inside your head. It's a headphone experienced rather than explained.

The Rinaro MZ5 HΩ driver: 225 Ω for effortless control

At the heart of the ARTA: the Rinaro High Impedance Isodynamic® Hybrid Array MZ5 HΩ driver, designed specifically for this model. With a 225 Ω nominal impedance (±10%), it is the highest-impedance planar magnetic headphone transducer ever designed. Unlike conventional planars that operate in low-voltage, high-current mode, the MZ5 HΩ operates in high-voltage, low-current mode — translating into unprecedented electrical linearity across the audible spectrum, less heat and stress on the diaphragm, and ultra-low distortion and dynamic compression at any listening level. Frequency response 3 Hz – 115 kHz; THD < 0.05%; maximum SPL > 130 dB.

Rinaro Parus ARTA® diaphragm and Dual-Shaped voice coils

The Rinaro Parus ARTA® diaphragm is an ultra-thin composite weighing just 0.10 g across 4,650 mm² of active area, engineered to resist thermal drift during extended sessions — timbral accuracy and transient response stay consistent as the driver heats and cools. The planar trace is 2.5 times longer with a 2.8 times smaller cross-section, for a higher-density geometry that spreads electromagnetic drive uniformly. The Dual-Shaped Voice Coil Array combines two coil geometries: a Switchback coil for low frequencies (upper driver position) and a Spiral coil for mid-highs (direct path to the ear canal, no time delay).

Angled acoustic blades and Art Nouveau aesthetics

The ARTA's open-back grille is composed of precisely angled acoustic blades that protect the driver while actively diffusing rear-wave energy and minimizing internal reflections before they reach the ear. Result: faster transient responses, a cleaner stereo image, a natural and open presentation. The aesthetic blends Art Nouveau elegance and bionic fluidity in a unique visual language — precision metals, carbon fiber and leather, each one premium, each one purposeful.

Born in Romania, built to last

Every pair of ARTA is fully hand-assembled at Meze Audio's headquarters in Baia Mare, Romania. The brand engineers its headphones for generations, not for a season: every component — ear pads, headband, drivers, earcups — can be disassembled, serviced or replaced individually, so that an artistic object of this caliber never becomes waste but rather appreciates over time. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does "High Impedance" change compared to standard planars?

Conventional planar magnetics operate in low-voltage, high-current mode. The MZ5 HΩ flips that paradigm: high voltage, low current. Practically, this brings superior electrical linearity across the audible spectrum, less heat and thermal stress on the diaphragm (so less tonal drift during long sessions), and ultra-low distortion and dynamic compression at any listening level. The cable also contributes negligibly to the total electrical load, preserving the headphone's character across a wide range of aftermarket cables.

What's the difference between the two included ear pads?

The box includes two magnetically attached pairs. The Duo Angled combine perforated lambskin leather and Alcantara®, with a precise angle that brings the diaphragm closer to the ear for a richer, more impactful presentation. The Slim Alcantara use two types of Alcantara® with perforations on the inner chamber, for a more neutral signature with a smoother, rounder upper region. You can swap between them by music style or mood — the change takes seconds. Note: ARTA ear pads are not compatible with ELITE or EMPYREAN series headphones (different magnetic attachment).

Is the 495 g weight comfortable for long sessions?

Yes. While 495 g is typical for a large planar magnetic headphone, the leather headband system has been optimized with additional padding to distribute mass evenly. Meze states the shape fits both larger and smaller heads. The use of fiberglass-reinforced polymer for the earcups keeps the structure rigid without excess weight, while the thick circumaural ear pads distribute pressure without creating hot spots.

What's in the Box

Meze Audio ARTA headphones

2 pairs of magnetically attached ear pads: Duo Angled (perforated lambskin leather + Alcantara®) and Slim Alcantara (perforated Alcantara®)

2 m LC-OFC cable terminated in a 6.3 mm single-ended jack

2 m LC-OFC cable terminated in a 4-pin XLR balanced connector

Carrying case

Documentation