Meze Audio Empyrean II vs ZMF Caldera

Both are planar magnetic open-back headphones.

The Empyrean II needs 5 dB more power to reach a loud 110 dB peak, so it asks more of the amplifier.

The Empyrean II lists for $501 less.

$2,999

$3,499.99

Side by side

Empyrean IICalderaDifference

Empyrean IICaldera

Driver: Planar magnetic; Planar magnetic
Diaphragm: Rinaro Isoplanar MZ3 film, 0.16 g; Four-trace, eight-pathway planar diaphragm
Driver size: 102 x 73 mm ovoid, 4,650 mm² active area; 80 mm
Enclosure: Open-back; Open-back
Weight: 449 g; Not published
Impedance: 32 ohms; 60 ohms
Sensitivity: 90 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz; ~95 dB/mW
Power for 110 dB: 100 mW, 1.79 V; 31.6 mW, 1.38 V; Empyrean II needs 5 dB more
Drive: Moderate drive; Easy to drive
Frequency response: 8 Hz – 110 kHz; Not published
Made in: Romania; United States
Released: 2023; 2022
List price: $2,999; $3,499.99; Empyrean II is $501 less
Materials: Carbon fibre Aluminium Leather; Aluminium Wood Leather; Both use aluminium, leather

From each maker’s published figures; sources are on each headphone’s page. Power for 110 dB is worked out from sensitivity and impedance.

Each of these has 10 dB or more in reserve above a loud 110 dB peak on both headphones, so one amplifier serves either.

List $2,999

Retailer prices checked 2026-10-21. We may earn a commission on purchases. How this works

List $3,499.99

None of the boutiques we track list this model right now. Manufacturer page: shop.zmfheadphones.com.

Retailer prices checked 2026-10-21. We may earn a commission on purchases. How this works