The PrimaLuna EVO 400 formed the heart of our separates system, with an Aurender A200 as the digital source.
The surprise bonus at our 'Battle of the Boxes' event on March 8, 2025, was a Meze headphone room, hosted by David Denson, West Coast sales ambassador of Meze Audio. He showcased a number of models from the Romanian brand, including the new Poet that has been captivating listeners at audio shows and at the store.
After setting them up at CanJam NYC, Upscale salesperson Chris Landfield was the first of us to hear the Poet. Upon listening, he said, "All of us running the booth thought immediately that they were one of the best values in the industry."
This was echoed by Bob G., a Meze Elite owner and longtime Upscale customer who was at the event. While his $4,000 Elite do enough that he's still glad he has them, he was surprised by how much of the flagship's speed, detail, and richness has trickled into the Poet at half the price.
Robert I., is also a Meze Elite owner. He has advice for anyone considering the Elite or the Poet against other similarly clear and open-sounding headphones. "The Meze's are extremely comfortable," he says, describing how he's worn them for long listening sessions and not needed to keep moving them to stay comfortable.
David of Meze reminded customers that the Poet uses a Rinaro driver that is very similar to the Elite's, giving you much of the Elite's technical performance. The other big draw of the Poet? See the photo above. It's not the soft lighting and Photoshop, these headphones really are that ridiculously good-looking; even more so in person.