Meze Audio introduces Arta open-back planar headphones

Meze Audio has introduced a new reference headphone at High End Vienna 2026. The Meze Audio Arta is an open-back planar magnetic design with a nominal impedance of 225 Ω and announced prices of US$6,000 and €6,000.

The Rinaro MZ5 HΩ High Impedance Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver is designed for higher-voltage, lower-current operation, and Arta is optimised for desktop DAC/headphone amplifier systems. Recommended amplifier output is at least 500 mW at the headphone's nominal impedance, with a voltage swing of ±15–18 V peak and current capability above 150 mA. Specified sensitivity is 98 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz.

The driver combines a switchback voice-coil section, which primarily handles low frequencies, with a spiral section for the midrange and treble. The spiral section sits closer to the ear canal. The Rinaro Parus Arta composite diaphragm has an active area of 4,650 mm² and weighs 0.10 g. Angled acoustic blades in the grilles are designed to diffuse energy from the rear of the diaphragm.

Arta weighs 495 g and is built from precision-machined metal, carbon fibre and leather. The headphone is designed for full servicing, with replaceable earpads, headband, drivers and earcups. The supplied Duo Angled and Slim Alcantara earpad sets attach magnetically. The Duo Angled pads combine perforated lambskin leather with Alcantara.

Connections use dual 4-pin mini-XLR sockets on the headphones. Two 2 m cables are supplied, one with a 6.3 mm amplifier plug and the other with a balanced 4-pin XLR termination. Both use silver-plated Linear Crystal Oxygen-Free Copper conductors.