Product page: https://mezeaudio.com/products/rai-penta

MSRP: $1,100

Driver configuration: 4BA + 1DD hybrid

The easiest and most straightforward way I can describe the Rai Penta is as follows: it is the Empyrean, but in IEM form.

Now depending on your opinion of the Empyrean, this description could be construed as a compliment. In my case however, my opinion on the Empyrean is rather low and I find it a rather lacklustre multi-kilobuck planar headphone. Here are the similarities that I heard:

Wide-band boost of the midbass frequencies

“Intimate” (read: shallow and 2-dimensional) imaging

Smoothed out treble response

Low dynamics, lacks energy and/or excitement

The only real massive difference is in the resolution and detail retrieval between the two: while the Empyrean does seem to have a resolution on par with the lower echelons of top performing headphones, the Rai Penta struggles when compared with other kilobuck IEMs and can’t seem to keep up against veterans like the ER4 variants. Its subpar imaging doesn’t really help its case on a technical scale either, with crowded placement of instruments within a narrow soundstage making for a slightly claustrophobic experience.

Then we get to the mysterious subjective world of “dynamics” where both Mezes suffer from a serious case of “I don’t want to listen to this anymore” syndrome. The Rai Penta is… boring. Some may describe it as “sleepy” or even just straight up “dead”. It’s not because it lacks treble either; while its higher-end response is a tad smoothed over and its attack blunted, there seems to be at least enough treble for it to have a sensation of sparkle. Or at the very least, prevents it from being called “dark”. Hyperbole alert: it just sounds like everything is being played back at roughly the same volume, even in sections with large dynamic variation.

Its redeeming factor, much like the Empyrean, is in its tonal and timbre performance. Its frequency response is generally relaxed and geared towards warmth and heavier notes than the lighter, brighter style of the typical “reference” IEM. It doesn’t sound wrong at least, in fact with certain sustain-heavy instruments it can sound rather pleasant. Orchestrals with more emphasis on bowed strings and woodwind instruments for instance can sound pretty nice on the Rai Penta, though that’s not to say that it’s anywhere close to being the best of its class in this regard.

Meze’s Rai Penta. Meh.