Gold Audio and Sound Equipment Design · 2022
Elite Headphones
by Antonio Meze
- A' Design Award 2022 Gold Winner in Audio and Sound Equipment Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: Meze Audio
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 817,294
- Verification code 6FC69ADBA2 · Verify this award
About Elite Headphones
Elite delivers accurate, authentic sound for music lovers, embodied into a lightweight, highly comfortable chassis. On closer look, the frame reveals a complex geometrical imprint accentuated through the silver finish of the CNC aluminum frame. A deep black grill with intricate carvings and a carbon fiber headband with real leather headrest were added, turning Elite into a futuristic take on personal audio design.
Within the distinguished tradition of acoustic instrument design that spans centuries of human ingenuity, Antonio Meze's Elite Headphones emerges as a contemporary exemplar of the synthesis between engineering excellence and aesthetic refinement that defines the highest achievements in audio equipment design. The work demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of material semiotics, deploying polished aluminum, carbon fiber composite, and premium leather in a hierarchical arrangement that communicates both technical capability and sensory pleasure. The designer appears to engage with the heritage of precision instrumentation while advancing a distinctly contemporary formal vocabulary, one where mechanical articulation becomes sculptural gesture and functional requirements generate visual poetry. The geometric mesh pattern adorning the ear cup exterior merits particular attention, its tessellated triangular forms suggesting both traditional craft techniques and parametric design methodologies, creating a surface that mediates between technological transparency and decorative elaboration. The compositional strategy positions these headphones not merely as audio equipment but as wearable sculpture, objects that reward sustained visual contemplation beyond their acoustic purpose. The careful orchestration of surface finishes, from high-gloss reflective aluminum to deep matte leather absorption, demonstrates mastery of material contrast as an expressive design tool. One might observe how the sweeping headband curve echoes the organic forms found in Art Nouveau metalwork while maintaining the clean precision associated with Germanic industrial design traditions. The work invites consideration of how contemporary designers navigate the tension between technological advancement and timeless aesthetic values, between machine precision and human comfort.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Elite is one of the most advanced planar magnetic headphones, delivering an authentic listening experience embodied into a unique frame that provides utmost comfort.
Elite features:
High-precision CNC sculpted chassis
Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver
Lightweight materials
Patent-pending pressure distribution wings
Anatomical ovate earcups
Designed for life. Elite is made to surpass all short-living trends and industry changes, bringing long-lasting value to the customer. - Dimensions & Packaging
- Width: 255 mm
Height: 230 mm
Depth: 89 mm - Tags
- headphones, aluminum, CNC, industrial, product design, audio, technology, electronics
- Production Technology
- Elite features a CNC aluminum chassis, milled from a single piece of aluminum. The process of shaping a single frame takes about 20 hours. The ovoid shape of the earcup was designed to fit the ear more closely, for increased wearing comfort. A carbon fiber headband with a real leather headrest were added to the frame, for an ultra-light feel and maximum durability. The patent-pending suspension wings distribute the weight evenly, providing a comfortable listening experience.
From the replaceable earpads to the high-performance materials used, every part on the headphone chassis is available to be easily disassembled and serviced. - Design Challenge
- With Elite, the goal was to create a high-end product meant for those who know what they want and expect to be treated accordingly. The biggest challenge for the designer and the engineering team was to find the perfect balance between technology, design, materials and ergonomics. Finding the right material for each component took a lot of experimentation, as did getting a precise and durable assembly that allows each part of the headphone to be easily disassembled and serviced.
- Project Duration
- Meze Audio started working on Elite in 2018, and it took 3 years of research and development in order to create a powerful, lifelike and immersive experience with a multisensory character.
- Operation Flow
- The unique design of the frame is definitely the first thing that stands out, but then you are completely captured by how lightweight and comfortable they actually are, thanks to the patent pending suspension wings. When paired with your favorite audio device, Elite delivers a natural sound transparency and a wide, articulate soundstage, which creates an immersive listening experience that compliments most music genres.
- Research
- Meze aimed for perfection in every component, so producing Elite just the way the designer intended and without any compromises was a real challenge. An in-depth research process into material sciences was conducted, which opened the door for new technological advances, in terms of sound and comfort. It took 3 years of developing and testing new technologies, different combinations of materials and various sound tuning options, in order to achieve this final result.
- Inspiration
- At Meze Audio, products are created from pure passion for great aesthetics, good craftsmanship and breakthrough engineering. It is the love for art and design and not a business mindset that drives innovation. With Elite, our goal was to make a headphone without any compromises.
With few exceptions, audio gear is rarely considered a work of art, and design often comes second to performance. Born out of love of sound and artistry, we believe Elite breaks that barrier. - Image Credits
- Meze Audio
- Patents
- Meze Audio
Colors of Elite Headphones
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We craft exceptional headphones that blend timeless design with cutting-edge sound technology. Our award-winning audio products feature precision CNC aluminum frames, innovative comfort systems, and immersive sound quality that transforms how you experience music.
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