Next up from Meze Audio are the Rai Penta. I’ve been looking forward to this review. Let’s see what I make of them…

Disclaimer:
I have not been paid by Meze Audio for this review.
The views in this publication are unbiased and my own.
Alexandra and Meze Audio kindly sent this IEM my way to review.
The Rai Penta IEM retails at €1,099 at the time of this review.

You can pick a pair up here:
https://mezeaudio.eu/collections/all/products/rai-penta

Review equipment:
Astell & Kern AK70.
iBasso DX80.
iPhone XS Max.
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+.
FiiO i1 Dongle-DAC.
Audioquest Dragonfly Black.

Music:
Qobuz Studio Premier.
Apple Music.
Various FLAC & other High Res files.

What’s in the box:
• MMCX braided cables made of silver plated copper
custom wires ending in high quality 3.5mm
• Hard Case: protective EVA case with Meze Audio metal logo
• 4 pairs of soft silicone eartips XS, S, M, L
• 1 double flanged eartips
• 2 deep insertion double flanged eartips
• 1 pair of comply foam eartips
• 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter
• airplane 2 pin adapter
• cleaning tool

Spec:
Driver: PENTA-HYBRID DRIVER
(4 x Customized Balanced Armature and 1 x Dynamic
Driver working harmoniously together)
Frequency Range: 4Hz – 45kHz
Impedance: 20Ω
Sensitivity: 100dB SPL/1mW Sensitivity
Max Input Power: 30mW
Distortion: <1%
Stock cables: MMCX connector ending in 3.5mm, Rhodium plated
Upgrade cables: MMCX connector ending in
2.5mm TRRS balanced and 4.4mm balanced as extra accessories
Warranty period: 2 years

Build and finish:
These are the final pair of Meze Audio IEM’s I’ll review for now. That is until they bring out another model.
I remember in my earlier reviews I commented on how much I appreciated Meze’s approach to design, build quality, sound and presentation.
The Rai Penta are the epitomy of IEM design, both in aesthetics and superior sound quality.
I already have the Rai Solo and they are in my top 5 IEM’s. The Penta are another step up the ladder in excellence.
I could wax lyrical here, line after line. But I won’t.
The Meze Audio Rai Penta look, feel, are, exquisite. That’s it.

Comfort:
With the plethora of included tips and the clever design of the Rai Penta, they’re one of the comfiest IEM’s I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.
I can wear these for hour after hour of listening enjoyment without breaking a sweat. Zero discomfort.
Zero fatigue.

Sound:
At this price point you expect something quite special in this catagory, and these IEM’s do not dissappoint.
A wide spacious soundstage with lots of depth and headroom.
Seperation is very, very good.
Mid bass and lower frequencies are a pleasure to listen to, the Penta’s dig deep and punch hard.
Mids are crisp and organic, giving vocals and acoustics a beautifully natural vibe.
Highs are sharp and precise with just the right helping of sparkle, providing enough clarity and pace to put a smile on my face regardless of genre or how long I’ve been listening.

Final thoughts:
€1,099 is a high price point compared to most IEM’s I’ve reviewed.
After several months listening to them, using various sources, DAC’s and amps, and listening to every which genre I could throw at them, and not forgetting the sheer luxury in the craftsmanship and finish, I can say that if you have the budget and are looking for something that extra bit special, then look no further.

Thanks:
Thanks as always to my readers, sponsors and contributors. You all rock!