Pros
- Rich, profound low end
- Stunning looks
- Incredible over-ear comfort
Cons
- Low input impedance can lead to distortion
- Headband transmits noise readily
- Narrow soundstage at times
Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen: Overview
The Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen are visually striking headphones, featuring walnut earcups. They represent a significant upgrade over their predecessors and stand out among entry-level listening headphones.
Improvements in earcup and baffle design contribute to enhanced bass control, delivering a powerful yet refined low end. High frequencies are clear without being harsh, and vocals are presented with impressive clarity. These 2nd Gen headphones perform well with most audio sources, excelling particularly with vinyl.
Despite their great sound, a noticeable scooped midrange and a tendency to distort at high volumes – a consequence of their low impedance designed for broad compatibility – suggest their aesthetics might slightly surpass their audio performance. However, this does not diminish their overall sound quality, which remains excellent, while their appearance is truly phenomenal.
Meze’s dedication to this over-ear headphone series is evident, prioritizing listener experience over mere profit. The design principles are highly user-focused, making them appealing despite minor issues like a resonant headband that can sometimes affect the listening experience.
These headphones offer excellent build quality, user-friendly part replaceability, and a sound versatility often missing in more affordable options. They are a strong choice and rank among the best wired headphones on the market.
Price & Release Date
- Released October 29, 2025
- Priced $349 / £319 / AU$649
The 99 Classics 2nd Gen are an updated version of Meze’s original 99 Classics over-ear headphones, launched ten years after the first model. These new headphones incorporate several listener-focused enhancements, building on the strong reputation of the line.
Positioned at a more accessible price point within Meze’s range, at $349 / £319 / AU$649, they offer sophisticated design and sound quality below the brand’s mid-range offerings like the 105 Silvas. While this price may be considered high for wired headphones generally, especially outside of high-end audiophile equipment, the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen present a highly attractive option given their features and performance.
Specifications
- Type: Wired over-ear, closed-back
- Drivers: 40mm dynamic
- Weight: 290g
- Connectivity: Dual 3.5mm TS output
- Frequency response: 15Hz – 25kHz
- Impedance: 16 ohms
- Extras: Dual-TS to 3.5mm TRS cable, 3.5mm-to-6.35mm TRS adapter, USB-C DAC/AMP dongle, carry case
Features
- Wired over-ear design with dual 3.5mm TS inputs
- 16 ohm input impedance for broad device compatibility
- Subtle design tweaks for improved balance and performance
The Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen maintain the wired, closed-back design and distinctive aesthetic of the original model. However, this second generation introduces several performance-enhancing modifications.
Notable improvements include larger earcups, which contribute to better low-end control. This change, along with a new bass port in each earcup, aims for a more balanced overall frequency response. Minor adjustments to the internal shape and construction of the earcups also result in a wider soundstage.
The drivers now feature an ultra-low 16 ohm impedance, a reduction from the original 32 ohms. This makes the headphones highly compatible with modern devices like laptops and smartphones, eliminating the need for dedicated hi-fi amps. While this versatility is a significant advantage, the low impedance can sometimes lead to distortion at higher volumes.
The hard case in which these headphones are delivered is trustworthy enough, with a water-resistant inverted zip and some comforting rigidity. Within this case is another, smaller, soft, cylindrical affair, into which the 99 Classics 2nd Gens’ cable and accessories safely nestle.
The 99 Classics 2nd Gen come not just with the requisite wiring, but nice requisite wiring in the form of a hefty, braided dual-core cable. There’s also a 3.5mm-6.35mm jack adapter for mating with traditional home hi-fi equipment, and a new USB-C DAC/AMP dongle, so you can plug into smarter, non-jack-plug-toting devices (i.e.: your phone, tablet or analog-challenged new computer).
Sound Quality
- Rich, profound low end and smooth highs
- A balance is required between volume, soundstage, and saturation
- Excellent passive sound isolation
Meze has expertly crafted the low-end response of the 99 Classics 2nd Gen. The closed-back design, combined with ported earcups, delivers a controlled and impactful bass. Tracks like Domenique Dumont’s Amants ennemis showcase a full, rich bass complemented by intricate guitar work.
Similarly, Snapped Ankles’ Smart World highlights the headphones’ ability to render deep bass, energetic drumming, and clear, Numan-esque vocals, demonstrating their strength in the upper-mid ranges. The included USB-C DAC/amp dongle maintains audio transparency, with no noticeable difference in sound quality when tested with the same songs.
A slight hollowness in the midrange can be observed, particularly affecting guitar-heavy tracks such as Queens of the Stone Age’s Everybody Knows That You’re Insane and Foo Fighters’ Good Grief, potentially diminishing their driving energy. This characteristic is more apparent at lower listening volumes and primarily with rock genres.
The soundstage can sometimes feel somewhat narrow, resembling a corridor on tracks typically known for their expansive feel, like Amant ennemis. Increasing the volume can alleviate this, but pushing the headphones too hard may lead to a crowded soundstage and occasional distortion due to the low impedance drivers. Achieving optimal sound requires careful volume management.
This balancing act, along with the scooped mids, becomes less obvious when listening to vinyl records, which tend to offer a smoother audio experience. Alabaster DePlume’s GOLD, for instance, sounds delightful, with dense bassy voices, plucked double-basses, and rich saxophones. Tracks like A Gente Acaba (Vento Em Rosa) exhibit profound brilliance, while The World Is Mine presents a compelling blend of staccato instrumentation and spoken word. However, at higher volumes, some oversaturation of voices can occur, as heard in The Sound of My Feet on This Earth…, reinforcing the need for careful volume adjustment.
Overall, the 99 Classics 2nd Gen perform well with vinyl, even for rock music. Land of Talk’s Applause Cheer Boo Hiss is a brighter record than anything QOTSA have made, and scrappy to boot, but still a thrilling joy in these headphones. This is a function of some sharp transients, smooth high end and that excellent vocal-forward representation.
An experiential aspect worth noting is the headband’s resonant nature. Its minimalist design can transmit noise from minor bumps, rubs, taps, or head movements. Even light handling of the wires near the earcups can trigger a ringing sound. While this ringing typically does not interfere with listening at moderate volumes, significant movements or cable friction can introduce unwanted “plunks” into the audio.
Despite this, the passive sound isolation provided by the 2nd Gens is exceptional. Even at slightly elevated volumes, external sounds are significantly mitigated, creating an immersive listening environment where it is easy to lose track of surroundings.
Design
- Beautiful walnut earcups
- Minimalist and appealing design
- All parts are replaceable
The original Meze Audio 99 Classics were renowned for their striking design, featuring wood and brass elements that stood out against a market dominated by metal and plastic. The use of genuine walnut earcups on an accessible, high-quality over-ear headphone model immediately signaled something special.
The 2nd Gen 99 Classics largely preserve this iconic aesthetic. The larger earcup design, intended for improved bass control, also provides an increased surface area of the distinct walnut finish, beautifully contrasted by electroplated zinc hardware.
Comfort is a highlight, with a self-adjusting headband similar to that found on Meze’s 105 AER. The spacious ear cushions provide an excellent fit, offering a comfortable experience for extended listening sessions.
Regarding usability, the TS connection points on each earcup are notably firm, ensuring a secure wired connection that prevents accidental disconnections. This robust connection inspires confidence during use.
However, a drawback in the design is the resonant headband. Its minimalist structure can easily transmit noise from minor impacts or even light handling of the cables near the earcups, creating an audible ringing. While users can mitigate this by avoiding bumps, a simple dampening solution from Meze could have addressed this issue more effectively.
A significant design advantage is Meze’s commitment to replaceability. The 99 Classics 2nd Gen are constructed so that individual parts can be easily swapped out, extending the lifespan of the headphones and offering long-term value to the owner.
Value
- Excellent value considering the design and features
- The resonant headband remains a minor concern
- A highly versatile option for serious listening
Considering their price point of $349 / £319 / AU$649, the 99 Classics 2nd Gen offer significant value, positioning them as one of the most versatile wired headphones available. While this investment is substantial for headphones, the features justify the cost.
Many versatile wired headphones often compromise on build quality, sound fidelity, or comfort. The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen, however, largely avoid such compromises.
While the low impedance and potential for distortion at very high volumes are points of contention, these are minor drawbacks when weighed against the headphones’ exceptional comfort, impressive low-end control and broad genre versatility. The inclusion of a USB-C dongle further enhances their adaptability, and the robust carry case adds to their overall practicality.
Ultimately, the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen represent a worthwhile investment, combining remarkable design and a well-considered evolution from their predecessors.
Should You Buy the Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen?
The Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen are an excellent choice for those who appreciate visually stunning headphones with a rich, versatile sound profile. Their low impedance makes them compatible with a wide range of devices, from smartphones to laptops, making them suitable for diverse listening habits.
However, if you exclusively use Bluetooth headphones, these wired cans may not be for you. Additionally, audiophiles seeking to maximize the performance of a high-end hi-fi headphone amplifier might find the 16-ohm impedance less ideal for their specific setup, as it’s designed more for broad device compatibility than for driving high-power amps.
Also Consider
If the Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen aren’t quite what you’re looking for, consider these alternatives:
- FiiO FT13: These closed-back, wood-cupped headphones from FiiO offer impressive value. They feature low impedance like the Meze, but come with larger 60mm drivers and premium cable connectivity, making them a strong budget-friendly option. Read the FiiO FT13 review for more details.
- Sennheiser HD-660S2: Another second-generation wired headphone, the Sennheiser HD-660S2 are high-impedance, open-back headphones. They are an excellent choice for home listening, especially if you have a dedicated hi-fi setup. See the Sennheiser HD-660S2 review for the full story.
How the Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen Were Tested
- Tested for 3 weeks
- Used as primary listening headphones at home
- Tested with streaming and digital files via a Universal Audio Volt 4 audio interface and a HP laptop’s USB-C port; also tested with vinyl records through a Vestax mixer
The Meze Audio 99 Classics Gen 2 underwent three weeks of testing as primary listening headphones for both work and leisure.
Testing primarily occurred in an office setting, with audio sourced from Spotify and a digital music library through a Universal Audio Volt 4 audio interface. Time was also dedicated to listening via the included USB-C DAC/amp, connected to a laptop’s USB-C port.
Additionally, the headphones were used with a living room vinyl setup, connected through a Vestax PCV-275 turntable mixer.
