Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen

Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen

A unique and modern classic

Launched in 2015, the iconic 99 Classics headphones have undeniably left a significant mark on headphone culture. Meze Audio originally created them out of a desire to infuse life and passion into objects often considered merely technical and ephemeral. At Meze Audio, headphones are seen as instruments that celebrate artistic expression and individuality. Ten years later, this vision continues to drive Meze Audio forward. To celebrate this milestone, the 2nd generation 99 Classics models come with several significant enhancements, yet the new model successfully retains the spirit of the original.

If it's perfect, don't try to change it

Everything that made the original headphones an instant classic remains – the engaging sound, phenomenal comfort, use of premium materials, and timeless design. However, upon closer inspection and listening, the improvements become clearly evident.

10 years, 10 improvements

1. Sonic Balance

The 2nd generation 99 Classics model offers a more balanced and neutral sound. Bass is still engaging but slightly more restrained, allowing midrange and treble details to stand out more clearly. The result is a more versatile headphone that retains the original model's musical warmth while providing better overall balance and detail resolution.

2. Driver Matching

A refined matching process reduces inter-driver variations in the mid and high frequencies. This results in even better stereo image stability and a more consistent listening experience across all pairs.

3. Increased Cup Volume

Larger volume shifts chamber resonances downwards and reduces standing wave interactions, improving low-frequency control and meeting new tuning objectives.

4. Acoustic Sealing and Bass Reflex Port

The 2nd generation model features precise sealing at all critical connection points. The improved sealing allows for the use of a special bass vent integrated into the connector shell, providing better control over low frequencies.

5. Optimized Driver Mounting Plate

The baffle has been redesigned with acoustic transparency in mind. A more open grille and streamlined structural solutions reduce diffraction and acoustic impedance in front of the driver, minimizing high-frequency artifacts.

6. Earpad Improvements

The earpads have been reshaped to adjust and increase the front cavity volume, improving midrange balance to achieve the desired target. A new attachment mechanism ensures a firm fit, enhances reliability, and simplifies replacement.

7. Sound Details

New tuning, improved acoustic consistency, and optimized internal geometry combine to enhance stereo image and instrument separation, creating a more open and spacious soundstage.

8. Improved Connection

The input jack diameter has been increased to 7 millimeters. This ensures compatibility with both thin and thicker 3.5mm plug shells, allowing for a wider range of cables, including high-quality hand-braided copper and silver cables.

9. Cabling

The standard cable now uses a double-twisted, Kevlar-coated OFC wire. This maintains excellent electrical performance while improving the cable's resistance to tangling, mechanical durability, and flexibility.

10. Also for new mobile devices

Reflecting today's usage needs, the headphones come with a compact USB-C DAC amplifier to ensure optimal performance on modern devices without a dedicated headphone jack.

Tradition honored

In other respects, the headphones are familiar Meze Audio at its best. The automatically adjusting headband ensures unparalleled comfort. Meticulously crafted walnut earcups, high-quality metal parts, and durable values ensure the headphones' longevity and the joy of ownership. Meze Audio considers potential points of failure already in the early stages of product development. In addition to durability, the 2nd generation 99 Classics headphones are designed with full serviceability in mind. Earcups, headband, cables, and drivers – all parts can be replaced at a reasonable cost if necessary.