Meze Audio 99 Classics V2 Review: A More Mature, Balanced Classic
Read Time: Approx. 12 min.
From Warm Fun to Balanced Precision Honoring Ten Years of Success
Ten years is an eternity in consumer audio. When Meze Audio first launched the 99 Classics Headphones in 2015, the hi-fi headphone landscape looked dramatically different. Technology was less advanced, designs were simpler, and there were significantly fewer headphone options to choose from. The 99 Classics stood out in the sea of high-end headphones, revered as a comfortable, stylish, and incredibly smooth-sounding can at under $1,000.
Yet here we are in 2025, and Meze has returned with a second generation that honors the original's beloved character while addressing nearly every technical limitation that held it back. The le addressing nearly every technical limitation that held it back. The Meze Audio 99 Classics V2 Headphones carry on the original's legacy with subtle improvements to sound quality and user experience. After spending considerable time with these updated headphones, I can confidently say this is how you do a sequel right. Meze Audio 99 Classics V2 Headphones carry on the original's legacy with subtle improvements to sound quality and user experience. After spending considerable time with these updated headphones, I can confidently say this is how you do a sequel right.
PROS
- Beautiful, distinctive design that's fully serviceable
- Balanced, neutral, detailed sound quality
- Acoustic absorbers allow tonal customization
CONS
- No balanced 4.4mm jack
- More analytical, neutral-sounding than OG
- Neutral sound may disappoint fans of the original's V-shaped signature
Design
The Meze 99 Classics 2nd gen retains the distinctive aesthetic that made the original so sought after. For a decade, we've been buying the 99 Classics with no complaints, and instead of trying to blow us away with a complete redesign, Meze Audio took a step back and probably realized, "Hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and there's a lot to be said about that kind of discipline.
It's rare to find a product that can withstand the ever-changing landscape of hi-fi headphones and maintain its relevance. The number of headphones released in the last decade is unfathomable, and that's not even counting multiple iterations of the same model with virtually no changes in between. So, despite the consumer's evolving tastes and the ten-year gap between the OG 99 Classics and the 2nd generation, Meze Audio chose to continue the legacy of the original instead of starting anew.
Sound quality aside, one of the biggest draws to the OG 99 Classics is the walnut wood ear cups. They're what initially caught my eye when I discovered these cans many moons ago, so I was incredibly thrilled to see them on the 2nd generation. Each pair of 2nd Gen 99 Classics features hand-assembled walnut wood ear cups that are CNC-machined and then hand-finished with a stained polish. The natural grain patterns of these ear cups mean no two pairs are identical, so not only are your headphones handcrafted, they're undoubtedly one-of-a-kind.
Meze Audio continues the use of cast zinc alloy hardware throughout, which contributes to the durable, premium feel of these cans without excessive weight. At 290 grams, they're light enough for extended listening sessions, and trust me, I burned some hours on these bad boys. I'm talking four-hour listening sessions at my desk, hopping around from podcasts to music videos, new album releases, you name it. Not once during those four hours did I feel fatigued. No hot and sweaty ears. No headache or jaw tension. Just pure bliss. And that's consistent with all aspects of the headphone's design, not just weight.
The self-adjusting vegan leather headband is a carryover from the first generation, and it remains one of the most comfortable headband designs I've encountered. The spring steel mechanism provides just the right amount of clamping force, and for anyone tired of adjusting and readjusting their headband for the perfect fit, you'll love the 2nd Generation 99 Classics self-adjusting headband.
Now, for every design consistency, there is an improvement, and one of the most significant improvements to the 2nd Gen 99 Classics is the new clip-in ear pad system. Meze Audio is all about practicality, and while the original's featured removable ear pads, the stretch-skirt attachment could be finicky to work with. So, in the name of innovation, the 2nd generation features a new six-clip-per-pad design for effortless pad swapping. The ear pads themselves are crafted from medium-density foam and soft vegan leather, which is super comfortable and breathable on the ears. But Meze Audio didn't just stop with detachable ear pads; they've included a set of acoustic absorbers, which shift the balance toward a warmer sound signature.
How to Install the Acoustic Absorbers:
For those seeking a sound closer to the original 99 Classics, the 2nd Gen comes with a set of acoustic absorbers, allowing you to shift the balance towards a warmer signature. Simply detach the ear pads from the cups, place the absorbers in the allocated slots on the baffle plate, reattach the ear pads, and enjoy! Attached to this email, you will find a small guide on how to attach the acoustic foam.
Meze Audio includes several thoughtful accessories with the 2nd Generation 99 Classics: A 1.8-meter dual-twisted OFC cable with Kevlar wrapping and a 3.5mm jack, a USB-C DAC/AMP dongle for mobile use, a 6.3mm gold-plated jack adapter, a hard EVA carrying case, a set of acoustic absorbers, and a cable pouch. The USB-C dongle is a nice inclusion that addresses the reality of modern devices lacking headphone jacks. I'm still mad at Apple for that. The cable design has been slightly improved to be more flexible and less prone to tangling; however, I would have appreciated a balanced cable option for those who prefer it. Semantics though. The headphone's input sockets have been enlarged to ensure compatibility with a wider range of cables, such as a Dragon Audio Headphone Cable. This is great for anyone who likes to cable roll.
From the craftsmanship of the walnut wood ear cups to the detachable acoustic absorber pads, Meze Audio has put an incredible amount of thought into the 2nd Generation 99 Classics. Every component of the headphones is fully serviceable and can be replaced. In an era of disposable electronics, Meze Audio's commitment to longevity is commendable.
Sound
The Original Meze Audio 99 Classics Headphones had a warm, V-shaped sound signature with elevated bass and treble. They delivered a sound that's smooth, enjoyable, and bound to please every type of listener, regardless of personal preference. The second generation takes a completely different approach, delivering you a sound quality that's balanced, neutral, and accurate. The bass is still present and satisfying, but it is not as robust as the OG. The midrange takes center stage, with both male and female vocals rendered with appropriate weight and clarity. The treble is smoother and more extended, delivering detail and nuance without the occasional sibilance that every audiophile despises.
In complex orchestral passages, I could easily track individual sections without them bleeding together. Imaging is precise and stable, making these headphones surprisingly effective for gaming and film watching, not just music. I listened to hours of podcasts, YouTube videos, and streamed music on Qobuz–these are truly versatile-sounding headphones.
The tonal balance does sacrifice some of the original's infectious energy and character. If you loved the original precisely because of its colored, fun-sounding signature, you might initially find the new version a bit restrained, but that's where the included acoustic absorbers come in. Installing them behind the pads shifts the balance back toward a warmer, more bass-forward presentation that resembles the original. It's not an exact match, but it's close enough to satisfy nostalgia while still benefiting from the improved technical performance.
Features
The 2nd Generation Meze Audio 99 Classics Headphones feature several improvements in technical performance, which are immediately apparent during listening. Meze credits this to ten specific engineering changes, including increased ear cup internal volume, improved acoustic sealing at all junctions, the addition of a bass port integrated into the jack shell, and a re-engineered baffle with a more open grille design. The result is a more spacious, three-dimensional soundstage and incredible instrument separation for a closed-back headphone.
The wizard behind the curtain, making it all happen, is a pair of 40mm dynamic drivers–the same ones featured in the original 99 Classics but with several enhancements. A refined driver matching process, using a mixed cosine function combined with level adjustment, is used on the drivers. This reduces inter-driver variance in the mid and high frequencies for improved stereo image stability and a more consistent listening experience. The drivers have also been tuned for a balanced, neutral sound signature over the OG's warm, V-shaped sound.
At 103dB SPL per milliwatt, these are sensitive headphones but they'll work just fine with a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer. However, we always recommend pairing audiophile-grade headphones with a dedicated headphone amplifier for the best performance.
Dragon Cables
[Bronze Dragon Headphone Cable]
There are a lot of reasons why you need to make sure your audio cables are not afterthoughts.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Verdict
At $349, the Meze Audio 99 Classics V2 Headphones are the perfect sequel to the beloved original. By shifting from the fun, colored signature of the OG to a more balanced, neutral presentation, Meze Audio has broadened the appeal of these headphones while maintaining the exceptional build quality and comfort that made the original special.
The improvements are genuine and meaningful, not unnecessary and flashy. The increased ear cup volume, enhanced acoustic sealing, and redesigned baffle all contribute to better technical performance and improved comfort. The soundstage is wider, imaging is more precise, and the overall tonal balance of the headphone is more natural. Not to mention the inclusion of acoustic absorbers gives you the option to dial in to some of the original's warmth, which is a clever solution that appeals to both camps.
In an industry saturated with products and ever-changing tastes, Meze Audio is steadfast in its design, craftsmanship, and promise of high-quality sound. Whether you're a returning fan or a first-time buyer, these headphones deserve serious consideration.
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What's in the Box
- 99 Classics
- 1.8m Kevlar OFC 3.5mm jack Cable
- Hard EVA Carry Case
- Cable Pouch
- 6.3mm jack adapter
- 3.5mm to USB Type C Adapter
Specifications
Driver Type: Dynamic
Enclosure: Closed-back
Ear Coupling: Circumaural
Driver Size: 40mm
Frequency Range: 15Hz - 25kHz
Impedance: 16 Ohms
Sensitivity: 103 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
Input Connector: Dual 3.5mm TS Jack
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.1% at 1kHz
Ear Cups: Walnut Wood
Weight: 290g (10.23 oz)
