Meze Audio 99 CLASSICS (2ND GEN)

A CLASSIC FIT FOR TODAY

Since their release in 2015, the 99 Classics have undeniably left a big impact on the headphone cultural landscape. In this sense, they have become iconic, a symbol.

We initially created them out of a desire to infuse life and passion into what is commonly perceived as technical objects. We view headphones as vessels that contain our love for artistic expression and celebrate individuality.

Ten years later, that vision continues to drive us. As a celebration, the 2nd Generation 99 Classics come with a number of meaningful enhancements, all while preserving the spirit of the original.

SAME ICONIC SILHOUETTE

Everything that made the original headphone an instant classic is still present – the magnetic and inviting sound, the seamless comfort, the use of premium materials, the timeless design aesthetic – it’s all here. However, upon closer inspection and audition, the enhancements become more apparent.

TUNING DIRECTION

The 2nd Gen 99 Classics moves the signature closer to a balanced, neutral target. Bass remains engaging yet slightly more restrained, allowing midrange and treble details to emerge with greater clarity. The result is a more versatile headphone that retains the musical warmth of the original while offering improved overall balance and detail retrieval.

DRIVER MATCHING

A refined matching process, using a mixed cosine function combined with level-adjustment algorithms, reduces inter-driver variance in the mid and high frequencies. The result is improved stereo image stability and a more consistent listening experience across pairs.

INCREASED EAR CUP VOLUME

The internal cup volume has been increased. A larger volume shifts cavity resonances downward and reduces standing-wave interactions, enhancing control in the low-frequency region and aligning with the new tuning goals.

ACOUSTIC SEALING AND BASS PORT

The 2nd Gen introduces precision sealing at all key junctions. This improved sealing enables the use of a dedicated bass vent integrated into the jack shell, providing better control over lower frequencies, improved left–right consistency, and higher unit-to-unit reproducibility.

BAFFLE ARCHITECTURE

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

EAR PAD REDESIGN

The ear pads have been reshaped to adjust and increase the front cavity volume, refining the midrange balance toward the intended target. The attachment system has evolved from a stretch-skirt to a clip-on mechanism, ensuring fixed orientation, reducing variability, and simplifying replacement.

SOUND TECHNICALITIES

The rebalanced tuning, enhanced acoustic consistency, and optimized internal geometry work together to improve stereo imaging and instrument separation, providing a more open and spacious soundstage.

INPUT SOCKET

The input socket has been enlarged to 7 millimeters in diameter. This ensures compatibility with both slim-profile and larger-bodied 3.5 mm shells, welcoming a wider range of cables, including our premium hand-braided copper and silver ones.

HIGH-QUALITY CABLE

The stock cable now uses a dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed OFC conductor. This maintains excellent electrical performance while improving tangle resistance, mechanical durability, and flexibility.

MODERN PORTABILITY

Reflecting today’s usage patterns, a compact USB-C DAC/AMP is now included to ensure optimal performance with modern devices that lack dedicated headphone outputs.

FEATURES & CRAFTSMANSHIP

WALNUT WOOD EAR CUPS

Treasured for its rich, dark color and beautiful grain, walnut wood is strong and durable, yet lightweight. The cups are CNC-machined, then hand-finished, stained, and polished.

SELF-ADJUSTABLE HEADBAND

The vertically self-adjusting vegan leather headband, in combination with a spring steel band with a large active area, delivers a level of comfort that has been praised throughout the headphones industry.

TWO TONALITIES

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.

CAST ZINC HARDWARE

The frame’s metal hardware is crafted
from cast zinc alloy, then electroplated to a delicate matte gold tone.

SUSTAINABLE BY DESIGN

We consider the possible failure points of our headphones from the earliest stages of product development. If we want to slow down replacement cycles and create something to be enjoyed for years, we have to find solutions for anything that could go wrong before it even happens.

And in addition to aiming for a failure proof construction, we designed the 2nd Gen 99 Classics as fully serviceable. Ear cups, headband, cables, or driver, all pieces are replaceable.

Since their release in 2015, the 99 Classics have undeniably left a big impact on the headphone cultural landscape. In this sense, they have become iconic, a symbol. The second generation features a number of meaningful enhancements, while preserving the spirit of the original.

• Sound signature: neutral, balanced. Engaging bass, clear mids and highs, inviting, and non-fatiguing
• 40 mm dynamic drivers
• Built using premium materials – walnut wood, spring steel, cast zinc
  
• Detachable memory foam ear pads with clip-on mechanism
• Dual-twisted, Kevlar-wrapped OFC cable
• Custom 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter with integrated DAC/AMP
• World-class ergonomic design for all-day comfort
• Endless serviceability - every component can be replaced

WHAT COMES WITH YOUR HEADPHONES

1.8 m Twisted OFC 3.5 mm jack

Cable pouch

3.5 mm to USB type C adapter

Hard EVA carrying pouch

Acoustic absorbers

6.3 mm gold-plated jack adapter