Headphones Closed Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen

Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen – closed-back dynamic headphones with walnut earcups and a reworked acoustic architecture

The 2nd generation of the Meze 99 Classics is a closed-back dynamic headphone with 40 mm drivers and walnut wood earcups, building on the 2015 original and shifting its tuning closer to a balanced, neutral target. The bass remains full-blooded, yet is held slightly more in check, freeing up space for midrange and treble clarity. A 16 Ω impedance and 103 dB SPL/mW sensitivity at 1 kHz make these headphones easy to drive even from mobile devices, while a frequency range of 15 Hz – 25 kHz and distortion below 0.1 % at 1 kHz define their technical framework.

The design changes focus on the acoustics of the internal volume. The enlarged cup volume moves cavity resonances lower and limits standing-wave interactions, contributing to control in the bass region. Precise sealing of all key joints has been added, which made it possible to implement a dedicated bass vent integrated into the connector body. The reworked driver baffle with a more open grille and slimmed-down support ribs reduces diffraction and acoustic impedance in front of the driver, suppressing artefacts in the upper bands. The earpads have a new shape with increased front volume and, instead of a stretched sleeve, use a clip-on attachment with fixed orientation and easier replacement.

Each pair of drivers goes through a refined matching process using a blended cosine function and level-adjustment algorithms, which reduces variance in the mid and high frequencies. The result is a more stable stereo image, more precise instrument localisation and more consistent results from unit to unit. The rebalanced tuning together with the optimised internal geometry leads to a more open, more spacious soundstage with better instrument separation. For listeners who prefer the original character, the package includes a set of acoustic absorbers that shifts the presentation towards a warmer signature.

Connection is handled by a pair of 3.5 mm TS connectors, with the input socket enlarged to a 7 mm diameter for compatibility with a wider range of cables, including hand-braided copper and silver ones. The supplied cable features a double-twisted OFC conductor in Kevlar braiding, improving both mechanical durability and flexibility. The package also includes a compact USB-C DAC/amplifier for devices without a headphone output. The frame is made of cast zinc alloy with a matte gold electroplated finish and a self-adjusting headband system with spring steel; a weight of 290 g and full serviceability – replaceable cups, headband, cables and driver – underline its long lifespan. The wood is air-dried, the cups are CNC-machined and hand-finished, with sanding, lacquering and finalisation taking more than 45 days.

Key features

• Driver: Dynamic 40 mm driver, 16 Ω, 103 dB SPL/mW
• Acoustics: Enlarged cup volume and bass vent in the connector
• Baffle: More open grille with lower diffraction
• Accessories: USB-C DAC/AMP, Kevlar OFC cable, absorbers
• Build: Walnut cups, cast zinc, fully serviceable