Meze Audio 99 Classics walnut + gold

The Meze Audio 99 Classics stands out as a closed-back, circumaural headphone that combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology. With its genuine walnut wood ear cups and fully dismountable architecture, this Romanian model distinguishes itself through a design approach focused on durability. Equipped with 40 mm dynamic drivers and a 32 Ω impedance, it is equally suited to portable sources and sophisticated hi-fi systems.

Design and Construction: The Art of Noble Assembly

The 99 Classics features a timeless aesthetic with genuine walnut ear cups, each displaying unique natural wood grain. Every pair showcases different wood patterns, giving each unit its own character. Gold or silver metallic accents complement the warm tone of the wood.

The structure is built on a headband made from a steel, zinc, and manganese alloy, ensuring rigidity and longevity. This frame supports a self-adjusting suspension system that naturally adapts to any head shape. Memory foam cushions, covered in synthetic leather, comfortably surround the ears.

A remarkable feature is the fully screwed assembly, with no glue used. This design makes maintenance easy and allows each component to be replaced individually. The cabling system uses a dual-sided connection with dedicated 3.5 mm mini-jacks for each ear cup.

Acoustic Features: Musicality Above All

The 40 mm dynamic drivers incorporate Mylar diaphragms paired with neodymium magnets. This combination delivers an extended sound spectrum covering the 15 Hz – 25 kHz range with a sensitivity of 103 dB.

The sound profile emphasizes musicality and emotional engagement. The bass is impactful and agile, providing faithful reproduction without ever overpowering the rest. The mids, slightly set back, strike a judicious balance that highlights vocals without causing listening fatigue.

The soundstage, particularly generous for a closed-back headphone, creates a sense of space that rivals some open-back models, along with excellent instrument separation.

Practical Use: Versatility in the Service of Music

The 99 Classics adapts remarkably well to a variety of sources. Its moderate impedance and high sensitivity allow for optimal use with smartphones, tablets, and laptops without the need for additional amplification.

The package includes two separate cables: a 1.20 m model with a microphone for portable use, and a 3 m cable for stationary setups. The supplied hard case effectively protects the headphones during travel.

Weighing just 260 g, the 99 Classics remains comfortable even during long listening sessions. The closed-back design ensures effective passive isolation from ambient noise.

Technical Specifications

Acoustic Design

• Headphone type: Closed-back, circumaural
• Transducer type: Dynamic with neodymium magnet, Mylar diaphragm
• Transducer diameter: 40 mm

Audio Performance

• Frequency response: 15 Hz - 25 kHz
• Sensitivity: 103 dB / mW at 1 kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Power handling:
  • Nominal: 30 mW
  • Maximum: 50 mW

Construction

• Self-adjusting headband
• Headband made of steel, zinc, and manganese alloy
• Natural wood ear cups
• Mechanical assembly with screws (no glue)

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 170 × 205 × 85 mm
• Weight: 260 g

Included Accessories

• Hard carrying case
• 1.20 m cable with microphone
• Standard 3 m cable with 3.5 mm mini-jack to 6.35 mm jack adapter
• Airplane adapter