The second-generation Meze Audio 99 Classics represents the evolution of an already iconic model. True to the Romanian brand’s spirit, it combines natural sound and musicality with meticulous craftsmanship. Its solid walnut earcups reveal a timeless design, while its redesigned drivers and now-included USB-C DAC reflect a carefully considered update. These closed-back headphones bring together refined craftsmanship and contemporary technology for a listening experience that is both warm and built to last.
Craftsmanship built to last
The 99 Classics stands out for its solid walnut earcups, each unique thanks to the wood’s natural grain. CNC-machined and then finished by hand, these earcups take 45 days to make and actively contribute to the headphones’ acoustic signature. The metal frame combines spring steel, zinc and manganese in a design weighing just 260 grams. The self-adjusting headband distributes pressure evenly across the head without manual adjustment, while electroplated cast zinc-alloy inserts secure the connections between components.
The fully screwed-together, glue-free construction reflects an uncompromising commitment to durability. Every component can be replaced individually, making the 99 Classics something that can be passed down. Meze’s “endless” warranty, under which it pledges to supply spare parts for as long as the owner has the headphones, makes that promise of longevity a reality.
Refined drivers for a more natural sound
This second generation features completely redesigned 40 mm dynamic drivers. These precisely matched neodymium/Mylar drivers deliver a more balanced sound signature than the first iteration. The frequency response extends from 15 Hz to 25 kHz with remarkable consistency, with a slightly subdued midrange that avoids any harshness.
The earcups’ internal volume has been optimized to improve passive isolation while preserving a sense of space. The result is a surprisingly wide soundstage for closed-back headphones, with imaging that defies the usual limitations of this type of design. The bass remains full and controlled without spilling into the other frequency ranges.
With an impedance of 32 ohms and sensitivity of 103 dB, the 99 Classics works well with modest sources—a smartphone is enough. Connected to a dedicated amplifier, however, it reveals a surprising capacity to scale, making the most of every improvement in the audio chain.
Comfort designed for marathon listening sessions
The redesigned earpads use medium-density memory foam covered in particularly soft faux leather. This combination provides effective isolation while maintaining even pressure, including for glasses wearers. The self-adjusting headband uses an elastic suspension that naturally conforms to the shape of the head, eliminating localized pressure points.
Passive ventilation limits heat buildup during extended listening. This attention to ergonomic detail, combined with the headphones’ remarkably low weight, allows for hours of listening without discomfort.
Updated connectivity with an included USB-C DAC
The major change in this generation is the inclusion of a USB-C digital-to-analog converter and amplifier. This accessory addresses the disappearance of headphone jacks from modern smartphones while noticeably improving audio quality.
What the press says
Upon listening, first impressions of these Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen headphones are unquestionably positive. It would seem that the main flaws of the original model have, for the most part, been reduced or eliminated. The sound reproduction is pleasing, enjoyable even over long hours of use. The frequency response is well balanced, never too much or too little.[...] The only slight drawback concerns the very centered stereo image. Due to their closed earcups, these headphones offer a narrower soundstage than our reference model.[...] The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen delivers majestic sound reproduction for its category.[...] They are very seriously designed and optimized semi-portable hi-fi headphones. Their elegance and the care devoted to their finish are on par with their sound reproduction, which is well balanced, precise, transparent, and highly enjoyable.
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
À l'écoute, les premières impressions concernant ce casque Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen sont sans conteste positives. Il semblerait que les principaux défauts du modèle originel aient été, pour la plupart, atténués ou gommés. La restitution est plaisante, agréable même sur de longues heures d'utilisation. La réponse en fréquences est bien équilibrée, jamais dans le trop ou le trop peu.[...] Le seul petit bémol concerne l'image stéréophonique très centrée. Du fait de ses oreillettes fermées, ce casque offre une scène sonore moins large que notre modèle de référence.[...] Le Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen délivre une restitution royale pour sa catégorie.[...] C'est un casque Hifi semi-nomade très sérieusement conçu et optimisé. Son élégance et le soin apporté à sa finition sont à la hauteur de sa restitution sonore, bien équilibrée, précise, transparente et fort agréable.
Neutral and balanced sound signature with deep bass, clear midrange and precise treble
Drivers and Acoustics
40 mm matched dynamic drivers for superior sound reproduction
Solid walnut wood earcups optimized for natural passive isolation
Closed-back over-ear design
Design and Ergonomics
Closed-back over-ear headphones for extended comfort
Detachable memory foam ear cushions
Self-adjusting headband for optimal fit
Ergonomic design engineered for long-wearing comfort
CNC-machined solid walnut earcups
Die-cast zinc alloy inserts for durability and aesthetics
Premium materials selected for their acoustic and aesthetic qualities
Modular design for easy component replacement
Optimized for long service life and simplified maintenance
Connectivity and Digital Audio
USB-C digital-to-analog converter / amplifier included for compatibility with modern smartphones
Input connector: USB-C / output: 3.5 mm mini-jack
Compatible with 24-bit / 384 kHz pulse-code modulation
Not compatible with Direct Stream Digital
Cables and Connectors
Oxygen-free copper twisted-pair cable with Kevlar sheath, 1.8 m length
Gold-plated 3.5 mm mini-jack plugs
Detachable dual output
Gold-plated 6.3 mm adapter plug included
Physical Specifications
Dimensions: 185 × 205 × 95 mm
Weight without cable: 260 g
Included Accessories
Ethylene vinyl acetate carrying case
Cable pouch
1.8 m dual output cable
Gold-plated 6.3 mm adapter plug
Custom 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter
Frequently asked questions
Can the headphone be used directly with a recent iPhone without a headphone jack?
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Yes, thanks to the USB-C DAC/amplifier converter included with this second generation. This accessory connects to the Lightning port via an adapter (not included) or directly to the USB-C port of iPhone 15 models and later, offering audio quality superior to standard dongles.
What concrete difference between the walnut/gold and walnut/silver finishes?
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Beyond the color of the metal accents (gold or silver), both versions are strictly identical in terms of audio components and sonic signature. The choice is purely a matter of personal aesthetic preferences. Both finishes use the same solid walnut with its unique natural variations.
Are the earpads suitable for people with large ears?
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The size L earpads supplied as standard offer generous internal space that suits the majority of morphologies. For particularly large or sensitive ears, some users report slight contact with the internal foam. Meze offers alternative earpads, and many compatible third-party models exist on the market.
Does the headphone require a dedicated amplifier to function properly?
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No, with its 32 ohms impedance and high sensitivity of 103 dB, the 99 Classics works perfectly with any source, smartphone included. A quality amplifier will however improve bass control, overall dynamics and soundstage precision, without being essential.
User reviews
Joël
Very well-built and stylish headphones. For extended listening sessions, the headband system does not put excessive pressure on the ears. For closed-back headphones, the sense of space is good. The highs are precise and non-fatiguing, but the mids lack a little clarity and definition when more instruments come in. Vocals can nevertheless be reproduced very well in simpler arrangements, particularly on acoustic recordings. The bass lacks a little presence, but I know this is a particularly difficult hurdle for many headphones to overcome. One last thing, foam discs that alter the clarity and enhance the perception of bass are supposedly supplied with the 99 v2 . They were missing from the unit I received.
Comment from 1 November 2026 — Experience from 26 June 2026
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Casque très bien construit et élégant. Pour les écoutes prolongée, le système d'arceau ne crée pas de pression excessive sur les oreilles.
Pour un casque fermé, l'impression d'espace est bonne. Les aigus sont précis et sans agressivité, les médiums manquent en revanche d'un peu de clarté et de definition dès lors que les instruments se multiplient.
Les voix peuvent néanmoins être très bien rendues dans des situations plus simples, en particulier sur les enregistrements acoustiques. Les basses manquent un peu de présence, mais je sais que c'est un obstacle particulièrement difficile à franchir pour de nombreux casques.
Dernière choses, des disques de mousses modifiant la clarté et renforcer la perception des basses sont théoriquement livrées avec le 99 v2 . Elles étaient absentes sur l'exemplaire qui m'a été livré.
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