MEZE AUDIO | 99 Classics Walnut Silver | Wooden Closed-Back Headphones for Audiophiles | Gaming | Podcasts | Home Office | Wired Over-Ear Headphones with Mic and Self Adjustable Headband

I’m rarely surprised by headphones. If anything, most of the time I am slightly let down, I think a headphone is going to sound great, but it then disappoints.With the Meze 99 Classics, it was the complete opposite; I thought they were just going to be another pretty face, a headphone focusing more on looks than sound, but I was SO wrong, so VERY wrong. The Meze 99 is now one of my favorite headphones. I‘m blown away by so many aspects of the 99, let me share those with you.*Accessories*The hard case itself is just awesome, as it is solid and understandingly handsome. Inside the case you will find the 99 Classics sitting snug and safe along with another small, softer case for the cables. It is a fully function and well laid out design.*Build*Over the top, beautiful; that is how I describe the Meze 99 Classics. It is truly an elegant and tough built headphone. This is a headphone that exquisite blends wood and metal. You can tell Meze used very high end materials for this build, that include: “CNC carved wood ear cups, cast zinc alloy hardware with electroplated coating, stamped manganese spring steel headband, memory foam and soft PU leather”.What caught my attention are the two braided cables. One shorter with a microphone and one much longer without a mic (forgive me; I do not have exact lengths of each cable at this time). Both cables are quite beautiful and have a very premium feel.Now, while I am more of a Function over form kind of guy, I feel like as long as it sounds good, it can also look this good. I just hate when companies care about looks and catch phrases over actual sound substance. With the Meze, there is no need to worry in any of those departments though.*Fit*These are clearly an over ear headphone. Comfort and distance around the ears is very good. The only issue some might have is the pads getting a little warm with extended use, though I do love how soft the PU leather is, it is like a pillow around the ear.The headband is very similar to the AKG K 240, with the headphone automatically adjusting to your head with some cleverly placed elastic materials. I wish more headphones were like this as it allows for a perfect and quick fit.*Sound*Bass – Does play a prominent role in the Meze 99 Classics sound signature. There is a lot of warmth and fullness down low. While I would say for the most part the bass stays controlled, it can wander a tad out of hand here and there. Sub-bass kick is wonderful, a lot of force with its bite.Mids – I have a soft spot for the 99’s mids. They are just north of neutral, while also being dynamic and detailed. I think this is why I like these headphones so much, the middle is a great place to be. A lot of speed, action and clarity resonate from here; this is where the magic happens.Highs – While the Meze 99 Classics don’t extend too high, I never feel a loss of detail. A slightly early roll off leads to a smoothness and sophistication not often heard with many other headphones I have heard recently.Isolation – Due to the easy fit and soft leather pads, the Meze 99 Classics can form quite a nice seal. That seal in return leads to a really nice isolating headphone. I just had my friend try these out a few minute ago while I was writing this, he was really impress how well these headphones block off noise. He thought they were even noise canceling, until I quickly corrected him.Soundstage – Here I found the biggest surprise the 99 Classics had to offer, a huge, well-tuned soundstage. It is so wide, yet instrument separation stays so crisp and organized. I honestly can figure out how Meze got this broad feeling from a closed, well isolating headphone, it is remarkable.*Overall Thoughts*As I you will have concluded from my review, I really like the Meze 99 Classics. I think they are extremely fun and energetic, making them an obvious guilty pleasure for me. They are analytical in their approach, yet still stay away from the label of monitoring. They look incredible and have the personality to back it up.I’ve reviewed over 30+ headphones this year alone and the Meze is a bright spot among them. A surprise I honestly did not see coming. The 99 Classics is truly a great overall headphone for those looking for a warm, entertaining and detailed musical experience.~All photos for this review were taken by me~

Meze has a solid performer in the Classic 99’s. I’ve worn them for hours and they are comfortable even on my 8 1/4 hat size cranium.Headphone sound reproduction analysis is a subjective topic. For me, the Meze phones are warm with good bass, distinct tonal separation and a comfortable high end that lacks shrillness.The Meze 99’s are physically “noise cancelling” because they are sealed over the ear models, not open headphones like many of the GradoHeadphones.They do NOT have specific noise canceling technology but they are far quieter than any noise canceling headphones I currently own including Bluetooth noise canceling earbuds.The Meze 99 phones come with a two cords. A shorter cord for phone and general audio use and a longer cord that lacks the integrated phone functionality.The build quality and overall appearance are superb. The walnut exterior is as warm as the tonal qualities.I use a circa 2006 McIntosh MVP-861 CD player with an IFi Zen Air Can MZ-99 headphone amp that is purpose built for these Meze 99 phones and adds to the balance and warmth of the Meze 99’s.I bought the Meze 99’s refurbed and they were a great value and looked brand new on arrival. That reduced the list price by more than 1/3 making the Meze 99’s as good a value as they are a headphone.The Meze 99’s are ideal for a weekend or rainy day listening session. I’ve grown to like them very quickly and see no “cons”, especially when purchased refurbished. Hope that helps!PS - I had an issue with one of the short headphone cords, it was cutting in and out. I contacted the seller, Audio Exchange, and they quickly sent me a new cable. Outstanding service!

The build style of these suits my eye nicely, different than anything I've had before. The build does feel a little weak, I'll hope they hold up well, but they look very nice. Headband for my obscenely oversized melon adjusts just enough thank god & sits very lightly and comfortably. Pads can get warm, I have to air out every 20-30 minutes. Headphones come with two sets of cables, I'm not up to speed on the connector type names, but with two connection types & an adaptor, it's very likely they come with what you need & won't need an additional purchase. No balanced connection though, but for this price that's just not an option. Comes nicely packed and with a fairly hard sided case. Impressed with that as well.As for sound, holy mighty lord. I was shocked with the sound, you'd think these were $1k+ headphones. Very easy to power them compared to my Focal Clears. The mids & highs are unbeatable. I'm not pulling your leg, mids & highs cannot be beat, & again, this price? Wow. Bass is loud & full. Only drawback I can put on these is the bass though. It's muddy, lacks detail for sure & you'll notice that right away. I EQ my phones & I've had to pull back the bass just because of the muddiness. I love me my bass but when it's this muddy, I conceded & had to pull it back. However, pulling the bass back just leaves the sound amazing, you will appreciate it very much if you're pushing them with a good source. I use a Topping DAC & amp, eq'd with a Schitt. I might explore, experiment with different cables with hopes of clearing up the bass somehow, maybe a burn in will help as well. If successful, these will beat my Focal Clears by a mile.For audiophiles, I'd say the soundstage is rather narrow & closed in. Typical of closed backs I know. I actually prefer that sound myself. Separation is easily noticeable though.. If you're looking for a cheap, great value addition to your collection like I was, these are it. I'd venture to guess EQ'ing them is probably a need, you'll want the ability to adjust the damned bass.