A decade after their debut, the Meze Audio 99 Classics headphones have been reborn with the launch of a second generation, which should appeal to long-time fans of Meze’s headphones and will introduce the 99 Classics to a whole new generation of music lovers.
This new generation of the Meze 99 Classics has the same instantly recognizable silhouette with its unique and handcrafted finish. This latest iteration also includes 10 new refinements, which include more versatile tuning, improved acoustical engineering and fully recyclable packaging.
The new Meze Audio 99 Classics have a tuning that’s a step closer to a more balanced and neutral acoustic profile. The Meza Audio classic bass sound is still there, but now it exercises a little more control that allows the mids and treble to come through with a bit more clarity.
Better Matched Drivers
Advanced algorithms have been used to reduce the variation in driver performance. The result, claims Meze, is improved stereo imaging and a more consistent performance across pairs. The ear cups have also been enlarged, resulting in a subtle shift in resonances. The ear cups also have improved acoustic sealing and include a bass port. Precision sealing at key junctions, paired with a dedicated vent in the jack shell, deliver a tuning that’s even more precise.
Meze says it has re-engineered the baffle architecture of the headphones with a more open grille and streamlined beams that reduce diffraction and high-frequency artefacts. The ear pads have been redesigned with an adjusted shape for a refined balance in the midrange. A secure clip-in system for the ear pads maintains their fixed orientation for a more consistent frequency response plus ut makes the pads easier to replace.
Other improvements include more precise spatial presentation with clearer imaging, separation and soundstage. The input socket has been widened and now has a diameter of 7mm. This means a wider range of custom cables can now be used with the headphones.
Improved Cable Quality
Speaking of cables, the 99 Classics now come with a 1.8m, dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed OFC cable terminated with a 3.5 mm stereo jack. And for those who like to stream Hi-Res digital music, the 99 Classics headphones also come with a USB-C DAC/AMP dongle and a 6.3 mm gold-plated headphone adapter.
The new 99 Classics are defined by craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each pair has walnut wood ear cups that are CNC-machined before being hand-finished and polished to showcase the natural color and grain of the wood. The frame has cast zinc hardware which is finished off with deep gold fittings.
Comfort has always been a hallmark of the Meze 99 Classics ever since the headphones were launched in 2015. The design still have the same self-adjusting headband made from vegan leather which is supported by spring steel for a comfortable fit. The detachable ear pads are also made from soft vegan leather and filled with medium-density foam. A secure clip-in system using six points makes the ear pads easier to replace, but also boosts the acoustic performance.
Every component on these updated headphones — from the drivers to the cables, headband and cups — can be replaced, extending the lifespan of the 99 Classics. Also, the headphones now ship in recyclable cardboard packaging free of plastic and foam, reducing waste and lowering the environmental impact.
Pricing and Availability:
The Meze Audio 2nd Generation 99 Classics headphones will be available to buy from October 29, 2025, via mezeaudio.com, mezeaudio.eu and selected retailers worldwide. The retail price is $349 / €349.
Tech Specs:
- Driver: Dynamic.
- Driver size: 40mm.
- Frequency range: 15Hz – 25kHz.
- Impedance: 16Ω.
- Sensitivity: 103dB SPL/mW @ 1 kHz.
- Input connector: Dual 3.5 mm TS jack.
- Total harmonic distortion: <0.1% at 1kHz.
- Ear cups: Walnut wood.
- Weight: 290g / 10.23oz.