Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen | Closed-Back Dynamic Headphones

The new 2nd Generation Headphone Keeps the instantly recognizable silhouette and handcrafted character, but introduces 10 meaningful refinements 40mm dynamic driver Neutral, balanced sound signature Built using premium materials - walnut wood, spring steel, and cast zinc World-class ergonomic design for all-day comfort Includes dual-twisted Kevlar-wrapped OFC cable Bloom's Take The 99 Classics V2 retains the iconic wood‑cup look and plush suspension of the original, but shifts its focus from bass‑emphasis to a cleaner, more balanced tuning.   Built with Meze’s familiar comfort and style, it introduces a new clip‑in earpad system and broader jack compatibility, giving the V2 a subtle but meaningful engineering upgrade.   Sonically, the V2 pulls back the sub‑bass heft, fills in the mids, and extends the treble with a clarity the original lacked.  The result is a headphone that still offers warmth and musicality but now delivers sharper detail, a more spacious stage and improved imaging, especially with the acoustic absorber switched off for that fresh “audiophile‑tuned” feel.   If you loved the original Meze look and comfort but found its sound a bit too indulgent, the 99 Classics V2 presents a strong next step: familiar build, elevated performance, and a tonally refined voice that bridges everyday listening with actual reference‑grade ambition Read our full review. A Classic Fit for Today Since their release in 2015, the 99 Classics have undeniably left a big impact on the headphone cultural landscape. In this sense, they have become iconic, a symbol. Meze initially created them out of a desire to infuse life and passion into what is commonly perceived as technical objects.  Ten years later, that vision continues to drive Meze. As a celebration, the 2nd Gen 99 Classics come with a number of meaningful enhancements, all the while preserving the spirit of the original. Same Iconic Silhouette Everything that made the original headphone an instant classic is still present – the magnetic and inviting sound, the seamless comfort, the use of premium materials, the timeless design aesthetic – it’s all here. However, upon closer inspection and audition, the differences become more apparent.  10 Years, 10 Improvements Tuning Direction The 2nd Gen 99 Classics moves the signature closer to a balanced, neutral target. Bass remains engaging yet slightly more restrained, allowing midrange and treble details to emerge with greater clarity. The result is a more versatile headphone that retains the musical warmth of the original while offering improved overall balance and detail retrieval.  Driver Matching A refined matching process, using a mixed cosine function combined with level-adjustment algorithms, reduces inter-driver variance in the mid and high frequencies. The result is improved stereo image stability and a more consistent listening experience across pairs.  Acoustic Sealing and Bass Port While the original 99 Classics already provided impactful bass, the 2nd Gen introduces precision sealing at all key junctions. This improved sealing allows the use of a dedicated bass vent integrated into the jack shell, providing more precise tuning, improved left–right consistency, and higher unit-to-unit reproducibility.  Ear Cup Volume The internal cup volume has been subtly increased. A larger volume shifts cavity resonances downward and reduces standing-wave interactions, enhancing control in the low-frequency region and aligning with the new tuning goals.  Baffle Architecture The baffle has been re-engineered with acoustic transparency in mind. A more open grille and streamlined structural beams reduce diffraction and acoustic impedance in front of the driver, minimizing high-frequency artifacts.  Ear Pad Redesign The ear pads have been reshaped to adjust the front cavity volume, refining the midrange balance toward the intended target. The attachment system has evolved from a stretch-skirt to a clip-in mechanism, ensuring fixed orientation, reducing variability, and simplifying replacement for the user.  Sound Technicalities The rebalanced tuning, enhanced acoustic consistency, and optimized internal geometry work together to improve stereo imaging and instrument separation, while also providing a more open and spacious soundstage.  Input Socket The input socket shell has been enlarged to 7 millimeters in diameter. The larger shell maintains secure connection integrity while ensuring compatibility with both slim-profile and larger-bodied 3.5 mm plugs. This ensures compatibility with a wider range of cables, including our premium hand-braided copper and silver ones.  High-Quality Cable The stock cable now uses a dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed OFC conductor. This maintains excellent electrical performance while improving tangle resistance, mechanical durability, and flexibility.  Modern Portability Reflecting today’s usage patterns, a compact USB-C DAC/AMP is now included to ensure optimal performance with modern devices that lack dedicated headphone outputs.  Two Tonalities For those seeking a sound closer to the original 99 Classics, the 2nd Gen comes with a set of acoustic absorbers, allowing you to shift the balance towards a warmer signature. Simply detach the ear pads from the cups, place the absorbers in the allocated slots on the baffle plate, reattach the ear pads, and enjoy!  Sustainable By Design The 2nd Gen 99 Classics are fully serviceable. Ear cups, headband, cables, or driver, all pieces are replaceable.  Specifications Driver: Dynamic Driver Size: 40mm Frequency Range: 15Hz-25kHz Impedance: 16 ohms Sensitivity: 103dB SPL/mW @ 1kHz Input Connector: Dual 3.5mm TS jack THD: <0.1% at 1kHz Ear Cups: Walnut wood Weight: 10.23 oz In the Box Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen headphones 1.8 m dual-twisted, Kevlar-wrapped soft flex PVC, OFC conductor, 3.5 mm jack USB-C DAC/AMP dongle, 6.3 mm gold-plated jack adapter Hard shell case User manual