A Classic Reimagined: Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen Review

The Meze 99 Classics are visually and sonically great for new audiophiles looking for an upgrade to their listening. Meze Audio has just released an updated version of this headphone, called the 99 Classics 2nd Gen.. What makes this new headphone so different from the last? Is it worth the upgrade? Check out all that 2nd Gen has to offer at $349.

The 99 Classics 2nd Gen doesn't show any signs of a visual change or upgrade. The walnut earcups and metal frame are identical to those of the first version, opting for gold details instead of silver. The over-ear fit is essentially the same, with a self-adjusting headband to make sure you get the best placement when wearing. The earpads are soft and comfortable to wear for long periods, and the lightweight design makes wearing non-fatiguing for long periods. 

One added feature of the 2nd Gen is the acoustic absorbers that come with the headphone. This new accessory acts as a dampener for higher frequencies to give your headphones a warmer sound profile. Meze includes instructions on how to use these with the 2nd Gen headphones, so you'll be able to switch back and forth seamlessly. 

In terms of driving, the 99 Classics 2nd Gen is not difficult to drive. Like the original, you can easily plug and play on any device. The included USB-C adapter allows you to connect to your phone or computer right out of the box, eliminating the need for additional purchases. Still, pairing this with a nice amplifier is a good way to boost the profile and add deeper character. 

• Driver Type: Dynamic, 40 mm
• Impedance: 16 Ω
• Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 25 kHz
• Sensitivity: 103 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
• Weight: 290 g (10.23 oz)
• Ear Cups: Solid Walnut Wood

SOUNDSTAGE & IMAGING

Listening to the 99 Classics 2nd Gen was fun and easy to do. The signature leaned towards a more neutral profile than the original, showcasing an excellently balanced profile that was perfect for a wide range of instruments. Rock, pop, jazz, acoustic, and orchestral tracks were pleasant to listen to through these headphones, and the signature sound remained balanced and natural throughout playback. I appreciated the wide soundstage, wider than I'd expect from closed-back headphones. There was decent depth and height to make the dynamics more effective, and the listening experience was more immersive. 

When you add in the acoustic absorbers, there is a small but notable sonic change to the 2nd Gen. The bass gets a little more warmth, and the high-end becomes slightly recessed, recreating the V-shaped signature that you'd find in the first generation of the 99 Classics. The 2nd Gen with the acoustic absorbers allows you to go back to the sound you might be missing, but also gives you the option to upgrade to something with a bit more warmth.

BASS FREQUENCIES

The bass in the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen is reminiscent of the original. It is punchy and highly detailed, still keeping that deep character that you like to hear out of the low end. Meze has always been great at producing powerful bass that is just as relaxed as it is driving. In those calmer genres like R&B, jazz, or indie, the 2nd Gen's bass has a good body that you can feel just as much as hear. It doesn't compromise on detail or texture, so you're never listening to a washed-out bass response. Even with the acoustic absorbers added to the 2nd Gen, the bass stays detailed and precise with an added sense of depth. 

MIDRANGE FREQUENCIES

The midrange in the 2nd Gen has excellent detail that is great for any genre of music. It is textured and colorful, honoring the natural timbres of instruments so everything sounds natural and distinct. There is a good amount of separation in the 2nd Gen's midrange as well, as you get to hear those individual parts in their own spaces without a lot of bleed into one another. There is still a good sense of cohesion and togetherness that keeps frequencies in a good flow from one to the next. I don't think I would classify the 2nd Gen as a reference headphone, but it does do a great job of getting a natural sound of its instruments. You can hear the width come out in this range by the way those melodic instruments spread out in depth and in the stereo image. 

TREBLE FREQUENCIES

The 99 Classics 2nd Gen has a fantastic treble, one that I instantly fell in love with. It wasn't harsh or overly sharp, but still had excellent clarity across the board. It stayed slightly in the back to make the midrange the main feature of the signature. The top frequencies give the entire signature a good sense of space. It doesn't feel compressed or awkwardly cut off, and instead has a smooth roll-off for those ultra-highs. Even if you choose to use the acoustic absorbers, you can still get an effective treble response that is high in detail. It dampens it slightly, but still has good clarity, so you don't lose any high-end detail in your tracks. 

Meze Audio advertises 10 differences from the old 99 Classics to the new, representing the 10 years since the original's release. At face value, the two headphones look nearly identical: a walnut wood exterior and leather earpads held up by a caged-in suspended headband. In their accessories, you'll start to see some of the subtle differences. The 2nd Gen comes with a USB-C adapter and new acoustic absorbers, allowing you to increase the signature's warmth. 

You'll find the most differences between the 1st and 2nd Gen in their sound signatures. The 2nd Gen has a slightly wider and deeper soundstage, with improved separation between instruments. The 1st Gen has a subtler treble response, which is almost equivalent to that of the 2nd Gen with the acoustic absorber attached. A lot of the sonic differences fade when you introduce the acoustic absorber to the 2nd Gen. It is an interesting compromise of still getting the sound you are familiar with while also getting something new with the 2nd Gen. 

The Meze 99 Classic 2nd Gen is proof that something good can always be better. The same walnut wood design houses a wide soundstage with detail, warmth, and precision. Meze has truly built upon a classic, both literally and figuratively, to give people a listening experience they won't want to miss out on. For people looking for a midrange closed-back headphone that is more fun than analytical, the 2nd Gen has proven to be a great option to check all your boxes. 

The 99 Classics 2nd Gen is available today at Audio46.