Meze 99 Classics Headphones Review

When it comes to finding the ideal headphones, the Meze 99 Classics headphones stand out as a top choice for both audiophiles and casual listeners. These over-ear, closed-back headphones perfectly balance aesthetics, sound quality, and comfort.

In this detailed review, we’ll explore the features, advantages, disadvantages, and how these headsets fit into the world of audiophile headphones.

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Introduction to the Meze 99 Classics Headphones

The Meze 99 headphones are a product of Meze Audio, a brand known for blending superior craftsmanship with excellent sound quality. These headphones are not just an audio accessory but a statement of design and engineering precision.

Built from natural materials like walnut wood, the Meze 99 Classics headphones stand out for their attention to detail. They may or may not live up to the hype, though.

Design and Build Quality

Unique Walnut Wood Earcups

The first thing that stands out about the Meze 99 headsets is their unique design. The earcups are made from genuine walnut wood, handcrafted to ensure that no two pairs are alike.

This natural material not only adds a sense of luxury but also enhances the acoustic properties of the headphones. Each earcup goes through a meticulous 45-day process of sanding, lacquering, and finishing.

The wood’s grain and texture differ from pair to pair, creating a truly unique product. Among the many plastic headphones available on the market, the Meze 99 Classics stand out for their meticulous attention to detail.

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Vegan Leather Headband

Comfort is crucial, especially for long listening sessions. The Meze 99 headsets feature a self-adjusting headband made from vegan leather, which ensures an even distribution of weight across the head.

This design helps prevent pressure buildup, making them suitable for extended wear without causing discomfort.

No glue, just nuts and bolts.

In keeping with the focus on quality and longevity, these headsets are constructed without glue. Instead, they use nuts and bolts, which means that every component is replaceable. This makes them fully serviceable, ensuring that these headphones are built to last.

Sound Quality: Audiophile-Grade Performance

The Meze 99 Classics headphones are known for their balanced, natural sound that appeals to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Let’s break down the sound profile:

Bass Performance

This headset offers punchy, well-defined bass that doesn’t overpower the mids and highs. Unlike some bass-heavy headphones that can make certain tracks sound muddy, the Meze 99 headset maintains clarity and precision.

The bass is deep yet controlled, making it suitable for genres ranging from electronic music to classical compositions.

Midrange Clarity

The midrange frequencies are where vocals and instruments sit, and the Meze 99 classics headsets handle them with exceptional clarity. Whether you’re listening to a podcast or a vocal-heavy track, the headphones deliver natural, warm mids that never feel recessed or overly boosted.

Treble and high-end detail

The treble on this headset is crisp and detailed without being harsh. Some headphones can make the highs sound overly bright or fatiguing after long listening periods, but Meze has struck a fine balance here. The end effect is a multi-frequency, well-rounded listening experience.

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Comfort and Usability: Built for Extended Use

Memory Foam Earpads

Comfort is key when it comes to headphones, especially for those who use them for extended periods. The Meze 99 Classics come with memory foam earpads that provide a soft yet snug fit around the ears. These pads are covered with soft PU leather, which feels smooth against the skin and helps reduce ear fatigue.

Over-Ear Design

The over-ear design not only contributes to the overall comfort but also provides good passive noise isolation. Although the Meze 99 headset doesn’t have active noise-canceling (ANC) features, their design effectively blocks out most ambient noise.

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Portability and Included Accessories

The Meze 99 headset comes with a range of accessories that make them versatile and easy to use in various settings:

• Hard carrying case: This durable case ensures that the headphones stay protected when not in use, making them suitable for travel or commuting.
• Detachable Kevlar Cables: The headphones come with two Kevlar-reinforced cables—a 1.2-meter cable with a microphone and remote, and a 3-meter cable for home or studio use.
• 3.5mm to 6.3mm Adapter: This gold-plated adapter makes it easy to connect the Meze 99 headphones to a range of devices, including professional audio equipment.

Pros of the Meze 99 Classics headphones

1.Luxurious Aesthetic: The walnut wood earcups and metal hardware create a premium look and feel.

2. Balanced, Natural Sound: Audiophiles will appreciate the clarity and precision across all frequencies.

3. Comfortable for Long Sessions: The self-adjusting headband and memory foam earpads make these headphones suitable for hours of uninterrupted listening.

4. Fully Serviceable: Because nuts and bolts make repairs and maintenance simple, the headphones’ lifespan is increased.

5. Wide Device Compatibility: With its low impedance (32 Ohms), this headset can be powered efficiently by almost any device, from smartphones to professional audio equipment.

Cons of the Meze 99 Classics headphones

1.No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): While the passive noise isolation is good, some users may miss the more advanced ANC features found in other premium headphones.

2. Price Point: Although the craftsmanship and sound quality justify the cost, this Classics headset may be considered expensive by some users.

3. Not Water Resistant: These headphones are not designed for outdoor use in extreme conditions or during workouts.

Comparison to Competitors

When comparing the Meze 99 Classics headphones to other premium headphones in the same price range, like the Sennheiser HD660s or the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, a few things stand out:

Aesthetic Appeal:

The natural wood design of this headset is unmatched by most competitors, offering a unique combination of beauty and functionality.

Sound Profile:

While competitors may excel in specific areas like bass response or treble, the headphones offer a more balanced sound across all frequencies.

Comfort:

Thanks to their self-adjusting headband and memory foam earpads, these headsets are often regarded as more comfortable for extended use compared to some studio-grade headphones that can be tight or heavy.

Who Should Buy the Meze 99 Classics Headset?

The Meze 99 headphones are perfect for:

• Audiophiles: If you’re passionate about high-fidelity sound and appreciate detailed craftsmanship, these headphones are an excellent choice.
• Music producers and studio engineers: The balanced sound profile makes them suitable for critical listening and mixing.
• Casual Listeners: Even if you’re not an audiophile, you’ll enjoy the comfort, build quality, and natural sound of this headset.

Conclusion: Are the Meze 99 Classics Worth It?

The Meze 99 headphones, in summary, are excellent in every way. From their luxurious design to their audiophile-grade sound quality, these headphones offer an experience that few other models in their price range can match.

While they lack features like active noise cancellation, their build quality, sound clarity, and comfort make them a top contender for anyone looking for a high-end pair of headphones.

Whether you’re using them for gaming, music production, or casual listening, this headset will elevate your audio experience to a new level.

If you’re in the market for premium over-ear headphones with a natural sound signature, the Meze 99should definitely be on your shortlist.

FAQ

1.What makes the Meze 99 Classics headphone stand out from other headphones?

The Meze 99 headsets are known for their unique design, featuring genuine walnut wood earcups that give each pair a distinctive look. They offer a balanced, natural sound profile ideal for audiophiles, combining premium materials with top-tier craftsmanship.

Unlike most headphones made from plastic, the use of high-quality wood and metal components elevates both their aesthetics and durability.

2. Are the Meze 99 headsets comfortable for long listening sessions?

Indeed, comfort is a key consideration in the design of the Meze 99 headphone. They feature a self-adjusting headband and memory foam earpads, ensuring even pressure distribution and a snug fit for long hours of listening. Many users find them comfortable for extended wear, making them suitable for both casual listeners and professionals.

3. How is the sound quality of the Meze 99 Classics?

The Meze 99 delivers a well-balanced sound signature with deep, controlled bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. Their 32 ohm impedance makes them power-efficient, allowing for excellent sound even without the need for an external amplifier.

The sound is natural and appealing, especially to audiophiles who appreciate clarity across the frequency range.

4. Do the Meze Classics headphones offer noise cancellation?

The Meze Classics headset does not have active noise cancellation (ANC). However, their closed-back, over-ear design provides decent passive noise isolation, which helps reduce background noise in most environments. While they aren’t ANC headphones, their build naturally blocks out a significant amount of ambient sound.

5. Are the Meze Classics headsets durable and easy to maintain?

Yes, the Meze headphones are highly durable due to their no-glue construction, relying on nuts and bolts for assembly. This means all parts, including the earcups, headband, and cables, are replaceable, making them fully serviceable. With proper care, these headphones can last for years, making them a great long-term investment.

6. What accessories come with the Meze 99 Classics?

The Meze Classics headsets come with a variety of accessories, including:

• A hard-carrying pouch for safe storage.
• Two Kevlar-reinforced detachable cables: a 1.2-meter cable with a microphone and a 3-meter cable for home or studio use.

• An adapter for a range of audio devices, 3.5mm to 6.3mm.
• An aviation jack adaptor for in-flight entertainment systems.

7. Are the Meze headsets suitable for gaming and podcasts?

Yes, the Meze headsets are versatile enough to be used for gaming, podcasts, and other media. Their clear midrange and comfortable fit make them great for voice-based content and immersive gaming experiences. Additionally, the included microphone cable allows for easy communication during gaming sessions or calls.

8. Do the Meze 99 Classics headphones require an external amplifier?

No, the Meze headsetshave a low impedance of 32 Ohms, which makes them power-efficient. This means they can be driven by most devices, such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets, without needing an external amplifier. However, pairing them with an amplifier may slightly improve audio quality for those who seek an enhanced listening experience.

9. Are the Meze headsets water-resistant?

No, the Meze 99 is not water-resistant. These headphones are designed for indoor use and should be kept away from moisture or extreme outdoor conditions to maintain their durability and sound quality.

10. How does the Meze 99 Classics headset compare to other premium headphones?

Compared to competitors like the Sennheiser HD660s or the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, the Meze headset offers a unique combination of aesthetic appeal (thanks to their wooden earcups), a balanced sound signature, and superior comfort.

While they lack features like active noise cancellation, their design and sound quality make them a solid choice for anyone prioritizing both form and function in their headsets.

11. Can I replace the cables or earpads on the Meze headset?

Yes, the Meze headsets are fully serviceable. Both the cables and earpads are detachable and replaceable, allowing users to easily maintain or upgrade their headphones over time. This makes them more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run.

12. Who is the Meze 99 headset best suited for?

The Meze headset is ideal for:

• Audiophiles who appreciate natural, balanced sound and high-quality design.
• Music producers or studio engineers who need clear and accurate sound reproduction.
• Casual listeners who want premium headphones for everyday use, gaming, or podcasts.
• Users who value long-term durability, as the headphones are built to last with replaceable parts.

13. How much does the Meze headset weigh?

The Meze 99 weighs 9.2 ounces, making them lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions without causing fatigue.

14. Are the Meze 99 Classics worth the price?

Given their premium build quality, excellent sound performance, and comfort, the Meze 99 headphoneshead are well worth the investment for audiophiles and those seeking durable, stylish, and high-quality headphones. While they may be on the pricier side, their longevity and serviceability justify the cost.