In 2015, a relatively small Romanian company changed the entry-level audiophile market in a way few people expected. When Meze Audio introduced the original 99 Classics, they quickly became one of the most recognizable headphones in modern hi-fi. They were comfortable, beautifully crafted, and, most importantly musical. With their walnut ear cups and warm, inviting sound, the headphones managed to appeal not only to audiophiles but also to everyday music listeners discovering high-quality audio for the first time.
For many enthusiasts, the 99 Classics became a gateway into the hobby. They were easy to recommend because they struck such a compelling balance between design, comfort, and sound. Even a decade later, the model still holds a special place in the headphone world.
Ten years on, Meze has decided to revisit this classic design with the 99 Classics V2. On paper the changes may appear subtle. The headphones still feature walnut cups, a closed-back architecture, and a portable-friendly design. But Meze claims the new version introduces multiple technical refinements intended to improve sound quality, usability, and compatibility with modern sources.
The real question is whether this new revision simply refreshes a beloved product, or truly moves it forward.
Design and Craftsmanship
Visually, the new 99 Classics V2 remain very faithful to the original design. This is undoubtedly the right decision. The walnut ear cups are still the defining feature, giving the headphones a timeless appearance that immediately stands out in a market dominated by plastic and aluminum designs.
The Meze 99 Classics V2 continue the brand’s tradition of combining elegant walnut craftsmanship with a lightweight, comfortable closed-back headphone design.
Each cup is made from natural wood and finished by hand after initial CNC machining. The grain pattern varies from pair to pair, meaning every unit has its own unique look. It’s a small detail, but one that reinforces Meze’s emphasis on craftsmanship and individuality.
The rest of the construction continues to rely on durable materials. The headband structure is made from spring steel, while the suspension strap uses soft vegan leather to distribute weight evenly across the head. Zinc alloy fittings with a subtle gold finish add to the premium feel without looking overly flashy.
One of Meze’s most appreciated design choices also returns: the headphones are assembled entirely with screws rather than glue. This approach allows parts to be replaced easily and significantly improves long-term serviceability, something that is still surprisingly rare in this price category.
Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen come in a large cardboard box. It looks minimalistic, but contains a certain amount of information
Packaging and Accessories
Opening the box reveals that Meze has clearly updated the package to suit modern listening habits. The headphones arrive with a solid travel case that feels protective while remaining slim enough to carry in a backpack or laptop bag.
Alongside the standard 1.8-meter cable and a 6.3 mm adapter, the V2 also includes a small USB-C DAC and amplifier. This is one of the more interesting additions, reflecting the reality that many listeners today rely on smartphones or laptops without analog outputs.
Despite its compact size, the included DAC provides noticeably more output power than the typical smartphone adapter. It pairs well with the headphones and offers a convenient way to unlock their full volume and dynamics when listening from mobile devices.
Meze includes a generous accessory package, including a protective travel case, detachable cable, and a compact USB-C DAC for modern devices.
Meze has also included removable acoustic absorbers that can be placed inside the ear cups. These inserts subtly alter the sound signature, making it closer to the warmer presentation of the original 99 Classics. It’s an unusual feature, but one that gives listeners a degree of control over the tonal balance.
Cable and Connectivity
The stock cable has also been slightly revised. It now uses a Kevlar-reinforced double-twisted oxygen-free copper conductor, improving durability while maintaining flexibility.
The headphones connect via dual 3.5 mm jacks, and Meze has increased the connector diameter to improve compatibility with aftermarket cables. The included cable performs well enough for everyday listening, although enthusiasts may still want to explore higher-end or balanced cable upgrades to extract additional performance.
The updated detachable cable uses oxygen-free copper conductors with reinforced construction, offering improved durability while remaining flexible for everyday listening.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort has always been one of the defining strengths of the 99 Classics, and the V2 continues this tradition.
The headphones weigh only around 290 grams, making them extremely light for a full-size closed design. The self-adjusting suspension headband automatically adapts to the shape of the user’s head, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
Meze has also increased the depth of the ear pads, which improves both comfort and acoustic sealing. The clamping force remains well balanced, providing a secure fit without feeling overly tight.
The redesigned ear pads and self-adjusting suspension headband help the 99 Classics V2 remain exceptionally comfortable during long listening sessions.
During long listening sessions the headphones remain comfortable and unobtrusive. Passive isolation is also quite effective, making them suitable for portable use or travel.
Technical Overview
Internally, the headphones use 40 mm dynamic drivers and are designed to be very easy to drive. With a sensitivity of 103 dB and an impedance of just 16 ohms, they can reach satisfying listening levels even when connected directly to smartphones or portable players.
That said, pairing them with a higher-quality DAC or portable player still brings noticeable improvements in dynamics and overall clarity.
Meze has also implemented several acoustic refinements in the second generation. The company reports improvements in driver selection and matching, a redesigned grille structure to reduce high-frequency distortion, and adjustments to the internal acoustic chamber intended to improve bass control.
Sound Performance
The original 99 Classics were known for their warm, engaging sound signature. They leaned toward a V-shaped tonal balance with strong bass and a lush midrange, prioritizing musical enjoyment over strict neutrality.
The V2 keeps the spirit of that tuning but refines it in several important ways.
Internally, the updated 40 mm drivers and refined acoustic design aim to deliver tighter bass control, clearer mids, and improved overall balance.
The bass is still powerful and energetic, but it is now more controlled and slightly less dominant. This helps prevent the low frequencies from overwhelming the rest of the spectrum, giving the presentation a more balanced feel.
The midrange benefits from noticeably improved clarity. Vocals sound more expressive and natural, while instruments gain better separation and definition. Compared to the original version, the V2 feels more transparent and technically capable.
Treble performance has also improved. High frequencies are clearer and more detailed, providing better articulation without introducing harshness. The upper treble still rolls off slightly, maintaining the smooth and fatigue-free character that Meze headphones are known for.
Soundstage and Imaging
One of the most pleasant surprises is the sense of space. Despite being a closed-back design, the 99 Classics V2 deliver a surprisingly open presentation.
The stereo image feels wide and stable, with good layering between instruments. While they cannot fully replicate the openness of high-end open-back headphones, the sense of depth and separation is impressive for a portable closed model.
With their warm yet more refined tuning, the Meze 99 Classics V2 offer an engaging and versatile sound that works beautifully across many music genres.
Musical Character
Perhaps the most important achievement of the 99 Classics V2 is that they retain the musical soul of the original model.
The headphones remain lively and engaging, delivering strong rhythmic energy and an expressive midrange that works particularly well with vocals and acoustic instruments. They do not chase absolute analytical precision, but instead focus on delivering music in a way that feels natural and emotionally engaging.
At the same time, the added refinement in tuning gives them a more versatile character than the first generation.
Conclusion
The original Meze 99 Classics became legendary for a reason. They combined striking design, excellent comfort, and a warm, inviting sound that appealed to a huge audience.
With the 99 Classics V2, Meze has managed to modernize that formula without losing its essence. The new version offers improved balance, better clarity, and a slightly more refined presentation while preserving the musical warmth that defined the original.
For listeners searching for stylish, easy-to-drive closed-back headphones in the mid-range price category, the Meze 99 Classics V2 remain one of the most appealing options available.
Rather than replacing a classic, Meze has carefully evolved it, and in doing so ensured that the legacy of the 99 Classics continues into the next decade.
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