MEZE AUDIO 99 CLASSICS 2ND GENERATION MARKS TEN YEARS OF THE ICONIC HEADPHONE DESIGN
Meze Audio has introduced a second generation of its 99 Classics headphones, marking the tenth anniversary of the Romanian brand’s well-known model.
Find about all about them below, and then have a read of Oscar’s review of the Meze Audio 99 Classics V2 Headphones.
MEZE AUDIO 99 CLASSICS V2 HEADPHONES
First released in 2015, the original 99 Classics gained recognition for their warm sound and handcrafted wood construction. The updated version retains the familiar design while incorporating a series of technical and ergonomic refinements intended to meet contemporary listening needs.
TUNING AND ACOUSTIC REFINEMENTS
The new version features a more balanced tuning approach, with bass presentation reworked for improved control, allowing midrange and treble details to be more clearly defined. Driver matching has been improved to support consistency between units and ensure stable stereo imaging. A revised baffle layout and more open internal structure aim to minimise resonance and reduce unwanted high-frequency effects.
EAR CUP AND EAR PAD DEVELOPMENTS
Meze Audio has slightly increased the internal ear cup dimensions to provide a little more space and adjust resonance behaviour. The ear pads have also been redesigned, using a new clip-in system to keep their orientation fixed and make replacements simpler. These changes are intended to contribute to overall comfort and maintain more reliable acoustic performance from pair to pair.
BUILD AND MATERIALS
The headphones continue to use walnut ear cups, CNC-machined and hand-finished to highlight the natural grain of the wood. The supporting structure includes zinc hardware finished in a deep gold tone, maintaining the aesthetic identity of the original. A self-adjusting headband made from vegan leather and spring steel is designed for long-term comfort without manual adjustment. The ear pads also use vegan leather with medium-density foam.
CONNECTIVITY AND MODERN DEVICE SUPPORT OF THE MEZE AUDIO 99 CLASSICS V2 HEADPHONES
To accommodate current portable source devices, the headphone package now includes a compact USB-C DAC/AMP dongle. This addition is intended to provide out-of-box compatibility with smartphones and laptops that no longer include a dedicated headphone output. The input socket diameter has been increased to ensure broader third-party cable compatibility, and a new Kevlar-sheathed OFC cable is supplied alongside a 6.3 mm adapter.
Meze Audio continues to emphasise serviceability, with all major components of the 99 Classics designed to be replaceable. The second generation also arrives in fully recyclable packaging, with plastic and excess protective materials removed to reduce waste.
MEZE AUDIO 99 CLASSICS V2 HEADPHONES TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The 99 Classics 2nd Generation features 40 mm dynamic drivers operating at 16 Ω impedance, with a stated frequency range of 15 Hz to 25 kHz and sensitivity at 103 dB SPL/mW. Total weight is listed at 290 g.
MEZE AUDIO 99 CLASSICS V2 HEADPHONES PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Generation will be available from 29th October 20250. Suggested retail price: $349 / €349.
Now read Oscar’s review of the Meze 99 Classics V2 Headphones
HiFi PiG Says: Great to see all the updates in the new generation of these much loved headphones.
