This story is an overview of the new Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Generation Headphones. You may be looking for our hands-on review here.
The Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Generation is finally here—almost ten years after the original stunned the high-end headphone world. I first saw the 99 Classics back at CES in Las Vegas, where two young Romanians strolled into a demo room packed with Sennheiser, Focal, and Mr. Speakers gear, carrying closed-back headphones with wooden cups that practically glowed. Antonio Meze, then a tiny startup, had no idea his creation would grow into a serious contender. Yet the first 99 Classics did exactly that.
Passing them around with fearless confidence among press and marketing teams showing off rival brands—that’s chutzpah at its finest. I bought my own pair within the year—and still use them daily. The 2nd Generation builds on that daring design, refining every detail for today while keeping the spirit that made the original a modern classic.
What makes the Head-Fi revolution so fascinating isn’t just the gear—it’s the opportunity it created for hobbyists and small-time tinkers to turn a passion project into a legitimate business with staying power. Old-school audiophiles may scoff, but personal and portable audio is the future of high-end listening, and there’s not a damn thing anyone can do to stop it. The industry’s long-term survival depends on it. CanJam’s success and the relentless pace of innovation prove the point: there will be hits, there will be misses, and not everyone can be both a fearless innovator and a savvy entrepreneur.
Antonio Meze and his team have pulled off both—and then some. I know them personally, have shared their story across eCoustics, Gear Patrol, The New York Times, and, as someone with Eastern European Jewish roots, it genuinely warms me to see that corner of the world producing brilliance that’s recognized globally.
Meze 99 Classics 2nd Generation: A Modern Classic Reimagined
The Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Generation keeps its instantly recognizable silhouette and handcrafted charm, but this isn’t just a cosmetic update—it’s ten years of refinement packed into a modern high-end headphone. Balanced, versatile tuning, smarter acoustic engineering, and practical modern touches make this more than a remake—it’s evolution done right.
Refined Sound & Technical Precision
The tuning has been moved closer to a neutral target: bass remains engaging but more controlled, letting mids and treble shine with clarity. Driver matching has been improved using advanced algorithms, reducing inter-driver variance, tightening stereo imaging, and ensuring every pair performs consistently. The ear cups have been subtly enlarged, shifting resonances downward for better low-frequency control while creating extra space for your ears.
Acoustic sealing and a dedicated bass port have been optimized for precision, left-right consistency, and repeatable performance across units. The baffle architecture has been re-engineered with a more open grille and streamlined beams to reduce diffraction and tame high-frequency artifacts.
Comfort, Fit, Practical Upgrades
The 99 Classics remain defined by thoughtful craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each pair features walnut wood ear cups that are CNC-machined, hand-finished, and polished, highlighting the natural strength, color, and grain of the wood. The frame uses cast zinc hardware with a deep gold finish, providing durability and a refined, but not understated look.
Weighing in at 290 grams, the headphones strike a balance between sturdiness and long-session comfort. The self-adjusting headband, made from vegan leather and supported by spring steel, delivers a consistent fit, while the detachable ear pads, crafted from soft vegan leather and medium-density foam, now clip in securely at six points, making them easier to replace and improving acoustic consistency.
Meze Audio’s commitment to sustainability is also evident: every component—from drivers to cables, headband, and cups—can be replaced to extend the product’s lifespan, and the 2nd Generation comes in fully recyclable cardboard packaging, eliminating plastic, foam, and excess materials.
Modern Portability
The 2nd Generation also embraces today’s tech: a USB-C DAC/AMP dongle and a 6.3 mm gold-plated adapter ensure compatibility with devices that no longer include headphone jacks. In short, Meze didn’t just tweak a classic—they’ve engineered it to thrive for another decade. Eastern European grit meets thoughtful refinement, making the 99 Classics 2nd Generation a headphone that’s as clever as it is enduring.
The 99 Classics 2nd Generation also makes practical improvements for real-world use. The input socket has been enlarged to 7 mm, allowing compatibility with a wider range of cables and aftermarket upgrades.
The stock cable has been upgraded to a 1.8-meter dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed OFC conductor with a 3.5 mm jack, improving durability, reducing microphonics, and ensuring consistent signal transmission. These changes might seem minor, but they matter when you actually use the headphones every day.
Meze 99 Classics 2nd Generation Technical Specifications:
The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Generation feature 40 mm dynamic drivers for standard high-fidelity sound reproduction. They cover a frequency range of 15 Hz to 25 kHz, capable of reproducing low bass and high treble. With an impedance of 16 ohms and sensitivity of 103 dB SPL/mW, they can be driven by most smartphones, computers, and portable audio devices without an external amplifier.
The headphones use dual 3.5 mm TS jacks for input. Total harmonic distortion is below 0.1% at 1 kHz, ensuring minimal signal alteration. The walnut wood ear cups are CNC-machined and hand-finished, providing a durable enclosure. Weighing 290 grams (10.23 oz), they balance sturdiness with extended listening comfort.
The Bottom Line
At $349 / €349, the Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Generation enter one of the most competitive corners of the headphone market—going head-to-head with Grado, Beyerdynamic, HiFiMAN, and Sennheiser models in the $350 to $450 range. What sets Meze apart isn’t marketing noise or inflated specs; it’s craftsmanship, tuning discipline, and a design built for the long haul.
The updated sound leans more balanced and controlled than the original, and the inclusion of a USB-C DAC/AMP adds everyday practicality without compromising fidelity. At 290 grams, with real walnut ear cups, zinc hardware, and fully replaceable parts, this is a headphone meant to last. Meze didn’t reinvent the formula—they refined it with purpose.
And if you’re curious how the 99 Classics 2nd Generation stack up against the competition, you’ll find one of the first full reviews right here.
Where to buy:
Tip: The original Meze Audio 99 Classics are available for $309 at Amazon.
Related Reading:
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- Meze Audio’s 105 AER Headphones Feature Trickle Down Technology For Only $400
Anton
October 29, 2025 at 8:06 pm
I’ve read through four different write ups today about these headphones, and you’re the only one who seems to actually understand their purpose. Well written.