Meze 99 Classics Gen II – A Modern Take on a Modern Classic

Meze 99 Classics Gen II – A Modern Take on a Modern Classic

Meze 99 Classics Gen II – A Modern Take on a Modern Classic

For nearly a decade, the Meze 99 Classics have held a special place in the audiophile world. Their unmistakable walnut-wood cups, warm musicality, and exceptional comfort made them a go-to recommendation for anyone wanting a beautiful, high-quality wired headphone without spending four figures.
Now, Meze has returned with the 99 Classics Gen II — not a reinvention, but a thoughtful evolution of what made the original so beloved.

This is a headphone built for listening, not for trends. And in a market obsessed with wireless features and ANC gimmicks, that’s precisely why it stands out.

A Familiar Shape, Refined Everywhere It Matters

The first thing you notice about the Gen II model is how unmistakably Meze it looks. The real walnut ear-cups, the smooth curves of the dual-band headband, the warm metal accents — this is craftsmanship that aims for timelessness, not tech-fashion.

But look closer and the refinements become clear:

  • Larger, deeper ear-cups for improved comfort and a more natural ear fit

  • New clip-on ear pads for easier replacement and long-term maintenance

  • Improved hardware and structural tweaks for a more premium tactile feel

  • A redesigned acoustic chamber to help deliver a cleaner, more balanced sound

It maintains that signature “organic luxury” that Meze is known for, but feels more mature — like the original has grown into itself.

Lower Impedance, Higher Usability

One of the biggest upgrades is under the hood: the impedance has been lowered to 16 ohms, meaning the Gen II are easier to drive from almost anything.
Phone, laptop, portable DAC, dedicated hi-fi system — they all play nicely.

For enthusiasts running modern streamers, USB-C output devices, or compact DAC/amps, the Gen II offers:

  • Better headroom at lower volumes

  • More dynamic presence even from modest gear

  • The ability to scale noticeably with higher-end rigs

This flexibility makes the 99 Classics Gen II as well suited for casual listening as they are for serious hi-fi sessions.

A More Balanced, Grown-Up Sound

The original 99 Classics were known for their warm, smooth, slightly bass-tilted tuning that made them incredibly fun and forgiving. The Gen II keeps the musicality alive but tightens everything up.

Here’s the essence of the new sound:

Bass: Controlled, Clean, Still Musical

The low end is punchy and enjoyable, but no longer as elevated. Sub-bass rolls off naturally, while mid-bass gains texture and definition. It’s less cinematic but more accurate.

Midrange: Clear, Expressive, Beautifully Tuned

Vocals feel alive — intimate without being forward, and detailed without harshness. Instruments separate more clearly thanks to improved driver matching and cup geometry.

Treble: Smooth Yet Airy

The treble extension has improved, adding air and soundstage width. But thankfully, Meze hasn’t chased brightness — the sound remains fatigue-free.

Soundstage & Imaging

For a closed-back headphone, the stage is impressively open. Depth, layering, and instrument placement all show noticeable improvement over the first generation.

The result is a neutral-leaning, musical tuning that appeals to both casual and critical listeners.

Comfort That Just Works

The 99 Classics have always been known for comfort, and the Gen II continue that legacy:

  • Self-adjusting headband

  • Lightweight yet durable frame

  • Plush, breathable cushions

  • Even pressure distribution

This is a headphone you can wear for hours. For late-night listening, long work sessions, or deep album dives, they’re simply excellent.

A Headphone With a Story — And a Soul

In an era where headphones increasingly feel like disposable gadgets, the Meze 99 Classics Gen II remind us what long-term ownership can feel like:

  • Real wood, shaped and finished by hand

  • Hardware designed to last decades

  • A modular construction meant to be repaired, not replaced

This isn’t just a product — it’s a piece of functional art.

For mature audiophiles (especially the 40–80 demographic who value craftsmanship and emotional connection over digital bells and whistles), the Gen II delivers the perfect blend of nostalgia, elegance, and modern performance.

Who the Gen II Are Perfect For

✔️ Audiophiles wanting a beautiful, premium wired headphone
✔️ Listeners who value comfort for long listening sessions
✔️ Owners of streamers, DACs, or hi-fi systems seeking a reliable reference headphone
✔️ Anyone who prefers craftsmanship over tech-trends
✔️ Fans of detailed, balanced, musical tuning

Not ideal if:
✘ You want ANC or wireless features
✘ You prefer heavy V-shaped, bass-boosted sound
✘ You travel frequently and need portability above all

Final Thoughts: A Worthy Successor

Meze didn’t try to reinvent their classic — they refined it. The 99 Classics Gen II feel like the natural evolution of a beloved headphone: better comfort, better balance, better usability, and the same unmistakable Meze character.

If the original was about bringing warmth and beauty to headphone listening, the Gen II is about bringing maturity and precision — without losing the musical soul that made the first one iconic.

For fans of wired hi-fi listening, these are an easy recommendation.
For owners of the original, they’re a meaningful, worthwhile upgrade.
And for Meze, they’re another reminder that great sound never goes out of style.

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