The new 2nd Generation Headphone Keeps the instantly recognizable silhouette and handcrafted character, but introduces 10 meaningful refinements

• 40mm dynamic driver
• Neutral, balanced sound signature
• Built using premium materials - walnut wood, spring steel, and cast zinc
• World-class ergonomic design for all-day comfort
• Includes dual-twisted Kevlar-wrapped OFC cable

A Classic Fit for Today

Since their release in 2015, the 99 Classics have undeniably left a big impact on the headphone cultural landscape. In this sense, they have become iconic, a symbol. Meze initially created them out of a desire to infuse life and passion into what is commonly perceived as technical objects. 

Ten years later, that vision continues to drive Meze. As a celebration, the 2nd Gen 99 Classics come with a number of meaningful enhancements, all the while preserving the spirit of the original.

Same Iconic Silhouette

Everything that made the original headphone an instant classic is still present – the magnetic and inviting sound, the seamless comfort, the use of premium materials, the timeless design aesthetic – it’s all here. However, upon closer inspection and audition, the differences become more apparent. 

10 Years, 10 Improvements

Tuning Direction
The 2nd Gen 99 Classics moves the signature closer to a balanced, neutral target. Bass remains engaging yet slightly more restrained, allowing midrange and treble details to emerge with greater clarity. The result is a more versatile headphone that retains the musical warmth of the original while offering improved overall balance and detail retrieval. 

Driver Matching
A refined matching process, using a mixed cosine function combined with level-adjustment algorithms, reduces inter-driver variance in the mid and high frequencies. The result is improved stereo image stability and a more consistent listening experience across pairs. 

Ear Cup Volume
The internal cup volume has been subtly increased. A larger volume shifts cavity resonances downward and reduces standing-wave interactions, enhancing control in the low-frequency region and aligning with the new tuning goals. 

Acoustic Sealing and Bass Port
While the original 99 Classics already provided impactful bass, the 2nd Gen introduces precision sealing at all key junctions. This improved sealing allows the use of a dedicated bass vent integrated into the jack shell, providing more precise tuning, improved left–right consistency, and higher unit-to-unit reproducibility. 

Baffle Architecture
The baffle has been re-engineered with acoustic transparency in mind. A more open grille and streamlined structural beams reduce diffraction and acoustic impedance in front of the driver, minimizing high-frequency artifacts. 

Ear Pad Redesign
The ear pads have been reshaped to adjust the front cavity volume, refining the midrange balance toward the intended target. The attachment system has evolved from a stretch-skirt to a clip-in mechanism, ensuring fixed orientation, reducing variability, and simplifying replacement for the user. 

Sound Technicalities
The rebalanced tuning, enhanced acoustic consistency, and optimized internal geometry work together to improve stereo imaging and instrument separation, while also providing a more open and spacious soundstage. 

Input Socket
The input socket shell has been enlarged to 7 millimeters in diameter. The larger shell maintains secure connection integrity while ensuring compatibility with both slim-profile and larger-bodied 3.5 mm plugs. This ensures compatibility with a wider range of cables, including our premium hand-braided copper and silver ones. 

High-Quality Cable
The stock cable now uses a dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed OFC conductor. This maintains excellent electrical performance while improving tangle resistance, mechanical durability, and flexibility. 

Modern Portability
Reflecting today’s usage patterns, a compact USB-C DAC/AMP is now included to ensure optimal performance with modern devices that lack dedicated headphone outputs. 

Two Tonalities

For those seeking a sound closer to the original 99 Classics, the 2nd Gen comes with a set of acoustic absorbers, allowing you to shift the balance towards a warmer signature. Simply detach the ear pads from the cups, place the absorbers in the allocated slots on the baffle plate, reattach the ear pads, and enjoy! 

Sustainable By Design

The 2nd Gen 99 Classics are fully serviceable. Ear cups, headband, cables, or driver, all pieces are replaceable. 

Specifications

• Driver: Dynamic
• Driver Size: 40mm
• Frequency Range: 15Hz-25kHz
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Sensitivity: 103dB SPL/mW @ 1kHz
• Input Connector: Dual 3.5mm TS jack
• THD: <0.1% at 1kHz
• Ear Cups: Walnut wood
• Weight: 10.23 oz

In the Box

• Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen headphones
• 1.8 m dual-twisted, Kevlar-wrapped soft flex PVC, OFC conductor, 3.5 mm jack
• USB-C DAC/AMP dongle, 6.3 mm gold-plated jack adapter
• Hard shell case
• User manual