Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd GEN - Stereo Headphone - Walnut

An Iconic Design, Enhanced for a Second Generation

The Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen builds on the original 2015 design that made the 99 Classics an instant industry icon, adding meaningful refinements while preserving the spirit of the original entirely.

Genuine walnut wood ear cups return, now CNC-machined with increased internal volume for greater comfort and acoustic depth, then hand-finished, stained, and polished individually for a distinctive natural grain unique to every single pair sold.

Everything that made the original an instant favorite remains: a magnetic, inviting sound, seamless comfort, and premium materials, now paired with enhanced clarity that closer inspection and a careful audition reveal right away.

Where the Enhanced Tuning Earns Its Keep

Two Tonalities in One Headphone

The 2nd Gen's balanced, neutral sound signature is carefully tuned for genuine separation, imaging, and soundstage, with enhanced acoustic sealing that improves isolation at key junctions throughout the entire earcup design.

For listeners who prefer the original's warmer character, a set of included acoustic absorbers shifts the balance in that direction, giving you a genuine choice between two distinct tonalities rather than just one fixed tuning option.

A Comfort System Refined Over a Decade

A vertically self-adjusting vegan leather headband, paired with a spring steel band with a large active area, spreads pressure evenly for a level of comfort widely praised throughout the industry.

Ear pads now use a secure six-clip system for easier attachment and replacement, made from medium-density foam and soft vegan leather designed specifically for long-term comfort and genuine serviceability over years of use.

What Reviewers Said About the Original

InnerFidelity's Tyll Hertsens, honoring the original 99 Classics with a Wall of Fame award, called it "simply a great headphone," finding it "superior in balance and natural sound" against its many rivals in the category.

Stereophile's Ken Micallef praised the original's "top-to-bottom coherence," noting it delivers "hours of sonic sustenance with zero listening fatigue and maximum enjoyment," depending somewhat on whatever playback gear you actually own.

Who Is the 99 Classics 2nd Gen Best For?

• You want the celebrated original 99 Classics character, refined: the 2nd Gen keeps the spirit while sharpening the details
• You want tuning flexibility in one headphone: included acoustic absorbers let you shift toward a warmer signature whenever you like
• You value genuine wood craftsmanship: hand-finished walnut ear cups are a distinctive, natural material choice
• You want long-term serviceability: the ear cups, headband, cables, and driver are all designed to be replaced individually
• You want genuine wood craftsmanship — walnut housings, hand-finished, so no two are identical

How Does It Connect to Your System?

The included Dual-Twisted OFC cable connects through widened input sockets built for durability, delivering natural tonal transparency whether you're at a desk or out with a portable player.

Included adapters cover both ends of the spectrum: a USB-C DAC/amp for mobile devices, and a gold-plated jack adapter for studio or home hi-fi playback whenever you need it.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around a 99 Classics 2nd Gen:

• Headphone amplifiers — a genuine step up in control for dedicated home listening sessions
• Digital-to-analog converters — a clean digital source feeding your amp matters as much as the amp itself
• Headphone cables — the widened input sockets accept a wide range of aftermarket options
• Headphone stands — a proper resting spot for genuine walnut wood between sessions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a headphone amplifier for the 99 Classics 2nd Gen?

Not strictly. The included cable and adapters cover phones, laptops, and desktop gear alike, though a dedicated amplifier still adds a genuine step up in control.

How is this different from the original 99 Classics?

The 2nd Gen adds increased earcup volume, enhanced acoustic sealing, a new six-clip pad system, and included acoustic absorbers for tuning flexibility the original never offered.

Can I still get the original's warmer sound?

Yes. The included acoustic absorbers shift the balance toward that warmer signature whenever you prefer it over the 2nd Gen's default, more neutral tuning.

Are the ear pads replaceable?

Yes. The new six-clip system makes attaching, removing, and replacing pads genuinely easier than before, consistent with Meze's focus on long-term serviceability.

What comes in the box?

The 99 Classics 2nd Gen headphone, a carrying case, the Dual-Twisted OFC cable, a USB-C DAC/amp adapter, and a gold-plated jack adapter for hi-fi setups.

See It in Action

Meze Audio presents 99 Classics 2nd Gen Unboxing #mezeaudio #headphones #99classics.

The Headphone Show presents The Next Classic? Meze Classics 99 v2 First Impressions #audiophile #headphones.

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