99 CLASSICS 2^ND GEN

Everything that made the original great is still here – the warmth, the elegance, the unmistakable charm – but this time, it all comes wrapped in a more balanced, more technically capable package. The bass is cleaner, the mids more articulate, and the treble smoother, giving the V2 a newfound sense of control and maturity that makes it easier to enjoy over longer sessions.

The new 99 Classic V2 isn’t just a cosmetic refresh; it’s a full acoustic overhaul that comes much closer to delivering on the "classic" promise of the original.

10 years, 10 improvements, and one headphone that has become quite an icon in head-fi circles. This new model brings them up a notch in sound, and without the additional tuning pads, they are a more refined headphone in every way. They have clarity, control, energy, and most of all, they are fun...

The one aspect that has intrigued me is the fact that once I put them on, I wanted to keep them on and went on a 5-hour listening spree on day one. That was because these bring to the table what I call “fun factor”.

The Meze 99 Classic 2nd Gen is proof that something good can always be better. The same walnut wood design houses a wide soundstage with detail, warmth, and precision. Meze has truly built upon a classic, both literally and figuratively, to give people a listening experience they won't want to miss out on.

The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen proves that refinement can be just as impactful as innovation. Every aspect, from its deeper, more expansive soundstage to the improved low-end precision and lush vocal presentation, shows Meze’s commitment to perfecting its most iconic headphone.

At $349, the Meze Audio 99 Classics V2 Headphones are the perfect sequel to the beloved original. By shifting from the fun, colored signature of the OG to a more balanced, neutral presentation, Meze Audio has broadened the appeal of these headphones while maintaining the exceptional build quality and comfort that made the original special.

The 2nd Gen version retains the warm character of the original, but listening gains balance. The bass is better controlled, more articulate, and the treble seems more fluid. The midrange appears slightly more forward, with better overall coherence.

The 99 Classics 2nd Generation was engineered to refine the original’s strengths while addressing its limitations. Meze’s goal was clear: maintain the signature bass warmth but control it for precision, create a more linear response across the mids and treble, and ensure every unit performs consistently.

Like its predecessor, the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen was a best-of-class effort combining quality sound with comfort and beauty. The extreme efficiency makes it a great pairing with portable players, even phones or tablets that have headphone outputs. Yet, they do seem to scale up beautifully with higher resolution sources.

The 99 Classics V2 have a noticeably larger soundstage than their predecessors. Fortunately, you don’t lose any of Meze’s musical verve and urgency with that extra space. And these headphones offer tremendous depth and layering.