Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen

A decade after the debut of the original 99 Classics, Meze has returned to refine its signature dynamic headphone. The 2nd Generation maintains the original’s organic sound and craftsmanship—walnut cups, self-adjusting headband, and relaxed ergonomics—while incorporating modern updates to architecture, tuning flexibility, and long-term serviceability. With a balanced tonality and improved mechanical design, it bridges the character of the original with the technical expectations of today’s listeners.

Refined walnut architecture

The foundation remains solid walnut. Each cup begins as a block of hardwood, CNC-machined to precise tolerances before being hand-finished, stained, and polished to reveal its natural grain depth. Walnut offers a mix of stiffness and low mass that supports acoustic resonance without harshness, contributing to the 99’s characteristic warmth. The result is both durable and acoustically stable: engineered to sound as good as it looks for years of use.

Two tunings, one design

The 2nd Gen introduces a set of interchangeable acoustic absorbers that allow listeners to choose between two tonal balances. Without the absorbers, the presentation is more open and neutral, with greater soundstage width and micro-detail retrieval. Adding them restores the warmth and intimacy of the original 99 Classics. The process is reversible and tool-free, effectively giving two distinct voicings from one headphone.

Improved acoustic performance

Internally, the 2nd Gen employs a re-engineered baffle structure with an open grille and streamlined support beams. Combined with tighter acoustic sealing at key junctions, the result is improved channel separation, imaging precision, and bass definition. A small bass port integrated into the jack shell manages internal pressure, allowing low frequencies to remain extended without midrange bloom.

Comfort and longevity

A self-adjusting headband of vegan leather and spring steel automatically distributes weight, minimizing pressure points during long sessions. The new clip-in ear pad system replaces the previous stretch-skirt attachment, using six clips per pad for secure and consistent fit. Pads are made from medium-density foam wrapped in soft vegan leather, maintaining a reliable acoustic seal while remaining easy to replace or clean.

Fully serviceable design

Every component of the 2nd Gen is replaceable. This modularity—extending from the headband assembly to the ear pads and cables—ensures that long-term maintenance or tuning modifications can be done by the user. The included dual 3.5mm inputs support balanced connection options, while the stock 1.8m Kevlar-wrapped OFC cable provides durability without added microphonics. A USB-C DAC/AMP dongle is included for direct use with laptops and mobile devices.

Availability

The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen is available now on Apos Audio.