Audio T Verdict
The original Meze 99 Classics is one of those products that ended up becoming far more important than its price or specification sheet might initially suggest. Introduced in 2015, it helped establish Meze as a serious headphone manufacturer by combining distinctive natural materials, excellent comfort, straightforward electrical requirements and a genuinely entertaining closed-back sound.
The design is immediately recognisable. CNC-carved walnut earcups are combined with cast zinc-alloy hardware, a spring-steel outer headband and a self-adjusting support strap. At just 260g, the resulting headphone is considerably lighter than its wood-and-metal construction might suggest.
Audio T has spent many years with the original 99 Classics and found its character particularly easy to enjoy. It is warm and generous through the lower frequencies, with enough treble detail and midrange openness to prevent the closed-back presentation from becoming dull or claustrophobic.
That warmer balance is worth understanding, because the current 99 Classics 2nd Generation has deliberately moved towards a more neutral and controlled presentation. If you already know and love the richer character of the original, this first-generation model has its own distinct identity rather than simply being an older version of the same tuning.
The 32-ohm impedance and 103dB SPL/mW sensitivity also make the original 99 Classics particularly easy to accommodate. They can work successfully with portable players, laptops, conventional amplifier headphone outputs and compact DAC/headphone amplifiers without demanding huge amounts of power.
Then there is the serviceability. Meze designed the 99 Classics so that the earcups, headband, cables and even the drivers can be replaced individually. That matters even more now that the first generation has been discontinued, because it gives existing pairs a much better chance of remaining useful for years to come.
The original 99 Classics is no longer Meze's current model, but it remains an enormously likeable headphone: comfortable, beautifully made, easy to drive and deliberately fun rather than clinically analytical.
Meze 99 Classics Closed-Back Headphones
The original Meze 99 Classics is a full-size closed-back dynamic headphone combining 40mm drivers, real walnut earcups, cast metal hardware, a self-adjusting headband and fully serviceable construction.
This product page refers to the original first-generation 99 Classics, specifically the Walnut/Silver finish, rather than the later 99 Classics 2nd Generation.
Original First-Generation 99 Classics
The original Meze 99 Classics has now been discontinued and succeeded by the 99 Classics 2nd Generation.
This page covers the original 32-ohm, 260g model and should not be confused with the newer V2 specification.
A Meze Original
The 99 Classics was launched in 2015 and became one of the products that established Meze's reputation for combining headphone engineering with natural materials and long-term serviceability.
Its distinctive formula combines:
- Real walnut earcups
- 40mm dynamic drivers
- Closed-back acoustic design
- Cast zinc-alloy hardware
- Spring-steel outer headband
- Self-adjusting support strap
- Memory-foam earpads
- Detachable cables
- Replaceable components
Closed-Back Over-Ear Design
The 99 Classics is a:
Closed-back circumaural headphone.
The earcups enclose the rear of each driver rather than allowing sound to pass freely through an open grille.
Compared with an open-back headphone, this provides:
- Reduced sound leakage
- Greater passive isolation
- More private listening around other people
- Greater suitability for home, office and portable listening
Passive Isolation, Not Active Noise Cancellation
The 99 Classics does not contain electronic active noise cancellation.
Isolation comes from the physical closed-back earcups and the seal created by the earpads.
40mm Dynamic Drivers
Each earcup contains a:
40mm dynamic driver.
The original 99 Classics uses a conventional moving-coil dynamic transducer rather than the planar-magnetic technology found in Meze's higher-end Isodynamic headphones.
15Hz to 25kHz Frequency Range
Meze specifies a frequency range of:
15Hz–25kHz.
Less Than 0.1% Total Harmonic Distortion
Total harmonic distortion is specified at:
Below 0.1% at 1kHz.
32-Ohm Impedance
The original 99 Classics has a nominal impedance of:
32 ohms.
This is an important distinction from the later 99 Classics 2nd Generation.
103dB SPL/mW Sensitivity
Meze specifies sensitivity at:
103dB SPL/mW at 1kHz.
The combination of relatively low impedance and useful sensitivity makes the 99 Classics straightforward to drive from a wide range of suitable headphone outputs.
Do You Need a Dedicated Headphone Amplifier?
Not necessarily.
The original 99 Classics can work successfully with suitable outputs on:
- Portable digital audio players
- Computers and laptops
- Integrated amplifiers
- Network streamers
- DAC/headphone amplifier combinations
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
- Compatible phones and tablets
A better DAC or headphone amplifier can still improve the source and amplification chain, but the 99 Classics does not require unusually high power simply to operate properly.
30mW Rated Input Power
Meze specifies rated input power at:
30mW.
50mW Maximum Input Power
Maximum input power is specified at:
50mW.
Maximum Input Power Is Not a Volume Recommendation
The 50mW figure is an electrical specification rather than a target listening level.
Excessive listening volume can cause permanent hearing damage.
Warm, Engaging Original 99 Classics Tuning
Audio T's experience with the original 99 Classics has consistently highlighted a warm and entertaining tonal balance.
Its particular strengths include:
- Generous bass weight
- Strong rhythmic drive
- A rich lower midrange
- Useful treble detail
- A pleasing sense of openness for a closed-back headphone
That presentation suits listeners looking for enjoyment and musical engagement rather than a deliberately dry or analytical monitor balance.
Why the Original Sounds Different From V2
The original's warmer presentation is not an accident or a fault.
When Meze developed the 99 Classics 2nd Generation, the company specifically moved the new model closer to a balanced and neutral target, with more restrained bass and greater midrange and treble clarity.
The original therefore remains the richer and more bass-forward version of the 99 Classics formula.
Real Walnut Wood Earcups
One of the defining features of the 99 Classics is its:
Real walnut wood earcups.
Walnut was selected for its combination of:
- Rich natural colour
- Distinctive grain
- Strength
- Relatively low weight
- Suitability for precision machining and finishing
No Two Pairs Look Exactly the Same
Natural walnut varies from one piece of timber to another.
Differences in:
- Grain
- Colour
- Texture
- Pattern
are normal characteristics rather than manufacturing defects.
CNC-Carved and Hand Finished
The walnut cups are:
CNC carved, hand finished, stained and polished.
Meze states that shaping a single pair of earcups can take up to eight hours, while the complete sanding, lacquering and finishing process extends over approximately 45 days.
Walnut/Silver Finish
This particular Audio T product is the:
Walnut/Silver version.
Natural walnut earcups are combined with silver-finished metal hardware for a more understated appearance than the alternative Walnut/Gold version.
Cast Zinc-Alloy Hardware
The frame hardware is manufactured from:
Cast zinc alloy.
Meze applies an electroplated finish, with the original 99 Classics available in either Gold or Silver hardware versions.
Spring-Steel Outer Headband
The structural headband uses:
Spring steel.
Its large active area provides the flexible outer structure linking the two earcups.
Self-Adjusting Headband
Rather than using conventional ratcheting adjustments, the inner support strap moves automatically into position as the headphones are placed on the head.
This makes the fit:
- Quick to adjust
- Easy to share between listeners
- Comfortable across a range of head sizes
- Free from fixed click-stop settings
Vegan-Leather Support Strap
Meze's current manufacturer description specifies the self-adjusting inner support as:
Vegan leather.
It works with the spring-steel outer band to distribute pressure over a broad contact area.
260g Headphone Weight
The original 99 Classics weighs:
260g / 9.17oz.
This relatively low weight is a major contributor to the headphone's long-session comfort.
Memory-Foam Earpads
The original 99 Series earpads use:
Medium-density memory foam.
The foam conforms around the ear and helps establish the acoustic seal required by the closed-back design.
Soft PU Leather Earpad Surface
The pad covering is:
Soft PU leather.
Meze's replacement-pad documentation confirms that these original 99 Series pads remain compatible with both original Walnut/Gold and Walnut/Silver 99 Classics models.
Original and V2 Earpads Are Different
The original 99 Classics uses the first-generation 99 Series earpad system.
Meze specifically states that these pads are not compatible with the 99 Classics 2nd Generation, which uses a newer clip-on arrangement.
Original Earpad Dimensions
Meze currently specifies the standard original 99 Series pad's internal dimensions at approximately:
- 64mm height
- 45mm width
- 23mm depth
Dual 3.5mm TS Inputs
Each earcup uses an individual:
3.5mm TS input.
This means the cable is completely detachable rather than permanently fixed to either earcup.
Two Cables Originally Supplied
Meze's final official first-generation Walnut/Silver package includes two separate Kevlar OFC cables.
1.2m Cable With Microphone and Remote
The shorter cable is:
1.2 metres long.
Meze describes it as a:
Thread Kevlar OFC cable with microphone and remote.
This is intended primarily for portable and everyday listening.
3m Kevlar OFC Cable
A second:
3-metre thread Kevlar OFC cable
is included for conventional home listening where the amplifier or source may be further away from the listening position.
6.3mm Jack Adaptor Included
The original package includes a:
6.3mm jack adaptor.
This allows connection to full-size headphone sockets commonly fitted to:
- Integrated amplifiers
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
- DACs
- Professional audio equipment
Airplane Adaptor Included
Meze also originally supplied an:
Airplane headphone adaptor.
Cable Pouch Included
A separate cable pouch is supplied to keep the detachable leads and adaptors organised.
Hard EVA Carrying Pouch
The headphones come with a:
Hard EVA carrying pouch.
This provides protection during storage and transport.
No Bluetooth
The original 99 Classics is a passive wired headphone.
There is no:
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- Rechargeable battery
- Active noise cancellation
- Built-in DAC
- App requirement
Fully Serviceable Construction
Long-term repairability is one of the original 99 Classics' most important design principles.
Meze specifically identifies the following as replaceable:
- Earcups
- Headband
- Cables
- Drivers
- Earpads
Built for Repair Rather Than Disposal
The design avoids treating the complete headphone as a single disposable assembly.
If one component becomes worn or damaged, individual parts can be serviced or replaced without automatically replacing the complete headphone.
Original 99 Classics or 99 Classics V2?
Original 99 Classics
- First-generation design
- 40mm dynamic driver
- 15Hz–25kHz
- 32-ohm impedance
- 103dB SPL/mW sensitivity
- 260g
- Walnut earcups
- Warm, rich original tuning
- Original 99 Series earpads
- 1.2m microphone cable
- 3m home cable
- Discontinued
99 Classics 2nd Generation
- Current second-generation design
- 40mm dynamic driver
- 15Hz–25kHz
- 16-ohm impedance
- 103dB SPL/mW sensitivity
- 290g
- Walnut earcups
- More balanced and neutral tuning
- Revised driver matching
- Larger internal cup volume
- Dedicated bass vent
- Clip-on earpads
- USB-C DAC adaptor
The current V2 is not simply the original with cosmetic changes. Meze substantially revised the acoustic system and deliberately moved the tonal balance closer towards neutral.
If you prefer the richer and more bass-forward presentation associated with the original, the first-generation 99 Classics retains a distinct appeal of its own.
Compare the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Generation at Audio T.
Original 99 Classics or 99 Neo?
99 Classics
- 40mm dynamic driver
- 32-ohm impedance
- 103dB SPL/mW
- 260g
- Real walnut earcups
- Warmer closed-back tuning
- Premium metal and wood construction
99 Neo
- 40mm dynamic driver
- 26-ohm impedance
- 103dB SPL/mW
- 260g
- ABS earcups
- More pronounced bass emphasis
- More affordable construction
Both share the accessible, easy-to-drive philosophy of the original 99 family, but the Classics adds genuine walnut construction and a more natural overall balance than the bassier Neo.
Explore the Meze 99 Neo at Audio T.
Audio T on the Original 99 Classics
Audio T Reading has lived with the original 99 Classics for many years.
Our own experience highlighted its strong comfort, useful closed-back isolation and particularly entertaining presentation, with potent bass, a pleasingly open midrange and enough treble detail to keep the overall balance lively.
Read: Bask In Splendid Isolation With Meze Audio Classic and Neo Headphones
An Audio T Family Favourite
Our Brighton store has also described the original 99 Classics as a long-term family favourite, particularly useful for portable listening, entry-level headphone systems and situations where the reduced leakage of a closed-back headphone is important.
Read: Meze Audio - Makers of Headphones That Sound as Good as They Look
99 Classics With Chord Mojo
The easy-to-drive electrical specification also makes the original 99 Classics a natural partner for compact DAC and headphone amplifiers.
Audio T Reading has previously used the headphones with Chord Electronics' Mojo family as part of a compact high-quality headphone system.
Read: Testing, Testing, Chord Mojo 1, 2, 1, 2
Who Are the Original Meze 99 Classics For?
Well Suited To
- Listeners wanting warm closed-back headphones
- Home headphone listening
- Portable audio systems
- Computer and laptop listening
- Compact DAC/headphone amplifiers
- Integrated amplifier headphone outputs
- Listeners who value natural wood construction
- Customers wanting reduced sound leakage
- Long listening sessions
- Listeners who enjoy generous bass weight
- Customers who value repairable products
Check Before Buying
- Original model is discontinued
- Availability is limited to remaining stock
- Warmer and more bass-forward than 99 Classics V2
- Closed back rather than open back
- No Bluetooth
- No active noise cancellation
- Uses original-generation earpads
- Natural walnut grain varies between individual pairs
Key Features
- Original Meze 99 Classics
- First-generation model
- Walnut/Silver finish
- Closed-back over-ear headphones
- Dynamic transducer
- 40mm driver
- 15Hz–25kHz frequency range
- Less than 0.1% THD at 1kHz
- 32-ohm impedance
- 103dB SPL/mW sensitivity at 1kHz
- 30mW rated input power
- 50mW maximum input power
- 260g headphone weight
- Real walnut wood earcups
- CNC-carved earcups
- Hand-finished walnut
- Cast zinc-alloy hardware
- Silver electroplated hardware finish
- Spring-steel outer headband
- Self-adjusting vegan-leather headband
- Medium-density memory-foam earpads
- Soft PU leather earpads
- Replaceable original 99 Series pads
- Dual 3.5mm TS headphone inputs
- Detachable cables
- 1.2m Kevlar OFC cable with microphone and remote
- 3m Kevlar OFC home cable
- 6.3mm adaptor included
- Airplane adaptor included
- Cable pouch included
- Hard EVA carrying pouch included
- Fully serviceable construction
- Replaceable earcups
- Replaceable headband
- Replaceable cables
- Replaceable drivers
- Replaceable earpads
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the original Meze 99 Classics?
Yes. This page covers the first-generation Meze 99 Classics rather than the later 99 Classics 2nd Generation.
Has the original Meze 99 Classics been discontinued?
Yes. Meze now officially marks the original Walnut/Gold and Walnut/Silver versions as discontinued.
Which finish is this product?
Walnut/Silver, combining natural walnut earcups with silver-finished metal hardware.
Are the 99 Classics open or closed back?
They are closed-back over-ear headphones.
What size drivers do they use?
40mm dynamic drivers.
What is the frequency range?
15Hz to 25kHz.
What is the impedance?
The original 99 Classics is 32 ohms.
Is the new 99 Classics V2 also 32 ohms?
No. The second-generation model uses a different 16-ohm specification.
What is the sensitivity?
103dB SPL/mW at 1kHz.
What is the total harmonic distortion?
Meze specifies less than 0.1% at 1kHz.
What is the rated input power?
30mW.
What is the maximum input power?
50mW.
How much do the headphones weigh?
260g or 9.17oz.
Are they difficult to drive?
No. Their 32-ohm impedance and 103dB SPL/mW sensitivity make them suitable for many portable and home headphone outputs.
Do I need a dedicated headphone amplifier?
Not necessarily, although a better DAC or headphone amplifier can improve the complete system.
What are the earcups made from?
Real walnut wood.
Are the earcups CNC machined?
Yes. Meze CNC carves the walnut cups before hand finishing, staining and polishing them.
Will every pair have identical wood grain?
No. Variations in colour, grain and texture are normal characteristics of natural walnut.
What is the metal hardware made from?
Cast zinc alloy with an electroplated finish.
What is the outer headband made from?
Spring steel.
Does the headband adjust automatically?
Yes. The inner support strap is vertically self adjusting.
What are the earpads made from?
Soft PU leather with medium-density memory foam.
Are the earpads replaceable?
Yes.
Do current 99 Classics V2 pads fit the original?
No. Meze specifically states that the original 99 Series pads and second-generation clip-on pads are not interchangeable.
Are the cables detachable?
Yes. Each earcup uses its own 3.5mm TS input.
How many cables did the original 99 Classics come with?
Meze's final official Walnut/Silver package includes two cables.
What is the short cable?
A 1.2m Kevlar OFC cable with microphone and remote.
What is the long cable?
A 3m Kevlar OFC cable intended primarily for home listening.
Is a 6.3mm adaptor included?
Yes.
Is an airplane adaptor included?
Yes.
Is a carrying case included?
Yes. Meze supplies a hard EVA carrying pouch.
Do they have Bluetooth?
No.
Do they have active noise cancellation?
No. Isolation is entirely passive.
How do the original 99 Classics sound?
Audio T's own listening has found them warm, rich and entertaining, with generous bass, useful treble detail and a pleasingly open midrange for a closed-back design.
Are the new 99 Classics V2 more neutral?
Yes. Meze specifically retuned the second generation towards a more balanced and neutral target with slightly more restrained bass.
Can the original 99 Classics be repaired?
Yes. Meze designed them as fully serviceable headphones.
Can the drivers themselves be replaced?
Yes. Meze specifically identifies the drivers as replaceable components.
Can Audio T arrange a demonstration?
As the original model is discontinued, demonstration availability will depend on remaining Audio T stock. Contact your local store to check.
Related Meze Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Headphone demonstrations where remaining stock allows
- Original 99 Classics versus 2nd Generation advice
- Closed-back versus open-back guidance
- Headphone and amplifier matching
- DAC and headphone amplifier advice
- Portable headphone-system guidance
- Replacement earpad advice
- Meze replacement-part guidance
- Cable compatibility advice
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to check remaining availability of the original Meze 99 Classics or for advice on the current 99 Classics 2nd Generation.