Audio T Verdict
The original Meze 99 Classics earned its reputation by doing something deceptively difficult: combining proper hi-fi performance, genuine comfort, distinctive materials and easy everyday usability without becoming precious or impractical.
Ten years on, the second-generation 99 Classics keeps the instantly recognisable walnut-and-metal design but makes substantial changes underneath. This is much more than a cosmetic update.
The biggest difference is the tuning. Meze has moved the V2 closer to a balanced and neutral presentation. The generous bass that helped define the original remains, but it has been brought under tighter control so that the midrange and treble can emerge with greater clarity.
That change is supported by a thoroughly revised acoustic system. The internal earcup volume has increased, the sealing between components has been improved, a dedicated bass vent has been incorporated into the jack housing and the driver baffle has been redesigned to reduce obstruction in front of the diaphragm.
Meze has even improved the way individual drivers are matched between left and right channels. That matters because two headphones can use nominally identical drivers yet still vary slightly in output. More precise matching helps stabilise stereo imaging and improve consistency from one pair of headphones to another.
The redesigned earpads are important too. They increase the front acoustic volume and now attach with a fixed clip-on system rather than the stretch-fit arrangement used by the original generation. That provides more consistent positioning and makes eventual replacement much easier.
Interestingly, Meze has not completely abandoned the warmer character that made the first 99 Classics so popular. A pair of acoustic absorbers is supplied, allowing the owner to deliberately shift the tonal balance back towards the richer presentation of the original.
The electrical specification remains remarkably friendly. At just 16 ohms with 103dB SPL/mW sensitivity, the 99 Classics V2 can work from a broad range of headphone outputs, while the supplied USB-C DAC and headphone amplifier adaptor makes modern phones, tablets and laptops easier to accommodate.
Add the real walnut earcups, 290g weight, self-adjusting headband, replaceable components and detachable OFC cable and this feels less like Meze replacing a classic and more like the company carefully finishing something it started a decade ago.
Meze 99 Classics V2 2nd Generation Closed-Back Headphones
The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Generation is a full-size closed-back dynamic headphone combining real walnut earcups, 40mm dynamic drivers, a self-adjusting headband and fully serviceable construction.
Although immediately recognisable as a 99 Classics, the second generation introduces extensive acoustic, mechanical and usability improvements while retaining the materials and ergonomics that made the original model so distinctive.
A Second Generation, Not Just a New Finish
The original 99 Classics arrived in 2015.
For the second generation, Meze has retained the fundamental silhouette but developed ten major areas of the headphone:
- Rebalanced sound tuning
- Improved left and right driver matching
- Increased internal earcup volume
- Revised acoustic sealing
- Dedicated bass vent
- Re-engineered baffle architecture
- Redesigned clip-on earpads
- Wider cable-input openings
- Upgraded stock cable
- Included USB-C DAC and headphone amplifier
Closed-Back Dynamic Design
The 99 Classics V2 is a:
Closed-back over-ear dynamic headphone.
The rear of each driver is contained within the walnut earcup rather than being open to the surrounding room.
Compared with an open-back design, this generally provides:
- Reduced sound leakage
- Greater passive isolation
- More privacy when listening around other people
- Controlled acoustic loading behind the driver
- Greater suitability for portable and shared-space listening
Closed Back Is Not Active Noise Cancellation
The 99 Classics V2 is a passive wired headphone.
It does not contain electronic active noise cancellation or require a battery for normal analogue playback.
40mm Dynamic Driver
Each earcup contains a:
40mm dynamic driver.
The driver operates within the extensively revised acoustic environment of the second-generation walnut enclosure.
More Balanced Second-Generation Tuning
One of the most significant changes is the overall tonal direction.
Meze has moved the V2 closer towards a:
Balanced and neutral target.
The low frequencies remain engaging, but bass output has been restrained relative to the original so that the midrange and upper frequencies can emerge more clearly.
Still a 99 Classics
The second generation has not been turned into a deliberately clinical studio monitor.
Meze has retained the musical warmth and inviting character associated with the original while improving overall balance and detail retrieval.
Two Tonalities in One Headphone
Meze includes a pair of:
Acoustic absorbers.
These allow the owner to modify the headphone's acoustic balance.
What Do the Acoustic Absorbers Do?
Installing the supplied absorbers shifts the balance towards:
A warmer presentation closer to the original 99 Classics.
This means the V2 can effectively provide two manufacturer-approved tonal options:
- Second-generation balanced tuning
- Warmer original-inspired tuning with absorbers fitted
A Useful Bit of Genuine Tuning Flexibility
This is not electronic EQ or digital signal processing.
The absorbers physically alter the acoustic behaviour of the headphone, allowing you to choose between Meze's standard V2 balance and a warmer alternative.
Improved Driver Matching
Meze has refined the process used to match the left and right drivers.
A combination of mathematical matching and level adjustment is used to reduce differences between drivers, particularly through the mid and high frequencies.
The intended benefits include:
- More stable stereo imaging
- Improved left and right consistency
- Greater unit-to-unit consistency
Why Driver Matching Matters
Headphone drivers are mechanical devices and extremely small variations can exist between individual units.
Careful matching helps ensure that the left and right channels behave as similarly as possible.
Increased Internal Earcup Volume
The internal volume of the second-generation walnut earcups has been increased.
Meze uses the additional acoustic space to move internal cavity resonances lower in frequency and reduce undesirable standing-wave interactions.
Improved Low-Frequency Control
The larger internal volume forms part of the V2's revised bass tuning.
Rather than simply reducing bass electronically, Meze has changed the physical acoustic environment in which the driver operates.
Precision Acoustic Sealing
The second generation introduces improved sealing at key junctions throughout the enclosure.
More consistent sealing helps make the acoustic loading around each driver more predictable.
Dedicated Bass Vent
The improved enclosure sealing allows Meze to use a dedicated:
Bass vent integrated into the jack shell.
This provides a defined path for pressure management within the closed earcup.
Why Add a Bass Port?
The dedicated vent helps Meze control the low-frequency response more precisely while improving:
- Left and right channel consistency
- Low-frequency control
- Repeatability between individual headphones
Redesigned Baffle Architecture
The internal baffle in front of the driver has also been substantially reworked.
Meze uses a more open grille structure and slimmer supporting beams to reduce the amount of physical obstruction in front of the diaphragm.
Reduced Diffraction
The revised baffle aims to reduce:
- Acoustic diffraction
- Acoustic impedance in front of the driver
- High-frequency artefacts caused by surrounding structures
Improved Imaging and Separation
The combined changes to tuning, driver matching, baffle design and internal acoustic geometry are intended to provide:
- More stable stereo imaging
- Improved instrument separation
- A more spacious presentation
- Greater consistency across different pairs
15Hz to 25kHz Frequency Range
Meze specifies:
15Hz–25kHz.
This is the manufacturer's published frequency-range specification for the 99 Classics V2.
Less Than 0.1% THD
Total harmonic distortion is specified at:
Below 0.1% at 1kHz.
THD describes unwanted additional harmonic content generated by the transducer rather than contained within the original music signal.
16-Ohm Impedance
Nominal impedance is:
16 ohms.
This low impedance is deliberately friendly towards portable devices and conventional headphone outputs.
103dB SPL/mW Sensitivity
Meze specifies sensitivity at:
103dB SPL/mW at 1kHz.
Together with the 16-ohm impedance, this makes the 99 Classics V2 relatively straightforward to drive.
Do I Need a Headphone Amplifier?
Not necessarily.
The 99 Classics V2 can work with many suitable sources, including:
- Portable music players
- Integrated amplifiers
- DACs with headphone outputs
- Network streamers
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
- Computers
- Compatible phones and tablets
A good dedicated DAC or headphone amplifier can still improve the complete listening system, but unusually high amplifier power is not required simply to drive the headphones.
USB-C DAC and Headphone Amplifier Included
Modern phones, tablets and laptops increasingly omit conventional analogue headphone sockets.
Meze therefore supplies a custom:
3.5mm to USB-C adaptor with integrated DAC and headphone amplifier.
This allows the analogue 99 Classics cable to connect to a compatible USB-C source.
USB-C Does Not Make Them Wireless
The supplied adaptor provides a wired digital connection.
The headphones themselves remain passive analogue headphones and do not contain Bluetooth.
Manufacturer DAC Specifications
Meze confirms that the USB-C adaptor contains an integrated DAC and headphone amplifier.
Detailed information such as maximum sample rate, maximum bit depth, DAC chipset and amplifier output power is not published in Meze's current 99 Classics V2 technical specification, so these figures should not be guessed from third-party listings.
Real Walnut Wood Earcups
The 99 Classics V2 retains one of the features that made the original instantly recognisable:
Real walnut wood earcups.
Walnut provides a combination of:
- Natural grain
- Relatively low weight
- Useful structural strength
- Individual appearance
No Two Pairs Look Exactly the Same
Natural wood varies in:
- Colour
- Grain
- Pattern
- Texture
These differences are normal and mean individual pairs of 99 Classics can have their own visual character.
CNC-Machined Walnut
The walnut earcups are CNC machined before being individually finished, stained and polished.
Meze states that producing a single pair of wooden cups can involve up to eight hours of machining, with the complete sanding, lacquering and finishing process extending over a much longer period.
Slow Air-Dried Wood
The walnut is slowly air dried before final production to preserve its colour and prepare the material for machining and finishing.
Cast Zinc Alloy Hardware
The structural metal hardware is made from:
Cast zinc alloy.
The V2 Gold version uses an electroplated matte-gold finish.
Spring-Steel Outer Headband
The distinctive outer headband uses:
Spring steel.
This creates the flexible structural frame linking the two earcups.
Self-Adjusting Vegan-Leather Headband
Rather than using conventional ratcheting adjustments, the inner support strap moves vertically to adapt automatically to the listener.
Meze uses:
Vegan leather
for the contact surface.
Why Self Adjustment?
The headphone automatically settles into its wearing position rather than requiring the left and right sides of a conventional headband to be manually extended.
This helps distribute the weight across a broad contact area.
290g Headphone Weight
Meze specifies:
290g / 10.23oz.
That is particularly light for a full-size closed-back headphone incorporating real wooden earcups and metal structural components.
Redesigned Memory-Foam Earpads
The second-generation pads use:
Memory foam.
Their shape has been revised to alter and increase the acoustic volume between the driver and the listener's ear.
Why Change the Pad Shape?
Earpads form part of the acoustic system of a headphone.
Changing their shape and internal volume can affect:
- Midrange balance
- Low-frequency behaviour
- Driver-to-ear distance
- Acoustic sealing
Meze therefore redesigned the pads as part of the second-generation tuning rather than treating them as a purely comfort-related component.
New Clip-On Pad System
The original stretch-over mounting arrangement has been replaced with:
A dedicated clip-on attachment system.
This provides:
- Fixed earpad orientation
- More consistent positioning
- Reduced acoustic variation
- Easier replacement
Replaceable Earpads
The pads remain user replaceable and form part of Meze's serviceable design philosophy.
7mm Cable Socket Opening
The physical opening surrounding each headphone input has been enlarged to:
7mm diameter.
This provides more space around the 3.5mm socket.
Greater Cable Compatibility
The wider opening allows both slim and larger-bodied 3.5mm cable plugs to fit more easily.
Meze specifically developed the change to improve compatibility with a broader range of cables, including its premium hand-braided options.
Dual 3.5mm TS Headphone Inputs
Each earcup uses its own:
3.5mm TS input.
The detachable cable splits into individual left and right connections.
Symmetrical Earcup Design
The earcups themselves are not permanently designated left and right.
Channel identification is provided by the cable connectors, with left and right markings showing which plug should be connected to each side.
1.8m Twisted OFC Cable Included
The stock cable is:
1.8 metres long.
Meze uses:
Dual-twisted OFC conductors with Kevlar reinforcement.
Kevlar-Sheathed Cable Construction
The revised cable construction is designed to improve:
- Mechanical durability
- Resistance to tangling
- Flexibility
- Long-term everyday usability
3.5mm Source Connector
The supplied analogue cable terminates in:
A conventional 3.5mm stereo jack.
This allows connection to compatible portable devices, DACs and headphone amplifiers.
6.3mm Gold-Plated Adaptor Included
A:
6.3mm gold-plated jack adaptor
is supplied for connecting the headphones to full-size sockets commonly fitted to:
- Integrated amplifiers
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
- DACs
- Professional audio equipment
Cable Pouch Included
A separate pouch is supplied to keep the detachable cable and adaptors organised when not in use.
Hard EVA Carrying Pouch
The headphones are supplied with a:
Hard EVA carrying pouch.
This provides useful protection during storage and transport.
No Bluetooth
The 99 Classics V2 is a passive wired headphone.
There is no:
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- Battery inside the headphones
- Active noise cancellation
- App requirement
Suitable for Portable Listening
The combination of closed-back construction, 16-ohm impedance, 290g weight and included USB-C adaptor makes the 99 Classics V2 much more practical away from a traditional hi-fi system than many large specialist headphones.
They remain full-size over-ear headphones, however, rather than compact folding travel headphones.
Fully Serviceable Construction
Meze has designed the 99 Classics V2 around long-term serviceability.
Replaceable components include:
- Earcups
- Headband components
- Cables
- Earpads
- Drivers
No Glue-First Disposable Construction
The philosophy is simple: if one component eventually wears or becomes damaged, the rest of the headphone should not automatically become waste.
Designed for Long-Term Ownership
Serviceability has been part of the 99 Series concept from the beginning, and Meze has retained and developed that principle for the second generation.
99 Classics V2 or Original 99 Classics?
Original 99 Classics
- Original warmer tuning
- More pronounced low-frequency character
- Previous driver-matching process
- Smaller internal cup volume
- Previous enclosure sealing arrangement
- Previous baffle architecture
- Stretch-fit earpads
- Original cable arrangement
- No USB-C DAC adaptor supplied as standard
99 Classics V2
- More balanced neutral-leaning tuning
- Tighter bass balance
- Improved driver matching
- Increased internal earcup volume
- Precision acoustic sealing
- Dedicated bass port
- More open internal baffle
- Clip-on memory-foam earpads
- 7mm cable socket opening
- Dual-twisted Kevlar OFC cable
- USB-C DAC and headphone amplifier included
- Acoustic absorbers for warmer tuning
Want Some of the Original Warmth?
The supplied acoustic absorbers are specifically included for listeners who prefer the richer tonal balance associated with the first-generation 99 Classics.
You therefore do not have to choose entirely between the two tuning philosophies.
99 Classics V2 or 105 AER?
99 Classics V2
- Closed-back
- 40mm dynamic driver
- 15Hz–25kHz
- 16-ohm impedance
- 103dB SPL/mW
- 290g
- Real walnut earcups
- Memory-foam pads
- Greater passive isolation
- Less sound leakage
- USB-C DAC adaptor included
- Optional acoustic tuning absorbers
105 AER
- Open-back
- 50mm dynamic driver
- 5Hz–30kHz
- 42-ohm impedance
- 112dB SPL/mW
- 336g
- PC-ABS earcups
- Velour pads
- Greater acoustic openness
- More sound leakage
- Designed primarily for quieter spaces
The biggest practical decision is therefore closed versus open back rather than simply choosing by price.
Compare the Meze 105 AER at Audio T.
99 Classics V2 or Meze STRADA?
The STRADA sits above the 99 Classics V2 within Meze's current closed-back dynamic range.
It uses a larger 50mm driver architecture derived from the 109 PRO, alongside a magnesium frame, Macassar ebony earcup covers and substantially more ambitious driver construction.
The 99 Classics V2 remains lighter, easier on the wallet and retains the distinctive walnut-and-self-adjusting-headband formula that defines the 99 family.
Compare the Meze STRADA at Audio T.
Using the 99 Classics V2 With a Chord Mojo 2
The easy-to-drive 99 Series has long worked particularly well with compact DAC and headphone amplifiers.
Audio T has previously used the original 99 Classics while exploring the Chord Electronics Mojo family, and the V2's low impedance and improved tuning make the same type of compact system particularly relevant.
Read: Testing, Testing, Chord Mojo 1, 2, 1, 2
Audio T Looks at the New 99 Classics V2
Audio T has also compared the current 99 Classics V2 with other Meze headphones, highlighting its more natural tonal balance, tighter bass and clearer midrange compared with the more bass-forward 99 Neo.
Read: Meze Audio Headphones - The Perfect Stocking Filler
Who Are the Meze 99 Classics V2 For?
Well Suited To
- Customers wanting premium closed-back headphones
- Home headphone listening
- Portable headphone systems
- Shared listening environments
- Listeners wanting less leakage than an open-back design
- Customers wanting natural walnut construction
- Long listening sessions
- Phones and tablets with USB-C
- Portable DAC and headphone amplifier systems
- Conventional hi-fi amplifier headphone outputs
- Listeners wanting adjustable acoustic tuning
- Customers who value long-term serviceability
Check Before Buying
- Closed back rather than open back
- Passive wired operation only
- No Bluetooth
- No active noise cancellation
- Natural walnut grain varies between pairs
- Full-size over-ear construction
- USB-C adaptor specifications beyond Meze's published information should not be assumed
- Acoustic absorbers deliberately alter the tonal balance
Key Features
- Meze 99 Classics V2
- Meze 99 Classics 2nd Generation
- Closed-back over-ear headphones
- Dynamic transducer
- 40mm driver
- 15Hz–25kHz frequency range
- Less than 0.1% THD at 1kHz
- 16-ohm impedance
- 103dB SPL/mW sensitivity at 1kHz
- 290g headphone weight
- Real walnut wood earcups
- CNC-machined earcups
- Hand-finished walnut
- Cast zinc-alloy hardware
- Spring-steel outer headband
- Self-adjusting vegan-leather headband
- Redesigned memory-foam earpads
- Clip-on earpad attachment
- Improved driver matching
- Increased internal earcup volume
- Precision acoustic sealing
- Dedicated bass vent
- Re-engineered baffle
- Reduced acoustic obstruction
- Improved stereo imaging
- Improved instrument separation
- 7mm input-socket opening
- Dual 3.5mm TS headphone inputs
- Detachable cable
- 1.8m twisted OFC cable
- Kevlar-reinforced cable
- 3.5mm source connection
- 6.3mm gold-plated adaptor included
- USB-C DAC and headphone amplifier included
- Acoustic tuning absorbers included
- Cable pouch included
- Hard EVA carrying pouch included
- Fully serviceable construction
- Replaceable driver
- Replaceable earcups
- Replaceable earpads
- Replaceable cables
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Meze 99 Classics V2 the same as 99 Classics 2nd Gen?
Yes. V2 is commonly used to describe Meze's second-generation 99 Classics.
Are the 99 Classics V2 open or closed back?
They are closed-back over-ear headphones.
What size drivers do they use?
Meze specifies 40mm dynamic drivers.
What is the frequency range?
15Hz to 25kHz.
What is the impedance?
16 ohms.
What is the sensitivity?
103dB SPL/mW at 1kHz.
What is the total harmonic distortion?
Meze specifies less than 0.1% at 1kHz.
How much do the headphones weigh?
290g or 10.23oz.
Are they difficult to drive?
No. Their 16-ohm impedance and 103dB SPL/mW sensitivity make them suitable for a broad range of compatible portable and home headphone outputs.
Do I need a dedicated headphone amplifier?
Not necessarily, although a better DAC or headphone amplifier can still improve the quality of the complete system.
Are the earcups real wood?
Yes. Meze specifies walnut wood.
Will every pair have identical wood grain?
No. Differences in colour, grain and pattern are natural characteristics of real wood.
How are the walnut earcups manufactured?
Meze CNC machines the cups before hand finishing, staining and polishing them.
What has changed in the V2 tuning?
Meze has moved the second generation closer to a balanced and neutral target, with more restrained bass allowing the midrange and treble to emerge more clearly.
Are they less bassy than the original 99 Classics?
The standard V2 tuning uses more controlled bass than the original while retaining an engaging low-frequency character.
Can I make the V2 sound more like the original?
Yes. Meze supplies acoustic absorbers specifically to move the balance towards a warmer signature closer to the original 99 Classics.
What are the acoustic absorbers?
They are physical acoustic tuning components supplied with the headphones. They do not use electronic EQ or digital processing.
What has changed with driver matching?
Meze uses a more refined matching process to reduce left and right driver variance, particularly through the mid and high frequencies.
Why is the earcup volume larger?
The increased internal volume moves cavity resonances lower and reduces standing-wave interactions, contributing to improved low-frequency control.
Does the V2 have a bass port?
Yes. Meze integrates a dedicated bass vent into the jack shell.
Why was the baffle redesigned?
The new baffle reduces obstruction, diffraction and acoustic impedance in front of the driver to minimise unwanted high-frequency effects.
Are the earpads different?
Yes. They have been reshaped and now use a clip-on attachment system.
Why use clip-on earpads?
The fixed mounting helps maintain consistent pad orientation, reduces positioning variation and makes replacement easier.
Are the earpads replaceable?
Yes.
What are the earpads made from?
Meze specifies detachable memory-foam earpads.
Is the headband self adjusting?
Yes. The vegan-leather support strap adjusts vertically beneath the spring-steel outer band.
Are the cables detachable?
Yes. Each earcup uses an individual 3.5mm TS input.
Why are the earcups not marked left and right?
The cups are symmetrical. The cable connectors identify the left and right channels.
How large is the cable socket opening?
Meze specifies a 7mm-diameter opening around the 3.5mm input socket.
Why was the cable socket enlarged?
It allows a broader range of slim and larger-bodied 3.5mm cable plugs to fit.
What cable is supplied?
A 1.8m dual-twisted OFC cable with Kevlar reinforcement and a 3.5mm source connection.
Is a 6.3mm adaptor included?
Yes. A gold-plated 6.3mm jack adaptor is supplied.
Is a USB-C adaptor included?
Yes. Meze supplies a custom 3.5mm-to-USB-C adaptor containing an integrated DAC and headphone amplifier.
What sample rate does the USB-C DAC support?
Meze does not publish a maximum sample-rate figure in the current 99 Classics V2 technical specification, so we would not guess.
What DAC chip does the adaptor use?
Meze does not specify the chipset in the current product information.
Does the USB-C adaptor add Bluetooth?
No. It remains a wired connection.
Do the headphones have Bluetooth?
No.
Do they have active noise cancellation?
No.
Do closed-back headphones reduce sound leakage?
Yes. They generally leak considerably less sound than an open-back headphone, although they should not be confused with electronic active noise cancellation.
Is a carrying case included?
Yes. Meze supplies a hard EVA carrying pouch.
Is a cable pouch included?
Yes.
Can the headphones be repaired?
Yes. Meze specifically designs the second-generation 99 Classics as fully serviceable.
Can the drivers be replaced?
Yes. Meze identifies the drivers as replaceable components within its serviceable construction.
Can the earcups be replaced?
Yes.
Can Audio T arrange a demonstration?
Yes. Where demonstration stock is available, contact your local Audio T store to arrange a listen.
Related Meze Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Headphone demonstrations where available
- Closed-back versus open-back advice
- 99 Classics V2 tuning demonstrations
- Acoustic absorber guidance
- Headphone and amplifier matching
- DAC and headphone amplifier advice
- USB-C source compatibility guidance
- Portable headphone-system advice
- Home headphone-system advice
- 99 Classics versus 105 Series comparisons
- 99 Classics versus STRADA guidance
- Cable and connector advice
- Fit and comfort demonstrations
- Replacement earpad guidance
- Meze service and replacement-part advice
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store for advice on the Meze 99 Classics V2, arranging a demonstration, choosing the preferred acoustic tuning or matching the headphones with a suitable DAC, headphone amplifier or music source.