Audio T Verdict
The Meze 99 Neo takes the basic formula that made the original 99 Classics such a success and strips away some of the luxury without stripping away the things that actually make a pair of headphones enjoyable to own.
Instead of walnut, the Neo uses textured ABS earcups, bringing the cost down while retaining the distinctive self-adjusting headband, metal hardware, soft memory-foam earpads and fully serviceable construction of the wider 99 family.
The sonic character is unapologetically fun. The 99 Neo has a warm, generous low-frequency balance with plenty of punch, making it particularly enjoyable with rock, electronic music, hip hop and anything where rhythm and bass weight are part of the appeal.
That does make it different from the newer 99 Classics V2, which has moved towards a more neutral and controlled balance. If you actively like a richer, more energetic presentation, the Neos character remains part of its charm rather than something that needs apologising for.
It is also extremely easy to drive. A 26-ohm impedance and 103dB SPL/mW sensitivity mean it can work happily from many phones, portable players, laptops, DACs and conventional hi-fi headphone outputs without demanding a powerful specialist amplifier.
The supplied 1.5m detachable cable includes an inline microphone and remote, making the Neo rather more practical for everyday computer, phone and headset duties than many conventional hi-fi headphones.
At only 260g, the combination of self-adjusting headband, soft PU leather memory-foam pads and relatively low mass makes the 99 Neo very comfortable for extended use.
Meze has now discontinued the 99 Neo, so availability is dependent on remaining retailer stock. That does not change what the headphones are, though: an unusually comfortable, easily driven and entertaining closed-back headphone that offers a lot of the 99 Series experience for considerably less than the wooden Classics.
Meze 99 Neo Closed-Back Dynamic Headphones
The Meze 99 Neo is a full-size closed-back headphone combining 40mm dynamic drivers, lightweight ABS earcups, self-adjusting ergonomics and a warm, engaging sound signature.
Originally developed as the more affordable alternative to the 99 Classics, the Neo uses the same broad design philosophy while replacing the wooden cups with textured ABS construction.
Discontinued by Meze
Meze now officially lists the 99 Neo as discontinued.
Availability therefore depends on remaining retailer stock and should be checked with Audio T before purchase.
Closed-Back Over-Ear Design
The 99 Neo uses a:
Closed-back over-ear design.
The rear of each driver operates inside an enclosed earcup rather than venting freely into the room.
Advantages of the closed design include:
- Reduced sound leakage compared with open-back headphones
- Greater passive isolation from surrounding noise
- More private listening around other people
- Suitability for home, office and portable use
Passive Isolation, Not Active Noise Cancellation
The 99 Neo does not contain electronic active noise cancellation.
Isolation is provided by the physical closed-back earcups and earpads.
40mm Dynamic Drivers
Each earcup contains a:
40mm dynamic driver.
This forms the acoustic heart of the 99 Neo and is designed to deliver the warm and punchy presentation associated with this version of the 99 Series.
15Hz to 25kHz Frequency Range
Meze specifies:
15Hz–25kHz.
This is the manufacturers complete published frequency-range specification.
Less Than 0.1% Total Harmonic Distortion
Meze specifies:
THD below 0.1% at 1kHz.
This specification is missing from the existing Audio T page and should be added.
26-Ohm Impedance
The 99 Neo has a nominal impedance of:
26 ohms.
This relatively low figure makes the headphones suitable for a wide variety of conventional headphone outputs.
103dB SPL/mW Sensitivity
Meze specifies sensitivity at:
103dB SPL/mW at 1kHz.
Combined with the 26-ohm impedance, the Neo is deliberately straightforward to drive.
Do I Need a Headphone Amplifier?
Not necessarily.
The 99 Neo can work from suitable headphone outputs on:
- Portable music players
- Computers
- Laptops
- DACs
- Integrated amplifiers
- Network streamers
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
- Compatible phones and tablets
A dedicated DAC or headphone amplifier can still improve the quality of the complete system, but unusually high amplifier power is not required.
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 Listening Target
The 50mW figure is an electrical limit rather than a recommended volume setting.
Listening at excessive volume can damage your hearing regardless of the headphones maximum electrical capability.
Warm and Punchy Sound
The 99 Neo has become particularly well known for its generous low-frequency character.
Audio Ts own listening has consistently found the Neo to deliver:
- Strong bass weight
- Plenty of rhythmic punch
- A warm overall balance
- An engaging rather than analytical presentation
This makes it particularly enjoyable with modern rock, electronic, dance, hip hop and other bass-driven music.
Not the Same Tuning as 99 Classics V2
The newer 99 Classics V2 has moved towards a more balanced and neutral presentation, with tighter low frequencies and greater midrange clarity.
The 99 Neo retains a more pronounced low-frequency emphasis.
Different Flavours Rather Than Simply Better or Worse
If you enjoy a fuller and more energetic bass presentation, the 99 Neo may still be preferable to a more neutral headphone.
If tonal balance, midrange clarity and refinement are the priorities, the 99 Classics V2 represents the current step up.
ABS Plastic Earcups
Meze specifies the earcups as:
ABS plastic.
The textured coal-black finish gives the Neo a more contemporary appearance than the natural walnut used for the Classics.
Why ABS?
Using ABS instead of machined wood allows Meze to reduce both manufacturing cost and overall weight while retaining the general form and ergonomics of the 99 Series.
The result is a 260g full-size headphone.
Coal-Black Textured Finish
Meze describes the Neos earcups as:
Coal-black textured earcups.
This darker, understated aesthetic differentiates the model immediately from the wooden 99 Classics.
Cast Zinc-Alloy Hardware
The structural hardware uses:
Cast zinc alloy.
Meze applies an electroplated finish to the hardware.
Stamped Manganese Spring-Steel Headband
The outer structural headband is made from:
Stamped manganese spring steel.
The metal outer frame provides the flexible structural link between the two earcups.
Self-Adjusting Headband
The inner support strap automatically finds its position when the headphones are placed on the head.
There is no conventional click-adjustment mechanism.
Meze describes the system as providing even pressure across different head sizes.
Why Self Adjustment?
The system helps:
- Distribute weight evenly
- Avoid pressure from a narrow conventional headband
- Reduce the need for manual adjustment
- Make the headphones easy to share between listeners
260g Weight
Meze specifies:
260g / 9.17oz.
The figure refers to the headphones themselves rather than packaging or accessories.
Soft PU Leather Earpads
The 99 Series pads are made from:
Soft PU leather.
They provide the contact surface around the ears and contribute to the passive acoustic seal required by the closed-back design.
Medium-Density Memory Foam
Inside the PU leather covering is:
Medium-density memory foam.
The foam conforms to the shape around the ear and contributes to both comfort and acoustic sealing.
Earpads, Not Leather Earcups
The earcups themselves are ABS plastic.
The soft PU leather description applies to the replaceable earpads, not the earcup construction.
Replaceable 99 Series Earpads
Meze continues to offer replacement 99 Series earpads compatible with:
- Original 99 Classics
- 99 Neo
The current 99 Classics V2 uses a different clip-on pad arrangement and its pads are not interchangeable with the older 99 Neo.
99 Classics V2 Pads Are Different
The 99 Neo belongs to the original 99 Series pad architecture.
Meze specifically states that the original 99 Series pads are not compatible with the second-generation 99 Classics.
Dual 3.5mm TS Earcup Inputs
Each earcup provides an individual:
3.5mm TS input.
The supplied cable splits into separate left and right connectors at the headphone end.
Fully Detachable Cable
The cable is not permanently attached.
This provides:
- Easier storage
- Simpler replacement
- Better long-term serviceability
- Compatibility with suitable alternative 99 Series cables
1.5m Kevlar OFC Cable Included
Mezes official final 99 Neo accessory specification lists:
1.5m thread Kevlar OFC cable.
The source end uses a conventional 3.5mm connection.
Important Audio T Accessory Correction
The previous Audio T copy refers to both a 1.2m microphone cable and a separate 3m Kevlar cable.
Mezes final manufacturer specification lists one 1.5m Kevlar OFC cable with microphone and remote. The Audio T page should therefore be updated to match Meze.
Inline Microphone and Remote
The supplied 1.5m cable incorporates:
An inline microphone and remote.
This makes the 99 Neo particularly convenient when used with compatible phones, computers and other devices supporting headset functions through a 3.5mm connection.
Headphone Rather Than Dedicated Gaming Headset
The standard 99 Neo includes its inline cable microphone, but it should not be confused with the separate Meze 99 Neo Headset bundle.
The Headset package adds Mezes dedicated Boom Mic and associated accessories.
6.3mm Gold-Plated Adaptor Included
Meze supplies a:
6.3mm gold-plated jack adaptor.
This allows the 99 Neo to connect to full-size headphone outputs commonly fitted to:
- Integrated amplifiers
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
- DACs
- CD players
- Professional audio equipment
Cable Pouch Included
A dedicated cable pouch is supplied for the detachable lead and adaptor.
Hard EVA Carrying Pouch Included
The headphones are also supplied with a:
Hard EVA carrying pouch.
This protects the 99 Neo during storage and transport.
No Bluetooth
The standard 99 Neo is a passive wired headphone.
There is no:
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- Rechargeable battery
- USB audio electronics
- App requirement
No Active Noise Cancellation
The 99 Neo relies on its closed-back construction and memory-foam earpads for passive attenuation of surrounding noise.
There is no electronic ANC system.
No Battery to Charge
Because the headphones themselves are passive, they remain ready to play whenever connected to a suitable analogue headphone output.
Fully Serviceable Construction
Meze specifically describes the 99 Neo as:
Fully serviceable.
Its design follows the same long-term ownership philosophy as the wider 99 Series.
Built Without Disposable Thinking
The intention is that worn or damaged individual components can be dealt with rather than automatically discarding the complete headphone.
Meze continues to offer replacement components for the 99 Series, including:
99 Neo or 99 Classics V2?
99 Neo
- Closed-back dynamic headphone
- 40mm driver
- 15Hz–25kHz
- 26-ohm impedance
- 103dB SPL/mW sensitivity
- 260g
- ABS plastic earcups
- Soft PU leather memory-foam pads
- Warm, punchy low-frequency balance
- 1.5m cable with microphone and remote
- Original 99 Series earpad system
- Discontinued by Meze
99 Classics V2
- Closed-back dynamic headphone
- 40mm driver
- 15Hz–25kHz
- 16-ohm impedance
- 103dB SPL/mW sensitivity
- 290g
- Real walnut earcups
- Redesigned memory-foam pads
- More balanced second-generation tuning
- Acoustic absorbers included
- Clip-on earpad system
- USB-C DAC adaptor included
- Current model
The 99 Classics V2 is the more refined current model, with natural walnut, revised acoustics and a more controlled tonal balance.
The 99 Neo remains lighter and more bass-forward, with a distinctly lively character and lower price.
Compare the Meze 99 Classics V2 at Audio T.
99 Neo or 105 AER?
99 Neo
- Closed-back
- 40mm dynamic driver
- 26-ohm impedance
- 260g
- ABS earcups
- PU leather memory-foam pads
- Less sound leakage
- Greater passive isolation
- Warm and punchy presentation
105 AER
- Open-back
- 50mm dynamic driver
- 42-ohm impedance
- 336g
- PC-ABS earcups
- Velour pads
- Greater sound leakage
- Very little environmental isolation
- More open and spacious presentation
The practical difference between these two is substantial: the 99 Neo is a closed-back headphone designed to provide some separation from the outside world, while the 105 AER is intentionally open.
Compare the Meze 105 AER at Audio T.
Audio T on the 99 Neo
Audio T has spent considerable time with the 99 Neo over the years.
Our Swindon team recently described it as warm, engaging and punchy, with strong bass presence, very good comfort and an easy-to-drive electrical specification.
Read: Meze Audio Headphones - The Perfect Stocking Filler
The 99 Neo - The Entertainer
Audio T Reading previously described the Neo as the entry point into the Meze soundworld, highlighting its more pronounced low-frequency balance and suitability for bass-driven genres.
Read: The Mastery of Meze Audio
99 Neo and Chord Mojo
The relatively low impedance and useful sensitivity make compact DAC/headphone amplifiers a natural partner.
Audio T Reading has previously used the 99 Neo with Chord Electronics Mojo, demonstrating that the headphones can scale beyond basic phone and laptop outputs without requiring an enormous desktop amplifier.
Read: Bask in Splendid Isolation with Meze Classic and Neo Headphones
Who Are the Meze 99 Neo For?
Well Suited To
- Listeners wanting warm closed-back headphones
- Rock and electronic music
- Hip hop and dance music
- Listeners who enjoy strong bass presence
- Home headphone listening
- Computer and laptop listening
- Portable music players
- Suitable phones with analogue output
- Compact DAC and headphone amplifiers
- Customers wanting a built-in cable microphone
- Listeners wanting lightweight over-ear headphones
- Customers who value serviceable construction
Check Before Buying
- Discontinued by Meze
- Availability depends on remaining stock
- Bass-forward sound will not suit everyone
- ABS rather than wooden earcups
- No Bluetooth
- No active noise cancellation
- Passive wired operation
- Uses original 99 Series pads, not 99 Classics V2 pads
- Current manufacturer accessory package differs from older Audio T copy
Key Features
- Meze 99 Neo
- Closed-back over-ear headphones
- Dynamic transducer
- 40mm driver
- 15Hz–25kHz frequency range
- Less than 0.1% THD at 1kHz
- 26-ohm impedance
- 103dB SPL/mW sensitivity at 1kHz
- 30mW rated input power
- 50mW maximum input power
- 260g headphone weight
- Coal-black textured earcups
- ABS plastic earcups
- Cast zinc-alloy hardware
- Electroplated hardware finish
- Stamped manganese spring-steel outer headband
- Self-adjusting support band
- Soft PU leather earpads
- Medium-density memory foam
- Replaceable 99 Series earpads
- Dual 3.5mm TS headphone inputs
- Detachable cable
- 1.5m thread Kevlar OFC cable
- Inline microphone and remote
- 3.5mm source connection
- 6.3mm gold-plated adaptor included
- Cable pouch included
- Hard EVA carrying pouch included
- Fully serviceable construction
- No Bluetooth
- No active noise cancellation
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the Meze 99 Neo been discontinued?
Yes. Meze now officially lists the 99 Neo as discontinued. Availability therefore depends on remaining retailer stock.
Are the Meze 99 Neo 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?
26 ohms.
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.
Are the 99 Neo difficult to drive?
No. Their 26-ohm impedance and 103dB SPL/mW sensitivity make them compatible with many conventional portable and home headphone outputs.
Do I need a dedicated headphone amplifier?
Not necessarily. A quality DAC or headphone amplifier can still improve the source and amplification chain, but the headphones themselves are easy to drive.
What are the earcups made from?
Meze specifies ABS plastic.
Are the earcups leather?
No. The earcups are ABS plastic. The earpads are covered in soft PU leather.
What are the earpads made from?
Soft PU leather with medium-density memory foam.
Are the earpads replaceable?
Yes. Meze continues to offer replacement 99 Series earpads compatible with the 99 Neo.
Do the 99 Classics V2 earpads fit the 99 Neo?
No. Meze specifically states that the original 99 Series pads are not compatible with the 99 Classics 2nd Generation.
What is the outer headband made from?
Stamped manganese spring steel.
Does the headband adjust automatically?
Yes. The support band is self adjusting and designed to distribute pressure evenly.
How much do the headphones weigh?
260g or 9.17oz.
Are the cables detachable?
Yes. Each earcup uses an individual 3.5mm TS input.
What cable is supplied?
Mezes final manufacturer specification lists a 1.5m thread Kevlar OFC cable with microphone and remote.
Does the standard cable have a microphone?
Yes. The supplied cable includes an inline microphone and remote.
Is a 3m cable supplied?
No, not according to Mezes final official 99 Neo accessory specification. Older Audio T copy currently lists a 3m cable, but the manufacturer now specifies only the 1.5m mic and remote cable.
Is a 6.3mm adaptor included?
Yes. Meze supplies a gold-plated 6.3mm jack adaptor.
Is a carrying case included?
Yes. A hard EVA carrying pouch is supplied.
Is there a cable pouch?
Yes.
Do the 99 Neo have Bluetooth?
No.
Do they have active noise cancellation?
No. They provide passive isolation through their closed-back construction and earpads.
Are they suitable for phones?
Yes, provided the phone has a suitable analogue headphone connection or is used with an appropriate external DAC adaptor.
Can they be used for calls?
Yes, with compatible equipment, because the supplied standard cable includes an inline microphone and remote.
Is the 99 Neo a gaming headset?
The standard model is primarily a hi-fi headphone with an inline microphone. Meze also offers a separate 99 Neo Headset package using its dedicated Boom Mic.
What do the 99 Neo sound like?
Audio Ts own listening describes them as warm, engaging and punchy, with a strong low-frequency presence.
Are the 99 Classics V2 more neutral?
Yes. The current 99 Classics V2 has been specifically retuned towards a more balanced and neutral presentation.
Are the 99 Neo fully serviceable?
Yes. Meze specifically describes them as fully serviceable.
Can I hear them before buying?
If Audio T still has demonstration stock available, contact your local store to check current availability.
Related Meze Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Headphone demonstrations where available
- Closed-back versus open-back advice
- 99 Neo versus 99 Classics V2 comparisons
- Headphone and amplifier matching
- DAC and headphone amplifier advice
- Portable headphone-system guidance
- Home headphone-system advice
- Fit and comfort demonstrations
- Cable and connector advice
- Replacement earpad guidance
- Meze replacement-part advice
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to check remaining availability of the discontinued Meze 99 Neo or for advice on moving to the current 99 Classics V2.