Meze Audio is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its 99 Classics wired headphones with unveiling the Classics 2nd Generation. Retaining the product’s signature look with walnut earcups and gold-finished cast-zinc hardware—as well as its wired connectivity—the second generation shifts away from the original’s warm tones to more neutral presentation while making component replacement easy for users.
What’s Different in the Second Generation 99 Classics
As mentioned, one of the biggest shifts with the Second Generation of the 99 Classics is in the headphone’s tuning. Originally praised for its warm signature upon release, the second generation has been shifted towards a more neutral target, offering more controlled bass and clearer mid and treble, according to Meze.
The second gen of the 99 Classics also features a set of 40mm dynamic drivers with tighter matching thanks to an improved algorithm geared towards providing better stereo imaging across the two drivers.
A re-engineered baffle architecture gives the headphones a more open grille and streamlined beams to reduce diffraction while improved acoustic sealing and a dedicated bass vent aim for greater acoustic precision.
Staying Wired in an Era of Wireless Audio
Outside of adjustments made for pure audio performance, the Second Gen 99 Classics also come with a completely redesigned six-point clip-in ear-pad system that the company says is for consistent tuning and easier replacement should components fail over time.
In fact, according to Meze, every major component is designed to be replaceable—from drivers to cables to ear-cups—extending lifecycle and servicing potential.
Additionally, a 7 mm diameter input socket has been for broader cable compatibility, joined by a USB-C DAC/AMP dongle and a gold-plated ¼″ (6.3 mm) adapter so the new headphones can be used with modern devices. That doesn’t mean the headphones are getting any wireless hook-ups, though (at least based on the current available specs), despite the current era being dominated by wireless components and systems.
Additional Features Add Comfort for Extended Listening Sessions
Outside the system upgrades, Meze has also added a self-adjusting headband to the Second Gen 99 Classics made from vegan leather and supported by spring steel for a more comfortable fit across extended listening sessions. Additionally, the headphones themselves sport slightly larger earcups, which, while providing a little extra comfort, also work to shift the resonances downward, improving low-frequency control, as well.
Pricing and Availability of the 2nd Gen 99 Classics
The new model retails at US $349 (also €349). It is available now via Meze’s website and select retailers.
