Meze Audio 99 Classics

The Meze Audio 99 Classics deliver a rich, warm sonic character wrapped in a timeless, elegant design, paired with a sustainable construction philosophy. The handcrafted walnut ear cups make each unit unique thanks to the natural grain of the wood. These are headphones for those who value sound warmth, high comfort, and a product that is durable and easy to service.

Package contents – interchangeable cables and adapters included

The Meze Audio 99 Classics arrive in a magnetic-latch box containing a hard case that protects them from knocks and scratches. The case, secured with a double zip, houses both the headphones and accessories. Included are two straight detachable cables: each main section is fabric-sheathed for reduced clothing friction, while the split sections are smooth. Both cables terminate in 3.5 mm stereo plugs.

A 6.35 mm adapter is also provided, allowing use with hi-fi systems or professional audio equipment. Additionally, a flight adapter is included for travel. All connectors on the headphones, cables, and adapters are gold-plated for corrosion resistance. A round fabric pouch keeps cables and adapters neatly stored. This set-up means the Meze Audio 99 Classics are ready to use at home, on the go, or in the studio straight out of the box.

Craftsmanship in walnut and metal

Meze Audio uses hand-selected walnut for the ear cups, which are CNC-machined, sanded, and hand-polished in a meticulous process. These are paired with lightweight yet robust zinc alloy hardware. The “Walnut Gold” model we tested features gold-plated components, though a silver version is also available. The spring steel headband keeps weight low while ensuring long-term durability. It is wrapped in vegan leather, and all components are replaceable for longevity. A manual quality control process underscores the manufacturer’s high production standards.

Solid specs – and plenty of volume

Inside the wooden shells are dynamic 40 mm drivers covering a frequency range of 15 Hz to 25 kHz – slightly exceeding the nominal human hearing range. The Meze Audio 99 Classics deliver a wide dynamic range, with a maximum SPL of over 105 dB, making them among the louder models in their class. Our measured average impedance of around 17 ohms means they are easily driven by low-output devices such as smartphones, laptops, and audio interfaces.

Lightweight, comfortable, practical

Weighing just 265 g (without cable), the Meze Audio 99 Classics offer excellent wearing comfort. The clamping force is well-judged, keeping them secure even with sudden head movements. The self-adjusting vegan leather headband distributes weight evenly over a wide area. Memory foam ear pads rest softly against the head, though the vegan leather covering is not particularly breathable.

The headphones are symmetrical, so it doesn’t matter which ear cup is on which side – only the cable connection determines left or right. The connectors are clearly marked and slightly different in shape for easy tactile identification. Cable lengths of 115 cm and 290 cm cater to both mobile and hi-fi use, with the shorter cable featuring an inline remote for play/pause control.

Warm, full-bodied sound

The Meze Audio 99 Classics present a restrained upper treble and gently warm highs. The midrange, particularly in the vocal brilliance region, is accentuated, which can occasionally become a touch forward at high volumes. Vocals are rendered with a full-bodied character that integrates well with the overall sound.

The midrange as a whole is rich and rounded, reinforcing the headphone’s warm profile. Bass – including sub-bass – is powerful and full, remaining clean even at high playback levels. Transient response is broad rather than pinpoint sharp, which suits the headphone’s overall tonal balance. The stereo image and depth staging are compact, with the solid wood cups providing effective passive isolation from external noise.

One drawback is that the spring steel headband can transmit vibrations into the sound, not only when touched directly but also when the ear cups themselves are tapped.

Conclusion

The Meze Audio 99 Classics score points for their timeless design, handcrafted walnut wood cups, sustainable construction, easy handling, and comfortable fit. Sonically, they cater to listeners who enjoy a warm signature with full, rounded bass that can take centre stage. The compact stereo image and perceived dynamic range fit well with this presentation.

Minor downsides include the non-breathable ear pads and the headband’s tendency to resonate. Nevertheless, the 99 Classics represent solid value for money for hi-fi fans seeking a consistently warm-sounding, high-output companion for home or travel.