Meze Audio 99 Classic 2ND GEN (second generation) NEW - Stereo headphones - READY FOR DELIVERY

Meze Audio 99 Classic 2ND GEN

A CLASSIC SUITABLE FOR TODAY
Since their launch in 2015, the 99 Classics have undeniably left a profound mark on the cultural landscape of headphones. In that sense, they've become an icon, a symbol.
We initially created them out of a desire to breathe life and passion into what is commonly perceived as a technical object. We see headphones as vessels that encapsulate our love of artistic expression and celebrate individuality.
Ten years later, this vision continues to guide us. To celebrate, the second generation of the 99 Classics features a series of significant improvements while preserving the spirit of the original.

SAME ICONIC SILHOUETTE
Everything that made the original headphones an instant classic is still there: the magnetic, inviting sound, the impeccable comfort, the use of high-quality materials, the timeless design aesthetic—it's all there. However, upon closer inspection and listening, the improvements become more apparent.

TUNING DIRECTION
The second-generation 99 Classics headphones bring the sound signature closer to a balanced and neutral target. The bass remains engaging but slightly more subdued, allowing midrange and high-end details to emerge with greater clarity. The result is a more versatile headphone that retains the musical warmth of the original while offering better overall balance and enhanced detail reproduction.

DRIVER MATCHING
A refined matching process, using a mixed cosine function combined with level adjustment algorithms, reduces the variance between the drivers in the mid and high frequencies. The result is improved stereo image stability and a more consistent listening experience between pairs.

EAR VOLUME INCREASE
The internal volume of the pavilion has been increased. This increased volume shifts cavity resonances downward and reduces standing wave interactions, improving control in the low-frequency region and aligning with the new optimization goals.

ACOUSTIC SEALING AND BASS PORT
The second generation introduces precision sealing at all major connections. This improved sealing allows for the use of a dedicated bass port integrated into the jack, providing improved low-frequency control, improved left-right coherence, and greater unit-to-unit reproducibility.

BAFFLE ARCHITECTURE
The baffle has been redesigned with acoustic transparency in mind. A more open grille and aerodynamic structural beams reduce diffraction and acoustic impedance in front of the driver, minimizing high-frequency artifacts.

RENEWAL OF THE EAR PADS
The earcups have been reshaped and enlarged to adjust the volume of the anterior cavity, fine-tuning the mid-frequency balance toward the desired target. The attachment system has evolved from an elastic band to a clip mechanism, ensuring a fixed orientation, reducing variability and simplifying replacement.

AUDIO TECHNOLOGIES
Rebalanced tuning, increased acoustic coherence, and optimized internal geometry work together to improve stereo imaging and instrument separation, delivering a more open, spacious soundstage.

INPUT SOCKET
The input socket has been expanded to 7
millimeters in diameter. This ensures compatibility with both thin-profile and larger 3.5 mm shells, allowing for the use of a wider range of cables, including our premium hand-braided copper and silver cables.

HIGH QUALITY CABLE
The standard cable now uses a double-twisted OFC conductor with a Kevlar jacket. This maintains excellent electrical performance while improving tangle resistance, mechanical durability, and flexibility.

MODERN PORTABILITY
Reflecting today's usage patterns, a compact USB-C DAC/AMP is now included to ensure optimal performance with modern devices without dedicated headphone outputs.

ONE OF A KIND
When it comes to wood finishes, no two are alike. Age, color, texture, and grain come together to create a pair of headphones as unique as you. The process of creating a single pair of earcups takes up to 8 hours, while sanding, lacquering, and finishing extends over 45 days. Slowly air-dried to preserve its rich sonic richness, the wood is then carefully inspected for imperfections.

SUSTAINABLE BY DESIGN
We consider potential failure points for our headphones from the earliest stages of product development. If we want to slow replacement cycles and create something that will last for years, we need to find solutions for any problems before they even arise.
And in addition to aiming for fail-safe construction, we designed the second-generation 99 Classics to be completely repairable. From the earcups, headband, cables, and drivers, every component is replaceable.