Meze Audio 99 Classics V2 – The Icon Reimagined
Since their introduction in 2015, the Meze Audio 99 Classics have evolved into a true icon – a symbol of warmth, musicality, and timeless craftsmanship. Loved by audiophiles and design enthusiasts alike, they have redefined what headphones can be: an object full of passion and precision.
Ten years later, Meze Audio celebrates this legacy with the 99 Classics V2 – a refined evolution that preserves the spirit of the original while elevating sound, comfort, and durability to a new level.
Sound – Ten Years, Ten Improvements
The 99 Classics V2 retain the familiar, inviting character of the original, evolving it into a more balanced, neutral sound profile. Bass remains present but more controlled, allowing mids and highs to be experienced with greater clarity and definition.
A newly developed driver matching system based on combined cosine and level matching algorithms ensures more precise channel alignment in the mids and highs – for a more stable stereo image and consistent performance from unit to unit.
The slightly increased internal volume of the earcups allows for deeper acoustic control, while improved sealing and a dedicated bass port enhance precision, left-right consistency, and reproducibility of individual units. The revised baffle structure reduces diffraction effects and high-frequency artifacts for a clearer, more open reproduction.
For those who prefer the warm character of the original, the Acoustic Absorber Discs allow for targeted sound adjustment towards a gentler, more classic direction.
Design & Craftsmanship – Where Nature Meets Technology
The iconic silhouette remains unmistakable: solid walnut wood earcups, each CNC-milled, sanded, stained, and hand-polished over 45 days. No two pairs are alike – each earcup bears the unique grain, color, and character of the wood.
The zinc alloy hardware with an elegant gold finish, the self-adjusting vegan leather headband, and the spring steel frame continue to provide the comfort that distinguished the original.
The newly designed ear pads, made from medium-density foam and soft vegan leather, now use a clip-in system with six precise clips per pad – for perfect alignment, longer lifespan, and easier replacement.
In line with Meze Audio's sustainable philosophy, the 99 Classics V2 is fully serviceable: every component – from earcups and pads to drivers and cables – can be replaced. Designed for longevity, built for decades.
Modern Usage
A new dual-twisted OFC cable, Kevlar-wrapped for durability and kink protection, ensures clean signal transmission and natural transparency. The enlarged 3.5mm inputs support a wider selection of cables, including hand-braided copper and silver cables from Meze.
For today's listening habits, a compact USB-C DAC/AMP is included, so the V2 can be used immediately with smartphones and laptops – even without a headphone jack.
Highlights
- Successor to the legendary 99 Classics – refined in every detail
- 40mm dynamic drivers with optimized matching precision
- Balanced, natural sound with improved stereo imaging
- Acoustic Absorber Discs for a warmer, classic sound option
- Larger internal volume for deeper, controlled bass
- Revised baffle structure for open highs and reduced diffraction
- Clip-in ear pads for better comfort and longer lifespan
- Zinc alloy with gold-colored finish
- Self-adjusting headband made of spring steel and vegan leather
- Dual-twisted OFC cable, Kevlar-wrapped for durability
- Includes USB-C DAC/AMP and 6.3mm gold-plated adapter
- Fully serviceable – built for decades
Technical data
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Drivers | Dynamic, 40 mm |
| Frequency Response | 15 Hz – 25 kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB SPL/mW @ 1 kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <0.1% @ 1 kHz |
| Connector | Dual 3.5 mm TS |
| Earcups | Solid Walnut Wood |
| Weight | 290 g |
