The Romanian headphone brand Meze Audio hit a sweet spot with the original Meze 99 Classics: premium build, walnut-wood earcups, a warm and punchy sound signature, and good value in a mid-audiophile bracket. Ten years on, the company released the 2nd Gen version, promising ten meaningful refinements, improved tuning, updated accessories, and a slightly different sound character. This comparison will cover what stayed the same, what changed, how they sound different, and which is the better choice depending on your priorities.
What You Get
| 99 Classics | 99 Classics 2nd Gen |
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Look & Feel
Both versions share the hallmark Meze look and materials: walnut-wood earcups (or in variants), a spring steel self-adjusting headband, memory foam/leather (or vegan leather) ear pads, detachable cables, and a design ethos of repairability (bolts, not glue) in the originals. The 2nd Gen retains the walnut design and general form factor, but introduces several refinements. The earpads on the Gen 2 feel softer, thicker, and the clamp grip better, making for more comfortable long listening sessions. If you’re after build quality, both are stellar, real wood, premium materials, and user-serviceable design. The 2nd Gen nudges ahead in comfort and future-proofing thanks to the updated accessories and tuning flexibility. If budget is a concern, the original still holds its own.
Design
Both the Meze 99 Classics and 99 Classics 2nd Gen use 40mm dynamic drivers, but the newer model refines the design for greater precision and balance. The original 99 Classics featured a warm, musical tuning with specs of 15Hz–25kHz frequency response, 32 Ohms impedance, and 103dB sensitivity, ideal for portable listening. The 2nd Gen retains those core specs but incorporates a redesigned baffle system and internal acoustic absorbers that improve airflow and reduce resonance. These subtle engineering tweaks tighten the low end, enhance imaging, and offer optional treble tuning for more personalized sound. The result is a more controlled and detailed presentation that stays true to Meze’s signature warmth while achieving cleaner overall fidelity.
Soundstage
Both generations perform exceptionally well for closed-back headphones, but the 2nd Gen clearly opens things up. The original 99 Classics impressed with a wide and holographic stage that created an immersive, room-filling presentation. The 2nd Gen builds on that with a deeper and more three-dimensional image. Instrument placement is sharper, layers are better defined, and ambient details float in space with improved precision. The result is a soundscape that feels both more realistic and more spacious, giving the 2nd Gen an edge for immersive genres like orchestral music, ambient, and live recordings.
Low End
The original Meze 99 Classics were known for their bold, rounded low-end that gave music a cinematic feel. Bass hits with weight and warmth, offering a full-bodied character that lends itself beautifully to pop, rock, and R&B. However, that same richness sometimes spilled into the lower mids, softening overall definition. The 2nd Gen reins this in. The low end is still generous, but noticeably tighter and more articulate. Sub-bass extension feels deeper and better controlled, letting kick drums and basslines breathe instead of blending together. Tracks with layered percussion now show greater separation, and low-end bloom no longer clouds the midrange. In short, the 2nd Gen delivers refinement without losing the inviting warmth that defined the original.
Mids
The mids are where Meze’s tuning philosophy truly shines, and the differences between the two models are subtle but important. The original 99 Classics emphasized a lush, forward midrange that brought vocals and acoustic instruments front and center. Male and female vocals sounded rich and intimate, ideal for jazz, soul, and acoustic genres, but the lower mids sometimes carried extra warmth that softened detail in dense mixes.
In contrast, the 2nd Gen takes a more balanced approach. The mids are still smooth and emotionally engaging, but the veil has been lifted slightly. Vocals sound cleaner and better separated from the mix, and guitars and strings have more texture. The result is a sound that’s less colored, more transparent, and better suited to studio-grade playback while retaining the natural tonality that Meze is known for.
Highs
The original 99 Classics played it safe up top. Treble was silky and non-fatiguing, but some listeners found it lacking in sparkle or air. That tuning made them excellent for long listening sessions but slightly less revealing with high-resolution recordings. The 2nd Gen adds just the right amount of lift in the treble, offering extra shimmer without straying into harshness. Cymbals and high strings carry a bit more sparkle, and transients feel faster and more precise. Even with this added clarity, the top end remains smooth and natural, never sharp, never brittle. It’s a welcome evolution that adds dimension without betraying the warmth Meze fans love.
Summary
The Meze 99 Classics and 99 Classics 2nd Gen share the same musical DNA, but each offers a distinct flavor of Meze’s warm, natural sound. The original delivers rich mids and full-bodied bass that make it a timeless favorite for casual and critical listening alike. The 2nd Gen builds on that foundation with tighter driver control, better balance, and improved clarity, an evolution rather than a reinvention. If you want classic warmth and character, the original still shines; if you prefer greater precision and refinement, the 2nd Gen is the clear next step. Both remain benchmarks for beautifully tuned, handcrafted closed-back headphones.
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