Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen vs FiiO FT1: Which Closed-Back Headphone Sounds Better?

The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen and FiiO FT1 both sit in the increasingly competitive world of stylish closed-back headphones built for serious portable listening. Each model offers wooden ear cups, premium materials, and a tuning aimed at audiophiles who want high-quality sound on the go. But their personalities diverge dramatically. One leans warm, emotional, and immersive, while the other aims for balance, clarity, and a more neutral presentation. This comparison breaks down how the two headphones differ across design, comfort, and sound so you can decide which one is the better match for your listening preferences.

What You Get

Look & Feel

The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen keeps the same iconic silhouette as the original but introduces refined finishing details. The walnut ear cups have a richer, more uniform wood grain, and the gold accents are more luxurious without feeling gaudy. The upgraded memory-foam ear pads are thicker and softer, making them more suitable for extended listening. FiiO’s FT1 takes a different approach, more understated and minimalistic, yet still premium. The American black walnut cups have a smooth matte finish that gives the FT1 an elegant, almost furniture-grade appearance. The suede-lined ear pads feel plush and breathable, and the headphones’ lighter overall weight reduces fatigue during longer sessions. While its design is less ornate than Meze’s, it has a clean, modern aesthetic that fits well in both casual and professional environments.

Design

The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen and FiiO FT1 take different approaches in their driver designs, resulting in notably different sonic personalities. The Meze houses a 40mm dynamic driver engineered for warmth, musicality, and natural timbre. It aims to deliver a fluid, cohesive presentation with strong bass extension and a smooth, emotionally engaging midrange. The FiiO FT1, meanwhile, uses a larger 50mm dynamic driver tuned for balance and clarity, giving it a more controlled, neutral character with greater treble articulation. The FT1’s driver prioritizes detail retrieval and linearity, offering a cleaner, more analytical sound compared to the Meze’s lush and rounded tonality. Ultimately, the Meze driver is built to immerse, while the FiiO driver is built to resolve, two philosophies that shape each headphone’s identity from the ground up.

Soundstage

The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen delivers an impressive sense of space for a closed-back headphone. The soundstage gains depth compared to the original model, presenting a more three-dimensional stereo field with improved holographic imaging. Instruments occupy clear, well-defined positions, giving the music an enveloping quality that feels almost semi-open. Whether listening to orchestral passages or intimate jazz ensembles, the 99 Classics 2nd Gen excels at creating an immersive, panoramic listening experience.

In contrast, the FiiO FT1 offers a smaller but neatly organized soundstage. While it doesn’t reach the width or depth of the Meze, it provides excellent structural clarity, with layers arranged cleanly front-to-back. Imaging precision is strong, and separation remains crisp even in dense mixes. The FT1 favors precision over expansiveness, maintaining a more focused presentation that works well for studio recordings, acoustic tracks, and electronic music that benefits from tight spatial control.

Low End

The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen presents a warm, full-bodied low end with improved discipline compared to the original. The bass digs deep with a satisfying rumble while remaining better controlled and more articulate. The FiiO FT1’s bass is more restrained and balanced. It delivers a smooth, natural low end with just enough sub-bass to add dimension without overwhelming the spectrum. While the FT1 doesn’t provide the same level of impact or physicality as the Meze, it maintains a clean foundation that supports the music rather than dominating it. Listeners who prefer a more neutral or analytical approach to bass reproduction may find the FT1’s low end more suitable.

Mids

The midrange on the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen carries the characteristic warmth that fans of the first-generation model love, but with improved clarity and resolution. Vocals come through with richer texture and emotional presence, and instruments such as guitars and pianos have a natural, organic tonality. The mids sit slightly forward, adding a sense of intimacy without overshadowing the low end. It’s a midrange tuning built for musicality and engagement. FiiO’s FT1 takes a different approach, presenting a more relaxed midrange with a gentle dip that creates a laid-back feel. While the upper mids retain clear vocal articulation, the overall mid band lacks some of the fullness and weight found in the Meze. This tuning gives the FT1 a cleaner, more spacious character but may leave certain genres, especially vocal-centric music, feeling less impactful. Still, the midrange remains detailed and well-defined for those who prefer a neutral presentation.

Highs

Treble on the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen is smooth, controlled, and non-fatiguing. It extends with enough air to preserve detail but avoids harsh peaks or sibilance. The overall treble character leans toward softness, making it easy to listen to for long sessions. The included acoustic absorbers offer some customization, allowing listeners to dial back brightness if desired, making the headphone versatile for treble-sensitive ears.

The FiiO FT1’s treble is more energetic and detail-forward. There’s a notable crispness in the upper frequencies that helps reveal subtle textures, micro-details, and transient edges. Despite the added clarity, the FT1 avoids excessive sharpness and maintains a refined character. Listeners who prefer sparkle and articulation, especially in genres with cymbal work, strings, and hi-res recordings, may gravitate toward the FT1’s brighter presentation.

Summary

The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen and FiiO FT1 serve two different sonic philosophies. The Meze offers warmth, richness, and an immersive soundstage, paired with premium materials and exceptional long-term comfort. It’s ideal for listeners who want a musical, emotionally engaging sound that flatters acoustic, jazz, vocal, and cinematic genres. The FiiO FT1, meanwhile, leans neutral and controlled with a clean, articulate top end and a more balanced overall signature. It suits those who prefer clarity, accuracy, and a versatile tuning that adapts well across multiple genres. If you’re looking for a warm, enveloping listening experience with luxurious build quality, choose the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen. If you prefer a lighter, more neutral headphone with strong detail retrieval and included balanced connectivity, the FiiO FT1 is a standout alternative.

The Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen and Fiio FT1 are available at Audio46.