Compare Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 vs Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen

Most reviewers find the overall sound engaging, natural, and technically accomplished, especially for bass-heavy music and immersive listening. A smaller group considers it colored, congested, or insufficiently refined against cheaper competitors.

The prevailing view is that the second generation sounds cleaner, more controlled, and more versatile than the original. A small dissenting group found the balance thin, bright, or unrewarding.

As expected from a fully open-back design, sound leaks into the surrounding room.

The closed cups keep outward leakage low enough for shared spaces, according to the reviewers who tested it.

The fully open design offers little isolation and works best in a quiet room.

Passive isolation is one of the strongest points, often beating similarly priced closed-backs and making moderate background noise easy to ignore.

The stage is consistently described as open, spacious, and often holographic, with strong depth and lateral definition. Some listeners find it more intimate than expansive or slightly behind the very widest competitors.

Many reviewers heard an unusually spacious closed-back stage with convincing depth and layering. Others found it merely moderate, narrow, or concentrated into left-center-right zones.

Punch, transient speed, attack, and decay are widely praised, giving drums and bass unusually physical impact for an open-back dynamic headphone. Even positive reviewers note that it is not the absolute slam champion in every comparison.

Dynamics and transient control are lively and convincing, though a few reviews wanted more explicit shifts or stronger low-end impact.

Bass is the headline strength: unusually weighty, punchy, textured, and controlled for an open-back design. Sub-bass extension and pad behavior vary, and one critical review found the Alcantara bass loose and woolly.

Bass is tighter, faster, and better controlled than before, with strong texture and punch. Bass-focused listeners may miss the original's heavier weight and deeper slam.

The dominant impression is a balanced, natural, warm-neutral tuning that avoids the older Audio-Technica harshness. Pad choice, anatomy, and amplifier pairing can still shift the balance considerably.

Tuning moves toward a balanced, near-neutral presentation while retaining some warmth. That broader versatility costs some of the original model's bold coloration.

The detachable A2DC connection is secure and easy to use for some, but proprietary compatibility limits affordable replacement and cable-rolling choices.

Larger dual 3.5 mm sockets improve aftermarket cable compatibility, while the detachable layout supports easier ownership and replacement.

Cable feedback is sharply mixed. Several reviewers call the stock leads stiff, unwieldy, or highly microphonic, while one praises their quality and others mainly value the included balanced and single-ended options.

The longer Kevlar-sheathed cable is a major upgrade in handling, durability, and reduced microphonics, although its thinner upper sections drew some criticism.

At extremely high test levels, one reviewer measured and heard more harmonic distortion than desired.

Most listening stayed clean, but a few reviewers encountered oversaturation or distortion when volume or bass EQ was pushed too far.

The case and presentation often feel flagship-grade, but the headphone itself does not always communicate luxury through heft or ornamentation. This understated approach appeals to function-first listeners and disappoints those expecting visual drama.

Materials, finish, and hand feel give these headphones a convincingly premium character well beyond ordinary plastic closed-backs.

One reviewer wearing glasses found the fit comfortable and fatigue-free for hours, unlike earlier ADX models.

The fit worked comfortably with glasses in the accounts that addressed it, without excessive clamping.

The included velvet and Alcantara pads function as meaningful tuning tools rather than simple replacements. Preferences differ widely, but the flexibility is considered valuable.

The six-clip pad system makes removal and swapping quick and repeatable, though proprietary mounting narrows third-party pad choices.

The rigid metal or hard-shell case is repeatedly praised as protective, purposeful, and worthy of a flagship unboxing.

The protective case is generally viewed as sturdy, practical, and better than average, though the headphones remain bulky to carry.

One reviewer explicitly praises the driver matching alongside the overall frequency response.

Tighter left-right driver matching is credited with more stable stereo reproduction and more reliable imaging.

The lightweight frame can remain secure even during exaggerated head movement, according to the one review that directly tested stability.

Fit is stable for commuting and desk use, but it is not consistently secure enough for exercise or highly active wear.

The 490-ohm design rewards capable amplification, often gaining fullness, dynamics, bass texture, and spatial depth from stronger desktop or OTL chains. It can reach volume from modest sources, but several reviewers say underpowered gear sounds flat or thin.

They do not require a powerful amplifier, but several reviewers heard added texture, space, or control from higher-quality sources and tube pairings.

Complex arrangements are usually easy to follow, with instruments staying distinct and layered across the stereo field. This separation remains strong even when the bass is elevated.

Instrument separation is consistently strong, keeping dense arrangements organized and individual parts easy to follow.

The hard case, two cables, two pad sets, and cable pouch create a generous flagship package. Cable quality is the main element that keeps the bundle from feeling universally luxurious.

The case, adapters, acoustic inserts, and USB-C dongle make the package unusually complete and ready for modern sources.

Both velvet and Alcantara pads are soft and useful, with meaningful changes to bass, treble, openness, and intimacy. Circular openings and shallow depth can cause ear contact for some listeners.

The larger, softer pads improve sealing and long-session comfort, but a few users still found the inner space tight or warm.

Treble opinions range from exceptionally clean, smooth, and non-fatiguing to peaky, sibilant, or incomplete around specific bands. Velvet is usually safer, while Alcantara often adds more energy and articulation.

Treble is often called crisp, smooth, and detailed, but this is the most divisive part of the tuning: several reviewers heard excess energy, sibilance, or a 7–8 kHz peak.

Images are usually well defined laterally and through depth, with strong layering and three-dimensional placement. A few listeners find localization slightly floaty or less precise than top competitors.

Improved driver matching supports precise, stable placement, and imaging is frequently singled out as one of the headphone's technical strengths.

Midrange is usually clear, natural, and musically engaging, with vocals often well placed and tangible. A few reviewers hear recession, bloom, or less realistic tone than the strongest competitors.

Midrange is commonly praised for natural vocals, clarity, and separation, though some heard a recessed, hollow, or occasionally shouty region.

Most listeners hear abundant detail and clean nuance without the usual sharp, analytical fatigue. A minority finds the presentation veiled or less resolving than similarly priced alternatives.

Detail retrieval is strong for the price and markedly clearer than the first generation, even if it does not reach the most analytical competitors.

Enthusiasm is high across most sources, with many reviewers describing long, absorbed, emotionally engaging sessions. The few dissenting voices still acknowledge interesting qualities but do not feel the complete experience lands.

Most reviewers strongly enjoyed the second generation and considered it a worthwhile modernization. Two sharply negative assessments and a few measured takes keep the consensus from being universal.

Volume can be adequate from modest dongles and low-power DAC/amps, though reaching volume is not the same as getting the fullest tonal and dynamic performance.

They reach generous—and sometimes uncomfortable—volume from modest sources, so extra amplification is unnecessary for loudness.

The restrained industrial look is widely appreciated for function and precision rather than flash. Some buyers may find it too ordinary or too similar to less expensive Audio-Technica models.

The walnut cups and gold-accented frame are widely described as distinctive and beautiful, though their conspicuous styling will not suit every setting.

Clamp is usually secure and adjustable, with several reviewers finding it well judged. Large- and small-head experiences differ, and clamp changes can affect both comfort and treble balance.

Clamp is generally secure without becoming oppressive, and the spring-steel frame allows some adjustment; experiences vary with head shape.

At roughly 270–275 grams, the headphone is exceptionally light for the flagship class and often seems to disappear on the head. This is one of the most consistently praised aspects of the design.

Despite using wood and metal, the headphones remain light enough for extended wear, with reviewers finding the added second-generation weight largely inconsequential.

Reviewers generally praise the rigid magnesium construction and precise mechanical execution, especially given the unusually low weight. A few feel the plastic joints and shared chassis language do not look expensive enough for a flagship.

Build quality is a signature strength: reviewers repeatedly praise the metal-and-walnut construction, solid feel, and confidence-inspiring finish.

Low mass and roomy pads make long sessions easy for many listeners, including glasses wearers. Comfort is not universal because the dual-rod headband can create hotspots and circular pads may touch the ears.

Most reviewers found them comfortable for hours, helped by the suspension strap and soft pads. A minority noted heat, ear contact, or fit quirks.

Its slim matte-black profile is unusually discreet for a flagship. The design favors quiet precision over decorative luxury.

Desktop connectivity is well covered by 6.3mm and balanced XLR cables, but the proprietary cup connector narrows aftermarket choices. The headphone is built around wired hi-fi systems rather than broad device compatibility.

The bundled USB-C DAC is repeatedly praised as transparent, capable, and genuinely useful, adding immediate phone and laptop compatibility.

At 16 ohms and high sensitivity, these headphones are exceptionally easy to drive from phones, controllers, dongles, laptops, and portable players.

The bendable, notched headband offers unusually direct control over fit and clamp. Reviewers note that these adjustments can also change the tonal balance.

Headband comfort is the most divisive physical issue. Some find the thin dual-rod structure surprisingly comfortable, while others report fast hotspots and insufficient padding.

Recommendations are strong for listeners seeking warm-neutral open-back sound, exceptional bass, and a spacious presentation. More critical reviewers advise auditioning first because comfort, treble, and value are unusually personal.

Low weight, strong isolation, and easy drivability suit portable listening, but the non-folding frame and large case limit bag friendliness.

Replaceable, screw-fastened parts and a glue-free approach make long-term repairability a standout advantage in a disposable-electronics market.

This is a desk-bound open-back headphone that expects a serious amplifier and leaks sound, making it a poor travel companion despite the protective case.

Reviewers trust the simple metal-and-wood construction for long ownership, drawing confidence from the original model's durability and the new model's serviceability.

Neutralized bass, accurate imaging, controller-friendly efficiency, and optional boom-mic support make these versatile for immersive and competitive gaming.

With the right music and amplifier, the presentation can feel enveloping, holographic, and emotionally absorbing. This immersive quality is closely tied to the headphone’s openness and bass weight.

The $3,499 price is the clearest barrier, and several reviewers question whether the physical luxury or technical gains justify it. Supporters argue the rare bass-plus-space combination makes sense for committed flagship buyers.

The sealed vegan-leather pads can retain heat and breathe less freely, particularly in warm climates or during active use.