Compare Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen vs FiiO FT13

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.

The FT13 can sound spacious, punchy, detailed, and highly engaging, but the stock tuning is polarizing. Strong bass and technical ability are offset by recessed mids and treble that ranges from merely bright to harsh and fatiguing.

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

Tonal balance is the FT13’s most consistent weakness. Many reviewers heard an exaggerated V/U shape with elevated bass and uneven, sharp treble, and several considered EQ or damping necessary for a more natural balance.

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

One measurement-focused review found that nearby people can faintly hear playback even at ordinary levels, so the closed-back design is not completely private.

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.

The FT13 is unusually spacious for a closed-back headphone, with many reviewers describing a wide, open, or even holographic stage. A few found the stage only average or somewhat unnatural despite its width.

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

Gaming is a notable strength: the wide stage, strong separation, energetic dynamics, and clear directional cues make footsteps and positional effects easy to follow. Several reviewers specifically recommended it for FPS and cinematic games.

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

Dynamics are a standout strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising slam, macrodynamic impact, transient energy, and the ability to keep compressed modern music lively.

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.

Bass is a major strength for impact, extension, and slam, but pad choice changes it dramatically. Leather usually tightens the low end, while suede can turn the bass richer, boomier, or outright overwhelming for some listeners.

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

Passive isolation ranges from decent to very good when the fit seals properly, with pad choice making a noticeable difference. Poor coupling on smaller heads can reduce both isolation and bass consistency.

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.

Durability concerns center on the proprietary earpad clips and an isolated yoke creak. The core chassis feels sturdy, but repeated pad swapping may be harder on the small plastic retention parts.

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

Although the FT13 is not especially light, its broad headband, pads, and moderate clamp distribute the mass well enough that most reviewers did not find the weight burdensome.

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

Build quality is one of the strongest areas of agreement: the wood cups, frame, yokes, and general fit and finish repeatedly feel sturdy and upscale. A few isolated hardware concerns do not outweigh the broad praise.

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

Clamp is usually described as moderate, secure, and comfortable, with enough pressure to hold the headphones without jaw fatigue. Fit can still become too loose on smaller heads.

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

Most reviewers found the FT13 comfortable for long sessions despite its size and weight, crediting roomy pads and improved headband padding. The main exception is fit geometry on smaller heads or individual head shapes.

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

Purpleheart wood gives the FT13 a distinctive, premium identity that most reviewers found beautiful or striking. A minority disliked the very glossy coating, calling it plasticky or overly shiny.

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

The fit is secure enough for normal listening, but one reviewer found it too loose for running or jogging. The FT13 is not designed as an active-use headphone.

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

The FT13 does not fold and needs a fairly bulky case, so it is much better suited to home or desk use than compact travel.

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

One measurement-focused reviewer found channel matching below 300Hz less consistent than ideal, making this a minor quality-control concern rather than a broad complaint.

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.

Treble is the main source of disagreement and criticism. It can sound airy, detailed, and exciting, but many reviewers found peaks that become sharp, coarse, sibilant, or fatiguing—especially with lambskin pads.

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

One reviewer found the FT13 remained equally convincing at medium and high volumes, with greater apparent detail and dynamic width as level increased.

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

The modular cable system makes changing between balanced and single-ended terminations quick and convenient without replacing the whole cable.

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

Midrange opinion is mixed: detail and vocal intelligibility are often good, but the V-shaped tuning can push voices and instruments behind the bass and treble. Several reviewers wanted more body, warmth, or forward presence.

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

Both lambskin and suede pads feel soft and premium, with suede often winning on plushness. Pad material also meaningfully changes the tonal balance.

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

The thick modular stock cable is widely praised for its premium feel, supple handling, low microphonics, and useful terminations. Several reviewers said there was little reason to replace it.

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

The included hard case is consistently liked for its premium look, tactility, and organized storage for the cable and adapters. Its size reflects the headphones’ bulky, non-folding design.

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

The package is unusually generous for the price, with two pad sets, a premium modular cable, multiple adapters, a case, and smaller extras. Reviewers consistently treat the bundle as a major value advantage.

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.

Overall satisfaction depends heavily on tuning preference: some reviewers love the energy, bass, and spaciousness, while others find the stock sound fatiguing or incoherent. Modding or pad changes can materially improve the experience for some.

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

Materials, woodwork, cable, and general presentation repeatedly make the FT13 feel more expensive than its price. Reviewers consistently see this as a physical step up from the FT1.

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

The FT13 can reach very high listening levels from relatively weak sources, so lack of volume is not a concern.

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

Most reviewers found the 32-ohm FT13 easy to run from phones, laptops, dongles, and portable players, often to very high levels. A small minority preferred or required stronger amplification for best results.

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

The FT13 works from modest sources, yet several reviewers heard cleaner, wider, or more controlled results from better amplification. Source character can also shift how aggressive the treble feels.

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

The large driver can expose fine textures, small transients, and low-level information very clearly. Some reviewers caution that elevated treble can exaggerate the impression of detail rather than render it naturally.

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

Imaging is repeatedly strong, with instruments, vocals, and game cues occupying stable, easy-to-locate positions. This precision is one of the FT13’s better technical qualities.

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

Separation is one of the most consistent technical wins. Busy mixes remain organized, with vocals, instruments, and ambient layers clearly divided even when the tuning itself is divisive.

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

The quick clip-on pads are easy to swap for many users and offer meaningful tuning choices, but the proprietary system limits third-party options. Several reviewers also worry the small clips may be fragile.

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

Seal changes from glasses appear relatively manageable for a closed-back design, although any broken seal can reduce bass. The overall effect was considered less severe than expected.

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

One reviewer found the suede pads noticeably warm during long sessions, suggesting they may trap more heat than the other pad options.

The analog connection system is exceptionally flexible, with reviewers praising how easily the FT13 plugs into common headphone outputs through its modular cable and adapters.

The glossy wood finish can look striking, but one reviewer found it unusually prone to fingerprints and dust, making the presentation less understated in daily use.

The modular cable and included 3.5mm, 4.4mm, 6.35mm, and XLR options make the FT13 unusually easy to integrate with portable and desktop gear. Connectivity is one of the package’s clearest strengths.

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

The cups provide ample tilt and swivel for most heads, helping the large pads settle into a comfortable seal.

The mechanism itself is smooth and secure, but its size range skews large. Multiple reviewers using the smallest setting warned that small-headed listeners may struggle to get a proper seal.

The revised headband is generally praised for softer, broader padding and better pressure distribution than the FT1. One reviewer still thought a cheaper FiiO model used better padding.

The FT13 works across laptops, phones, portable players, desktop amps, and other analog sources, giving it broad practical compatibility without a platform lock-in.

Recommendations are sharply split. Enthusiasts who enjoy energetic, bass-rich sound and strong technical performance often recommend the FT13, while treble-sensitive or neutrality-focused reviewers steer buyers toward smoother alternatives or the FT1.

The highly glossy wood finish shows fingerprints and dust easily, so keeping the cups looking pristine may require frequent wiping.

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

The woven case can carry the headphones plus extra source gear with room to spare, making transport practical despite the FT13’s large footprint.

One reviewer noted that the suede pads can squeak when rubbing against glasses, a small but audible fit-related annoyance.

The large driver, deep bass, and spacious presentation can make music feel vivid and immersive, especially on rhythm-heavy and atmospheric tracks.

One reviewer heard a creak from the left yoke while adjusting the earcup. It did not occur during wear, but it is a small mechanical concern.

The use of real leather and suede is a deal-breaker for reviewers who want vegan materials. No alternative animal-free pad option was included in the reviewed package.

Setup remains straightforward for a passive wired headphone; the only extra step is choosing among the unusually broad set of cable terminations.

The physical package, accessories, build, and technical performance often justify the roughly $300 price, but value opinions become mixed once tuning is considered. The much cheaper FT1 remains a recurring comparison point.