If you want better Soundstage width
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000. It scores 4.6 vs 3.9 for Soundstage width, with a 4.3 overall score.
Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen Review
Bottom Line
Choose these for premium build, long-session comfort, strong isolation, and balanced wired sound. Skip them if you want heavy sub-bass, wireless convenience, or guaranteed fatigue-free treble.
Best for
Listeners wanting a durable, elegant wired closed-back for long sessions, travel, office use, or gaming will benefit most, especially if they value isolation and repairability over wireless features.
Not for
Bassheads, Bluetooth-first buyers, and treble-sensitive listeners should look elsewhere; the frame is also bulky for small heads and compact bags.
Verdict
The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen successfully modernize a distinctive closed-back design without sacrificing its walnut-and-metal charm. Reviewers consistently praise the comfort, serviceable construction, excellent passive isolation, easy drivability, bundled USB-C DAC, and clearer, more spacious presentation. Bass is tighter and more articulate than before, while mids gain balance and definition. The tradeoff is character: listeners who loved the original’s thick warmth may find the new tuning leaner, and several reviewers heard shoutiness, sibilance, or a prominent upper-treble peak. Soundstage impressions also range from unusually expansive to merely average. Even with those disagreements, the broad consensus places it among the strongest premium wired closed-backs near its price, particularly for buyers who value longevity and all-day usability.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
38 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.011 (29%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.426 (68%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.41 (3%)
Pros
-
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 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.
-
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.
-
The walnut cups and gold-accented frame are widely described as distinctive and beautiful, though their conspicuous styling will not suit every setting.
-
Most reviewers found them comfortable for hours, helped by the suspension strap and soft pads. A minority noted heat, ear contact, or fit quirks.
-
Improved driver matching supports precise, stable placement, and imaging is frequently singled out as one of the headphone's technical strengths.
Cons
-
The six-clip pad system makes removal and swapping quick and repeatable, though proprietary mounting narrows third-party pad choices.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Over-Ear Headphones, this product is above average in Detail retrieval, Portability/foldability, Cable quality, near average in Design and Aesthetics, Bass performance, below average in Ease of driving, Maximum volume clarity, Replaceable earpads.
Comparison summary
38 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher19 (50%)
-
Same as average within 0.3 pts16 (42%)
-
Below average 0.4+ pts lower3 (8%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detail retrieval | 4.6 | 3.8 | +0.9 |
| Portability/foldability | 4.4 | 3.5 | +0.8 |
| Cable quality | 4.0 | 3.1 | +0.9 |
| Frequency response accuracy | 4.2 | 3.7 | +0.5 |
| Channel matching | 4.2 | 3.6 | +0.7 |
| Sound quality | 4.6 | 4.2 | +0.4 |
| Dongle | 4.6 | 3.9 | +0.7 |
| Included accessories | 4.3 | 3.6 | +0.7 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better Ear cup padding quality
Choose FiiO FT13. It scores 5.0 vs 4.1 for Ear cup padding quality, with a 4.0 overall score.
If you want better Midrange clarity
Choose Final Audio DX3000CL. It scores 4.8 vs 4.3 for Midrange clarity, with a 4.3 overall score.
If you want better Comfort during long use
Choose Meze Audio 105 Silva Headphones. It scores 4.9 vs 4.5 for Comfort during long use, with a 4.5 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
AKG K371
- Compared: value, tuning, premium feel, and isolation The AKG is judged more neutral and better value, while the Meze feels more premium and isolates better.
Audeze LCD-2
- Alternative: bass quantity The Audeze is suggested for listeners who want a bassier presentation.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X
- Worse: comfort and everyday wear The Meze is described as more comfortable and less cumbersome for everyday use.
FAQ
How does the second generation sound compared with the original?
It is generally cleaner, more balanced, and more detailed, with tighter bass and clearer mids. It gives up some of the original’s thick warmth and immediate bass-heavy fun.
Are they comfortable for long listening sessions?
Usually yes. The suspension headband, low weight, and larger soft pads earn broad praise, though pad heat, ear clearance, and head shape can affect comfort.
Do they need a headphone amplifier?
No. Their low impedance and high sensitivity make them easy to run from phones, laptops, controllers, and the included USB-C DAC, although better sources can add refinement.
How effective is the passive isolation?
Very effective for a passive closed-back. Multiple reviewers call isolation a class-leading strength for offices, travel, gaming, and moderately noisy rooms.
What do the acoustic inserts change?
They damp the upper range and make the presentation warmer and more relaxed. Some listeners prefer that balance, while others hear reduced clarity or too-dark treble.
Are they repairable?
Yes. Reviewers repeatedly highlight replaceable components, detachable cables, clip-mounted pads, and screw-fastened construction as major long-term ownership advantages.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - Danny Pops
- Review score
- 3.6
Article Reviews
stereoindex.com
The Meze 99 Classics V2 update a legendary headphone with refined tuning, improved driver matching, and better bass control, delivering a...
- Review score
- 4.5
everydaylistening.net
The 99 Classics V2 offers a highly competitive and well-rounded overall package blending beloved components of the original with new...
- Review score
- 3.9
everydaylistening.net
The 99 Classics V2 offers a highly competitive and well-rounded overall package blending beloved components of the original with new...
- Review score
- 4.1
t3.com
Want some fancy yet affordable wired headphones? These are the real deal
- Review score
- 4.4
head-fi.org
Added by jeromeoflaherty Create date Jan 18, 2026 Tags closed back dynamic driver wooden cups
- Review score
- 3.4
Top Over-Ear Headphones to Consider
Choose the 105 Silva for beautiful, repairable construction, superb comfort, easy driveability, and an engaging spacious sound. Skip it if you need isolation, balanced connectivity, heavy sub-bass, or consistently smooth...
Pros: Volume output, Carry case quality
Cons: Connectivity options, Noise isolation (passive)
Choose it if your workday revolves around calls and you want exceptional mic isolation, huge battery life, all-day comfort, and a slim travel-friendly design. Skip it if music fidelity, class-leading...
Pros: Frequency response accuracy, Clamping force comfort
Cons: Volume output, aptX
Choose the Aventho 100 for standout battery life, portable retro styling, strong ANC, and flexible wired/wireless use. Skip it if you dislike on-ear pressure or want a wide, consistently neutral...
Pros: Codec support, aptX
Cons: Wear detection auto-pause, Wind noise handling
Best for exceptional battery life, useful ANC, flexible EQ, and strong budget value. Skip it if refined, detailed sound or polished controls matter more than price.
Pros: Maximum volume clarity, Microphone quality for calls
Cons: Idle static noise, Instrument separation