Meze Audio 99 Classics V2

Revising a Legend: The 99 Classics but better

The Meze 99 Classics holds a special place in the headphone community—it’s the headphone that put Meze Audio on the map. While I never formally reviewed the original 99 Classics, I did hear it several times at CanJam shows over the years. I always appreciated its beautiful walnut aesthetic and comfortable design, but I felt it was too bassy for my preferences. So when Meze offered me the opportunity for extended listening with the 99 Classics V2, I was genuinely excited to hear how they’d refined their iconic design.

After spending the past month with the 99 Classics V2 as my primary closed-back for work and casual listening, I feel it would have made my closed back headphone of the year for 2025. The tuning and the quality of the build make the 99 Classics V2 an even more pragmatic buy than the excellent FiiO FT1, but I will get into some comparisons later in the review.

But before I get into the details, I want to share a little background about why this headphones name has a special place in my heart, feel free to skip this next section.

‘The 99’ Ice Cream

For those unfamiliar with Irish (and UK) culture, I thought I might share something that makes this headphone’s even more enjoyable for me personally. Growing up in Ireland, “the 99” or “a Classic 99 with a Flake” was the name of a soft-serve ice cream served with a single chocolate Flake bar pressed into it.

The less classic versions used Twirls or (heaven forbid) sprinkles instead of the proper Flake. But on a hot summer day, there was nothing quiet like getting a 99 from the ice cream van:

So for me the name brings back pleasant memories of sunny days and that perfect combination of cold ice cream and crunchy chocolate. Unlike Meze’s more recent evocative names (Poet, AER, SILVA) that hint at the sound signature, I feel the 99 Classic V2 is a nostalgic name fitting for a headphone that delivers the uncomplicated enjoyment of eating ice cream on a summers’ day.

Unboxing and build quality

The packaging is premium and tasteful, with Meze’s signature aesthetic :

But you also get a nice booklet with embossed writing:

The back of the box provides minimal information:

Inside the box you’ll find a high-quality carry case and a smaller guide:

The included carry case is excellent quality and provides proper protection:

Opening the case reveals the headphones and a small soft cable case:

Taking the headphone out of the box for the first time, you immediately appreciate the build quality:

What’s included:

• 99 Classics V2 headphones
• 1.8 m dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed OFC cable (dual 3.5 mm cup connectors to 3.5 mm)
• 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter with integrated DAC/AMP
• 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter
• Mesh acoustic absorbers (for treble tuning)
• EVA hard case
• Cable pouch
• Documentation Guide

The cable is very decent quality with dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed OFC conductors especially at this price point:

I love the symmetry of the design—as both earcups are identical, there is no official “left” or “right” side for the headphones themselves. Meze has cleverly addressed this by marking “L” and “R” on the cable connectors at just the right spot:

However, this symmetry does lead to a subtle issue. Because the connectors point straight down, rather than pointing forward as they would on a dedicated left/right design), the cable can occasionally brush against your shoulders, especially if you’re out walking. I would have preferred a dedicated left and right design with the connectors angled slightly forward to avoid this, though it is a minor point.

Another minor quibble is that the 3.5mm connectors on the earcups are quite recessed, which limits third-party cable options. However, as I mentioned the supplied cable by Meze is good so most users won’t need to replace it.

The inclusion of a USB-C adapter is another nice touch:

Given how easy this headphone is to drive and how well it isolates, the ability to use it with a smartphone straight out of the box is a great decision.

Build quality and aesthetics

The real WALNUT earcups are probably the star of the show, this is without doubt one of the most beautiful headphones you can have on a coffee table:

But also looks great on a stand:

The wood grain is natural and beautiful, with none of the overly polished look that can make wooden earcups appear artificial:

These are the wooden closed-back headphones that got the most attention from my friends and neighbors during my typical “coffee table test” over the Christmas period and they were up against some very expensive Yamaha headphones.

Compared to other wooden closed-backs in my collection, the 99 Classics V2 holds its own aesthetically, even against the much more expensive ZMF Bokeh Closed or the Yamaha YH-4000:

As far as the quality of the wooden finish they are far better than the Sundara Closed or the FT1 and close to the artisan quality of the Bokeh Closed:

The craftsmanship is immediately apparent; even compared to some much more expensive ‘wooden’ closed back headphones the 99 Classics V2 looks fantastic:

Fit and comfort

The earpads on the 99 Classics V2 are comfortable and well-designed, but I feel with a particular focus on isolation compared to some of the deeper earpad material on other headphones:

The material and design provide significantly better passive isolation than many other headphones, including many ANC headphones. This makes the 99 Classics V2 particularly effective for use in noisy environments without the unnatural pressure sensation that active noise cancellation can create.

Another minor quibble is that the earpads are not the deepest. Even when using the included mesh absorbers (which I would recommend for those who prefer a warmer, less treble-forward tuning), you might find your ears touching the driver mesh.

While deeper earpads would have solved this, they likely would have compromised the excellent bass seal and isolation that the current design provides, so it is a trade off I am happy Meze made.

Weight comparisons with similar headphones

One of the standout features of the 99 Classics V2 is its lightweight design, especially impressive for a wooden closed-back: at just 298 grams:

Here are some weight comparisons:

FiiO FT1 354g	FiiO FT13 379g
ZMF Bokeh Closed 501g	Yamaha YH-C3000 334g

I feel the 99 Classics V2’s combination of premium walnut wood, metal construction, and low weight is a genuine engineering achievement, especially at this price.

Self-adjusting headband

The self-adjusting headband is, of course, wonderfully comfortable and distributes weight evenly. Clamping force is moderate—enough to ensure a good seal for bass response and isolation, but not so much that it causes fatigue over long listening sessions.

This is a tried and tested design in many Meze headphones:

Features

Driver technology

The 99 Classics V2 features an improved 40mm dynamic driver:

While I only heard the original 99 Classics briefly at trade shows, I feel this newer driver is a huge improvement in clarity over the original. The driver implementation here is excellent, delivering detailed sound with minimal distortion, making it very easy to EQ should you want to customize the sound further.

Clever bass port design

One particularly clever design element is how the bass port is hidden next to the dual 3.5mm jack connectors:

This bass port is essential for the driver’s performance but is integrated so seamlessly that it doesn’t detract from the aesthetic.

Treble adjustment options:

For those who find the treble a touch too present, Meze includes mesh acoustic absorbers that can be placed over the drivers to gently roll off the upper frequencies:

I personally find the stock tuning excellent as I do appreciate a little treble, but I appreciate having this option for different preferences or particularly bright recordings, and for longer listening I think the absorber is probably the best choice.

Note: The classic “tissue paper mod” also works well if you want a quick, reversible way to experiment with treble attenuation. A single ply of tissue paper placed over the driver (under the earpads) can smooth out the top-end slightly, given you a 1/2 way adjustment.

Sound impressions

I primarily listened to the 99 Classics V2 with the included USB-C adapter but also with some of my favorite higher-end desktop amplifiers. Given the 16 Ω impedance and 103 dB sensitivity, these are remarkably easy to drive—even modest sources provide plenty of volume and headroom.

Bass

The bass response is one of the highlights of the 99 Classics V2. There’s a subtle warmth in the mid-bass that gives music weight and body without becoming bloated or overwhelming. Sub-bass extension is solid, with enough rumble to satisfy on tracks like James Blake’s “Limit to Your Love” without masking the midrange.

On Massive Attack’s “Angel” the descending bass notes stay controlled and textured. There’s a physicality to the low-end that makes electronic music engaging, but the bass never feels disconnected from the rest of the frequency range. Kick drums on Billie Ellish’s “Bad Guy” have satisfying impact and punch, with good transient definition that helps maintain rhythmic drive.

The slightly elevated mid-bass adds warmth to acoustic bass and cellos, giving them a natural resonance. This warmth is what I think of as the “Meze sound”—present enough to add musicality but restrained enough to avoid muddiness.

Midrange

The midrange is where the 99 Classics V2 really shows its refinement over the original. Vocals have natural body and texture, sitting slightly forward in the mix without becoming shouty or aggressive. On Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” Stevie Nicks’ voice has proper weight and presence, layering cleanly with the backing vocals.

There’s a subtle dip around 3.5–4 kHz that’s visible in measurements but barely noticeable subjectively. This tuning choice helps reduce any potential harshness or sharpness in the upper midrange, making the headphone very forgiving with bright or poorly mastered recordings.

Piano on Agnes Obel’s “The Curse” sounds natural with good note weight and decay characteristics. String instruments retain their organic timbre rather than sounding thin or analytical. Male vocals have proper chest resonance, while female vocals maintain clarity without becoming piercing.

Compared to the original 99 Classics, there’s noticeably more clarity and resolution in the midrange. Individual instruments are easier to separate in complex mixes, and subtle details like breath sounds and finger movements on guitar strings come through naturally.

Treble

The treble on the 99 Classics V2 is smooth and refined, with enough energy to maintain clarity and air but restrained enough to avoid fatigue. Cymbal crashes in Steeley Dan’s “Aja” has a pleasant shimmer without becoming splashy or harsh. Hi-hats have good texture and definition.

There’s a peak around 5 kHz that adds some presence and energy to the upper midrange and lower treble, which helps maintain clarity even in noisy environments. However, this peak is moderate and well-controlled—nothing like the more aggressive treble peaks found in some other closed-backs.

Upper treble extension is also good for a closed-back, with enough air and sparkle to keep things from sounding too closed-in or claustrophobic. String quartets retain their delicate upper harmonics, and acoustic guitars have a natural brightness to their tone.

Soundstage and imaging

For a closed-back headphone, the soundstage is impressive. There’s a sense of width and depth that goes beyond the typical “in your head” presentation of many closed designs. The stage isn’t as expansive as an open-back, obviously, but it’s more than adequate for enjoyable listening.

Imaging is precise, with stable left-right placement and good center fill. On live recordings like the Eagles “Hotel California (Hell Freezes Over),” you can easily place individual instruments across the soundstage, and there’s a clear sense of depth between the foreground vocals and background crowd ambience.

Layering in complex orchestral pieces is well-organized, with distinct front-to-back depth. The 99 Classics V2 handles busy passages without compression or congestion, maintaining separation even when many instruments are playing simultaneously.

Macro-dynamics are lively and engaging—crescendos have impact, and there’s a good sense of scale to large-scale music. Micro-dynamics are also well-resolved, with subtle volume shifts and textural details coming through naturally.

Specifications and Measurements

Item	Value
Driver Type	Dynamic
Driver Size	40 mm
Input Connector	Dual 3.5 mm TS Jack
Frequency Range	15 Hz - 25 kHz
Impedance	16 Ω
Sensitivity	103 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion	<0.1% at 1 kHz
Ear Cups	Walnut Wood
Weight	290 g (10.23 oz) without cable
Cable	1.8 m dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed OFC
Cable Connectors	Dual 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm

At 16 Ω and 103 dB sensitivity, the 99 Classics V2 is extremely easy to drive. Even the included USB-C dongle provides plenty of volume and headroom. Desktop amplifiers add a bit more dynamic range and EQ capability, but they’re not necessary for excellent performance.

Frequency response and channel balance

Note: These measurements were taken with my KB501X soft ear pinna with a 711 clone coupler and are available on Pragmatic Audio here.

The frequency response shows excellent compliance with the Harman target:

Channel balance is excellent, with near-perfect left-right matching throughout the frequency range. The bass response shows the subtle mid-bass elevation that gives the 99 Classics V2 its warm character, followed by a mostly linear response through the midrange.

There’s a small dip around 3.5–4 kHz which is typical of headphones tuned for a more natural, less aggressive presentation. This is followed by a moderate peak around 5–6 kHz that adds clarity and presence without becoming harsh.

Here’s the response compensated to diffuse field:

So I have highlighted 3 areas on the graph above:

1. The bass response is nicely boosted in the sub-bass region
2. There is a 4khz dip which is slightly audible when doing a manual sweep (but nothing as dramatic as the measurements show ), in general I feel this dip isn’t noticeable.
3. There is also a little treble peak in the 6-7Khz region, this for me was fine but the provided mesh absorber might be useful for those who feel that is too much treble.

Raw measurements vs Harman

Looking at the raw measurements against Harman, we can see just how well-tuned this headphone is:

The compliance is remarkable for a closed-back dynamic driver headphone at this price point. The deviations from Harman are minimal and mostly represent intentional tuning choices rather than technical limitations.

Effect of mesh absorbers

For those who want to tune the treble, Meze includes mesh acoustic absorbers:

These absorbers provide a gentle roll-off in the upper frequencies, creating a warmer, more relaxed presentation. The effect is subtle but noticeable, particularly on brighter recordings. I appreciate that Meze includes these for users who want options.

Distortion measurements

Distortion performance is excellent even when playing loud:

And as a percentage:

Comparisons

Versus FiiO FT1 and Bokeh Closed

• Price: The FT1 is considerably cheaper at around $149 vs $349 for the 99 Classics V2.
• Build and aesthetics: The 99 Classics V2 feels more premium with its metal frame and natural walnut finish. The FT1’s wooden cups are nice but more industrial-looking.
• Comfort: The 99 Classics V2 is noticeably lighter (290g vs 356g for the FT1) and has better weight distribution. The self-adjusting headband is more elegant than the FT1’s traditional adjustment mechanism.
• Isolation: The 99 Classics V2 provides notably better isolation thanks to its earcup design and superior seal.
• Takeaway: If budget is the primary concern, the FT1 is an excellent value. But the 99 Classics V2 is worth the premium for those who value comfort, build quality, looks, and a more refined sound.

Tuning: Both are warm-leaning closed-backs, but the 99 Classics V2 is more balanced and refined. The FT1 has a bit more bass emphasis and a more relaxed treble. The 99 Classics V2 offers better clarity and detail retrieval:

Versus FiiO FT13 (with velour pads)

• Price: The FT13 is slightly cheaper at $299, though adding the optional velour pads brings it closer to the 99 Classics V2’s $349 price.
• Build: Both offer premium wooden earcups (Purpleheart vs Walnut), but the 99 Classics V2 is significantly lighter and more portable.
• Comfort: The 99 Classics V2’s lighter weight and self-adjusting headband give it an edge in all-day comfort.
• Isolation: The 99 Classics V2 isolates better—a significant advantage for use in noisy environments.
• Takeaway: Choose the FT13 if you want more detail and sparkle; choose the 99 Classics V2 for better comfort, isolation, and a more balanced, natural sound.

Tuning: The FT13 is brighter with its stock earpads though better with its Velour pads. The 99 Classics V2 is smoother and more balanced with the mesh absorber. Both have good bass, but the 99 Classics V2’s warmth feels more natural and integrated:

Versus ZMF Bokeh Closed

• Price: The Bokeh Closed costs roughly 3× more at around $1,000+.
• Build: Both are beautifully crafted with real wood and premium materials. The ZMF feels more artisanal with its hand-built quality, but the Meze is equally impressive in its own refined way.
• Comfort: The ZMF’s earpads are plusher and more luxurious, but at 450g+ it’s significantly heavier than the 99 Classics V2’s 290g. For long sessions, the Meze’s lighter weight may be preferable.
• Isolation: The 99 Classics V2 provides much better isolation despite being lighter. The ZMF’s design prioritizes comfort and sound over maximum isolation.
• Pad options: ZMF offers extensive pad tuning options; Meze includes mesh absorbers but fewer pad choices.
• Takeaway: The ZMF is the boutique choice for those who want taste the ultimate in luxury at a reasonable price and don’t mind the weight or price. The 99 Classics V2 arguably delivers 80–90% of the experience at less than a third of the cost, with better isolation and portability.

Tuning: The Bokeh Closed is warmer with more bass emphasis and a more intimate, “thick” sound. The 99 Classics V2 is more neutral and balanced with better clarity. Both are excellent but serve different preferences.

Comparison with other Meze headphones

Here’s how the 99 Classics V2 compares to other recent Meze headphones:

The 99 Classics V2 fits nicely between Meze’s various offerings. Note: it is challenging (and incorrect) to compare open and closed back headphone measurements (especially on a KB501X or similar rig) because the measurements do not take into account the huge differences in accoustic impedance of different types of headphones. So while the 99 Classics V2 look like they have far more bass, they are more similar than these measurements show.

It has less bass warmth than the 109 Pro but more mid-bass body than the 105 Silva. The treble tuning is more restrained than the 109 Pro’s livelier presentation but has more energy than the smooth 105 AER.

And specifically doing a comparison with the 109 Pro:

• Price: The 109 Pro costs more at $799.
• Design: Both feature walnut wood, but the 109 Pro has copper-zinc alloy accents and a more elaborate spider-web earcup design. The 99 Classics V2 is more understated but equally beautiful.
• Acoustic design: The 109 Pro is open-back; the 99 Classics V2 is closed-back. This fundamental difference means they serve different use cases.
• Comfort: The 109 Pro’s angled drivers provide slightly better ergonomics, though both are very comfortable.
• Takeaway: These aren’t direct competitors due to the open vs closed design, but both represent excellent value in Meze’s lineup for their respective use cases.

Tuning: The 109 Pro has more bass warmth and a livelier, more dynamic presentation. The 99 Classics V2 actually sound
more neutral and balanced to me (even though they do not look like it on the graph).

Rating

I have given the 99 Classics V2 a Pragmatic Rating of 5. At $349, this headphone delivers a complete package that is difficult to fault. The build quality and aesthetics are exceptional, the weight and comfort is outstanding for a closed-back, and the sound is nicely refined over the original and highly competitive for a closed back.

I have compared the 99 Classics V2 with a large number of nice headphones in the past few weeks, but I feel none
rival the 99 Classics V2’s blend of price, aesthetics, comfort, drivability, sound isolation, and EQ flexibility.

The FiiO FT1, while less expensive and very well tuned, is surpassed by the 99 Classics V2 for build quality, looks, and comfort. The ZMF Bokeh Closed provides a more premium feel and much nicer earpads but comes at triple the cost, offers inferior isolation, and is much heavier. The Yamaha YH-C3000 goes for a different sound signature that will not appeal to as many people (and is 5 times the price).

For a pragmatic headphone one that balances price, performance, practicality, and aesthetics the 99 Classics V2 is nearly perfect.

Conclusion

The Meze 99 Classics V2 is a refined evolution of a legendary headphone. It takes the original’s beautiful aesthetics and warm, musical sound and refines them into a modern, well-balanced closed-back that competes with headphones costing significantly more.

The real walnut earcups are stunning, the comfort is exceptional, and the isolation is excellent. The sound signature retains Meze’s warmth and musicality but with better clarity and balance than the original. The driver is easy to drive and exhibits minimal distortion, making it a perfect candidate for EQ should you want to customize the sound further.

Whether you’re working in a noisy environment, traveling, or just want a beautiful closed-back for home listening, the 99 Classics V2 delivers. It’s become my go-to daily headphone, and just like those 99 ice creams from my childhood, it brings a smile to my face every time I use it.

Meze has done it again—creating a pragmatic headphone that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics, comfort, or sound quality. At this price point, the 99 Classics V2 is an easy recommendation for a wooden closed-back headphone.