Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen Headphones, Walnut-Gold

The Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Generation is a closed-back over-ear headphone with earcups made from genuine walnut wood – here in the Walnut-Gold finish.

For its tenth anniversary, Meze reworked the classic in over a dozen details: newly tuned acoustics, a revised ear pad system, and clever accessories included from the factory. The character stays the same – warm, musical, built from wood, spring steel, and memory foam, more heirloom than disposable headphone.

Why the 99 Classics 2nd Generation?

The proven dynamic 40mm driver stays, but the enclosure around it has been rethought: a larger internal volume for cleaner bass control, more precise sealing, and a more open baffle with slimmer struts for fewer unwanted treble artifacts. The earcups are still CNC-machined from air-dried walnut wood – every grain pattern unique. Add zinc-alloy hardware, a manganese spring-steel headband, memory foam, and soft PU leather. No plastic in sight, every part serviceable.

What you hear

A warm, balanced sound – in the second generation, a touch more neutral and cleaner than the distinctly warm original. The bass steps back minimally and gets more controlled, voices and mids feel more open. If you love the classic, warmer 99-series sound, insert the included acoustic absorbers and dial the tuning back toward the original. The closed-back design isolates from the outside and makes the soundstage intimate.

Who is the 99 Classics 2nd Generation for?

For anyone looking for a versatile headphone for travel, the office, and home. Straight talk: closed-back design means good isolation – ideal for trains and travel. At just 16 Ω and 103 dB, it drives effortlessly from a smartphone; thanks to the included USB-C DAC/amp adapter, it also works on devices without a headphone jack. If you expect bone-dry, clinically neutral studio playback, you're better served elsewhere despite the more neutral tuning: the 99 Classics stays deliberately musical. And wood doesn't like moisture – a little care doesn't hurt.

Our verdict

The 2nd generation takes the timeless all-rounder and files down the edges: more neutral tuning, a better ear pad system, USB-C DAC included – and with the absorbers, the old, warm character is still there at the push of a fit. A classic, cleverly refreshed. Hear it at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical data

• Type: Closed-back over-ear headphone
• Transducer: dynamic, 40 mm
• Frequency response: 15 Hz – 25 kHz
• Sensitivity: 103 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
• Impedance: 16 Ω
• Distortion (THD): < 0.1% at 1 kHz
• Connector: dual 3.5 mm jack (7 mm pin spacing), detachable cable
• Cable: 1.8 m, dual-twisted, Kevlar-jacketed, OFC (3.5 mm)
• Materials: walnut wood earcups (CNC), manganese spring-steel headband, memory foam, PU leather
• Weight: 290 g (without cable)
• Finish: Walnut-Gold
• What's included: hard case (EVA), 1.8 m OFC cable, USB-C DAC/amp adapter, acoustic absorbers, 6.3 mm jack adapter, detachable memory foam ear pads (clip mechanism), cable pouch

Frequently asked questions

What's new in the 2nd generation?

Meze retuned the acoustics (more neutral, more controlled bass), enlarged the enclosure volume, introduced a clip-on ear pad system, and now includes a USB-C DAC/amp adapter as well as acoustic absorbers. The 40mm driver remains unchanged.

Is the 99 Classics closed-back – does it isolate?

Yes, it's closed-back and isolates well from the outside. That makes it well suited for travel, trains, and the office – unlike an open headphone such as the Meze 105 AER or 109 PRO.

Do I need a headphone amplifier?

No. At 16 Ω and 103 dB, a smartphone or laptop already drives it easily; on devices without a jack, the included USB-C DAC/amp adapter helps. A separate headphone amp never hurts, but it's not a must.

Can I get the warmer original sound?

Yes. If you insert the included acoustic absorbers into the earcups, the tuning shifts back toward the warmer sound of the first generation. That gives you both characters in one headphone.

Why buy the Meze Audio 99 Classics from HD Zürisee?

Because we give you honest advice and show you the right source to go with it. In Wädenswil, you compare models, we handle delivery and take care of service. Call us (044 680 22 00), write to us, or reach us on WhatsApp (076 534 22 00, text only, no calls).

Pairs well with

Add a good source or compare other models: Headphone amplifiers · DAC & D/A converters · more headphones · Meze Audio