Meze 99 Classics Walnut Silver Headphones (Silver & Black)

Product Information

Meze is relatively new Romanian company and 99 Classics is their much talked about model in several forums. They are carefully designed with choice of premium materials like wood and metal. Having spent about a week with them here is my opinion about them: Side to side the fit and seal are excellent and fully justify their tag of circumaural. It feels comfy in that respect. Top and bottom, however, do feel a little snug to the point where it does get uncomfortable after an hour or so. There does seem to be some downward pressure developing on the top of the ear and around the ear lobes that a few mm in extra length would make all the difference.

Meze 99 Classics review: a modern classic - Soundphile Review Meze 99 Classics review: a modern classic - Soundphile Review

The difference in the midrange is also big, yet again HiFiMan reproduces it in a very smooth and warm way, whilst Meze creates more texture. The vocals from HE-R9 are rich and natural but it’s definitely more recessed when compared to Liric.The highs have a good extension and plenty of detail but never stray into the harsh territory. Jazz and classical music are handled easily, and the 99 classics seem to smooth out rough tones and blend them with the midrange. Midrange - Comfort: I only own a handful of IEM/headphones, but these are the by far the most comfortable headphone. its very light weight, and the headband very nicely distributes the weight on your skull. Its earpads and very soft and it has very low clamping force even straight out of the box. If you are wearing in a hot environment then it will obviously get warm, but other than that its pretty comfortable. The earcups are soft and cushiony and when I put them on, my ears dont the insideof the headphone. But I have to say when you are listening to songs and if your hand or anything hits the metal headband or the earcups then the sound is amplified, but its not really that much of a problem. Wrapping around your ear, the 99 Classics are not only comfortable but isolate you from the outside world – letting you hear even more detail. The memory foam ear pads supply just the right amount of pressure and are finished with PU leather for a luxury feel. The headband is self-adjusting and broad enough for a comfortable fit.

Meze - Audio Sanctuary: The Headphone and Portable Audio Meze - Audio Sanctuary: The Headphone and Portable Audio

It’s a great modern take on a classic design and has enough sleek touches to make the 99 look elegant and classy. The company offers a few different color options, but the walnut and gold were the most eye-catching to us. Inside the case, as mentioned, you get the 99 Neo and then a small pouch full of the accessories, which you attach to the inside of the case with a velcro pad.The treble distinguishes the compared headphones the most. It’s nearly impossible to find a source that will make the highs of HE-R9 unpleasant but definitely when comparing them in terms of reproduced details Liric is far ahead in front of HiFiMan headphones.

Meze 99 Classics Walnut Silver | Wired Over-Ear Headphones Meze 99 Classics Walnut Silver | Wired Over-Ear Headphones

Really strong bass elevation with only moderate roll-off towards the sub-bass. Lots of impact and punch.Mids: extremely clear, like I never heard some of my music, even with my reference HP, the sony MDR-Z1R, hearing instrumental cues I never heard before with such a crystal clarity like a Cembalo continuo line in Albinonis Concertos Op. 10 [I solisti Venetia|Claudio scimone|Albinoni, Tomaso: Concertos Op. 10|ERATO], voixes and strings sounded sweet. Having previously reviewed the original Empyrean, which remains one of my all-time favorite headphones; the LIRIC has big shoes to fill in as an understudy to the flagship. Meze continues to innovate, and this collaboration includes Rinaro, which has produced quality products since WW2. On history alone, you could spend a fair word or seven, so that will be infiltrated throughout the review, as necessary.