Meze Audio 99 Classics Review

In partnership with Meze Audio

About Meze 

Meze Audio is a Romanian company that creates high-quality headphones that deeply resonate with customers. They aren’t satisfied with speakers that sound serviceable. Instead, they aim to convert casual music enthusiasts into devoted fans through their products.

Their dedication and enthusiasm explains how they’ve added so many musicians to their roster. Meze’s site is filled with testimonies from artists across various genres, from the synth-pop trio CHVRCHES to the gone-too-soon mathcore legends The Dillinger Escape Plan, and all of them have grand things to say about the technology behind Meze.

This brings me to the subject of this Meze Audio 99 Classics review. These headphones have won enough awards to fill a trophy cabinet, including the VGP Lifestyle 2022 Gold Award and earning the PC Magazine Editor’s Choice. This recognition comes from their unique aesthetics and sublime sound. 

Before you pick up a pair for yourself, read my Meze Audio 99 Classics review as I’ll give you all the information you need about the headphones’ materials, features, specs, price, customer reception, and more. Let’s begin by looking at their highlights. 

Highlights

• Made with all-natural materials
• Each pair is unique due to the woodworking process
• Wood can provide top-of-the-line audio quality
• Self-adjusting headband comfortably conforms to user’s head
• Plastic-free 

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Materials

Though the collection of materials used in the Meze Audio 99 Classics is notable, what’s more impressive is what Meze left out of the equation. Not a single piece was made from plastic. They use natural materials to ensure their headphones sound out of this world. 

As for what was included, the main material is wood, specifically walnut. It’s primarily used in the ear cups, inside of which are memory foam and soft PU leather that deliver a sublime fit and feel. Not only do they feel cozy on your ears, but their shape and density can also improve audio quality. Imagine the difference between putting a speaker next to your ear and putting it underneath a pillow and you’ll get the idea. 

The Meze Audio 99 Classics also has a manganese spring steel headband that puts pressure on the back of your head. It’s not tight enough to distract you from the music, but it’s firm enough to keep the headphones snug. This pressure can deter the headphones from shifting around while you’re walking or practicing. 

Features

One of the key features of the Meze Audio 99 Classics is their sensation appearance. The wood grain has a natural and timeless appeal, adding warmth, character, and a touch of elegance to the design of audio equipment. In the world of plastic headphones with chrome colorways, wood definitely stands out. 

Additionally, each piece of wood has a distinct grain pattern, ensuring that every Meze Audio 99 Classics is unique. The brand compares this individuality with that of fingerprints. It may not be immediately noticeable, but it’s true that every copy of these headphones is, in fact, one-of-a-kind. 

The CNC wood ear cups can resonate and vibrate in response to sound waves. When used in the construction of speakers and headphone housings, wood can enhance sound quality by providing natural resonance and warm tones. As such, you can expect a richer and more organic audio experience.

Plus, the Meze Audio 99 Classics can prevent noise pollution. Wood’s inherent acoustic properties can help dampen unwanted vibrations and resonances, reducing distortion and improving clarity in audio reproduction. It also reduces the potential for electromagnetic interference, which can sometimes occur with metal components.

The memory foam ear pads used in the Meze Audio 99 Classics can make you feel like you’re in a bubble by yourself with only your music along for the ride. They employ a type of sound isolation which can increase the audio quality. That isolation reduces interference from external noises, so you may feel that much more connected to your music.

Although these headphones don’t have any crazy features like a heart-rate monitor, they’re nonetheless impressive. They prioritize performance and discard any perfunctory features that could impede how they function.

Specs

Unless you know what you’re looking for, the Meze Audio 99 Classics’ specs can seem like a jumble of numbers. Allow me to set the record straight now–these headphones either meet or succeed in industry standards. 

For instance, the 40mm transducer is a common driver size found in many high-quality headphones, providing a balance between accurate sound reproduction and comfort. The power levels (30mW to 50mW) are also typical for headphones of this caliber. The rated input power indicates the level of power the 99 Classics can handle without distortion, while the maximum input power provides a safety margin.

However, when it comes to sensitivity and frequency response, the 99 Classics shines. The headphones have a 103dB at 1KHz, 1mW sensitivity and a 15Hz – 25KHz frequency response. 

Their sensitivity is relatively high, which means they can produce loud sounds with lower input power. As such, they’re suitable for use with a wide range of devices, including smartphones and portable audio players. The frequency range, meanwhile, is broader than what many people can perceive (typically 20Hz – 20KHz), so the 99 Classics can produce highly detailed bass and clear treble.

The headphone’s cable is made from detachable Kevlar OFC, a durable material that can protect the 99 Classics from damage and prevent any issues years into the product’s life. 

The Meze Audio 99 Classics’ specifications reflect a focus on delivering high-quality audio and comfortable listening experiences. They align well with the expectations of audiophiles and individuals seeking headphones that offer premium sound reproduction and craftsmanship.

What’s in the Box

Included with every order of Meze Audio 99 Classics are the following items:

1. 1 Hard EVA carrying case
2. 1 1.2m thread kevlar cable that contains a mic and a remote
3. 1 3mm thread Kevlar OFC cable
4. 1 Adapter
5. 1 Airplane jack adapter
6. 1 Cable pouch

iPhone and Android users should note that they’ll need to purchase a separate adapter so these headphones can connect to their phones. The Meze Audio 99 Classics only have the traditional headphone cable and not one for USB-C ports. 

Price

The Meze Audio 99 Classics cost $309, which admittedly is quite pricey for headphones. That’s somewhat par for the course with wooden headphones as even those from Audio-Technica can hold triple-digit price tags. 

Who Is Meze Audio 99 Classics For?

Due to their lack of supplementary features in favor of peak performance, I’d only recommend the Meze Audio 99 Classics to either audiophiles or musicians. They’re clearly built for those with a noted interest in music, so you can probably skip over them if you only use headphones to listen to podcasts.

Meze Audio 99 Classics Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

While I can write about these headphones all day, the best way to learn what they’re truly like is by turning to customer Meze Audio 99 Classics reviews. Firsthand experience is the only way to determine whether or not the audio lives up to the hype. 

Let’s look at some average customer review scores from various websites. Note that these numbers are up to date as of August 2023. 

• Meze Audio: 5/5 stars based on more than 125 pieces of customer feedback
• Amazon: 4.5/5 stars based on more than 1,200 pieces of customer feedback
• Crutchfield: 4.5/5 stars based on more than 95 pieces of customer feedback

As you can see from those numbers, most customers were impressed by the 99 Classcis’ sound quality and balance. Many appreciated how the headphones accentuated certain details in the music, which helped them further appreciate it. 

“Finally, a headphone that does what the designer said it does. These blew me away right out of the box. They are the most fun headphones I have ever owned. The sound is just what I have been looking for punchy low end smooth mids and non fatiguing Highs. I highly recommend these if you just want to sit back and listen to your music,” wrote one shopper on the brand’s website. 

The Meze Audio 99 Classics were also favored by people who had to listen to audio throughout the day for work. Audio engineers and content creators alike praised the headphones for how comfortable they were.

One customer wrote, “I needed a nice pair of headphones that wouldn’t get uncomfortable after many hours of use. I produce music on my computer so I can be sitting for upwards of 8 hours. My old pair was no good for comfort OR audio quality. Meze Audio 99 Classics are a good value all around. I don’t think I will buy another pair for a long time and when I do it will be something much more expensive like the Meze Empyreans.”

Another user on Amazon added to the notion that the Meze Audio 99 Classics are a gift in terms of wearability, as they wrote, “The Meze Audio 99 Classics are a pure joy to listen to and extremely comfortable to wear for long sessions. These headphones aren’t for the person who wants an analytical sound signature but if you want to enjoy music from just about any genre, except rap or heavy bass, they’re fabulous.” 

They further described the audio quality as “Buttery smooth across the entire frequency spectrum… Bass is punchy, mids are tight and highs are crisp. These headphones are easy to drive with an iPhone or iPod but get a dac/amp and you’ll experience their full potential that is far greater than that of headphones costing three times the price!”

Regarding criticisms, a few Meze Audio 99 Classics reviews mentioned that the headphones occasionally sounded muddy as the mid-bass can be a bit much. Others said the outer layer of the ear cups started peeling less than a year after they picked the products up. 

Luckily, these critiques existed in isolation. The overwhelming majority of customers who wrote Meze Audio 99 Classics reviews all came to the same conclusion–these headphones sound amazing. 

Finally, some fans of bass-heavy genres like rap were disappointed with how the Meze Audio 99 Classics performed with the genre. They said the sound left something to be desired. However, music made with analog recording equipment apparently sounded better than it usually did with these headphones, likely due to the wood ear cups.

It’s important to consider how your favorite genre will sound with these headphones if you want to listen to music with them. While I don’t think it’s enough to make or break a product, it is worth keeping in mind if you’re stuck between the Meze Audio 99 Classics and another product. 

Is Meze Audio 99 Classics Legit?

I couldn’t find any concerning Meze Audio 99 Classics reviews from customers that worried me about the brand’s shipping or customer service. As such, I can say that these headphones are legit. 

Is Meze Audio 99 Classics Worth It?

Normally, $309 headphones would be too high of a price to recommend to anyone. However, after reading customer testimonials about the sound quality and longevity of the pieces, I must admit that I’ve been convinced. The Meze Audio 99 Classics are worth it if you need a pair of headphones you can wear all day long.

How To Choose The Best Headphones 

Whether or not you think the Meze Audio 99 Classics are right for you, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you choose a pair of headphones that meets your needs and preferences. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Sound Quality: The sound quality is crucial. Look for headphones that provide clear and balanced audio across different frequencies (bass, midrange, treble).
• Type of Headphones: There are various types, including over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear headphones. Choose the type that suits your comfort and usage preferences.
• Comfort and Fit: Headphones should be comfortable to wear for extended periods. Look for adjustable headbands, cushioned ear pads, and a secure fit that doesn’t cause discomfort.
• Wireless or Wired: Decide whether you prefer wireless Bluetooth headphones or wired ones. Wireless offers convenience but may have battery life considerations.
• Noise Isolation/Cancellation: Noise isolation blocks external noise passively, while noise cancellation uses technology to actively reduce unwanted ambient sound.
• Microphone and Controls: If you plan to use headphones for calls or voice commands, ensure they have a built-in microphone and easy-to-use controls.
• Portability: Consider how portable the headphones are. In-ear or compact on-ear headphones are often more travel-friendly.
• Durability and Build Quality: Choose headphones made from durable materials that can withstand regular use and occasional drops.
• Price Range: Set a budget based on your needs and priorities. High-end headphones may offer premium features, but there are also quality options at lower price points.
• Usage Scenario: Consider where you’ll use the headphones most. For example, workout headphones might need to be sweat-resistant, while travel headphones might prioritize noise cancellation.

Meze Audio 99 Classics Promotions & Discounts 

You can enter for the chance to win a free pair of Meze Audio 99 Classics headphones by signing up for the brand’s email newsletter. They select a winner on their Facebook every month, so make sure to check there as well. 

• You can also use the code honestbrandreviews20 to get 20% OFF your order.

Where To Buy Meze Audio 99 Classics

You can purchase the Meze Audio 99 Classics on the company’s website, www.mezeaudio.com, Amazon, or through other audio equipment carriers. 

FAQ

Who owns Meze Audio?

Antonio Meze, the Romanian founder of the company, continues to oversee operations. 

Where does Meze Audio ship to?

Meze Audio can ship worldwide through their multiple warehouses. Their shipping areas include the following:

1. America
2. Canada
3. Europe

What is Meze Audio’s Shipping Policy?

Shipping times vary based on the location. In the United States and Canada, earphones and headphones take 3-7 business days. In Europe, it’s 2-5 business days. For the rest of the world, it’s 5-10 business days for both earphones and headphones.

What is Meze Audio’s Returns Policy?

Meze Audio offer a 30-day return policy for items purchased directly from their website. To be eligible, the item must be in its original condition with tags, unused, and in the original packaging. You’ll need the receipt or proof of purchase. Return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility, and the original shipping cost won’t be refunded.

How To Contact Meze Audio 99 Classics

If you have any remaining questions after reading my Meze Audio 99 Classics review, contact the company by filling out a customer service form on their website. 

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