{"product_id":"meze-99-classics-2","title":"Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen | Closed-Back Dynamic Headphones","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 65%;\" alt=\"meze 99 classics 2nd gen logo\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/meze-99-classics-v2-logo.webp?v=1761317283\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eThe new 2nd Generation Headphone Keeps the instantly recognizable silhouette and handcrafted character, but introduces 10 meaningful refinements\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40mm dynamic driver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeutral, balanced sound signature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilt using premium materials - walnut wood, spring steel, and cast zinc\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorld-class ergonomic design for all-day comfort\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes dual-twisted Kevlar-wrapped OFC cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/meze-99classics-v2-lifestyle.webp?v=1762978785\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1360\" alt=\"Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen headphones sitting on vinyl record storage box\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bloom-take\"\u003e\n\u003ctable bgcolor=\"”#f6f6f6”\" width=\"90%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #a30e0b;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom's Take\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 99 Classics V2 retains the iconic wood‑cup look and plush suspension of the original, but shifts its focus from bass‑emphasis to a cleaner, more balanced tuning.   Built with Meze’s familiar comfort and style, it introduces a new clip‑in earpad system and broader jack compatibility, giving the V2 a subtle but meaningful engineering upgrade.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSonically, the V2 pulls back the sub‑bass heft, fills in the mids, and extends the treble with a clarity the original lacked.  The result is a headphone that still offers warmth and musicality but now delivers sharper detail, a more spacious stage and improved imaging, especially with the acoustic absorber switched off for that fresh “audiophile‑tuned” feel.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you loved the original Meze look and comfort but found its sound a bit too indulgent, the 99 Classics V2 presents a strong next step: familiar build, elevated performance, and a tonally refined voice that bridges everyday listening with actual reference‑grade ambition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bloomaudio.mom\/blogs\/articles\/redefining-the-classics-meze-99-classics-v2-review\" title=\"Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen Review\"\u003eRead our full review\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA Classic Fit for Today\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince their release in 2015, the 99 Classics have undeniably left a big impact on the headphone cultural landscape. In this sense, they have become iconic, a symbol. Meze initially created them out of a desire to infuse life and passion into what is commonly perceived as technical objects. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTen years later, that vision continues to drive Meze. As a celebration, the 2nd Gen 99 Classics come with a number of meaningful enhancements, all the while preserving the spirit of the original.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSame Iconic Silhouette\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEverything that made the original headphone an instant classic is still present – the magnetic and inviting sound, the seamless comfort, the use of premium materials, the timeless design aesthetic – it’s all here. However, upon closer inspection and audition, the differences become more apparent. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Meze 99 Classics 2nd gen and original sitting on double headphone stand on wooden table\" height=\"1360\" width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/meze-99classics-v2-banner.webp?v=1762978906\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e10 Years, 10 Improvements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTuning Direction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2nd Gen 99 Classics moves the signature closer to a balanced, neutral target. Bass remains engaging yet slightly more restrained, allowing midrange and treble details to emerge with greater clarity. The result is a more versatile headphone that retains the musical warmth of the original while offering improved overall balance and detail retrieval. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDriver Matching\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA refined matching process, using a mixed cosine function combined with level-adjustment algorithms, reduces inter-driver variance in the mid and high frequencies. The result is improved stereo image stability and a more consistent listening experience across pairs. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcoustic Sealing and Bass Port\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile the original 99 Classics already provided impactful bass, the 2nd Gen introduces precision sealing at all key junctions. This improved sealing allows the use of a dedicated bass vent integrated into the jack shell, providing more precise tuning, improved left–right consistency, and higher unit-to-unit reproducibility. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/meze-99classics-2-driver.webp?v=1761596322\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" alt=\"Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen headphones driver birdseye view on grey backdrop\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEar Cup Volume\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe internal cup volume has been subtly increased. A larger volume shifts cavity resonances downward and reduces standing-wave interactions, enhancing control in the low-frequency region and aligning with the new tuning goals. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaffle Architecture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe baffle has been re-engineered with acoustic transparency in mind. A more open grille and streamlined structural beams reduce diffraction and acoustic impedance in front of the driver, minimizing high-frequency artifacts. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEar Pad Redesign\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe ear pads have been reshaped to adjust the front cavity volume, refining the midrange balance toward the intended target. The attachment system has evolved from a stretch-skirt to a clip-in mechanism, ensuring fixed orientation, reducing variability, and simplifying replacement for the user. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSound Technicalities\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe rebalanced tuning, enhanced acoustic consistency, and optimized internal geometry work together to improve stereo imaging and instrument separation, while also providing a more open and spacious soundstage. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInput Socket\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe input socket shell has been enlarged to 7 millimeters in diameter. The larger shell maintains secure connection integrity while ensuring compatibility with both slim-profile and larger-bodied 3.5 mm plugs. This ensures compatibility with a wider range of cables, including our premium hand-braided copper and silver ones. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-Quality Cable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe stock cable now uses a dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed OFC conductor. This maintains excellent electrical performance while improving tangle resistance, mechanical durability, and flexibility. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/meze99classics-2-cable.webp?v=1761596690\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" alt=\"Meze 99 classics 2nd gen headphones kevlar cable lying wrapped in circles closeup\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModern Portability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReflecting today’s usage patterns, a compact USB-C DAC\/AMP is now included to ensure optimal performance with modern devices that lack dedicated headphone outputs. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTwo Tonalities\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those seeking a sound closer to the original 99 Classics, the 2nd Gen comes with a set of acoustic absorbers, allowing you to shift the balance towards a warmer signature. Simply detach the ear pads from the cups, place the absorbers in the allocated slots on the baffle plate, reattach the ear pads, and enjoy! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSustainable By Design\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2nd Gen 99 Classics are fully serviceable. Ear cups, headband, cables, or driver, all pieces are replaceable. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meze Audio","offers":[{"title":"Walnut \/ Gold","offer_id":41854922358859,"sku":"MEZE-99C-2-G","price":349.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Walnut \/ Gold - Open Box","offer_id":42056592982091,"sku":"MEZE-99C-2-G-OB","price":349.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/meze-0-99classics-2-thumb.webp?v=1761597209","url":"https:\/\/bloomaudio.mom\/products\/meze-99-classics-2","provider":"Bloom Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}