Meze Audio celebrates 10 years of iconic sound and design with a second generation of the 99 Classics

A decade after their debut, the 99 Classics continue their legacy in the world of personal audio. First introduced in 2015, these headphones quickly became an icon, praised for their warm sound signature and premium craftsmanship. Now, they come renewed for both long-time fans and a new generation of listeners, honouring the original’s timeless design while embracing today’s needs. The new 2nd Generation keeps the instantly recognizable silhouette and handcrafted character, but introduces 10 meaningful refinements, from balanced, more versatile tuning and improved acoustic engineering to modern additions like a USB-C DAC/AMP and fully recyclable packaging.

10 Years, 10 Improvements
The new Meze Audio 99 Classics highlight their evolution with 10 key enhancements:

1. Refined tuning direction: Closer to a balanced, neutral target; bass is engaging yet more controlled, letting mids and treble shine with greater clarity.
2. Improved driver matching: Advanced algorithms reduce inter-driver variance, improving stereo imaging accuracy and ensuring consistent performance across pairs.
3. Increased ear cup size: Subtle internal enlargement shifts resonances downward, improving low-frequency control and aligning with the new tuning, all while creating more space for your ears.
4. Improved acoustic sealing and bass port: Precision sealing at key junctions, paired with a dedicated vent in the jack shell, provides precise tuning, left–right consistency and higher unit-to-unit reproducibility.
5. Re-engineered baffle architecture: A more open grille and streamlined beams reduce diffraction and high-frequency artifacts.
6. New ear pad system: Adjusted shape for refined midrange balance, now with a secure clip-in system that maintains fixed orientation for consistent frequency response and easy replacement.
7. Improved sound technicalities: A more precise spatial presentation with clearer imaging, separation, and soundstage.
8. Enlarged input socket: Now 7 mm diameter, ensuring compatibility with a wider range of cables.
9. Upgraded stock cable: A 1.8 m dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed OFC conductor with 3.5 mm jack.
10. Modern portability: Includes a USB-C DAC/AMP dongle and a 6.3 mm gold-plated adapter for seamless use with today’s devices lacking headphone outputs.

The 99 Classics are defined by their thoughtful craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each pair features walnut wood ear cups that are CNC-machined, hand-finished, and polished, showcasing the material’s natural strength, rich colour, and elegant grain. The frame’s cast zinc hardware, finished with a deep gold finish, adds both resilience and a timeless sense of refinement.
Comfort remains a hallmark of the design, thanks to a self-adjusting headband made from vegan leather and supported by spring steel, ensuring an effortless fit for long listening sessions. The detachable ear pads, crafted from soft vegan leather and medium-density foam, now use a secure clip-in system with six points, making them easier to replace while also enhancing acoustic performance.
Designed for today’s listening habits, a compact USB-C DAC/AMP is included to deliver optimal performance with modern devices that no longer feature a headphone jack.

True to the Meze Audio’s philosophy, the 99 Classics are sustainable by design. Every component, from the drivers to the cables, headband, and cups, can be replaced, extending the product’s lifespan. Also, the 2nd generation of the 99 Classics come in fully recyclable cardboard packaging, eliminating plastic, foam, and excess materials, thus reducing waste and lowering our environmental impact. You can find high-resolution images here. *Please note that the images featured are for illustrative purposes only. The final product may differ slightly in appearance.

Technical Specifications

About Meze Audio

Meze Audio is a high-end audio brand founded in 2011 in Romania and renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and commitment to sonic excellence. Blending timeless aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, Meze Audio crafts premium headphones and earphones that refine the listening experience. Each meticulously crafted product reflects a passion for art, comfort and superior sound, bringing musical emotion to audio enthusiasts everywhere. Winner of multiple audiophile industry awards, Meze’s current product range also includes: 99 series headphones (99 Classics, 99 NEO), 109 PRO, 105 AER, 105 SILVA, Liric 2nd Gen, three open-back Isodynamic Hybrid Array headphones, Empyrean II, Elite and POET, and one in-ear monitor, Alba.
Pricing and availability
The second generation of the 99 Classics headphones will be available for purchase starting October 29th, 2025, 12:00PM GMT, on mezeaudio.com, mezeaudio.eu and in selected retailers worldwide, with a suggested retail price of $349/€349.