Meze Audio Celebrates 10 Years of Iconic Sound with 2nd Generation 99 Classics Headphones

Marking a decade of audio excellence, Meze Audio’s 99 Classics return refined and ready for modern audiophiles.

A Decade of Legendary Sound and Style

If you’ve ever fallen head over heels for a pair of headphones that blend warm, rich sound with stunning craftsmanship, you know the magic of the Meze Audio 99 Classics headphones. First hitting the scene back in 2015, these headphones quickly became a personal audio icon, revered for their balanced warmth and beautifully handcrafted design. Fast forward to 2025, and Meze Audio is celebrating ten years of sonic artistry by unveiling the second generation of the 99 Classics—a fresh take that honors the original while embracing today’s tech-savvy listener.

The classic silhouette returns with a modern twist.

Ten Years, Ten Thoughtful Upgrades

What’s really exciting about this new iteration? Meze Audio has carefully tuned the 99 Classics with ten meaningful improvements that make these headphones feel both familiar and freshly brilliant. From the sound signature to the materials, here’s a breakdown of what’s new:

1. Refined sound tuning – The signature warmth remains but shifts closer to a balanced, neutral profile. Bass is still full-bodied but more controlled, giving mids and highs greater clarity and presence.
2. Advanced driver matching – Using smarter algorithms, Meze reduces differences between the left and right drivers, enhancing stereo imaging and ensuring consistent sound quality across every pair.
3. Bigger ear cups – Slightly larger inside to move resonances downward, the cups offer better low-frequency control and more room for your ears to breathe.
4. Better acoustic sealing and bass port – Precision sealing combined with a dedicated vent means more reliable tuning and reproducibility between units.
5. Re-engineered baffle design – The grille is more open and beams streamlined, reducing unwanted sound diffraction and cleaning up high-frequency textures.
6. New ear pad system – Redesigned for a balanced midrange and now featuring a secure clip-in mechanism, the pads are easier to replace and more consistent in performance.
7. Sharper imaging and separation – Overall soundstage improvements mean a clearer, more immersive listening experience.
8. Larger input socket – A 7 mm diameter jack enhances cable compatibility.
9. Upgraded cable – The stock cable is now a 1.8-meter dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed OFC conductor with a 3.5 mm jack, built for durability and optimal signal.
10. Modern connectivity – Included USB-C DAC/AMP dongle and a 6.3 mm gold-plated adapter ensure seamless use with newer devices lacking headphone jacks.

Craftsmanship That Speaks Volumes

The 99 Classics have always been about marrying sound with art. This generation stays true to that legacy with CNC-machined, hand-finished walnut wood ear cups that highlight the wood’s rich grain and natural beauty. The frame’s cast zinc hardware, finished in a deep gold tone, adds a vintage elegance and durability that feels premium to the touch.

Comfort is equally prioritized. The self-adjusting vegan leather headband supported by spring steel delivers a perfect fit without pinch or pressure, even during marathon listening sessions. The new detachable vegan leather ear pads, secured by a six-point clip-in system, provide consistent acoustic quality and easy maintenance.

For those of us who’ve grappled with modern device compatibility, the included compact USB-C DAC/AMP dongle is a godsend, breathing new life into smartphones and laptops that have ditched the headphone jack.

Designed with Sustainability in Mind

Meze Audio embraces a philosophy that resonates beyond sound: sustainability. The 99 Classics are built to last, with every component—drivers, cables, headband, and cups—fully replaceable to extend their lifespan indefinitely. The packaging gets an eco-friendly makeover too, swapping plastic and foam for fully recyclable cardboard that cuts down on environmental waste.

Crisp Technical Specs for the Curious

A Romanian Audio Legacy

Meze Audio was born in 2011 with a dream to craft headphones that didn’t just sound incredible but looked like works of art. Rooted in Romania, they've grown into a celebrated high-end audio brand known for merging timeless design with cutting-edge technology. Whether it’s the 99 Series, the 109 PRO, or the luxurious Empyrean II, Meze’s dedication to sonic purity and elegant aesthetics shines through each release.

When and Where to Get Your Pair

The refreshed 2nd Generation 99 Classics headphones are set to hit the shelves October 29th, 2025, at 12:00 PM GMT, with a retail price of $349. You’ll find them available on Meze Audio’s official online stores and select retailers worldwide.

“The new 2nd Generation keeps the instantly recognizable silhouette and handcrafted character, but introduces 10 meaningful refinements.” – Meze Audio

Final Thoughts

Celebrating ten years is no small feat, especially in the fast-paced world of personal audio. Meze Audio’s 99 Classics have not only survived but thrived by evolving thoughtfully while staying true to the rich, warm sound and elegant design that made them legendary. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the brand, the second generation invites you to experience a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern innovation.

FAQ

• What makes the 2nd generation 99 Classics different from the original?
  The new version features 10 key improvements including refined tuning, larger ear cups, better sealing, modern connectivity options like a USB-C DAC/AMP, and sustainable packaging.
• Are the ear pads replaceable?
  Yes! The new six-point clip-in system makes replacing ear pads easy and ensures consistent acoustic performance.
• Can these headphones connect to modern smartphones without headphone jacks?
  Absolutely. The included USB-C DAC/AMP dongle allows seamless compatibility with USB-C devices.
• What materials are used for the ear cups?
  The ear cups are handcrafted from CNC-machined walnut wood, known for its natural beauty and durability.
• Is the packaging eco-friendly?
  Yes, Meze Audio has switched to fully recyclable cardboard packaging, eliminating plastic and foam to reduce environmental impact.

Ready to surround yourself with iconic sound and timeless design? Shop your favorite album cover poster to complement your audio setup at our store Architeg Prints – where music meets art.