Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen Review – More Than A Retread

Comparisons –

Meze 105 AER ($399): Meze’s entry-level open-back model employs a dynamic driver and a similar design and comfort. The nature of the two designs translates to two very different experiences in use. Most notably, the 105 barely isolates but also breathes better on hot days. Comfort is similar otherwise, between the two, while the 99 Classics V2 offers superior handling and build with its improved cable and wood earcups. Sonically, the 105 AER to me sounds a touch more balanced overall, while the 99 Classics V2 has more prominence in the top-end, lending it a brighter voicing – at least, without the inserts.

Conversely, the V2 offers a more robust sub-bass extension while the 105 is lighter-footed at the very bottom. The AER has a nice, defined punch in the mid-bass and good technicals, but the V2 is more defined and tighter overall in the low-end. The midrange is inverted on both headphones. The V2 has a larger, more powerful male vocal presentation, while the AER has more upper-mid presence, lending it a more open, extended voicing with greater emphasis on female vocals. Tonally, the two are quite even matched, being light warm but broadly quite transparent. The V2 has a more notable colouration in the form of its denser upper midrange, giving it a fuller-bodied, smoother voicing where the AER tends to be a bit breathier and more esoteric.

However, separation is quite good on both, the AER benefiting from a larger stage and better imaging, that said. Up top, both have a good amount of presence and headroom; the AER is more mid-treble biased, while the V2 has more presence in the lower-treble, which gives it more bite and leading edge crispness. It also means the V2 comes across as a bit brighter. The AER has a larger stage, but I would attribute this mostly to the form factor as, in terms of the technical performance, both are quite evenly matched on detail retrieval and raw extension. In this vein, neither provides the best micro detail or upper-treble extension, but still a good sense of involvement and background resolution. The V2 has a bit more crispness and brightness overall, but not by a huge degree, and I wouldn’t say that there is more raw information to its sound, just a slightly more forward presentation.

Verdict –

The V2 brings the overall balance and refinement up to modern standards within a market that feels stuck in the past. It does so whilst retaining the beloved build quality, aesthetic and serviceability of the original. In fact, the V2 makes notable strides even atop the strengths of its forebearer in the form of more generous earpad dimensions and a notably improved cable. Sonically, the V2 is a new beast altogether and, despite the addition of tuning filters, this may alienate fans of the original. With that said, as someone more familiar with IEMs who generally desires a more balanced sound profile, I find the new model a breath of fresh air. Meze has made leaps and strides here with a substantially cleaner, more versatile tuning and a large jump in resolving power, too. It still won’t suit all, especially those valuing utmost clarity in the midrange. However, Meze has successfully provided both a balanced and bassy experience with the tuning filters installed, whilst retaining easy drivability for portable sources, further enhancing accessibility. The 99 Classics V2 offers a highly competitive and well-rounded overall package blending beloved components of the original with new improved sound quality and a more versatile tuning.

 The 99 Classics V2 is available for $349 USD at the time of writing. You can read more about it and secure one for yourself at Meze Audio! I am not affiliated with Meze and receive no earnings from purchases made through these links.