Product highlights
5.9-foot Kevlar-covered braided cable terminated with a gold-plated 3.5mm miniplug:
- 1/4" adapter included
- 3.5mm to USB-C adapter for connecting to compatible phones, computers, and devices
- frequency response: 15-25,000 Hz
- sensitivity: 103 dB
- impedance: 16 ohms
- weight: 10.23 oz.
- warranty: 1 year
What's in the box
- Over-ear headphones (Walnut)
- 71" Twisted audio cable (dual 3.5mm plugs on the headphone end and straight 3.5mm plug on the device end)
- Snap-on 3.5mm-to-6.3mm adapter
- USB-C DAC/Amp with 5" adapter cable (female 3.5mm-to-USB Type C)
- Cable storage pouch
- 2 Foam acoustic absorber discs
- Zippered storage case
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety Instructions
- Absorber disc info card
About this item
Written by Crutchfield's Jeff Miller
The long-awaited sequel to "Crutchfield's most comfortable headphones"
Before I even auditioned the Meze 99 Classics V2 headphones, they held a special place in my heart. These wired closed-backs are the sequel to the headphones that we named named Crutchfield's most comfortable, after extensive in-house testing. But as noted in my hands-on review, these second-generation headphones stand just fine on their own merit — with a snappier, more neutral-leaning sound tuning that won me over.
Meze is releasing this revamped and upgraded version to celebrate an important milestone — the original 99 Classics were released 10 years ago. And this sequel looks very much like the originals, right down to the retro futuristic spring-steel headband and real walnut wood earcups. For the V2s, Meze reshaped those hand-finished wood earcups to make them deeper and more spacious for their redesigned dynamic drivers.
Meze's signature comfortable, no-fuss fit
These headphones use the same headband spring-suspension system as the originals, a design that's also found in Meze's open-back 109 PRO, 105 AER, and 105 SILVA models. A padded vegan leather headband, attached by an elastic band, stretches over the head to ensure the pressure remains even, regardless of head size. It hugs the crown of the head while the butter-soft synthetic leather ear pads gently hold the headphones in place.
The V2s fit a little more snugly for me than the first-gen 99 Classics, though I would still categorize the fit overall as “relaxed.” Since the earcups and ear pads are larger, that crucial ratio of weight distribution had to change a bit. But the fit was still pretty much a “one and done,” where the headphones seem to sink right into place when I put them on. They remained comfortable for me — without any signs of listening fatigue — through entire work shifts.
Listening impressions — more space and precise imaging
The 99 Classics V2 have a noticeably larger soundstage than their predecessors. Fortunately, you don't lose any of Meze's musical verve and urgency with that extra space. And these headphones offer tremendous depth and layering.
Josh Ritter's aptly named track "Rattling Locks" has beautifully chaotic percussion distinctly placed at different distances from the head, within the soundstage. That includes a constant click and hiss from rhythmic incidental percussion between the ears. This stakes a point of reference for the bass drum thump just off to the left, the occasional snap of the snare on the other side, and cymbals faintly crashing from a distance.
Crunchy guitars and lead vocals sit in front of my face, as if I'm two or three rows back from the “stage.” Meanwhile a haunting higher-range chant echos through the whole presentation — giving that “emanating from everywhere and nowhere” effect. It's quite something through these headphones.
For further listening impressions, check out my full review of the Meze Audio 99 Classics V2.
Unapologetically wired
Just to be clear: these are not the type of headphones you want to wear to the gym or on a flight. These are wired headphones, designed for focused listening, and there's no active noise cancellation built in. With an impedance of 16 ohms, they are efficient enough to use with a phone or laptop.
Meze includes a handy 3.5mm to USB-C adapter for connecting to phones, computers, and other devices without a headphone jack. For peak performance, I still recommend a separate headphone amplifier over the included dongle.