Meze Audio 99 Classics V2 wired headphone review

et me apologize for this from the start: there’s no way I can review — or write about — the Meze Audio 99 Classic V2 wired headphones without heavily referring to their top-selling predecessors. First off, this stellar sequel looks very much like the originals, right down to the retro futuristic spring-steel headband and real walnut wood earcups.

And for me, it feels just as pleasant to wear these on my head as the first-generation 99 Classics — which we named Crutchfield’s “most comfortable over-ear headphones” after hands-on testing. For the V2, Meze reshaped those hand-finished wood earcups to make them deeper and more spacious for the redesigned dynamic drivers.

The Meze Audio Classics V2 sank pleasantly into place like the originals — and delivered a snappier, more neutral-leaning sound that was right in my comfort zone.

The tonality is more neutral-leaning and snappy than the warmer sound tuning of the original 99 Classics, with tamed sub-bass that remains impactful. Other key upgrades include thicker, easier-to-remove earpads and a premium Kevlar-covered braided cable.

Meze is releasing this revamped and upgraded version to celebrate an important milestone — the original 99 Classics were released 10 years ago.

A rich backstory and strong staying power

So, sorry, not sorry for the quick history lesson. The original 99 Classics essentially put the Romanian company on the map. Founder and lead designer Antonio Meze’s timeless design and the keepsake build quality help keep the 99 Classics as relevant today as they were a decade ago.

And here at Crutchfield, we most fondly recognize them as the over-ear headphones we named “most comfortable” coming out of our exclusive 2019 comfort study. Our staff tested and graded headphones based solely on fit and feel — and the 99 Classics ranked #1 for their lightweight build and relaxed fit. They also managed to fit securely and remain stable for participants with different head sizes and shapes.

In our 2019 comfort study, we rated each set of headphones on comfort alone by scoring a series of key "Fit Factors."

When I interviewed Antonio back in 2022, he said comfort was something that the company bet on from the start. “We always saw ergonomics as absolutely fundamental,” he said. “Not just another box to check off.”

Through trial and error, Meze learned that it comes down to how much of the headband touches your head, and how well it distributes the weight of the earcups.

The design of the 99 Classics V2 incorporates Meze's tried-and-true symmetry for a secure fit and comfort across different head sizes.

“It’s like sitting on a bicycle,” he said. “If you're leaning too far forward, your weight is too much in your arms and they get tired. But if you're leaning too far back, then you’re putting too much pressure on the seat, and your lower back will hurt after a long ride.”

Meze's signature comfortable, no-fuss fit

These headphones use the same suspension system as the originals, along with Meze’s open-back 109 PRO, 105 AER, and 105 SILVA models. But don’t worry if you’re not familiar with their legacy — the 99 Classics V2 headphones stand just fine on their own merit.

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.

While they sport a similar design, you'll notice that the earcups on the 99 Classics V2 (right) are larger than the original earcups.

The V2s fit a little more snugly for me than the first-gen 99 Classics, though I would still categorize the overall fit 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.

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. That said, the earcups and tight seal do an excellent job at keeping sounds in and out. I used them in our relatively quiet office without disturbing work neighbors.

With an impedance of 16 ohms, they are efficient enough to use with a phone or laptop. And Meze includes a 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, but I found the practical and portable iFi GO Link Max USB DAC/amp lent more than enough power.

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.

A track by Josh Ritter — recommended to me by Qobuz, the high-res streaming music service — highlights the V2’s newfound sonic expansiveness, while making the most of the space within. The aptly named song "Rattling Locks" has beautifully chaotic percussion distinctly placed at different distances from the head, within the soundstage.

The Meze 99 Classics V2 include a braided Kevlar cable and zippered hard-shell carrying case.

That includes a constant click and hiss from rhythmic incidental percussion between the ears. (Is that the rim of the drum or the drummer hitting the two sticks together? If you know, leave a comment!) This sets 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 reverbs through the whole presentation — giving that “emanating from everywhere and nowhere” effect. It’s quite something through these headphones.

Optional baffles for a warmer sound, closer to the originals

If you find the bass a little too “polite” for your personal taste, Meze includes a pair of acoustic absorbers you can place between the drivers and your ear. You can remove the ear pads and place these foam baffles behind them. Then you just snap the ear pads back into place. (Just note that removal and reattachment requires some force.)

Meze says that the acoustic absorbers give these headphones a warmer sound more reminiscent of the originals. It's nice to have the option, but the tuning adjustment made by these baffles didn't work for my taste.

Quick, effective bass lends a fun, natural timbre

I listened with and without absorbers to Raekwon’s Only Built for Cuban Links, the legendary hip-hop album I’ve heard countless times in my life. The absorbers did add some heft to the quick, muscular bass and smoothed out the highs — but I personally thought that it made mids and vocals feel a little muted or distant.

I preferred the overall sound and the bass itself when listening without the absorbers. Both simply sounded more natural. The delivery of Rae, Ghostface, and the other rappers came through more immediately and urgently without the cloak of the foam inserts.

Next, I switched to a bass and percussion-driven album with even more going on in the other frequency ranges. After D’Angelo sadly passed, I’ve been revisiting Black Messiah, an album that seems to get deeper with each listen, both in terms of musicality and poignancy. Through these headphones, I could hear all those instruments, samples, and vocals layered in together. It’s a thick, hearty sonic stew that’s made all the more rich when you can pick out each pinch of the ingredients and spices.

Product highlights

• over-the-ear, closed-back wired headphones with solidly constructed, lightweight design
• the sequel to Crutchfield's most comfortable headphones (from hands-on testing)
• updated sound tuning that leans more neutral and balanced
• better controlled bass punch with pronounced mids and textured highs
• hand-polished walnut wood earcups provide naturally energetic sound
• headset with spring steel suspension system for a comfortable, easily adjustable fit
• 5.9-foot Kevlar-covered braided cable with gold-plated 3.5mm miniplug (1/4" adapter included)
• frequency response: 15-25,000 Hz
• sensitivity: 103 dB
• impedance: 16 ohms
• weight: 10.23 oz.
• warranty: 1 year

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