A Respected Hi-Fi Brand Just Reimagined Its Iconic, Affordable Audiophile Headphones

A decade after the original’s release, the Romanian headphone maker is giving its signature cans a hi-fi upgrade (and then some).

Close-up of black leather ear cushions and gold metal hinge on over-ear headphones with wooden ear cup.

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By Tucker Bowe

Published November 4, 2025

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2025 has been a big year for Meze Audio.

Earlier in the year, the Romanian hi-fi maker released the 105 Silva ($499), a pair of open-back wired headphones that marry the sound of its higher-end 109 PRO ($799) with the versatility of its 105 AER ($399).

It also released the Poet ($2,000), its most affordable and compact pair of open-back headphones with planar magnetic drivers.

Now, a decade after releasing the 99 Classics — a gorgeous pair of closed-back headphones with genuine walnut earcups, zinc hardware accents and earpads and a headband made out of vegan leather — the company has introduced second-generation models.

Meze Audio 99 Classics (2nd Gen)

Over-ear headphones with wooden ear cups, black leather padding, and gold metal accents on a dark background.

With the second-generation versions of the 99 Classics, Meze Audio didn’t mess too much with what were already excellent and beautifully crafted audiophile headphones.

According to the brand, the new models honor “the original’s timeless design while embracing today’s needs.”

Over-ear headphone with dark wood ear cup, black leather padding, and gold metal accents with cable plugged in.

A classic revival

Like the originals, the 99 Classics (2nd Gen) are closed-back headphones with real walnut wood ear cups; because of the grain, no two pairs of headphones are exactly alike. Like before, the headband and detachable earcups are both made of vegan leather.

Of course, Meze Audio updated the new models in a number of ways to improve their sound and comfort, as well as help them with most modern-day devices (a lot has changed since the originals were released in 2015).

Man reclining on a light gray couch wearing wooden over-ear headphones and holding a black book.

The 40mm dynamic drivers in the new 99 Classics have been refined to deliver a more balanced, neutral sound. According to the brand, “the bass is engaging yet more controlled, letting mids and treble shine with greater clarity.”

They also improved driver matching, resulting in more accurate stereo sound.

Over-ear headphones with wooden ear cups and black leather padding connected to a black smartphone by a braided cable on a dark surface.

Modern comforts

The design of the earcups and cushions has both evolved. Meze claims that the earcups on the second-generation 99 Classics are now slightly larger. Not only should this improve comfort, but also help the headphones deliver a wider soundstage.

The headphones feature the same self-adjusting headband as before. It’s made from vegan leather and supported by spring steel, ensuring a snug and sturdy fit for long listening sessions.

Black leather headphone headband with embossed "99 Classics" text and gold metal frame.

Since many of today’s portable devices no longer feature traditional headphone jacks, Meze Audio is including a USB-C DAC/amp dongle in the box with the second-generation models. A 6.3mm gold-plated adapter also comes included.

Meze Audio also made some important changes regarding the detachable cables. They have been upgraded — now featuring a dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed OFC (oxygen-free copper) design with a 3.5 mm jack.

The earcups also have a larger input socket — now with a 7mm diameter — which should allow the headphones to work with a wider range of cables (in case you’d like upgrade over time).

Over-ear headphones with wooden ear cups, black leather cushions, and gold metal accents with a cable plugged in.

Price and availability

Meze Audio’s 99 Classics (2nd Gen) are available now from the company’s website. They cost $349.

For those looking for a little bit of a deal, Meze Audio is currently selling the first-gen models for $309. (And Amazon is selling them for even less.)

Over-ear headphones with black leather ear cushions, wooden ear cups, gold metal accents, and a black carrying case.

Meze Audio 99 Classics (2nd Gen)

$349 at Meze Audio

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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