I know it says this isn't a review, but I'd give up reviews entirely for more content like this. Relaxed, honest, cliche-free, and with a few artists to explore. Perfect.
I started my journey looking into meze with Mr. Dankpods and was instantly interested in the 99 classics. Then I went back and forth on whether or not to try them as I listened to other reviews from self proclaimed audiophiles talking about how they're essentially audiophile versions of beats by dre. I'm not really an audiophile myself but was looking for a headphone that could be an upgrade to my current headphones (skullcady hesh 3) in many ways, but I was starting to question if the classics would really meet my expectations. I must say this non-review was the answer I was looking for! Just someone talking about why they enjoy them and what they do to improve the experience of their preferred music (we seem to have very similar taste, so this was a relief). This fresh perspective was exactly what I needed to finally take the plunge on these, thanks a bunch!
I'm in the same boat!! Did you keep them? How's your experience been with the 99 Classics?? I'm dying to know cause there is a discount happening right now and I want some nice headphones to replace my QC 45's!
Just purchased the 99 classics and I love them! The one word that I kept hearing on the 99 classic reviews was FUN! I agree these headphones are to be worn at home or when your out for breakfast on a Sunday morning! Only adjustment I made was the Brainwavez sheepskin EarPads, just enough to envelop me ears and give the music more soundstage and less boomy bass! Love your reviews! Happy new year!
I have one of these and like them the way you describe them. When I listen to music I want to enjoy it, not analyse it. Of course there are better ones but for this price? I love the looks as well, they match my vintage gear. And you know what: the search for 'the best' never ends and that is not my quest. I just love these.
Love the vids dude! That coffee break pause was very creative. I was at the CanJam show in NYC last week, and had the opportunity to test the 99 Classics. It really is a jack of all trades, especially for the money. I would personally go for the Neos to save some cash, which makes the value proposition even better. But the model that actually wowed me was the Empyrean - very special feel and sound!
The way you feel about your Meze is the way I feel about my NAD Hp50. Great all around musical headphones. Paired with the Dragonfly Red and I am empathetically content when on the go.
I have a pair of audioquest night hawks and a pair of 99s..and this will probably go over like a lead balloon, but I find the bass in the 99s even weirder than the nighthawks
Amazing headphones. Doesn't get better than that at this price point. Only flaw i'll give them is the cable that comes with it. Too rigid for me. I highly recommend Meze's balanced cable that you can get for 50€. In addition, it will allow you to use it with balanced outputs on compatible gear.
Went ahead and bought them... I was sorely disappointed. The design and comfort are top notch, but the sound quality is pretty bad, especially the mid-lows are very muddy. Sent them back after a few days. My old Audio-Technica cans are way better in terms of sound.
That's the best "not-a-review" I've seen. Thanks for posting this up. I've got a pair of Meze 99 Noir on the way from Drop; they're the same as the 99 Classics except: a) the wood is darker, b) the metal is black painted instead of gold plated and c) it only includes a 6' (~2m) cord w/remote. I may buy a longer one if I like listening to them as much as I think I will. I have a Sennheiser HD 58x, but I find the bass a bit lacking and it always needs some more bass EQ-d in. It also clamps too tightly.
I have 99 Noire for portable use, they have too much bass but overall its fun sound and I can enjoy them. Don't like putting IEM's into my ear thats why I choose them
Hi my friends I like "Classical & Vocal & Guitar Solo & Instrumental" Can you help me for buying one of these hedphones? 1) Meze 99 Classic 2) Audio Technica MSR7b or SR9 3) V-moda M100 Master 4) Or any Closed-back over ear headphone under $400 Tnx a lot and excuse me for my bad english :)
I recently got the Drop version of these, the Meze 99 Noir. All I can say is wow. To my ears the hype is real. They have become my go to headphone. All day comfort, non fatiguing for long sessions, engaging and easy to drive from multiple sources. And, they look fantastic.
I'm trying to decide between the 99 Classic and the 99 Neo. The treble issue reported in the oldest reviews of the 99 Classic seems to have been resolved. The $100 savings with the Neo would go towards buying a balanced cable (to use with the xDuoo MT-604, which only has balanced output).
Man, your spiel may very well have helped make up my mind. Also, thanks for the sunday morning music inspiration - went straight to listen to both Les Savy Fav and Wire - good stuff. It's the kinda music I want my headphones to do good. On that note, I'd love to hear your techno tastes. Care to share?
I wear these every day, at work, in the train, on the bus, at home etc. They even run well just directly from the phone. I use them for video calls with the mic on the shorter cable as well. Best money I ever spent.
Everything you said is the EXACT reason why I still use my Meze Audio 99 Classics (Walnut Silver) for portable and away from desktop system use. Beautifully soulful, fun bass, still accurate, works on anything (but I use my balanced Onkyo DP-X1 DAP + 22AWG 4-Wire pure silver balanced cable), and supremely comfortable!
I find myself feeling the same way about my older Audio Technica ATH M50's. They provide enough detail to satisfy and keep me listening, while keeping the fun that you want sometimes. They don't seem to care whether its a high res file from an Astel & Kern or Spotify on my phone. They provide a constant dependable level of musicality, without all the fuss and worry we sometimes get caught up in as audiophiles.
@@jx8148 Yes, definitely. See here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-m40Z2gmf9BY.html I think what Tyll is referring to regarding the midrange is exactly the weak point with the Audio Technicas-at least the m50x, in my experience.
Trusting your judgement for saying theyre great for more lo-fi/edgier tracks. My faviorite kind of music is lo-fi indie f*grock and ive disliked how some Hi-Fi gears makes it hurt by really highlighting the poor recording while other gear such as my Direct Drive tape deck with dolby c smooths out the recording and kinda sheds the physically painfull harshness of the originak recordings. They should be here in a few days!
These are actually my favourite headphones. I bought far more expensive ones but these are comfy and I can wear them for hours. Also if you want more treble they take eq better than most headphones
I've been using Sennheiser RS180 for many years now... and would like to have new/better headphones (wired) just for enjoying music. Would the Mezze 99 be an upgrade? Cheers!
Bravo…fantastic review. I have a similar set up to you except instead of the Hegel I have a Cambridge CXA81 which I love but tends to be on the bright side with it’s internal DAC. At least to my ear. I specifically chose these cans to match my taste..something comfortable that I won’t want to rip off my head after an hour of listening. Well done and keep up the great work. I very much enjoy your reviews..👍
I have these and absolutely agree with this. Hard to find now, but my earphone equivalent of this is my set of Thinksound Rain. Comfortable and smooth, rounds off sharp edges.
I'm not sure what makes a certain pair of headphones "outside" headphones, but I think these would work perfectly well outside of the house. They are exceptionally stylish and very deserving for rocking at the airport or coffee shop, no?!?!
Supremely good music picks! Those are all bands that I listen to Sunday and pretty much all the time. I suggest checking out 'Interrobang?!'. Dunstan from Chumbawumba sings along with some very tasty post-punk.
Not gonna lie, your not my favorite audio reviewer overall, but you definitely have some of my favorite audio review videos out there. What you do the best is match the tone of your video to the idea of whatever your reviewing. Since this is a chill, laid back headphone you take that approach to the review and don’t analyze it into oblivion. That to me often says more about a product than what you actually say about it. This is probably my favorite review of this specific headphone. Keep it up.
I’ve got a pair of B&W p5 that I use for plugging in my phone to listen to while I’m on the move but I don’t really get on with the comfort of them. Would these be a good choice for that or would you recommend a set of decent IEM’s instead. If so which ones
I've gladly owned a pair of these for over 2 years now ... I was curious if you've found anything (especially recently) that are comparable in sound, even open-back?
I own meze for 1 years, I think it is a very sensitive headphone. It's better dont use eq for it.i try few DAC and dap for it. Govibe, fiio, mojo etc~ For most enjoyable setup, prefer phone with atmos, fiio q1 Mark 2 + meze balance cable.
Amazing review, looks like these cans are exactly what I'm looking for, I currently have a Grado 325e and I believe the 99s will be able to give me what the grados can't and the grados will give me what the 99s can't.
Not so much a campaign against but a bid to make things crystal clear with viewers assuming that, because I'm part of the audiophile press, I must also listen to the same type/s of music as my colleagues. Nope!
John Darko its a good point - I’ve since been getting down to underworld live - spurred on by you. Last night - future sounds of London - amazing on my audiophile grade equipment. Haven’t listened to it for many years l
Most hifi guys would bash on beats.. I haven't seen anyone in this "hifi world" say anything good about them. I ain't gona lie tho. That's what got me into this hobby... So get em if you like it.
John Darko Thank’s for the reply, I’m not sure if you now about the whole pad change thing, I’ve heard a lot of people say these are very bass heavy headphones, please never stop making these videos, love how cozy they are.
