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!
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!
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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: th-cam.com/video/m40Z2gmf9BY/w-d-xo.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.
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.
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'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).
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.
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?
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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’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 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!
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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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
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.
![อยู่คนเดียวกับเขา - ส้ม มารี (Zom Marie) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gq1cWAIQDLg/mqdefault.jpg)
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.
Being cliché-free is my number one priority. Thanks for noticing.
I agree with you wholeheartedly, Chris. John’s “review” convinced me to get a pair. Have them coming in this week and I’m super excited.
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!
one of best headphone videos I've seen during few years
John please do more “non-reviews” of headphones. This is the kind of information I watch you channel for.
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!
Better than most reviews thanks, loved the pause for coffe near the end :)
Thank. I like that bit too.
Nice touch with the coffee. All these small details make it even nicer to watch :-)
Got this headphone too. Your review couldn’t be more precise. That’s exactly what you’ve said.
Imo this is a better review than any of the ones by audiophiles getting off on frequency response curves.
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!
A lovley nonreview. Exactly the kind of thing I was unlooking for. Thank you. Subscribed.
youre my new hero for introducing me to idles
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.
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!
This is great insight. Are the Meze 99 Classics still the Sunday morning headphones in 2023??
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.
What would be your opinion if you see someone at an airport with these? I'm more into portables..
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.
Not a review but it's better than most reviews I've seen, and you have a good taste for music.
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.
I use them outdoors and they're amazing
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.
I've got the ath m50x and was thinking about moving into these ones (mez99classics) should I do that?
@@jx8148 Yes, definitely. See here: th-cam.com/video/m40Z2gmf9BY/w-d-xo.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.
There’s this guy around the block in my neighbourhood who wears the Neons while out on walks.
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.
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 agree John, I own a pair, one of many and they are just a fun pair of headphones.
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).
These headphones really have to be very comfortable because you look very relaxed, unless it's your coffee :) Thx buddy nice rev !
They are *supremely* comfortable.
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..👍
Picked up a pair of these yesterday. Love them.
Great ‘review’.......selected these for my Schiit stack👍
I got these headphones after watching your “non-review.” Thank you!
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.
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 just bought a pair of these today. Thanks for posting this video
I got a really good deal too😄
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
How would you say this would be as portable?
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
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.
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.
You read my mind, they compliment each other well.
Great stuff!
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?!?!
I’m after something that has a similar vibe to my old 12in Tannoy dual concentrics that I no longer have space or funds for. Will these fit the bill?
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.
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?
Nice glasses!
What is a good head phone amp for this set of head phones ?
The writing up top can't be upside down because there's no left or right on the headphone but on the cables.
I have been using these longer than my previous Grado, then PSB which were less durable.
Loved this video! RKOut-of-nowhere!!
Nice review! Could you tell me, please , if they can play "annoying" loud?
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 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!
Excited
What is the iem counterpart that have this same fun sound signature? Is ca polaris v2 one of them?
just subscribed! Quick question, whats your thoughts about Beats by Dre regarding their sound quality?
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.
I wear these on my commute almost every day. Nothing wrong with them outside or on the train.
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 :)
Is the Massdrop Noir the same as this Classic just different colour?
You said they were good. They ARE!!
any chance youve paired these with a cayin ru6?
Do these remain your Sunday morning coffee headphones?
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.
which earpad do you use? i'm reading only the discontinued earpads are good and the other ones make the bass too much.
Similar (or better:) Sunday morning hp for under$100?
Trusting your judgement for saying theyre great for more lo-fi/edgier tracks. My faviorite kind of music is lo-fi indie f*grock and ive disliked how some Hi-Fi gears makes it hurt by really highlighting the poor recording while other gear such as my Direct Drive tape deck with dolby c smooths out the recording and kinda sheds the physically painfull harshness of the originak recordings.
They should be here in a few days!
Are these ok with smartphones of nowadays ? The likes of Oneplus, Pixel, Samsungs ? Or maybe should they be driven only by a LG V40 ?
Absolutely they are!
Loved the video and the whole vibe of the video-but that shot you pulled looked dreadful 😂😂
I’m genuinely thinking about wearing these outside, like using them on the go.
Please tell me I won’t look completely stupid.
You will look wonderful!
John Darko
Thank’s for the reply, I’m not sure if you now about the whole pad change thing, I’ve heard a lot of people say these are very bass heavy headphones, please never stop making these videos, love how cozy they are.
Just bought them few days ago for 100$ so we can say buying wrong christmass presents is a blacker friday.
Hi John. Do you think these perform well with Classic rock/FM 80's rock?
Most definitely!
@@DarkoAudio Cheers :)
Are they good with metal?
I cannot tell if it would be a waste to buy these just to plug them into my phone through a USB-C adapter
Easy to drive, should be good 👍🏼
The comfort alone is worth it.
Made in Romania
I’m enjoying the campaign against Tudor music!
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
If only they did a version with a flake.
Zeus or Meze 99 ?
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.
I use giant headphones in Japan lol I don't care how I look i care how it sounds the meze are not that big for me
Great comments still relevant today….how about a coffee maker review? …seriously…lol
anybody listen to these with rap\hip hop? think jedi mind tricks :)
Sound really good : acoustic, jazz, classic
Sound good: rap , techno
Sound not good : hard rock ( metallica)
What would you recommend for techno?
I disagree tbh, works great for metal
I love my Meze 99 Classics headphone. 🙏🏼 Nice video, so chill...