i have a pair of momentums and i fear they are about to die. great how you gave a quick comparison between then cause i've been interested in the meze 99 for about 6 years now
for about the same price range, I would suggest "JVC HA-SW01" (not only the housing is made of wood, the speaker units are made of wood, too. It really gives an unique sound). However, both MEZE 99 and JVC HA-SW01 have the same faults in real world usage, which is not able to be used in outdoor environment. **I had to return both units. in outdoor, the wood case offers no sound isolation even they are closed back design. They can only be used indoor/home/office. Living in a dense population city like Hong Kong, it is just a nightmare to use these pairs. **For indoor, I prefer Open-Back design for a much wider sound stage signature.
Thanks for that feedback. I did notice with some noise cancelling headphones that the passive isolation was poor, so I'll consider the isolation on regular models the next time I review any headphones that have portable pretentions.
Thanks nice review and a fair assessment. I tried them out at Singapore canjam and was surprised by how good they sounded. Have ordered a pair to replace my Audeze EL8C which go on sale :-)
I am looking for an audiophile sounding headphone which has good bass performance. Which would you recommend between the Meze 99 Classics or the AKG K712, Sennheiser HD650 or even the Hifiman HE400i? I am looking for one that has nice balanced mids/bass but still has very good bass performance, decent soundstage and one that can render vocals with some weight. I have a Schiit Bifrost/Asgard 2 combo and would like something darker to tame the dryness of the sound a bit from them. Which would you recommend between these headphones? Thanks.
Ivan Q Yes, they do. They have very good imaging: better than HD 599 but less than AKG Q701. However, the Q701s have almost no bass, are hard to drive, and are simply uncomfortable. So these would be the best. I reccommend you plug them to a nice portable amp, like the "ifi nano LE".
I've heard these, and there are better headphones in that price range (for my own personal taste). But they are perfect, as in the perfect gift. Even for someone as well versed in audio gear as you. If you hadn't had these for review and I gave you a pair for your birthday, you'd be super excited. People like the name, the looks, they're comfortable, and sound fine, and are correctly priced.
+Sebastian Nowakowski That's like saying I can't compare a steak dinner to a chicken dinner. They are both headphones. The intended purpose of the invention is to supply sounds to the listener. They both do that. You also gave no background about what type of isolation you want. As you replied so quickly I am assuming you are familiar with headphones and try to take superiority battle. I guess we would both agree that the HD 600's are better. This is a ridiculous conversation that you're trying to antagonize. Go get a job.
+Sebastian Nowakowski I certainly like isolation, as my main set of headphones are Audeze LCD-XC's. But I feel it's safer walking around with open-back headphones outside. Open-backs let you hear traffic and your general surroundings. Also, I don't usually do in depth listening while on the go. So I don't think that the bleed-in from the surroundings matters much. If you like very bright headphones, checkout the NAD HP50's. They have a very fast attack, and strong bass. The bass isn't muddy yet not super detailed. They are very bright, but the brightness is still very musical. When wearing the headphones around your neck, the speakers rotate flat. This allows for a lot of clearance with the jaw line. Also the cord is easily unplugged if it ever gets tangled up in seatbelts, bags, or clothing (like a winter jacket). Thanks for the good talk, you've brought joy to my day.
Hi Amos, excellent review, I just bought them, did you had any problems with AK100 with the 22 Ohms output and freqs.? or that's why you use the Chord Mojo with AK100?, I will play them with AK100 and Leckerton UHA-4 OPA209, do you think I will enjoy them with this setup?
Great review Amos! I've had Momentums for the past 2 years and really loved the sound they produced, how do these compare? I know you said these sound a bit darker overall...is there any other difference in terms of sound stage, bass response, clarity?
meze 99 classics or he400s.which one will be better for chord mojo(scaling wise).other iem's i use are etymotic er4s and hf2 or should i increase my budget for 400i or maybe audeze el8.i prefer neutral and open sound with good instrument separations.
Buddy Lux This very channel found that a newer flagship headphones from hifiman, the susvaras needed significant time to 'burn in ' before they sounded good. Though those 6000 dollars arent worth it I would personally buy a utopia and amp for a little bit more....
+Amos Barnett (Currawong) momentums brighter?! Dang I thought they were dull....I'm trying these next weekend.... If they're not my taste I'm trying the msr7 and otherwise buying then hp50
+Sebastian Nowakowski I tested the momentum 2 side by side with the meze 99 over the weekend at a hifi shop for over an hour. Used my iPhone 6 with tidal hifi, also hooked it up to a ifi idac and fiio e12.....and a fiio x3ii with flac. No the momentums are not brighter
@@Currawong yes..... I just love to listen to music in high volume sometimes and I have had some great headphones in the past that could play only in midrange-ish volume, like the Beyerdynamic dt770 (80Ω) for example, and others too.So, can they do that?
No problem, thanks anyway. I know that they are brand, but i dont think that means quality (i dont say that they are bad, otherwise i wouldnt ask this question).
+Stefan Jovanovic Totally different sounds. MSR7 is a flat bordering on bright (not bass light though), very fast and vivid sound, very high resolution sound with great detail and speed. Total opposite of the Meze.
I own Fidelio X2, which is an Open back unit.(I dont use Open Back in outdoor). Meze 99 is more like an entrance level speakers with very uniquie sound due to the wood housing. *for Fidelio X2, you would want to consider Grado SR-325E or Grado RS1E, or to Sennheiser HD 700 (HD 700 has a good price on amazon now (US$455)
I don't know about the Fidelio X2s but I know that the Oppo PM3 sounds better. Oppo PM3 is better for mobile and overall use. If you're an audiophile oppo pm3 would be much better in the long run. Saying that, the meze 99 classic is more warmer and fun sounding to me personally. I am not really an audiophile but an enthusiastic music lover. PS: If you have big sized ears, I would advise you that the meze 99 classic might be a bit tight on the top of the ears because of pressure from the headband but if you have small or midsized ears you'll be fine. If you're willing to pay an extra $100 for the Oppo pm3, go for it! If you don't, the meze 99 classic doesn't lose a lot.
bkrc123 Well it does sound better than the Fidelio X2. The X2has a little bit better "space", but overall the Meze 99 sounds better. Also read some reviews of the Oppo PM-3,the ones who tried both say the Meze 99 sounds even better than the Oppo. :) - i can't say it does cos I haven't listened to it, but the reviews say.
Two years of research on how to make headphones that are good, and they managed to make them too small to fit 80% of human ears properly. In fact, of all the wrong sizes a headphone can be, they somehow managed to pick the worst size of all, because this headphone is neither small enough to properly fit on the ears as an on-ear style headphone, nor is it big enough to properly go around the average sized human ears without touching them, so to most people with average or bigger than average ears, they will sit on the edges of the ear, which is very uncomfortable, no matter how soft the earpads are. Only people with really, really small ears (and 4 cm tall ears are really really small) will get a proper comfortable fit with these. My ears are 7 cm tall, and while they fit perfectly into headphones like HD5xx and HD6xx series from Sennheiser, or any full sized Beyerdynamics, don't fit into any of these modern "portable" headphones. Meze is not the only manufacturer to blame, Sennheiser, Audio Technica, B&W, NAD, etc. are making the same mistake with some of their models as well. It's really sad to see so many great sounding headphones on the market that are ruined for a lot of potential costumers just because they're slightly too small.
+derbigpr500 Too small to fit 80% of human ears properly? Nonsense. I have normal-size ears and they fit fine. As do the Sennheiser Momentum M2 (M1s were too small), NAD VISO HP50, Audio-Technica ATH-M50X, Bower & Wilkins P7, etc.
I think if you have the sound up to 11, apart from damaging your hearing, you definitely will be noticed by your co-workers. You need good IEMs to avoid that.
Haha, I was mostly joking about the 11. But I am hoping that these cans isolate me from my surroundings since I would be using them around other people.
You’re one of the best reviewers for headphones, thanks for the great work.
They look great. A piece of Art. Thank you👍
i have a pair of momentums and i fear they are about to die. great how you gave a quick comparison between then cause i've been interested in the meze 99 for about 6 years now
Is the meze super comfortable?
@@tehextra3907 god yes. Just got a pair and oh my god
how do they compare to b&p play h6?
for about the same price range, I would suggest "JVC HA-SW01" (not only the housing is made of wood, the speaker units are made of wood, too. It really gives an unique sound). However, both MEZE 99 and JVC HA-SW01 have the same faults in real world usage, which is not able to be used in outdoor environment. **I had to return both units. in outdoor, the wood case offers no sound isolation even they are closed back design. They can only be used indoor/home/office. Living in a dense population city like Hong Kong, it is just a nightmare to use these pairs. **For indoor, I prefer Open-Back design for a much wider sound stage signature.
Thanks for that feedback. I did notice with some noise cancelling headphones that the passive isolation was poor, so I'll consider the isolation on regular models the next time I review any headphones that have portable pretentions.
Thanks nice review and a fair assessment. I tried them out at Singapore canjam and was surprised by how good they sounded. Have ordered a pair to replace my Audeze EL8C which go on sale :-)
I am looking for an audiophile sounding headphone which has good bass performance. Which would you recommend between the Meze 99 Classics or the AKG K712, Sennheiser HD650 or even the Hifiman HE400i? I am looking for one that has nice balanced mids/bass but still has very good bass performance, decent soundstage and one that can render vocals with some weight. I have a Schiit Bifrost/Asgard 2 combo and would like something darker to tame the dryness of the sound a bit from them. Which would you recommend between these headphones? Thanks.
Meze 99 Classics Gold ===> Made in Romania ;) region Maramuresi :)
Does Meze 99 give any 3D presentation like in expensive headphones? Or it is flat in terms of depth?
Ivan Q Yes, they do. They have very good imaging: better than HD 599 but less than AKG Q701. However, the Q701s have almost no bass, are hard to drive, and are simply uncomfortable. So these would be the best. I reccommend you plug them to a nice portable amp, like the "ifi nano LE".
Hey, nice review. May I know what is this headphone right next to AKG Kxx (I presume) at 6:50? Looks like tank. :P
I've heard these, and there are better headphones in that price range (for my own personal taste). But they are perfect, as in the perfect gift. Even for someone as well versed in audio gear as you. If you hadn't had these for review and I gave you a pair for your birthday, you'd be super excited. People like the name, the looks, they're comfortable, and sound fine, and are correctly priced.
So what would be a better headphone in that price range according to you?
+Sebastian Nowakowski Sennheiser HD 600 or for a little more Sennheiser HD 650.
+In0chi apples and oranges.... Why do you even compare closed back to open headphones?
+Sebastian Nowakowski That's like saying I can't compare a steak dinner to a chicken dinner. They are both headphones. The intended purpose of the invention is to supply sounds to the listener. They both do that. You also gave no background about what type of isolation you want. As you replied so quickly I am assuming you are familiar with headphones and try to take superiority battle. I guess we would both agree that the HD 600's are better. This is a ridiculous conversation that you're trying to antagonize. Go get a job.
+Sebastian Nowakowski I certainly like isolation, as my main set of headphones are Audeze LCD-XC's. But I feel it's safer walking around with open-back headphones outside. Open-backs let you hear traffic and your general surroundings. Also, I don't usually do in depth listening while on the go. So I don't think that the bleed-in from the surroundings matters much. If you like very bright headphones, checkout the NAD HP50's. They have a very fast attack, and strong bass. The bass isn't muddy yet not super detailed. They are very bright, but the brightness is still very musical. When wearing the headphones around your neck, the speakers rotate flat. This allows for a lot of clearance with the jaw line. Also the cord is easily unplugged if it ever gets tangled up in seatbelts, bags, or clothing (like a winter jacket). Thanks for the good talk, you've brought joy to my day.
Hello, Athw1000z and this one, which one is better? thanks
What are the closest competitors to these headphones for the Hardstyle music?
What are the best sounding headphones for hip hop? Thank you so much!
Hi Amos, excellent review, I just bought them, did you had any problems with AK100 with the 22 Ohms output and freqs.? or that's why you use the Chord Mojo with AK100?, I will play them with AK100 and Leckerton UHA-4 OPA209, do you think I will enjoy them with this setup?
Great review thanks! Have you experienced any improvement in sound quality by using any of your headphone amps?
Great review Amos! I've had Momentums for the past 2 years and really loved the sound they produced, how do these compare? I know you said these sound a bit darker overall...is there any other difference in terms of sound stage, bass response, clarity?
meze 99 classics or he400s.which one will be better for chord mojo(scaling wise).other iem's i use are etymotic er4s and hf2 or should i increase my budget for 400i or maybe audeze el8.i prefer neutral and open sound with good instrument separations.
I don't have any experience with the HE400 unfortunately.
Hi! Very good review! Would you have a pair of closed audiofile headphones around 800$ to suggest? Thanks
Dan Clarke Audio Aeon 2 maybe?
does pink noise help tightening up the bass for z7?
I don't remember my pair needing "burn in".
Is there any evidence of burn/break in anyway? Seems like most - if not all - of that happens in your head, not the headphones.
Buddy Lux This very channel found that a newer flagship headphones from hifiman, the susvaras needed significant time to 'burn in ' before they sounded good. Though those 6000 dollars arent worth it I would personally buy a utopia and amp for a little bit more....
When you mentioned Momentums being brighter, is it the 1st generation or the M2s?
+Amos Barnett (Currawong) momentums brighter?! Dang I thought they were dull....I'm trying these next weekend.... If they're not my taste I'm trying the msr7 and otherwise buying then hp50
+Sebastian Nowakowski I tested the momentum 2 side by side with the meze 99 over the weekend at a hifi shop for over an hour. Used my iPhone 6 with tidal hifi, also hooked it up to a ifi idac and fiio e12.....and a fiio x3ii with flac. No the momentums are not brighter
Nice review! Could you tell me, please , if they can play "annoying" loud?
Annoying as in everyone around you can hear the sound?
@@Currawong yes..... I just love to listen to music in high volume sometimes and I have had some great headphones in the past that could play only in midrange-ish volume, like the Beyerdynamic dt770 (80Ω) for example, and others too.So, can they do that?
@@Currawong thnx for not replying ==> X
haha up your arse @@systembooms69
In that price range (+50$ approx) , what closed headphones would you suggest? (old retro rocker, n prefer neutral sound)
For a more neutral sound, one of the older "studio" headphones from Sony or Phillips maybe. They tend to be fairly neutral.
if you listen to rock, try AKG Y50, or latest AKG Y50 BT
Hello, i need all around headphones, what do you think, ath msr7 or this ones? Thanks for answer
No problem, thanks anyway. I know that they are brand, but i dont think that means quality (i dont say that they are bad, otherwise i wouldnt ask this question).
+Stefan Jovanovic Totally different sounds. MSR7 is a flat bordering on bright (not bass light though), very fast and vivid sound, very high resolution sound with great detail and speed. Total opposite of the Meze.
+derbigpr500 Thanks for answer
Hi Amos! Do you get to keep the products after you review them?
+Amos Barnett Thanks for the reply, just interested!
Is the 99neo as good ?
th-cam.com/video/4P1ZDMX2_Hg/w-d-xo.html
Are these better than the Fidelio X2s and Oppo PM-3s?
I own Fidelio X2, which is an Open back unit.(I dont use Open Back in outdoor). Meze 99 is more like an entrance level speakers with very uniquie sound due to the wood housing. *for Fidelio X2, you would want to consider Grado SR-325E or Grado RS1E, or to Sennheiser HD 700 (HD 700 has a good price on amazon now (US$455)
I don't know about the Fidelio X2s but I know that the Oppo PM3 sounds better. Oppo PM3 is better for mobile and overall use. If you're an audiophile oppo pm3 would be much better in the long run. Saying that, the meze 99 classic is more warmer and fun sounding to me personally. I am not really an audiophile but an enthusiastic music lover. PS: If you have big sized ears, I would advise you that the meze 99 classic might be a bit tight on the top of the ears because of pressure from the headband but if you have small or midsized ears you'll be fine. If you're willing to pay an extra $100 for the Oppo pm3, go for it! If you don't, the meze 99 classic doesn't lose a lot.
bkrc123 Well it does sound better than the Fidelio X2. The X2has a little bit better "space", but overall the Meze 99 sounds better.
Also read some reviews of the Oppo PM-3,the ones who tried both say the Meze 99 sounds even better than the Oppo. :) - i can't say it does cos I haven't listened to it, but the reviews say.
Two years of research on how to make headphones that are good, and they managed to make them too small to fit 80% of human ears properly. In fact, of all the wrong sizes a headphone can be, they somehow managed to pick the worst size of all, because this headphone is neither small enough to properly fit on the ears as an on-ear style headphone, nor is it big enough to properly go around the average sized human ears without touching them, so to most people with average or bigger than average ears, they will sit on the edges of the ear, which is very uncomfortable, no matter how soft the earpads are. Only people with really, really small ears (and 4 cm tall ears are really really small) will get a proper comfortable fit with these. My ears are 7 cm tall, and while they fit perfectly into headphones like HD5xx and HD6xx series from Sennheiser, or any full sized Beyerdynamics, don't fit into any of these modern "portable" headphones. Meze is not the only manufacturer to blame, Sennheiser, Audio Technica, B&W, NAD, etc. are making the same mistake with some of their models as well. It's really sad to see so many great sounding headphones on the market that are ruined for a lot of potential costumers just because they're slightly too small.
+derbigpr500 Too small to fit 80% of human ears properly? Nonsense. I have normal-size ears and they fit fine. As do the Sennheiser Momentum M2 (M1s were too small), NAD VISO HP50, Audio-Technica ATH-M50X, Bower & Wilkins P7, etc.
simply put, an amazing pair of headphones...who needs a new Orpheus?;)
i need it
One question: are they open-backed or closed-backed headphones? Your review omitted to mention.
Closed-backed.
enriqueali 💀 This had me dying 🤣🤣🤣
If Meze were an English word, perhaps your pronunciation would be correct. However, it isn’t; it’s Romanian, and pronounced “mehzay.”
by time it will get better because of the wood
Can you comment on sound leakage? In a room full of co-workers, will anyone be bothered if I have the sound up to 11? :)
I think if you have the sound up to 11, apart from damaging your hearing, you definitely will be noticed by your co-workers. You need good IEMs to avoid that.
Haha, I was mostly joking about the 11. But I am hoping that these cans isolate me from my surroundings since I would be using them around other people.
They really are. Serious bass...weirdo bass.