Meze 99 Noir _(Z Reviews)_ Massdrop Edition

99 Noir on Massdrop ----------------- [massdrop.7eer.n...]
[ / zeos ] -- Check out the Patreon
99 Classic ---------------------------------- [amzn.to/2GsZsxP]
Kelly's Heroes ---------------------------- [amzn.to/2GxDEB5]
Dekoni --------------------------------------- [dekoniaudio.co...]
SOUND DEMO : • Video
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[@hootsl99]

Meze was up at AXPONA this year and I asked them what was different about the Noirs than the Classics. As soon as I asked the question a big grin spead across the guys face and he said, “Literally nothing at all.” They proceeded to tell me that the only changes are cosmetic and that the cups are the same wood just a different stain. Same drivers, same build, same pads, plus you get the extra pads all for $100 less.

[@yissssss]

It's a pretty common strategy. They sold a ton of the originals which recouped all of their R&D costs and made their profit margin wider than it needed to be, so they rebrand it slightly and drop the price so a ton of people will buy them and use that money to develop whatever is coming next.

[@hootsl99]

Dan I know. I was just surprised that Massdrop didn’t tune them or Chinafy the shit out of them

[@MeeMoo220]

Please don't tell me they had the Empyreans out for people to demo. Because that means I missed my only chance to do so.

[@hootsl99]

MeeMoo220 they had Empyreans, and pretty much every amp company had Empyreans out to demo as well.

[@yissssss]

@@hootsl99 Why? It would cost money to redo the manufacturing. Most of the massdrop x whatever company specials are just the exact same product in a different colour.

[@alexpea22]

"You've had a rough day at the office. Six people were laid off. You aren't getting your christmas bonus. Someone broke the window on your car and stole your 8 year old ipod. You just need everything to stfu. 99 Noir's." Why I love Zeos

[@MrRasgabriel]

I love the way you described these headphones with the bad day analogy.. That was just great

[@LeDechaine]

14:10 "you'll roll over and die" said in the most soothing way ever, lol.

[@DBMorfax]

Just ordered these from Drop. I almost made the mistake of getting the neo's until I got schooled on the Noirs. Great review!

[@paxapunch2708]

How are you liking them?

[@DBMorfax]

@@paxapunch2708 They sounded great. Unfortunately they were not as sound isolating as I had hoped for and they bugged my ears a bit comfortwise. Ended up selling them.

[@paxapunch2708]

@@DBMorfax That is understandable, comfort is important with a headphone.

[@Schild4823]

These might be the perfect starter headphones for a lot of people. I'm several open-backs, dacs, amps, planars, and iems in and, if someone handed me these day one, it would be hard for me to move onto to something more expensive. They are cool looking, easy to drive (with a phone I have room to spare), they just sound really fun, and the price is right.

[@doodoobutter4406]

i own akg 712’s atom amp and d30dac.. do you thinking buying these for rap/bass music sounds reasonable? my akg 712, dominate at gaming and music like pink floyd but im here lookin for bass now

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

Hey man, are these good for hip hop? Thank you so much!

[@iii5200]

These or the X2HR? Thanks

[@m4nc1n1]

"But after rounds of testing and community feedback, we realized we had lost a lot of what made the 99 Classics special. In the end, we decided not to change the sound signature at all, so the reviews you see of the 99 Classics are representative of what you’ll hear with the 99 Noir. " -Drop

[@Phillisteum]

I think I've seen all reviews of the 99 classics and 99 noir on KZbin, this review was what sold them to me! The way you expressed the experience of these headphones was unique and entertaining and informative! I'm going to buy these headphones because of you! Cheers!

[@paxapunch2708]

How are you liking them?

[@Phillisteum]

@@paxapunch2708 No regrets. I needed something that I could wear at the office, that wasn't too big, but also that I could enjoy decent audio. I do EQ them a bit but even without EQ they are very pleasant. Smooth but still detailed.

[@snake_doc1788]

"please support me on patreon so my lights don't fall down" 🤣

[@daviewavie112]

the dark voice is an OTL amp, those are high output impedance and match well with high impedance headphones like the hd6xx hd600 etc. (both 300ohm headphones). the 99 noir is 32ohm, and pairs well with amps that are low output impedance. if you want tubes youd be better off with a hybrid tube amp (tube pre with solidstate power/output section). amps like the little dot 1+ etc. or a solid state amp.

[@Assimilator702]

David Stefanowicz The Darkvoice 336SE is sublime on high Z cans. A total mess with anything under 100 ohms. When O see a low Z can plugged into a 336 SE I just go.......”HUH”????? And it’s from people that claim to know a bit about audio gear. That’s straight from AUDIO DO NOTS 101.

[@darthnoduo44]

Could Z do a whole review in the calm voice?? Not sure he could keep it in that long lol

[@Hinata-vr-is-me]

Agh. I couldn't stand the soft voice. It was like the opposite of ASMR. Z went from funny and charming to creepy with that voice.

[@maxsettings7884]

The second pair of pads are not the same pads. The second pair are the “OG” pads which are supposed to simulate the pads that were on the Classics before Meze changed the pads halfway through the product cycle. The other pads change the sound a good bit.

[@maxsettings7884]

@Solar Eclipse That they are. X00 is very nice.

[@-STONECYPHER-]

I've had these for a few years now. Just replaced the original pads with BrainWavz leather and memory foam ones as the originals were starting to get gross. Loved them in stock condition, love them even more with the new pads. I run them out of an iFi ZenDac and it rules.

[@JasonAlexander1969]

Totally agree with the "they relax you" comment about these calming you down after work. I actually use these at work so that they can help protect me from the mayhem. Great headphones. I would pay the $200 just for the build quality and the case, but they sound great and work exceptionally with lower powered devices. I figured these were better to have at work than a more expensive pair of Audez because you never know if someone might walk off with them. I'm now thinking I need something else that I don't love as much as these and bring them home. Love them. Buy a pair.

[@JasonAlexander1969]

One more note is that these work great for pad rolling as they ATH-M50X pads out there will fit fine if you want them to be memory foam and further from your ears than the stock pads. Currently using them with Brainwavez HM5 hybrids, and they sound fantastic to me.

[@Riel93]

Patiently waiting for an Ether CX review

[@DustySquitoNM]

“You just need everything to shut the fuck up…99 Noirs.” Best review tagline ever.

[@briancaulfield7251]

I have both the H6 and now these Noirs and damn I can't decide which one I want to crown as my office headphone! The H6 sounds more transparent and pure, detailed and gives me a better idea of how a recording is supposed to sound, slightly better imaging and space imo but they also sound thinner, especially in the mids, with not as much punch or power. Light, but in a good way. These on the other hand are warm as you mentioned, strong bass (a little too much sometimes) that does bleed into the mids a little (some mid-lower note acoustic guitars, keyboards sound deeper than they should, like they fall into the bass region when they shouldn't), a little muddy, not quite as detailed across the board but easier to hear some bass and low mid details (vocal undertones, piano pedals), vocals sound quite a bit better on the Noir, slightly easier treble, more dynamic and powerful and natural. Thick and full, also in a good way. I'd describe it like the Noir are "analog" and the H6 "digital", both are great! By the way, the extra pads are different, they are smaller and they change the sound. I put those on as soon as I got the Noir as I read they reduced the bass a bit but I still need to try the default, larger pads

[@darukaru]

Got a pair of these, stuck Brainwavz oval hybrid pads on them (which takes some work holy hell), listened to some stuff at a volume that would’ve murdered me with my AKG K545s, couldn’t be happier.

[@dp12345god]

Those other pads are smaller and change the sound

[@gvasilakhs]

They include two pair of pads, right? I thought that one of them is the original one that is used in the classics. Am I wrong?

[@lok777]

@@gvasilakhs I think you are right, my pair will be here in a few days so can answer soon.

[@maximbaazov]

@@lok777 are they any different?

[@TheRealWarez]

@@lok777 did it come with 2 sets of pads; one new, one old??

[@aight365]

Any News?

[@jumbowizard9154]

I don't always hear the same stuff or want a bass bump like zeos, but this is very accurate. To me it sounds like you're listening to music in a big stone church. They're comfy. They're fairly light. They're a nap on a Sunday afternoon packaged just for your ears. They're easy to drive, easy to listen to and they sound very much like the t50 fostex (I forget the whole name). If you want the fostex but don't want extra equipment to drive them, these are it.

[@rhodey2952]

Z, just a heads up. Maybe too soon but the sound demo isn't working.

[@st0rm4g3dd0n]

Oh no, Z transitioned into ASMR

[@SunnySoundrise]

You seem to pack more gear under those stands each time and I love it. 👍 Zen Zeos

[@sinbad269]

Mine were delivered today. Shame that I was out and I've been hit with €50 customs! Still, going from a pair of Status CB-1's with pads that are falling apart, so I'm happy with this purchase 😁

[@roberthz111]

Off topic: Takstar just realize a new plannar! Model Takstar HF 580B. People say the Takstar uses the Sendy Aiva drive.

[@Elazarko]

What is that drive?

[@Elazarko]

Please help; What do you think I should choose between Meze 99's, beyerdynamic 770's, sennheiser 280 pros, akg 361 or Sivga 006 ? Feel free to recommend any other pair.. I need closed back headphones mainly for playing with a digital piano (Korg sv2 to be precise). I'm wondering if the Sennheisers and beyerdynamic might be "too flat" for my liking and meybe the Meze are more enjoyable than the akg 361 and sivga 006 I've heard great things about. What i think I need is good imaging and sound stage. I don't want any smudging of the sounds so high detail.. tho I want the headphones to have a pleasant sound so I can play for long.. is that contradicting? Idk.

[@roberthz111]

@@Elazarko I think the Beyerdynamic it's more natural sound to me, a little v shape but the mid range sound really natural, never tried the Mezze.

[@victortan6378]

Hi. Meze 99 noir vs AKG 7xx? Can you please kindly advise which to choose?

[@tr3v3n96]

I got a question, which one to get Msr7 or 99 classics? For rap music and metal, mostly And all other genres but not as much?

[@tayyabpirzada146]

99 Classics

[@noneya237]

if i have extra money which r better noirs or originals? is there any diffrence in sound? i prefer have gold ones if there better soundstage

[@anthonysince1969]

Thanks Jack Black. LET'S GET ROCKIN

[@bebrasha]

Hell yeah Yōko Kanno! Someone else is listening to the Cowboy Bebop soundtracks and the Seatbelts and all of that good stuff, happy :D :D :D

[@unusuallyquickloris]

pretty sure theres a R indented inside the leather on the right. Great review, didn't warrant ownership from me but I did really enjoy em.

[@dublinfool25]

He found it at the about the 6 min mark. I said the same thing.

[@BannedEvECharacter]

I own these since a month after the review, they sit on my head 50% of the time, that is the majority of the time, the rest of the 50% is spread across the rest of my headphones. Do recommend.

[@carchd1]

Patiently waiting for Ether CX massdrop review :)

[@sunnynikolai]

C C it released 23rd April in Patroen mate. I joined the drop half way through the video. Good luck to your wallet :)

[@VladimirLatis]

@@sunnynikolai Bought them already, was betting to be an awesome review. :)

[@ccgert]

How are these for gaming? Shooters in particular

[@zackjones1456]

His sound demos are just going to be him eating chips in your ears. *Crunchy chip voice*- LEFT. RIGHT. LEFT. RIGHT

[@Goldie_79]

Not just "basically". these are the Meze 99 Classics. If you take the pads off, you can see the cups say "Classic" on them. The only differences are the dark wood backs and the blacked-out trim. So, the Classics were great, these are great. End of story. :)

[@mattialemboluscari8774]

Where can I find that Nitro 11 ost? I'm not finding it anywhere.

[@joseangelcastillocano1240]

I'm missing meze noir's sound demo I used to listen to it while I was learning something new as a soundtrack. Could you please upload it again?

[@garychen2181]

How do these compare to the MDR Z7's?

[@vipernecklampy8773]

I heard the sound demo and.... God i'm pretty sure the sound demo was AMAZING! Like the Z7 that i owned, but way better..

[@kirkhamilton775]

There is an R on the inside of the headband, indicating the right side Z

[@MasterMarslander]

Typed up a comment bashing you on not seeing the "R" indicator on the headband, then promptly slapped myself when 6 minutes in you find it. Lesson: Always watch the whole video.

[@ZReviews]

Pretty sure the 99 Classics don't have letters

[@xBINARYGODx]

@@ZReviews neither do the neo's

[@hootsl99]

Its not very noticeable but the two pairs of pads are slightly different in size. I only realized it because I have these and I held the pads up to each other.

[@misterx3666]

Those might have been a better choice for me than the 58x jubilee. They are so beautiful. I´m still happy with my headphones. Just saying...

[@KevinMcAdams26]

I have both and both are great. Save up and get these too

[@misterx3666]

@@KevinMcAdams26 Im still in school an Z made me buy the Jamo S803s an Tin T2s. Next I need to buy an amp (probably crown xls 1502). My budget for this year is pretty much gone.

[@haziee3108]

@@KevinMcAdams26 hey could you tell me a little bit about the 58x and the noirs. Going through a bit of a dilemma picking between these two

[@KevinMcAdams26]

@@haziee3108 I need a better amp to be able to get the fullest out of either. Using the Gsx1000 for gaming. The 99 noir is very...clear. Bass is punchy and sub bass is a little recessed with my current setup. I know thru EQ you can really make them rattle though. The Sennheisers are balanced overall with a nice amount of sub bass. I'm a fan of bass heavy headphones and I knew buying both thay either of these weren't absolutely perfect, but I'd go for the 99 noir if you don't have an amp. Unfortunately I can't provide a good enough review until I get a legitimate amp for these headphones to reach their full potential.

[@fabien3210]

Dear Z, sound wise only, witch one has a better sound, meze 99 or Monolith M1570? Thanks

[@nukfauxsho]

Was that “Rouya” you were listening to? I can play the entire song on acoustic. So pretty.

[@dublinfool25]

Look on the underside of the headband...one side says massdrop...the other side has an R embossed in the leather.

[@hughbouwer600]

Which amps/DACs would you recommend for these?

[@LeWpD]

Aquilla 2

[@eunhjzjined3795]

Today on the Bob Ross Audio Review show ....

[@TheRealWarez]

I buy a pair of headphones every year, def not an audiophile. Was thinking of buying these, so I clicked your review...Im going to watch everything you make now, just bc of your personality. Really enjoyed the video.

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

Any headphones you can recommend to me for hip hop music? Sorry to bother you, but I appreciate your help!

[@fclp67]

@@theprinceofeverything1975 these

[@Den_Anderen]

Still enjoying my meze 99 neo on a daily basis

[@aight365]

Do you know if there is a pad difference between the Neo and Nior?

[@shelly6482]

Calm like the Bang & Olufsen H6?

[@aight365]

Figured it out?

[@gordieallen6422]

Do I need an amplifier for these headphones or can I just plug them into my PC?

[@fclp67]

They're 32 ohm impedance. Should work straight into your motherboard

[@gordieallen6422]

@@fclp67 Thank you, mate!

[@johnparkerzabala]

Sir Z very much obliged I never had any headphones like this I have been using Bose qc3 noise cancelling for 15 years are these Meze only for indoor use? God bless you and your family stay safe healthy and happy. Power on!!!😇

[@mohammadfayez5036]

The sound demo link is broken

[@johncapone8843]

would these be good for playing games like frogger?

[@BradC604]

Wonder how these compare to the emu teaks

[@blakkpatron]

did you ever get a chance to try logitech ue6000's? they can be had very cheap on ebay(they are no longer being produced)

[@AClownsWorld]

as of writing this there is currently 4 month wait. ill be picking some up for sure.

[@1badMucker]

Can't wait to drink 99 Bananas while listening to Jay Z's 99 Problems on some Meze 99 Noirs.

[@ben_that_is_fresh6696]

Lmao

[@chriswilliamson8563]

Kelly's Heroes is one my favorite movies. Now quit them negative ways

[@Narinjas]

Salutare si Paste fericit. (Hello and Happy Easter.)

[@ujalgorchu6114]

How are these different from the Classics one? Would really appreciate some insights.

[@TheRealWarez]

They arent. Color of the metal/wood is the only difference.

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

@@TheRealWarez and price I guess

[@TheRealWarez]

@@theprinceofeverything1975 true.

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

@@TheRealWarez hey man would you mind if I asked you if you have them? If you do, can you tell me if you like the sound? Thank you so much

[@fortyinch]

And packaging is less in noir i think. Watch other classics unbox.

[@MrAyrit]

I think this is the best review you've ever done.

[@anthonymorales2000]

Bless me with that M300 review 😭

[@joepvanmuylder6192]

The first great sit-down comedian. The Bill Hicks of the Audiophile. You make me buy FIIO, Superlux, Takstar, Ships 9500, MPOW, Tin Audio 2, Hidizs, etc, etc... Thanks for making me extremely happy although slowly broke....🤣

[@Marco-w8q]

I kept thinking of George Constaza

[@FusionMusic]

These or the Creative Aurvana Live?

[@512bb]

You couldn't have said any better Z, I own the 99 Classic"s & you just enjoy listening to music, I don't see how you could be disappointed with them.

[@EssenceofPureFlavor]

Is Chewbacca a quality built lap cat?

[@SparkiNgFLasH7]

Are they good for gaming?

[@djhmax09]

Rai Penta review coming?

[@Ok-qg7pj]

I Don t know if i sould buy These or the Beyerdynamic 770 pro. Can you Tell me which one is better

[@davido810]

I would also like to know! Can someone give some feedback/comparison about these 2 headphones?

[@collinbeal]

I mostly listen to soft folk music and have horrible anxiety. Fucking sold on sleepy soft headphones

[@dcime1]

Are the Neo version a bad buy? Cause I bought em.

[@suxo7221]

If you like them, then they're worth it :)

[@BannedEvECharacter]

Hey, Z ... I am re-watching this video with the 99 Noirs ... STOP WRECKING MY SAVINGS !

[@sumguy116]

All music sounds like Bach, is a surprisingly good description of these...

[@skaman7662]

I just got mine. Where's my goddamn Barry White playlist! I'm sad my Hart Audio cables won't work; But, otherwise pleased. thanks Zeos

[@mg9261]

Thoughts on em

[@skaman7662]

@@mg9261 I like the darkness they have. They are very comfortable to my head as well so great for long listening.

[@mg9261]

@@skaman7662 too dark? And worth the cash?

[@StraightEdgeAlexxx31]

idk how much different than the 99 neo's these are, but i had the neo's and i was a little disappointed tbh. they sounded kinda like beats to me lol a lot of bass that bleeds and the mids/highs were just ok with a big lack of detail.

[@willc6887]

Please Z if you could would you look into reviewing the Adam Sp-5 Headphones.

[@carminedesanto6746]

Hey, it’s November in 2020..and I’m thinking of getting these 🙂

[@HawkBob45]

Are the earpads large enough for my elephantine sized ears?

[@mjjm6220]

Z, you keep going on about the Gold, well the 99 Classics also come with Silver accents, which I have. Its all good!

[@shahrouri04]

these or the m60x??

[@CutieCakeClips]

These vs Argon? Please?

[@Touseef]

other reviews say its a bass heavy headphone Z says its a chill headphone well I am confused as fk. :D

[@Nick_Jones]

This is exactly my issue. Usually if you see reviews for headphones, they're more or less the same. These things though? Fuck, unless these things sound different from each unit, everyone's ears are painted on cos some say easy listening, some people say tinny, some people say bassy, some say flat. Like fuck.

[@Touseef]

@@Nick_Jones haha spot on mate

[@donvittoriosierra]

I think you hold your own against Jack Black Z lol this was brilliant

[@VFHost]

Bought mine from Joshua Valour, after he reviewed them. I love them, and according to him it's a painted 99 classic (the same) 😄👍

[@arthurwatts1680]

Smooth, relaxed, delicate and warm are all adjectives that could just as easily be applied to my last bowel movement, Mr Z. OK - 'delicate' might be a stretch ;)

[@tb4326]

"You just need everyone to just shut the fuck up!" = SOLD!

[@liyuki2553]

Lol! They are mini empyreans! Classic zeos, well done!

[@carnasondrakith2553]

Well I've found what I want for Christmas

[@ravoid36]

Hey been seeing your reviews lately and I love your channel. So all I have now are the M50x and a fiio q1 amp. Which drop do you think should I get meze 99 noir, hd6xx, he4xx or fostex t-xo 2? My brother is flying down from the USA and your input would help a lot. Thanks.

[@sherieftravel8931]

My favorite I mean my all time favorite "fuck all nations we are here to make money" movie is Kelly's heroes.

[@Nick_Morningstar]

How i got a question is there any headphones that are 100$ that sound better then the razer kraken V2 pro? i was looking into getting a nicer sounding pair of headphones.

[@pedecia]

For that price u might find a good second hand MSR7.

[@charlesjacques750]

Just ordered, need the Rx calm

[@TeodorKubena]

Ok I don't have any higher quality audio products yet so I need answers for my questions. I've heard that the 99neos have actually better trebels than the classics and I'm scared that the classics may have some ear hurting highs in some songs that are not very well recorded. On the other hand I don't want the extra bass of the neos since I think the classics are already bassy enough and I want to enjoy more well-rounded but still fun experience. Also I'm reading reviews on the drop site and many people there are having various issues. Aren't the noirs just cheaped out?

[@coresplinter]

Yeah, debating a little on 99 noir or the 177x. :think:

[@Assimilator702]

x25s Don’t bother with the 177X. The original 1770 is 250 ohms. 32 ohms on the 177Xis a step back. And the word “GO!” on the side is gaudy as hell. All the higher impedance Beyer perform better than the low Z versions.

[@coresplinter]

@@Assimilator702 I see. So since this one is low impedance as well. Might as well get this one instead?

[@Assimilator702]

x25s These do seem suitable for portable use. although a word of caution.....if you drop a pair of wooden cup headphones they could easily crack. I do my fair share of woodworking and even a higher density wood can be very weak when machined to the thin dimensions of any wood cup. Alone they cod survive the fall but add the weight of the headphone and that’s not a chance I would be willing to take. My advise is to keep the wood at home.

[@coresplinter]

@@Assimilator702 thank you for the information! Have a great day.

[@karni6045]

@@Assimilator702 this. Was so happy to see a massdrop x beyerdynamic but was more dissapointed to see only a 32 ohm version.

[@wagstaff6135]

MassDrop is shipping these with newer pads that are supposed to be replicas or near replicas of the original (old) pads which first went out with the original 99 Classics.... not sure if you got those (which are a tiny bit smaller than the installed pads) or really received 2 sets of the same. But if the former, I'd love to see a update/comparison. Another reviewer didn't like the extras at all, though he heard them do pretty much the opposite of what MassDrop is telling us is the intention....

[@alecuaalecu1]

So I live in Romania... As a student I can go visit them by train for free. But why the diddly do I have to spent 300$ for the same pair of headphones here in the motherland or get them on Massdrop where I have to pay VAT and shipping for less. Thanks Obama

[@gurbakhshishsandhu]

both set of pads have a difference, both size, shape and inner lining

[@hazi5961]

I don't get the comparison to Argons. I have Argons and I love them. But the 99 Noirs/Classics have so much bass bloat and then a huge dip in the low mids. They are so bassy I get nauseous, and I'm a basshead saying this.

[@CutieCakeClips]

Thank you for comparison

[@StraightEdgeAlexxx31]

havent tried the argons but i agree with your analysis of the 99's