Meze Audio 99 Classic - Review - Romanian Romantic

[@gdemirjian]

there is a physical lip around the left connector tip base. easy to see, and even easy to feel in the dark. cheers!

[@Synfulz]

Just received my 99's. I have listened to Money, Home by the Sea (Genesis) and Enter the Sandman. The bass response is great. I am running my 99's through a Dragonfly Red DAC and USB audio pro and Tidal on my Note+. Very happy with the sound and comfort is fantastic.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness. I'm glad you enjoy them. Fantastic headphone 🥰

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry about the lighting and camera flicker, I am working on getting new lighting. Also, sorry for the red lettering remnants left on the screen. Recommended Dekoni pads over the Brainwavz mentioned in video: dekoniaudio.com/product/dekoni-audio-elite-sheepskin-replacement-ear-pads-for-meze-99/

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thank you for the kind, supportive words, greatly appreciated. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@roa5359]

An old but great review. Thank you

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome

[@David-sv2mr]

I Have the Meze 99 I Like it for watching movies

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness 😎

[@bigjt37]

Very intriguing review. I heard someone say, everyone (namely, us audiophiles and audio enthusiast) should have a 99 classic, for morning and relax times.. Good stuff, really enjoyed this detailed review! 😁👍🏼

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I agree 💯 Thanks for the kind words.

[@evensung]

Can't wait for your Empyrian review Dave! The build and design of Meze is truly amazing.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I am looking forward to that review also. Hopefully I can get an Empyrean in for review at some point.

[@Sinatra_Fan]

The head strap is stamped with "99 Classics." I used that to help myself remember which side was which. Left towards the "9" and right towards the "s." Bass was a little too much for me and didn't keep them. Good review!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

That's a good idea using the strap lettering. Thanks for the kind words and watching.

[@MuhammedAhmedMuhammedbudni]

May be I am writing long😢 These are extremely important points. #My ears are extremely extremely sensitive(I mean more than anyone else). #I want good soundstage #I will watch podcast,arabic vocals(quran),sigma movies lime jhon wick,witcher series which contains foresty sounds etc movies. #A headphone that can give a feeling of shock everytime(highly fun #Male vocals high levels. Options:Meze 99 classics Audioquest Nighthawk Or anything you have in your mind. But soundstage,feeling should be that it's happening around me or in room. Budget 500 dollars.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I haven't heard the Nighthawk in a very long time since I reviewed them. Here is a link to my reveiw: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKa0ZouqnNh-fdU The 99 Classic have a very warm bass and mids presentation but the uppers can be a bit spicy to those sensitive. Both are good choices though for a darker, lush presentation. The Nighthawk has more stage then the 99 Classic. Another option, if your amp has enough power, is the Fiio FT5.

[@scottlowell493]

I have a set and they scale up. I ran mine with a schiit lyr++ with a tung sol tube. They are fun, produce deep bass but the midbass gets too thick at times and needs to be eq'd down as it can be overwhelming. I use them as my movie and easy listening cans. These are probably as close as cans get to something like Vandersteen audio speakers. Thick and sweet like hot chocolate.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesome 👍 99 Classic have some special sauce for sure. Thanks for the impressions.

[@moongoogle]

Oh dear, you completely missed the ridge on the left input which makes it VERY easy to tell the left from right, which is useful when donning the headphones in the dark. Never the less a very full and informative review as usual.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Interesting, I just looked at them again and my old man eyes must be going blind as I can't find the ridge you mention. Thanks for the information, hopefully someone else can discover the ridge you mentioned. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@moongoogle]

@@TheHonestAudiophile The 'ridge' is on the headphone cable (left input), not the headphone itself - it is shown quite clearly in your video.

[@memoli801]

Which cables are your favorit? By the way, on top there is a writing on the letherband so deside your self which side will be right and left. Dont see the problem

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I use stock cables for the 99 Classic. My favorite headphone cables come down to two different manufacturers: Dyson Audio and Periapt Cable: I have tried various others with random likes.

[@fedebo1233]

Great review! How about the Meze 99 classics vs Sivga sv021? Which one would you choose? Thanks!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Meze 99 Classic

[@fedebo1233]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thank you a lot!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome

[@shashi6745]

Subscribed coz ur HONEST 👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks 🙏

[@drakegostream]

Thank you for the review! Couple questions: 1. Some reviewers find bass here "overbloated" and "unlistenable". Is it really that bad? Personally I like a good amount of bass in my cans (Sony MDR-XB700 happy owner here), but if it hurts the overall sound signature I'd like to know. 2. The link to Brainwavz pads you provided leads to PROSTOCK ATH M50X & M SERIES CUSTOM EARPADS, which seem to designed especially for AT. Are you sure they will fit MEZE 99's?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure for the review. I recommend these pads for the Meze 99Classics dekoniaudio.com/product/dekoni-audio-elite-sheepskin-replacement-ear-pads-for-meze-99/ The bass is thick, warm and detailed but not messy, bloated to my ears. Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing 👍

[@drakegostream]

@@TheHonestAudiophile yeah they seem really nice but a little bit out of my budget :) which are close enough from brainwavz in your opinion?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I used stock and Dekoni. I haven't tried the Brainwavz since I got the Dekoni. Don't recall any sonic difference.

[@swiftusmaximus5651]

The Cardboard box is so important. So many Head Phone makers give you a cheap display box.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

That's true, helps protect during shipping.

[@Kylosgrande]

have you used the Cayin ru6? im going to buy a setup and get away from wireless. im thinking ru6 with the balanced meze wires to meze 99 classic. iphone.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry I've not heard the Cayin RU6.

[@Kylosgrande]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks for responding! i enjoyed the review. i went for it! ill let you know what i think. the dac ru6 is expensive but supposed to sound great so ill let you know.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@Kylosgrande look forward to hearing your impressions

[@Kylosgrande]

@@TheHonestAudiophile It sounds amazing! so easy to listen to and work, but also when you want to really listen theres so much to hear. really good combo

[@HiFiGOAudio]

Which one do you suggest between these or the Hifiman Sundara??? I have heard so many good things about the Sundara from the audiophiles in my country.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Two totally different styles the 99 Classic and Sundara, depends on what you searching for in sound signature. The Sundara takes a good amount more of juice to drive them. The Sundara is open back and the 99 Classic is closed back. The Sundara has more detail retrieval and more extension but has a brighter sound signature with a wider soundstage. If you are looking for a fun, engaging and more lush vocal experience I would look at the 99 Classic. If you are looking for more details and critical listening experience then I would look at the Sundara.

[@keppes1268]

Hey David, once again a cool review. I do own the meze 99 classics for half a year now and i like them as fun headphones with good musicality. I definitely prefer them over the 99 neo, which had a bigger midbass boost, which bleeds more in the mids. The indicator 'ridge' or 'ring' is on the aluminium piece (right below the letter l). How do these compare against the dt1770 or dt177x go? Do you prefer the dt177x go or the meze for musicality/fun and overall sound? Would be the dt 1770 be an up-, side- or downgrade for me? I had the stock t50rp mk3 and the beyerdynamic custom studio. The fostex was lacking sub bass and beyer was too cold sounding. Know i am wondering, if the dt 1770 pro, the argons, d7200 or the t5p 2nd would be a nice upgrade from my bassy and warm sounding meze

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Hmm haven't heard the DT177x in awhile. If memory serves me correctly, it would be an upgrade, kinda sorta. Better detail retrieval and portrayal. Mids will be a little thinner. Bass will have more details and control. Soundstage will be smaller but deeper. The overall sound signature will be brighter. Argon T50 will be similar sounding with more resolving details but I haven't heard an Argon in awhile either The others mentioned I haven't heard.

[@keppes1268]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks for the answer. So when i understand you right, the dt 1770 and the argon do have a similar sound signature, both would be an upgrade to the meze, but the argons are more resolving? In this case, i'll go for the argons and would skip the dt 1770. I hope the argons will be available soon. Due to covid 19 the available is a problem right now... You also should review the Beyerdynamic Tygr 300r. I do have a good time with these right now. I am also waiting fir the Philips Fidelio X3, which should be released in late august. No headphone could replace my four year old X2 and i am hoping that philips don't mess it up with the X3✌

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Actually the DT177x is the better resolving and brighter of the three. The Argon is more similar to the Meze then the Beyerdynamic. But the Argon and Beyer would be upgrades to the Meze.

[@hypnoraythompson5824]

lovely review friend 👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks

[@DesimaVEBO]

David hope you read this, I'm between buying shozy form 1.1, Simgot en700pro, kz zsx and CCA C12, don't care about money just want the best sounding of them all, the one that makes you smile. Hope you read this

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I'd rank them like this: Simgot EN700 Pro KZ ZSX CCA C12 Shozy form 1.1 If you can spend a bit more I'd look at the Shozy form 1.4

[@DesimaVEBO]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thank you so much for the feedback, I will take the Simgot because where I live they are 115$ and the kz zsx are about 80$ so the choice is more than obvious now.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on them.

[@DesimaVEBO]

@@TheHonestAudiophile just received them, had a rough time trying to get the right fit with but so far the sound is clear, relaxed, wide and the quality of the product is outstanding for the price. 🙏🏻

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness. I am glad you are enjoying them. Fit can take a bit to get used to.

[@Xavier-my8wg]

Great in depth review, thank you ! I recently got a ifi xdsd and i'm now looking for a good pair of headphones under €400 to go with it. I'm considering either these or the hifiman sundara, even though I'm aware they are completely different headphones... I mostly listen to classic rock, jazz and pop, so i'd be curious to know which one you'd recommend, or if there's a third option that'd be even better in your opinion !

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The Meze 99 Classicc would be a fun listen for those music preferences. The Sundara would be great as well plus bring out some of the technical side. But I am not sure if the xDSD has enough power to push the Sundara. Two solid options that I recommend both.

[@Xavier-my8wg]

@@TheHonestAudiophile oh, i didn't realise the sundara needed that much power ! I guess i've only had closed back headphones in my life, so i was kinda tempted to finally try out open backs for a change, since i heard so many people praise the benefits of these, and i was really looking to somewhat hi fi experience for once, and i've Seen a few reviews saying the 99 aren't as balanced and neutral as other offerings. I Guess i'll still have to think about it then, thanks for your answer !

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@Xavier-my8wg my pleasure, you're welcome

[@Tirelirelou]

@@Xavier-my8wg The IFI XDSD has more than enough power to drive the 99.

[@kristofer_sens]

Hello and thank you for the detailed review, it may not be apples to apples but how would you compare the focal elegia to the meze? For $100 difference I'm considering, however I realize eventually I just have to find a pair and listen for myself.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry I haven't heard the Elegia.

[@csazlzzzzz6209]

Would these headphones be good use on a IPhone? I listen to music on my iPhone and looking to get a new pair of good headphones I was looking at these but idk how they would sound on a iPhone or if they are even made for it.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I don't have an iPhone to test the 99 Classic with and my Samsung Note 10+ doesn't have a headphone out so I use a dongle. With that said the 99 Classic are easy to drive at 32ohms impedance and 103db sensitivity so I'd think they'd run off an iPhone. Sorry I can't give you 100% confirmation.

[@csazlzzzzz6209]

@@TheHonestAudiophile That’s okay thank you for the fast reply and info!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@csazlzzzzz6209 my pleasure, you're welcome .

[@jimis3167]

with the microsuede pads they leak more sound than with stock pads? Also, the bass becomes looser?? Would they be a good match with a Topping NX4??

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I have no experience with the Topping NX4 but the 99 Classic are easy to drive. Suede pads may cause sound to leak out . Suede pads didn't change the bass to loosen. The suede pads helped with comfort and did warm up the the overall tone.

[@shawnpwatsons1]

I found their bass too wooly and slightly too dark although I prefer dark to bright...

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Interesting, didn't find the bass to be wooly. It is a darker sounding headphone for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@wagstaff6135]

Agree with this; bass is flat out too loose.

[@josb9836]

Would you recommend these if my favorite genres are: soul/neo soul/r&b, hip hop, jpop, edm like daft punk/air/justice? Are there other headphones you’d recommend instead?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

99 Classic would be excellent choices for those genres.

[@josb9836]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks for the quick response! If I’m not being too much a bother by asking one more question lol, which would you recommend between this or the hd600 if I’m just using my phone and laptop?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@josb9836 600 needs an amplifier.

[@nikokomac3185]

hello....please can you tell me with brainwavz micro suede pads remove some bass or only tamed mids becouse i try it meze 99 classic and is way to bassy and overblow rest of frequencies and become fatigue for me.....is microsuede tamed bass in some way or not? thanks great review

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry don't have those pads you mention. I use Dekoni pads made specifically for the 99 and love them. The 99 is a bassy headphone for sure.

[@nikokomac3185]

@@TheHonestAudiophile but in review you mention brainwavz suede pads is good match for meze and tamed a little bass and improve comfort? Can you tell me if dekoni pads on meze 99 sound more balanced like smaller original meze 99 or is dekoni more boomy? Thanks

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I honestly don't recall. Sorry. I haven't used Brainwavz pads with the 99 Classic in a very long time.

[@nikokomac3185]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Can you tell me if dekoni is better balanced the large stock pads come with meze 99?

[@juanpacheco4603]

Do you recomended this or Sundara or AKG 712 to baroque music?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Havent heard AKG 712 but I'd recommend tbe 99 Classic for baroque music.

[@juanpacheco4603]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks for you

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome.

[@Joe-if5rq]

I don't see the link for the micro suede ear pads

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I am sorry for not including the link. I will update the description. Thank you for pointing out the error to me. Here is the link: www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/prostock-ath-m-series-earpads-micro-suede?_pos=1&_sid=ba5bdc8b4&_ss=r

[@TheSteve57]

Did you have original pads ??? Watched metal571 review and apparently they had changed pads and bass was unbearable

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The review was with the stock pads.

[@TheSteve57]

@@TheHonestAudiophile not sure what that means, if they change pads in production, don't they become stock pads ??? Although I know 571 does tend to orgasm over pads quite easily 🤣🤣🤣 Opinion does seem to split over these headphones but I have found a lot of headphones are too analytical for a lot of my music, mainly 60s 70s 80s. What would you recommend for older, not as well produced compared to today's music. It's something no one seems to think about. Thanks for your time, love your reviews 👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@TheSteve57 I quite like the 99 Classics with older, classic rock and jazz.

[@TheSteve57]

Will these pair with the Zen Dac/ Can combo ok ??

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Yes they would pair with the Zen stack. Keep in mind I've only heard the Zen DAC. Another thing to note is that the Zen is a bit warm so it can on some genres cause the 99 Classic to sound thick and stuffy.

[@johnparkerzabala]

Indeed😇

[@Marian1st.]

Do they need an amp? If so I’ll skip.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

At the 17:50 mark of the video I talk about the benefits of using various amps. I also mention about using them with my phone. In the description is a link to my written review on Head-fi. All in all, no an amp is not necessary but they do benefit from an amp.

[@Marian1st.]

David Sylvia Thank you. Sometimes I’m not able to watch the videos and I just have a quick view, mostly with the sound off and the subtitles turned on. 😄

[@withcare1234]

Hey David, can you review nuraloop. I have a nuraphone and they sound amazing. You should explore nura products

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Interesting. I'll take a look into them and see if I can get a pair in for review.

[@NvidiATI]

“L&R” apply marking with a markerpen or sticker

[@prabinpaudel5572]

I feel like you need to upgrade your camera skills. Not the camera itself. The video gets brighter and darker as you move your hands to pick up and keep the stuffs. Maybe setting a fixed exposure level would help a lot as lighting on your room is more or less the same throughout the review Even better find some artificial lighting on your face to keep it steady. The way you shoot the videos do feel intimate since there is so less processing but something needs to be done for the pulsating glow and darkness.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Please read the pinned comment. "Sorry about the lighting and camera flicker, I am working on getting new lighting. Also, sorry for the red lettering remnants left on the screen."

[@prabinpaudel5572]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I'm sorry too. I sent such long comment without reading pinned comment.😅

[@prabinpaudel5572]

And I hope you review koss kph30i soon. It's the only device I have. I was expecting you'd review all 3 cheap Kosses after ksc75 review.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I will see about getting the Koss KPH30i in for review. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@Zoltan74]

I bought the 99 classic a week ago, and since then I've been trying to get used to its sound, but it's not going very well! To me, it's terribly dry, it pushes the mid-high hags almost into my face! What's worse is that it cannot be removed even with EQ, it sounds like a "wooden cup"! This really irritates me! I regret buying these headphones!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry to hear that you aren't enjoying the 99 Classic. Thanks for the impressions. Out of curiosity, what DAC and Amp are you using?

[@Zoltan74]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you for writing to me! I've read in several places that Meze probably did a "hidden modd" with the headphones, and i this bought that! I guess it depends on who buys what, which one is in the store's stock! My Dac --> Ibasso DC04 PRO. it's a dac and an amp! This amp arrived this year, new, but got very good reviews!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

iBasso DC04 Pro, I've not heard it. I've not heard about Meze tweaking the product, interesting. Thanks for the comment.

[@Zoltan74]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I lined the wooden "cups" with a material with greater sound attenuation than the factory one, so that the bass still had room to move towards the reflex openings, but it was more damped than the factory sponge at 5-600 hz and above! Thus, the annoying "wooden cup" sound disappeared, the mid-high part became gentler, so the sound is much nicer to me, so I'm completely satisfied with it!😀

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@Zoltan74 Glad you found a solution. Thanks for the information.

[@kyle1538]

Too many ads

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

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