Meze 99 Classic headphones offer strong audio with a hipster appeal
Meze 99 Classic headphones offer strong audio with a hipster appeal (Image source: Meze Audio)
What can you expect from a pair of luxury headphones retailing for over $300? If you're looking for features, wireless, microphone support, and software, then these are not for you. If you want headphones that focus on nothing more than utmost comfort and superior audio quality, then the Meze 99 should be on your Holiday shopping list.
Look past the usual gaming headsets and you'll have a wide selection of luxury headphones to choose from. They may not have the "gamer-y" looks, controls, or software features that often come with high-end models targeting gamers, but they make up for this by focusing almost solely on comfort and audio quality.
The Meze 99 Classic is one such pair. These luxurious cans are as barebones as they come with very little in the way of features or buttons, but they offer a stronger audio experience relative to how light they are in weight. When compared to the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero, the streamlined Meze is not nearly as bulky (260 g vs. 397 g) and it's thus much less likely to slide around your head when turning in different directions. It's also arguably more versatile with its many included accessories and adapters as shown below.
There are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. As light as they may be, the headphones are not collapsible and so they can be difficult to carry around in bags or purses. The included carrying case helps, but it's definitely not a space saver. Secondly, the cushioning on each earpiece is much smaller than on the aforementioned Turtle Beach meaning that outside noise will not be blocked all that well. The flip side is that the cushions are not as tight and so they are easier to wear for users with glasses. And lastly, the ear cushions themselves cannot be easily removed meaning that you'll have to replace the entire headset once the cushions inevitably wear out from use.
The Meze 99 Classics is currently shipping for $309 in Gold or Silver color options.
Transducer size: 40mm
Frequency response: 15Hz - 25KHz
Sensitivity: 103dB at 1KHz, 1mW
Impedance: 32 Ohm
Rated input power: 30mW
Maximum input power: 50mW
Detachable Kevlar OFC cable
Plug: 3.5mm gold plated
Weight: 260 gr (9.2 ounces) without cables
Ear-cups: walnut wood
Meze 99 pink noise at maximum volume. The headset is both louder and better able to reproducing lower frequencies than the Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero pink noise at maximum volume. Note the nearly non-existent reproduction of frequencies under 300 Hz in contrast to the Meze
Minimalist design in contrast to many gaming headsets
Inside the box is a carrying case, small manual, and a Meze sticker
The plastic case is rigid to better protect the headphones and accessories inside
Be prepared to bring the case with you wherever you go since the headphones are not collapsible
Plenty of accessories including a 3.5 mm adapter, two-prong airplane adapter, inline remote, and a 3.5 mm kevlar cable
The earpieces are made of real matured wood with cast zinc inside
One 3.5 mm audio jack per earpiece
The headband is made of manganese steel. Meze promises no plastics anywhere on the headset
The inner faux-leather headband will automatically adjust up or down and can be removed with a Philips screwdriver if needed
'99 Classic' imprinted in the headband. Because the headphones are so light, they hold in place very well without being too tight
Medium density memory foam are comfortable albeit thin
Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero foam in comparison. The smaller Meze ear cups are not as good at muffling outside noise
The Meze cushions are not as tight on the ears to be more comfortable after extended periods
You're not going to get any on-ear buttons, controls, wireless, or microphone attachments on the Meze
Allen Ngo - Lead Editor U.S. - 5260 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2011
After graduating with a B.S. in environmental hydrodynamics from the University of California, I studied reactor physics to become licensed by the U.S. NRC to operate nuclear reactors. There's a striking level of appreciation you gain for everyday consumer electronics after working with modern nuclear reactivity systems astonishingly powered by computers from the 80s. When I'm not managing day-to-day activities and US review articles on Notebookcheck, you can catch me following the eSports scene and the latest gaming news.