In Sound Spotlight, we look at headphones or other audio equipment with a particularly interesting story or design. For our very first article, we wanted to write about the Meze 99 Classics. We chose these headphones because of their iconic, subtly vintage design. We especially like the wooden earcups, the gold or silver accents, and the completely user-serviceable design.
The story behind these headphones is a good one. They were the first pair to be fully designed and built in house by Meze Audio in December 2015 and came after the success of an indiegogo campaign. It is only because of the success of the 99 Classics that Meze Audio was initially able to establish themselves so highly within the headphone market.
They retail for £300 / $300 and you have a choice of gold or silver accents. Personally, I like the combination of the gold with the wood. Each pair of headphones takes 45 days to manufacture due to the preparation process of the walnut earcups.
The Meze 99 Classics feature 40mm neodymium drivers. These headphones are no-frills and focus entirely on the music, no smart features or apps, just put them on and listen. You and your music.
They come with a carry case, accessory pouch, two cables (one 1.2m with mic, the other 3m), 6.3mm adapter and airline adapter.
Design of the 99 Classics
Let’s be honest, they look pretty awesome! You would be forgiven for thinking the Meze 99 Classics were released much earlier than 2015.
For one, they have a retro-inspired design with sleek walnut ear cups. No two sets of headphones are the same since no two pieces of wood grain are the same.
In the age of mass-production, especially in the headphone sector, the wood effect is a really nice touch. It also contradicts the never-ending sea of plastic electronics that now flood the market.
When I look at the 99 Classics I’m reminded of an old vintage record player. The way the cup shapes taper reminds me of the metal cone-shaped speaker and the wood effect is reminiscent of the turntable box. Perhaps that’s just my imagination, but they certainly look unique.
Fix Them Yourself!
Every part is held together with nuts and bolts rather than glue, making them highly user-serviceable. In other words, you could have them in your collection for a very long time.
The serviceability of these headphones is a rare gem in the modern headphone world. Need a new headband? You can order a new one on Meze’s online store. Cable broken? Same story. Meze liken the headphones to an heirloom you could one day pass down to your children.
Coupled with the design, the 99 Classics undoubtably have a mature, sophisticated aura about them. There’s also the option to upgrade the headphones with silver-plated cables to further enhance your listening experience.
You can learn more about the 99 Classics on Meze’s official website.
Headphone images: Meze Audio
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