Meze 99 Classics V2 – Walnut Gold Closed-Back Headphones

For listeners who value both craftsmanship and musicality, the Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Generation (V2) delivers a refined closed-back experience with handcrafted walnut wood ear cups and a more neutral, balanced tuning than its predecessor. Built around 40 mm dynamic drivers with a 15 Hz–25 kHz frequency response, the headphone offers 16 Ω impedance and 103 dB/mW sensitivity — easy to drive from any source, including modern devices via the included USB-C DAC/AMP dongle.

The CNC-machined walnut cups undergo a 45-day sanding, lacquering, and finishing process, ensuring each pair is unique. A self-adjusting spring steel headband with vegan leather padding distributes pressure evenly, while cast zinc hardware with gold electroplated finish provides lasting durability. Meze's enlarged 7 mm input socket accepts a wide range of aftermarket cables, and the six-point clip-on ear pad system simplifies replacement. The dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed OFC cable resists tangling, and every component is screwed in rather than glued for full serviceability.

Headfonics calls the 99 Classics V2 one of the most versatile headphones under $500, noting its surprisingly large soundstage for a closed-back design. Headfonia praises the cleaner tuning and excellent soundstage width and layering.

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