Meze 99 Classic vs Meze 99 Neo Review: Two Takes on Affordable Audiophile Luxury

When I visited a friend in Barnsley recently, I had the chance to listen to two headphones that I’d only read about before: the Meze 99 Classic and the Meze 99 Neo. It was my first proper encounter with them, and though my session was short, it was enough to leave a lasting impression. Both models look similar at first glance, but their sound and materials tell two different stories. In this review, I’ll dive into the design, comfort, build quality, cable system, and sound performance of both headphones, blending my own hands-on impressions with verified product details to give you a complete picture.

First Impressions: Design and Build Quality

The very first thing that struck me about the Meze 99 Classic was its use of real wood. The walnut earcups instantly feel premium — warm to the touch and elegant to the eye. Unlike many modern designs that hide behind marketing gimmicks, the Classics are proudly old-school: metal, wood, and leather all working together without unnecessary flash.

Even more impressive is how they are assembled. Instead of glue or permanent bonds, everything is screwed together. This means that if something breaks or wears out, you can disassemble and reassemble them with nothing more than a screwdriver. It’s a rarity in today’s headphone market and speaks volumes about Meze’s commitment to sustainability and repairability.

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The Meze 99 Neo, in contrast, trades the wood for high-quality ABS plastic with a textured, leather-like finish. At a glance, it’s convincing enough that I had to scratch it lightly to confirm it wasn’t actual leather. While the substitution makes the Neo more affordable and slightly more robust in everyday use, it also changes the sonic character, which I’ll discuss later. What remains identical is the general build philosophy: zinc-alloy yokes with a galvanic finish, a suspended headband made from steel strips with a synthetic leather strap, and memory foam earpads. The result is a headphone that feels more premium than its price tag suggests.

At around 260 grams without the cable, both models are heavier than typical consumer headphones, but the weight is well distributed. Much of it comes from the manganese steel headband and the numerous metal parts supporting the frame. The stitching on the headband, subtle branding, and silver accent rings around the earcups all contribute to a refined look. The design is instantly recognizable, and the engineering is solid enough to put Meze in competition with brands like Sennheiser and HIFIMAN at a similar or even higher price point.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is one of the highlights of both headphones. The headband’s self-adjusting suspension system allows the strap to mold itself naturally to the shape of your head. The earpads completely enclose the ears without creating hotspots or noticeable pressure, which means you can listen for hours without discomfort. The earcups swivel vertically about 15–20 degrees and horizontally a little less, which isn’t as much as some other headphones, but it’s sufficient for most head shapes.

The medium-density memory foam pads are wrapped in synthetic leather, smooth to the touch and firm enough to provide a snug seal. Since both models are closed-back, passive isolation is important, and the pads do a good job at keeping outside noise at bay while preventing significant sound leakage. If you ever need replacements, Meze provides spare pads in the package and even offers tutorials for swapping them — another nod to their right-to-repair philosophy. Third-party pad options also exist, but I recommend sticking with the originals if you want to preserve the stock sound signature.

Cable System and Accessories

The Meze 99 Neo’s cable deserves a special mention. Terminated with a 3.5 mm TRS plug, it works seamlessly with portable devices, and a 6.35 mm adapter is included for desktop amps or professional gear. The conductors are oxygen-free copper, which ensures low resistance and minimal signal loss. The cable is reinforced with Kevlar sheathing for most of its length, making it resistant to tangling and everyday wear. A branded cinch and splitter add a touch of style, while the connectors — though plastic — are gold-plated for protection against oxidation.

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Another thoughtful addition is the in-line microphone and remote control located on the left channel wire. This makes the Neo especially appealing to casual listeners who use their headphones with smartphones or laptops. Both the Classic and Neo share the same uncommon 3.5 mm mono connectors at the earcups, meaning the cables are interchangeable. The channel orientation is determined by the cable itself, with the microphone side clearly designated as the left channel. The included cable length is 1.5 meters, which is convenient for portable use but may feel short if you plan on sitting farther from your audio source. Thankfully, replacement and upgrade cables are widely available.

Sound Quality: Classic Warmth vs Neo Punch

Listening to music on the Meze 99 Classic, the first impression is smoothness. The sound is dense, velvety, and balanced with a touch of warmth in the mid-lows. Vocals stand out beautifully, natural and realistic whether male or female, while the treble is airy and transparent without crossing into harshness. The wooden earcups don’t just look good — they genuinely shape the sound, adding depth and refinement that make the Classics addictive to listen to. They invite long sessions where you find yourself discovering subtle details in tracks you thought you already knew well.

Switching to the Meze 99 Neo, the presentation shifts. The bass is still present, but a faint hum appears in the lower frequencies, likely due to the plastic housing. The midrange is less refined and slightly rougher, while the overall sound feels more straightforward. This doesn’t make them bad — in fact, for pop, EDM, and casual listening, the Neo delivers plenty of impact and excitement. But compared to the Classics, they lack the softness and delicacy that wooden earcups naturally bring. It’s a more mainstream sound, less expressive but still enjoyable.

Both headphones have an impedance of around 32 ohms, which means they can be driven by virtually anything — a smartphone, laptop, or desktop amp. However, they are sensitive to source quality. Connected to a proper amplifier, the Classics especially reveal more detail and dynamic nuance. On a phone or laptop, the difference between the two models is less obvious, but once paired with higher-quality equipment, the Classic pulls ahead decisively.

Repairability and Longevity

One of the standout features of both models is their commitment to sustainability. The Right to Repair philosophy is fully embraced here: almost every part can be replaced, from the earpads and headband to the drivers themselves. The headphones are held together with screws, not glue, making it possible to maintain them for years with minimal effort. This is not just an environmentally friendly approach, but also an economic one — instead of replacing the entire unit when something fails, you can repair it yourself with spare parts provided by Meze.

The only downside is the one-year warranty, which is shorter than the two years commonly offered by European brands. Still, given the modular design, long-term ownership feels less risky.

Final Verdict

Both the Meze 99 Classic and Meze 99 Neo are impressive in their own right, but they cater to different audiences.

• The 99 Classic is the clear choice for audiophiles or anyone who values musicality, natural timbre, and timeless craftsmanship. Its walnut earcups not only provide a warm, immersive sound but also make it an object of beauty. If you enjoy long, dedicated listening sessions and want to invest in a headphone that feels special, the Classic is worth the higher price.
• The 99 Neo, on the other hand, is a smart option for listeners who prioritize value, portability, and durability. Its ABS construction makes it more resistant to daily wear, and the inclusion of a Kevlar-reinforced cable with a microphone and controls shows that it’s designed with modern, everyday use in mind. The sound is more bass-forward and accessible, which suits casual listening, but it doesn’t reach the same level of refinement as the Classic.

Both headphones share excellent comfort, a robust and repairable design, and compatibility with virtually any device thanks to their low impedance. Choosing between them depends less on whether they are good — they both are — and more on what you prioritize: the warmth and richness of wood, or the affordability and practicality of plastic.

Pros & Cons

Meze 99 Classics

Pros

• Real wood cups create warm, natural sound
• Smooth, non-fatiguing treble
• Luxurious design and premium feel
• Fully serviceable and repairable
• Excellent comfort and ergonomics
• Works with portable devices but scales with amps

Cons

• Higher price than the Neo
• Wood requires more careful handling
• Cable length may be short for desktop setups

Meze 99 Neo

Pros

• More affordable than the Classics
• Durable ABS plastic body, travel-friendly
• Same comfort and build quality
• Replaceable parts (supports Right to Repair)
• Decent sound for the price

Cons

• Bass resonance and less refined sound
• Rougher mids compared to the Classics
• Plastic lacks the luxurious feel of wood

Specifications

Meze 99 Classics

• Driver: 40 mm dynamic neodymium
• Ear cups: Real walnut wood
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 25 kHz
• Sensitivity: 103 dB
• Weight: ~260 g (without cables)
• Cable: 1.5 m OFC, Kevlar reinforced, detachable

Meze 99 Neo

• Driver: 40 mm dynamic neodymium
• Ear cups: ABS plastic with textured finish
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 25 kHz
• Sensitivity: 103 dB
• Weight: ~260 g (without cables)
• Cable: 1.5 m OFC, Kevlar reinforced, detachable, inline mic