MEZE AUDIO 99 Classics Review: Natural Sound in a Wooden Design

I've been testing the MEZE AUDIO 99 Classics Walnut Gold headphones for a couple of weeks now. If you're like me, you might wonder if these are truly for the picky audiophiles or just another set with a fancy design. Let's dive into what these headphones have to offer and whether they live up to the claims.

From the start, the pitch was clear—natural sound in a unique wooden design. But, honestly, marketing claims aren't always what they seem, so I was cautiously optimistic. Having been through a fair share of headphones myself, I was looking for something that truly stands out in terms of both sound and build quality.

In this review, I'll break down the design, comfort, and sound quality of the MEZE 99 Classics, and how they perform in real-world use. My personal take is embedded in each section, giving you a heads-up on what to expect if you're considering a purchase.

By the end, you'll know whether these headphones are worth your hard-earned cash or if you should keep looking elsewhere.

The first thing you'll notice about the MEZE AUDIO 99 Classics is their design. The genuine walnut wood earcups are not just for aesthetics; they actually give each pair a unique look. This isn't your run-of-the-mill plastic headset. The wood gives off a vibe that’s both classy and vintage. Personally, I liked the look—it's different from the usual sleek, modern designs you see everywhere.

Aside from the wood, there's the gold accent that tries to give it that 'luxury' feel. It complements the wood nicely, but I'll admit, it's a matter of personal taste whether you like it or not. In practice, the design feels solid and well-put-together. The use of high-quality fasteners instead of glue is a nice touch, indicating it's built to last. After two weeks, I experienced no wear or tear, which is a good sign.

However, the design does lean towards being a bit bulky. If you're someone who likes using headphones on the go, these might not be the easiest to carry around despite the hard carrying pouch. They’re more suited for home or office use where they can sit comfortably on your desk.

Comfort is a big deal for me, especially since I tend to wear headphones for hours on end. The MEZE 99 Classics come with a self-adjusting headband. It's made from vegan leather and has a manganese spring steel outer band. This setup is supposed to distribute the weight evenly, and I can confirm it does a decent job.

During my testing period, I wore these headphones for extended gaming sessions and work meetings, and they didn’t cause discomfort. The ear cups are quite plush and fit well over the ears, which helps in reducing pressure. However, if you have a larger head, you might find them slightly snug after a few hours.

Compared to other headphones I've used, these rank pretty well in the comfort department. They're not feather-light, but they're not overly heavy either. They strike a good balance, which is important if you're planning on using them for long durations. In practice, they’re comfortable enough for most use cases, though not perfect.

Durability is often overlooked, but it's crucial if you want headphones that will last you a while. The MEZE 99 Classics have been crafted with precision, using replaceable components. This means if something breaks, you don’t necessarily have to buy a whole new set. That’s a refreshing change from more disposable models out there.

I've been using them daily, throwing them in a bag, and they’ve held up well. The materials feel sturdy enough to withstand everyday use. The wooden ear cups particularly impressed me, as they didn’t show signs of wear or scratches even after some rough handling.

Compared to headphones with plastic components, these seem like they’ll last longer. However, keep in mind that they are not water-resistant, so they’re not suitable for gym or outdoor use in humid conditions. For everyday home and office use, they should hold up fine.

After using the MEZE AUDIO 99 Classics for music, podcasts, and gaming, I have to say the sound quality is pretty solid. The low impedance (32 Ohm) design makes them power efficient, so you can plug them into almost any device without needing amplification, which is a plus.

The sound is balanced, with clear mids and highs. The bass isn't overwhelming, which I personally liked, but if you're a bass-head, you might find it lacking. I found the sound isolation to be decent, not outstanding. In a quiet room, they work great, but in noisier environments, some sound does seep through.

Compared to my previous set of headphones, these offer a more natural sound. It's not life-changing, but it gets the job done for most casual listening sessions. For gaming, the spatial sound isn't as immersive as some gaming-specific headsets, but the clarity is definitely there. For the price, I'd say the performance is good, but not groundbreaking.