Meze 99 Classics Walnut Gold | Wired Over-Ear Headphones with Mic and Self Adjustable Headband | Classic Wooden Closed-Back Headset for Audiophiles
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Rees
> 24 hourAs you can tell from my 5 stars, I love, LOVE these headphones. Where do I start? Look, if you are like me and looking to buy headphones in this price range, Im assuming youve been doing research and probably lots of it. If not just google reviews of these headphones. People more qualified than I can break down these headphones better than I can. What I can say is these headphones just sound right. I was looking to upgrade from my Sennheiser Momentum 2s. Another pair of headphones I really like. However it was lacking in some areas. While the bass with those are quite impressive, it did have a tendency to bleed into or overpower other aspects of the music. Also, the mids where a little bit more recessed. I wanted something that was a bit more balanced but not neutral. I would not consider myself a basshead, but I still like the bass to have some punch and impact to it. So after looking at and trying a bunch of headphones in this price range, I stumbled upon these beauties. Not just the looks, that are absolutely gorgeous. It certainly has a sound to match. These checked pretty much all the boxes i was looking for in a headphone. The bass is there, nice and powerful when called upon. It is controlled very well and knows its place. the mids a bit more forward than the sennheiser, but i would say this is still kind of a V shaped sound signature. with just enough emphasis on the low and hi end to make it fun. Treble might roll off a bit near the top end, but it didnt take anything away from the sound, just made it so its not so fatiguing for long listen sessions. Like I said, they just sound right and natural. I listen to just about every style of music. Everything I threw at these, these headphones could handle. I certainly would recommend these headphones for anybody. They just add so much to whatever you may be listening to. I listen to a lot of extreme metal. So if you are like me and like music like that I highly recommend these. I have not found a better pair of headphones that can handle that type of music without getting muddy. For example, I listened to Wormeds new album with these. I was hearing an amout of detail I hadnt heard before. Normally the drums tend to over power everything and little subtle details get lost in the mix. Not with the 99s. Everything had its place and I was even able to pick up the samples and little keyboards parts that I had no idea was there. I also wanted to mention the comfort with these. I listen to music pretty much all day at work. I had no issues with these on. I wear glasses and normally after a little while the pads start pushing the arms into my head and it can be a little uncomfortable. Not with these. I can barely tell I have these on. I was actually worried that they would be too loose, but they arent. They have just the right amount of clamping force to stay in place and seal properly, without making your head feel like they are in a vice. I was told that these headphones produced a lot of microphonics as well. I didnt really notice that. I mean, yeah, if Im listening to something that is quite or I have something paused, you can hear the cord rubbing. At normal listening volumes, it wasnt a problem however. Already wrote a longer review than I intended too. What can I say though, I do absolutely love these headphones and would recommend them. Cant really explain why I think these are so good, youve just got to hear them.
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Dettlaff Insomniac
> 24 hourI just recently got into hifi, so I dont have that much to compare them to, but on their own I love wearing them, the sound is amazing, they look gorgeous and you barely feel them on you. The carry case and all the extras included are a good bonus and shows the attention to detail from Meze. Ill definitely be getting more Meze headphones in future.
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King Neptune
> 24 hourSome of the most comfortable headphones Ive ever owned. Excellent sound quality with low impedance, so no DAC necessary to drive them. Great looking too with the walnut cups and the gold accents. Easily recommendable.
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Elvie Hahn
> 24 hourI purchased these headphones with some reservations about the size. I have been looking for a good set to travel with without compromising on sound quality. I did not end up keeping these headphones due to the size (although they are not any bigger than a lot of over ear sets on the market), but they were one of the hardest returns Ive had to make. The sound is exceptional, it really blew me away, and the build quality is solid. Nothing on these headphones looks or feels cheap. I would recommend these to anyone looking for a full size, over ear set.
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WB
> 24 hourI wanted to love these so bad. The design is beautiful. The wood is beautiful. They are very sensitive, dont need an amplifier, work great with a phone. Unfortunately the bass is boomy and bloated and interferes with the mids. The other deal breaker for me was the comfort. The cups are too small, they touch my ears, and when I turn my head side to side it breaks the seal of the pads and does funny things to the sound. I will keep my HD6XX for home listening and IEMs for portable.
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EDWIN ROMANI MARCOS
> 24 hourThese are one of the best headphones I own. Very comfy. Beatufyul design. Excellent sound. And for the price for mid price range headphones REALLY REALLY worthy!!
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Sunshine
> 24 hourMost of my headphones are open back, and I share an office with my father so I needed a closed back solution. I heard great things about these and man I love them. Nice and punchy without losing any clarity, and they dont really need any EQ adjustments for my tastes. Use the mostly for gaming but theyre great for music.
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Rolidnot
> 24 hourMeze has a solid performer in the Classic 99’s. I’ve worn them for hours and they are comfortable even on my 8 1/4 hat size cranium. Headphone sound reproduction analysis is a subjective topic. For me, the Meze phones are warm with good bass, distinct tonal separation and a comfortable high end that lacks shrillness. The Meze 99’s are physically “noise cancelling” because they are sealed over the ear models, not open headphones like many of the Grado Headphones. They do NOT have specific noise canceling technology but they are far quieter than any noise canceling headphones I currently own including Bluetooth noise canceling earbuds. The Meze 99 phones come with a two cords. A shorter cord for phone and general audio use and a longer cord that lacks the integrated phone functionality. The build quality and overall appearance are superb. The walnut exterior is as warm as the tonal qualities. I use a circa 2006 McIntosh MVP-861 CD player with an IFi Zen Air Can MZ-99 headphone amp that is purpose built for these Meze 99 phones and adds to the balance and warmth of the Meze 99’s. I bought the Meze 99’s refurbed and they were a great value and looked brand new on arrival. That reduced the list price by more than 1/3 making the Meze 99’s as good a value as they are a headphone. The Meze 99’s are ideal for a weekend or rainy day listening session. I’ve grown to like them very quickly and see no “cons”, especially when purchased refurbished. Hope that helps! PS - I had an issue with one of the short headphone cords, it was cutting in and out. I contacted the seller, Audio Exchange, and they quickly sent me a new cable. Outstanding service!
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LoSo
> 24 hourThese beauties are not only for your eyes to gaze upon, but also delivers incredible sound, a neutral sound signature with a hint of warmness. Great separation, clarity, and sound stage. These do have quite the punch and sub. The warmness is just delicate enough to not make the bass muddy, but enough to make you shiver to a good EDM beat. Im currently running these on an ATOM AMP & ATOM DAC and wow it brings out the clarity of the music. I have had these for about a week and have used them for all different kind of genres with no problem whatsoever. Comfort is top-notch. Low pressure, lots of space for your ears, a headband that makes the headphone fit you perfectly, and PU leather that you cant get enough of. One thing to note however is that they are quite big, but that is absolutely not a problem for me. I might be biased because these are my first pair of high-end headphones, but they are incredible and worth every penny.
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#gregadd
> 24 hourFor the money fit and finish are exemplary The wood improves the sound It is comfortable and the headband is self adjusting There is a slight ear sweat in prolonged listening sessions do not necessarily recommend them for use Jin the rain I replaced the cable and earpads O am an audiophile The one negate thing for me is the earpads are not snap on. And the cable is designed to release under pressure. You might like that Highly recommended.