Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen review: walnut-cupped wired headphone beauties to level up the OG model

The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen are a compelling set of over-ear headphones, combining trademark build-quality excellence with some timely upgrades on the first-generation model. Better bass, butter-smooth highs and impressive sound isolation make these a great pair of listening headphones overall; their comfort puts them over the edge. My personal soft spot for all things Meze might be shining through here, particularly when the sound of the 99 Classics 2nd Gen – while generally great – doesn’t quite match up to its potential. The scooped midrange, and some suboptimal performance above and below a volume sweet spot, are a collective shame. These scruples are, to my mind at least, outweighed by the build quality, versatility and part-replaceability of a set of headphones designed to live with you for some time.