Editor’s note: this is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation)?

The Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) absolutely screams “luxury product” right out of the box. Not only do the headphones come with a super-ostentatious case and build, but also some Macassar Ebony paneling on the backs of the earcups that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end cigar shop. These are headphones meant to fit a certain image, and it’s not hard to figure that one out.

A friction rod allows you to get the right fit without futzing with preset adjustment intervals.

Using a friction-rod design, the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation)’s ear cups have an extreme range of motion in relation to the band, able to swivel or pull out quite far. The padded band is also able to unfurl quite far, so the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) can meet larger heads with no sweat. Though the headphones are quite heavy at 427g, the very plush ear pads and wider cup design distribute the weight well. However, be aware that you might strain your neck a bit, as that’s a lot of mass to add to your head.

These headphones are pretty much purpose-built for the computer or Hi-Fi setup, and not to be taken out and about with you. For one thing, the cost of these headphones is astronomical, so you might be tempted to baby these things. For another, the outside world might adversely affect these headphones through inclement weather, so these are best left tethered to where you do your serious listening. The upside is that the most commonly dirtied components, the ear pads, are easy to remove and clean. They’re held onto the earphones by some strong magnets and aren’t dislodged unless you really want them to be.

The padded band of the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) is wide and strong.

Much of the design of the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) is extremely similar to the original Meze Audio Liric — the vents, isodynamic drivers, and basic design is all virtually the same. The driver design is interesting in that it’s split up to take advantage of the natural anatomy of your outer ear, and this type of driver is not only in the Liric headphones, but also the higher-end Empyrean. However, Meze Audio changed up the structure of the mask in front of the driver to include what it’s calling a Quarter-Wavelength Resonator Mask. Essentially, this is put in place to keep sound above 7kHz under control, and it seems to do its job.

How does the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) connect?

You can use a balanced 4.4mm connection, or a regular unbalanced 3.5mm TRS connector.

The Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) connects to source devices via a Y-shaped cable with 3.5mm TRS or 4.4mm balanced termination. Each stem of the Y-cable terminates in a mono TS plug that inserts into the female 3.5mm jacks on each ear cup. Because the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) is so easy to drive, you shouldn’t have any trouble with power, or need for extra equipment. You should only need a DAC if your source doesn’t support the files you’re trying to listen to, or if there’s noise introduced by the signal chain somewhere.

How well do the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) block out noise?

Though the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) will most likely spend its time in a quieter setting — like in an office, by the computer, or dedicated listening station — it can still isolate you from outside noise to a respectable degree. Blocking an average of 68% of outside noise, a good seal will mean that you can expect quieter sounds like environmental noise, computer fans, and weird house sounds to get all but muted. Loud housemates will be dulled, but as always: the best way for you to avoid noise is for there not to be any around you in the first place.

How do the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) sound?

Though the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) is a fair bit bassier than audiophiles used to open-back headphones might be expecting, the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) will sound great to most listeners.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

The chart below shows how the sound of the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

With high scores across the board, it’s a good bet that most people will like the sound of the Meze Audio Liric II.

The Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) sounds very good, as a simulated panel of hundreds of listeners would rate the headphones very highly. Extremely high Timbre and Distortion scores make up for a somewhat less stellar immersiveness score. However, that score isn’t low enough to affect the overall much, and consequently, it’s a safe bet that most people will quite like the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation).

Reviewer’s notes

Editor’s note: this review uses a hover-enabled glossary to describe sound quality based on a consensus vocabulary. You can read about it here.

Objective Measurements

For a set of audiophile headphones, this is an interesting response, as it’s one of a select few that emphasizes bass as much as it does. Though sub-bass falls off a little bit, this will sound a fair bit more “normal” to more novice headphone enthusiasts. The high end seems to have a more toned-down ear gain bump that our target favors, and this will be a plus for longer listening sessions.

There’s a bit of wobble in the high-end response, but this isn’t exactly to the degree where it would count as a flaw, as each deviation is within 4dB at worst. However, some people will perceive these ranges of over-emphasis as added detail, as some of the softer sounds in these ranges like echo, room effects, and string attack will be much easier to hear. However, some high harmonics might end up grating at high listening volumes — which is something you should be avoiding anyway.

The Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) measures well, but some audiophiles might be looking for something else.

Though we don’t often find distortion to be all that objectionable in audio products, the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) is outstanding at keeping a lid on added junk noise and unwanted changes to your audio. The multi-paned planar magnetic drivers that we saw on the last version of Liric headphones is truly creative, and are quite solid in this department. If you can hear junk noise, be sure that there isn’t something wrong with your signal chain, or source.

If we were to wager who would be the intended audience for this kind of sound, it would definitely be the above-30 crowd, as Knowles’ research shows that extreme treble extension is something preferred by older listeners. Though the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) isn’t a set of in-ears, there’s something to the idea that good sound is universal, as evidenced by our experiences with having independent validation of our preference curve.

Can you use the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) for phone calls?

As the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) does not have a microphone, you can’t use it for phone calls. Though it’s possible you could find a replacement cable with one, the included options with the headphones don’t have such an assembly.

Should you buy the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation)?

The Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) is certainly a looker, and proof positive that headphones look better with the classic build materials.

If you’ve read this review all the way through, you probably already know whether or not the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) is something that you want in your life. The long and short of it is that these headphones are exactly the kind of thing I talk about when I say that expensive headphones are (sometimes) worth it. For those not looking to chase an uncatchable audio quality dragon, the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) is a solid buy for those with almost $3,000 to blow on headphones. It may not be able to do everything you want to do at all times, but it will work quite well at a computer or listening station.

To state the obvious, there are headphones that are cheaper and do more than the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation). Additionally, headphones like the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) are mainly geared toward those who aren’t really all that concerned about money in the first place and are picking their next set of cans to serve as a set piece or something they’ll never have to replace. Is the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) good? Yes. Is it thousands of dollars good? Well… the wood speaks to me. I like it.

What should you get instead of the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation)?

Those looking for an alternative will deal with matters of taste more than objectively better or worse sound. Truth be told, at this price point, there’s not exactly a dearth of options, but the idea of “value” is right out the window.

The Sennheiser HD 800 S is a time-tested model of high-end headphones.

Should that $2,000 you’d need to spend to get the Meze Audio Liric (2nd Generation) seem a little too steep for you, you may want to check out the Focal Azurys (). Closed-back headphones in the high-end bracket face diminishing returns the higher you go, so if what you care about is a striking aesthetic and good sound, you could have both for about a quarter of the price.

If you’re not after a bassier sound, you should probably take a long hard look at the Sennheiser HD 800 S (). It’s an extremely competent set of headphones, an icon, and a solid performer. The HiFiMan Sundara () is also an extremely utilitarian set of headphones that performs extremely well.

Frequently asked questions

• Today, Meze Audio announced its second Generation of LIRIC closed-back headphones.
• The new model features a striped ebony wood finish and a new Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask, which aims to offer smoother highs.
• The LIRIC 2nd Generation headphones are available now for $2,000.

Meze Audio has announced the release of the LIRIC 2nd Generation headphones, an update to their LIRIC series. The new model includes various enhancements and a notable aesthetic update with a striped ebony wood finish.

The LIRIC 2nd Generation promises an improved sound profile thanks to the leather-clad earcups, designed to offer a warmth that adds depth, and a newly implemented Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask (QWRM), which the company claims will smooth out high-frequency peaks above 7 kHz. They also utilize planar magnetic technology, developed in partnership with Rinaro, with the Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver scaled down and tuned to deliver an audio experience that they say aligns with Meze Audio’s larger counterparts found in the Empyrean and Elite.

The LIRIC 2nd Generation also features detachable magnetic earpads for easy replacement and comes with a braided copper cable and a longer TPE cable for varied listening setups. Priced at $2,000, the LIRIC 2nd Generation is now available for purchase.

Tech Specs

Editor’s note: this is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Meze Audio 109 Pro?

Meze Audio — probably best known for the 99 Classics — has a distinct look to its headphones. They tend to feature dark, earthy palettes, wood, and metal. The 109 Pro continues this throughline with their sustainably sourced black walnut housing, complimented by satin black, and copper-colored detailing. Overall, the finish is good, with intricate flourishes and subtle branding. For instance, looking at the complex grill over the dynamic drivers is pleasing. Not content with making attractive headphones, you can fix and replace plenty of parts on the 109 Pro, extending the lifespan.

The open-back headphones’ frame comprises wood, zinc, manganese steel, and vegan leather. They weigh 375g without the cable. Given that these headphones are meant to stay where you set them up, they do not fold down. However, they come with a sturdy hardshell case and a pouch you can fit in the case for stowing the included cables. These soft TPE-covered cables terminate at a standard 3.5mm headphone jack with two lengths (1.5m and 3m). Plus, you get an adapter for 1/4-inch headphone jacks.

Meze 109 Pro ear cups have a few degrees of play to adjust the over-ear fit.

Included with the 109 Pro are velour earpads, which feel nice but aren’t exceptionally cushy, like those on the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X. For the price, a second pair of earpads would be appreciated in a different material. While the headband utilizes a comfortable tension fit that disperses the weight evenly and automatically sizes to fit, the clamping pressure, in combination with the ear pads pressing on the sides, can cause slight nerve pain after an hour or two of use. Ultimately, this depends on how the 109 Pro headphones fit you, and for reference, this is a concern I have with more headphones than the average consumer. Still, it’s surprising to experience nerve pain from headphones that do not fit super tightly. That said, it doesn’t happen every time I wear the headphones.

How do the Meze Audio 109 Pro connect?

The Meze 109 Pro connects the left and right ear cups using TS minijacks.

To connect the 109 Pro, you get two cables to choose between that connect to your source using a 3.5mm headphone jack. There’s also an included adapter for 1/4-inch jacks. Each cable is made with a good quality TPE-clad Y-cable and securely connects to each ear cup via one 3.5mm male TS per side. You’ll appreciate the two cable length choices if there’s some distance between your audio player or PC tower.

Speaking of computers, you can drive the 109 Pro without a dedicated headphone amp from your computer because they have an impedance of 40Ω and a sensitivity of 112dB SPL (@1kHz, 1mW). You’ll likely need a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) if you want to listen at home from your phone, but nothing too fancy.

How well do the Meze Audio 109 Pro block out noise?

The Meze Audio 109 Pro are open-back headphones that do not block much external noise. This is not a bug but a characteristic of open-back headphones, which do not isolate well. So, you’re best off listening to these in a quiet room so that your environment does not interfere with your enjoyment, and consider that your tunes might be audible to those around you.

How do the Meze Audio 109 Pro sound?

Reviewer’s notes

Editor’s note: this review uses a hover-enabled glossary to describe sound quality based on a consensus vocabulary. You can read about it here.

Should you buy the Meze Audio 109 Pro?

The Meze 109 Pro are excellent for critical and casual listening at home.

The Meze Audio 109 Pro will make sense if you have the right gap in your headphone collection. For most, the 109 Pro will not be a sole set of headphones, as they don’t make much sense outside or on commutes, for example. They’re not especially “neutral” sounding, so audio engineers should keep that in mind.

All that considered the 109 Pro headphones stand as well made and relatively lightweight. They fit comfortably along the crown as well. The ear pads aren’t the coziest, but they feel fine. Like most parts of the 109 Pro, you can replace them. They provide a good width of the stereo field and let you easily detect where instruments are panned. Try them if you’re looking for a bit more bass output than the average open-back set of headphones.

What should you get instead of the Meze Audio 109 Pro?

The Sennheiser HD 660S2 offer a solid value.

If what appeals to you is the somewhat consumer-oriented sound and wood accents, the Meze Audio Classics 99 cost less money (), although the sound is pretty different. There are also the Thinksound ov21 headphones (), which use sustainable materials and scoop the mids a little more than we’d like, but otherwise are excellent headphones and notably lighter weight. Both of these options have closed-backs for better isolation.

What stands out about the Meze Audio 109 Pro’s tuning is that there’s more low-end than you might expect for open-backs. At the same time, Sennheiser boasts a plethora of headphones such as the HD 600 (), HD 650 (), and HD 660 S2 (), which all sound great, they all roll off the low-end volume. They all suit critical listening due to their traditionally “neutral” frequency responses. Compared to the 109 Pro, these have less treble emphasis as well.

Not a recent release but still a great contender, the Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO.

Suppose the Meze Audio 109 Pro is too rich for your bank account. In that case, the Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO are a solid alternative at a cheaper price () for analytical listeners. The bass response measures flat, and the treble adheres well to our legacy studio curve. Still, they’re not nearly as luxurious as the 109 Pro.

Similarly, if you have a headphone amp, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO sound great for . Striking a good balance of repairability and not requiring a headphone amp, the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X are excellent for that legacy studio tuning, and priced at . Meanwhile, the closed-back Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X () sounds a bit closer to the Meze Audio 109 Pro.

Frequently asked questions

Editor’s note: this is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Meze Audio Empyrean?

The copper finished, CNC machined aluminum open backs of the ear cups are quite stunning.

The Meze Empyrean arrives in a stylish black attache-style aluminum briefcase with a molded foam interior that’s custom fitted to the headphones. The headphones and cable have separate compartments, which means you’ll need to detach the cable each time you return them to the case. When you pick up the headphones they hang in an awkward, limp, gangly fashion, and the ear cups are prone to rotating on their tension rods. This means slipping them onto your head is not always as straightforward as you might like, and it takes a few seconds to get everything oriented correctly. The mini XLR connectors protrude forwards from the bottom of the ear cups, ensuring the weighty Y split reinforcement of the cable hangs down in front of your chest.

Once the hefty ear cups are properly situated around your ears, it becomes clear that the unusual design of the carbon fibre headband and leather headrest actually make them extremely comfortable for long periods of time. One important thing to note though is that there is very little clamping force, and Meze’s “pressure distribution wings” seem to rely on gravity to keep the headphones in place. This means the Empyrean tends to slide around a bit if you tilt your head up or down, and if you’re the kind of person who really likes to recline or lie down while listening, you’re not going to get an optimal experience because of this.

There is very little clamping force, so the Empyrean tends to slide around a bit

The headphones are supplied with two sets of interchangeable ear pads, one set covered with leather, and the others with softer, suede-like Alcantara. Changing the pads is very straightforward thanks to the magnetic coupling system used. Another positive is the fact that the headphones are fully serviceable with replacement components, meaning they ought to last a few years.

How does the Meze Audio Empyrean connect?

The included OFC cable features mini XLR connectors. a woven fibre braided sleeve, and a hefty, Meze branded reinforcement at the Y split.

Our review sample came with a 1.2m long “Y” cable with locking miniature 4-pin, color-coded female XLR connectors to deliver signal the ear cups, terminated at the input with a 3.5mm stereo jack plug. No adapter for the larger 1/4-inch plug is supplied. The black braided fabric-covered cable is an appropriate length for using while sitting at a computer, or plugged into a pocketable digital audio player (DAP), but too short for much else. Sensibly, options at time of purchase include 2.5m cables, with either a 1/4-inch TRS jack or a 4 pin XLR connector for driving the headphones in a balanced configuration.

Although most of the headphones in this elevated price range feature locking connectors at the headphone end, we actually prefer non-locking connectors that will release in the event that you snag the cable on something or if your DAP falls out of your pocket, thereby actually protecting the most expensive part of your investment (and your head) from damage. But hey, these look premium!

How well does the Meze Audio Empyrean block out noise?

Acoustic isolation offered by either of the included ear pads is pretty negligible (leather ear pads shown).

The headphones offer virtually nothing in terms of acoustic isolation, owing to their open backs. This might be viewed as a good thing, since you won’t need to remove them to communicate if someone interrupts your listening session.

We’re happy to confirm that the Empyrean don’t exhibit any audible passive amplification of ambient noise, which we have seen on some open backs.

How does the Meze Audio Empyrean sound?

Should you buy the Meze Audio Empyrean?

The Isodynamic Hybrid Array drivers can be seen through metal mesh that’s part of the removable ear pads.

If you’re going to spend thousands on one set of headphones, they should be pretty close to perfect. The sound of the Meze Empyrean is exemplary. The headband design does an amazing job of letting you forget you’re wearing them. Build quality is superb, and they certainly look the part. The main issues we found were with stability on the head and with inconsistent performance across the included ear pads, which itself is likely a consequence of the low clamping force the headphones provide. If these minor gripes aren’t deal breakers for you, find a place to take a listen — at a price like this, you should definitely take the time to try before you buy.

What should you get instead of the Meze Audio Empyrean?

Lightweight magnesium grilles are used to protect the open backs of the planar drivers.

The Audeze LCD-5 are a close competitor to the Empyrean, boasting a similarly refined sound profile from their planar magnetic drivers, and also utilize space age materials to justify their price tag. They are definitely worth auditioning side by side if you have the opportunity ().

The Meze Audio Liric offer open-back-like performance with the isolation of a closed back headphone. They are a bit heavier but share the Empyrean’s driver technology, so are definitely worth adding to your short list — You can pick them up for a comparatively reasonable .

The Sennheiser HD 800 S is another superb sounding, super comfortable open backed headphone.

The Sennheiser HD 800 S are a bit more down to earth in terms of price (), but sound excellent. For those who can live without show-offy exotic materials, they’re still very much a prestige product.

Frequently asked questions

Editor’s note: This review was updated on January 24, 2023 to correct formatting, style issues, and improve interlinking. 

What’s it like to use the Meze Audio 99 Classics?

Using the Meze 99 Classics is simple. With the exception of the removable cables, pretty much all of your interactions with the headphones will be some variation of: place on head, hit play. There aren’t any smart features here, as the headphones are simply a basic tool for listening to music. There’s no app, there’s no advanced virtualization or surround features, and there are no features dependent on data collection. There’s just a cable and driver elements, just as God intended.

Weighing in at 261g, this is a light headset.

The basic construction is mainly composed of metal and wood, which might make you think this is heavy, but you’d be wrong. When you plop them on your head, you really notice how light they are. The metal bars up top fit nicely but the self-adjusting suspension headband does all the work, allowing the headphones to fit snugly without being too tight. That kind of form-fitting is also reflected in the padding on the ear cups which sit almost flat around the ears but still allow them room to breathe.

Design-wise, this is a very aesthetically-pleasing pair of headphones. The black metal is accented with lots of gold, and the dark walnut ear cups aren’t too shabby either. The connecting joints on the skeleton of the headphones are the only place where you’ll find the Meze branding. The 3.5mm inputs on the bottom of each ear cup are also accented in gold, which helps you locate them easily and you’ll be happy for them if you’re trying to do this in the dark.

The Meze 99 Classics looks like it could be easily crushed by a book or a hard drop, but durable materials mean durable headphones. Because of the replaceable cable design, this ought to last you a long time. Meze is putting its money where its mouth is too, offering an “endless” warranty. As long as you own the headphones, Meze will take care of you. Personally, I appreciate headphones built to be a tool you use for a long time rather than something you buy and subsequently trash every year. There’s also an included hard shell case if you don’t feel like putting that warranty to the test anytime soon.

How do you connect the Meze Audio 99 Classics?

The Meze 99 Classics isn’t a Bluetooth headset, so if you’re looking for a wireless option you’ll have to look somewhere else. Instead, these headphones are fully-wired with two Y-shaped cables in the box: one 3m cable for use in a studio setting or at a desk, and one for use with portable devices. These cables plug into the jacks at the bottom of the ear cups, and are joined by a plastic Y-split protector. There’s also a 3.5mm airplane adapter and a 1/4-inch adapter.

The recessed audio inputs make it easy to guide the jack in.

The first cable doesn’t have playback controls or anything like that, but the second one comes with a mic and in-line controls about an inch or two down from the left ear cup. Pressing the multi-function button once pauses and plays music as well as answers phone calls, while double tapping skips songs, and triple tapping starts the song over or goes back to a previous song. You can also hold it down to access Siri or Google search.

How well does the Meze Audio 99 Classics block out noise?

Like most over-ears, the Meze 99 Classics offer a decent level of isolation from outside noise.

Overall, the Meze 99 Classics offers decent isolation from outside noise, and will quiet the world around you well. However, like most passive headphones, these won’t isolate much below 300Hz, and you will probably hear engine rumbles and vehicle noise along with your music. If you need more noise reduction than this, consider getting noise canceling headphones.

High-frequency noise will be quieted by half to one-sixteenth of its original loudness, depending on frequency. Like most closed-back over-ears, the Meze 99 Classics do really well at killing high-frequency noise.

How do the Meze Audio 99 Classics sound?

Meze 99 Classic response is shown in cyan, our ideal response curve, shown in pink.

Despite its high price, the Meze 99 Classics exhibits quite a consumer-friendly sound, and comes close to our ideal headphone response. Hallmarks of this kind of tuning include emphasized bass, and a bit of added emphasis in the highs between 4-10kHz. This is a pretty big plus, as most people will gravitate toward this kind of sound anyways. However, there are a couple of quirks you should be aware of before you decide whether or not to buy.

Generally, vocals and low frequencies come through a bit louder compared to other elements of songs. Sometimes this can lead to higher-pitched instrument sounds getting lost in busy mixes, or sounding a little quieter than you might expect. Many Barry White songs will sound like the instruments were pretty much an afterthought even though they’re quite important to the piece. Similarly, pop songs that have a lot of guitars or cymbals will lose their prominence in the presence of lower-pitched sounds.

However, not all the highs are quiet. Between 4-9kHz, sounds are emphasized to a rather high degree in comparison to the surrounding ranges. It’s unclear why Meze made this choice, but it can sometimes give prominence to lingering artifacts from recording like room reverb and echoes. It’s not grating, though, it’s just a quirk that can easily be equalized away.

Can you use the Meze Audio 99 Classics for phone calls?

The microphone of the Meze 99 Classics preserves low-end sound while dampening the higher end of voices.

When you use the 1.2m cable with the inline mic/remote module, you can use the 99 Classics for phone calls. As you can hear below, the mic does very well in quiet, ideal conditions. While the mic transmits some background noise in our office and street simulations, its performance outdoes many embedded Bluetooth mic systems. Take a listen and let us know what you think!

Meze Audio 99 Classics microphone demo (Ideal):

Meze Audio 99 Classics microphone demo (Office):

Meze Audio 99 Classics microphone demo (Street):

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Should you buy the Meze Audio 99 Classics?

The suspension headband should accommodate most head sizes.

The Meze 99 Classics is a set piece in any of the available finishes (walnut gold, walnut black) to be sure. It’s very attractive and very expensive, so you really need to be sure you’re willing to spend the money on a set of wired headphones before you take the plunge.

Smartphones with headphone jacks are a rare breed nowadays, so it’s entirely possible that these cans aren’t the ones for you simply because of which phone you have. The Meze 99 Classics is definitely more difficult to take out on the town now than in 2016, but it would fit in well at a desk or listening station. There really aren’t that many headphones out there below $500 USD that include walnut in the construction, and while this isn’t perfect: you could do a whole lot worse for the money.

What should you get instead of the Meze 99 Classics?

If you’re a big fan of the walnut ear cups—and let’s be honest, wood looks awesome—the other main option you have at this price point is the Thinksound ov21. The ov21 also offers a high-end option with a primarily wooden construction, along with a really fun sound. It’s not for everyone, but a focus on environmentally-friendly manufacturing means this is one of the rare times where eco-conscious buyers can have their cake and eat it too.

The Meze 99 Classics offer a flatter frequency response than the Thinksound ov21.

Isolation performance is similar between the two headphones, but the main difference is in the sound quality. With the ov21, bass will sound more pronounced than it appears in the chart above due to a steep under-emphasis in the mids. Vocals will also sound a bit quieter than cymbals, higher notes on stringed instruments, and instrument attack. In contrast, the Meze 99 Classics will sound a little closer to what it “should” sound like, but many out there will think it doesn’t make basslines stand out like they’re expecting. Just a matter of taste.

Frequently asked questions about the Meze Audio 99 Classics