How quickly time flies, it seems that until recently the 99 Classics from Meze company were an ambitious novelty, and now they should be written down as a well-tested by time models for a wide range of users. Almost the same can be said about two of their IEM models: 11 Neo, which I have already reviewed, and , which is devoted to today's review.
In general, both models are very similar to each other: characteristics, packaging, package delivery and even the shape of the hulls. The difference is in the materials of the case (in 12 the model uses a tree) and, of course, in the sound. However, the difference also touched on the price, the "classics" cost $ 20 more than the "neo", they ask for $ 80, although I would not say that they are very different by "level", but rather, it can be about a different pitch.
Specifications
- Emitter: 8 mm, Mylar diaphragm with titanium sputtering, coil of copper-plated aluminum
- Frequency range: 16 Hz to 24 kHz
- Impedance: 16Ω
- Sensitivity: 101 ± 3 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.5%
- Noise reduction: up to 26 dB
- Plug: 3.5 mm TRRS with headset, gold-plated
- Cable: 7N anoxic copper, 1.2 m
Packing and delivery kit
The box here is practically a copy of box 11 models, adjusted for color and printing. On the outside, according to tradition, the main features of headphones and technical characteristics are shown. Inside is a standard round hood with a snake and headphones, laid out in the form of a company logo. Also in the case the buyer will find a pair of Comply foams, 3 pairs of single-flange nozzles of different sizes, a pair of two-flange attachments and a clothes peg to fix the wire to the clothes.
In general, the delivery package is normal, although not terrific imagination.
Design and Convenience
The headphones are made in cases with the same complex paraboloid of rotation as the 11 Neo model, but this time the case is made of wood with metal inserts on the ends. Since the tree is always unique, the left and right headphones can differ in texture (I have them even slightly different in color). The combination of wood with a dark metal looks very good, even in such small sizes. The build quality is above all praise, there are no flaws or shortcomings.
The dimensions of the case are quite typical for modern headphones of this form factor, so they easily sit in almost any ears, except for the smallest ones. With the right selection of attachments, they wear very comfortable, even for a long time. Sound insulation is typical for the form factor and is somewhere on average.
Cable in 12 models, like 11, is reliable, in silicone insulation. All possible places are protected from fractures by rubber pads, so that you do not have to worry about durability (under the condition of normal circulation). On the wire of the right earpiece is a headset, it is made in one style with a splitter and a plug, which gives a noticeable bonus to the appearance of the model. The wire has a small microphone effect, so with it you have to fight either using a complete clothespin, or just a BTE wearing. Since the headphones have no problems wearing this way, I prefer the option with the wire up. The cable is slightly inclined to entangle and almost does not harden in the cold.
Sound
The following equipment was used for listening.
- NuPrime DAC-10H and Resonessence Labs Concero HP as DAC and Amplifier
- Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2013 as a source
- Fidelia as a player
- Lotoo PAW Gold, Fiio X7 and Luxury & Precission L5Pro as portable players
- High Definition Records in Lossless-formats (Dr. Chesky The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)
Before listening to the headphones were warmed for 48 hours.
In fact, the difference between 11 and 12 Meze models is not so great, 11 sound a little more equal and neutral, for 12 they made a slightly more "tasteful" AFC with a characteristic underline of bass and treble. Thus, users are given the choice of a more suitable feeder.
The bass in 12 Classics is a little accented, traditionally the main emphasis is on midbass, although deeper low frequencies are also present, but fans of massage of eardrums this model will not do. The resolution of the bass is not bad, although due to accent - it's not prohibitive. Working out textures is also at a similar level. Due to the emphasis on LF, the supply of headphones takes on a warm shade, diluted, however, by upper frequencies. The bass here is not the most monumental, but the basis for the submission is set by him.
The average frequencies are slightly reduced in quantity, so the 12 Classics are not headphones for fans to listen to the smallest nuances, their ridge is rather emotional. Naturally, the player's detailing is sufficient for the full transfer of most of the nuances of music, just these headphones do not try to pull out all the micro-parts and put them "under your nose" to the listener. The headphones are good at conveying the character of the instruments, but their size is slightly less than the real ones. The imaginary scene is slightly less than the average in width and the average in depth. For headphones with flavoring, a more intimate space design is more characteristic.
The upper frequency range is slightly accentuated, however, moderately enough. This makes the headphones picky to the quality of recording, but instead gives the listener a lot of subtle nuances, which without this would be lost against the background of the low-frequency range. At the same time, 12 Classics accentuate HF moderately, they do not break into metal clangs and cuts, as it happens with other models, their HFs remain well-designed and well readable. Naturally, working off attacks and damping is not ideal, but it's normal for this price range.
Quite a few comparisons.
Trinity Vyrus . On the Meze side, a more accurate pitch, their sound is more "refined", but Trinity, despite the slight dirt in the sound, is very emotional, plus a removable wire and tuning sound filters will find their connoisseurs.
Ostry KC06A . The lower and middle frequencies of these two models are quite similar in pitch, with a slight advantage in the number of low frequencies in favor of Meze, but the RF headphones are built differently. Ostry has some attempt to "mute" the HF for a more comfortable sound, on some players (ku-ku, xDuoo) leading to wool in the sound, and Meze on the contrary slightly emphasize this range.
Fiio EX1 . Headphones, which relate only to the price range, the sound of them is noticeably different due to the openness of the EX1. The latter sound "wider" and slightly more restrained on the LF.
Compatibility
Headphones generally well swing and conventional smartphones, because of the more flavorful feed they compensate for the shortcomings of primitive paths, but from the players of the entry level they noticeably win.
I would recommend genre headphones to music lovers with live instruments from jazz to chamber ensembles and those styles where the number of low frequencies is important. For heavy genres for my taste is more suitable 11 Neo, but this is very subjective. Sensitivity to the quality of records I would rate scores on 7 out of 10.
Traditionally a few tracks as an example
Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Take a Pebble . Just a few days ago the world lost a virtuoso musician, who did so much for the development of art-rock, Greg Lake left his life. Therefore, the sad and melancholic ballad, which he performed on the debut album ELP, will be in this collection as it is impossible by the way. 12 Classics are good at this track, giving it a lively and emotional sound.
The Quintet - Hot House (Jazz at Massey Hall) . If the gods of the musical Olympus had decided to create the perfect jazz quintet, they would hardly have turned out better than The Quintet. It's no joke, Dizzy Gilespi, Charlie Parker, Bad Powell, Charles Mingus and Max Roach are on the same stage ... Well, their live performance at Massey Hall is not without reason considered one of the best live jazz records of all time. Slightly lukewarm headphones from Meze add weight to the instruments, and legible high frequencies give the necessary airiness.
Big Big Train - Summoned by Bells . For some reason, many wonderful modern bands working in the genre of progressive rock remain almost unnoticed by the general public against the background of "venerable luminaries of the genre." Among these, of course, and Big Big Train, a wonderful team from England, periodically writing brilliant plates. Calm, but sensual track, taken by me for this review, combines a lot of complex melodic moves and interesting finds. With the "twelfth" he is especially good, due to an intimate presentation, emphasizing emotions.
conclusions
A very good model for connoisseurs of "classical" feed with V-shaped frequency response. Meze managed to make this pitch in their manner - quite intelligently and musically. Of course, in some cases and for some styles 11 modification will be preferable, but it already depends on the listener. Personally, I am very pleased that the high-quality and unofficial sound with its face becomes more affordable, and while some companies are taking on new price peaks, others, on the contrary, are trying to give more sound for the same money.
The article is based on materials .
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