In the world of headphones, there was an opinion that the main novelties come to us from China, a little less developed in Korea, the US, England and Germany. But who would have thought that one of the main hits of this year would be developed by Meze, whose headquarters are located in Romania? But if we reject stereotypes to the side, then turned out to be a real hit.
In fact, Meze is not new to the headphones market, they have sold different models for several years, but they have not achieved much success. With the 99 Classics the situation has changed: since the moment of its appearance, the headphones attracted attention and collected a lot of positive feedback. The basis of the concept in the company put an amazing fusion of "luxurious" design and affordable price, without forgetting the sound. About the design, I'll talk below, and the price of this model in retail is about 310 dollars, which is quite good for these headphones.
Specifications
- Emitter: dynamic, 40 mm
- Frequency range: 15 Hz to 25 kHz
- Sensitivity: 103 dB / mW @ 1 kHz
- Impedance: 32Ω
- Rated Power: 30 mW
- Maximum power: 50 mW
- Cable: interchangeable, OFC
- Plug: 3.5 mm, gold-plated
- Weight: 260 g without cable
Packing and delivery kit
Even here there is an attempt to withstand the general style of the noble classics. A black box with gold embossing hides a comfortable hard case in which the headphones and complete accessories rest. In addition to the 99 Classics themselves, you get two cables, one shorter with a headset for mobile use, the second is more authentic, for a hospital. Also to the headphones there is an adapter for 6.3 mm and an "aerial" adapter for two 3.5 mm plugs.
In general, all at a very decent level.
Design and Convenience
Design is one of the strongest aspects of this model. Wooden cups, milled on a CNC machine, have a unique texture, so each pair of headphones is not like the others. The outer side of the cups is highly polished, but the glossy varnish is not used, so the surface does not collect fingerprints so much. The headband is made of stamped spring steel, the fastening parts are cast from an alloy containing zinc. All this is beautifully combined and gives the headphones a unique appearance. By the way, these headphones are collected with the help of many small cogs and in case of which they are quite repairable. The build quality, of course, without the slightest censure and flaws.
A part of the headband touching the head is made self-adjusting by means of tension, it is wide enough and soft, so headphones fit comfortably on the head.
The earrings are medium in size, they are made of high-quality leatherette with a soft filler. For owners of large ears, they can reap a little, for me with my middle ears they sat without a stock, but comfortable. Meze are working on larger ear pads, so the nearest parties will use them.
The cups are made swinging around the mount, so the headphones themselves "find" the desired angle of fit, ensuring maximum fit. The clamping force is matched correctly, so wearing 99 Classics can be long enough. Like most closed headphones, after about 3 hours of listening, my ears are overheated, so I have to take a short break. In general, wearing this model is very comfortable, soundproofing is also at a normal level.
The wires are made interchangeable, they are connected separately to each cup with standard plugs, so you do not have to worry about the durability of the cable in this model.
This model is produced in three main modifications: silver fasteners and a nut, golden fastenings and a nut, and also a variant in a white leather with a silver headband and cups from a maple. Also separately there is a solemn-black version of NEO for those who do not particularly like the texture of the tree.
A separate issue is the possibility of using these headphones as a portable. In principle, their sound insulation and size is quite allow for use on the street, but here's an unusual appearance to clearly attract the attention of others.
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
- 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, and this is the rare case when warming went to the headphones for good.
The developers of Meze did not play audiophile neutrality and make a detailed and vivid sound, but focused on musicality and flavor, the combined filing. As the result showed, they did not lose.
The bass is a little stressed out, but without any extra frills, it is slightly softened to get the effect of physicality, but it also benefits the overall presentation. In general, the resolution of LF is quite enough for most styles, there is also a separation of lowercase instruments, and a pleasant transfer of textures. Bass breaks and caresses the rumor, although on bad recordings can be a bit tiresome. Fortunately, there are very few such tracks, and mostly they are based on primitive popular styles. Deep bass in this model is not very much, but he shows his presence.
The midrange is generally the strongest side of this model, something that falls in love with itself from the first listening. The MF in this model is fed integrally and integrally, without trying to decompose them into separate components, without trying to extrude the smallest nuances of recording, but at the same time the middle of the 99 Classics possesses pleasant energy and emotionality. The imaginary scene is good for closed headphones, although it is expected to lose to open models. The depth is quite good. The overall supply of the midrange is very comfortable, the headphones encourage a relaxed listening without listening to audiophile nuances. They just ask for a little good cognac and a comfortable home chair.
The upper frequencies also carry traces of painstaking tuning. They are detailed, but they do not tire, they have a good attenuation, but they do not climb to the fore and do not draw attention to themselves, performing the traditional role for the "top" of the cream on the cake, crowning and decorating the entire composition. True it is worth noting that the HF in this case are sensitive to the source and material, but it is more the norm for headphones with good transmission of this range.
Several comparisons.
Oppo PM3. This model is more suitable for portable use due to the folding design and a more rigorous appearance. By the sound of PM-3 "boring", they do not have this pleasant effect of fusion and integrity, typical for Meze headphones. Also, the PM-3 has a bit less bass, although it's deeper, better resolution on the midrange, but it's a bit worse for the upper band.
Audio Technica MSR-7. Typical opposition of Asian and European sound. The slightly brighter MSR-7 offers a more aggressive sound, reminiscent of fireworks and folk festivals at the fair, while the darkened Meze 99 Classics is rather a pleasant evening in a nice restaurant with a circle of close people.
Sennheiser Momentum 2. The feeding of the Momentum reminds Meze a little of the lightness of the darkness and the accent on the merge feed, but they do not reach the Romanian model with their "level", there is no noble emotionality on the MF, the HF is sharper and more loose.
Compatibility
In a set with headphones there is also a wire with a headset, and indeed, "Classics" can be fully used with a phone or tablet, their serve they brighten up the shortcomings of modern mobile devices. Although it is expected from a good player or desktop combine they are very beneficial. So Meze quite suitable for the role of headphones, which are bought "to grow" and taking into account the best sources in the future.
Genre headphones are very versatile, except for the simplest styles of electronic music, poorly recorded pop and related genres. Tracks with a strong emphasis on LF and compressed by compression are not what they are shown. The rest of the styles, from metal to classics, are played out very, very well. Here, of course, there is no hyper-state, but often this is not necessary, the emotionality and musicality of the presentation is much more important. To the quality of recording headphones are moderately critical, I would rate them in 7 points out of 10.
Traditionally, a few tracks for an example.
Musica Nuda - Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head. The duo, who could not help but get into the review of these headphones. This feast of ears is as if specially created for this model. The insinuating notes of the double bass that set the stage, and the brilliantly recorded vocals of Petra, despite the emotionality that does not lose detail. You just hear the movement of your fingers along the strings, the breaths of musicians and much more that will immerse you in the atmosphere of the song.
Casualties of Cool - Moon. Of course, all lovers of talent Devin Townsend got used to the versatility of the work of this crazy genius, but the Casualties of Cool project once again showed that it can work in any genre. Melancholic and sad melodies are created for the most lonely nights, they penetrate beyond consciousness and affect the deeper being that lives inside of us. Naturally, a significant role is played here and the track, Meze 99 perfectly play out the right emotions, passing them in full.
Cilver - It's My Life. An excellent novelty for fans of a combination of female vocals and heavy music. A drive, but an emotional album, combining lyricism with hatred really worked out for the team. Quite tenacious melodies, a good work of musicians and a quality recording - everything you need for a great album. Meze headphones and then show themselves at the level, playing all the instruments and transferring the nuances of the vocals.
conclusions
With 99 Classics you want to quote your favorite cartoon: "We built, built and finally built ..." That's exactly how it was with these headphones, the developers worked on design and sound for a long time to get the version that they like. Fortunately, their vision fell into a mass trend, and the headphones turned out to be excellent. The market has long lacked such a model: closed, with a comfortable sound and a normal price. In addition, the Meze 99 also received an original design, which also benefited them.
The article is based on materials .
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