Any audio product that inspires us to spend more time listening to music is a winner. Naturally, that makes us big fans of Meze headphones… they place high-quality audio within easy reach of most buyers’ budgets.
Roon Ready Writeups is back with part two of a three-part series on Meze earphones and headphones. In part one, we checked out their stellar Rai Penta and Advar in-ear monitors and were excited by what we heard and saw – you can find that review here if you missed it. In this installment, Meze’s closed-back models take the spotlight as we discuss their planar magnetic Liric, 99 Neo, and the 99 Classics – the model that secured them a trove of coveted awards and an equal measure of brand loyalty upon their release in 2015.
Any audio product that inspires us to spend more time listening to music is a winner, in our opinion. Naturally, that makes us big fans of Meze headphones. Not simply because they achieve that goal in addition to looking and sounding great, but more importantly – they place high-quality audio within easy reach of most buyers’ budgets. Another advantage of quality headphones is that they create a personal listening space that’s free of room coloration and that can be enjoyed anywhere.
Some owners may initially hesitate to take their Mezes on the go, but they’re certainly up to the challenge. The 99 Neo and 99 Classics cost much less than many of the more pervasive popular brands saturating the market, have far better sound, and feature superior build quality. Every component of the 99 series is manufactured in-house by Meze and is owner replaceable in the unlikely event that they should ever require repair. I can’t think of another headphone in this price range that can make that claim.
Old school cool
When I opened the 99 Neo for the first time, I was immediately smitten by its vintage vibe. Their textured black earcups evoke the retro cool of classic 1970s cans by Pioneer, Kenwood, and the Koss Pro 4AAs I wore for many years while working in radio.
The craftsmanship of the 99 Classics is even more striking. Each pair is fitted with solid walnut earcups featuring unique grain figuration. Like a fine acoustic instrument, the patina of daily use imbues the eye-catching tonewood with additional character. The earcup shaping and finishing process takes 45 days, about the same amount of time required to build a top-of-the-line Martin Guitar. That’s an impressive commitment to quality.
Meze Audio founder, Antonio Meze, has stated that considerable effort went into achieving a uniform sound signature between the Neo and Classics, making the Neo an absolute steal for the price. The tonal presentation of the 99 Series is similar to those vintage brands mentioned earlier. I’d describe its voice as “classic hi-fi” rather than “audiophile.” Like many fellow reviewers, I couldn’t be more pleased with that as they sound perfectly lovely with a rich, soulful, naturally engaging articulation. The highs could feel slightly rolled off to some listeners, but I find them nicely detailed and authentic, without any artificially augmented coloring.
All resemblance to vintage audio headphones evaporates when it comes to comfort. Rather than the vice-like grip of those vintage models I mentioned, the 99 series are unbelievably lightweight. The spring steel frame eliminates fatigue, while the self-adjusting padded leather headband ensures maximum comfort. The medium firm, comfy earpads and snug fit provide excellent isolation inviting hours of relaxed listening. Simply put: they are the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever worn. I’ve actually fallen asleep wearing them.
Liric is Meze’s first closed-back planar magnetic headphone for audiophiles on the go. Like the 99 models, it has a somewhat vintage appeal, but sonic gold awaits inside its elegant, understated exterior. It’s a bold marriage of cutting-edge acoustic engineering and Meze’s unmistakable artistic expression, featuring the same revolutionary hand-assembled isodynamic hybrid array technology found in their flagship Emyprean and Elite models – for a fraction of the cost. In fact, Liric caught many Meze observers off-guard with its wealth of new features and by how quickly it followed the unveiling of the Elite.
The newly designed Phase-X system eliminates phase distortion while creating three-dimensional spatial imaging for immersive listening. The advanced ovoid earcup maximizes acoustic space and sonic delivery. Meze’s precisely tuned pressure equalization system enhances earcup energy release, resulting in vividly detailed, life-like, enveloping sound. Liric also introduces Meze’s new Ear Pad Air Flow system, combined with an advanced skeletal frame, soft touch leather headband, adjustable fit, and vented cushion for fantastic comfort with prolonged listening.
Liric’s sound signature is abundantly pleasing – featuring buttery mids and detailed, airy highs with robust, natural deep bass. The sound staging is astoundingly three-dimensional for a closed-back headphone.
Listening notes
I demoed each track with the 99 Series, followed by Liric, to examine the sonic differences between these models. Selections were played through Chord’s Mojo 2 portable DAC with the EQ and Crossfeed features set to “off.”
Gordon Lightfoot – The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald from Summertime Dream
99 Series: Lightfoot’s haunting ode to men who went down with the SS Edmund Fitzgerald is lush and warm through the 99s. The drum and guitar bass response is robust but not exaggerated. When the toms kick in at 1:34, the sense of depth is intoxicating. The layered guitars land right in the 99s’ mid-range sweet spot. The steel guitar has nice sparkle, with a slight roll-off of its brighter edges. Closer listening reveals nice air between Lightfoot’s vocal and the instruments’ interaction with the plate reverb.
Liric: Through Liric, you’re placed on the ship’s deck, fully immersed in an unfolding cinematic drama relayed in the song. Liric’s presentation is remarkably organic and pleasing. They required a slight bump in volume to match the gain of the 99s. Bass extension was more pronounced yet remained natural. The warmish snare of the 99 is snappy here. The toms acquire additional heft, and instrumental detail is sharper overall as is expected, given the advanced tech packed into this model.
Bob Marley & the Wailers – Natural Mystic from Exodus
99 Series: The opening from Exodus perfectly showcases the 99s bass chops. This is my go-to for bass reference, thanks to the heavy foundation laid down by the Barrett Brothers. This track swamps out underachievers, and the 99s sail through it with finesse. The up-stroke of the guitars is clear and articulate. Bob’s vocal takes center stage and is presented with lovely detail. Like the previous track, the reverb on the voice and instrumentation has an airy warmth. This one really demonstrates the musicality and bass extension of the 99 series.
Liric: The take-away on this track is mirrored in the previous description. Liric handles the bass lines admirably, adding depth and texture without artificial coloring. The guitars demonstrate additional detail and clarity. The steel drums pop aggressively. Interestingly, Bob’s vocal feels slightly softer in some passages compared to the 99s.
Billie Holiday – I’m a Fool to Want You from Lady in Satin
99 Series: By the time Billie recorded Lady in Satin, the turmoil of her life was fully imprinted on her voice. Her cracked, broken instrument is a startling juxtaposition against Ray Ellis’ shimmering orchestral backing. This piece dismisses charges from critics who claim that the 99 series lacks high-end definition. The soundstage here is spacious and lovely. Billie’s melancholy melismatic vocal tugs at the heart, cushioned by soaring violin accompaniment. Every instrument in the mix has plenty of room for individual examination.
Liric: Wow, just wow! The lush presentation of the 99s is taken to an entirely new level through the Liric. The Liric feels more like an open-back design when showcasing this piece. The instrumentation exhibits increased detail, revealing previously missed call and response between Billie’s vocal and the trombone. Holiday’s delivery here is shockingly frail and intimate. The song’s storyline is one she’s lived, lending authenticity and emotional resonance to her reading.
Our Conclusion: Unbeatable audio for the price.
The Meze 99 Neo and Classics are incredibly comfortable and offer unbeatable sound quality at their price point. Build quality is on-par with models that are far more expensive. Attention to detail is top-notch; all components are replaceable if needed, and they’re easily driven by ordinary mobile devices without any significant loss in fidelity. Meze’s 99 Neo and Classics could represent the best value on the market for sound quality this impressive.
Liric, while more expensive, offers a substantial accomplishment in planar magnetic audio. By completely reimagining the sonic advancements of their flagship Emyprean and Elite models for a closed-back design, Meze demonstrates that they’re not content to rest on past achievements. I feel confident that we’re sure to see and hear many more surprises from Meze in the future.
Their passion for innovation and pushing boundaries is inherent across their entire product line. Whether you’re in the market for your first set of quality affordable headphones or poised to explore a planar magnetic option, Meze’s closed-back models are no-risk choices featuring sublime sound and unmatched design traits.
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Tech specs
99 Neo
- Transducer size: 40mm
- Frequency response: 15Hz – 25KHz
- Sensitivity: 103dB at 1KHz, 1mW
- Impedance: 26 Ω
- Rated input power: 30mW
- Maximum input power: 50mW
- Detachable Kevlar OFC cable
- Plug: 3.5mm gold plated
- Weight: 260 gr (9.2 ounces) without cables
- Ear-cups: ABS Plastic
99 Classics
- Transducer size: 40mm
- Frequency response: 15Hz – 25KHz
- Sensitivity: 103dB at 1KHz, 1mW
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Rated input power: 30mW
- Maximum input power: 50mW
- Detachable Kevlar OFC cable
- Plug: 3.5mm gold plated
- Weight: 260 gr (9.2 ounces) without cables
- Ear-cups: Walnut hardwood
Liric
- Driver Type: Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array® MZ4
- Operating Principle: Closed
- Ear Coupling: Circumaural
- Frequency Response: 4-92,000 Hz
- Impedance: 30 Ω
- Nominal SPL: 100 dB (1 mW / 1 kHz)
- Maximum SPL: > 130 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.15%
- Weight: 391 g
What’s in the Box
99 Neo
- 99 Neo in Black/Silver or Black/Gold
- Hard Case: protective EVA case with Meze Audio metal logo
- 59″ braided Kevlar cable with mic/remote terminated in straight 3.5mm plug
- 3.5mm-to-1/4″ adapter
- Airline jack adapter
- Soft zippered cable and accessories pouch
- Manual
- 2 Meze Audio decals
99 Classics
- 99 Classics in Walnut/Silver or Walnut/Gold
- Hard Case: protective EVA case with Meze Audio metal logo
- 9.9′ Cable (straight 3.5mm plug)
- 59″ braided Kevlar cable with mic/remote (straight 3.5mm plug)
- 3.5mm-to-1/4″ adapter
- Airline jack adapter
- Soft zippered cable and accessories pouch
- Manual
- 2 Meze Audio decals
Liric
- Presentation Box
- Liric planar magnetic headphones
- Hard Case: protective EVA case with Meze Audio metal logo
- 122″ audio cable (straight 3.5mm plugs)
- 56″ audio cable (straight 3.5mm plugs)
- 3.5mm-to-1/4″ adapter
- Airline jack adapter
- Accessory cables pouch
- Large format full-color brochure