MEZE 99 Classics – Can Headphones That Look THIS PRETTY Sound Any GOOD？
United States of Analog | May 13, 2025
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This is a review of the Meze 99 Classics Real Wood Headphones, specifically targeted at new audiophiles looking to get into headphones. The host Bob is examining the build quality, design, and materials of these headphones while discussing the challenges of reviewing headphones in general.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Meze 99 Classics Real Wood Headphones [00:00:16]: Features zinc alloy frame, walnut wood ear cups, synthetic/vegan leather padding with memory foam, comes in multiple colorways including black/gold/walnut version being reviewed
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- Headphones provide a more intimate listening experience compared to speakers [00:02:57]
- The Meze 99 Classics may be too fancy for public transport or exercise use [00:02:20]
- Headphone reviews are challenging because listening is very subjective and people have different head shapes/ear canal structures [00:03:59]
- Headphone review videos don’t get as many views on YouTube [00:03:27]
- The walnut wood grain appears to be bookmatched (mirror images) [00:01:55]
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- “Plastic bad. Wood good.” [00:00:22]
- Self-deprecating humor about listening to headphones when younger “especially when I was younger and I didn’t have any friends” [00:02:44]
- Joke about wearing fancy headphones while jogging: “Aren’t the neighbors going to be impressed when you throw on your hokas and throw these on for a little jog around the neighborhood?” [00:02:31]
- Awkward moment correcting himself from “odd-shaped heads” to “non-traditional heads” [00:04:04]
- Promise to reveal a personal family secret to viewers who watch till the end [00:03:36]
Summary
The video opens with host Bob introducing the Meze 99 Classics as a solution for new audiophiles who want attractive, non-plastic headphones. He provides a detailed examination of the build quality, noting the zinc alloy frame, walnut wood ear cups with what appears to be bookmatched grain, synthetic leather padding, and brass accents in a black/gold/walnut colorway.
Bob shares his personal relationship with headphones, explaining how they provide an intimate listening experience that differs from speakers, while acknowledging they may not be practical for all situations due to their upscale appearance. He injects humor throughout, joking about his friendless youth spent listening to headphones and imagining wearing these fancy headphones while jogging.
The review takes a meta turn as Bob discusses the challenges of reviewing headphones on YouTube, citing their subjective nature due to different head shapes, ear canal structures, and personal preferences. He also mentions that headphone reviews don’t perform well view-wise on the platform, prompting him to offer a personal secret reveal to incentivize viewers to watch until the end of the video.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
Gear, products, or brands discussed:
[00:05:04] Meze 99 Classics entry-level headphones
[00:08:53] Lave (L-A-I-V) U-Dac R-Dac
[00:09:15] Jeschelle Archel 3 Pro headphone amp with Sparkos Op Amps
[00:08:42] iPhone (mentioned as capable of driving the headphones)
Host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions:
[00:04:52] Prefers to call this an “overview” rather than a review because it’s nearly impossible to convey headphone sound quality on video due to subjectivity
[00:05:09] Considers $200-$350 the sweet spot for entry-level headphones, with personal limit around $400-$500
[00:07:12] Finds the headphones very lightweight and comfortable on the head
[00:07:32] Notes limited swivel (about 2 degrees) may be problematic for people with different head shapes
[00:07:51] Acknowledges the imitation leather will get sweaty during use
[00:08:02] Reports good noise isolation even while wearing glasses
Listening tests or sound quality observations:
[00:07:58] Demonstrates noise isolation by wearing the headphones and noting he can hear his “inner voice” more than his “outer voice”
[00:08:42] Reports that driving the headphones with his iPhone “sounded quite good”
Price/value assessments:
[00:05:17] Establishes his preferred headphone price range of $200-$350 for entry-level
[00:05:34] Describes himself and his audience as “mid-level” audiophiles who balance audio spending with other life priorities
Audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content:
[00:06:08] Explains the two included cables: shorter one (3.5 feet) for portable use with phone, longer one (8-9 feet) for home audiophile listening
[00:08:29] Notes the 32 ohms impedance makes these headphones easy to drive with almost any source
[00:09:15] Describes his bedside headphone evaluation system setup
Memorable quotes or strong takes:
[00:05:34] “We’re mid-level dudes. We’re mid-level boys and girls, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
[00:06:46] Appreciates that Meze “didn’t put these headphones in that kind of butt-shaped case”
[00:07:35] Compares the limited swivel to “about as much swivel as the lean back you get on an airline”
Summary:
In this portion, the host establishes his approach to headphone evaluation, emphasizing that he prefers to call his assessment an “overview” rather than a review due to the highly subjective nature of audio equipment and the impossibility of conveying sound quality through video. He positions himself and his audience as “mid-level” audiophiles who work within practical budget constraints, identifying $200-$350 as the sweet spot for entry-level headphones while acknowledging that not every dollar can go toward audio gear due to other life priorities.
The host then examines the physical aspects and accessories of the Meze 99 Classics, highlighting the inclusion of two cables for different use cases, a quality carrying case, and various adapters. He appreciates the lightweight design and overall comfort but notes a significant limitation in the minimal swivel adjustment, which he humorously compares to airline seat recline. He also acknowledges potential issues with the imitation leather ear pads becoming sweaty during extended use.
Finally, he discusses the technical specifications, particularly praising the 32-ohm impedance that makes these headphones easy to drive with various sources, from smartphones to dedicated audiophile equipment. He demonstrates this versatility by describing his personal bedside listening setup featuring a Lave DAC and Jeschelle headphone amplifier, while also confirming that the headphones sound good even when driven by just an iPhone. The host conducts a brief noise isolation test, finding the closed-back design effective even when wearing glasses.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- Meze 99 Classics headphones [00:09:24-00:11:43]
- 40mm dynamic drivers
- 260 gram weight
- $309 price point
- Various colorways available
- Includes accessories: case, pouch, adapters, presentation box
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[00:10:55-00:11:43] The host considers the Meze 99 Classics a “solid offering” for people entering the headphone arena. He acknowledges they sell well and understands why, praising their quality appearance, finish, accessories, and nice presentation. He concludes they represent “a nice package for $309, give or take” and positions them as “entry-level audiophile headphones for warmth, for comfort, for extended listening sessions.”
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
[00:10:55] The host recommends these headphones specifically “for people just getting into the headphone arena” and those seeking “entry-level audiophile headphones.”
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
- [00:10:47-00:10:55] Warns that ear cups are not easily replaceable, so buyers should “make sure you can deal with the vegan leather situation” and suggests turning “your air conditioning down a couple of notches”
- [00:10:24-00:10:41] Notes potential downsides: may lack “air and sparkle for some audiophiles” and may have “upper bass, lower mids boom” that some will find warm while others will disagree with the coloration
How did the video wrap up?
[00:11:48-00:13:57] The video transitions into a personal anecdote where the host shares a “secret” about being a Boy Scout in high school, making Order of the Arrow and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster but falling short of Eagle Scout. He shares a humorous story about walking 50 miles of Hadrian’s Wall, then ends with his typical YouTube outro directing viewers to the next suggested video.
Memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
- [00:11:41-00:11:43] “Entry-level audiophile headphones for warmth, for comfort, for extended listening session.”
- [00:12:08-00:12:11] “You’re kind of like the Frank Sinatra of the audio world”
- [00:13:50-00:13:54] “And I’ll see you next time with your oddly shaped head in the United States of Analog. Zip out.”
Summary
In this final portion, the host provides a comprehensive assessment of the Meze 99 Classics headphones, detailing their technical specifications (260 grams, 40mm drivers) and sound characteristics. He describes the sound signature as warm, rich, and musical rather than neutral, with slightly elevated but controlled bass, lush mids that excel with vocals and acoustic instruments, and rolled-off treble that enables longer listening sessions. While acknowledging some downsides like potential lack of sparkle for serious audiophiles and some upper bass/lower mid boom, he positions these as entry-level audiophile headphones ideal for newcomers to the hobby.
The host concludes with a positive recommendation, praising the headphones’ build quality, finish, comprehensive accessory package, and $309 price point as representing good value. He specifically recommends them for people seeking warmth, comfort, and extended listening sessions, while cautioning about the non-replaceable ear cups and suggesting users accommodate the vegan leather with cooler room temperatures.
The video then takes a personal turn as the host shares an amusing anecdote about his Boy Scout days, including falling one rank short of Eagle Scout and walking 50 miles of Hadrian’s Wall in England. This personal touch adds character to the review before he wraps up with his signature outro, directing viewers to YouTube’s next suggested video with his trademark humor and sign-off phrase “Zip out.”
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
