[BunnyNamedCraig]

I do agree with you that the 99Classics are really great. Unfortunately I feel like they don't go very deep in the lower frequencies. Some of the very heavy sub bass tracks are not as enjoyable since they are all about the lower freq. I wish Meze would develop a product that would hit those lower octaves and preserve the same crytal clear sound and those lovely mids and highs and put the same passion into it as they did with the 99Classics.

I think for the price/performance and also what you get accessory wise its really impressive. I accept it for what it is because of all those things (not saying you don't btw).

Sadly what your describing is probably the Empyrean that they created. I say sadly because due to the technology and the R&D they had to put into makes the headphone $3K. They stepped it up BIG TIME from the 99 Classic and Neo but it isn't priced to the masses. I think the 99 Classic and especially the Neo are well priced for a larger demographic.

Hopefully we can get some trickle down effect of the new tech of the Empyrean that will be the headphone you describe, at a much lower price in the future. Heres hoping

I got the 99 Neo today, and I'm a little suprised at the vocals: they're really low in the mix compared to my previous headphone, the Audio Technica M50s.
Signal is Spotify (highest quality) -> Schiit Bifrost -> Schiit Magni 3 -> Meze Neo

I definitely hear the improved treble clarity. Hi-hats in particular and ride cymbals (I listen pretty much only Extreme Metal types these days so it's noticeable). The bass doesn't appear to be better or worse... if anything I'd say there's a little less separation vs. the M50s.
But I'm very surprised at the vocals. It's a VERY different experience. Especially as the M50s are famously V-shaped in their sound signature, I'd have expected a more even sound signature vs. further recessed midrange here.

Is this a common experience when switching to these headphones?

I looked up both headphones impedances and also sensitivities. They don't seem to far off of each other. I thought there might have been an impedance mismatch with your amps or something. Possibly poor synergy with the gear you have? have you listened to the Meze's off other amps, or even your phone? I would compare a bunch to see if its synergy related with gear. If thats not the case then maybe you just prefer the presentation of your M50 more. I honestly don't find the Meze to be a strong V shape.

 

[Lurk650]

I listen to a lot of sub bass music, the 99C perform great IMO. Switch to Sheepskin pads from Brainwavz, the thicker pads create more distance allowing the subbass/bass to develop more.

 

[soundboy94]

I listen to a lot of sub bass music, the 99C perform great IMO. Switch to Sheepskin pads from Brainwavz, the thicker pads create more distance allowing the subbass/bass to develop more.

Are you using the angled or the normal ones

 

[Lurk650]

Are you using the angled or the normal ones

Oval Normal

 

[davidcotton]

How is the isolation on these? After a pair of headphones for use in a noisy factory type setting. Atm I use the venerable sennheiser hd25-II's which are fine but find the clamp a bit too much for a full day. Also how are these for glasses wearer's? As I sit at a screen for around 7 hours a day I need to wear glasses a lot. Would be using them with a hiby r6 and listen to prog rock and metal.

Thanks

 

[Bansaku]

How is the isolation on these? After a pair of headphones for use in a noisy factory type setting. Atm I use the venerable sennheiser hd25-II's which are fine but find the clamp a bit too much for a full day. Also how are these for glasses wearer's? As I sit at a screen for around 7 hours a day I need to wear glasses a lot. Would be using them with a hiby r6 and listen to prog rock and metal.

Thanks

First off, the 99 Classics excellent at rock and metal. Bar none one of the finest headphones for those genres. As for noise isolation, they are great. Nothing spectacular (average for a closed can) but in regards to myself when I wear them my 2 lovebirds and 1 parrot become damn near invisible when music is played. Clamping force is average as well; Like all headphones YMMV because no two heads are alike nor are the spring-steel headbands on the 99 Classics. Lastly, glasses. It really depends on the style. If your glasses have arms that are straight and hug the head you should have no issues. However I find that if the arms flair out the 99 Classics tend to put too much pressure on them. Like the clamping force, it comes down to the individual.



It's early in my day, and I have a rant brewing...
Just a word of advice, and this goes for a lot of the users in the forums (and this thread), please PLEASE stop wearing your headphones for hours straight! While wearing headphones for hours ins't a problem, it's the fact that people forget to take them off every 1-1/2 - 2 hours to not only air out the cups but give your poor ears a break! This will not only promote better ear health, but make wearing the cans for long periods of time much more comfortable! I laugh (then give myself a face-palm) every time I read that X user can't wear their 99 Classics for 6-7 hours straight. Duh! You are torturing yourself! Take it from a 40 year old with ears rivalling teenager's, stop this madness! Oh, and one more bit of tied in advice. If you are listening to headphones many hours straight in front of a screen (gaming, work) with no break, think of what that is doing to not only your ears but your back, legs, eyes and more seriously your bladder!

 

[Lurk650]

Switching to Brainwavz Sheepskin Ovals with help with isolation and comfortability

 

[Pott]

Ok after a few days my ears have accommodated to the new sound and while there could maybe be a smidge more bass or midrange, I have come to really enjoy the Meze 99 Neo. It's a different perspective on music than the M50s.

 

[ostewart]

My silver plated balanced cable has arrived (the new one they just released)

I'll keep you all updated

 

[Dobrescu George]

I found a little DAC/AMP that really works amazingly well with Meze 99Classics

I also have both of Meze's new cables in for review, and I'll be looking into sharing my thoughts on them as soon as I can

If you ever need a really nice Desktop DAC/AMP to drive Meze 99 Classics, Burson Play does a sweet job

 

[Lurk650]

Burson products are solid, I love my Conductor Air

 

[Dobrescu George]

Burson products are solid, I love my Conductor Air

This is the first Burson product I had contact with and I'm absolutely blown by how much awesomeness they have in there for 300 USD. Really, I can't think of a better deal at 300 USD for a DAC/AMP right now, if you don't need portability. This is a desktop device after all

 

[loopfreak]

I found a little DAC/AMP that really works amazingly well with Meze 99Classics

I also have both of Meze's new cables in for review, and I'll be looking into sharing my thoughts on them as soon as I can

If you ever need a really nice Desktop DAC/AMP to drive Meze 99 Classics, Burson Play does a sweet job

Can you explain a bit more why do you like the pairing ?

 

[Dobrescu George]

Can you explain a bit more why do you like the pairing ?

Surely, the control and authority Burson Play has over the entire sound

If you listen to Burson Play driving Meze 99 Classics you'll feel like more entry level sources can sound a bit loose, while with this, the sound has much better control and detail. It is like the bass gets a boost in resolution, which is really welcome for 99Classics as their driver can keep up.

I had a similar experience when using them with iFi Micro iDSD Black Label, similar bump in overall control and resolution

 

[rafaelo]

I placed a burson audio V5i opamp in my little bear b4 tube amplifier and the sound is amazing as well and for less than 100£ total price (plus 89£ for the es100 bluetooth adapter). The sound signature it provides gives me the impression of a lot more expensive systems.