Time for another impressions update! I have been breaking-in the 99 Classics for about 30 hours, and thus far liking the changes I am hearing. Like I mentioned previously, I am a believer in regular use break-in, and not continuous burn-in. While I am taking notes while using the headphones for recreational use, for critical listening I keep everything consistent; Volume, time of day, seating, source, and the tracks. I don't use any A-B (or ABX) methods of testing, rather my philosophy is that it is far more accurate to KNOW YOUR MUSIC. Besides listening for certain changes on specific tracks, I often will actually pick out one specific passage, chorus, rift, or even one note (like a bell strike or cymbal splash). I also don't believe in your ears/brain becoming accustomed to the headphones over time; Science tells me that it takes no more than 10 minutes of continuous use for you to become completely adjusted to the new sensation. Anyway, here is my update.
First off, the bass! As previously mentioned, I started to notice changes for the good after the first day. Since then it has only gotten better in resolve and control. Less boomy and more liquid, less solid and more elastic. In terms of quantity the 99 Classics sit somewhere between my M4U 1 (faster and better detail) and Momentums (more boomy, less detail). I am also finding that the overall control has increased; sub-bass and mid-bass response in relation to the song's FR. I never have any trouble distinguishing the bass guitars from the bass drums, and bass drums from the tom-toms. All in all, I am
really enjoying and appreciating the 99 Classic's bass response.
Mids and treble haven't really changed all that much, but the better control of the bass has opened up the lower-mids. In my previous post I mentioned that the bass, for the most part, didn't bleed into the mids. The 'for the most part' was referring to male vocals. Artists such as Allan Taylor or Leonard Cohen had at first too much bass in their already low voices, but after 30 hours that is no longer an issue. Overall, vocals, both male and female, have received a touch more resolve and body in the 250-350Hz region. Treble has also opened up a bit as well. Not in terms of air or sound-space, rather subtle detail. On my test tracks I definitely noticed more shine off from bells, more detail in cymbal splashes, and better bite for brass.
All-in-all, I find the 99 Classics to be liquid and silky smooth. Honestly they are one of the most musical and addictive headphones I have heard. Their detail and extension is fantastic, with just the right amount to easily pick out the bad tracks from the good. While not on the level of the HD800 or LCD-X (for the price I am sure Meze are not claiming so), I never have trouble picking out the micro details, nor did I find any track lacking or full of holes. I will probably chime in one more time with an update after I reach the 50-hour mark (before my actual review). Perhaps I will do a comparison of the other headphones I own.
