I demand my audiophile headphones be made from walnut and gold with 1970s vibes

When I think of audiophile headphones, Meze spring to mind. All that wood and gold, and elaborate headband support shout 1970s US vintage vibes – even though Meze started in 2011 in Romania. Still, it's a look I love. And they've got a range of beloved headphones in their roster.

Originally released in 2015, the Meze 99 Classics were one of the most beloved headphones in portable audio. They earned widespread acclaim for their warm, engaging sound and stunning handcrafted, walnut wood design.

Then last October Meze released the Meze 99 Classics Gen 2. It refined the previous formula with a tweaked tuning that's more balanced and neutral whilst retaining the friendly, musical character that made the first version so popular. Bass remains a standout – punchy, textured, and impressively controlled. The soundstage is remarkably wide for a closed-back design, and the gorgeous walnut cups with gold accents make these instant conversation starters. It is currently one of my top picks of the best budget audiophile headphones out there.

And today you can get a whopping 26% off, as their price plummets from $309 to just $229. That's excellent value.

Save $80

Meze 99 Classics (2nd Gen): was $309 now $229 at Amazon

These beautiful headphones deliver refined, musical sound with impressive bass detail and a surprisingly wide soundstage for closed-back cans. Handcrafted walnut wood cups create a stunning aesthetic, whilst improved earpads ensure all-day comfort. I love these headphones!

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A decade of careful refinement

When Meze Audio launched the original 99 Classics nearly ten years ago, they created something special: a headphone that prioritised musicality over clinical accuracy whilst looking absolutely stunning. The 2nd Generation builds on that success with thoughtful improvements throughout.

The most significant upgrade is the tuning. Where the original could sometimes feel excessively warm, with bass occasionally overwhelming the midrange, the new version strikes a far better balance. The mid-bass hump has been tamed, resulting in tighter, more articulate low-end that provides satisfying impact without dominating.

Physical improvements, meanwhile, include deeper ear cups, thicker and softer earpads, and a small bass port that provides better control over low frequencies. Meze has also included acoustic absorbers: foam inserts that add warmth and dampen treble, essentially letting you toggle between the new neutral tuning and something closer to the original's signature.

Exceptional sound in a beautiful package

The soundstage genuinely impresses for a closed-back design. Where many closed cans feel cramped, the 99 Classics 2nd Gen offers a spacious presentation with genuine depth and width. Vocals are commanding and vivid, benefiting from improved separation. And treble takes a smooth, refined approach that enables fatigue-free listening across extended sessions, though some might find it slightly rolled off.

More broadly, build quality remains exceptional, with every component screwed together rather than glued for easy repairs. And at just 290g with comfortable weight distribution, these headphones disappear during wear.