Meze Audio, the Romanian high-end audio company, made a significant entry into the accessible audiophile market with its 99 Classics headphones. Launched in 2015, these over-ear headphones quickly became the brand's first in-house developed and widely recognized affordable full-size offering. Priced around $300, the 99 Classics established Meze Audio's reputation for combining premium design with impressive sound quality at a more attainable cost.[en+1]
Meze 99 Classics: Design and Impact
Founded in 2011 by industrial designer Antonio Meze in Baia Mare, Romania, Meze Audio quickly gained attention for its distinctive approach to audio products.The 99 Classics, following a successful Indiegogo campaign, marked a breakthrough for the company.They featured real walnut wood earcups, a low-impedance design, and a self-adjusting headband, emphasizing comfort and durability.[en+3]
Reviewers praised the 99 Classics for their "fantastic looking" aesthetics and "beautiful headphones" design.They offered strong sound isolation, reducing external noise by about 23 decibels.Many users found them exceptionally comfortable, designed for extended listening sessions.The headphones' modular construction, allowing easy disassembly and servicing of parts, further underscored Meze Audio's commitment to longevity and sustainable design.[youtube+4]
Sound Signature and Market Position
The sound profile of the 99 Classics was noted for its clarity, though some found the bass to be quite strong.Despite this, they garnered "really really good reviews" and were considered among the "top two or three best sounding headphones" by some, especially within their price category.This success helped Meze Audio build its initial name in the competitive audiophile market.[woodgears+2]
The 99 Classics served as a starting point for many music enthusiasts transitioning from standard consumer brands to more specialized audiophile products.Antonio Meze's goal of helping people connect more strongly with their music was realized through this product.The headphones were designed to offer a premium experience without the high cost typically associated with high-end audio.[youtube+2]
Expanding Affordable Offerings
Building on the success of the 99 Classics, Meze Audio has continued to expand its range of affordable full-size headphones. In late 2024 and early 2025, the company introduced the Meze 105 AER, an open-back headphone priced at $399.This model was described as the brand's first over-ear headphone under $500 in a considerable time, aiming for a "sweet spot" in comfort and musicality.[youtube+5]
The 105 AER features a lightweight design at 336 grams and an efficient 42-ohm impedance, making it easily drivable by various devices including phones and laptops.It provides a warm, neutral sound signature and is praised for its comfort, allowing for all-day listening.Reviewers noted its "powerful and comfortable" performance, positioning it as a strong contender in the "first audiophile headphone space."[youtube+3]
Another recent addition, the Meze 105 Silva, launched in July 2025, is priced at $499.This open-back dynamic driver headphone, weighing 354 grams, also boasts a 42-ohm impedance and 112 dB sensitivity, ensuring it can be driven by portable sources.The 105 Silva is particularly recommended for listeners of jazz and classical music.[youtube+3]
Meze Audio's Enduring Philosophy
Meze Audio's philosophy centers on creating timeless, original, and purposeful products that blend design, high functionality, and ergonomics.The company strives for products that evoke a sense of longevity, reflecting a commitment to lasting value.Every aspect—sound, comfort, and materials—is considered equally important in delivering a sensory experience.[mezeaudio+1]
The brand's continued introduction of headphones like the 105 AER and 105 Silva demonstrates its ongoing dedication to the more budget-friendly segment of the audiophile market, following the path paved by the 99 Classics. These products aim to offer a clear upgrade from average headphones, with visual flair, comfort, and a natural sound signature. Meze Audio emphasizes creating products that users want to keep for a lifetime, rather than replace.[mezeaudio+1]
The company's focus remains on providing engaging, vivid sound through meticulously engineered products, ensuring that even their more accessible offerings uphold their reputation for quality and user experience.[mezeaudio]
