Tech Talk: Antonio Meze of Meze Audio

There’s always a special bond between a brand and the designer when that brand carries their name. So, it is with Antonio Meze and Meze Audio. Lead designer and founder of Meze Audio, Antonio started the company in 2011. Not long after, in 2015, he launched the first edition of the 99 Classics, which went on to become Meze Audio’s staple product for more than a decade. We caught up with Antonio and asked him about how the old and new Classic came about.

Tell us about the inspiration behind the original 99 Classics.

We first crafted them to breathe life and passion into what is often seen as merely technical objects. We see headphones as carriers of our love for artistic expression and an ode to individuality.

Ten years on, that vision still drives us. To celebrate, the 2^nd Generation 99 Classics feature several meaningful improvements, all while retaining the spirit of the original.

Why change?

In terms of performance, the 99 Classics 2^nd Gen moves the sound signature closer to a balanced, neutral target. Bass remains engaging yet slightly more restrained, allowing midrange and treble details to emerge with greater clarity. The result is a more versatile headphone that retains the musical warmth of the original while offering improved overall balance and detail retrieval. Moreover, the tonality can be easily adjusted with the included acoustic absorbers that will shift the balance towards a warmer signature.

Is the change behind the 99 Classic evolution or revolution?

The 99 Classics 2^nd Generation was a natural evolution of the original, featuring 10 key enhancements to mark the 10-year anniversary of the first edition. Like all new projects, the journey from concept to production was not straightforward, and we encountered our fair share of challenges. Ultimately, we are very pleased with the final result.

We aimed to celebrate the distinguished milestone of the 99 Classics with something equally meaningful. After thorough discussions within the R&D and Design teams, we decided to craft a new product that honours the legacy of the original. We incorporated everything we’ve learned over the past decade, alongside feedback from customers and esteemed voices in the audiophile community.

Our aim was to give back to the community through a product that showcases our expertise while remaining true to what made the original iconic: the silhouette, comfort, premium materials, and timeless aesthetics, all refined to better suit contemporary audiophiles’ preferences.

How much were you prepared to change?

For the 99 Classics 2^nd Generation, the choice was clear: we knew we wanted to retain the same design and materials, as they have demonstrated their reliability over the years. Even so, we didn’t rule out taking a completely different direction. So while we agreed that the 2^nd Generation would remain close to the original, the development process still involved multiple iterations, testing sessions, and collaborative discussions before reaching the final form.

Where are Meze Audio products designed?

The 99 Classics 2^nd Gen are actually engineered and developed right here in Baia Mare, Romania. All the design work, acoustic tuning and mechanical engineering are handled in-house by our capable team. When it comes to wood patterns, no two are exactly alike. Age, colour, texture and grain influence each piece to create a pair of headphones as unique as you. Crafting a single pair of ear cups takes up to 8 hours, while sanding, lacquering and finishing span over 45 days. Slowly air-dried to preserve its rich tones, the wood is then carefully inspected to ensure no imperfections pass through.

Who is their intended audience?

We believe that the 99 Classics 2^nd Gen are the ideal entry-level headphones for those seeking more from their music. Audiophilia is a wonderful hobby, offering a wide range of options, but for beginners, it can become quite overwhelming quickly. That’s where the 99s come in: they are accessible enough for music enthusiasts, yet sophisticated enough for discerning audiophiles who simply want to relax and appreciate the essence of the hobby: the music.

What’s next for Meze Audio?

We have several new projects already in development, projects our long-standing customers have been eagerly awaiting. We’re excited to demonstrate that their ideas and requests have not gone unheard.

Read the review of the Meze Audio 99 Classics (Second Generation) here 

Manufacturer

Meze Audio

mezeaudio.com

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