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Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones
$179
$199

Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones

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$179
$199
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Product Description
A regular fixture on InnerFidelity’s Wall of Fame, PC Magazine’s Editors’ Choice section, and award lists around the world, the 99 Classics get a dark new look in the 99 Noir. Made in collaboration with Meze Audio, these headphones update the original medium-brown finish with a deep matte espresso and swap the gold hardware for more understated black Read More
Review Highlights:
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Comfortable, pleasant, good surround, sufficiently detailed, and a lot of bass
By no means am I an audio expert, and so I have resorted to collating the different ways various reviewers here have described the headphones. So if it helps anyone, these are some amateur statistics from almost every review from today and back to Dec 2019 (I had to have a stop somewhere or risk questioning how I spend my time while working from home…): - There were at least 31 mentions of the Meze 99 Noir being comfortable. Definitely the top comment! Although at least 10 did find the headphones uncomfortable whether it’s from the clamping force or from the small pads, or sometimes the small ‘large’ pads. Another 6 found the pads too warming, i.e. sweaty ears. - At least 20 mentions of it having a lot of bass, in a good way, and at least 7 liked how switching to the small pads “tightened up” the bass or produced a more balanced sound. However, at least 8 found too much bass overall (even with the small pads) and at least 3 found the bass boomy and muddy (with the large pads). - At least 17 mentions of getting a ‘warm’ sound or at least 15 mentions of the sound being overall nice and enjoyable. - At least 10 mentioned getting a ‘fun’ (or V-shaped?) sound. - At least 12 liked the ‘big’ sound or wide soundstage for a closed-back headphone, but at least 2 found the headphones lacking soundstage. - At least 5 mentions of the sound being detailed and bright, but at least 14 mentioned of the sound lacking detail, not being analytical, or being coloured in general. - And at least 5 appreciated the good mids or intimate sound. Now on to the part where I try my best to describe the headphones after some burn-in time and prefacing this with the fact that I did switch from pad to pad and ended up using the large pads (mainly due to better comfort): Comfort: Unfortunately I’m part of the small portion of people that found the small pads uncomfortable. Switching to the large pads however made me forget about even checking whether my ear was hurting [Note: I have relatively big ears for a non-alien]. Extra prolonged use (3+ hours) does bite into my left ear. I’ve ordered the Brainwavz pads but it’s still stuck in the US so will update once I try them on! Warmth of pads: After relative prolonged use (2-3 hours), I might realize having ears being somewhat sweaty, but in no way distracts me from wearing when in use. I’ve experienced worse in other headphones, e.g. Sennheiser PXC550 and IEMS in general. Sound: I agree with the sound being very pleasant, enjoyable (see conclusion below), and ‘all around’ (considerably wide but obviously incomparable to open-backs). As for details, they are definitely there but I would suggest to lower your expectations but not lacking to the point that you would need to squint and listen hard for them. As for bass, I agree with this being the main point of the headphones alongside comfort, and it can get a bit boomy and loose, but the genres I listen to don’t focus on too much bass so it ends up with me really enjoying that extra bass. Conclusion: I really think that how much you enjoy the sound of these headphones really depends on what you enjoy listening to. I enjoy listening to different music styles and can say that I’ve enjoyed listening to my favourite albums more ever since I got the Meze 99 and paired it with the Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt and Tidal Hi-Fi. I’m not a gear head though so comparisons are limited to my IKKO OH10 IEM (entry-mid level chi-fi), my Beoplay H4 (entry consumer-grade over-ear wireless), and Audioengine A5+ monitor speakers paired with an entry-level LP player. As a couple of examples (+ mentions of my favourite tracks): - Weezer’s Pinkerton has been my go to since I got the headphones, i.e. because the album sounds really good on the Meze. The enveloping-like sound really enhances garage rock-style music (good bass, a lot of distorted guitars, and crash/ride cymbals) without being tiring. Rivers’ voice takes a bit of a step back, but when the rest of the band chimes in they sound really side-by-side-y in a really nice way. My favourite part? That drum solo in Pink Triangle coupled with double solo guitars where the bass drum really kicks you and not in an overly sharp way. - The Carpenters (yes) has also been another go-to. Karen’s intimate vocals are top of the world for me and she’s known for close-miking, so you get a really smooth and pleasant aural display of her peaceful vocals. Mids take a good step forward and in For All We Know, Karen’s vocal intricacies are highlighted and you can hear a lot of that vibrato and those “sss”, quick breathe-in, and slight lip smacking details (no, I’m not a fan of ASMR). In Those Good Old Dreams, the imaging of instruments and the vocal echoes really stand out. My favourite part, though? The electric guitar solo in Goodbye To Love. - The Beatles, which typically is the material I compare across gear, is… Well, let’s just say that the production and (re)mastering prowess really, really stand out. Most favourite track to listen to? Fixing A Hole and those good hi-hats, vocal echoes, harpsichord rhythm, distorted solo guitar, and melodic basslines. - Simon & Garfunkel, as my way of testing lighter, acoustic styles of music. Favourites? Bleecker Street, Wednesday Morning 3am, Mrs. Robinson, and those beautifully-harmonized side-by-side vocals that stand out well (particularly in the first two). Welp, the time spent on writing this probably could have been better spent on doing actual work? Thanks for reading; it’s my first headphone review ever!
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Would recommend to a friend.
WARM MUSIC ALL AROUND ME! Comfort too.
Everyone for Tyll at Innerfidelity to Zeos has given these a favorable review. The most compelling review was from John Darko though, and that got me to buy them. The overall opinion being that these are just well-made, fun cans that always sound good no matter the pairing(s). I agree. The "fun" part of these headphones is that the music is just all around me and extremely easy to listen to. I love the way the Noirs present sound: the soundstage is respectably wide with proper imaging, which covers every spot in front of your face--no dead zones. On the right track, one sound or effect can travel along the front of your head without ever dying out, and that gives these things a surprisingly holographic feel. The extra heft to the low end does not bother me. In fact, it feels substantial in a natural way to me--not tubby and bloated like I feared. I should take the time to say that I am using the LARGER EAR HOLE PADS that come with this set, so that is the sound signature I am referring to. I believe the SMALLER EAR HOLE PADS increase bass and treble, but some review or another advised against it, so I have not tried that combo yet. The above traits are a huge bonus for headphones I just bought to kick around the house. I also think the Noirs may scale up better than people have said. I have noticed the difference in swapping sources, and I even got the balanced version of the cable on amazon (the MEZE brand one) to enhance sound a bit. I think the cable that comes with it has a TRRS connection for MICs. I wanted a TRRS that foregoes the MIC for balancing the L & R channels. Finally, the comfort...DAMN. This suspension headband is wonderful. You can put it on your head and gracefully go up and down with the earcups. There is no jerkiness, wobbly nature, etc. Just a smooth fitting that easily adjust higher or lower to fit you perfectly. I wish I had better words to describe this experience, but it is greatly satisfying. Lightweight is another word that comes to mind--easy to relax with. I highly recommend these for people that want to comfortably enjoy well-represented music, but I think some audiophiles will be surprised by how much they enjoy these as well.
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Would recommend to a friend.
See all 731 reviews
Q&A Highlights:
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How heavy is this Headphone? I shall primarily use this for Travel, so I wanna know the weight. Thanks!
Weight without cable: 9.2 oz (260 g)
Is it noise isolating?
Almost every closed-back has some form of isolation from outside noises and this is no exception. Just keep in mind that no, there's no ANC
See all 44 questions

An Instant Classic Goes Dark

A regular fixture on InnerFidelity’s Wall of Fame, PC Magazine’s Editors’ Choice section, and award lists around the world, the 99 Classics get a dark new look in the 99 Noir. Made in collaboration with Meze Audio, these headphones update the original medium-brown finish with a deep matte espresso and swap the gold hardware for more understated black. This sleek colorway is a great complement to the sound signature, which hasn’t changed a bit: It’s the same warm, rich, bassy, enveloping sound loved by headphone enthusiasts, speaker enthusiasts, and those looking for their first audiophile gear. Finally, we amended the original accessories package to include only the most frequently used items, making the price more accessible than ever. 

Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones
Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones
Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones

Construction & Accessories

Built for the long haul, the 99 Noir—like the 99 Classics—uses no glue and very little plastic: just lots of walnut wood, metal, and screws. The CNC-carved walnut ear cups are fitted with memory foam ear pads wrapped in soft PU leather. And the “99” in the headphone’s name? It’s a reference to the cups’ size: 99 millimeters tall. The stamped manganese spring steel headband is self-adjusting for even pressure distribution and easy on and off. While the two cables in the original kit measured 10 feet and 4 feet, we opted for a detachable 6-foot cable: deemed by the community to be not too long, not too short, but just right. It’s still equipped with a microphone and remote for taking calls and controlling tracks. You’ll also get a plug adapter and a woven nylon carrying case.

Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones
Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones
Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones
Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones
Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones

Behind the Scenes

Sometimes with our Massdrop Made products, we go pretty far to end up close to where we started. In the case of the 99 Noir, we began 2 years ago with prototypes that had varying reductions in bass—and even prototype drivers aiming for a more neutral sound. But after rounds of testing and community feedback, we realized we had lost a lot of what made the 99 Classics special. In the end, we decided not to change the sound signature at all, so the reviews you see of the 99 Classics are representative of what you’ll hear with the 99 Noir. 

As for the colorway, Meze worked hard to provide us with different finishes and colors of wood, hardware, logos, and screws. We then used these samples to mock up further combinations in Photoshop. Images went out to select members of the community, who came back with their opinions. Eventually, we requested a special, community-designed combination to create the final look you see on this page. Lots of care, handiwork, communication, and patience went into this collaboration to get you the revered sound of the 99 Classics with an updated aesthetic. We thank our partners at Meze Audio for making it possible! 

Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones
Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones
Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones

About Meze Audio

Meze Audio was born in 2009 in Baia Mare, Romania, when founder Antonio Meze wanted a pair of headphones he could feel as connected to as he did with his Fender Stratocaster guitar: a pair of headphones into which he could pour his passion for music. The company’s breakthrough came in 2015, when—after years of development—it launched the 99 Classics. The recipient of countless awards, nominations, and positive reviews, these headphones represent the company’s obsession with quality and its meticulous, no-compromises, as-long-as-it-takes approach. The goal is clarity without harshness, freshness without fatigue. Behind Meze Audio is a dedicated team of engineers, musicians, artists, and designers, and headphones are at the intersection: where everyone’s interests meet. 

Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones

Reviews of the Meze 99 Classics

  • "Meze 99 Classics have a pneumatic, even-handed, ear-neutral sound. Highs are crisp and shimmery; their even, laterally wide sound pressure and energy are probably the biggest reason people suggest the 99 Classics have a large soundstage ... The transition zone to high mids and mids is beautiful." Headfonia
  • "The midrange on the 99 Classics is superb. Very coherent and even throughout; voices are rendered with wonderfully balanced tone; performers are neither too distant or in your face. This is a marvelously organic and musical headphone. Time after time as I compared these cans against others in its category I found them not only superior in balance and natural sound, but also delivering a far more fun listening experience than competitors."  – InnerFidelity
  • "I found the 99 Classics to be a ton of fun, very friendly, and super involving. Rather than persnickety sorted and diva-fussy accurate, these Romanians played it looser, bigger, and very wide. Such width is uncommon for sealed cans." 6moons
  • "The sound? In a word: lovely. Slightly on the warm side of neutral but not overly so. A mid-range that’s just right and treble that’s a smidge rolled off but always communicative. The Mezes seems to tap music’s soul. If I’ve just described a well-sorted valve / Class A sound then so be it." – Darko Audio
  • Head-Fi
  • A’Design Award

Design Evolution by Antonio Meze

Review by Joshua Valour

Specs

  • Massdrop x Meze
  • Driver size: 40 mm
  • Ear cups: CNC-carved walnut wood
  • Ear pads: Memory foam and soft PU leather
  • Headband: Stamped manganese spring steel
  • Hardware: Cast zinc alloy with electroplated coating
  • Frequency response: 15 Hz–25 kHz
  • Sensitivity: 103 dB at 1 kHz, 1 mW
  • Impedance: 32 ohms
  • Broadband isolation (100 Hz–10 kHz): -17 dB (measurement source)
  • Rated input power: 30 mW
  • Maximum input power: 50 mW
  • Cable: 6 ft (1.8 m) detachable Kevlar OFC with microphone and remote
  • Plug: ⅛ in (3.5 mm), gold plated
  • Weight without cable: 9.2 oz (260 g)
Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones

Included

  • Woven nylon carrying case
  • ⅛–¼ in (3.5–6.35 mm) plug adapter
  • 2 sets of ear pads: the stock pads used on the 99 Classics, plus an extra set with additional damping foam over the driver
  • Manufacturer’s 1-year warranty 

RETURNS—NO QUESTIONS ASKED

We get it. Sometimes what you ordered just doesn’t work out. If that’s the case for you, don’t fret! All customers (both US and international) may return this item in new, unused condition within 30 days of delivery.

Shipping

Estimated ship date is Mar 28, 2024 PT.

Payment will be collected at checkout. Cancellations are accepted up to 2 hours after checkout for in-stock items, or up until pre-order ships.

As Seen In
Top Customer Questions44
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Question
Does anyone know if I can just plug these up to my PC and listen to them or do I need to buy an Amp/DAC? I know that buying an Amp/DAC will make the sound quality better, but I'm trying to penny pinch a lot on my plate right now to fit everything in and I only want the bare minimum and I can shell out for the Amp/DAC later.
Apr 24, 2021
Top Answer
HawaiiR
130
You don't need a dac/amp. They're very easy to drive and sound perfectly fine straight out of your laptop/desktop/phone.Read More
Apr 25, 2021
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Question
Are these in stock ready to ship? Already have a bad experience with drop not disclosing their bullshit shipping delays upfront.
Apr 15, 2021
Top Answer
HawaiiR
130
If you scroll down to the bottom of the Overview page, it very clearly states the estimated ship date. If you've had a bad experience and prefer to get a pair of 99 Classics sooner, you can always...Read More
Apr 25, 2021
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Are these headphones vegan?
May 4, 2021
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glennkresge
25
Are you planning on eating them?Read More
Mar 5, 2023
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