Antonio Meze's 99 Classics: Redefining Headphones

Handcrafted Design Meets High-Tech Audio in Sustainable Headphones

The inspiration behind the 99 Classics came from the desire to create electronics that are not just functional, but also beautiful and meaningful. Antonio Meze wanted to create a product that could be handed down from generation to generation, much like precious family heirlooms. The result is a pair of headphones that are not only high-quality and beautifully crafted, but also acquire personal meaning for the user over time.

What sets the 99 Classics apart from other headphones is their unique properties. They are fully serviceable, meaning that any parts can be exchanged if necessary, thanks to their assembly using high-quality torx screws instead of glue or plastic snap-in fixtures. This not only ensures a long lifespan for the product but also makes it a sustainable choice. The headphones also address common issues users have with comfort, artificially tweaked frequencies, and sound isolation, offering a balanced natural sound, a comfortable headband, and soft memory foam in the earcups.

The 99 Classics are made using a variety of high-quality materials, including CNC carved wood earcups, cast zinc alloy hardware with an electroplated coating, a stamped manganese spring steel headband, and soft PU leather. The technical specifications of the headphones also reflect their high-quality design, with a frequency response of 15 Hz to 25 KHz, a sensitivity of 103 Db 1kHz, 1mW, and an impedance of 32 Ohm.

The design process for the 99 Classics was a challenging one, with Antonio Meze striving to produce the headphones without any compromises. This involved extensive research to find the right material and technology for each component and to ensure a precise and durable assembly between wood, zinc, and steel spring. The result is a product that not only looks and feels luxurious but also delivers excellent sound quality.

Antonio Meze's 99 Classics have been recognized for their innovative design, winning the Golden A' Audio and Sound Equipment Design Award in 2016. This prestigious award is granted to creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics. The 99 Classics certainly fit this description, offering a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.