Occasionally, you run across an offering that is both a high-performer and high-value. But finding one that is also gorgeous and clever is rare. And delightful.
Enter Meze Headphones.
The 99 Classic ($309 in walnut/gold) were a recent Indiegogo campaign (that I missed, bummer) that blew out its funding goals. The cans, which feature a satin-finished (my favorite) walnut (my favorite) ear cup, brushed gold trim (not actually gold, but the color is very much “close enough”), an extremely comfortable “floating” headband, all set within an innovative structure. They look lux as all hell, and yes, I want a set just to fondle and drool on. Given that the 99 Classics fall within that Beats-level pricing, you have to know that your brand-blinded friends will go pie-eyed with envy when a pair of these pop out.
Oh, and they sound pretty freakin’ great. Did I mention that?
Anyway, these headphones were among the very first in the must-get from CanJam SoCal.
***Want want want***
What’s new? The 99 Neo ($259), a more mod-looking and affordable version of the Classics. Same shape, same construction, same sound, same high build quality, no wood. We should see that in about 6 months or so.
Also new: the 77 Deco. This headphone is very posh-looking, with soft-leather on-ear pads, an inset wood-cup backing (yes, still closed-back), and a fold-flat more portable structure. Should be a bit more than the Classics in pricing, if/when they’re finally released.
On the ultra-portable (and ultra-affordable) front, Meze also has a couple of in-ear offerings, the 11 Classics ($79) and 11 Deco ($79) — which are being discontinued/supplanted by the newest babies, the 11 Neo ($49) and the 12 Classics ($TBD, but probably the same $70-80 price as their outgoing parent).
