Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones Discussions | Drop

Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones

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MusicLover

566

Oct 8, 2018

I have both the Neo and the Light Wood 99 Classics. Both are very good headphones. Both are a little on the dark side. For this price these are a good deal. The problem is there are just so many better headphones for only a little more. Master & Dynamic Headphones and Nighthawks & Nightowls have all recently lowered their prices. The original 99 Classics Ear Pads were extremely small. They did replace them with pads that are slightly larger. These Headphones here look a little smaller than the original 99 Classics. These are very light and easy to wear for long listening sessions.

Oct 9, 2018

MusicLoverA less-expensive, real-wood earcup, alternative to the Meze 99 are the Sivga SV006 headphones with XL Perforated Pleather Pads installed. This 'combo' would be best for home use, as the pads are very large... and can come off (of the cup frame) under heavy use.
Total cost ~$110. The resulting sound will best the Meze 99 in every way, most notably in clarity spaciousness. Comfort-wise, the combo is substantially better than the Meze, the earpads of which can cause fatigue unless you have small ears. And they ship from Amazon. (No 6-month wait.)

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Bansaku

Oct 10, 2018

mattrisNo, no they are not an alternative. My brother-in-law had a pair and I listened to them. Was NOT impressed. He knew I was an audiophile and wanted my honest opinion and I gave it. The next family get-together I brought the 99 Classics and it was no competition. He sold the Sivga and got the HD 6XX (last week after 6 months of waiting). Now he is kicking himself for not waiting for the Classics Noir (like ANYONE could have known).

Oct 10, 2018

BansakuI'm sure you heard the SV006 with their stock earpads. Swapping to Brainwavz XL Perforated Pleather Pads results a massive improvement in comfort and sound.
The BOSSHIFI B8 headphones (a close relative of the Sivga SV006) with Brainwavz XL Suede Pads installed are another excellent option for those with larger heads... or those that want a drier sound, with less treble and soundstage... a much easier listen. Whereas the SV006 + perf. plether are extremely detailed and demand your attention.
Regardless of what headphone you use, the comfort of the spacious-interior Brainwavz pads provides an indisputable advantage over Meze 99, the stock pads of which are claustrophobic - even if the headphones' clamp-force is relatively light. Different pads can be installed onto the Meze 99, but doing so dramatically affects the sound you'll hear - almost certainly detrimental.

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Marlowe

143

Oct 12, 2018

MusicLoverI haven't heard the Meze but have often heard it is somewhat similar (dark, bassy) to the somewhat controversial Audioquest NightHawks, though the NightHawk Carbons (originally $700) are a step or two above them in sound quality. Since Audioquest is getting out of the headphone business, the discontinued NightHawk Carbons are now widely available for $300 (with nicer accessories than the MD Meze), I think I'd rather go for them with two day shipping (plus a return option, since I have not yet heard these cans) rather than the Meze in April.

jaydunndiddit

3262

Oct 14, 2018

MarloweI have the NightOwls and they are superior sonically. Tighter, more impactful bass, more forward mids and better treble extension. That isn't a knock on the 99C, but for a product that is twice the price, they fall a bit short. However, I do think the 99C make a better travel pair and are still a solid headphone at this price.

MusicLover

566

Oct 14, 2018

jaydunndidditThe case that comes with both Nighthawks and Nightowls is one of the best cases made and make these headphones great for travel.

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jaydunndiddit

3262

Oct 14, 2018

MusicLoverIt's a great case, it's just huge and I travel with a backpack. The 99C case is smaller, nice, and rugged. I think it may be a tad smaller than a typical Slappa case since that's what I put my NightOwl/Fostex in when traveling and they're larger than the 99C.

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Oct 14, 2018

jaydunndidditAnother option : the SV003 with Brainwavz XL Hybrid Pads... or if you want less bass and more treble and detail (for gaming), get the XL Perforated Pleather Pads.
As you might have guessed, I'm quite the fan of Sivga and Brainwavz. Combined, I would bet that they are the best value in wired, around-ear headphones right now - period. No need to pay hundreds of dollars (NightOwl) or wait 6 months (Meze 99).

jaydunndiddit

3262

Oct 17, 2018

mattrisI'll have to take your word on it. I already have the NightOwl and have already sampled and returned both the Neo and 99C. While I enjoyed them, the NightOwl is technically superior to my ears, has the same style headband, but more comfortable pads (and two included types). Truthfully, they're like a portable version of my Fostex Ebony. I have an Elegia now so I have something that's neutral and fun while being closed back and isolating while traveling.
If I'm ever in need of a budget pair, I'll be sure to keep these in mind.

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Oct 19, 2018

jaydunndidditThe large, circular openings of the XL earpads really open up the soundstage and sense of space. To say I'm impressed would be quite and understatement.
After some additional pad swapping, I discovered better headphone/pad combinations... and edited my posts.
Final thoughts for now:
Upon further listening, I can safely say the the Sivga SV006 headphones with XL Perforated Pleather Pads installed are the best-value wired close-back headphone combo - period. Highly recommend.
For more casual listening, the BOSSHIFI B8 headphones with Brainwavz XL Suede Pads or Sivga SV003 + XL Hybrid Pads are an excellent option superb.

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