This past weekend, thousands of audio and hi-fi enthusiasts attended the Paris Audio Video Show in the French capital — and I was one of them. I had the pleasure of seeing some of the latest and greatest inventions and innovations in the hi-fi sphere, from home theater systems and projectors to bookshelf speakers and wired headphones.
As someone who uses headphones daily to listen to her favorite tunes, I couldn't help but be drawn to Meze Audio's stand at the show — and I got to try two pairs of wired headphones that could make me ditch wireless for good. The Meze Audio Liric 2nd Gen and the Meze Audio 99 Classics made a lasting impression on me, and I haven't stopped thinking about either since.
I had high hopes before I tried the 99 Classics and the Liric, and that's because I've spent a good chunk of time using the open-back 105 AER. Well, I'm happy to report that neither set of cans let me down. In fact, I liked one of them so much that I instantly asked the representative at the stand how much the headphones cost... and my jaw dropped instantly. Allow me to take you through it all.
Comfort for days
Although priced vastly differently, the Meze Audio Liric 2nd Gen and the Meze Audio 99 Classics have a couple of things in common. Both their earcups sport a walnut wood finish, making them stand out in a crowded market. I love their overall design, and both are extremely comfortable, too.
The 99 Classics (9.17oz) are lighter than the Liric (15.1oz) and even though they sit at opposite ends of the price spectrum, both excel at delivering all-day comfort. I especially love how the Liric feel on my head.
The padded headband relieves pressure you might feel on the top of your head otherwise, and the same goes for the 99 Classics, too. Both their earcups are plenty spacious, and they sat comfortably around my ears during the short time I spent with them. I didn't want to take either off my head! And that's also down to how beautiful they sound.
How music was intended to sound
If you want to stream hi-res audio, you need a pair of wired headphones and a DAC (Digital Analog Converter), which is the setup Meze Audio had in place at its stand at the Paris Audio Video Show. This enabled me to listen to music the way it was intended to sound. And let me tell you, both the Meze Audio Liric 2nd Gen and the 99 Classics sound phenomenal — but more so the Liric, which isn't surprising given their premium price point.
The Liric are fitted with Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array MZ4 drivers with a frequency response range of 4Hz-92KHz. When I put them on and hit play on 'Money for Nothing' by Dire Straits, I was instantly blown away. The slow rise in the non-lyrical intro ending in the drum solo leading into the verse felt like a spiritual experience. Every note plucked on the electric guitar was loud and clear while Mark Knopfler's vocals had never sounded better.
I then thoroughly appreciated the powerful basslines in 'Money' by Pink Floyd (one of my favorite songs of all time) accompanied by the clinging and clanging of change travelling from one earcup to the other, providing a truly immersive listening experience.
And what about the 99 Classics? Just because they're cheaper doesn't mean they should be underestimated. The 99 Classics' dynamic drivers are plenty powerful to deliver detailed, well-balanced sound. Fleetwood Mac's 'The Chain' sounded fantastic and as though Stevie Nicks was singing directly into my ear.
Meze Audio says that the 99 Classics have been designed to deliver "natural sound even to the pickiest of audio lovers." At that, I think, it almost succeeds. While the highs and treble sounded great to me, I found the lows and bass to be slightly lacking. But bear in mind that I tried the 99 Classics after the Liric, so I may have been spoiled by the pricier pair.
Should you buy them? Yes
Both the Meze Audio 99 Classics and the Liric 2nd Gen are outstanding headphones, and I can't recommend them enough if you want the best-in-class sound. But it all comes down to the cost. The 99 Classics are a more budget-friendly pair, retailing for $309 / £269. Meanwhile, the Liric are... a smidge more expensive. They're priced at a whopping $1,999 / £1,899.
Of course, if money were no object, we'd all get the Liric — they are near-perfect, in my opinion, and they are designed for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality and comfort above all else. But even if you get the 99 Classics, you'll still be getting bang for your buck.
Will I finally ditch wireless?
So, am I ready to ditch wireless cans for good? It's a little complicated. I love my wireless headphones. I thoroughly enjoy the convenience of Bluetooth multipoint connectivity that lets me swap between my laptop and smartphone as needed, and I like not having to contend with tangled cables, especially while commuting.
But I also can't ignore the fact that, more often than not, wireless headphones aren't it for streaming hi-res audio. My ideal solution would be having two pairs of headphones: a wireless pair for when I'm on the move, and a wired pair for when I'm at my desk. Detailed listening is hard to top and that's something both the Meze Audio 99 Classics and the Liric deliver.
If I win the lottery, there will be signs — at least one, in the form of the Liric sitting on the top of my head.
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