Over-Ear
Meze 99 CLASSICS WALNUT SILVER
82Great
$349
Full review dataMeze 99 CLASSICS WALNUT SILVER vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nectar Hive comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nectar Hive - Outstanding overall at around $197.
Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Meze 99 CLASSICS WALNUT SILVER
Sound8.5
Value7.5
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Meze 99 CLASSICS WALNUT SILVER | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $349 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2015 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-25kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 260 g | 370 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
Meze 99 CLASSICS WALNUT SILVER
The Meze 99 Classics are a beautifully crafted closed-back over-ear headphone that pairs walnut wood and silver metal accents with a warm, engaging sound signature. They deliver punchy bass and clear treble, making them a comfortable, lightweight choice for listeners who value both style and musicality. While they shine with quality sources, their mid-bass can occasionally overshadow the mix, and the proprietary cable connectors may limit aftermarket options.
- Pro:Stunning walnut and silver design
- Pro:Very comfortable and lightweight at 260g
- Pro:Warm, lively sound with strong bass
- Con:Mid-bass can become overpowering at times
- Con:Unusual proprietary connectors limit cable swaps
- Con:Some sound leakage and fit adjustment quirks
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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