Grado GS1000 Classic vs Meze Audio 99 Classics (2nd Gen)
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| GradoGS1000 Classic | Meze Audio99 Classics (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | March 2026 | October 2025 |
| Sound | ||
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Noise cancelling | No | No |
| Driver size | 50 mm | 40 mm |
| Back | Open | Closed |
| Impedance | 38 ohms | 16 ohms |
| Bluetooth codecs | None (wired) | None (wired) |
| Drivers | 50 mm X2 dynamic, Mylar diaphragm, copper voice coil, rare earth magnet; open air; 8 Hz – 35 kHz (listed as "8-35"); 99.8 dB SPL at 1 mW; drivers matched to 0.05 dB | 40 mm dynamic; 15 Hz – 25 kHz; 103 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz; THD < 0.1% at 1 kHz |
| Battery | ||
| Listening time (maker's claim) | No battery (wired) | No battery (wired) |
| Design | ||
| Weight | – | 290 g |
| Headphone cable | Yes | Yes |
| Fit and ear tips | Over-ear, open-back; G cushions, the largest Grado makes; Signature Gold headband assembly with engraved aluminium alloy gimbals, stainless steel height rods, aluminium junction blocks, leather headstrap and adjustable steel spring band; mahogany housing; Grado publishes no weight | Over-ear, closed-back; self-adjusting vegan leather headband on a spring steel frame; detachable vegan leather and memory foam ear pads with a six-point clip-on mount; walnut wood cups and cast zinc hardware |
| Works with | Fixed Signature Silver cable; XLR termination optional at purchase | Dual 3.5 mm TS inputs (7 mm sockets); 1.8 m dual-twisted, Kevlar-sheathed OFC cable with 3.5 mm jack; 6.3 mm gold-plated adapter; 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter with integrated DAC/amp |
| Colours | – | Walnut and gold |
| In the box | – | Headphones, 1.8 m twisted OFC cable with 3.5 mm jack, cable pouch, 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter, hard EVA carrying pouch, acoustic absorbers, 6.3 mm gold-plated adapter |
