Introduction
Meze is a company based in Romania. They produce headphones and iems. In this review, I will be reviewing the Meze 12 Classics. I would like to thank Meze for this review unit. At the moment, you can purchase the 12 Classics from https://www.mezeaudio.com/collections/all . It is available in 2 colours – Gun-Metal and Iridium.
Specifications
- Driver: Titanium Coated 8mm Mylar Driver
- Frequency Response: 16Hz – 24kHz
- Impedance: 16 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 101dB (+/- 3db)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.5%
- Noise Attenuation: up to 26dB
Unboxing & Accessories
The Meze 12 Classics comes in a nice white package that sports the brand name, model name and image of the iem. After opening the package, there are the 12 Classics and a carrying case which contains tips.
IEM Build & Design
The Meze 12 Classics has a gun-metal shell with wood surface. There is the Meze logo printed on the iem. At the bottom of the iem, there is a vent. The nozzle is straight with metal mesh for earwax prevention. There is strain relief on the iem with left and right markings.
Cable Build & Design
The cable is a 2 core design and it is not braided. It is made of 7N oxygen free copper (OFC). At the right side, there is the microphone. There is no chin slider. The y-splitter has a circular housing with the Meze logo printed on it. Lastly, the jack is 3.5mm straight gold plated.
Sound Analysis
Lows
The sub-bass of the 12 Classics has a moderate quantity and it is extended well. It is being presented in a laid-back manner and although it is not very impactful, there is still a nice attack to it. The mid-bass has a nice quantity to it and the slam is portrayed in a laid-back manner. The bass texture is smooth and the decay is moderate. Each bass note is being presented with ease and the hit helps to improve the overall dynamics.
Mids
The midrange is the highlight of the 12 Classics. It is presented in a natural and smooth manner. The lower mids is slightly boosted and male vocals benefit greatly for it. The additional body helps to prevent hollowness. The upper mids is forward. Female vocals are presented in a sweet and intimate style. It is not the aggressive type. The mastery on the upper mids is sublime. The 12 Classics is able to tackle both male and female vocals with ease.
Highs
The treble is extended well. There is a good crisp to it with great details retrieval. There is no sibilance and harshness. The articulation is quite precise and there is a good sparkle to add some excitement into the overall sound. The amount of air rendered has a good amount and there is a good balance. In addition, there is no graininess in the treble and it is being presented in a resolving manner which has a great combination of musicality and technicality.
Soundstage
The soundstage of the 12 Classics has a very natural expansion with great width. The depth is moderate and it is able to tackle busier tracks. Vocals and instruments positioning is accurate. There is good separation.
Comparisons
Meze 12 Classics vs Advanced M4
The 12 Classics has more sub-bass quantity than the M4 but the sub-bass is extended further on the M4. M4 presents its sub-bass in a more clinical manner. There is definition in the bass reproduction. The bass decay on the M4 is quicker but the bass texture rendered on the 12 Classics is much smoother. The mid-bass on the 12 Classics has slightly more weight and this contributes to the slam. The 12 Classics has a great amount of body in its lower mids and male vocals are conveyed better. The upper mids on the M4 is more forward and this increases the intimacy of female vocals. For the treble section, M4 has the better extension but it is prone to sibilance and harshness. The 12 Classics tackles the treble in a smooth manner yet retaining the crisp. Details retrieval on both is around the same. In terms of soundstage, the 12 Classics has a more natural expansion in its width while the depth on both is similar.
Meze 12 Classics vs Final Audio E3000
The 12 Classics has more sub-bass quantity but the E3000 extends better with a greater depth. The bass decay of the E3000 is more pacey. Although the 12 Classics is not as quick, the bass note is still being presented with a nice body to it. The bass texture is smoother on the 12 Classics. E3000 approaches it with a clean hit and the attack is exciting. However, the bass nature of the 12 Classics is more relaxing to listen to and it will ensure a fatigue-free listening. There is more agility in the E3000. The lower mids of the 12 Classics has more body and the quantity aids male vocals. The upper mids on the E3000 is more forward and female vocals are being expressed very intimately. In terms of treble, the E3000 has the better extension with more air and sparkle. Treble articulation is more controlled on the 12 Classics and the approach is relaxing to listen to. The soundstage of 12 Classics has a more natural expansion in its width while the E3000 is better in its magnitude. The depth on the E3000 is better with more space rendered.
Meze 12 Classics vs TFZ Series 4
The 12 Classics has less sub-bass quantity than the Series 4. The sub-bass on both is extended to a similar extent. 12 Classics has the extra agility and it helps in the bass note to be expressed quickly which provides more impact. There is more definition in the bass reproduction of the 12 Classics. The mid-bass on the Series 4 has more weight to it and the slam is greater. 12 Classics presents it rather cleanly. The lower mids on the Series 4 is slightly boosted and it sounds dense in comparison to the 12 Classics. Male vocals are being presented rather well but 12 Classics has the edge in the clinical aspect. The upper mids on the Series 4 has a nice focus but 12 Classics has the extra forwardness. Female vocals are presented with intimacy. In terms of treble, Series 4 operates in a laid-back approach while 12 Classics has better definition with crisp. There is no sibilance and harshness on both. The soundstage of 12 Classics has better width and depth.
Conclusion
The 12 Classics has a smooth organic sound that ensures a fatigue-free listening whilst still retaining crisp at the top end. It has a microphone for daily usage and the wood finish gives a nice rustic feel to it. The Meze 12 Classics has good craftmanship and relaxing sound.
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