Synergy

Efficiency

If I were able to comfortably push the THIEAUDIO Cypher with a simple in-line dongle, theoretically, then anything will do. I did upscale power to see if one would benefit from upscaling the source.

What’s funny is that most aspects improved, including the high frequencies, which is counterintuitive since the lack of power usually affects the low frequencies more often.

But what I was hearing was improvements and subtle changes within DACs, and they do tend to limit themselves to a point where upscaling is ineffective after a certain point. That means that they’re not as gear-dependent as some other headphones.

Pairings

I would mostly consider solid-state devices with the THIEAUDIO Cypher because of their low impedance, which doesn’t fare well with some tube amplifiers that require high impedance. Plus, I would want to keep their clean aspect and not mar that with coloration.

Questyle and their Sigma is one of those devices, and so is their Sigma Pro, although tier-wise the Sigma is a better match, and it still produces the same ultra-detailed sonic presentation as a combo.

They tend to max out with gear that is within their tier, like an iFi audio ZEN DAC and ZEN CAN combo, or the Rose Technics RT-5000.

Actually, that iFi Audio combo was my favorite with the Cypher since I could engage the Xbass feature to counterbalance the low-end roll off. Plus, I could engage the Xspace as well to gain an even wider soundstage without compromising placement.

Selected Comparisons

Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Generation

Technical

Competition is stiff at this price tier because you have models like the Meze Audio 99 Classic Gen 2 that outperform the original version, even though the original headphone model has been considered one of the best-selling models in its price tier.

I always thought the original 99 Classics could have used some sonic improvements since it sounded a tad dark and lacked some upper-end clarity.

This is one of the virtues that version 2 has, aside from tighter bass response and a smoother midrange presentation, on top of slight comfort level improvements.

My gut feeling tells me that presently, the 99 Classics is still one of the most sold headphones around.

Most Audiophiles rarely consider closed-back models, but the 99 Classics certainly captured a large audience regardless, evidenced by over 1600 reviews over at the Amazon store. Version 2 is slowly catching up.

Design

Real walnut cups adorn most of the Meze 99 Classics V2’s appearance and is their most prominent visual feature.

Black and Gold adorn the rest of the headphone, and a self-adjusting padded headband completes the package.

Version 2 uses a larger cup size with improved, cleverly implemented, and visible venting right beside the input jack.

The top portion remained the same, a self-adjust system that I find a touch more comfortable since it arches correctly and distributes weight on a larger area, removing any pressure spots.

The 3.5mm input jacks remained and are quickly becoming the standard on most high-quality headphones.

Both these headphones can share stock cables, and there’s a plethora of aftermarket cables compatible with both models.

However, the flush mounting is preferable for the fact that the 99 Classics V2 is an ambidextrous headphone, and the only visual L and R cue you have is the markings on the cable. It does improve the plug’s durability and safeguards the cable and plug up to a certain point.

Performance

If I wanted to have some fun with music, the 99 Classics V2 is a good choice because, although in stock form it might not sound as vivid and lively as the Cypher, with equalization it becomes so, and can handle a larger amount of boost if you’re a bass lover on top of that.

But the cypher is the speedier of the two and tends to be the better headphone for monitoring purposes because of all the detail it produces.

They also produce a better soundstage and project more accuracy in placement, but remember, the Meze Audio 99 Classics V2 is a closed-back headphone and is the best candidate for those who need isolation above other things.

The high frequencies are produced more darkly on the 99 Classics V2, and the Cypher is certainly the livelier set that produces a higher level of crystallinity, speediness, and realism in the midrange section, particularly, quite notably in the vocal section.