Okay having listened to this for a while now, here are my thoughtsā¦ If you have a chance to give the 109 pro a listen, I think its in a totally different class than the 99 classic (I also own the 99 noir), a better comparison would be maybe the Focal Clearā¦
The 109 pro is nothing bloated in bass, bass feels full and present (if you have a bit of bass guilty pleasure you wont be disappointed, especially for an open back) but it is controlled its not muddy at all - mids are full, vocals sound for the most part amazing, there may be just a little recess in some specific tracks but its never at a point where they arent present, more like a part of the soundstage placement of the vocalist, stage is not massive but has good resolution, to me the 99 classic is nice at its price point, but not really in the same league as this setā¦
The 109 pro is a very clear level above, its a very good headphone in the $600 and above bracketā¦ immersive dynamic open back DD set, its much more resolving than the 99 classic, very clear and natural soundingā¦ Its not very similar imho to the 99 classic, there is if anything a little bit of treble spice, but honestly I kindof dig itā¦ I dont find it at all fatiguing, this set is beautifully designed and if you find the 99 classic comfortable, you will like this - it takes the amazing industrial design innovations that the 99 classic had, the comfort and aesthetic feel and carries it forward into the next level in terms of performance, I feel like its a full and engaging sound that while may be slightly more relaxed than say a focal, it sounds rich and does not lack in any area for meā¦ Like, right now I find its the set I naturally want to listen toā¦ the Focal Clear at times comparing the two, I find I actually enjoy this set more.
The Clear I think is a bit more detailed and precise and it has that good Focal energy but listening to it now, I find the 109 pro a bit more comfortable, its a bit more relaxed maybe but not in a bad way, its still fully engaging just more like being in a plush sofa if that makes sense, the comfort of the headphone itself and the plushness of the stock pads probably contribute to this feelā¦ I could wear this for hours, it is also easy to drive and plays well IMHO on both a mobile and higher end setup (I have been listening to it on my Burson Soloist, a magni modi stack, as well as directly off an iphone with a dongle, an iFi go Blu, or Qudelix 5kā¦ It performs well on just about anything) - the Clear somehow feels just a touch more artificial and a little light on bass IMHOā¦ I still love the Clear, it is one of my favorite headphones but I think this set can hold its own against the best in this price bracket.