Denon AH-MM400 Music Maniac Over-Ear Headphones

I'll cut to the chase here. This is not a good sounding headphone, but if you like the looks I guess you can go get it.

First, the build. Build is actually the best part about this headphone. It is quite well built. The joints that connect the headband and the earcups are quite sturdy, and the braided cable that comes out from the earcups does look like it will last a long time. Looks wise if you like Audio-Technica woodies, then you are definitely going to like this headphone. It's essentially a trimmed-down version of a full-sized AT woodie. The wood feels very nice to the touch and although I'm not at all into woodies, I find myself fondling the wooden earcups all the time. It's a very elegant design that appeals to everyone.

Moving on to sound is where the not-so-good stuff comes out. The MM400 houses a 40mm free edge carbon driver that looks exactly like a smaller, more compact D7100 driver. However the two couldn't have sound anymore different. The D7100 is bold, outgoing and muscular. The bass is quite prodigious on those and the soundstage is pretty good for a closed-back. It's never going to be a studio headphone but hey, they are not designed for that purpose. The MM400 on the other hand is just plain unimpressive. Nothing really stands out. There isn't much to fault but there isn't much to like either. Resolution is mediocre. Soundstage is congested even for a portable headphone. Bass, mids and highs are all very average. They have no memorable qualities. And it's for this reason alone that I can't recommend them. Yes they have the looks, yes they are built well, but at the end of the day it's the sound that matters. And these really fall short in that area.

I have got these recently and I am very happy with my purchase. Denon has not failed me so far and I have used few of their products. I think somebody in Denon knows that the high quality will make people to come back and buy more products from this brand.
 
The packaging is very nice and quite heavy. The headphones itself are quite heavy due to the high quality materials and solid build quality. On the head they don't feel heavy as the padding makes it very comfortable and soft to wear. The packing has very nice box with solid quality feel. There is no carrying case but I am using the box as the storage for these as it feels high class. They come with 2 cables which are not that good, looks like average quality, thin and feels a bit cheap. They both the same length, straight just one has the volume control including mic. This is the only thing really I am not happy with but I like customize my headphones so already found some cable replacements online. BE CAREFUL when you get new cable as the jack input is oval and very unique you need to find something that will fit or plastic jack which you can brush off. I am adding a photo of the input hole. There is also a carrying bag which is from fabric but again very solid and nice to touch.
 
Build quality seems to be very good here, they feel very solid and I am sure they will last. The wooden cups and luxurious design wont make these headphones for external use. Weather would be not friendly to them plus they will attract punks to steal these from you. They look and feel more expensive then they are. Design wise these look better than most of the expensive headphones out there. In terms of design I would like to see them next to MSR7, EL-8 and MP3. 
 
I have nothing to say regarding comfort other than positive. They are supper soft with the pads and headband pad being quite thick. Clamping force is ideal for me, some users complain about it but I have no issues. Comparing to my HP800 these feels like pillows laying on my head where HP800 feels like somebody is pushing hands against my ears. Be careful if your head is bigger or you have bigger ears as then you might have issues with these like ears touching the insides or higher clamping force. If you have these issues before you return them try to put them over nights to something bigger like box or something to strech them then the clamping force will ease up. Same for the pads if they are not comfortable then look for replacements such MSR7 fits as I heard and they should be slightly thicker, more comfortable.
 
Sound isolation is pretty good. They isolate slightly better than HP800 but still less than Sennheiser HD380 or HD25. But definitely recommend these for flights or other noisy travelling if you want to consider them for travel.  
 
Sound quality.... as I expect very impressive. Warm sounding headphones which are fun to listen and don't feel cold and analytical like some German brands Sennheisers, BeyerDynamic, etc. I think they could still be used for monitoring and other sound work but there are definitely other cans for this purpose. These are meant to be for listening to the music and enjoyment. Music sounds nicely soft and warm with good quality punchy bass and nothing is in forward. Bass is slightly boosted but only tinny bit, not overpowering the mids or leaking to them. Mids are very detailed and clear, Treble are crisp and neutral not harsh at all. I really love Denon sound signature their cans are pleasure for listening and they are not tiring like other cans are. I can wear and listen to these for hours even whole day no problem. They are still new so I am in process of burning them in. Soundstage is not that great but they have this nice intimate feel when listen to something. They do not sound directly in your head like HD25 or similar headphones. Imaging is fantastic too, few times I caught myself looking around and wondering if there is anybody else in the room. 
 
I wish I could have chance to compare these with other premium headphones but at least this forum make it up for me. I was just about to purchase MSR7 when I found these and knowing Denon brand already I decided to go for these. I am sure I made a good decision despite MSR7 are fantastic and very popular but I know they dont have this warm sound, they are on the cooler side with some time lacking a bit of bass. I use these for everything  listening music, movies, playing games. I also listen to all kind of music and they keep impressing me delivering amazing results. I do believe there are many better headphones but I think they would need to be on much higher price level. 
 
Definitely give these a chance, at least try them or check them out if you are buying something in this price range. I got mines for £200 and I can ensure you these sounds and look more expensive then they are.
 
Although if you are on the budget and want something with similar sound but for less money then forget about other tips you got and check out the Denon HP800, they are dj headphones but they have amazing sound something similar than these and cost less than half of MM400's price. Definitely recommend both of these. 
 
Feel free to ask any questions here or PM me.
 
Thanks
 
 
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Plenty of nice reviews, so I am just filling the points I think needs to be highlighted.
 
The cans are small for an over ear, so make sure your ears are small enough, and fit inside these.
 
The fabric covering the speakers, inside the cans, comes loose. It needs to be glued back on again, as the set looses it main character without it. That fabric is a vital part of the design.
 
The reproduction is one of musicality. It is targeted at portable equipment, with all that comes. The typical poor highs, which is solved by dampening the highs a bit, and extension is a bit poor. Articulation and separation of portable gear is a bit lacking, and thus not where these excel the most. Dynamic range is also typically limited, so these are not really great at dynamic range either, when teaming up with great gear.
 
They do excel by harmonics. There is nothing that stands out, even with really, really, poor gear. Where there is any soundstage, these will bring it out, if there is any separation these are great fun. They appear to be tuned to provide the most of ordinary portable gear, and on that, they deliver like nuts. If some gadget, like my Toshiba laptop, sound awful with these, well, then there is no rescue. If you got a smartphone, these will bring the best out of them.
 
If you enjoy the music, like to stamp the beat, like to feel like a need to sing along, or snap your fingers, these will take you there. With a crappy smartphone. (Just not too crappy)
 
It is obtained by softening the highs, and the attack of any metal, like strings on a guitar, completely lacks any harshness. The same goes for perk. But that is needed, and what is reproduced, is harmonic in nature. Same goes for like Spotify, in which the perk distortion and articulation distortion is rendered like it is not there, because everything appears to be harmonic, nothing sticks out. Once connected to great gear, and compared to say a HD800, the Denon gets a beating. The traits that makes it sing for portable, does not work for high end gear. It's like a rapper trying to do classical: It kills the rapping, but not so much for the classical part.

Introduction –

With an overwhelmingly positive response on my Oppo PM3/Bowers and Wilkins P7 comparison review, I have decided to expand this article to include a few more models that I’ve been listening to. The two that I have decided to add today are the Sony MDR-1A and Denon MM-400, the former being quite recognised yet with mixed reception and the later bearing very minimal online presence, but what is there is almost exclusively positive. Again, all of these headphones carry a similar price tag around $400 USD, however the P7, MM-400 and MDR-1A can all be had for significant discounts, at times even up to half off their RRP. On the other hand, the PM3, on account of their universal acclaim, have retained much of their original value and have even appreciated slightly in Australia. Regardless, extensive comparison between these four models has given me two key insights: How similar the performances between all high-end portable headphones is and a new found appreciation of the Oppo PM3’s midrange presentation. Keep reading to see which one is for you!

 

About Me – Some background, Gear of choice, Preferences and Biases

I generally prefer a slight v-shape to my sound, but still closer to neutral. I like a lot of detail and clarity, but can appreciate a smooth, laid back sound such as that on the X10`s. I prefer a more neutral midrange within a relatively tight tolerance, but I`m probably more forgiving of brightness over darkness. I`m not particularly treble sensitive and can tolerate large amounts without fatigue, though too much ruins the enjoyment. If I use a different eartip/pad/cover during the review I will note that and describe the sound changes.

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Accessories –











The unboxing experience, whilst insignificant in the long run, can really heighten the premium aura surrounding a headphone; ensuring the buyer that the product deserves its high purchase price. Whilst all of these headphones are very nicely packaged and presented, I still consider the P7`s to have the most professional packaging. The P7`s are beautifully displayed within a moulded, silk lined plastic inlet with a pull tab that reveals the purse-like carry case, extra cable and papers. The dark renders and matte textures all do a fantastic job at conveying the workmanship and design that went into the headphones, it’s truly a refreshing experience.











The Denon MM-400’s actually present very similarly, albeit in a lighter, less sumptuous manner. The MM-400’s are well showcased with a similar moulded inlet and pull tab that allows for easy removal of the top layer to access the accessories below.

Denon include a nice soft pouch with an extra pocket for the additional cable (includes a remote and audio cable) as well as a 1/4inch adapter for use with home amplifiers.

 












The Oppo PM3`s on the other hand present less refined but more extravagant, packaged within an astounding 3 boxes. A plain protective shipping box contains a nice black box like the P7`s with a brushed textured box inside. The zippered denim hard case lies inside the inner-most along with a 1.2m cable of your choice, a 3m cable with screw on 1/4inch adapter and papers. Of note, the P7`s come stock with an iPhone cable but include a
non-remote cable as well. Despite some reviews stating that you receive 4 cables with the PM3, I only received 2. Buyers have the choice of no remote, Android or iPhone cables (just have a different remote) and all units come with a 3m cable. So while the P7`s may present better, the PM3`s do come with a more usable selection of accessories.
 

Unfortunately my set of MDR-1A was an ex-retail model so it did not come with packaging, however, the un-boxing experience should be similar to the PM3. The MDR-1A comes with a 1.2m Remote cable in addition to an audio-only cable and drawstring pouch.

Design – 
P7









The P7`s immediately draw the eye with a striking design melding aluminium faceplates with embossed Bowers and Wilkins logos, lambskin leather ear cups and headband and very solid feeling twisted stainless steel links. The headphones utilise a sliding mechanism for the headband with almost unlimited amounts of adjustment between the end stops. The mechanism is perfectly weighted and holds its position well during use. The P7`s fold up completely and become quite compact considering their size. They don`t swivel much, but the metal links have some degree of flexibility for comfort.

Although the P7 has thin earpads, they are are still very comfortable, with soft and plentiful cushioning. In addition, the already supple lambskin leather softens over time, further increasing comfort. During usage, the P7`s are well-sealing and as a result, can be a little hot. The ear cups are large and deep, fitting most people comfortably.

The headband is less agreeable for me. Like the ear pads, the headband is quite thin, but is packed with much denser foam. This is no problem initially but repeated long listening sessions (>2 hours) result in discomfort. Regardless, the earcups are encompassing and isolate all frequencies of external noise quite well. The ear pads are fully replaceable, attaching via two magnetic prongs. The earpads have built in acoustic chambers that augment the bass response and seal with the drivers through a thin ring of memory foam. This also grants access to the hidden 2.5mm cable jack for replacement.

*Of note, the new P7 Wireless comes with memory foam earpads instead of the simple sponge pads on the original P7’s. These new pads isolate considerably more and slightly tighten up the low end in my experiences. You can contact either Bowers and Wilkins or your local audio retailer to order a pair in, the mounting system is identical to the stock P7 pads.

The P7’s also come with a nice stock cable that is made of rubber but has a smooth finish that doesn`t catch on clothes. Textured aluminium trim enables easy manipulation of the plug and grip on the remote. Buttons are relatively easy to differentiate, the centre multi-function button is slightly raised above the volume buttons. Unfortunately, the cable uses a proprietary, recessed 2.5m connector.











It`s nice to have the option at least, but replacements will likely have to be purchased through B&W themselves.

PM3 –











The Pm3`s offer the cleanest look. Their less flashy build is very mature, almost equally well-finished as the P7`s and perhaps a little more solid in the hand. The ear cups employ an aluminium and plastic blend for weight saving, which feels just a little less premium than the P7 but chamfered edges retain an eye-catching look. Notably, they showcase no branding, only small Oppo and PM3 markings on the headband twisting mechanism. As a result of their symmetrical build, Oppo have added a small bump on the left frame, though with the single entry cable also on the left, it`s not too hard to differentiate between sides. The headphones do not fold like the p7`s, but fold flat like the MDR-1A, they are not as wide, but still take up more space in your bag.









The PM3`s are the heaviest headphone in the comparison, clamp force is also on the stronger side. Fortunately, wide ear pads spread the load evenly and the softer, wider headband creates comfort even from the heavy headphone. Oppo claims that the earpads aren`t removable, but they are actually not too difficult to change. You can see my video guide here and read more about earpad maintenance/conditioning here. The earpads have a plastic frame at the base that clips onto the body of the headphone at 6 points. In addition, replacement earpads can only be ordered directly from Oppo, you`ll have to contact their support e-mail to order a new set.

The size adjustment uses a conventional clicker with 15 steps. It feels solid and is made from thick steel, but there are no markings on the slider which makes re-adjusting the headband a bit tedious (you have to shorten the headband all the way to use the included case). The Faux leather used is of high quality, it`s about as breathable as the p7`s but not as soft and they do not soften over time, rather, they are prone to drying out. The strong clamp force and wide ear pads produce great passive noise isolation, about as good as you could hope for without active noise cancelling and better than the rest of the headphones in this comparison. While the earpads are very plush, with plenty of soft cushioning, they are quite a bit shallower than the p7`s and MDR-1A. Ironically, since the ear pads contact so much skin, the force is dispersed and comfort is retained as there are no hot spots. Some people may have issues with this, but the general consensus is that the PM3 is more comfortable than the P7 and I would have to agree.

Like the P7`s, the PM3`s have a single side cable entry cable, though it uses a regular 3.5mm port. The port is slightly recessed but most case friendly cables will fit well, I`m using a V-Moda speakeasy cable for reference. This is much more practical and makes cable upgrades a snap, especially pertinent since the stock 1.2m cable is pretty mediocre. All portable PM3 cables are rubbery and thin without adequate strain relief and the plugs are very smooth, making them difficult to use. A cable upgrade is almost a must and with the V-Moda cable I find that the sound is similar if not a little better whilst the build and usability is far superior.
MM-400 –

At their inception, headphones were never intended to be fashion statements, but that doesn’t mean they can’t become one. The MM-400’s always drew my attention in-store, there aren’t actually a whole lot of premium $400 headphones with a wooden construction and the MM-400 stuck out in the best possible way. Whilst users often state that the something like the PM3 is so clean it doesn’t draw attention, in reality, it’s almost the opposite and the MM-400 looks much more iconic and perhaps even mature.









The Denon MM400’s whilst perhaps not as contemporary as some more consumer models, still presents its own flare, just in a more charming, less flashy manner. The sculpted wooden earcups and satin silver hangers contrast nicely to the premium leather clad models offered by Bang and Olufsen or Bowers and Wilkins.

That being said, they don’t quite have the level of finish offered by other headphones in its class, the outstanding P7 and PM3 especially. The walnut earcups had slight imperfections from the factory as did the paint on the hangers. Regardless, these remain a very attractive headphone and these issues are somewhat offset by the slightly cheaper asking price. They adjust through a marked ratchet mechanism and fold like the P7’s for easy storage, getting quite small on account of their compact earcups. In terms of ergonomics, the MM-400’s earpads are similarly sized to the P7 pads and share a similar square shape, but are a lot thinner, creating a much more snug fitment.









The earpads are very thin both in width and height, but the drivers are angled to prevent the ear from making too much contact. They don’t fit like the PM3 and MDR-1A, instead, they take a bit of fiddling to find the right position. Once the headphones are adjusted correctly, they were actually quite comfortable, even during long listening sessions, but I never forgot I was wearing them. The seal is strong due to similarly strong clamp force (the strongest of all portable headphones I’ve tested) and the grippy ear pad fabric. Isolation is similarly impressive due to the use of a dense memory foam; just slightly worse than the class leading Oppo PM3’s but improved over the P7 and more so over the MDR-1A which sounds to be more semi-open.

The same goes for the headband. It’s coated in a soft pleather with a breathable fabric underneath. It’s comfortable for the most part, the flatter profile sits better on my head than the B&W P7’s and doesn’t form any hot spots. That being said, the MM-400’s does lack a little padding, making them a bit hard wearing if not unbearable over time. They also don’t quite spread their weight as effectively as the PM3 due to improper headband shaping that concentrates the weight in the centre, the headphone should be more curved to hug more of the head.











The cable, on the other hand, is by far the worst of the bunch. It’s thin, tangles easily and has a rubbery texture that catches easily on clothes. The terminations look and feel cheap as does the inline remote; which is a pretty hollow feeling plastic with a loose click. At least the cable is decently relieved and the use of a right angle connector should protect against some stress on the go. Replacement is unnecessarily complicated due to the use of a recessed oval connector. It’s recessed just slightly more than the protrusions of case friendly cables, making mainstream cable replacement unviable. Certain custom cables will fit but are very costly, the cheap cable and difficulty of replacement is definitely something to consider.

MM-400 with imitation MSR-7 earpads​

Unlike the other headphones in this comparison that use custom mounting plates, the MM-400’s have very easily replaceable earpads. Considering that the shallow pads are most user’s main concern, this does make them a much more attractive offering from a comfort standpoint. It also opens up the possibility of sound alteration through earpad swapping. In daily use, I do strongly prefer to use the MM-400’s with Audio Technica MSR-7 earpads. They’re almost the same diameter as the stock pads but are almost twice as thick. They don’t adversely affect the sound but provide a larger soundstage and more pronounced high end (which sounds more balanced since the MM-400 are a darker sounding headphone). All in all, given that these pads go for around $16 AUD online, this is a cheap and simple way to tailor the headphones slightly to your own listening preferences.

 

MDR-1A –

 










The Sony MDR-1A have distant roots as a studio headphone. Whilst the modern consumer disciple is most definitely a portable headphone, these roots can be observed in the simple, if attractive styling, supreme comfort and also questionable passive noise isolation. Whilst styling always remains subjective, I find the MDR-1A to have a nice, understated look that will be sure to get a nod on the street from the more audio savvy.
 

The fully polycarbonate build doesn’t match the feel of the luxurious metal P7’s and PM3’s nor the beautiful walnut MM-400’s, but the headphones are incredibly lightweight on the head in return.

The fit and finish is also top notch; the earcups employ a satisfying speckled texture similar to Sony’s high-end DSLRs whilst the metallic hangers draw the eye with an almost liquid quality under light. Subtle accents such as the metallic red ring and gold 3.5mm connector provide a bit of flair and the MDR-1A are a very stylish headphone to my eye. They employ a similar ratchet mechanism to most other headphones, unfortunately, there are no markings so, like the PM3, finding the correct setting after unpacking can get a bit tedious. They also fold flat like the PM3, getting compact but not to the level of the more elaborate P7’s and MM-400’s.

The earcups are solid without creak though some users of older batches have made complaints (easily fixed with a small amount of lubricant). They are the largest headphone in this comparison, not outrageous, but hardly as sleek as newer headphones. This does grant them plenty of space to fully encompass the ear, making the MDR-1A easily the most comfortable portable headphone I’ve tested, more so than the Bose QC25 to put that statement into perspective.

Part of this is due to the rather unique earpads which are not only very wide and slightly angled, but also have contours that reduce pressure around the jaw and back of the ear, they just perfectly fall into place. The faux leather is also incredibly soft to the point that they are prone to damage; when I was testing the mounting mechanism, my fingernail grazed the pleather, leaving a small tear. Although the driver is exposed, they too are angled to aid comfort and natural soundstaging.

The headband is also super soft and wide enough to effectively disperse weight force. Clamp force is on the looser side, but the wider pads create plenty of stability on the head. Here, the light weight of the headphones is especially appreciable and the MDR-1A caused me absolutely no discomfort over almost any duration of time; I listened for over 5 hours straight with only slight stuffiness caused by the solid seal. Unfortunately, isolation does lack as the headphone do have a large bass port on the top of the earcups. They isolate a lot more than my Grado and Alessandro headphones, but I wouldn’t use them outdoors or on public transport. Leakage isn’t bad at all, and using these headphones in a library should be fine unless you like to max out the volume.











The cable is also one of the MDR-1A’s strengths and, thankfully, is easily replaced like the PM3. The cable is the thickest of the bunch, but also the most supple. It has a smooth, matte texture and parallel ridges that mostly prevents tangles. The right angle jack is gold plated, case friendly and has awesome strain-relief. The same applies to the plug that inserts the earcup though the smooth texture can be hard to grasp. The remote is also quite good, the mic sounds clear and the single multi-function button is responsive but a little mushy.

Whilst the jack on the left earcup is recessed, any case friendly cable will fit. My home-made silver cable that didn’t fit in the MM-400’s strange oval port, worked perfectly with the MDR-1A and PM3.

 

Sound –

This is where all of these headphones depart. The P7 immediately impresses with a V-shaped signature combining powerful bass and bundles of clarity. The MM-400 and Sony MDR-1A are somewhat similar with a warm, bassy and darker tonal balance. Finally, the PM3 flaunts the flattest response, with increased midrange detail and presence compared to the rest. The P7 and Sony MDR-1A both have especially expansive soundstages for closed back headphones which, in culmination with their great bass extension, make them ideal for classical and movies. The PM3’s sound more like a good iem than a headphone in terms of space with the Denon MM-400’s lying roughly in-between. Imaging is most accurate on the PM3’s on account of their more linear sound whilst the MM-400 holds a close second, also sounding quite accurate. The P7’s and Mdr-1A’s, whilst not quite as sharp as the Oppo’s and Denon’s remain impressive within this price range. Instrument separation is especially impressive on the MDR-1A’s and P7’s, both of which possessing very dynamic, expansive sounds. By contrast, the more forward sounding MM-400’s and PM3’s feel much more intimate, the PM3 more so on account of it’s slightly recessed treble responses. This, in addition to the PM3`s slightly veiled mids, produces a sound that can be congested at times, something the other headphones rarely experience if at all.

In terms of drivability, all of these headphones were designed to run from portable sources such as smartphones and, as such, will reach high volumes from weak sources. Despite this, all of them do scale very well with higher end sources; the P7’s in particular really tighten up when running through my Oppo HA-2. The P7`s and MDR-1A’s are the most sensitive, slightly more than the MM-400’s which are in turn, slightly more sensitive than the PM3`s. As expected, none of these headphones are particularly prone to hissing either. I feel that the PM3`s with their less sensitive planar magnetic drivers do benefit the most from amping though, as aforementioned, all benefit nicely from a dedicated source.

Bass –

As expected, the PM3 has the most linear bass response with just a small sub-bass boost, it`s mostly flat elsewhere. The bass is very well extended with great texture and PRAT. It`s very punchy and well-textured, I have no real complaints with the PM3’s bass performance. The Bass response on the MM-400’s is similarly quite linear but has a moderate boost overall. Lower and mid-bass bear most of the emphasis with sub-bass and upper-bass being slightly less accentuated.

The Bass response on the MM-400’s is similarly quite linear (more so than the P7 and MDR-1A) but has a moderate boost overall. Lower and mid-bass bear most of the emphasis with sub-bass and upper-bass being slightly less accentuated. The MM-400’s have nice impact, just a hair less extension than the PM3 and P7 but also slightly more texture. It’s a very organic bass response that manages to boost quantity whilst keeping bloat minimal, bass remains quite tight and composed.

Onto the P7`s, the low-end response is equally well extended as the PM3’s, perhaps even slightly more so. They have the greatest sub-bass slam of the bunch, favouring impact over speed. As a result of the P7`s large sub-bass and moderate mid-bass boost, low notes can sound flabby/boomy and bass gets lost quite easily in complex passages (not too noticeable unless comparing to a headphone such as the PM3 with a focus on accuracy and detail) but it is well suited to certain generes of music. The P7`s have a lot of bass quantity all round but it remains of good quality, the PM3`s and MM-400’s do resolve a little more detail in the bass region but the P7’s are still a lot more resolving than the MDR-1A.

Speaking of the Sony, the MDR-1A does have a solid bass response, though it’s emphasis does come with more caveats than either the MM-400 or P7. They have a similar quantity of low end to the P7’s but the focus lies more so in the mid-bass. Sub-bass is also quite present and well extended but lacks tightness and definition. Upper-bass is more naturally tuned with plenty of texture and resolution, but as notes get lower into the mid and sub-bass regions, the headphones tend to lose composure. There is a decent amount of bloat to the low end, slightly more than the P7’s, but bass notes have more impact in return. The P7’s still have more slam due to their greater sub-bass presence.

Overall, whilst I never feel that the PM3`s are bass deficient, I do generally enjoy the added punchiness of the MM-400’s and slam of the P7’s; which headphone is right for you really does depend on personal preference. The bass response is very good on all of these headphones, even the MDR-1A is a decent performer, it just pales in comparison to the best in the business. Objectively, the PM3 is the best performer, it is the most linear, the most resolving and no bloat. But if you want a headphone for commuting, or maybe just have a bassier preference, the MM-400 is a great alternative with a linear boost that avoids the same bloat and muddiness of the P7’s and MDR-1A’s.

Mids –

The PM3`s have much more midrange presence than the rest of these headphones, they are also the most detailed. A slight lower mid boost gives the sound nice body but they do have a very slight midrange veil. I`d give the advantage to the PM3`s here any day, but they do sound ever so slightly dark and lacking a touch of upper midrange clarity.

The MM-400’s are also relatively balanced, they are warmer and darker than the PM3, but very rarely sound veiled. They have plenty of midrange body, making vocals sound quite full. While they are also one of the more detailed headphones in this comparison, but they also have the least clarity. The MM-400 rather sounds natural and smooth, it’s essentially an over-ear Shozy Zero.

A small dip in the lower mids saps a little body from the P7`s in favour of midrange clarity, producing a clear if slightly recessed midrange. Vocals can sound a little thin however. They are still quite detailed and refined, I find that the sound is smooth enough for any genre. The P7’s have the most clarity of all these headphones and are also the most aggressively detailed even if they resolve less than the MM-400 and PM3.

The MDR-1A are a really nice performer with a similar signature to the MM-400 augmented with added clarity. Vocals are slightly recessed and the spacious soundstage almost exacerbates this quality, but the midrange is very clear regardless. With a warmer tone, the MDR-1A are easy to listen to but also resolve quite a lot of detail. Whilst they resolve slightly less than the MM-400, their added clarity does make them sound mostly comparable. Female vocals in particular, are well suited towards the MDR-1A’s tuning, I’m guessing they were tuned for Sony’s Japanese audience. The strong low end does occasionally over-warm the lower midrange.

Highs –

The highs are quite controversial on the PM3`s and whilst they are a little recessed, it is not to a great degree and there is still some excitement to the sound. The highs actually resolve a lot of detail but they are definitely not sparkly or shimmery. They do avoid sounding thin and the treble response sounds very pleasing and non-fatiguing. Overall, quantity is below neutral with a slight top end roll off but quality remains as impressive as the rest of the sound.

The MM-400’s once again are quite similar to the PM3’s. They have a slightly more prominent treble response than the PM3, they also extend higher before rolling off. Lower treble, in particular, is actually slightly accentuated from neutral but the rest of the treble response is more relaxed. They have more air than the PM3 but much less than the P7 which are the brightest sounding headphone of the bunch. They also sound less open than the MDR-1A, although that could be due to the more intimate soundstage. Detail retrieval is good though the more relaxed upper treble gives them a more laid back presentation.

The P7`s have a very good treble response that has the most extension and shimmer of the lot. They are a brighter sounding headphone that are very slightly brittle at the top end, but still very impressive. Treble resolves a lot of detail with a natural sense of body and a lot of air. It`s still not overly accentuated and doesn`t fatigue during long listening sessions. To my ears, the treble performance on the P7’s is class-leasing, but those looking for a more neutral, smoother treble response with slightly more texture will prefer the PM3 and MM-400.

The MDR-1A’s similarly sit in the centre of the pack, performing on a similar level to the MM-400 with just a slight variance in tuning. They are quite a versatile headphone overall, treble is more on the relaxed side as with the PM3 and MM-400, I suppose these headphones are all tuned for high-volume listening when travelling to prevent fatigue; in that sense, the P7 is very much an outlier. Detail and resolution are all impressive, they are slightly more linear than the MM-400’s, they don’t have that lower treble spike and are slightly more prominent overall. The Sony’s have plenty of sparkle and texture, extension is also good, they don’t roll off quite like the MM-400 and PM3, but the P7’s still have quite a bit quantity and resolve more upper treble details.

 

Verdict –

The sound of the P7 is extremely well sculpted and specifically designed by Bowers and Wilkins. Whilst not for accuracy, it does portray a reasonably realistic and wowing sound. The headphone is very dynamic and enjoyable, working with all genres of music, it avoids pursuing an overly bassy sound but it is on the borderline for me.

Meanwhile, the sound on the Oppo PM3`s is masterfully designed, with slight deviations from ruler flat reference creating a headphone that is accessible to both audiophiles and general consumers. It is a sound that works with all genres and even directly coming from the P7, the PM3 immediately impresses with more midrange detail and presence and a tighter bass response, but they have an intimate soundstage and treble sounds dull by comparison.

The Denon MM-400’s are similar to the PM3’s, being generally linear and balanced overall but are a great alternative for those looking for more low-end punch, a slightly warmer midrange and spacious soundstage. They are also very detailed and treble is more present and crisp than the PM3.

The Sony’s are more controversial, mating the powerful low end of the P7’s with the warmer midrange and generally more relaxed high end of the MM-400. They do have more clarity than either the MM-400 or PM3 but resolve slightly less detail than both. Their low end hits with real weight and impact but becomes easily un-composed. The high end is much more impressive with both upper mids and treble sounding sweet, clear and generally quite resolving.

 

Accessories –

P7 – 8/10, The P7`s are very well packaged and come with everything needed to get started, but the case is impractical for day to day use.

PM3 – 8/10, The PM3`s come with many additions, the denim case works well but the stock cables are average.

MM-400 – 7/10, Nice selection of accessories, the soft pouch is nice but does not provide a lot of protection. The stock cables are terrible and difficult to replace.

MDR-1A – 8.5/10, Solid carrying case, still not as protective as a hard case but more so than a soft pouch and very compact. Nice stock cables.

Design –

P7 – 8/10, The P7`s have an exquisite and very handsome design, it is a little more flashy than the PM3 but still looks mature. The headband adjustment mechanism is spot on, isolation is good, the leather is of unbeatable quality but comfort falls short with a flawed headband design. Easily removable ear pads, but cables have a proprietary plug design. The headphones fold for travel.

PM3 – 8.5/10, The PM3`s look great if slightly more inconspicuous. They have no markings on the headband clicker which is tedious however passive isolation is excellent, the pleather is still soft and comfort is superb. The cables are easily removable with a standard plug, but ear pads can`t be replaced by the user and have to be replaced by Oppo. They fold flat for travel.

MM-400 – 7.5/10, A very nice looking and feeling headphone but the finish is not quite as good as competitors. Pleather gets a bit hot, is soft but doesn’t match the feel of the PM3 and P7. Comfort is quite impressive but the earpads are too shallow. Seal and isolation are very good. Earpads are easily replaceable. Get very compact when folded.

MDR-1A – 8/10, Stylish if not sleek, cheaper feeling than other premium headphones due to the full plastic build but fit and finish is impeccable. Super soft and plush all around, comfort is unbeatable but isolation is mediocre. Fold flat but are still quite large. Earpads are reasonably easy to remove.

Bass –

P7 – 7.5/10, Boosted and lavish, slightly sloppy, but nicely sculpted. Mid bass is quite pronounced but mids are not overly warmed. Still sounds clean. Well extended.

PM3 – 8/10, Flat bass with slight sub bass boost. Focus on quality over quantity, bass remains well textured and very enjoyable for all types of music. Very satisfying and punchy response. Equally well extended as the p7 and not fazed by complex passages.

MM-400 – 8/10, Super punchy, well extended and linear. Minimal bloat whilst maintaining engagement and impact. Very textured and resolving, works with almost every genre of music.

MDR-1A – 6.5/10, Muddier than the P7, mid-bass focussed but still well extended. Quite bloated and loses composure on a lot of tracks. Heaps of slam and impact to each note.

Mids –

P7 – 7/10, Lower mid scoop leaves vocals without adequate body, slightly warm with great clarity. Vocals sound a little scooped but are detailed and clear.

PM3 – 8.5/10, Not a lot of clarity, but more a focus on smoothness and details. Very refined and natural sounding with good body.

MM-400 – 8/10, Detailed, warm and generally darker, will miss clarity for those used to brighter headphones.

MDR-1A – 7.75/10, Warm but to a lesser extent than the MM-400, they are also not as dark. Slightly less detailed but has more clarity. Well balanced and spacious.

Treble –

P7 – 9/10, Sparkly, airy and extended, not overly accentuated.

PM3 – 8/10, Slightly recessed and rolled-off, very smooth but also very textured. Might be a little dull sounding to some with less prevalent higher details.

MM-400 – 8/10, Slightly recessed, very top rolls off. Laid back but resolving, lower treble emphasis adds excitement to the sound.

MDR-1A – 8.25/10, Well balanced with the midrange, well extended. Airy and detailed, mostly linear tuning.

Soundstage, Imaging and Separation –

P7 – 9/10, Among the best closed-back headphones. Separation and imaging are excellent, the soundstage has great width and depth.

PM3 – 7.5/10, The soundstage is intimate, sounds a lot more like an iem than a headphone. Imaging remains spot on but separation is compromised.

MM-400 – 8/10, Soundstage has good space, quite well rounded in presentation. Imaging is very accurate and instruments have plenty of separation.

MDR-1A – 9/10, Very spacious for a closed back headphone though they are vented and isolate a lot less than the other headphones. Imaging isn’t as sharp as the PM3 and MM-400 but separation is fantastic.

Verdict –

From my recent ventures with a whole range of portable headphones, these four are definitely among the top contenders, each excelling in different ways. That’s not to say that there aren’t other impressive headphones, the NAD Viso HP50’s and B&O H6’s both sounded great to me too, I just didn’t spend enough time with them to add them to the comparison. I do also have a new found appreciation for the Oppo PM3’s, I feel they are somewhat of a standout performer in this price range. The PM3’s are by far the most balanced, the midrange is quite special. However, the treble and bass responses will both be debated and polarising amongst buyers. For the general consumer, the MM-400 is a great, slightly bassier, warmer alternative though you can’t go too wrong with the P7 either. The MDR-1A, though very comfortable and practical, has quite a compromised sound due to its bombastic bass response. While it is the cheapest, coming in at around $200 AUD new (grey import), I would still spend another $60 or so and buy a refurb P7 or B&O H6, both headphones that manage the bassy yet crisp sound much better than the Sony.

P7 – 8.75/10, The P7 is an excellent headphone in all regards. I would not feel compelled to upgrade or buy the PM3`s if not for my personal issues with comfort. They have a wonderful design, strong sound and great features for portable use. They are equally comfortable in the lounge chair running out of a dedicated source.

PM3 – 9.25/10, Equally well accomplished in design and only slightly edged out in build by the p7, the PM3 although the heaviest of the bunch, actually maintains better comfort. The sound is less exciting but equally engaging with a fast-paced, toe-tapping bass response, hyper-detailed yet natural midrange and non-fatiguing treble. The PM3`s are slightly better for travel on account of their high passive noise isolation and more practical case. They are not as sensitive as other portable headphones and benefit the most from a good amp.

MM-400 – 8.5/10, The MM-400 is a very well-rounded and impressive headphone that combines many of the best aspects from the PM3 and P7 but also shares certain downfalls. The fit is questionable as are the stock cables and the level of finish isn’t quite as meticulous as the other, more mainstream headphones, but the unique build and natural sound more than make up for it. They are easy to drive, probably scale the least of all these headphones but in return sound better from most portable sources. I doubt anyone would be disappointed with the MM-400’s, they are simply so versatile and flexible, but fans of brighter headphones will no doubt want more clarity.

MDR-1A – 8/10, Whilst I would like to penalise the Sony more for it’s muddy bass response, the MDR-1A is definitely the easiest headphone to live with on account of its supreme comfort. Besides the bass response, the rest of the sound is very well considered. The upper midrange and soundstage, in particular, are standout performers, they are also one of the more sensitive portable headphones. If you are looking for a very dynamic, spacious headphone and don’t mind the bloated bass and lack of isolation, the MDR-1A’s are still a great choice in 2016, it is also by far the cheapest in this comparison.

Ultimately, as with any audio product, it does all come down to personal preference. All of these headphones are similarly distinguished, but the PM3 is objectively a slightly superior headphone overall. This means nothing if you prefer a bassier signature however, and you are best to try out as many headphones as you can at a local retailer for comfort and sound reasons (if available). It may come as a surprise, but in daily use, I actually find myself reaching for the Sony’s despite their low-end shortcomings, simply because they are so comfortable. For someone who values sound quality above all else, the Sony’s clearly wouldn’t be their pick. So again I stress that understanding your own individual preferences is key here, especially since all of these headphones are mostly comparable in terms of sound quality.

I hope you’ve found this article helpful, feel free to comment or message me with any questions, Ryan.

 

Thanks for reading! This review was taken from my blog, please have a look for more articles like this:

https://everydaylisteningblog.wordpress.com/2016/11/23/premium-portable-headphone-shootout-oppo-pm3-vs-bw-p7-vs-sony-mdr-1a-vs-denon-mm-400/

Not a whole lot to add that others have mentioned.  I would have liked a traveling case included instead of a pouch, but I will let that slide for a couple of reasons.  First is that the box that is included with them could actually work and looks and feels nice.  Secondly, you can add a case to your collection for chump change on Amazon or the like.  I have owned Denon AHD-600s, Audio-Technica m50s, AKG Q701 open-backs, Ultrasone 15g open-backs and a couple of entry level in-ears from Grado and Klipsch.   I have also owned some full-sized closed AIWA headphones from back in the mid 90's that probably don't sound as good as any of the previously mentioned headphones.  But that's how this hobby all got started for me.
 
Enough about all that.  How do these sound?  Are they as good as they are hyped up to be? Are they as good as Oppo PM-3's or Shure 1540's?  You bet.
 
The Oppo's possess a more intoxicating midrange at the expense of detail, balance and bass quality.
 
The Shure has a better soundstage.  But lacks more on isolation and portability.  Comfort is as good if not better.  To some these "may" sound better and more rounded and fleshed out.
The Denons are more exciting and grip you in the middle of the performance, whereas the Shures do it more with a lighter handshake.
 
I tried these out before I decided which ones to buy and am happy that I chose to settle with these.  I much prefer the impact, and toe-tapping tendencies these Denon's give me over the Shure's.  And hell.  These are 100 dollars cheaper.
 
I only bring those things up to those who are in the market for headphones in this price range.  These are cream-of-the-crop headphones for $400.00.
 
Compared to the Denon AHD 600s, I think they might be wider sounding in it's soundstage, however it's not to the level of difference where I really notice it all that much. A touch more bass quantity.  I prefer these MM-400's over the AHD 600s in most other ways, including sound.  The bass has never seemed overbearing on the MM-400's to my ears.
 
Let these headphones do their thing for at least a week of moderate listening and you will be rewarded with the so-called burn in magic effects.  They sound infinitely better now that I have over 100 hours on them.  They pair very well with amps.  Am using an Alpha Design Labs Stride amp.  Modestly priced and well built.  Nothing over the top, but I am already getting an itch to upgrade the amp.  Maybe.  As is they are quite good.  In fact, better than I anticipated. Just for reference.  I listen to nothing, but genuine compact discs all treated with Audience Disc Illuminator as I do with all headphones that I try out.
 
 
I think, if you give these a go and give them time to settle in, you will fall in love with them.  My hunt is over.  I think I will be happy with whatever route I go with future upgrading. At least I know now that whatever I will be upgrading to from now on won't be the headphones themselves.
 
As a side note:  If you ever want to try upgrading the cable to something high end you should try moon-audio.com.  Their Ultrasone Pro headphone cable fits like a charm, nice and tight too.
 
Update: The headphone headband on these has snapped and they are pretty much impossible to wear now.  I was able to get my money back.  I babied these headphones so it is possible that I just happened to receive a defective product.  My ratings still stand for their performance, but I am curious to know if this problem happens again with future users.

 
This is my first official review for any headphone on Head-fi, so I will give it my best shot. Anything you want clarification on, please let me know.
 
Previous headphones: B&W P7, Sennheiser Momentum Over-Ear, V-Moda M100, Denon AH-D2000, Denon AH-D1000, Denon AH-D1100, Bose Quiet Comfort & Audio Technica ATH-A700X.
 
Current headphones: Denon AH-MM400, Marshall Monitor
 
Sources: Fiio X5, Sony Xperia Z2, Roland Quad-Capture, Lossless music formats, mp3's.
 
Usage so far: I have had about 250 hours of listening to these.
 
First impressions: Nothing short of gob-smacked!
 
Packaging: Understated, simple and beautifully packaged. What you are greeted with once the box is open is a beautiful piece of audio equipment.
 
Size: While people are calling these portable for their ability to fold, I would not consider them small or unsubstantial. Bigger than the original Momentum Over-Ears, marginally smaller than the B&W P7.
 
Portability: You could take them on the road without issues given their size and foldabilty. I personally would not take them out of the house as I feel they are too premium.
 
How they look on: The headphone is not too large or bulky to take on the road. However I do feel their headband does not closely follow the shape of your head, tending to stick out and look a bit square-shaped when on. I suspect this would still not deter most people from making them their mobile cans should they choose to. 
 
Build quality: This is a beautifully built headphone. You can tell you are holding something premium the second you open the box. Their finish is of a high standard, from the wood to the metal parts. One of the nicest pieces of Audio hear I have personally laid my eyes on.
 
Cons: The earpads are not leather from what I have read (even though as soft as you can get). The ear pads do not seem to be removable/replaceable (based on my simple test of trying to take them off). The 2 cables provided could have been thicker, sturdier & longer for a headphone of this price. Some on the main MM400 thread have reported cable noise. The cable connection into the headphone seems to be slightly oval in shape, so a 3rd party cable that is compatible could be hard to come by. There is a rattling sound coming from the right side, as pointed out by others in the main MM400 thread. I noticed it too only after switching my music off and moving my head around. It seems to be coming from the hinge that allows the arm to fold. That is where the negative attributes finish fortunately.
 
Value: Definitely worth their price of AUD$525, what I paid for them to get them imported and delivered from Japan to Australia. Look up cyrusgod on here or eBay if you're interested in purchasing one for yourself. I wouldn't hesitate recommending him to anyone.
 
Comfort: As comofrtable as headphones get, however given the number of Denons I have previously owned, I am not surprised. To draw a comparison, I sold off my B&W P7 and V-Moda M100 because of comfort issues. The P7's created a hot spot on top of my head. The M100's created a hot spot on my ears. 
 
Leakage: Had a colleague and family member throw them on. I put the volume up to a point I would find them too loud to listen to myself (i.e. level 90 on my X5). I could not hear a thing, so there is no sound leakage to be found. Without any music playing, you can hear enough to know what is going on around you. However with music playing, they effectively drown out the outside world.
 
Overall Sound: They are what I wished the P7's were. They have no harshness in the top end. They have no bloating or distortion in the low end. They are just effortless to listen to. Their sound could be best described as buttery smooth.
 
Soundstage: Is reflective of the source and track quality. I initially thought it wasn't large but as I dug deeper, I found it as good as the P7s.
 
Instrument placement: Once again, is reflective of the source and track quality and is on par with the P7.
 
Instrument separation: Same as above. The more I break them in, they exponentially seem to be improving at this. I had a 3 hour uninterrupted listening session last night and I was nothing short of mesmerised by how good this was and how they never sounded confused with any track I threw at them.
 
Top end: Stunning. Fully present, never veiled and without ever sounding harsh. Of all the headphones I have owned, this is as good as the top end gets.
 
Midrange: Slightly recessed, not as forward as the Momentum Over-Ear. Buttery smooth, articulate and improving as I keep breaking them in.
 
Bass: Can tend to sound a bit bass heavy out of the box with the X5, however the quality of the bass is as good as it gets; fast acting, not bloated or distorted. Also note, the amount of bass present was spot on with the Z2 and Roland Quad-Capture, so it seems to be more a case of the X5 having a warm presentation rather than the headphones themselves. Definitely better bass quality than both the P7s and Momentums. Is present and has impact when needed. Does not make an appearance when it shouldn't. Is flattening out as I listen to them more.
 
Other thoughts regarding sound: Definitely does not sound anemic but full and enjoyable with all the genres I tried so far.These things really come to life with lossless formats. I also noticed something with these I haven't heard before with my previous headphones. With other headphones, there tends to be a predictable sound irrespective of what track you threw at them. With these, each track has its needed character. It strongly reflects the quality of the recording, the emphasis the recording has with different instruments and the way in which it was recorded. For example, I listened to Sting and the Eagles (Hell Freezes Over live). I have both in lossless. For each artist, I had studio and live recordings. I had recordings which were older versus newer. In every instance, I got something unique and reflective of what I was listening to. The old recordings showed their age and imperfections. The new ones showed some of the artificial effects you tend to find with them. The studio recordings felt they were recorded right there. Live recordings displayed the feeling of a full stage with instruments placement quite surprising for closed cans. My previous headphones, particularly my Denons, tended to sound more predictable across the board. They also artificially created reverb to make themselves sound more open when in fact they just sounded confused. 
 
Final thoughts: The most enjoyable and intriguing headphones I have owned and listened to. Shame about their name as their persistence with the "Music Maniac" line attempts to make them sound youthful in order to go head to head with the likes of Beats. They are far from it. They have basically taken all the things I have disliked with all my prior headphones, fixed them and thrown them into one neat package.

EDIT 1: Came across a review with a frequency response curve for the MM400. While I don't know how to interpret these graphs myself, everyone on head-fi is saying it does not represent the sound signature. Either way, thought I would share:

http://www.digitalversus.com/headphones/denon-ah-mm400-p24663/test.html

EDIT 2: So I took the plunge and bought the 1.2m version of the NewFantasia cable below:

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=311061670498&alt=web

I will start off with all the good news. It fits perfectly without any alterations. It looks stunning. It does not change the sound relative to the original cables. It is much higher quality and better built than the pictures suggest. My beloved headphones now look like they're worth a grand with the modified cable. Now to the bad news, there is still cable noise when it rubs against your body. In my case, I only ever notice it with the music completely off, so this is not a deal breaker for me personally.

Let me start this review with my personal experience of Denon equipment. In the past few years every device and headphone of Denon disappointed me in someway. The cd and blu-ray players in failing within the first year, the headphones in sounding too bright with an overbearing bass. 
 
Nevertheless, I wanted to try out this new “Music Maniac” headphone, as it didn’t appear to be made by Fostex, but by Denon themselves, they looked great and were using a new type of driver.
 
At this moment I have the following headphones: the Fidelio x2, B&W P7, Sony MDR-10R(C), Sony MDR-Z7 and the JVC S400.
 
While unboxing the headphones it became clear that the MM400 has a striking, beautiful design. Real wooden cups, lots of metal and nice pleather. There is some plastic, but it seems to be of high quality. The sealing is of very high quality, extremely low amounts of leakage.
 
The fit is incredibly comfortable, if not the most comfortable over-ear headphone I’ve every tested. Way more comfortable in comparison with the B&W P7 and even better than the Sony MDR-1A! However, someone with very large ears might find the pads a bit too small, as they will touch the sides of your ears. I notice that the comfort is less after 2 hours straight listening.
 
In terms of sound, they do seem to replicate all the good things of the Bowers and Wilkins P7, and without the bad things of that headphone. The P7 tended to have a peak around 6kHz that made it ear piercing with some songs, the MM400 has the same very clean treble and midrange, without any harshness and with an amazing amount of detail. The bass response of the p7 tended to get a little bloaty with some songs, not with the MM400. It has a clear, tight bass that goes pretty deep.
 
The soundstage and imaging is not the best I have ever heard. However, this is to be expected from a closed can. If I compare it with the Sony's, it is a lot better. However, not as good as the Philips X2 (which is open, but doesn't sound as good in the treble and midrange).
 
In conclusion, I can say it's way better in comparison with the P7, the Fidelio X2 and the Sony MDR-Z7. It is one of the best, maybe the best headphone I have ever heard in every sonical aspect with great comfort, looks and build. 

Here a short first-impressions-review of the AH-MM400.
 
First of all let me mention that I am very fond of the previous Denon top models, be it the AH-D7000 or the AH-D7100; as such my statements here might be slightly biased... anyway, I will try to be as objective as I can.
 
After unpacking I was truly amazed. The build-quality is far beyond anything I ever held in my hands with this price tag to it. If anybody would have told me, that it costs twice its price I would have believed so without hesitation. The AH-D7100 was critisised for the excessive usage of plastic. Well here, on the MM400 you will not find lots of plastic parts anymore. Just the silver ring around the wood-cups next to the pads (...and probably some bits and pieces inside). And of course the cable. Anything else is satinized or polished metal, wood with beautiful grain and pleather. WONDERFUL!!!
 
Here the MM400 shown together with other headphones to get a better impression of it's size:
 

 
 

 
...further below in the PPS you will find more pics with 1 to 1 comparisons.
 
Here the MM400 combined with the AK100II:
 

 
Also the hinges for folding the MM400 work great:
 

 
 

 
All in all a pleasure to handle!
 
It is perfectly comfortable. The pads are soft, they sit not too loose and not too tight, the ears are perfectly covered, no leakages in either direction. The pads even close very well around the side-arms of my glasses.
 
After a first basic break-in with white-noise (around 20hrs), I conclude as follows:
 
The typical Denon sound signature is (LUCKILY) still there. A bass with serious substance, combined with a clear and open mid- and high- range.
In comparison to the AH-D7100 the bass emphasis is placed a little higher within the frequency range and reaching further up into the lower mids. On the other hand it is not as dominant as the D7100's bass (...which I actually like a lot...), so luckily the lower mids are not veiled by the bass. Despite the bass emphasis there is no serious coloration recognizable.
 
With some music I found the bass slightly too present whereas other recordings gaind from it. Especially with orchestral the bass could be a little too full and bloomy, whereas rock, jazz and electronica get lined with the substance they need to sound ''serious'' via headphones. As such to some this might be an advantage to others a disadvantage...
 

 
 
Still, my experience with the D7100 tells me to wait for a final judgement in this respect, because the D7100's mids came more forward with extensive break-in; making the bass sound less dominant resulting in a more balanced sound. If the same is the case with the MM400 as well, then it might become a ''perfect'' allrounder (refer to "PS" below).
 
Very important to me: The sound is not fatiguing at all, I listened for many hours in one go and every new song is a new engaging & exciting expedition into sound...
 
Space is good, but surely not as far-projecting as for example a K-702 can be (...if amplified correctly). In comparison to such ultra spatial headphones with the MM400 the soundstage happens closer to headspace. But within this vicinity imaging is definitely very well spot on! In combination with the bass emphasis this can lead to a convincingly live-like sound impression.
 
The MM400 is easy-driven, whether Astel Kern AK100II, HDVD800, ifi micro iDSD, iPad, iPod classic & touch or any computer output, it worked great!
 
All in all it is a pleasure to listen to the MM400, together with my Shure SE535 they will make up a great team for my coming travels.
 
I will amend this review along the coming development of my impressions of the MM400.
 
Cheers!
 
 
PS: ...confirmed, after around 70hrs the mid-range (and high-range) is still coming forward more and more... it sounds pretty much balanced now, whereas if the music requires this headphone still has very substantial punch (as positive as this can be)... just now I listen to Mike Oldfield's "foreign affairs" and "in high places" as DSD (I recently digitize some of my LPs, more info here) and it sounds so good that this is already the 3rd time in a row now...
 
At around 100hrs I will try classical music again to see whether the MM400 became more of an allrounder and whether orchestral goes better...
 
Anyway, I am sure now that the MM400 will be one of my most favorite headphones, within the portables THE most favorite one; it is a keeper!
 
 
PS2: here some more pics with 1:1 comparisons, starting with the AH-D7100:
 
 

 
Here with the LCD-X:
 

 
Here with the HE400:
 

 
...and here the pads of the MM400 and the HE400 compared:
 

 
Actually the pads used on the Hifiman HE400 are Lawton Audio's angle pads for the Denon AH-D7000. But they perfectly fit my HE400 as well.
 
The cavity on the Lawton angle pads looks so much bigger (...and actually is so much bigger), but let me confirm, the AH400 pad cavity still well fits around my ears, and I am not exactly a small-eared person. So yes, it can be called a "full size over-ear". And despite the fact of not being as spacious inside the cavity as the other over-ear headphones shown above, it still is large enough to be very comfortable... at least for me.
 
 
PS3: I am at around 120hrs now and I come to the impression that the break-in period was over at around 100 hours. Not much change anymore since that. But until there FR has further flattened, for my taste I would call it an allrounder now. Over the past days I listened to SOAD / Mesmerize, Frank Zappa / Sheik Yerbouti, Rush / Moving Pictures, Bob James & Earl Klugh / Cool, Dead can Dance / Anastasis, Hilary Hahn / Silfra, Max Bruch / Violine Concerto... all with the same pleasure! Excellent!
 
PS4: Here, here and here some talk about maintenance of the MM400.
 

 
PS5: Now I own the MM400 since around 6 weeks and I am at about 200 hours. That seems quite a lot for such a short time, around 4.7hours a day... Of course I did not listen to it all the time, I let it run over many nights, breaking it in with pink and white noise.
In 3PS above, at around 120hrs, I mentioned that I thought the break-in process was finished. Well, sorry, I was wrong, and from my experience with the D7100 I actually should have known better.
 
In a nutshell, the MM400 further improved. Surely the changes are more subtle now. So the general sound signature remained the same: a substantial bass with punch, clear and open mids and highs; an all in all pleasant frequency response with low distortion leading to practically no fatigue and making it feasible for long engaging listening sessions.
 
Luckily all of that remained as it was. But the sound became even more refined now. In specific this improvement is in the fine-dynamics. The MM400 is now reacting extremely sensitive on even the finest dynamic oscillations. This has the effect that the music is flowing with a wonderful ease. And, if the recording is giving it, it really kind of excites the ear-drums in a most enjoyable way; it kind of tickles on your your ear-drums. I experienced this just yesterday with "Future Sounds Of Jazz Vol 11", DSD64 digitized LP, listened to via the AK100II.
 
Amazing headphones those are, indeed...
 
PS6: I can confirm, the FR settled. After now approx 300hrs ob breaking in (of course not only listening but many hrs with white and pink noise...), I can not recognize any further change. As such my conclusion remains as described under PS5... and I remain a happy owner...