Just like the LCD-5, the MM-500 has substantial clamp force for those with larger than average heads. This is in part a requirement for the type of mechanical assembly Audeze have gone for with this headphone, with the way the rods create the necessary angle to keep the cups in place on the side of the head to create a seal. You wouldn’t want it to be too loose, because then that seal gets compromised and has an effect on the sound, but I find that with this new headband system, as much as they look amazing, the clamp is just too strong for my head. I think it would've even been better to stick with their previous headband design.
Thankfully, there is somewhat of a solution. An Audeze representative has indicated that the MM-500’s headband is springsteel and this means that there is an opportunity to stretch it out over some books or blocks and have it loosen the clamp over time.
Since this is my primary complaint with this design, I tried it. Sure enough, it did loosen the clamp a bit, but I still wasn’t able to make it comfortable for longer listening sessions, and I really think it would be beneficial to use either a lower clamp force headband design, or offer a longer top piece to accommodate larger heads - which is something Audeze has already done with their LCD-5 design. The point being that in my view, while it’s close, it’s still not enough to accommodate big-headed audiophiles like myself.
But of course, for those with average or smaller heads, this shouldn’t be a problem at all.