MM-500: An Audeze Odyssey
Review of the Audeze MM-500 headphone by @dilbertprogrammer
Written October 17, 2022
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Pro/Cons/Verdict - TL;DR
- Introduction
- Price and Specifications
- What’s In The Box?
- Build, Design, Comfort
- Music Source and Chain Components used for Listening Evaluation
- Personal Preferences
- Examples of Listening Evaluation Tracks
- Sound
- Comparisons
- Wrap-Up, Summary and Conclusion
1. Preface
This review was written after spending one week with a new Audeze MM-500 headphone on loan from TTJV as part of their USA Loaner Tour in October 2022.
2. Pros/Cons/Verdict - TL;DR
- Pros: Excellent resolution, Reduced weight (compared to Audeze LCD headphones), Easy to drive
- Cons: Departure from traditional Audeze tuning may be unfavorable to some – especially those who prefer not to use EQ, Tight clamp, Volume levels need to stay reasonably limited on powerful headamps.
- Verdict: I’ve come to embrace the new Audeze MM-500 and can see it displacing some of my other headphones, including some from Audeze, but not all of them. Rating (4/5 stars): ★★★★☆
3. Introduction
Wait. MM? What does "MM" stand for? More Modern? Mixing (and) Mastering? Made (with) Magnesium?
While all of those hold true the "MM-500" model is actually named for award-winning audio producer and mixer Manny Marroquin who collaborated with Audeze to develop a headphone that would meet his pro audio studio requirements and allow him to mix albums wherever, whenever -- including when he is outside the studio away from his trusted near-field monitors, and with whatever source is available (amp, laptop, phone).
Manny was using the LCD-X (which was birthed from the LCD-3) to "mix on the go" and began working with Audeze to develop what would become the MM-500, the first headphone in the line of MM Series Headphones from Audeze.
The hand-crafted MM-500 launched a couple of months ago (August 2022) is more revolutionary than evolutionary, as Audeze has taken a new approach and philosophy to both physical design and sound signature, both of which have trickled down from the Audeze LCD-5.
The departure from prior Audeze design is seen in how the MM-500 has incorporated proper industrial design and can be felt by the reduced weight.
While I've not had the opportunity to listen to the LCD-5 yet, I've heard the tuning of the MM-500 is closer to the neutral tuning of the LCD-5 than that of prior Audeze headphones (of which I have several), but is even more neutral than the LCD-5.
I was very interested to see how the MM-500 stacked up against my “old school” Audeze LCD headphones and my other headphones in the “same-ish” price range as well.
4. Price and Specifications
The Audeze MM-500 comes in at $1,699 USD and is spec'd as follows:
- Style : Over-ear, open-back
- Transducer type : Planar Magnetic
- Magnetic structure : Fluxor™ magnet array
- Phase management : Fazor™
- Magnet type : Neodymium N50
- Diaphragm type : Ultra-Thin Uniforce™
- Transducer size : 90 mm
- Maximum SPL : >130dB
- Frequency response : 5Hz - 50kHz
- THD : <0.1% @ 100 dB SPL, 1kHz
- Sensitivity : 100 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point)
- Impedance : 18 ohms
- Max power handling : 5W RMS
- Min recommended power : >100mW
- Recommended power level : >250mW
- Weight : 495g
5. What's In The Box?
You get: MM-500 Headphone | Audeze Standard Braided Cable | Standard Travel Case | Certificate of Authenticity and Warranty Cards | MM Series by Audeze soft bag
6. Build, Design, Comfort
Picking up the new MM-500 it feels fresh but not necessarily unfamiliar for an Audeze headphone. It is noticeably smaller and of course lighter but it doesn't disappear on the head. The design yields more of a “head hug” than that of my LCD-X. The yoke rods are almost fully extended (one notch away from the end) when on my fairly large head. The left earcup has "manny marroquin" on the bottom, and "AUDEZE" on the bottom of the right earcup. The headband has an overlapping "MM" logo.
I often joke with my audio friends that because (traditional) Audeze LCD headphones are my typical go-to daily driver cans that "everyday is neck day" due to the workout one gets wearing them for a long period of time. I was intrigued to try a sub-500g Audeze headphone. (Note: When I weighed these, they came in at 506g, which is 11g above the advertised weight)
Would I wear these during a work video call and not feel self-conscious?
Yes, and I did! And I didn’t get any comments from non-audio folks attending my video calls like “What is that on your head?” that I normally would when wearing my other LCD headphones. The MM-500 served video call duty the entire week I had them.
How bad is the clamp?
It wasn’t immediately noticeable but within a short amount of time it became very noticeable, and the top of the earpads were almost completely compressed and then over time, as I became more used to it, it became less noticeable but still present.
Any hotspots?
Not on my head, but on my ears. After a short while the lateral pressure – thanks to the firm clamp, exacerbated by the smaller earpads – became noticeable and had me adjusting them occasionally. Maybe once the clamp lessens it will improve. (Note: I would categorize my head and ears as “reasonably large”)
Does it offer "all-day" comfort?
Yes, but with regular adjustment to take pressure off my ears.
How are the cable connectors?
I had no issues changing cables, but I dislike the connectors being further back on the earcups where they are more in line with my shoulders. A short turn of the head in either direction reminded me of this.
7. Music Source and Chain Components used for Listening Evaluation
- Music: Amazon Music Unlimited | FLAC
- DACs: Denafrips Ares II, SMSL SU-8s, Schiit Modius
- Headamps: Violectric V280B, Topping A90, Gustard H16, Schiit Lyr 3, Schiit Lyr 2, Schiit Vali 2, Schiit Magnius, Schitt Magni Hersey, Monolith THX AAA 887, ifi Audio Zen CAN, Douk Audio H2
- Cables: Stock - Audeze standard single-ended, ZMF 4-pin XLR, Audeze premium single-ended, Periapt 4-pin XLR, several custom 4-pin XLR cables
(Note: Given the low impedance (18 ohms) I could have tested these with my laptop or phone but chose to stay focused on my specific Use Case with desktop headamps)
8. Personal Preferences
I am not a mixing engineer nor an audio professional. I am just a simple audio fanatic (who is also an IT professional) strapped to a desk for long hours everyday that will enjoy audio when not on video calls for work.
Before I get into the Sound section, I want to share my personal listening preferences to give some perspective. Though I have both hardware and software EQ options at my disposal, I typically prefer not to utilize them for the most part. I'm blessed to not be overly sensitive to any specific frequencies, nor do I have any that always need to be boosted.
I instead want each headphone to be able to present itself as intended (at least initially), and then if deemed necessary, make mild tweaks by either utilizing a different amplifier in my chain or changing earpads (if an available option). Making EQ adjustments is always a last resort for me. I ultimately found I preferred the MM-500 with some EQ tweaks which I will cover below.
For my listening sessions I prefer emotional over analytical, warmth and color over sharp and linear. How does the music make me feel? Do I experience any unsolicited emotional (e.g., joy, sadness) or physical responses (chair dancing)? Have the components been able to disappear while listening?
I listen to a wide variety of music genres, but mostly subgenres of rock and alt music. During the week I had the MM-500 I listened to many,
many tracks.
9. Examples of Listening Evaluation Tracks
Here are just some of the tracks I enjoyed while listening –
- "Pigs (Three Different Ones)" by Pink Floyd from the Animals 2018 remix (06:26 - sub-bass rumble)
- "Die Hard" by Kendrick Lamar (off the album Manny used the MM-500 to mix!)
- "What's The Trick?" by Jack White (guitar)
- “Heat Above” by Greta Van Fleet
- "When The Levee Breaks" by Led Zeppelin
- “Back In The Woods” by Rival Sons (drums)
- “The Pretender” by Foo Fighters
- "Bridge Burning" by Foo Fighters
- “Lane Boy” by twenty one pilots
- “Hummer” by The Smashing Pumpkins (guitars)
- “Every 1’s A Winner” by Ty Segall
- “Spit It Out” by Crown Lands
- "Thickfreakness" by The Black Keys
- "Don't Owe You a Thang (Live)" by Gary Clark, Jr. (live performance)
- “Idea of You” by Dave Matthews Band (drums)
- “Free (live)” by Phish (live)
- "Black Out Days" by Phantogram (01:49 - lower frequencies)
- "Lost Cause" by Billie Eilish (bass impact)
- “Hot Tea” by half alive
- “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked (Unpeeled)” by Cage the Elephant (live)
- “The Outsiders (live)” by needtobreathe (live performance)
- "Grace" by Rag'n'Bone Man (vocals)
- "The Bomb" by Florence + The Machine (vocals, micro-details)
- “Gandalf (The Wizard) from Lord of the Rings” by the London Symphony Orchestra (orchestral)
- “Chance It” by Miles Davis Sextet (jazz)
- "Sticks & Stones" by Kings Kaleidoscope
- "Strong Enough" by The Heavy
- "Corporation" by Jack White
- "At The Door" by The Strokes
- "Breathe And Attack" by Goodbye June
- "You Can Get It" by Arkells
- "The National Anthem" by Radiohead
- "2 Heads" by Colman Hell
- "Futureproof" by Nothing But Thieves
- "Show Me How To Live" by Audioslave
- "Kepler-22b" by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
- "Lava Lamp Pisco" by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets
- "Magazin" by White Demin
10. Sound
All of the subjective notes below are my thoughts and opinions observed while listening to the MM-500.
First Sound Impressions:
Tuning is definitely more neutral than warm, and a smidge bright, but linear and well-balanced for the most part. Imaging is precise. I enjoy the MM-500 more on hybrid tube and warmer solid state amps – with one exception: the squeaky clean and analytical Topping A90. This pairing had great synergy, and staging was nice.
Listening Evaluation Sessions' Notes:
- Bass: Tight, defined, controlled and plentifully sufficient. Good slam. Mild rumble.
- Mids: Strong, very forward -- front and center. Guitars and vocals are almost visceral. A friend suggested a mild tweak to both the 3k and 4k frequencies – which did help. Without the EQ adjustments tonality and timbre flirt with being unnatural on occasion. When using (the more powerful) XLR balanced output on my headamps I observed it was best to use either low or medium gain only as the mids quickly became too shouty or crowded (without EQ).
- Highs: Very clear, if a bit bright and shiny at times. Lowering the 10k and 12k frequencies a smidge helped.
- Resolution: Excellent clarity. Micro-details are translated quickly and clearly.
- Soundstage: Small club/band rehearsal room/recording studio feel. Perfect for intimate (especially acoustic or orchestral) sets. Consistently get a sense of medium space while hearing all tracks' details.
- Imaging & Layering: Very easy to identify placement of instruments and voices.
- Separation: Each voice and instrument distinctly in its lane... though things get a bit congested in the mids at higher volume (see above).
- Dynamics: Well pronounced and delivered energetically.
EQ:
This is where I ultimately landed with EQ (of course YMMV based on your ears) tweaks using PEACE on Windows
11. Comparisons
I was interested to A-B test the MM-500 with many of my headphones, but especially my “old school” Audeze LCD cans.
Audeze LCD Headphones
I A-B tested the MM-500 with the following:
- LCD-2C (2021)
- LCD-2F (2018)
- LCD-X (2018)
- LCD-3 (2011, upgraded to Fazors in 2018)
- LCD-4 (2020)
Consistent notes across all of my Audeze LCD headphones included:
- more relaxed & laid back, warm presentation
- less resolving (rounded-off) – excluding the LCD-4
- having a bigger soundstage
Other standout deltas (aside from those noted above) were as follows:
- LCD-2C: slightly more impact (Dekoni Choice Suede pads)
- LCD-2F: slightly mellowed/veiled (Dekoni Fenestrated pads)
- LCD-X: more (fuller) bass (quantity) (Dekoni Choice Suede pads)
- LCD-3: upper-mids tamed, slightly less bass impact (Audeze 2021 rev pads)
- LCD-4: more bass, more impact, more balanced (OG Audeze 2020 pads)
(Important note: Most all of my LCD headphones have been tweaked/tuned to my preferences – different earpads, extended yoke rods, shorter headband straps, newer suspension headbands)
Non-Audeze Headphones
I then compared the MM-500 to some of my non-Audeze headphones that are somewhat in the same-ish (new, MSRP) price ballpark, including: the Focal Clear OG, the Hifiman Arya V2, and the HEDD Audio HEDDphone.
Here are the standout items I noted while A-B testing with these headphones:
- Focal Clear OG
- more pronounced dynamics
- similar soundstage (slight nod to the Focal OG)
- similar clarity (slight nod to the MM-500)
- Hifiman Arya V2
- much bigger soundstage
- less mids-focused
- on-par resolution
- HEDD Audio HEDDphone
- more bass rumble and pistonic motion
- slightly less resolving/technical, darker presentation
- bigger soundstage
Could the MM-500 displace any of these headphones from my collection?
As I was A-B testing, I thought to myself, “Self, would you prefer the MM-500 over the headphone to which you are currently comparing?”
After getting to know the MM-500, I think it could displace the LCD-2C, LCD-2F, and (surprisingly to me) possibly even the LCD-3 from my collection. The LCD-X, the spiritual predecessor to the MM-500, is where the decision gets tricky. It is a close call. If I had to pick between the two and call it today, I would say I prefer the LCD-X. The LCD-4 (which is a bit of an unfair comparison, given the price and capabilities delta) is much preferred over the MM-500, but it has definitely piqued my interest in the LCD-5. Perhaps the LCD-5 could dethrone the LCD-4? TBD...
From the similarly priced contenders I compared, all things considered (sound, comfort, etc), the MM-500 is a close call with the HEDD Audio HEDDphone. If I had to choose one as an only headphone, I would lean towards the MM-500 given its well-roundedness and versatility, but the uniqueness of the AMT HEDDphone wins out for me in my scenario (of having a collection of unique headphones and headamps).
Power Needs
While A-B testing these headphones, it was interesting to observe the different power needs, and adjust each test headamp accordingly.
Headphone (impedance, sensitivity):
- MM-500 (18 ohms, 100 dB)
- LCD-2F (70 ohms, 101 dB)
- LCD-2C (70 ohms, 101 dB)
- LCD-X (20 ohms, 103 dB)
- LCD-3 (110 ohms, 101 dB)
- LCD-4 (200 ohms, 97 dB)
Being both efficient and low impedance, the MM-500 and LCD-X can both be used without a powerful headamp. I found if I limited the power into the MM-500 using a single-ended connection it made A-B testing a bit easier on my more powerful headamps.
The LCD-4 requires the most gain/volume of the Audeze headphones to make them come alive.
Though they have lower impedance ratings, the less efficient Arya (35 ohms, 90 dB) and HEDDphone (42 ohms, 90 dB), also demand more power to fully experience what they have to offer.
The Focal Clear OG (55 ohms, 104 dB) is more aligned with the Audeze headphones.
12. Wrap-Up, Summary and Conclusion
Seeing as how I was the first reviewer of this new unit, I got to experience the teething issues of a new headphone not fully burned-in yet, both sonically (the drivers) and physically (the headband). These headphones grew on me during the time I had them. As my brain and ears began to adjust to it, my fondness grew each day.
All of the genres I listened to sounded great, but orchestra, live jazz and acoustic performances really stood out thanks to the well-resolved micro details.
For what they target to deliver -- they absolutely do. Technical critical presentation to hear all the nuances of a recording? Check.
When I found out I had been selected to participate in the loaner tour for the MM-500, I wanted I to get answers to the following questions:
Is the Audeze MM-500...
just for pro audio engineers? No.
for an audio enthusiast? Absolutely.
for me? Yes, it can find its way into my collection and rotation.
What would I want to hear/see/know in a review of the MM-500 as an audio fan and a mild Audeze-fan boy?
Would the MM-500 tempt me to let go of my other Audeze headphones, and potentially consider the LCD-5 as well?
Or add them to my arsenal?
I can see myself selling off some of my LCD headphones and some other (non-Audeze) headphones to make place for the MM-500 in my collection, and my interest in the LCD-5 has definitely been piqued.
Do I feel as engaged and involved in the music?
Yes, absolutely. I found myself directing orchestras, tapping my foot and rocking out. The MM-500 is an Audeze headphone that I enjoy immensely.
Thanks for taking the time to read my review and come along on this Audeze odyssey with me.
Thank you to Todd and the crew at TTVJ for the opportunity to be included in the loaner tour program.
