Audeze is understood primarily for its high-end planar headphones, and though the model has dabbled in gaming-focused headsets that retail for beneath $500, it does not have any entry-level merchandise. That’s altering with the introduction of the MM-100; just like the MM-500, these headphones are made in collaboration with Manny Marroquin, and so they’re designed for use primarily as a reference headset.The greatest distinction is that the MM-100 prices simply $399, making it essentially the most inexpensive Audeze headset you should buy in the mean time. By distinction, the MM-500 retails for $1,699, greater than 4 occasions as a lot. Having used the MM-100 alongside the MM-500 for the higher a part of two weeks, it’s clear that the latter has a extra refined sound, however the MM-100 comes shut, and that’s no small feat.While Audeze makes use of a number of plastic bits within the chassis, the MM-100 has an analogous design and the identical nice construct high quality because the MM-500, and there are completely no points on this space. Essentially, the MM-100 takes the very best options of the MM-500, and brings it to a way more inexpensive value level.If you’ve got been holding out for an inexpensive pair of Audeze headphones, your wait has come to an finish. The MM-100 is not simply among the best Audeze headphones — it’s simply among the many finest total choices you may discover within the sub-$500 class.Audeze MM-100: Pricing and availability(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Audeze unveiled the MM-100 in April 2023, with the headphones happening sale within the month of August. It’s now out there globally by way of audio retailers and Audeze distributors, and in North America, you may get your arms on the MM-100 for $399.Considering the affordability of those headphones, there’s longer-than-usual wait occasions. That’s in the event you’re shopping for straight from Audeze; you can even get the MM-100 by way of Amazon, the place it’s promoting for a similar $399. While most Audeze merchandise have a typical three-year guarantee, the MM-100 comes with a one-year guarantee.Audeze MM-100: Design and luxury(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Other than the scarf, there is not a lot in the way in which of a distinction between the MM-100 and MM-500. Audeze retained the identical styling and design aesthetic, and also you get a gunmetal gray colour scheme that appears elegant. Audeze makes use of plastic within the development of the ear cups, however the yoke and grilles are made out of a magnesium alloy, and the scarf is common out of metal.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The construct high quality is simply as beautiful as costlier Audeze headsets just like the LCD-X and MM-500, and the very best half is that the MM-100 is significantly lighter than different Audeze merchandise I used so far. Coming in at 475g, it’s 20g lighter than the MM-500, and that distinction is noticeable. Don’t get me incorrect; the MM-100 remains to be on the heavier aspect, however it’s considerably lighter than most Audeze designs — the LCD-X weighs 612g.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)As is the case with the remainder of the model’s merchandise, the grille has Audeze’s distinctive stylized A emblem on both aspect, with Audeze branding on the fitting and Manny Marroquin to the left. While the design is basically similar to the MM-500, Audeze switched out its commonplace mini-XLR connectors to 3.5mm, and that makes the MM-100 way more versatile. What’s fascinating is that it is advisable to join only one aspect to the cable, providing you with the pliability of plugging within the headset both by way of the left or proper connectors.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The bundled braided cable is of an honest high quality, nevertheless it does not have a sheath, and it ends in a 6.35mm plug — like most different Audeze headsets. I might have preferred a 3.5mm plug contemplating the class the MM-100 is debuting in, as a result of because it stands, the selection of plug limits its usability with transportable sources.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Audeze went with a floating headband design with the MM-100, and it does a great job distributing the load of the headset evenly. The solely challenge I’ve on this space is that the adjustability of the scarf is proscribed; you possibly can’t transfer the stalk up or down, and you will as a substitute have to regulate the leather-based band between three notches. While that is an inelegant system, you will not have to regulate the band too many occasions.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The MM-100 is essentially the most snug Audeze headset I used up to now, and that features the lighter LCD-GX gaming headset. A giant a part of that has to do with the clamping power; it is not as excessive because the MM-500, and mixed with the lighter design, the MM-100 is right for prolonged use.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The ear pads have a pretend leather-based end, and so they’re extraordinarily snug even after extended use. They do not have a vented design, however due to the inherent open-back nature of the MM-100, you get good air flow. Overall, Audeze nailed the design temporary with the MM-100, and the headphones have sturdy construct high quality and are gentle sufficient you can put on them for hours on finish.Audeze MM-100: Sound high quality(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)With a sensitivity of 98dB/1mW and impedance of 18Ω, it is effortlessly simple to drive the MM-100, however like all Audeze merchandise, you can also make essentially the most out of the planar drivers by pairing it with an honest supply. On that observe, the MM-100 makes use of the identical 90mm planar magnetic drivers because the MM-500, and it has Audeze’s Fluxor magnet array.I used the MM-100 with the Fiio Ok19 DAC more often than not, switching over to the Q7 Bluetooth DAC to make use of with a cellphone. Any supply that is in a position to ship over 250mW of energy must be sufficient to drive the MM-100 nicely.As for the sound, Audeze retained an analogous tonality because the MM-500. The MM-100 has a great bass extension, and whereas the low-end is impartial, you get a great rumble that is satisfying together with quick transients. The mids are the place the MM-100 really shines; it has a lift within the mid-range that provides added heat and readability to vocals, and it sounds incredible.The treble is clear and detailed, and whereas there may be some sparkle, it does not sound harsh, and there’s no sibilance. There’s good dynamics and instrument separation — as you’d think about on a headset aimed toward studio use — and the mid-forward presentation means the MM-100 is a good alternative as a reference headset.Audeze MM-100: The competitors(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)HiFiMan’s Sundara continues to be a stalwart on this section, and at $299, it is usually an amazing worth. It has an analogous bass presentation because the MM-100, and also you get a barely increased treble elevation. That stated, the MM-100 has a transparent benefit within the mids, and I just like the design somewhat higher.Sennheiser’s HD660S2 is an efficient various as nicely in the event you want a reference headset. It is costlier than the MM-100 at $499, however you get a impartial sound that is supreme for studio use in addition to informal listening periods.Audeze MM-100: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)You can purchase this if:You want an inexpensive pair of Audeze headphonesYou need headphones with an beautiful soundYou want a sub-$500 reference headsetYou should not purchase this if:You want a light-weight headsetThe MM-100 is certainly one of Audeze’s most important merchandise up to now. It has the identical nice design and construct high quality because the MM-500, and it sounds remarkably comparable. Yes, Audeze made a number of tweaks to the design to deliver the price of the headset all the way down to $399, however the MM-100 does not look or really feel like a price range product.Like the MM-500, the MM-100 nails the technical presentation, and it has a great bass extension that enables mainstream music to shine. The energetic mids will not be to everybody’s tastes, nevertheless it provides the headset numerous character, and it has a great treble presence.Ultimately, it is the worth that provides the MM-100 a definite benefit. It is designed as a studio headset, nevertheless it’s simply as snug for every day listening periods, and the sound high quality on provide makes it among the best contenders on this class.
With an unimaginable sound and comfy design, the MM-100 is Audeze’s most accessible product but.