Audeze is a model that wants no introduction; the American audio producer is well-known for its vary of planar headphones, and its merchandise have a novel design that is instantly recognizable. Another trait is the distinct sound signature, and that is the place Audeze is doing issues a bit in another way with the MM-500; these headphones have been made in collaboration with music producer Manny Marroquin, they usually’re positioned as a do-it-all possibility to be used within the studio and at dwelling.Coming in at $1,699, the MM-500 goes up in opposition to the likes of the Sennheiser HD800 S and HiFiMan Arya Stealth, and it slots in properly between the $1,200 LCD-X and $2,995 LCD-MX4 in Audeze’s portfolio. Having used the LCD-X for the higher a part of a 12 months, I used to be eager on seeing how the MM-500 would measure up, and I can safely say that these are one of the best headphones I’ve ever used.Audeze MM-500: Specs, value, and launch date(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Audeze unveiled the MM-500 in Q3 2022, and the headphones went on sale on the finish of the 12 months. They’re obtainable globally from Audeze distributers and main on-line retailers, and within the U.S., you may get your fingers on the headphones for $1,699.The packaging comprises Audeze’s normal laborious shell journey case, and a braided 2m single-ended 6.35mm cable — similar to the one you get with the LCD-X and LCD-GX. Interestingly, you additionally get a material carrying case with the bundle.Audeze MM-500: Design and luxury(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Most headphones on this class are likely to have extravagant designs, however to its credit score, Audeze stored issues minimalist. The MM-500 function an industrial design that appears very elegant, and the gray coloration scheme makes the headphones look that rather more premium. They’re made out of aluminum, and the construct high quality is one of the best of any headphones on this class — these are constructed to final a number of many years.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The gray design over the ear cups mixed with metal accents across the fasteners and yoke, and the black headband pairs very nicely, and general, the MM-500 feel and look like headphones that value much more than their asking value. The leather-based earpads have beautiful padding, and they do not get scorching even after a number of hours price of use.The stylized Audeze brand over the grille of every ear cup is a bit completely different to what you get on the LCD-X, however it’s simply as recognizable. You get Manny Marroquin’s identify on the backside of the left grille, and the producer’s brand on the headscarf.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)What I significantly like concerning the design is that the brand new yoke permits the MM-500 to fold absolutely flat; this is not potential with the LCD-X and LCD-GX, and whereas the headphones aren’t designed with portability in thoughts, the extra swivel permits you to get a greater match.Image 1 of 3(Image credit score: Future)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The MM-500 have a floating headband design that does an ideal job distributing the burden of the headphones evenly. That’s a great factor, as a result of at 495g, these aren’t the lightest headphones round. That mentioned, they are much extra snug than the LCD-X, and I hadn’t realized that I used to be giving my neck a exercise by sporting these headphones. To provide you with some context, the LCD-X weigh 612g, and you’ll instantly inform the distinction when switching to the MM-500.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)They’re not as gentle because the gaming-focused LCD-GX — which are available in at 454g — however they’re positively simpler to make use of than the LCD-X by some margin. The headband adjustment continues to be not as clean as different headphones, however then once more, you will not have to fiddle with it usually. The bundled cable connects to the MM-500 by way of mini-XLR pins, and also you get 6.35mm on the opposite aspect — there is no approach to choose a balanced 4.4mm out. You might want to purchase an aftermarket cable in the event you’re desirous about going the balanced route.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The extraordinarily snug earpads makes the MM-500 probably the greatest Audeze headphones. I did not have any points sporting these headphones for over six hours in a single go, however I’ll observe that they’ve a barely larger clamping pressure than the LCD-X. It is not uncomfortable by any measure — they usually do not exert as a lot stress because the HD6XX — however they match snugly.Overall, Audeze did a wonderful job with the design, and the MM-500 look each bit as premium as their price ticket suggests.Audeze MM-500: Sound high quality(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Audeze is thought greatest for its planar drivers, and the MM-500 use the model’s 90mm planar magnetic drivers mixed with the identical Fluxor magnet array that is discovered within the $4,500 LCD-5. The result’s a sound signature that instantly stands out. The MM-500 are designed to be used within the studio and at dwelling, and as such, you get a impartial sound — albeit with a couple of welcome tweaks. Audeze went with a mid-forward presentation, so that you get a bit extra physique within the mid-range , and an intimate soundstage that makes these headphones sound superb.There’s the attribute planar sound with quick assault for the bass, and whereas you do not get a very exaggerated low-end, there’s loads of element and physique. You get a barely elevated mid-bass that provides the MM-500 a extra musical sound, and it really works very well throughout a various set of genres. I are likely to hearken to as a lot heavy steel as orchestral, and the MM-500 did a terrific job in each eventualities.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)When it involves the mids, you may discover wonderful layering and element retrieval, and these headphones shine in ensemble items with loads of devices. Vocals have a definite ahead presence, they usually sound pure and clean — that is the place the MM-500 actually differentiate themselves over their rapid rivals. The mid-range is barely elevated, and that when once more lends nicely to the musical nature of the MM-500.The treble would not have a whole lot of extension, however you get wonderful element retrieval, and there is no sibilance to the sound. The general soundstage is pretty intimate — it would not sound as large because the HD 800 S — with Audeze as a substitute specializing in layering and imaging. I believe it really works in favor of the MM-500, and is a giant a part of why these headphones are so partaking.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)With a sensitivity of 18Ω and 100dB, the MM-500 could be simply pushed by any supply, however you may ideally want one thing that may ship over 250mW of energy to get probably the most out of the drivers. The larger drawback right here is that since you simply get a single-ended 6.35mm cable with the bundle, you have to to choose up a balanced 4.4mm cable in the event you’re desirous about utilizing the MM-500 with a transportable supply or digital audio participant just like the M15S. When paired with a impartial supply just like the Fiio K9 Pro, the MM-500 completely shine.What makes the MM-500 stand out is that they are enjoyable to hearken to; they’re tuned as reference headphones, however the sound is not absolutely flat, and there is sufficient vibrancy right here that they maintain up simply as nicely for day by day listening as mixing music. So in the event you do not care about music manufacturing and are primarily desirous about getting a pair of headphones for informal listening, they’re among the many greatest within the sub-$2,000 phase — I’ve definitely by no means had as a lot enjoyable utilizing a pair of headphones.Audeze MM-500: The competitors(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The Sennheiser HD800 S is the go-to alternative on this phase, and the headphones function a flat sound that lends itself nicely to a whole lot of use instances. If you want a planar-focused possibility, the HiFiMan Arya Stealth is an effective different as nicely.Audeze positions the MM-500 because the improve option to the LCD-X, so in the event you’re taking a look at an reasonably priced alternative, it is best to think about the LCD-GX or the LCD-X. The solely factor I’ll observe right here is that the LCD-X may be very heavy, so take that under consideration when contemplating the headset.Audeze MM-500: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)You can purchase this if:You need one of the best headphones below $2,000You desire a impartial sound with added vibrancy that is incredible throughout genresYou need headphones which might be constructed to finalYou want snug headphones for informal listeningYou should not purchase this if:You need light-weight headphonesYou want one of the best worthThe MM-500 may be probably the greatest headphones Audeze has produced thus far. They’re not as technical because the LCD-5, however for what they value, they sound completely unimaginable. The industrial design makes them stand out, the construct high quality is beautiful, and the floating headband together with the plush earpads means they’re very snug in day by day use.But the principle motive you are shopping for the MM-500 is for the sound, they usually completely ship on this space. The impartial sound means you should use it as a pair of reference headphones within the studio, however there’s nonetheless sufficient dynamism and vibrancy to the sound that they are simply as nice for informal listening. Ultimately, what Audeze has created right here is an all-in-one product that works simply as nicely in any situation, and that is no small feat.
With a lighter chassis and cozy ear cushions, the MM-500 are incredible in day by day use. But what makes these headphones stand out is the sound; they’re among the many greatest you may get below $2,000.