markdown # Audeze MM-100 Review: Affordable High-End Audio for the Masses

Audeze is particularly renowned for its high-end, extravagantly priced planar magnetic headphones, which are appreciated by audio experts and professionals globally.

Lately, Audeze has stepped into less expensive markets and expanded into more common areas such as gaming headsets. For instance, my colleague reviewed the top-tier Audeze LCD-GX gaming headset, and I tested the wireless Audeze Maxwell gaming headset which is quite ordinary. Now, there’s the Audeze MM-100 that attempts to bring the finest audio technology from Audeze into an affordable wired, open-back high-end headphone model suitable for everyday users.

As an analyst, I’d rephrase that as: The Audeze MM-100 may not aim to dethrone your beloved Sony or Bose headphones, but for those seeking a genuine high-end, wired audio experience within this price range, it’s challenging to find a more suitable option. Even considering the strategic cost-cutting measures Audeze took to meet this price point, it remains a tough competitor in its class.

Audeze MM-100 review: Pricing and specifications

The Audeze MM-100 retails for $399, much lower than competing options.
That includes Audeze’s best-selling LCD-X, which goes for $1,199.

There’s an abundance of fantastic headphone options available catering to various requirements, such as audiophiles, audio engineers, musicians, and anyone else willing to splurge on high-end gear. These headphones come in various types, ranging from budget-friendly, closed-back dynamic models to luxurious electrostatic ones that cost thousands. The Audeze MM-100 headphones stand out due to their planar magnetic drivers, but they offer a more affordable price compared to other models using similar technology.

You can purchase the Audeze MM-100 for just $399 on Amazon, making it a much more affordable option compared to most items in Audeze’s professional or enthusiast series. In fact, this price is less than a quarter of what you would pay for the top-tier Audeze MM-500, a premium version of these headphones that were jointly designed and fine-tuned with Grammy award-winning producer Manny Marroquin, as suggested by its name.

Contrary to some premium headphones that necessitate specialized gear for optimal use, the Audeze MM-100 comes equipped with everything you need right out of the box. Inside, you’ll find a pair of wired Audeze MM-100 headphones, a 2.5m long braided and detachable 3.5mm TRS to 1/4in TRS cable, a 1/4in to 3.5mm adapter, a Certificate of Authenticity, and a soft travel bag. Additionally, these headphones are protected by Audeze’s standard 1-year warranty.

Audeze MM-100 review: The good

These headphones are undeniably premium, with excellent build quality.
Sound quality is phenomenal, with a neutral, wide, and detailed profile.
Low impedance provides device flexibility, making the MM-100 versatile.

Upon holding the Audeze MM-100 for the first time, one cannot help but notice its substantial size. This is a typical trait of planar magnetic headphones, which employ an intricate system of finely tuned magnets arranged in a pattern to suspend and control a thin film that generates sound. Although this technology requires more vertical room due to its complexity compared to the small stature of dynamic drivers, it offers a significantly more sensitive and accurate audio output along with a broader soundstage.

The MM-100 boasts a substantial build, enclosing its advanced planar magnetic drivers within a sturdy magnesium casing and completing the design with a steel headband and leather cushion strap. These headphones exude a high-end feel throughout, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and tasteful use of premium materials. This attention to detail is evident even in the braided cable, which offers ample length for various setups, demonstrates durability for everyday use, and securely connects both the MM-100 headphones and your device with assurance.

When donning Audeze MM-100 headphones, you’ll undoubtedly notice their 475g weight distribution. The suspension headband is designed to evenly distribute this weight across your skull’s upper region. The clamping pressure is firm yet not uncomfortable, and the ear cups offer ample room within their plush, supportive cushioning. While comfortable, there’s still potential for enhancement, a topic I’ll delve into in the following section.

Prior to delving into the topic, let’s talk about usability. One major hurdle when entering the audiophile or premium audio market is the equipment required to fully utilize top-tier headphones. Navigating the need for costly amplifiers or digital-to-analog converters (DACs) can be intimidating, and these expenses can quickly add up, making already pricey headphones even more expensive. The Audeze MM-100 is designed to be more affordable to match its price point, and it certainly achieves that goal.

These headphones are exceptionally effective, boasting an impedance of 16 Ohms. In simpler terms, impedance refers to the amount of opposition there is when electricity flows through something; the higher the impedance, the more potent the source signal required. Typically, a standard headphone jack can only handle up to 32 Ohms before significant volume and quality loss, and some headphones can reach into the hundreds. However, it’s important to note that a higher impedance doesn’t always equate to better sound quality. The Audeze MM-100 has an efficient design that makes it compatible with almost any device equipped with a headphone jack.

Straight up, the Audeze MM-100 is crafted to maximize its potential when paired with additional audio equipment. However, it’s not a necessity to experience its quality from the get-go. The Audeze MM-100 serves as an inviting gateway to high-end audio, offering ample scope for improvement as your setup evolves over time.

Ultimately, sonic nirvana was achieved by matching the Audeze MM-100 with an unlocked LG V60 ThinQ, a device equipped with a SABRE DAC ES9219 that fuels LG’s Quad DAC function. The audiophile community often praised LG flagships for their unexpectedly excellent high-fidelity audio capabilities, largely due to their headphone jacks. Finding an unused V60 for $200 or less makes it a highly attractive companion for the Audeze MM-100 in terms of value. To enjoy music, I opted for TIDAL, a platform that provides lossless audio files throughout its entire library, in contrast to the heavily compressed MP3 files available on services like Spotify.

Over a number of weeks, I’ve spent countless hours playing music through the MM-100. It’s been an enjoyable journey. The Audeze MM-100 is primarily designed for studio use, so don’t expect the lively, boosted sound signature found in some consumer headphones. Instead, it delivers a neutral and balanced sound out of the box, emphasizing precision, detail, and spatial perception over heavy bass. I find this approach appealing because it allows for greater flexibility to tweak the sound with equalizers if needed.

The Audeze MM-100 headphones offer a true-to-life audio experience, revealing any imperfections in compressed MP3 files but truly enhancing your listening pleasure when supplied with lossless audio. With its expansive soundstage, you can precisely locate each instrument and layer, and its exceptional clarity ensures that even the most complex tracks remain clear and undistorted, allowing you to appreciate the subtleties in guitar melodies, powerful basslines, and the hidden nuances skillfully woven into the best songs’ mixes.

In simpler terms, the percussion sounds crisp and clear in the MM-100 headphones, while treble tones are smooth without any harshness. The real magic of these headphones lies in their performance with midrange frequencies and vocals, where they really excel in delivering a detailed, quick, and accurate sound. Some listeners might prefer other headphones for specific music genres, but the Audeze MM-100 is versatile, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently switch between different genres or songs that mix multiple genres.

Audeze MM-100 review: The bad

This is a heavy, open-backed design, and that comes with compromises.
Audeze also cut some corners in some areas, especially the accessories.

As a devotee, I’ve previously shared that the MM-100 offers a reasonable level of comfort, but it seems Audeze made compromises in the ergonomics department. The suspension headband, offering just three adjustment levels on each side, requires quite a bit of manual effort to modify. This design flaw is something I’ve taken issue with in the Audeze Maxwell, and I must express my disappointment with it again in the MM-100. Finding the optimal fit can significantly ease any comfort concerns, but these headphones don’t offer much flexibility in this regard.

As a researcher, I would describe these headphones as a wired, over-ear model with an open back design. The ‘wired’ part implies that they require a device equipped with a 1/4 inch or 3.5mm TRS audio jack for connection. The ‘open-backed’ feature allows air to circulate through the headphones, resulting in a wider and more spacious soundstage, similar to what you find in high-end audio equipment. This design leads to improved acoustics for the listener, but it also means that people around you can hear what you’re listening to, and you’ll be able to hear sounds from your surroundings as well.

These headphones are quite weighty and lack Bluetooth connectivity, active noise cancellation, and other smart features typically found in modern headphones. This is standard for audiophile equipment, which focuses primarily on sound quality over additional features. However, I was disappointed to find that the accessories provided were not up to par. There’s only one soft travel bag included, which is oversized, offers minimal protection, and doesn’t provide any organization for cables or other accessories. You also receive just one cable without media controls.

Audeze MM-100 review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if …

✅You don’t have or are not ready to invest in an expensive audio setup

As a music enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for the Audeze MM-100! It offers an outstanding entry point into the realm of top-tier, studio-quality planar magnetic headphones. Compared to ordinary dynamic headphones, it delivers unmatched precision, swiftness, and clarity. And That’s music to my ears, quite literally!

✅You want to begin exploring the world of high-end audio

Just like other high-end models, the Audeze MM-100 offers exceptional versatility in terms of compatibility. Its highly efficient drivers make it suitable for use with most devices featuring a headphone jack. However, for optimal sound quality, it’s best to pair these headphones with superior audio sources. It serves as an excellent starting point if you’re delving into premium audio and thinking about upgrading your equipment.

You should not buy this if …

❌You’re not ready to accept the compromises of this design

The Audeze MM-100 shares similarities with many high-end headphones – it’s heavy, wired, and open-backed, meaning your music can be heard by others and you’ll hear the sounds around you. If exceptional audio experiences are what you seek, you may need to compromise with this design, but for most individuals, a top-tier pair of wireless headphones would suffice.

The quality of audio equipment often follows a trend where each increase in cost yields smaller improvements, and the Audeze MM-100 could be seen as a significant milestone. It delivers exceptional performance for its price, but as you invest more, the differences become less perceptible. Indeed, Audeze’s MM-500 is an undeniably superior headphone model, boasting a broader soundstage, increased comfort and adjustability, and improved low-end and high-end performance. However, it comes at a price that is nearly four times higher. Is it four times better? Not necessarily.

As an observer, I’d say: Spending around $400 will give you a ticket to the realm of professional and audiophile audio with the Audeze MM-100. This versatile pair can work seamlessly with all your devices, growing with you as you expand your high-fidelity music collection and refine your audiophile setup. While Audeze may not have perfected everything, many would still find satisfaction in a more traditional, budget-friendly pair of studio headphones from brands like Audio-Technica or Beyerdynamic. However, if you’re keen on exploring the domain of high-end, open-back planar magnetic headphones without straining your wallet, the MM-100 could be your stepping stone.

Listening to Sleep Token on the Audeze MM-100 headphones took my enjoyment to another level – I didn’t think it could get any better. You can grab these top-notch, artisanal headphones for just $399 at Amazon, which means a high-quality audio experience is just a few days away for you!

2025-02-08 17:10