Audeze MM-100 Review

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Comparisons

Unfortunately I don’t have any really competing headphones in this price range, and certainly none that were meant for Studio use. As it is the little brother of the award winning MM-500 however, I will be comparing it to the latter. The setup used for the comparison is the Aquarius DAC and SAEQ PDA-1b amp.

The MM-100 has a different headband system and the side pressure of the MM-500 is a lot higher than that of the MM-100, making the MM-100 the most comfortable of both headphones. That said, I find the 500 to be quite comfy, once you’re used to that impressive side pressure. Cable wise the MM-500 uses the mini-xlr connectors, so it is easier to work with as most other headphone brands also use these.

Sound-wise both of these headphones looking at their FR measurements aren’t that far apart up to the 2k level. The 500 has a small boost around 30 to 60, while the 100 has a boost from 600 to around 1.3k. The more interesting difference is in the treble range. I actually find both the 100 and 500 safely tuned in this area, with the popular 3k peak. The 100 however has a higher amplitude in the peaks and a lower amplitude in the lows in the treble region. Differently said, the treble presentation is a little more in apparent and contrasting in the MM-100.

Looking at the subjective signature I find the MM-500 to be the easier headphone to listen to, it is more balanced out and wider, spacious sounding. That allows it so present the mid timbre and layering better though it sometimes can sound a little messy. The MM-100 has a more centered presentation and it translates into a more in your face kind of sound. The MM-500 for me is the softer, smoother sounding of both headphones, and it has the best vocal presentation. The 500’s mids are the better one, while the treble (and vocal) section of the MM-100 is more energetic, contrasting and clean.

Both are great headphones and the better overall to me probably is the MM-500. That said, I am convinced that a large part of users might actually prefer the treble presentation of the MM-100, making it a more energetic sounding headphone. To me these headphones are complimentary but the difficulty lies in the price point. The MM-500 is selling for $1,699 USD, and that is a lot more than the MM-100 is going for. If you want the best value, the choice for the MM-100 is easy. If you want the best headphone with the experience of a high-end headphone, the MM-500 is the obvious one to go for.

Conclusion

The Audeze MM-100 did not impress me from the start but it quickly grew on me (hard). This is the type of headphone that really shows you what your setup is about, but without losing an eye for musicality. At the start I just wasn’t using the MM-100 in the best setup, but once you up your source and amp game, the MM-100 really starts to impress.

The MM-100 does not necessarily need a lot of amplification, but because of its excellent transparency, I do fully recommend to use a top-level source and amp if you have them available. It’s the only way to unlock the full potential of the MM-100. If you stick to lower end and/or portable sources, the MM-100 will still be good, just not as impressive. That’s exactly what I figured out in the beginning and you hear what the MM-100 is capable of, you do not want to go back.

Even thought the MM-100 is designed to be a studio headphone, it actually is very musical and engaging. To me this isn’t just a studio headphone, it is a headphone for all audiophiles and it’s an excellent headphone just to enjoy your music with as well. Double win!

For the price the MM-100 is selling for it is super impressive when used in a good setup and it easily outperforms its price point. I fully recommend the MM-100 to those who like the Audeze sound and already have a good system at home. Treat it right and it will seriously impress you. For $399 this is an absolute steal, and it’s no surprise that Audeze can’t keep up with shipping these out.

A great job again from Audeze and Manny Marroquin!

Summary

Pros:

• ­Transparency & Tuning
• Technical performance
• Musicality
• Price
• Design & Build Quality
• Not just for studio use

Cons:

• Simple box
• Even though heavy amplification isn’t needed, the MM-100 does really shine with better source components

Technical Specifications

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: >120dB

Frequency response: 20Hz – 25kHz

THD: <0.1% @ 100 dB SPL, 1kHz

Sensitivity: 98 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point)

Impedance: 18 ohms

Max power handling: 5W RMS

Min recommended power: >100mW

Recommended power level: >250mW

Cable: 2.5m (8.2ft) Single ended 3.5mm TRS to 1/4″ TRS

Weight: 475g

Warranty: 1 year

Page 1: Audeze, Planar Magnetic technology, MM-100, Price & Box & Accessories, Design & Build quality, Fit & Comfort & Isolation

Page 2: Sound Intro, General, Sources

Page 3: Comparisons, Conclusion, Summary