Audeze is understood primarily for its high-end planar headphones, and though the model has dabbled in gaming-focused headsets that retail for underneath $500, it does not have any entry-level merchandise. That is altering with the introduction of the MM-100; just like the MM-500, these headphones are made in collaboration with Manny Marroquin, they usually’re designed for use primarily as a reference headset.
The largest distinction is that the MM-100 prices simply $399, making it essentially the most reasonably priced Audeze headset you should purchase in the intervening time. In contrast, the MM-500 retails for $1,699, greater than 4 instances 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.
Whereas 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. Basically, the MM-100 takes the most effective options of the MM-500, and brings it to a way more reasonably priced worth level.
For those who’ve been holding out for an reasonably priced pair of Audeze headphones, your wait has come to an finish. The MM-100 is not simply the most effective Audeze headphones — it’s simply among the many finest general choices you may discover within the sub-$500 class.
Audeze MM-100: Pricing and availability
Audeze unveiled the MM-100 in April 2023, with the headphones occurring sale within the month of August. It is now accessible globally through audio retailers and Audeze distributors, and in North America, you may get your palms on the MM-100 for $399.
Contemplating the affordability of those headphones, there’s longer-than-usual wait instances. That is should you’re shopping for straight from Audeze; you can even get the MM-100 via Amazon, the place it’s promoting for a similar $399. Whereas most Audeze merchandise have an ordinary three-year guarantee, the MM-100 comes with a one-year guarantee.
Audeze MM-100: Design and luxury
Apart from the headscarf, 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 shade scheme that appears elegant. Audeze makes use of plastic within the building of the ear cups, however the yoke and grilles are made out of a magnesium alloy, and the headscarf is long-established out of metal.
The construct high quality is simply as beautiful as costlier Audeze headsets just like the LCD-X and MM-500, and the most effective 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. Do not get me unsuitable; the MM-100 continues to be on the heavier aspect, however it’s considerably lighter than most Audeze designs — the LCD-X weighs 612g.
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. Whereas the design is essentially equivalent to the MM-500, Audeze switched out its commonplace mini-XLR connectors to three.5mm, and that makes the MM-100 far more versatile. What’s fascinating is that you want to join only one aspect to the cable, supplying you with the flexibleness of plugging within the headset both through the left or proper connectors.
The bundled braided cable is of a good high quality, however it does not have a sheath, and it ends in a 6.35mm plug — like most different Audeze headsets. I’d have favored 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.
Audeze went with a floating headband design with the MM-100, and it does an excellent job distributing the load of the headset evenly. The one difficulty I’ve on this space is that the adjustability of the headscarf is restricted; you’ll be able to’t transfer the stalk up or down, and you will as an alternative have to regulate the leather-based band between three notches. Whereas that is an inelegant system, you will not have to regulate the band too many instances.
The MM-100 is essentially the most snug Audeze headset I used so far, and that features the lighter LCD-GX gaming headset. An enormous 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.
The ear pads have a fake leather-based end, they usually’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. General, Audeze nailed the design transient with the MM-100, and the headphones have sturdy construct high quality and are gentle sufficient which you could put on them for hours on finish.
Audeze MM-100: Sound high quality
With a sensitivity of 98dB/1mW and impedance of 18Ω, it is effortlessly straightforward to drive the MM-100, however like all Audeze merchandise, you may make essentially the most out of the planar drivers by pairing it with a good supply. On that word, 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 K19 DAC more often than not, switching over to the Q7 Bluetooth DAC to make use of with a telephone. Any supply that is in a position to ship over 250mW of energy ought to be ample to drive the MM-100 properly.
As for the sound, Audeze retained an analogous tonality because the MM-500. The MM-100 has an excellent bass extension, and whereas the low-end is impartial, you get an excellent rumble that is pleasant together with quick transients. The mids are the place the MM-100 actually shines; it has a lift within the mid-range that offers added heat and readability to vocals, and it sounds unbelievable.
The treble is clear and detailed, and whereas there’s 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 geared toward studio use — and the mid-forward presentation means the MM-100 is a good selection as a reference headset.
Audeze MM-100: The competitors
HiFiMan’s Sundara continues to be a stalwart on this phase, and at $299, it’s also an important worth. It has an analogous bass presentation because the MM-100, and also you get a barely larger treble elevation. That mentioned, the MM-100 has a transparent benefit within the mids, and I just like the design a bit of higher.
Sennheiser’s HD660S2 is an effective different as properly should you want a reference headset. It’s costlier than the MM-100 at $499, however you get a impartial sound that is excellent for studio use in addition to informal listening classes.
Audeze MM-100: Must you purchase it?
You can purchase this if:
- You want an reasonably priced pair of Audeze headphones
- You need headphones with an beautiful sound
- You want a sub-$500 reference headset
You should not purchase this if:
- You want a light-weight headset
The MM-100 is one among Audeze’s most important merchandise so far. It has the identical nice design and construct high quality because the MM-500, and it sounds remarkably comparable. Sure, Audeze made a number of tweaks to the design to deliver the price of the headset right down to $399, however the MM-100 does not look or really feel like a funds product.
Just like the MM-500, the MM-100 nails the technical presentation, and it has an excellent bass extension that enables mainstream music to shine. The energetic mids is probably not to everybody’s tastes, however it offers the headset a whole lot of character, and it has an excellent treble presence.
In the end, it is the worth that offers the MM-100 a definite benefit. It’s designed as a studio headset, however it’s simply as snug for every day listening classes, and the sound high quality on supply makes it the most effective contenders on this class.
With an unimaginable sound and cozy design, the MM-100 is Audeze’s most accessible product but. Â
