Today we review headphones from one of the most famous manufacturers of isodynamic models – Audeze, namely full-size open monitors in MM-series design, with slightly reduced dimensions and noticeably reduced price, relative to popular models of the manufacturer, such as Audeze LCD-2 and Audeze LCD-3. Let’s take a closer look at the new product, compare it with competitors and other models of the brand. We’ll tell you whether it’s worthy of attention, and whether the manufacturer has managed to create headphones that will push aside the mastodons of the market.
Pluses:
sound, ergonomics and comfort of use, design, case materials, undemanding to the amplifier
Minuses:
complete wire, headband design
Content
Packaging and equipment
The new product is delivered in the brand’s typical packaging with an outer cardboard cover and a main inner hardboard cover.
Inside, the headphones are on a foam cushion. The Audeze MM-100 is in a separate compartment, and the accessories are placed in a small pocket below. The package includes:
- Audeze MM-100 headphones
- twisted wire 3.5-6.3 mm
- soft protective case
- documentation and warranty cards
In the early photos on the brand’s website, you could see a larger set, namely a 3.5-6.3 mm cable and an additional 6.3-3.5 mm adapter for it, which was also listed on the website at the time of writing.
However, there is no adapter in the package. Probably, the manufacturer decided to distance the novelty even more from LCD-2 and LCD-2 Classic by reducing the package. After all, in the updated revisions of Reference and Origins series the package contents were expanded for more variability of connection. Or they decided that it was economically inexpedient. But the fact is that all fans expected to see a slightly different package, which is important, given conditional the model’s affordability. The wire itself is of good quality, but compared to older models designed for professional use, the cable looks rather unreliable and too thin.
Design and ergonomics of the Audeze MM-100
The main audiophile’s fear was the possibility of producing headphones in cheaper plastic cases in order to reduce their cost. But in terms of materials, everything is fine — Audeze MM-100 are assembled perfectly, without gaps and with perfectly fitted parts.
The headband is indeed made of plastic, but the bowls and mounts are «premium magnesium and steel chassis», as stated on the manufacturer’s website.
Visually, the MM-100 is very similar to the older Audeze MM-500. The only thing that gives it away is the wire and the simpler design of the headband.
Ergonomically, these are not the best headphones on the market, but they are one of the best isodynamics, and definitely the best Audeze headphones after the flagship ones Audeze LCD-5. In terms of fit and weight, the model even outperforms the older MM-500. But still, over a long distance, the Audeze MM-500 wins because it has better ear cushions and a better balanced headband. It’s not noticeable at first, but after a few hours you realize that the more expensive models are more comfortable.
Inside the ear cushions is a gel filler that fits nicely to the head, and they are made of high-quality artificial leather, judging by subjective feelings (the manufacturer’s website does not specify the material).
The headphones are relatively small because after switching from wood to more practical materials, Audeze was able to reduce the size of their new products. Because wood requires a greater thickness to maintain its shape and acoustic properties. As a result, the cups are smaller, with the same performance drivers.
Adapted to the workflow
Work with your tool, computer, or console with the MM-100’s one-way cable, which can be conveniently connected to either side of the headphones. In addition, the MM-100 can be folded up for transportation or storage in the included soft-cover carrying case.
Designed for comfort
MM-100 are designed for comfort even during the longest sessions. The elastic, gel-filled ear cushions mold to your ears, and the adjustable strap feels lightweight for hours.
Built for durability
MM-100s are built to withstand the rigors of life. Each pair is hand-assembled and tested in a workshop in Southern California to ensure it fits and sounds right. The MM-100’s lightweight premium chassis features magnesium forks and grilles, and a spring steel headband.
The sound of the Audeze MM-100
Due to high expectations, as I was personally looking forward to headphones that would break the industry and, even in this price segment, replace such mastodons as Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser, the impression was a bit blurred.But Audeze MM-100 are still excellent headphones. Considering their price and sound quality, this is a model without any drawbacks. A miracle didn’t happen and Audeze didn’t put the sound of the Audeze LCD-2 in a $500 model, but that doesn’t make the MM-100 bad.
The highs are detailed and soft, which is clearly noticeable on wind and string instruments, as well as on drum parts with a lot of cymbals. The ultra-highs are also well detailed, which is not usually the case in this price segment.
Midrange frequencies are well separated, rich and melodic – instrumental and vocal parts are well separated into tracks, ambient and instrument arrangement are well reproduced. Low frequencies are voluminous and rich, but they tend to be more monitor sound, i.e. without an excessive amount of bass, which may seem unusual to people who are used to more aggressive bass.
A detailed and voluminous scene, excellent information content, high-quality work with any genre and a noticeable increase in quality depending on the source. All this is available in Audeze MM-100 These are great monitors, where you can both work with sound at a high level and listen to your favorite tracks, looking for new nuances in each album. This is not an ultimatum solution for half the price, if you want something final, you will have to pay for top models. But it is a high-quality working tool and one of the best headphones under $1000.
The main testing was carried out using a DAC Chord Mojo 2, audio player Astell&Kern A&futura SE300 and audio interface RME Babyface PRO FS using high-quality files, Audirvana Studio Pro, and the Apple Music streaming service.
Price and competitors
The cost of headphones Audeze MM-100 is UAH 21,000.
The closest competitors within the brand are Audeze LCD-2 Classic for UAH 42,777 which, adjusted for the exchange rate, is twice as expensive as MM-100, and Audeze LCD-2 for UAH 53,279.
Among open monitor models, the closest competitors are Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus for UAH 20,599, Sennheiser HD 600 for UAH 17,199 and Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO for UAH 25,974.
The nearest closed monitor model is Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO for UAH 25,974.
Among the open audiophile models are FiiO FT5 (an overview of which can be read by the link) for UAH 21,800, Grado RS2x for UAH 22,620 and HiFiman Edition XS 20 400 UAH.
We would like to thank the store Portativ.ua for the headphones provided for review Audeze MM-100
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