GEAR REVIEW
AUDEZE MM-100 PROFESSIONAL HEADPHONES | Steve Sattler
Audeze ’ s MM-100 professional headphones were announced last year at NAMM but are just now shipping . The MM on the MM-100 stands for multi grammy winning , world class engineer producer Manny Maroquin , who serves as executive consultant for Audeze ’ s pro audio division . The MM-100 shares both similarities and differences with the much more expensive Audeze MM-500 which has been out for a couple of years now .
The MM-100 borrows some of its technology from Audeze ’ s Maxwell gaming headset incorporating Maxwell ’ s headband and general construction features , as well as uses similar drivers that are used in the more expensive MM-500 . In short , the MM-100 sonic signature is like the MM-500 but with some compromises on the MM-100 in order to keep the price point down . Build-wise , The MM-100 and MM- 500 headphones share similar construction , attention to detail and similar weight . Both the MM-100 and MM-500 are relatively heavy headphones .
Like the majority of Audeze ’ s headphones , the MM-100 is built around Planar Magnetic technology . The headband on the MM-100 is relatively simple , with just a few moving parts meaning it is less adjustable overall than the MM-500 . The only concession on the MM-100 to vertical adjustment is by choosing a new set of holes , i . e ., you can unsnap the strap , set it on a new set of holes , similar as if you were adjusting a watchband . The MM-100 has three different adjustment points for the head strap . The MM-500 on the other hand has two metal rods for making relatively infinite vertical adjustments .
Regarding the materials used on the MM- 100s , the yokes and the grills are made of magnesium , with a spring steel headband with a light layer of padding underneath . The MM- 100 has a pleather suspension strap , which helps to distribute the weight . The ear cups on the MM-100 and MM-500 themselves look similar , but the ear pads are different .
The ear pads are noticeably larger on the MM- 500 and a little bit angled , whereas on the MM- 100 , the pads are flat . The MM-100 earcups also tilt and swivel , and you can also swivel your earcups so that the headphones can lay flat on your desk . Note that the Earcups on the MM-100 are not removeable .
The MM-100 feature memory foam earpads with a top layer that is gel-filled to help keep your ears cool . The pleather covered earpads tend to heat up . I also felt that during extended listening sessions the headband was little on the tight side . Granted , no pair of headphones is going to deliver a one-size-fits-all experience . Many users may find what I just said to be non-issues .
The MM-100 has dual entry 3.5mm mini jacks
118 May 2024 Subscribe for Free ...