The Audeze MM-500 are the brand's first commercially available entry in the MM headphone line (joined by the Audeze MM-100 in 2023), developed in collaboration with world-renowned audio engineer/producer Manny Marroquin. These wired planar magnetics were released in June 2022, sporting a revamped, lighter design compared to another staple in the brand's professional line the Audeze LCD-X. Given the collaboration, the headphones are positioned for professional use, though versatile enough for hobbyist audiophiles chasing an album listening experience that matches the artists' intent.
Our Verdict
The Audeze MM-500 aren't designed for sports and fitness. They aren't stable during light or intense movements like jumping or running, so don't plan on taking them out for a jog. They also have a cable that can snag on gym equipment or branches on a wooded trail. It's also worth considering the cost of the headphones; while they're built quite well, planar magnetic drivers are delicate, so you likely won't want to risk damaging such pricey headphones.
Bulky and not very stable.
Cable is a snagging risk.
The Audeze MM-500 are bad for travel. The headphones are bulky and wired, making them a magnet for potential accidents involving bumping or snagging. They don't isolate you from noise either, so you'll hear your neighbor snoring on a long plane flight. You'll also hear them grunting angrily when your audio leaks from the headphones and wakes them. If you're planning on traveling with the headphones, we'd recommend storing them in the included travel briefcase to avoid damage.
Comfortable fit.
Bulky and not very stable.
Bad noise isolation.
The Audeze MM-500 are bad for work for most people. They don't isolate you from noise or prevent audio leakage, so background conversations will distract you, and private meetings will be audible to your neighbors. The headphones don't have a microphone either, so you'll need to use your connected device's integrated mic, a standalone option, or an aftermarket cable (with a mic). On the upside, the headphones are quite comfortable, so you could use them if you have a dedicated work environment that's quiet, like an office.
Comfortable fit.
No microphone.
Bad noise isolation.
The Audeze MM-500 are wired headphones, so they're not suitable for wireless gaming. That said, you can connect them to a wireless receiver with an audio jack, though you'll have to check for low-latency functionality.
The Audeze MM-500 are passable for wired gaming. They don't have a microphone or onboard controls if you need to chat with friends or tinker with your audio. That said, you can purchase an aftermarket mini-XLR cable with an integrated mic. Regardless, the Audeze are impressively comfortable with their plush earpads and weight-distributing headband. They also have great stereo matching and don't roll off as much in the bass as other open-backs, so audio cues like footsteps and bassy explosions are rendered faithfully.
Near-zero latency.
Comfortable fit.
No microphone.
The Audeze MM-500 perform better than their audio reproduction accuracy score suggests. While their frequency response deviates from their flat sound signature, the absence of fluctuations in narrow, neighboring frequency bands is indicative of deliberate tuning rather than uncontrolled audio reproduction. The treble region features a slight low-treble emphasis coupled with mid-treble de-emphasis, retaining detail and articulation in vocals and instruments while softening sibilants. The Audeze have great stereo matching and excellent harmonic distortion performance, so you won't notice shifts in the stereo image caused by the headphones, nor coloration caused by unwanted harmonics. Although group delay can be indicative of potential issues, the phase shifts in the sub-bass region don't have a significant impact on the headphones' frequency response and aren't audible in this range. While the headphones excite the pinna, our PRTF measurements indicate their presentation won't sound as natural as our benchmark, an angled stereo speaker setup.
The Audeze MM-500 are bad for noise isolation. This is expected for open-back headphones; they won't isolate you from car engines in busy intersections, crying children on airplanes, or chatty coworkers. They also leak a thin version of your audio that's audible to people close by.
The Audeze MM-500 don't have a built-in microphone, but you can purchase an aftermarket cable with an integrated mic.
The Audeze MM-500 have impressive frequency response consistency. Once you've established a good fit and seal, your listening experience will closely match our measurements.
Performance Usages
Changelog
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Updated Aug 27, 2025:
We've updated the Popular Headphones Comparisons section to improve readability.
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Updated Aug 27, 2025:
We've updated the Sound Profile box with a link to a downloadable folder of EQ settings that will help you match these headphones' frequency response to different target curves available in our Graph Tool.
- Updated Aug 21, 2025: Review published.
- Updated Aug 18, 2025: Early access published.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Audeze MM-500 are available in one variant: Black. While we didn't find a serial number on the headphones, they came with an authenticity card.
If you encounter another variant, let us know in the comments and we'll update the review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Audeze MM-500 are wired, open-back headphones designed for professional use. A year after their launch, they were joined by the Audeze MM-100, which sport a similar tuning at a much more competitive price (though you'll sacrifice some nice-to-haves like tapered earpads). The MM-500 are also often compared to their warmer-sounding, but heavier cousin, the Audeze LCD-X. Both are built for studio use, so your sound preferences will likely determine which is the better pickup.
Audeze aren't the only player in the premium open-back headphone market, either: brands like HiFiMan and Sennheiser have competitive options at a fraction of the cost. The HiFiMan Arya Stealth Magnet Version (and others in the Arya line) or HiFiMan Sundara 2020 are both more affordable than the Audeze MM-500. However, more experienced audiophiles may be better served comparing the headphones' sound signatures rather than their ergonomics. If you're looking for dynamic driver headphones, the Sennheiser HD 600 have a similar sound signature, though their response isn't as subdued in the mid-treble.
Looking for more options? Check out our recommendations for the best studio headphones and the best open-back headphones. Check out our best headphones article for something more suited for travel and casual use.
The Audeze LCD-X and Audeze MM-500 are similar wired open-back headphones meant for professional use. The LCD-X are heavier, and have a warmer sound profile, which you may prefer. That said, both are comfortable, well-built, and easy to drive with portable devices. Both the MM-500 and LCD-X also come with a hard carrying case and use mini-XLR connectors for the headphones. That said, the LCD-X cable terminates with an XLR connector meant for the source device, while the MM-500's has a 1/4" TRS connector.
The Audeze MM-100 is the less expensive relative of the Audeze MM-500. The MM-500 has flagship status in Audeze's MM product line, and comes with a hard carrying case and a slightly more premium-looking design that features chrome yoke rods and a spring steel headband. In terms of sound, both headphones have a flat sound signature, though there are minor differences in their treble reproduction. The MM-100 uses a different connector, featuring a 1/8" TRS connection on the headphones compared to the MM-500's mini-XLR. The decision between these two headphones will likely come down to your budget, followed by your treble preference.
The Audeze MM-500 and Sennheiser HD 800 S are premium open-back over-ear headphones. The Sennheiser have dynamic drivers compared to the Audeze's planar magnetics. Both are comfortable and similarly well-built, but the Audeze are notably heavier and have a much higher clamping force. That said, the effects are mitigated by the plush leather earpads of the Audeze. In terms of sound, both have a flat sound signature, though the Sennheiser is slightly brighter and rolls off in the bass slightly more. The Sennheiser are also well renowned for their more immersive listening experience, and our PRTF measurements indicate they more closely resemble an angled stereo speaker setup.
The HiFiMan Sundara 2020 and Audeze MM-500 are similar wired open-back headphones. The Audeze are marketed more as professional headphones, though the HiFiMan should also do the trick. Both have flat sound signatures, though the Audeze has more peaks and dips in their audio reproduction. They're also similarly comfortable, but the Audeze has notably better build quality. That said, whether the build is worth double the price will probably be the deciding factor between the headphones.
We've upgraded our Headphones Test Bench to 2.0! This update brings several key changes to our tests and usages, making it easier than ever to interpret our sound results based on your personal preferences. You'll also find a brand-new interactive graph tool featuring multiple targets (including our own!) for you to explore and compare.
For a full breakdown, check out our changelog, which includes detailed commentary from our test designer explaining the rationale behind our update.
We'd also love to hear your thoughts: your feedback helps us keep improving, so join us in the comments!
Test Results
The Audeze MM-500 have a flat sound profile. Their tuning is closer to the SoundGuys.com Studio Curve than our own target, though the 10kHz drop is still a large deviation from most targets. This flatter sound signature represents a shift in philosophy behind Audeze's collaboration with Manny Marroquin, departing from the warmer tuning of headphones in the LCD series, like the Audeze LCD-X. If you're curious to hear how these would sound if they followed our target curve or any of the others featured in our Graph Tool, you can download these EQ presets.
These headphones have impressive frequency response consistency. The bass and treble performance doesn't vary much among human subjects with differing head sizes and other characteristics like hair length or obstructions (glasses). If you take the time to adjust your fit each seating, you can expect a consistent listening experience.
They have great bass target compliance. The headphones have a slight bass rolloff that's common with open-backs. In tracks like Loving Me by YDG and Bella Renee, the bassy synths underpinning the first minute lack a bit of rumble in their reverb. That said, the kicks further into the track have plenty of thump and warmth. If you're looking for a little extra bass, check out the Audeze LCD-X.
The headphones have exceptional mid-range compliance. The headphones are flat relative to our target curve in this range, though a small taper in the high-mids can be perceived as pushing upper register vocals back in the mix or avoiding a honky tonality commonly associated with this frequency range, depending on your preferences.
They have middling compliance with our target throughout most of the treble range. That said, given the general similarity in tuning with other entries in the product line, like the Audeze MM-100, the underemphasis in the mid- and high-treble is likely intentional. The Audeze have a slight overemphasis in the low-treble, which, when contrasted with underemphasis in the mid-treble, retains detail and articulation in vocals and instruments while softening sibilants from their upper harmonics. That said, the headphones still extend well into the high-treble, so soaring vocals like those in Golden by Huntr/X from KPop Demon Hunters retain their airiness.
The Audeze MM-500 have okay peaks and dips performance. Through most of the range, their frequency response doesn't deviate much from their flat sound profile. That said, fluctuations in the treble range emphasize detail and articulation in vocals and instruments, while rendering sibilants a touch piercing or quite dull relative to neighboring frequencies, depending on their pitch. They also have a large peak after 10kHz as their frequency response extends into the upper-treble, though most listeners won't perceive a drastic hiss, as we're less sensitive to this range as we age.
These headphones have great stereo matching. The L/R drivers have minimal differences in overall amplitude, frequency response, and phase response. The sharp mismatch at 10kHz and up likely isn't audible in real-world content, as we're less perceptive to phase shifts in higher frequencies. It's also worth pointing out that driver matching is partially related to quality control, so you may encounter different performance with another unit.
While the score and graphs indicate the Audeze MM-500 have sub-par group delay performance, the metric is typically useful as an indicator of potential issues, and doesn't necessarily lead to audible colorations that affect sound quality.
In this case, the fluctuations are indicative of phase shifts in the sub-bass region between neighboring frequencies, causing wave interactions that affect the frequency response. That said, the amplitude shift is in a region where human hearing is less discerning to changes.
The Audeze MM-500 can excite the pinna and produce a PRTF that somewhat resembles a stereo speaker setup. That said, it probably won't sound as natural as headphones renowned for their immersiveness like the Sennheiser HD 800 S.
The headphones have excellent harmonic distortion performance. You likely won't notice any perceivable coloration that affects your listening experience.
These headphones don't need an amp to get to higher listening levels. You'll be able to crank your tunes up to a satisfying loudness even when connected to a portable device like a phone or laptop.
These are the settings used to test these headphones. Our results are only valid when used in this configuration.
The Audeze MM-500 have a premium-looking design. The headphones are open-back and feature a black grille faceplate with a superimposed 'A' and Audeze branding. The machined aluminum ear cups have a brushed gun-metal aesthetic, matched by hinged yokes that are attached to the headband using chrome rods. This ear cup design is somewhat reminiscent of the Audeze LCD-X, though the MM-500's yoke rods are more upright rather than tangential to the headband. The spring steel headband has a slightly darker brushed metal finish and features a suspended leather strap for added comfort and weight distribution. Similar to the LCD-X, the connection ports are offset from the center of the ear cups and protrude closer to the back of the headphones. Accompanying the hardware is a pair of black, tapered leather ear cups that widen closer to the back of your head.
They are comfortable headphones for most people. Despite their higher clamping force and weight, their combination of a leather headband and plush earpads makes listening for hours a breeze. Their earpads are deep and widen closer to the bottom, tapering to match the shape of the human head. If you have more prominent ears, they likely won't get squished by the ear cups.
These headphones are quite bulky. Due to their open-back and wired design, they're not the best option to bring on your commute or in a crowded environment. Plus, given their high price tag, we'd recommend storing them in their hard-shell briefcase for travel rather than shoving them in your carry-on or a backpack.
These headphones come with two storage options, a briefcase and a fabric bag. The hard-shell briefcase is solidly built with foam internals to help protect your headphones while travelling. You also get two keys for locking/unlocking the case.
If you're looking for a shorter-term storage solution to protect the headphones from dust between mastering sessions, the included fabric pouch is less bulky and may be more suitable, though it won't do much to protect the headphones from a drop or spills.
The Audeze MM-500 are amazingly well built. Their construction incorporates a mix of materials including machined aluminum and spring steel. The headphones have a solid strap suspended below their spring steel headband; unlike the Audeze LCD-X, the strap isn't perforated, which may be beneficial for its longevity. The yokes and yoke rods are solidly constructed and primarily metal. The headphones' cable is braided, but the split connector design is more susceptible to catching compared to the single connector cable found on the Audeze MM-100.
The headphones don’t have an IP rating, so it goes without saying that you should keep the headphones away from moisture to prevent shorts and damage to the drivers' delicate membranes.
These headphones aren't very stable. Despite their higher clamping force, their weight makes them unstable during both light and intense shaking. You can nod your head along to the beat without the headphones falling off, but we wouldn't recommend more vigorous headbanging.
- Audeze MM-500
- 1/4" to 1/8" TRS adapter
- mini-XLR to 1/4" braided cable (2.34 m / 7.68 ft)
- Soft carrying pouch
- Hard carrying case with 2x keys
- Certificate of Authenticity
- Documentation
These headphones don't block much background noise, but this isn't surprising for an open-back design. You'll hear anything from outdoor construction to the clacking of your linear keyboard switches. The headphones have some attenuation in the treble, but it likely won't be enough to hide your whirring laptop fans under load. The boost in the bass range is a testing artifact; you won't experience amplified bass noise when wearing the headphones.
The headphones don't perform well in common scenarios either. They don't attenuate much noise in airplane cabins, street crossings, or in the office; you'll hear engine rumble from airplanes and busses and chatty coworkers about as loud as you would with the headphones off.
The headphones leak a lot of audio, which is expected from an open-back design. Not much bass bleeds out of your headphones, but close neighbors in a quiet environment will hear a thin version of your audio.
The headphones come with a detachable cable (2.34 m / 7.68 ft) split mini-XLR to 1/4" TRS cable. Both mini-XLR plugs can go in either ear cup, so Audeze have marked the right channel connector with a red sleeve. The headphones also come with a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter. As expected from most analog headphones, there's virtually no latency, so your audio and video will be synced properly when watching videos.
These headphones will easily output your audio when plugged into your PC, though you'll need to use the 1/4" to 1/8" adapter if you don't have a dedicated soundcard, amp/dac, or audio interface with a 1/4" port. There's no integrated mic, so you'll have to use a standalone
You can connect to a PlayStation controller via its audio jack, but you'll need to use the included 1/4" to 1/8" adapter. If you need to communicate with friends, you'll need an aftermarket cable with an integrated mic, or a standalone mic and a TRRS splitter.
These headphones can connect to your Xbox controller and deliver audio. You'll need to use their included 1/4" to 1/8" TRS adapter, though. They don't have a mic, but you can buy an aftermarket mini-XLR cable that has an integrated microphone.