Title: Unveiling the Audeze MM-100 Planar Magnetic Headphones: A Clear Victory
Audeze has been leading the charge in planar magnetic driver technology for years, and their faithful fans rave about the dynamic and responsive sound these drivers produce. In this review, we'll examine the latest creation from Audeze in collaboration with Grammy-winning engineer Manny Marroquin: the Audeze MM-100 open-back headphones.
While we'll explore the pros and cons of planar magnetic technology later in this review, let's first delve into the innovation behind these stylish MM-100 headphones. Constructed with precision in the U.S.A., the MM-100 boast top-notch 90mm planar magnetic drivers and a distinctive design that flatters any music lover.
Plain and simple, planar magnetic technology generates sound by creating a magnetic field around a conductor with flow-through current. This movement of the diaphragm composed of incredibly thin and flat conductors results in lower distortion, a tighter bass response, and a wider frequency range.
Audeze's exclusive technologies, such as Uniforce diaphragms, Fazor waveguides, and Fluxor Magnets, play a significant role in providing exceptional sonic clarity with minimal distortion. This is especially advantageous for mixing or listening for extended periods without fatigue.
The MM-100's lightweight chassis, built from magnesium and aluminum, weighs in at 385g. Comfortably feathering the scales, this headphone masterpiece is equipped with oversized leather earpads filled with gel, an adjustable suspension strap, and a spring-steel headband for a custom, non-sweat-inducing fit. To top it off, these headphones can fold flat, making them an easy addition to your travel or storage kit.
Audeze and Manny Marroquin teamed up to create these open-back headphones, and Marroquin shares his enthusiasm for studio-quality sound that's accessible to a broader audience. "Everyone working in audio needs a headphone they can rely on, inside or outside the studio."
Marroquin's insight rings true; the MM-100 combines a great sound, low distortion, easy drive, and exceptional comfort for a remarkable listening experience.
With a jazz mix provided by Tidal, I tested the MM-100's capabilities on the timeless Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson album, and the planar magnetic drivers delivered exquisite sound quality. The bass was both plentiful and articulate, segregated from the mids, and the soundstage itself was marvelous – crisp and immersive without crossing the line into clinical technicality.
To really put the MM-100's drivers through their paces, I delved into Coleman Hawkins' Quartet's Today And Now album. This recording showcased the MM-100's smooth sax tones and soft acoustic bass, which they managed flawlessly, revealing impeccable accuracy and balance.
The Audeze MM-100heading stood up magnificently to various DACs and amplifiers, proving that their exceptional sound quality is more than just a matter of source compatibility.
Another great feature of the MM-100 is the detachable 3.5mm cable scheduled for both earpieces. This ingenious design enables easy cable swapping or upgrades, allowing you to listen from either side of the headphones without cable snags.
Audeze struck gold by inviting Manny Marroquin to craft the MM-100, resulting in an unparalleled listening experience for fans of planar magnetic technology. At an impressive price point of $399, these headphones provide by far the best value for money in the market.
Whether you're after a precise and clear sound with well-articulated bass, a balanced midrange, and silky-smooth treble, the Audeze MM-100 headphones will not disappoint. Their outstanding comfort, build quality, and ease of use make them a must-have if you value the auditory journey. Highly recommended.
Availability: Available now for $399 / £399 / €399 from Amazon or direct from Audeze.com.
Tech Specs:
- Style: Over-ear (circumaural), open back.
- Transducer type: Planar Magnetic.
- Transducer size: 90mm.
- Diaphragm type: Ultra-Thin Uniforce.
- Magnetic structure: Fluxor Magnet Array.
- Magnet type: Neodymium N50.
- Phase management: Fazor.
- Frequency response: 10Hz – 50kHz.
- THD: <0.1% (@ 1 kHz, 1mW).
- Earpads: Synthetic leather/gel foam.
- Weight: 385g.
The Audeze MM-100 headphones, a collaboration between Audeze and Grammy-winning engineer Manny Marroquin, feature 90mm planar magnetic drivers, which are renowned for their low distortion and wide frequency range. These headphones are equipped with exclusive technologies such as Uniforce diaphragms and Fluxor Magnets, ensuring exceptional sonic clarity.
For audiophile headphone enthusiasts, the MM-100's mm-100 planar magnetic drivers are a testament to Audeze's leadership in planar magnetic driver technology, delivering dynamic and responsive sound.
