The Audeze MM-520 open-back reference headphones take all that is amazing about the 500 series of professional headphones and turn it up to eleven. Featuring 99 mm Planar Magnetic drivers, an incredibly low 18-ohm impedance, and a frequency response of 5Hz to 50kHz, the MM-520 offers incredible depth and transparency to your audio mix. Built in collaboration with Manny Marroquin, world-class audio engineer, the MM-520 have been precisely dialled in to present a tight, clean reference mix for audio engineers and enthusiasts alike.
As the latest iteration of the iconic MM-500, the MM-520 carries over many of the design elements that made their prediecessor so well loved. As with other headphones in the MM series, such as the superb MM-100, the MM-520 is incredibly well designed and constructed. Each earpad is constructed from plush, upgraded memory foam that feels comfortable even for longer listening sessions. For the glasses wearers among us, I’ve appreciated how well these headphones accommodate my glasses arms while still feeling secure on my head.
The earcups provide excellent coverage with a slight taper in the pads, adapting better to the shape of the human head. Magnetically connected, each pad can be removed, cleaned or even replaced if needed. That being said, based on my experience with the MM-100, this won’t be a concern, as, despite a year and a half of regular use, they still look brand new.
“The Audeze MM-520 open-back reference headphones take all that is amazing about the 500 series of professional headphones and turn it up to eleven.”
The casing, headband and hinges, comprised of premium metal, feel sturdy and durable, a must for audio enthusiasts and engineers on the go. As a short aside, I appreciate so much the inclusion of both the superb hard shell travel case and, more importantly, the low drive needed to power the MM-520. With an impedance of only 18 ohms, these headphones can work with virtually any audio device with a headphone jack.
Shifting back to the design, there are two other quick design elements to note: the size adjustment system and cable management. The former is one of the sturdiest I’ve worked with. Comprised of two metal posts with preset notches, the size adjustment system steps through a series of sizes. What makes it great is that once tuned for your head size, it holds that position exceptionally well, even after hours of use.
The latter is likewise exceptionally well built. The braided cables are incredibly durable, with click-connects for each earcup. Each is marked clearly for left and right, and I’ve found that the cable, even when haphazardly tossed in my bag, doesn’t easily tangle, a godsend for me as someone who typically tosses everything in my bag and deals with the repercussions the next time I need to use them.
Shifting to the audio experience, the MM-520s are, hands down, the flattest and cleanest headphones I’ve ever tested. Leveraging Audeze’s Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator (SLAM) acoustic management system, the MM-520s manage to provide incredibly punchy low-end signals while still maintaining crisp, clear midrange signals. Even in frequency testing, these headphones were incredibly clear across the spectrum.
The detail focus for the MM-520’s is definitely in the low to mid range, providing exceptional detail to those sub-1000 Hz frequencies. The result is incredibly dialled-in detail. It is some of the flattest and clearest low- to mid-range I’ve experienced. I am thoroughly impressed with the tuning in this range.
This is not to say that anything upward of 1,000 Hz suffers. On the contrary, the high end of the frequency spectrum remains crystal clear, a theme I’ve experienced even with Audeze’s more consumer-conscious headphones. Vocals, piano and strings all sound absolutely amazing on the MM-520’s. When paired with the aforementioned lower-end instruments, the result is one of the best reference audio listening experiences I’ve tested.
“The MM-520s are, hands down, the flattest and cleanest headphones I’ve ever tested.”
While I would define the mix as flat and an incredible representation of the source capture, it might translate as slightly bright, which, in theory, could be a bit fatiguing after many hours of listening. That being said, in my testing, I’ve not run into this. It is a bit of an adjustment if you are coming from warmer headphones, but after a short period, I’ve come to love the sound of the MM-520.
While I absolutely love everything about the MM-520s, they are really aimed at audio enthusiasts and engineers. At $1,699.00, I’d suggest waiting until you need this level of audio precision before throwing your money at the screen. If you are looking for a solid audiophile listening experience but not quite ready to jump into the deep end of audiophile-grade headphones, I would recommend checking out the aforementioned MM-100 or even the LCD S20’s, which are both excellent options at a more budget-conscious price point.
For those looking for their next pair of mixing headphones, though, I cannot recommend the MM-520 enough. Audeze has hit it out of the park with their latest open-back headphones. From its premium design and build to the incredible reference audio experience, the Audeze MM-520 are incredible.
