Audeze’s MM series has become one of the most interesting lines in professional open-back headphones. Built in collaboration with Manny Marroquin, both the MM-500 and MM-520 aim to deliver a studio-monitor-like experience in a planar magnetic headphone. They are designed for mixing, critical listening, and production work, but they approach that goal with slightly different priorities.
The MM-500 established the foundation: a durable, accurate, open-back planar headphone with strong imaging and a balanced sound signature. The newer MM-520 builds on that formula with updated acoustic technology, including Audeze’s SLAM system, which is designed to improve low-end definition and spatial accuracy. Both headphones share a similar professional identity, but the MM-520 feels like a more refined version of the concept.
What You Get
| MM-500 | MM-520 |
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Look & Feel
The MM-500 helped define the look of Audeze’s modern professional headphones. It uses machined aluminum and spring steel to create a build that feels sturdy, compact, and more practical than some of Audeze’s larger LCD-series models. For a headphone made for long mixing sessions, the MM-500 finds a nice balance between durability and comfort. The MM-520 follows the same general design language but adds a few minor refinements. Its ear cups have a slightly updated rim design, and the aluminum finish gives it a subtly newer appearance. It is not a dramatic redesign, but it does look a little more current next to the MM-500.
Comfort is similar between the two, but the MM-520 benefits from thicker, plush memory foam earpads. The MM-500 still feels more than suitable for extended sessions, but the MM-520 has a slightly more cushioned feel that helps it settle in better during longer listening or production work.
Design
Both headphones use 90mm planar magnetic drivers and Audeze’s core planar technologies, including Ultra-Thin Uniforce diaphragms, Fluxor magnet arrays, and Fazor phase management. The MM-500 already proved how effective this platform could be for professional mixing, offering a low 18-ohm impedance that makes it easy to drive from many interfaces and headphone outputs.
The MM-520 takes that same foundation and adds SLAM acoustic technology. This is the main technical difference between the two headphones. With SLAM, the MM-520 aims to provide tighter bass control, better low-end extension, and more accurate spatial information without pushing the tuning away from neutrality. In practice, the MM-500 feels like the original professional reference tool, while the MM-520 feels like a focused update meant to improve translation and bass confidence. Both are easy enough to drive, but each will still benefit from a capable headphone amp or strong audio interface.
Soundstage
Between the two, the MM-500 has a slightly more open and expressive stage, while the MM-520 feels more disciplined and focused. The MM-500 has one of the best studio-style soundstages in Audeze’s lineup. It is not trying to sound massive or overly theatrical. Instead, it presents a clean, accurate stereo image with strong layering and precise placement. Instruments sit exactly where they need to, and the height of the stage gives vocals, piano, and ambient details a convincing sense of dimension.
The MM-520 keeps that same professional mindset, but its presentation feels a bit more centered and controlled. Its soundstage is not especially wide for an open-back headphone, but it is very organized. Imaging feels locked in, with every element occupying a clear and deliberate space. It resembles a near-field monitor setup more than a cinematic headphone presentation. For casual listening, the MM-500 might feel a bit more spacious. For mixing decisions, the MM-520’s tighter imaging might be easier to trust.
Low EndÂ
The MM-500 has a more natural and relaxed low end, while the MM-520 gives you more confidence in bass translation. The bass is where the biggest difference appears. The MM-500 has a clean, natural low end that sits evenly within the frequency response. It has enough thump to keep the sound engaging, but it never becomes exaggerated. Sub-bass is present and well-shaped, though it does not add much extra vibration or texture.
The MM-520 brings more definition to this region. Thanks to its SLAM technology, the bass has a stronger foundation and more noticeable texture in the sub-bass. It still keeps everything controlled, but there is more grip and density in the lows. Bass strings, kick drums, and low synths feel tighter and easier to analyze. If low-frequency accuracy is a major part of your workflow, the MM-520 has the advantage.
Mids
For mids, the MM-500 is more musical and expressive. The MM-520 is more controlled and analytical. The MM-500 has a rich and detailed midrange that grows more engaging the longer you listen. It is balanced and even, but it also has a good amount of drive. Vocals come forward with fullness, while instruments have the transparency needed for critical listening. It is neutral, but not sterile. The MM-520 has a flatter and more clinical midrange. It is clear, breathable, and well-organized, but it does not have quite the same warmth or richness as the MM-500. Vocals are still easy to place, and instruments remain cleanly separated, but the MM-520 sounds more like a tool than a headphone trying to entertain you. Both are accurate, but they will appeal to slightly different listeners.
Highs
The MM-500 has a smoother and more familiar treble timbre, while the MM-520 sounds a bit more open and precise. The MM-500 has an energetic treble response with crisp detail and a realistic shimmer. It has some brightness, but it avoids becoming too sharp or fatiguing. Cymbals, strings, and upper harmonics have a glossy extension that helps the headphones feel open and resolving. The MM-520 has a more airy and spacious treble character. It still keeps the highs tidy and professional, but there is a bit more lift and tactility. Reverb tails feel more exposed, cymbals have a cleaner crack, and small details seem to ring out with more space around them. Neither headphone sounds harsh, but the MM-520 brings a little more air to its reference-style tuning.
Summary
The Audeze MM-500 and MM-520 are both excellent professional open-back planar headphones, but they serve slightly different needs. The MM-500 is rich, accurate, spacious, and highly enjoyable while still being a serious studio monitor. It remains one of Audeze’s most successful attempts at combining audiophile performance with professional reliability.
The MM-520 takes that foundation and makes it more controlled. Its SLAM-enhanced bass, precise imaging, clean mids, and airy highs give it a more disciplined reference profile. It might not sound as wide or as warm as the MM-500, but it gives engineers a more refined tool for making critical decisions. If you want a more musical and open-sounding headphone, the MM-500 is still a great pick. If you want a more accurate, bass-confident, and studio-focused upgrade, the MM-520 is the better choice.
The Audeze MM-500 and the MM-520 are available at Audio46.
