Glad to see this comparison review. Makes me feel better about my recent LCD X 2021 purchase. I''ll take the slight extra bass, larger drivers/chunkier pads/no clamp problem yet very tight seal, relaxed upper mids, airiness above 12k and extra width. Stereo imaging is insane. They're great to mix on. The weight isn't bad at all and I find them very comfortable for hours.
I too much prefer the X 2021, in every area actually. Had the MM-500 on for around an hour, it’s clamp was so much it gave me a headache for an hour?! Audeze, back to the drawing board. P.S. my head is average sized
Freakin love my LCD X especially with EQ. The weight didn't bother me at all. Good to know that I'm not missing anything for not planning to get the MM
Really? They weigh 612 grams.That seems very heavy compared to my HD650 which weigh 260 grams.So you are saying the weight does not get fatiguing after long listening sessions?
@@ca77721 I use them for 2-3 hours no problem. I wouldn't be in headphones longer then that either way. The pads are lush and the weight is dispersed brilliantly by the suspension headband. I find them very comfortable to wear. I think they sound next level compared to the HD650 and are a better mixing tool as well.
Got my pair of mm-500 in last week and I have really enjoyed them. At first I felt like the clamp force might be a bit too strong but after I have worn them for a week or so I feel like it has either lightened up or I have gotten more used to it. I had been using a Sundara before this and really appreciate the increase in build quality.
@@ChrisKeyman I would say it is a different sound. I have tried doing some A/B but it is hard to not let the increased cost impact what I "Hear". I feel like there are some nuances to songs that shine with these, but the main value I find, and the reason I plan on keeping them, is that they just feel like they are extremely well made and will last me for a very very long time.
@@ChrisKeyman I have had Sundara and I have LCDX 2021, Sundara are great, but LCDX is another league, mainly in the bass, LCDX has sub-bass and there is sound pressure, the bass is really felt, the Sundara or SHR1840 have the problem that they are not felt the serious ones
My old Audeze LCD2c are having a bit of a renaissance thanks to using a 4.4mm balanced jack into a more powerful DAP that I just got (my previous DAP didn't have that, and my desktop amp doesn't sound as good as my new DAP). It's like having a new set of headphones and they even seem lighter now that the music sounds more enjoyable!
I don't have a big head, generally use headphones on like the second lowest knotch. The LCD-5 with the larger head band are still super clampy to me. So I don't think it's an issue for just big headed people.
Unbearable for me....6ft6 , 275lbs, proper sized head (not one of those skinny basketballers with the head size head of a grapefruit that never matured to rest of body)... I feel i have 25lb plates pressing on my ears...
Auditioned both today. Really wanted to walk away with a pair of the MM-500's but the LCD-X (2021) made me reconsider. They sound so much wider and more 'real monitor room sounding'. Could easily imagine writing not just mixing on them. As stated, less detailed in upper mids but not in dissapointing way. Head movements had little to no affect on sound and immersion with their large cup size. The MM-500's on other hand were very sensitive in this regard and needed constant, solid contact to sound good . Clampy as well and my heads about a 53cm diameter (not massive). The lighter design is very nice though. Apparently Manny M intentionally narrowed soundstange on the mm-500's so that it encourages him (the listener) to pan and mix elements very wide, which is his personal preference. (Check out 'Produce Like A Pro : Audeze Factory Tour for some cool insights) I guess it makes sense but it would take getting used to and definitely removes a bit of enjoyment in use. Otherwise the 500's sounded superb adn honest. So just like Andrew I'm sitting here waiting and hoping for something in the middle or may just get the cheaper X's and remedy with calibration.
I like the build and the looks of the LCD-X significantly more than the new MM500. I would wonder with other commenters - if you EQ the LCD-X, is it then equal in sound to the MM500?
I think you should check out the limits of eq video linked above. I feel that the sound is really hard to pinpoint for a/b comparison, when trying to eq for sameness. It's a big hassle to buy and return, but I think that's the best option you have.
I was quite surprised visiting the Audeze booth at CanJam. The LCD-2 didn't sound as good as I would like, but the MM-500 sounds very balanced and technically good. I still think it's massively overpriced for how it sounds, feels honestly sub-thousand for me.
Thanks for this insightful comparison between Audeze planar models. I've just heard that Audeze will soon be introducing their MM-100 model for $399, and I'm eagerly looking forward to its release and review. I'm a classical music fan on a modest budget, so I've been seriously considering headphones in the $500 range, like the HiFiMan Edition XS and the Drop + Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X. I'm hoping that the Audeze MM-100 will provide a more comfortable fit (on my small head) than the Edition XS and will offer close adherence to the Harmon Curve like the Drop + DCA Aeon X but with the superior dynamic impact that Audeze headphones have been known to deliver. I'd love to see these models compared by The HEADPHONE Show!
I've been interested in these ever since they were announced. I like that the clamp force is stronger because most Audeze's are too loose on my tiny head (tiny brain?). Will probably give these a try soon
have watched this review more than once. it's very informative! i understand you're not a sound engineer or pretend to be one. still, with all your experience with so many headphones, it would be great if you could compare, in terms of neutrality, this Audeze mm-500 to the Neumann NDH-30 which are also aimed towards mixing and mastering and supposedly represent a very neutral sound.I know, there's a big price difference, but is that big price difference justifiable? That would be so welcomed!
I would also love to know the answer to your question. If anyone with experience with both and audio production, mixing, mastering, sound design in focus could help, is it worth the squeeze?
@@Lishkabro I couldn't try the mm500 but I was comparing the NDH30 directly with LCDX and ARYA organic and Focal Clear MG. I ended up buying the LCDX. It's been great for mixing. I use REALPHONES eq and crossfeed in my DAW. Seems great. I also have the hd600 for checking vocals. I'd love to try the mm500's but once you have such great headphones with the eq I think it more comes down to learning them and using them. mm500 might be the best tool if you arent using eq or anything. The NDH30 was reallllllllly useful and hard to pass up. It does everything really good for mixing. Id be happy with those but I wanted the wider soundstage of lcdx
Good review! Yes clamp force can be dealt with overtime, but comfort based on weight or distribution is harder. Also, will eq be able to fix any issues (in the mids and treble) going forward, I truly wonder.
Could you do a head to head like this of the Sundara and the new closed back version as well? I'm curious to know how different the closed back would be and which would be a better buy this year, especially for someone just getting into the hobby.
*before watching the video comm* the real question is not if it is better, but did Audeze finally produced a headphone that not requires users to fix it by EQ
Software here is complimentary. All pros are buying studio monitors for 15k-60k and still eq them with trinnov. Same with car systems like ABS, DSC. Hardware + software = good combo
It pays off immensely, it substitutes the room. Where would you get a flat sounding room (if it even exists) with totally clear transients and clean subs for 1300-1400?
I just want to use one earphone and don't want to be tired of switching devices all the time depending on the type of music. I listen to 80% classical and 20% jazz and pop. I have also seen the mm500 so far, and I think the instrument part is quite good, and the vocals are in the front, so the female voice sounds good. Do you recommend other headphones at this level? I think the sound field of the mm500 is okay. For classical music, the instrument tone is not too modified. , the low-frequency dive is enough for jazz. I don’t know if I understand this right?
Had these for like 4 days! Build quality is phenomenal, comfort is really good as well. Imaging is precise, vocals really shine the most on these headphones. Toning is one of the best I’ve heard. Only thing I put the HD800 ahead is the soundstage, a lot more open then the 500 but there a studio headphone, can’t expect amazing soundstage
My question exactly as well. I have an LCD-X 2021 and I EQ everything by default. Does this offer something worth the upgrade? I would like the better control at least. I have an HE6se V2 that is more than I need in every way except the soundstage is noticeably small so I'm still holding on to the LCD-X.
@@IndianChristFollower Even after Oratory's presets there are huge differences between headphones. Most of soundstage and macrodynamics aren't found in the frequency response and the presets are somewhat accurate up to 10kHz so everything above that still makes a huge difference to timbre, imaging etc.
My head grew larger to accommodate the almost non-existing clamping force of Edition XS. If you love this headphone enough your head would make room for it =P
Thanks for the complete review, I agree with you about the 'old' X now looking somewhat unrefined. My question to you if I may: What Planer headphone would you recommend that does have a wide soundstage and slams hard, if one exists?
Resolve here - I think maybe the abyss is the only one that does both to a significantdegree, but the tuning is a bit... unique. Have you had a chance to hear that one yet? Otherwise maybe LCD4?
@@TheHEADPHONEShow I have not heard either the LCD 4 or the Abyss although will at some stage attempt to do so otherwise I'm might have to stick to a dynamic driver variant like the Focal.
Andrew, if they gave out awards to headphone reviewers I'm sure you'd get one. Then you'd be able to call yourself an award-winning headphone reviewer.
@@ResolveReviews yep that's a great idea and have lots of categories so there can be lots of winners. For example Zeos might win the anime girl category.
please tell me, is it possible for the mm500 to use an equalizer to make the same sub-bass (35-40 Hz) as the lcd-x, and make the upper frequencies brighter for female vocals and acoustic guitar? This is not for mastering, but for listening to music.
I was hoping the MM-500 would have more treble energy than the LCD-X 2021. The treble on my LCD-X 2021 sounds rolled off unless I slightly pull the earpads outward.
I'd like to see something like MM-500 but close back.... How You could describe differences between LCD-XC and MM500? As far I compare FR of both it similar but not same. How about listen its.
My issue with the MM-500 is, that a lot of the songs i have are just painfull to listen to. A lot of female vocals are just pure pain, its not fun to listen to a lot of songs i have. Its okay at low volumes but as soon i go beyond medium volume, its just pure pain. I don't have this issue with any of my other Headphones/Earphoens and i don't have this issue with the LCD-X so i would personally say, the LCD-X is more correct. Because i don't have this issue with other professional monitors too. Neither my MDR-M1ST, nor the new MDR-MV1 or the TG335 or the IER-M9 or any of my other Monitors have this issue. My Yamaha HS8 also don't have this issue. Nothing, just the MM-500
@@salut9658 I personally don't like them. They are okay but they neither deliver the techincal, nor the tuning i expect from an Monitor. I completely switched to IEM for monitoring because the provide much higher isolation with much higher soundquality at the same time. So something like the Shure SE846, Westone Mach 80, Vision Ears VE6/8, Sony IER-M9, FitEar TG335 and so on.
not to mention the weight of audezes being a huge turn off even once is gotta be some real commitement ngl. If mm-500 wasn't 500g it would have been worth it
@@JTB-- I can tell you it's nowhere close. I've A/B tested and LCD-X and LCD-5 and there's a huge improvement with the latter in control, detail, extension, timbre. LCD-5 sounds so effortless yet more powerful. It's an absurdly good headphone, but has to be EQ'd.
@@hartyewh1 I think it was Metal571 telling someone trying to save money that with EQ the LCD-XC can get you in the ballpark of the LCD-5. But EQ is only going to get you so far when talking about reaching totl headphones sound like the LCD-5
@@JTB-- Yeah, tonality isn't everything. LCD-X is excellent and very well priced compared to the competition, but it is a bit rounded sounding and the treble is annoying to EQ due to unit variation.
In my opinion companies should stop making so many models.Sennheiser made 600 and 650 and they sell 30 years the same headphone.You can t sell a model so much money and when the customer buys it to tell him sorry here is the new one.3- 4 models are enough you don t need 13 models to sell
Hi, I wanted to buy a headphone under 1k euro or dollar. I would prefer sweet and natural sounding for acoustic and vocal, resolving but not overly harsh. Do you have any recommendation? Will Hifiman edition xs or Hifiman ananda V2 suffice?
Austrian Audio Hi-X65? Please do mind that this headphone is very transparent and your source needs to sound natural/has a great timbre to get it to sound natural. I used Topping E50 and L50 stack to pair it with my the Austrian Audio and it sounded very nasally and digital. I finally upgraded to Lake People G111 MK 2 amp and Modi Multibit 2 DAC and it sounds so much more natural than the topping set. If you are in the state perhaps Modi Multibit 2 and Schiit Asgard 3 would give that sound that you are looking for. Schiit products are known for its good timbre and sounds natural.
@@kato2395 I rely only on my Mojo 2 though. Will that be sufficient? My Focal Elegia was actually great with it. But kinda wanted more. How abou DCA Noire?
@@bedroommusician6135 what a coincidence! I just demoed a DCA Noire around a month ago and it sounded nice with more punchy sub bass than the Austrian Audio Hi-X65 but I dont really think it sounds natural. The bass is more punchy but less detailed than the Austrian Audio Hi-X65. Vocal sounds less sweet and natural too. Chord Mojo would be more than enough to drive the Hi-X65 since the Hi-X65 is very low impedance and has high sensitivity. My smart phone 3.5mm jack could drive it with plenty of headroom. But I don't know how it would sound on the Mojo. If you could get something from schiit though, it would be a great pairing and will increase how natural the Hi-X65 sound. I am a believer of DAC and Amp won't change how headphone sound by a huge margin, but the Austrian Audio Hi-X65 is an exception. The best way to describe the Hi-X65 is, it is like a chameleon. It conforms to the source (DAC/amp) or the mixing of the music. So you've got to find the right source for it. As for now, I am very satisfied with my current setup.
If you have more to spend though I suggest going to ZMF Auteur Classic, that headphone has the best timbre/naturality to its sound. I was very amazed. It is an all rounder, but leans towards acoustic music more. It is literally the headphone that you are describing on your comment. But since it is more that $1000, I did not recommend it to you. It is also much harder to drive than the Hi-X65. I think your Mojo would be able to drive it, but I am not really sure. Perhaps there is a chance that you'd need a stronger amp.
I've been pretty harsh towards Audeze, including directly with them, about the weight of their headphones. The only Audeze headphone I own is the OG LCD-X and I had to upgrade the headband, yolk posts, add Dekoni Hybrid Elite earpads and Dekoni Nuggets placed under the headband to better distribute and alleviate weight and pressure. All the new headphones coming out of Audeze (gaming cans excluded) were either still to heavy or when lighter, costing a whopping $4,500. For these reasons I now own three Hifiman planars. So finally (!!!) an lighter LCD-X! I used my 2022 budget on two of those Hifiman's so next year and after many reviews I just might pounce on the new MM's, especially if there is a good deal to be had. A tip for Xbox gamers. We all know how difficult Microsoft makes it to use a dedicated headphone amp if you like me are already connected to a home theater receiver. I use an Elite controller v2 (and did the same with the v1) and use the 3.5 mm jack on the Elite controller with the LCD-X. The very low ohmage and the very high sensitivity make the LCD-X a great headphone as even a gaming controller can drive them and yes they sound good too. The LCD-X give me a wide, open soundstage and great bass. My game of choice has been Dying Light, a game with big soundstage in its open world and good base rumble when it hits. I hope that the MM will be just as good.
It's for pros to analyze details. Not privateers to lay around in beds and nod heads to their music. audiophiles are classed as cute hobbyists by us, the PRO producers, mixers and mastering engineers.
What treble spike? You have to remember that these are raw measurements, not compensated ones. So the rise in the ear gain is actually something you want. The upper treble thing isn't going to be audible as it's close to the limits of human hearing.
@@ResolveReviews So the flat monitor speaker frequency response is equal to a harmanish to the headphones?To me the most headphones dont sound realistic especially in the orchestral recordings.The strings sound a little like synths..i ve noticed that many many times
@@anatol1204 actually a flat speaker response would be closer to the MM-500 than Harman, because the MM-500 doesn't match the target response with the preference shelf filters. In other words, the MM-500 is closer to an actual HRTF. But in general, it's not far off.
Honestly, Audeze’s tuning has been so off for so long that they’ve lost me completely for the foreseeable future. I’ve never found their headphones to my liking given their cost. FTR, I’m in the, “don’t believe in having to equalize a headphone “ camp.
Are you going to argue with somebody who 110 grammys? And has been on hundreds of tracks as a mixing engineer. It's like arguing with LeBron James did you are wearing better sneakers and his are not good.
@@levondarratt787 Who’s arguing? Stating my opinion, position & sentiment. People’s senses aren’t all attuned to the same thing. We have different taste preferences, smell preferences, can see colors differently. Why would you think that we all have the same hearing preferences? We don’t and three are studies that show we don’t.
You guys that are making money by "reviewing" headphones just miss the mark. Here is a real review of the Audeze LCD-X, the cups and headband of which are crap ua-cam.com/video/1WBE7mZH4MY/v-deo.html
Regardless of populus models released by Audeze, having hearing most, including, lcd3, LCD mx4, LCD 4, LCD 5, LCD x, the only good one I can conclude is lcd3. Heddphone on the other hand is on the susvara level while no Audeze product is . even passing susvara in many ways. Heddphone is has more dynamics, lawyering, separation, easier to drive, susvara is brighter, more glamorous, more comfortable.
No…..it’s not. It’s on your end aka Resolution is set too low. Common issue when using the UA-cam app is it will play in 480p regardless of your settings. Sometimes you have to manually select the resolution to 1080p otherwise it looks blurry
Hello audiophiles. Remember you are not professionals. You are hobbyists. Us, the pro producer Community does not recognize you or really understand what you're doing. The way you guys describe sounds is funny. We are working professionals and our demands are quite different. But it's interesting to see that there's like a whole group of people laying around at home with headphones nodding their heads to their private music...
Beyond sound quality it's worth mentioning the change in the rods where the MM500 now looks like you're wearing cute antennas.
Much more stability. LCD-X's have flimsy antennas and break easy and often which I'm pretty sure why the MM500s were created
Glad to see this comparison review. Makes me feel better about my recent LCD X 2021 purchase. I''ll take the slight extra bass, larger drivers/chunkier pads/no clamp problem yet very tight seal, relaxed upper mids, airiness above 12k and extra width. Stereo imaging is insane. They're great to mix on. The weight isn't bad at all and I find them very comfortable for hours.
I too much prefer the X 2021, in every area actually.
Had the MM-500 on for around an hour, it’s clamp was so much it gave me a headache for an hour?!
Audeze, back to the drawing board.
P.S. my head is average sized
get an 'arctic cables' cable.
Freakin love my LCD X especially with EQ. The weight didn't bother me at all. Good to know that I'm not missing anything for not planning to get the MM
Really? They weigh 612 grams.That seems very heavy compared to my HD650 which weigh 260 grams.So you are saying the weight does not get fatiguing after long listening sessions?
@@ca77721 I use them for 2-3 hours no problem. I wouldn't be in headphones longer then that either way. The pads are lush and the weight is dispersed brilliantly by the suspension headband. I find them very comfortable to wear. I think they sound next level compared to the HD650 and are a better mixing tool as well.
Got my pair of mm-500 in last week and I have really enjoyed them. At first I felt like the clamp force might be a bit too strong but after I have worn them for a week or so I feel like it has either lightened up or I have gotten more used to it. I had been using a Sundara before this and really appreciate the increase in build quality.
Do they sound much better than the sundara;
@@ChrisKeyman I would say it is a different sound. I have tried doing some A/B but it is hard to not let the increased cost impact what I "Hear". I feel like there are some nuances to songs that shine with these, but the main value I find, and the reason I plan on keeping them, is that they just feel like they are extremely well made and will last me for a very very long time.
@@ChrisKeyman I have had Sundara and I have LCDX 2021, Sundara are great, but LCDX is another league, mainly in the bass, LCDX has sub-bass and there is sound pressure, the bass is really felt, the Sundara or SHR1840 have the problem that they are not felt the serious ones
@@NegativeKelvinyour hearing is severely damaged if you cant hear a night and day difference between the sundara and the mm 500.
@@NegativeKelvinalso spending $1000 more to get better "feel". Unhinged.
Very nice video. I would love to see a comparison between these and the new Focal Clear MG :)
MM obviously stands for More Money
Had these for almost 4 months and I disagree there amazing headphones.
That’s actually literally perfect. Mm-500 = 500 more than lcd x
Really wish they make LCD-2 tuning with modern technicalities and come in the new smaller/lighter build.
Pre-fazor LCD-2!
I got good news for you there already is a LCD 2 tuned headphone on the market and there is no need to make another headphone tuned like the lcd 2
My old Audeze LCD2c are having a bit of a renaissance thanks to using a 4.4mm balanced jack into a more powerful DAP that I just got (my previous DAP didn't have that, and my desktop amp doesn't sound as good as my new DAP). It's like having a new set of headphones and they even seem lighter now that the music sounds more enjoyable!
If EQ is used for both, would other sound improvements justify the extra $500 price tag?
Good question.
Great review Andrew. It's always useful to hear your take. Keep it up!
A hd650 with planar technicalities sounds extremely enticing. Great review.
I don't have a big head, generally use headphones on like the second lowest knotch. The LCD-5 with the larger head band are still super clampy to me. So I don't think it's an issue for just big headed people.
Unbearable for me....6ft6 , 275lbs, proper sized head (not one of those skinny basketballers with the head size head of a grapefruit that never matured to rest of body)... I feel i have 25lb plates pressing on my ears...
Auditioned both today. Really wanted to walk away with a pair of the MM-500's but the LCD-X (2021) made me reconsider. They sound so much wider and more 'real monitor room sounding'. Could easily imagine writing not just mixing on them. As stated, less detailed in upper mids but not in dissapointing way. Head movements had little to no affect on sound and immersion with their large cup size. The MM-500's on other hand were very sensitive in this regard and needed constant, solid contact to sound good . Clampy as well and my heads about a 53cm diameter (not massive). The lighter design is very nice though. Apparently Manny M intentionally narrowed soundstange on the mm-500's so that it encourages him (the listener) to pan and mix elements very wide, which is his personal preference. (Check out 'Produce Like A Pro : Audeze Factory Tour for some cool insights) I guess it makes sense but it would take getting used to and definitely removes a bit of enjoyment in use. Otherwise the 500's sounded superb adn honest. So just like Andrew I'm sitting here waiting and hoping for something in the middle or may just get the cheaper X's and remedy with calibration.
This is great insight, thanks. I've read of many cases where the MM-500 is cracking at the headband and failing in other ways, so there's that...
thanks for the great reviews as always please review the Neumann NDH 30 if you can .
I like the build and the looks of the LCD-X significantly more than the new MM500. I would wonder with other commenters - if you EQ the LCD-X, is it then equal in sound to the MM500?
I think you should check out the limits of eq video linked above. I feel that the sound is really hard to pinpoint for a/b comparison, when trying to eq for sameness. It's a big hassle to buy and return, but I think that's the best option you have.
Could you use different colors in the future? Red / green is most common type of colorblindness. I really seen 2 lines with the same color.
I really enjoy the new reviews!!
The more light and jokes make it more enjoyable, but still do prefer the dead inside reviews 😄
I was on the mm-500 and went back to the LCD-X. The 500's are still useful, I just like the LCD-X more.
Do you still prefer the MM-500 after EQing the LCD-X?
I used manny marroquin plug ins a lot when I was doing mixing so I recognized the name as soon as you said.
I was quite surprised visiting the Audeze booth at CanJam. The LCD-2 didn't sound as good as I would like, but the MM-500 sounds very balanced and technically good. I still think it's massively overpriced for how it sounds, feels honestly sub-thousand for me.
I actually think all Audeze headphones are massively overprized.
@@simonschuetz6297 Me too, they aren't made of gold or anything, I think they should be more accessible and budget friendly.
welcome to the law of diminishing returns
Heard this and Beyerdynamic T5 side by side. I prefer the latter and it’s half the price.
@@morespinach9832 Yeah, me too.
Been waiting for this. Thanks!
Thanks for this insightful comparison between Audeze planar models. I've just heard that Audeze will soon be introducing their MM-100 model for $399, and I'm eagerly looking forward to its release and review. I'm a classical music fan on a modest budget, so I've been seriously considering headphones in the $500 range, like the HiFiMan Edition XS and the Drop + Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X. I'm hoping that the Audeze MM-100 will provide a more comfortable fit (on my small head) than the Edition XS and will offer close adherence to the Harmon Curve like the Drop + DCA Aeon X but with the superior dynamic impact that Audeze headphones have been known to deliver. I'd love to see these models compared by The HEADPHONE Show!
I've been interested in these ever since they were announced. I like that the clamp force is stronger because most Audeze's are too loose on my tiny head (tiny brain?). Will probably give these a try soon
Would be great to hear your take on the Avantone Planar
have watched this review more than once. it's very informative! i understand you're not a sound engineer or pretend to be one. still, with all your experience with so many headphones, it would be great if you could compare, in terms of neutrality, this Audeze mm-500 to the Neumann NDH-30 which are also aimed towards mixing and mastering and supposedly represent a very neutral sound.I know, there's a big price difference, but is that big price difference justifiable? That would be so welcomed!
I would also love to know the answer to your question. If anyone with experience with both and audio production, mixing, mastering, sound design in focus could help, is it worth the squeeze?
@@Lishkabro I couldn't try the mm500 but I was comparing the NDH30 directly with LCDX and ARYA organic and Focal Clear MG. I ended up buying the LCDX. It's been great for mixing. I use REALPHONES eq and crossfeed in my DAW. Seems great. I also have the hd600 for checking vocals. I'd love to try the mm500's but once you have such great headphones with the eq I think it more comes down to learning them and using them. mm500 might be the best tool if you arent using eq or anything. The NDH30 was reallllllllly useful and hard to pass up. It does everything really good for mixing. Id be happy with those but I wanted the wider soundstage of lcdx
Good review! Yes clamp force can be dealt with overtime, but comfort based on weight or distribution is harder. Also, will eq be able to fix any issues (in the mids and treble) going forward, I truly wonder.
Awesome review, and your head looks fine to me👨
A Rosson MPL-0 ($1700) vs. MM-500 review needs to happen.
Could you do a head to head like this of the Sundara and the new closed back version as well? I'm curious to know how different the closed back would be and which would be a better buy this year, especially for someone just getting into the hobby.
MM100 review soon?
have anyone compared the 500's against the hd800s? (for mixing and mastering)
Why would you want a sound signature incredibly close to the HD 650 and is that using the A90 amp?
How does MM-500 compare to Arya Stealth?
It’s in his written review
i love the sound stage of the lcdx its the best headphone ive heard .... i need to check this out
Ooooooo shit!!! Been waiting for this !!!!
*before watching the video comm*
the real question is not if it is better, but did Audeze finally produced a headphone that not requires users to fix it by EQ
Not enough low bass! It still does.
Software here is complimentary. All pros are buying studio monitors for 15k-60k and still eq them with trinnov. Same with car systems like ABS, DSC. Hardware + software = good combo
I'm confused. Why one would pay the extra $1K for this instead of, say, the BeyerD T1.2?
Because Beyerdynamics are terrible for mixing
It looks like the MM-500 is slightly lighter than the LCD X but you'll still have to build up those neck muscles.
Epic comment!
I really want to try these, but I’m not mentally prepared to pay that price.
It pays off immensely, it substitutes the room.
Where would you get a flat sounding room (if it even exists) with totally clear transients and clean subs for 1300-1400?
could you compare audeze mm-500 to focal clear mg pro?
I just want to use one earphone and don't want to be tired of switching devices all the time depending on the type of music. I listen to 80% classical and 20% jazz and pop. I have also seen the mm500 so far, and I think the instrument part is quite good, and the vocals are in the front, so the female voice sounds good. Do you recommend other headphones at this level? I think the sound field of the mm500 is okay. For classical music, the instrument tone is not too modified. , the low-frequency dive is enough for jazz. I don’t know if I understand this right?
I'm assuming most people EQ their Audeze. So after EQ. What are the big differences and what would you choose?
Better than the HD800s?
Had these for like 4 days! Build quality is phenomenal, comfort is really good as well. Imaging is precise, vocals really shine the most on these headphones. Toning is one of the best I’ve heard. Only thing I put the HD800 ahead is the soundstage, a lot more open then the 500 but there a studio headphone, can’t expect amazing soundstage
mm 500 or Arya stealth?
Arya no question.
Arya is trash
How is the mm-500 a better tuned audeze with those scooped highs ?
If you were to EQ to a target, which one would you choose to EQ?
My question exactly as well. I have an LCD-X 2021 and I EQ everything by default. Does this offer something worth the upgrade? I would like the better control at least. I have an HE6se V2 that is more than I need in every way except the soundstage is noticeably small so I'm still holding on to the LCD-X.
If I had to, I would do that to an HD800S with a slight recession in highs/treble.
@@IndianChristFollower Even after Oratory's presets there are huge differences between headphones. Most of soundstage and macrodynamics aren't found in the frequency response and the presets are somewhat accurate up to 10kHz so everything above that still makes a huge difference to timbre, imaging etc.
My head grew larger to accommodate the almost non-existing clamping force of Edition XS.
If you love this headphone enough your head would make room for it =P
Thanks for the complete review, I agree with you about the 'old' X now looking somewhat unrefined. My question to you if I may: What Planer headphone would you recommend that does have a wide soundstage and slams hard, if one exists?
Resolve here - I think maybe the abyss is the only one that does both to a significantdegree, but the tuning is a bit... unique. Have you had a chance to hear that one yet? Otherwise maybe LCD4?
@@TheHEADPHONEShow I have not heard either the LCD 4 or the Abyss although will at some stage attempt to do so otherwise I'm might have to stick to a dynamic driver variant like the Focal.
I have tried LCDX 2024 and MM-500 2024, I preferes tge LCDX by far, am I crazy? :/
Andrew, if they gave out awards to headphone reviewers I'm sure you'd get one. Then you'd be able to call yourself an award-winning headphone reviewer.
haha maybe one day that'll be a thing. Actually we need to come out with a headphone show award.
@@ResolveReviews yep that's a great idea and have lots of categories so there can be lots of winners. For example Zeos might win the anime girl category.
@@ResolveReviews Yes you could name the headphone of the year award after Tyll....
These vs Arya stealth ?
please tell me, is it possible for the mm500 to use an equalizer to make the same sub-bass (35-40 Hz) as the lcd-x, and make the upper frequencies brighter for female vocals and acoustic guitar? This is not for mastering, but for listening to music.
How would you compare this to the hifiman he6se? Since they share the similar characteristic of a bit too much ear gain.
Audeze nuts!!!!!!!
This tuning looks suspiciously similar to the 560s
How do they compared to similarly priced Focals?
What is it that makes most headphone manufacturers think that their customers want vises on their heads?
Ironic how they call it the MM-500 and they’re $500 more than the LCD-X 😂
😅
How about a collab with Marshall Bruce Mathers III, called the Eminem 500+ which costs $500 more. Perfect for rap though! 😇
That's not a bad idea!
@@TheHEADPHONEShow Actually, I’m stuck to the LCD XC which is quite heavy but never squeezes my big head too hard.
audeze nuts
Thanks Much !
Well..I’ve already got a Sen’s 650..so I’m liking that this is a step up …but at almost $2k ….🤷🏻♂️
For people who have cast aside LCD-X as too dark the MM-500 is perfect. The pricepoint should be closer to LCD-X, Focal Clear etc.
Agreed with the pricing.
I was hoping the MM-500 would have more treble energy than the LCD-X 2021. The treble on my LCD-X 2021 sounds rolled off unless I slightly pull the earpads outward.
They're going for the mixing/mastering segment. It's a really solid one for that that.
Wath you think about ifi idsd pro/signature after so much time from review ? As a dac in the first
Better is subjective
How about a HD650 comparison?
Just thinking in terms of price difference
Difference in term of mixing also if possible... I don't have the means to treat my room so going down the headphone route
I was excited about this until you said it sounded like the HD 650. HARD pass.
Now I want them
I much prefer the old Audeze design though the old ones are too heavy for long listening. The LCD5 and the MM500 look like toy
Do they make wireless headphones. I’d like to listen from my phone what would be good to pair the port on the iPhone 13??
I'd like to see something like MM-500 but close back.... How You could describe differences between LCD-XC and MM500? As far I compare FR of both it similar but not same. How about listen its.
Resolve here - MM-500 is more 'correct' without EQ, but some may prefer the XC as it has more treble. I just personally wouldn't choose it without EQ.
My issue with the MM-500 is, that a lot of the songs i have are just painfull to listen to. A lot of female vocals are just pure pain, its not fun to listen to a lot of songs i have.
Its okay at low volumes but as soon i go beyond medium volume, its just pure pain.
I don't have this issue with any of my other Headphones/Earphoens and i don't have this issue with the LCD-X so i would personally say, the LCD-X is more correct. Because i don't have this issue with other professional monitors too.
Neither my MDR-M1ST, nor the new MDR-MV1 or the TG335 or the IER-M9 or any of my other Monitors have this issue.
My Yamaha HS8 also don't have this issue. Nothing, just the MM-500
@@salut9658 I personally don't like them. They are okay but they neither deliver the techincal, nor the tuning i expect from an Monitor.
I completely switched to IEM for monitoring because the provide much higher isolation with much higher soundquality at the same time.
So something like the Shure SE846, Westone Mach 80, Vision Ears VE6/8, Sony IER-M9, FitEar TG335 and so on.
Can you switch out the bands btwn the mm500 and the lcdX?
Looks promising.
not to mention the weight of audezes being a huge turn off even once is gotta be some real commitement ngl. If mm-500 wasn't 500g it would have been worth it
mm-500 have too much clamp for me - lcd5 was much more comfortable with that chassis
Yeah....
So MM-500 vs LCD-X 2021 with EQ, which is better?
I've heard some say withe EQ the LCD-X can get close to the LCD-5 sound sig. So the LCD-X seems like the winner
@@JTB-- I can tell you it's nowhere close. I've A/B tested and LCD-X and LCD-5 and there's a huge improvement with the latter in control, detail, extension, timbre. LCD-5 sounds so effortless yet more powerful. It's an absurdly good headphone, but has to be EQ'd.
@@hartyewh1 I think it was Metal571 telling someone trying to save money that with EQ the LCD-XC can get you in the ballpark of the LCD-5. But EQ is only going to get you so far when talking about reaching totl headphones sound like the LCD-5
@@JTB-- Yeah, tonality isn't everything. LCD-X is excellent and very well priced compared to the competition, but it is a bit rounded sounding and the treble is annoying to EQ due to unit variation.
Sonarworks, Morphit and Nuendo have EQ presets for LCD-X and will take a little while to get some for MM-500 if you are into presets.
I was curious
please , is Audeze MM-500 is better than sennheiser hd 600 ?
It's mainly different. Mm500 is warmer, but with better bass extension and more forward Midrand.
In my opinion companies should stop making so many models.Sennheiser made 600 and 650 and they sell 30 years the same headphone.You can t sell a model so much money and when the customer buys it to tell him sorry here is the new one.3- 4 models are enough you don t need 13 models to sell
Hi, I wanted to buy a headphone under 1k euro or dollar. I would prefer sweet and natural sounding for acoustic and vocal, resolving but not overly harsh. Do you have any recommendation? Will Hifiman edition xs or Hifiman ananda V2 suffice?
Austrian Audio Hi-X65? Please do mind that this headphone is very transparent and your source needs to sound natural/has a great timbre to get it to sound natural. I used Topping E50 and L50 stack to pair it with my the Austrian Audio and it sounded very nasally and digital. I finally upgraded to Lake People G111 MK 2 amp and Modi Multibit 2 DAC and it sounds so much more natural than the topping set.
If you are in the state perhaps Modi Multibit 2 and Schiit Asgard 3 would give that sound that you are looking for. Schiit products are known for its good timbre and sounds natural.
@@kato2395 I rely only on my Mojo 2 though. Will that be sufficient? My Focal Elegia was actually great with it. But kinda wanted more. How abou DCA Noire?
@@bedroommusician6135 what a coincidence! I just demoed a DCA Noire around a month ago and it sounded nice with more punchy sub bass than the Austrian Audio Hi-X65 but I dont really think it sounds natural. The bass is more punchy but less detailed than the Austrian Audio Hi-X65. Vocal sounds less sweet and natural too. Chord Mojo would be more than enough to drive the Hi-X65 since the Hi-X65 is very low impedance and has high sensitivity. My smart phone 3.5mm jack could drive it with plenty of headroom. But I don't know how it would sound on the Mojo. If you could get something from schiit though, it would be a great pairing and will increase how natural the Hi-X65 sound.
I am a believer of DAC and Amp won't change how headphone sound by a huge margin, but the Austrian Audio Hi-X65 is an exception. The best way to describe the Hi-X65 is, it is like a chameleon. It conforms to the source (DAC/amp) or the mixing of the music. So you've got to find the right source for it.
As for now, I am very satisfied with my current setup.
If you have more to spend though I suggest going to ZMF Auteur Classic, that headphone has the best timbre/naturality to its sound. I was very amazed. It is an all rounder, but leans towards acoustic music more. It is literally the headphone that you are describing on your comment. But since it is more that $1000, I did not recommend it to you. It is also much harder to drive than the Hi-X65. I think your Mojo would be able to drive it, but I am not really sure. Perhaps there is a chance that you'd need a stronger amp.
I’d recommend finding a pair of used Arya Stealths at that price. Fantastic headphones.
I've been pretty harsh towards Audeze, including directly with them, about the weight of their headphones. The only Audeze headphone I own is the OG LCD-X and I had to upgrade the headband, yolk posts, add Dekoni Hybrid Elite earpads and Dekoni Nuggets placed under the headband to better distribute and alleviate weight and pressure. All the new headphones coming out of Audeze (gaming cans excluded) were either still to heavy or when lighter, costing a whopping $4,500. For these reasons I now own three Hifiman planars. So finally (!!!) an lighter LCD-X! I used my 2022 budget on two of those Hifiman's so next year and after many reviews I just might pounce on the new MM's, especially if there is a good deal to be had.
A tip for Xbox gamers. We all know how difficult Microsoft makes it to use a dedicated headphone amp if you like me are already connected to a home theater receiver. I use an Elite controller v2 (and did the same with the v1) and use the 3.5 mm jack on the Elite controller with the LCD-X. The very low ohmage and the very high sensitivity make the LCD-X a great headphone as even a gaming controller can drive them and yes they sound good too. The LCD-X give me a wide, open soundstage and great bass. My game of choice has been Dying Light, a game with big soundstage in its open world and good base rumble when it hits. I hope that the MM will be just as good.
yep, dekoni nuggets with the OG headband is more comfortable than anything newer, and looks more retro.
Audeze nuts
Audeze service is horrible.
My Lcd-1 has problem and they don't repair it because this model is "discontinued" they said
Audeze nuts! Gotemmmm gohaatheemmm
Poor tonal balance on the mm had me looking elsewhere. Very bright and fatiguing.
It's for pros to analyze details. Not privateers to lay around in beds and nod heads to their music. audiophiles are classed as cute hobbyists by us, the PRO producers, mixers and mastering engineers.
High color and high price walk hand in hand. Spend less and enjoy life more.
I can t understand how the biggest tremble spike is more natural sounding..Are the master engineers tune the mixes dark?I just don t get it
What treble spike? You have to remember that these are raw measurements, not compensated ones. So the rise in the ear gain is actually something you want. The upper treble thing isn't going to be audible as it's close to the limits of human hearing.
@@ResolveReviews So the flat monitor speaker frequency response is equal to a harmanish to the headphones?To me the most headphones dont sound realistic especially in the orchestral recordings.The strings sound a little like synths..i ve noticed that many many times
@@anatol1204 actually a flat speaker response would be closer to the MM-500 than Harman, because the MM-500 doesn't match the target response with the preference shelf filters. In other words, the MM-500 is closer to an actual HRTF. But in general, it's not far off.
@@ResolveReviews thanks 👍
Honestly, Audeze’s tuning has been so off for so long that they’ve lost me completely for the foreseeable future. I’ve never found their headphones to my liking given their cost. FTR, I’m in the, “don’t believe in having to equalize a headphone “ camp.
Even the X 2021?
@@sjqideez6626 I haven't tried the MM-500 yet but I've owned the X 2021 and sold it. Preferred the older 2014 version.
Are you going to argue with somebody who 110 grammys? And has been on hundreds of tracks as a mixing engineer. It's like arguing with LeBron James did you are wearing better sneakers and his are not good.
@@levondarratt787 Who’s arguing? Stating my opinion, position & sentiment. People’s senses aren’t all attuned to the same thing. We have different taste preferences, smell preferences, can see colors differently. Why would you think that we all have the same hearing preferences? We don’t and three are studies that show we don’t.
"I don't really know much about mix and mastering. I'm just here to review headsets for people wanting to listen to high end headsets"
*Next Video*
I love the head jokes
You guys that are making money by "reviewing" headphones just miss the mark. Here is a real review of the Audeze LCD-X, the cups and headband of which are crap ua-cam.com/video/1WBE7mZH4MY/v-deo.html
ensconced in a U-shaped desk
Man you're talking to fast. Really hard to follow.
Regardless of populus models released by Audeze, having hearing most, including, lcd3, LCD mx4, LCD 4, LCD 5, LCD x, the only good one I can conclude is lcd3. Heddphone on the other hand is on the susvara level while no Audeze product is . even passing susvara in many ways. Heddphone is has more dynamics, lawyering, separation, easier to drive, susvara is brighter, more glamorous, more comfortable.
Video out of focus, so not great for details on the headphones.
No…..it’s not. It’s on your end
aka Resolution is set too low. Common issue when using the UA-cam app is it will play in 480p regardless of your settings. Sometimes you have to manually select the resolution to 1080p otherwise it looks blurry
Audeze has horrible tuning.
Hello audiophiles. Remember you are not professionals. You are hobbyists. Us, the pro producer Community does not recognize you or really understand what you're doing. The way you guys describe sounds is funny. We are working professionals and our demands are quite different. But it's interesting to see that there's like a whole group of people laying around at home with headphones nodding their heads to their private music...
Mister pro, that this music that you produce, may at some point be listened to by people who don't want to disturb others is not revelatory.