Audeze Announces Manny Marroquin Signature Series MM-500 Planar Magnetic Headphones

[VSG]

Audeze is a brand extensively covered on TechPowerUp and renowned for its planar magnetic headphones and in-ear monitors. With the recently announced flagship class LCD-5, the company unveiled the culmination of several years of R&D and new technology packed into a $4500 set of headphones that is understandably well beyond the reach of the average end user, however in a working example of trickle-down technology we see today two announcements that help in this aspect while showcasing also what's to come from the USA-based audio brand. First up, Audeze announced 11-time Grammy award-winning engineer/producer Manny Marroquin as its new Head of Professional Products, with Marroquin aiming to bring his music industry and production experience to the Audeze team. Audeze and Manny Marroquin are collaborating to create a new series of audio products—called the MM Series—focused on using cutting-edge technology and engineering to deliver better results more efficiently for working audio professionals.

The first of the products under the MM Series also launched alongside in the form of the MM-500, which takes several cues from the LCD-5. It features a new chassis design for comfort over long sessions at a reduced mass of 495 grams compared to the 600+ g heavyweights under the Audeze umbrella. The MM-500 is designed to perform both inside and outside the studio, with low impedance and high sensitivity that make it easy to drive from any console, interface or laptop. It is an open-back, over-ear set of planar magnetic headphones with Audeze's Uniforce voice coil over an ultra-thin diaphragm, and utilizes Fazor waveguides coupled with Fluxor magnets. The transducer is 90 mm in size and the use of the LCD-5 style frame and headband design combined with single-sided magnets also indicates the MM-500 is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the prosumer and audiophile market. The Audeze MM-500 costs $1699 and will be available for purchase soon. Read past the break for reactions on the collboration as well as more information about the new product itself.

Marroquin brings his keen understanding of the demands facing producers directly to the engineers at Audeze, to craft an advanced line of comfortable headphones that deliver unsurpassed accuracy and reliability. "We are very excited to welcome Manny to our team. Manny brings a strong focus to our pro audio business, deepening our commitment to developing products and relationships that serve the needs of music industry professionals," said Sankar Thiagasamudram, CEO of Audeze.

"I am thrilled to be joining the Audeze team as my entire career has been spent in the music industry. I look forward to furthering my career by helping develop and provide other recording industry professionals with the tools that have helped me elevate my creativity," said Marroquin.

MM-500 Specifications

• Style: Over-ear, open-back
• Housing Material: Machined Alumnium
• Transducer type: Planar Magnetic
• Magnetic structure: Fluxor magnet array
• Phase management: Fazor
• Magnet type: Neodymium N50
• Diaphragm type: Ultra-Thin Uniforce
• Transducer size: 90 mm
• Maximum power handling: 5 W RMS
• Maximum SPL: >130dB
• Frequency response: 5 Hz - 50kHz
• THD: <0.1% @ 100 dB, 1kHz
• Impedance: 18 Ω
• Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW (at Drum Reference Point)
• Recommended power level: >250 mW
• Weight: 495 g

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[zlobby]

Hmm, I expect these to be a decent performer for their money. Can't wait to see reviews or try them myself!

Edit: the link with the price gives 404.

 

[VSG]

Hmm, I expect these to be a decent performer for their money. Can't wait to see reviews or try them myself!

Edit: the link with the price gives 404.

Ah the link was updated since I got the original materials. I've corrected the article now, thanks!

 

[MarsM4N]

He made a really good point, "neighbours". There are no complains if you turn up your headphones.

Another thing is, what many don't know, for the same sound quality you get from good 1k headphones you would have to spend at least the tripple in speakers & amps.
So for some it could well be a better investment. You won't get fluttery lungs from a pair of headphones, though.

 

[zlobby]

He made a really good point, "neighbours". There are no complains if you turn up your headphones.

Another thing is, what many don't know, for the same sound quality you get from good 1k headphones you would have to spend at least the tripple in speakers & amps.
So for some it could well be a better investment. You won't get fluttery lungs from a pair of headphones, though.

Also, good luck getting your speakers on your vacation or a trip, or whatever. Plus, with speakers the room acoustics is really important. Many people just hear the bass and they are like 'OMG! What a good set of speakers!'.

And let me be clear headphones can never match speakers, ever. But a good pair of cans can also sound nice.

 

[Metroid]

What makes me distant from Audeze headphones is the weight, usually planar headphones are heavier, 495g still heavy, planar for me maximum 400 grams would be okay, my Sennheiser HD 6XX is 260 g.

 

[Anoniem]

Also, good luck getting your speakers on your vacation or a trip, or whatever. Plus, with speakers the room acoustics is really important. Many people just hear the bass and they are like 'OMG! What a good set of speakers!'.

And let me be clear headphones can never match speakers, ever. But a good pair of cans can also sound nice.

Exactly, speakers are nice and deliver a different kind of sound but getting your room to cooperate is a massive PITA. A decent set of acoustic panels sets you back another ~€350 for a basic set from Auralex. Want something different than coloured panels? Be prepared to shell out even more if you can't DIY. Adding a sub adds another set of troubles with bass traps and other kinds hardware required. But once you're done they can sound so damn nice

What makes me distant from Audeze headphones is the weight, usually planar headphones are heavier, 495g still heavy, planar for me maximum 400 grams would be okay, my Sennheiser HD 6XX is 260 g.

Yup, they're heavy but the design does make weight distribution quite good. I've owned several of their headphones and never had any issues, even with the LCD-XC that weighs in at ~630 grams. Now their leather headbands on the LCD-2c and several others were torture, hotspots which were only solved by modding it. Though all of this really depends on the shape of your head. As always, make sure to test your headphone and make double sure you're able to return it.

OT: The Focal Radiance (Bentley edition) is comfort to the max, wonderful fit, maximum comfort

 

[stimpy88]

The headphone market is infested with normies that think the more you pay, the better it must sound.

I long for the days when amazing headphones would set you back about $300-$500. There is so much competition today, but only in how far can you push the price before people see through what your doing.

 

[zlobby]

The headphone market is infested with normies that think the more you pay, the better it must sound.

I long for the days when amazing headphones would set you back about $300-$500. There is so much competition today, but only in how far can you push the price before people see through what your doing.

That is why good indie reviews are so important. And I mean ones that don't shy on critics.
I for one have my money but I'm really skeptic when I part with it.

 

[mab1376]

Another thing is, what many don't know, for the same sound quality you get from good 1k headphones you would have to spend at least the tripple in speakers & amps.

Not necessarily; this amp would handle it just fine and kicks the shit out of my HE-500.

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Made in USA

www.schiit.com

Want to spend triple is another story since I own a Woo WA22.

Headphones are an addiction, be careful