Recently, we had the opportunity to check out Maxwell, Audeze’s attempt to address concerns with its previous wireless headset. While LCD-1, their previous entry level traditional headset, wasn’t as divisive, it’s one that had a lot of room to improve. By utilizing the talents of Grammy award winning mixing engineer, Manny Marroquin, MM-100 hopes to be a budget friendly headset that can punch above its price. Given the success of the higher end headset, MM-500, countless talented people involved, and a brand music fans trust, is it another success story like Maxwell, or does it still have a ways to go?
Audeze MM-100 Review Overview
Unboxing
Unlike Audeze’s gaming line, their traditional headphones tend to have interesting packaging. While not quite as interesting as LCDi3, Audeze kept things very simple. Outside of a couple logos on the front, the box is without explanations, or details about MM-100.
Simple, Yet Effective
Inside is essentially a copy of Maxwell, which isn’t particularly surprising given they’re the same size, and general look. Under the protective foam holder is a small Audeze branded box containing every accessory.
Accessories
MM-100 comes with a 2.5m (8′) 3.5mm to 1/4″ cable, 1/4″ to 3.5mm adapter of similar style, protective bag, and cards. Much to my delight, the Certificate of Authenticity card is included, and signed by the person who verified this specific unit. This is something I have only seen on Audeze products, and is a touch I genuinely appreciate.
I also appreciate the included 3.5mm to 1/4″ cable. They’re not particularly common, especially at a higher quality like the version included here, with most companies opting for a traditional 3.5mm to 3.5mm with an adapter. It’s a choice I’ve never fully understood given many of these headsets will be used with amps, which utilize 1/4″, and the relative ease of swapping said cable if need be.
The only disappointment is the included protective bag. This is a substantial step down from LCD-1’s protective hard shell case. Thankfully, plenty of options at $20 or more exist. Those who opt to use the bag will likely find it well constructed, with one side feeling like satin, and velvet on the other.
Build Quality
One of the most common complaints about LCD-1 was build quality. Not only was the headset largely made of plastic, with metal being limited to the internal headband, it didn’t feel like it was built to last. One of the most notable elements being the headband itself, which feels like something I could easily warp/break with even slight misuse.
Big Jump in Quality
In response, Audeze gave MM-100 a sturdy metal frame. Unfortunately, this results in a substantial increase in weight. Where LCD-1 was 8.8 oz (250g), MM-100 weighs a little over a pound (16.7 oz / 475g). This is still less than Maxwell‘s 17.3 oz (490g), which is essentially the same weight as the higher end, MM-500.
Another positive, or negative depending on your perspective, is ditching the fold-up design popularized by headsets like Beats Studio Pro. That partially attributes to LCD-1 feeling somewhat flimsy, as there are far more moving parts. The only negative is MM-100 is slightly harder to transport.
Design
One of my favorite changes is on the ear cup itself. Instead of having a design that is reminiscent of Audeze’s distinct look, MM-100 features the same distinct side profile. In fact, it’s so similar to MM-500 I could see mistaking the two at a glance. This alone leaves me with a better impression of MM-100. Nothing about it feels like you’re compromising quality for performance, something you want to see in a unique product like this.
Another change is moving to a single 3.5mm connection. This can be made on either side, giving owners some versatility. Just note it can be somewhat hard to insert/remove.
Audeze also gave MM-100 gel-filled ear pads, a feature not present on Maxwell, helping them retain their shape and cool the user when wearing.
Comfort
Unsurprisingly, my experiences wearing MM-100 were essentially the same as Maxwell.
While the headband looks like a step backwards, it continues to work surprisingly well. Of the three levels I personally had no issues with the middle option. Regardless of whether it’s a long, or short session, I genuinely like this set up. The only downside is longevity. However, third party options already exist, and will likely not pose a problem.
The ear pads performed slightly better compared to Maxwell. Despite looking identical, a small gel-filled layer can be found on MM-100. This provides some slight cooling, along with helping the ear pads retain their shape for a better seal.
Unfortunately, I still had some slight discomfort with MM-100. After roughly an hour of use I found the headset awkwardly stuck to my face. A slight adjustment, or taking a brief break usually did the trick.
Do I need an Amp?
Before getting into sound quality, I want to touch on whether MM-100 requires an amp. This is a make/break for a lot of people, and something I’ve seen listings disagree on. In my honest opinion, MM-100 does fairly well without an amp.
I used my standard iMac input, and was able to generate more than enough power to enjoy MM-100. Likewise, even something like my DualSense, well HexGaming Phantom to be specific, handled it fairly well. I can also confirm it sounded far louder than LCD-1 at the same volume levels.
In the event you want to pair an amp with MM-100, something like Helm Audio’s Hi-Fi bundle is perfect companion. This is an option I personally use, since DB12 AAAMP effortlessly connects to my PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, or ROG Ally.
Sound Performance (Music)
Right off the bat I was surprised by how much nicer MM-100 sounded compared to LCD-1. While both headsets delivered a satisfying experience, MM-100 was noticeably more impactful. Not just in terms of lower tones, but also my ability to distinguish each element that went into a given song.
It’s the type of change that sounds small, yet is distinct enough where I never found myself preferring LCD-1’s sound profile. That said, MM-100 is easily one of the best headsets I’ve reviewed over the years.
After going through my usual 30 or so songs, it didn’t add something new to the experience, just offered a more robust take. This was true whether the song was heavy on vocals, rather busy, or something I’ve heard 100+ times by now.
Sound Performance (Gaming)
In terms of gaming the differences were less pronounced. Compared to Maxwell I preferred MM-100’s sound profile, but it didn’t change the core experience.
For example, I tested both of them on Destiny 2 because I am quite familiar at the robust array of sounds present. While both headsets were able to bring out footsteps, present the unique sounds of Choir of One, or a rocket sidearm, it wasn’t as clear cut.
In a lot of ways the main difference I noticed was being able to better isolate where the sound is coming from. This brought me closer Audeze’s high end gaming headset LCD-GX, which is extremely good at this specific function. Though in general game performance will vary based off the source, and was not so overwhelmingly better I would immediately suggest it over Maxwell, or LCD-GX.
Audeze MM-100 Review Verdict
Similar to Maxwell, MM-100 shows Audeze’s willingness to address criticism. In terms of design it doesn’t look, or feel like a product where compromises were made. At a glance it looks every bit as nice as their higher tier headsets, despite being a fraction of the cost.
Best of all, this did not come at the expense of audio quality. It features Audeze’s fantastic planar magnetic drivers capable of delivering an impactful sound I prefer to their previous LCD-1, and the vast majority of headsets I own. All of this results in a compelling argument to make MM-100 your first step into the premium audio space. One that you’ll likely not regret.
Editor’s Note: Audeze MM-100 was provided to us for review purposes.
