Audeze MM-520

Audeze MM-520

Audeze’s mixing standard, reworked – more sub-bass, same precision

The MM-520 is the second generation of the headphone Audeze developed with 18-time Grammy winner Manny Marroquin. The MM-500 became a reference in many studios because mixes made on it translated reliably to speakers; the MM-520 keeps that tuning and addresses the one area where its predecessor drew criticism: sub-bass. This is the job of SLAM (Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator), a patent-pending acoustic structure in front of the driver that guides airflow symmetrically and gives the bass more definition and control without thickening the midrange.

The driver is a 90 mm planar with Audeze’s ultra-thin Uniforce diaphragm, Fluxor magnet array of neodymium N50 and Fazor phase elements. At 18 ohms and 102 dB/mW the MM-520 plays loud enough on practically any interface or headphone amplifier; the 5 W power handling also allows strong amplifiers. Frequency response spans 5 Hz to 50 kHz, distortion stays below 0.1 percent at 100 dB.

For long sessions Audeze reworked the pads: thicker memory foam, magnetically attached so they come off for cleaning without tools. The spring-steel headband with leather strap spreads the 555 grams over a wide area. Included are a 2.5 m cable with 3.5 mm plug, a 6.3 mm adapter, a travel case and a soft bag.

What the press says

Headfonics, Marcus, July 2026 – 9.1/10

„The MM-520 has a smoother, more enveloping, and weightier sound signature than the MM-500, with improved sub-bass response.“

Who is the MM-520 for?

For producers and engineers who need a headphone whose mixes hold up on monitors – and for listeners who value exactly that neutral, honest tuning. If you know the MM-500 and only wished for more sub-bass, this is the answer. If you are after warmth and fullness, the LCD-2 Classic is the better fit.

Specifications