Audeze MM-520 Manny Marroquin Signature Series Headphones

Real Bass, Without Losing the Neutral Midrange

The Audeze MM-520 is Audeze's update to the MM-500, developed with 18-time Grammy-winning mix engineer Manny Marroquin, and it now replaces the MM-500 entirely across Audeze's whole professional headphone lineup going forward.

It keeps the MM-500's core mission intact — an open-back planar headphone accurate enough for mixing and critical listening, honest enough that decisions made on it translate reliably to other systems.

The headline addition is Audeze's SLAM (Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator) technology, optimizing air pressure inside the earcup for deeper, more controlled bass, all without disturbing that neutral midrange tuning at all.

Where SLAM Technology Earns Its Keep

Real Low-End From an Open Back

Open-back headphones typically trade bass weight for soundstage and clarity, since the open design lets low frequencies escape freely instead of building up any real pressure around the driver itself.

SLAM addresses this with a vented, knurled ring built into the driver assembly that manages internal air pressure, adding a meaningful boost mainly in the 20Hz to 50Hz range without introducing boominess.

Magnetic Pads and Swivel Cups for Long Sessions

The MM-520 moves to magnetic detachable earpads, replacing the MM-500's glued-in pads entirely, so swapping or cleaning them now takes seconds rather than requiring any real adhesive work at all.

New 180-degree swivel cups let the earcups lay flat when not in use and adjust more freely to your head, at the cost of about 60 extra grams versus the outgoing model.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Headfonics awarded the MM-520 a 9.1 score overall (Sound Quality 9.1, Design 9.2, Comfort 8.9, Synergy 9.3), citing "impressive imaging for a compact soundstage" and "improved sub-bass response over the MM-500."

Who Is the MM-520 Best For?

• You mix, master, or do critical listening work: the MM-520 is built for translation, so decisions made on it hold up elsewhere
• You want real bass from an open-back design: SLAM technology directly targets the low-end weakness open-back headphones are known for
• You already own the MM-500 and want the upgrade: the core driver and midrange tuning carry over, with bass, pads, and swivel cups improved
• You want fast pad swaps without adhesive work: magnetic detachable pads replace the MM-500's glued-in design entirely
• You found the MM-500 already substantial for long sessions: the MM-520 is heavier still, worth weighing against its added bass authority

How Does It Connect to Your System?

A detachable 2.5m cable connects via 3-pin mini-XLR at each earcup and terminates in a 6.35mm (1/4") plug, with a 6.35mm-to-3.5mm adapter included for smaller headphone jacks.

At 18 ohms and 102dB/mW, the MM-520 runs cleanly from an interface, console, or laptop, though a quality amplifier still lets the driver show more for critical listening.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around an MM-520:

• Headphone amplifiers — lets the driver show more of its capability for critical listening rather than quick checks
• Digital-to-analog converters — a clean digital source feeding your interface matters as much as the interface itself
• Headphone cables — a balanced 4-pin XLR or 4.4mm aftermarket cable adds an option the stock cable doesn't cover
• Headphone stands — a proper resting spot between mixing sessions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a headphone amplifier for the MM-520?

Not strictly. At 18 ohms and 102dB/mW, the MM-520 can be driven cleanly from an audio interface, console headphone output, or laptop without a dedicated amp.

How is the MM-520 different from the MM-500?

The core driver and Marroquin-tuned midrange carry over, but the MM-520 adds SLAM bass technology, magnetic detachable pads instead of glued pads, and new 180-degree swivel cups.

Does it come with a balanced cable?

It doesn't. The included cable terminates in 6.35mm with a 3.5mm adapter, so a 4-pin XLR or 4.4mm balanced cable would need to come from the aftermarket instead.

Is this an open-back or closed-back headphone?

Open-back. This gives it a more natural soundstage but means sound leaks in both directions, so it's better suited to a quiet room than shared or noisy spaces.

Can I swap the earpads myself?

Yes, in seconds. The MM-520's magnetic detachable pads simply pull off and snap back on, a genuine improvement over the MM-500's glued-in pad design.

Where is the MM-520 made?

Handcrafted and tested at Audeze's Southern California workshop, the same facility responsible for every headphone in Audeze's current professional lineup.

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Learn More

Want to learn more about planar magnetic headphones, headphone amplifiers, or getting the most from an open-back design? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.