{"product_id":"audeze-mm-520-manny-marroquin-signature-series-headphones","title":"Audeze MM-520 Manny Marroquin Signature Series Headphones","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eThe Studio Reference Headphone Gets Real Bass, Without Losing Its Neutral Midrange\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe MM-520 is Audeze's update to the MM-500, developed with 18-time Grammy-winning mix engineer Manny Marroquin and now replacing it entirely in Audeze's lineup. It keeps the MM-500's core mission — an open-back planar headphone accurate enough for mixing and critical listening, and honest enough that decisions made on it translate to other systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe headline addition is Audeze's SLAM (Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator) technology, which optimizes air pressure inside the earcup to give the open-back design deeper, more controlled bass without disturbing the neutral midrange that made the MM-500 a working tool rather than a hi-fi showpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eSLAM Technology Brings Real Low-End to an Open Back\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOpen-back headphones typically trade bass weight for soundstage and clarity, since the open design lets low frequencies escape rather than build up. SLAM addresses this with a vented, knurled ring built into the driver assembly that manages internal air pressure, adding a meaningful boost below 100Hz. Independent measurement confirms the emphasis sits mainly in the 20Hz to 50Hz range, giving the MM-520 more foundation than the MM-500 without introducing the boominess or distortion that bass-heavy closed-back designs can suffer from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eUpdated Comfort for Long Sessions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe MM-520 moves to magnetic detachable earpads, replacing the MM-500's glued-in pads, so swapping or cleaning them takes seconds rather than requiring adhesive work. New 180-degree swivel cups let the earcups lay flat when not in use and adjust more freely to your head. The tradeoff is weight: at 555g, the MM-520 is about 60g heavier than the MM-500, mainly due to the added SLAM ring and new pad magnet system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eEasy to Drive, Built to Scale\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAt 18 ohms impedance and 102dB\/mW sensitivity (2dB more sensitive than the MM-500), the MM-520 can be driven cleanly from an audio interface, console headphone output, or laptop, without requiring a dedicated headphone amplifier to reach usable volume. A quality headphone amp will still let the driver show more of what it's capable of, particularly for critical listening rather than quick monitoring checks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eIs the Audeze MM-520 Right for You?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou mix, master, or do critical listening work.\u003c\/strong\u003e The MM-520 is built for translation — decisions made on it are meant to hold up on other playback systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want real bass from an open-back design.\u003c\/strong\u003e SLAM technology directly targets the low-end weakness open-back headphones are known for.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou already own the MM-500 and are deciding whether to upgrade.\u003c\/strong\u003e The core driver and midrange tuning carry over; the main gains are bass definition, magnetic pads, and swivel cups, at the cost of extra weight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou need flexible cable termination.\u003c\/strong\u003e The included cable covers 6.35mm and 3.5mm; if you need balanced 4-pin XLR or 4.4mm, budget for an aftermarket cable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOne honest limitation:\u003c\/strong\u003e at 555g, this is a heavier headphone than the MM-500 it replaces, which is worth factoring in if you already found the MM-500 substantial for long sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eSetup, Compatibility \u0026amp; What's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe MM-520 connects via a detachable 2.5m cable with 3-pin mini-XLR connectors at each earcup and a 6.35mm (1\/4\") plug at the amplifier end; a 6.35mm-to-3.5mm adapter is included for smaller headphone jacks. There is no balanced 4-pin XLR or 4.4mm cable included. Included in the box: the MM-520 headphones, the stock 2.5m cable, a 6.35mm-to-3.5mm adapter, a soft carrying pouch, a hard travel case, a user guide, and a warranty card. A headphone amplifier is not strictly required given the MM-520's sensitivity, but is recommended to hear the driver at its best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.45em 0;line-height:1.5;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSLAM Bass Technology\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA vented, air-pressure-managing ring adds meaningful low-end weight to the open-back design without closed-back boominess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.45em 0;line-height:1.5;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90mm Planar Magnetic Driver\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA single-sided Fluxor magnet array and Ultra-Thin Uniforce diaphragm target low distortion and fast transient response.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.45em 0;line-height:1.5;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMagnetic Detachable Earpads\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSwap or clean pads in seconds, without the glued-pad process used on the outgoing MM-500.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.45em 0;line-height:1.5;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e180-Degree Swivel Cups\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEarcups lay flat for storage and adjust more freely for a range of head shapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.45em 0;line-height:1.5;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEasy-to-Drive Specs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e18-ohm impedance and 102dB\/mW sensitivity let it run cleanly from an interface, console, or laptop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.45em 0;line-height:1.5;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eManny Marroquin Signature Tuning\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDeveloped over four years with the 18-time Grammy-winning mix engineer for a neutral, translation-focused sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: open-back, over-ear planar magnetic headphone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDriver: 90mm planar magnetic, single-sided Fluxor magnet array (14 magnets), Ultra-Thin Uniforce diaphragm, Fazor phase management, SLAM acoustic management\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 5Hz – 50kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImpedance: 18 ohms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSensitivity: 102dB\/1mW\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum SPL: greater than 130dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTHD: under 0.1% at 100dB SPL\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimum recommended power: above 100mW\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCable: detachable, 2.5m, 20AWG OCC copper, 3-pin mini-XLR connectors, 6.35mm plug\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncluded adapter: 6.35mm to 3.5mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarpads: magnetic detachable, memory foam with leather-style covering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeadband: metal frame with leather suspension strap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCup articulation: 180-degree swivel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 555g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncluded: headphones, stock cable, 6.35mm-to-3.5mm adapter, soft carrying pouch, hard travel case, user guide, warranty card\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinish: Black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Expert Reviews\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eHeadfonics awarded the MM-520 a 9.1 Award Score (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.\" The review's noted drawbacks were a slightly subdued upper-midrange for some listeners and added weight compared to the outgoing model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eDo I need a headphone amplifier to use the MM-520?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eNot strictly. At 18 ohms and 102dB\/mW sensitivity, the MM-520 can be driven cleanly from an audio interface, console headphone output, or laptop. A dedicated headphone amp will still let the driver show more of its capability for critical listening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eHow is the MM-520 different from the MM-500?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe core driver and Marroquin-tuned midrange carry over, but the MM-520 adds SLAM bass technology for deeper, more controlled low end, magnetic detachable earpads in place of glued pads, and new 180-degree swivel cups. It's about 60g heavier as a result. The MM-500 has been discontinued in favor of the MM-520.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eDoes it come with a balanced cable?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eNo. The included cable terminates in 6.35mm (1\/4\") with a 3.5mm adapter. There is no 4-pin XLR or 4.4mm balanced cable in the box; an aftermarket cable would be needed for a balanced connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eIs this an open-back or closed-back headphone?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOpen-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eWhat else do I need to get started?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eNothing essential beyond a source with a headphone output. A dedicated headphone amplifier is a worthwhile upgrade if you want to hear the MM-520 at its best, but it isn't required to use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e40+ Years of Expertise\u003c\/strong\u003e – Helping music lovers build better systems since 1981.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e – Hear it in your own system with confidence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReal Product Experts\u003c\/strong\u003e – Friendly advice before and after your purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e – On qualifying orders over $49.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible Financing\u003c\/strong\u003e – Convenient payment options available.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Audeze","offers":[{"title":"New","offer_id":47168882933933,"sku":"NEW-AZMM520","price":1699.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/PRNT-AZMM520_1.jpg?v=1786725938","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/audeze-mm-520-manny-marroquin-signature-series-headphones","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}