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Audeze MM-500 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze MM-500

Planar magnetic

92
/ 100
From $1,699
VS
Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black wins by 1
Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black — Planar magnetic
Meze Audio

Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black

Planar magnetic

93
/ 100
From $3,500
Specdex verdict

Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze MM-500 lands at 92 and Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black at 93. That puts Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Audeze MM-500 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Audeze MM-500

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audeze MM-500 more score per dollar ($1,699 vs $3,500).

Audeze MM-500 92
vs
93 Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black

Score breakdown

Audeze MM-500
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black
93
anc 0
sound 93
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Audeze MM-500 versus Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze MM-500 Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black
Type
Planar magnetic
Planar magnetic

Audeze MM-500

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: Audeze MM-500 vs Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black

Which is better, Audeze MM-500 or Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black? +

Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Audeze MM-500 worth the price? +

At $1,699, Audeze MM-500 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.

Is Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black worth the price? +

At $3,500, Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in battery.

Does Audeze MM-500 or Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is the better value, Audeze MM-500 or Meze Audio Elite · Midnight Black? +

Audeze MM-500 — more score per dollar ($1,699 vs $3,500). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.