Audeze CRBN2

Electrostatic headphones with case, no amplifier

Hear electrostatic realism—with bass you can feel

CRBN2 delivers the breathtaking speed, transparency, and microdetail audiences expect from top-tier electrostatic headphones, then upends expectations with bass that’s tactile, weighty, and astonishingly clean. If you’ve ever loved the air and imaging of electrostats but wished for more physical low-end presence, CRBN2 was built for you. Its second‑generation carbon‑nanotube diaphragm and Audeze’s new SLAM acoustic system create lifelike dynamics and a vividly holographic stage without smearing, bloom, or fatigue.

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Why audiophiles choose CRBN2

• Bold, lifelike sound: Fast, ultra‑resolving treble and midrange married to deep, controlled, physical bass—rare for electrostatics—yield an immersive, “reach‑out‑and‑touch‑it” presentation with pinpoint imaging. Multiple reviewers noted the combination of electrostatic clarity with unusually convincing punch and macrodynamics.
• Engineering that matters: Audeze’s 2nd‑gen carbon‑nanotube electrostatic driver works with SLAM (Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator) channels integrated into the pad‑to‑cup ring. These precisely tuned vents equalize pressure, lower distortion, and provide a smooth LF shelf—up to 6 dB extension—without compromising transparency.
• Built for long listening: Premium materials—magnesium, carbon fiber, stainless steel, polymer acetate—and plush leather pads balance rigidity with comfort. A carbon‑fiber suspension headband distributes the approximately 480 g mass comfortably over extended sessions.
• Straightforward compatibility: CRBN2 uses the standard 5‑pin “Stax Pro Bias” connection and operates with 580 VDC bias, making it compatible with a wide range of electrostatic amplifiers and energizers from HeadAmp, STAX, Linear Tube Audio, iFi, Woo Audio, and more. No amplifier is included.
• Audeze innovation and heritage: Born from Audeze’s work with UCLA/SMRT Image to create MRI‑safe electrostatic drivers, CRBN technology evolved from medical research to high‑end listening—now refined and elevated in CRBN2.

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What’s included

• CRBN2 Electrostatic Headphones (open‑back, over‑ear; 2nd‑gen carbon‑nanotube electrostatic drivers)
• 2.5 m OCC monocrystal copper cable, permanently attached at the cups, terminated in 5‑pin Pro Bias connector
• Premium aluminum travel case
• Documentation: user manual, certificate of authenticity/warranty cards
  Items confirmed by authorized dealers; amplifier/energizer not included.

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Technical specifications

Specification	Value	Notes
Product type	Wired	Electrostatic, 5‑pin “Stax Pro Bias” connection; requires electrostatic amplifier (energizer)
Transducer	Push‑pull electrostatic, 120 × 90 mm	Second‑generation CNT diaphragm for uniform drive and low distortion.
Frequency response	10 Hz – 40 kHz	Extended bandwidth with exceptional transient fidelity.
Sensitivity	100 dB @ 1 kHz, 100 V RMS	High sensitivity for electrostatic class; amplifier quality still crucial.
THD	<0.1% @ 90 dB	Ultra‑low distortion for clean microdetail.
Max SPL	>120 dB	Preserves headroom on demanding material.
Functional bias	580 VDC (Stax Pro Bias)	Broad amplifier compatibility.
Capacitance	100 pF (including cable)	Typical load for electrostatic amps.
Cable	2.5 m OCC monocrystal copper, 5‑pin Pro Bias	Permanently attached at the cups.
Materials	Magnesium, stainless steel, carbon fiber, polymer acetate; leather pads	Premium, durable construction.
Weight	~480 g	Carbon‑fiber suspension headband aids comfort.

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Professional recognition

• Reviews
  • “One of the best musical experiences currently available… may convince you to sell your loudspeakers.” Paraphrased from ecoustics’ in‑depth review praising speed, dynamics, and build.
  • Headfonics highlighted CRBN2’s improved sub‑bass, non‑issue with “stat crinkle,” and premium cable/connector execution.
  • Community impressions from CanJam and Head‑Fi noted “phenomenal” dynamics, precise imaging, and convincing bass impact when paired with quality electrostatic amplification.
• Innovation
  • SLAM technology is Audeze’s patent‑pending acoustic pressure‑management system that enhances low‑frequency extension while reducing distortion—debuting on CRBN2.
• Heritage
  • CRBN’s carbon‑nanotube diaphragm originated from Audeze’s UCLA/SMRT Image collaboration for MRI‑safe headphones, then evolved for high‑end listening.

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The bottom line

If you want electrostatic transparency without sacrificing visceral low‑end weight, CRBN2 stands out. Its second‑generation CNT drivers and SLAM pressure‑management deliver a rare blend of speed, imaging, and physicality, housed in an impeccably built, long‑wearable chassis. Bring a high‑quality 580 V Pro Bias amplifier and a resolving source, and CRBN2 will reward you with reference‑grade insight and musical engagement in equal measure.

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Guidance for headphone buyers

• Connectivity: Wired, electrostatic 5‑pin (Stax Pro Bias); requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier/energizer. Not compatible with standard headphone outputs.
• Amplification: Pair with reputable 580 V bias electrostatic amps (for example: HeadAmp Blue Hawaii SE, STAX SRM‑700 series, Linear Tube Audio Z10e, iFi iCAN Phantom, Eksonic, Mjolnir Audio). Quality of the energizer significantly influences dynamics and tone.
• Sound signature: Neutral‑refined with unusually tactile, extended bass for the category; excellent spatial layering and precise imaging; smooth, highly resolving treble that avoids undue brightness.
• Comfort: Approximately 480 g with a carbon‑fiber suspension headband and plush leather pads—engineered for extended listening with stable seal and minimal hotspots.

Notes on accuracy and contents

• Specifications, materials, and amplifier requirements verified against authorized dealer listings and Audeze’s support documentation; package contents verified via multiple retailer listings for “CRBN2 with case.” As with all electrostatic systems, an appropriate 580 V Pro Bias amplifier is required and is not included.