New Products

Audeze, known for its high-end, audiophile-grade headphones, has unveiled its latest innovation: the CRBN2 electrostatic headphones. In its quest for cutting-edge audio technology, Audeze introduces the Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator (SLAM) technology with the CRBN2, offering an unprecedented level of transparency and enhanced bass response.

This launch is particularly notable following Sony’s acquisition of Audeze in 2023, reinforcing Sony's reputation for high-fidelity, bass-forward personal audio equipment and its legacy of producing ultra-premium headphones.

The CRBN2 is hailed as a breakthrough in electrostatic audio technology, aimed at audiophiles who seek exceptional detail and an immersive listening experience. Priced at $5,995, it aligns with Audeze’s tradition of pushing the limits of headphone design and performance.

"SLAM" Technology for Bass Enthusiasts
Newly patented SLAM technology is said to transform how electrostatic headphones manage low frequencies. SLAM boosts bass without adding distortion, ensuring that even deep, resonant bass notes stay clear and dynamic. This creates a rich, tactile listening experience, capturing bass with a level of accuracy hard to achieve electrostatic designs.

For those familiar with Sony's products, the focus on bass comes as no surprise. Sony has a reputation for producing premium headphones with strong, clean low-end performance, and it seems Audeze is taking a similar path. What distinguishes the CRBN2, though, is its ability to preserve electrostatic clarity while still delivering that bass impact.

In a statement, Audeze CEO Sankar Thiagasamudram said, “With CRBN2, we’ve pushed the boundaries of electrostatic technology even further, introducing our new SLAM system to deliver the most lifelike bass and transparency ever achieved in an electrostatic headphone.”

A Legacy of Electrostatic Innovation
The CRBN2 is a natural evolution of Audeze’s original CRBN line, which originated in medical research at UCLA. Audeze collaborated with neuroscientist Dr. Mark S. Cohen to develop non-magnetic headphones suitable for use in MRI machines. The carbon-nanotube electrostatic drivers created during that project have since been refined for the CRBN2, delivering precise sound reproduction without interference from heavy magnets.

The CRBN2 features Audeze’s second-generation carbon-nanotube drivers, now working alongside the new SLAM system. These drivers optimize air pressure across the surface, balancing the sound and producing a holographic soundstage with remarkable spatial imaging. The result is vivid, with each detail placed accurately within a three-dimensional space.

Comfort and Craftsmanship
Audeze has also given careful thought to the CRBN2's physical design. Weighing just 480 grams, the headphones remain comfortable during extended listening sessions, thanks to luxurious leather earpads and a suspension headband. Each pair is hand-assembled in California, showcasing a focus on luxury and craftsmanship. Materials like magnesium, stainless steel, carbon fiber, and polymer acetate further emphasize durability and premium quality.

Compatibility and Technical Specifications
The CRBN2 requires an amplifier with a 580-volt bias, the "Stax Pro Bias," making it compatible with many electrostatic amplifiers. Audiophiles with compatible amplifiers can easily integrate the CRBN2 into their existing setups.

Key technical specifications include a frequency response of 10Hz to 40kHz, maximum SPL exceeding 120dB, and an ultra-thin polyimide diaphragm with carbon nanotubes for improved electrical conductivity. .

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Tech Specs
Style
Over-ear, open-back

Transducer type
Push-pull electrostatic

Bias
580 VDC, Stax Pro Bias

Transducer capacitance
100 pF

Diaphragm type
Ultra-thin polyimide film with infused carbon nanotubes for precisely controlled electrical conductivity throughout the film volume

Diaphragm management
SLAM Technology for earcup pressure relief and bass enhancement

Transducer size
120mm x 90mm

Frequency response
10Hz - 40kHz

Maximum SPL
120dB

THD
<0.1% @ 90dB

Sensitivity
100dB, 1KHz, 100V RMS

Cable
2.5m OCC monocrystal copper, 5-pin Pro Bias, wired

Housing
Magnesium, stainless steel and polymer acetate

Earpads
Premium leather

Headband
Carbon fiber and premium leather

Weight
480g (to be confirmed)