Audeze CRBN² Reference Electrostatic Headphones

The Audeze CRBN² is Audeze's statement electrostatic headphone, combining the speed, transparency and spatial resolution electrostatics are known for with something that's traditionally much harder to achieve from this type of driver: real bass impact.

CRBN² pairs Audeze's second-generation carbon-nanotube electrostatic driver with its new SLAM — Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator — technology.

The result is an open-back reference headphone designed to deliver exceptional resolution and holographic imaging without giving up the physical low-frequency foundation that makes music feel real.

Second-Generation Carbon Nanotube Electrostatic Driver

At the heart of CRBN² is Audeze's patented carbon-nanotube electrostatic driver technology.

Instead of applying a conventional conductive coating to the diaphragm, Audeze embeds carbon nanotubes directly into an ultra-thin polyimide film.

The diaphragm is manufactured in-house, giving Audeze precise control over the electrostatic force acting across the driver.

Because the diaphragm can remain incredibly light, it responds almost instantly to changes in the musical signal.

That's where electrostatic headphones can be special: speed, microdetail and transient information can emerge with very little sense that you're listening to a physical driver.

SLAM Technology

The major advancement in CRBN² is Audeze's SLAM technology — Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator.

SLAM manages pressure within the earcup and is specifically tuned to improve low-frequency response while reducing distortion.

That's important because bass has historically been one of the compromises associated with electrostatic headphones.

Electrostatics can be incredibly fast and transparent, but they don't always deliver the physical weight and impact listeners expect from a great planar magnetic or dynamic headphone.

CRBN² was engineered to change that.

Audeze designed SLAM to give CRBN² deeper, more physical and more lifelike bass while preserving the speed and low distortion that make electrostatic technology so compelling.

Huge 120 × 90mm Electrostatic Transducer

CRBN² uses an enormous:

120 × 90mm push-pull electrostatic transducer

The large radiating surface works with the ultra-light carbon-nanotube diaphragm to move air with very little mechanical inertia.

That combination contributes to CRBN²'s ability to reproduce subtle dynamic information and fine spatial cues while maintaining an effortless presentation.

Holographic Imaging

Resolution isn't just about hearing more detail.

The real payoff is what happens to the space around the music.

CRBN²'s low distortion and optimized driver response allow subtle timing and acoustic information to remain intact, helping instruments and voices occupy more precise positions within the soundstage.

On the right recording, the presentation can extend well beyond the physical earcups with a convincing sense of depth, separation and acoustic space.

That's where a great electrostatic headphone starts to feel fundamentally different from a conventional headphone.

10Hz–40kHz Frequency Response

CRBN² has a specified frequency response of:

10Hz–40kHz

Total harmonic distortion is rated at:

Less than 0.1% at 90dB

Maximum output exceeds:

120dB SPL

The combination of extremely low moving mass, low distortion and Audeze's SLAM technology gives CRBN² the ability to reproduce extremely fine detail while maintaining the dynamics and bass foundation necessary for a full-range listening experience.

Requires a Dedicated Electrostatic Amplifier

This part is important.

CRBN² cannot be connected to a conventional headphone amplifier.

It requires an electrostatic amplifier providing:

580VDC Stax Pro Bias

The CRBN² uses the standard 5-pin Pro Bias connection and is compatible with properly designed 580V electrostatic headphone amplifiers.

That means choosing the amplifier is an important part of building a CRBN² system.

A conventional DAC/headphone amplifier—even a very powerful one designed for planar magnetic headphones—will not drive CRBN².

2.5-Meter OCC Copper Cable

CRBN² includes an attached 2.5-meter OCC monocrystal copper cable terminated with the 5-pin Pro Bias connector required for compatible electrostatic amplifiers.

The cable's capacitance is included within Audeze's specified electrostatic capacitance of 100pF.

Premium Materials

Audeze builds CRBN² from materials selected to keep the structure rigid while maintaining long-term comfort.

Construction includes:

• Magnesium
• Carbon fiber
• Stainless steel
• Polymer acetate
• Premium leather

The carbon fiber and leather headband distributes the headphone's weight across the head, while large premium leather ear pads provide the seal and comfort required for extended listening sessions.

Hand-Assembled in California

Each CRBN² is hand-assembled and individually tested in California by Audeze's electrostatic specialists.

That's particularly important with an electrostatic design, where diaphragm tolerances, stator alignment and electrical performance need to remain exceptionally precise.

Technology Born From an Unusual Project

Audeze's carbon-nanotube electrostatic technology has an interesting origin.

The original technology grew out of a project between Audeze and the UCLA School of Medicine to develop headphones that could operate inside MRI machines.

The enormous magnetic fields generated by an MRI made conventional headphone materials and driver technologies problematic.

The research ultimately led to Audeze's carbon-nanotube electrostatic diaphragm technology—and eventually to the CRBN headphone platform.

CRBN² is the second generation of that idea.

Key Specifications

• Type: Reference Electrostatic Headphones
• Operating Principle: Open-Back
• Transducer Type: Push-Pull Electrostatic
• Driver Generation: Second-Generation Carbon Nanotube Electrostatic
• Diaphragm: Ultra-Thin Polyimide Film with Infused Carbon Nanotubes
• SLAM Technology: Yes
• Transducer Size: 120 × 90mm
• Frequency Response: 10Hz–40kHz
• Maximum SPL: >120dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.1% at 90dB
• Sensitivity: 100dB at 1kHz / 100V RMS
• Bias Voltage: 580VDC Stax Pro Bias
• Electrostatic Capacitance: 100pF Including Cable
• Cable: 2.5m OCC Monocrystal Copper
• Connector: 5-Pin Pro Bias
• Housing: Magnesium, Stainless Steel & Polymer Acetate
• Headband: Carbon Fiber & Premium Leather
• Ear Pads: Premium Leather
• Weight: 480g
• Assembly: Hand-Assembled & Tested in California
• Included: Aluminum Travel Case & Certificate of Authenticity

CRBN² Is About More Than Resolution

Electrostatic headphones have always had a reputation for speed, detail and transparency.

The tradeoff has often been bass.

That's what makes CRBN² interesting.

Audeze isn't trying to turn an electrostatic driver into a planar magnetic driver. Instead, SLAM technology is designed to preserve what makes electrostatics special while adding the low-frequency weight and physicality that can sometimes be missing.

The result is a headphone built for someone who wants extreme resolution and spatial accuracy but still wants kick drums to kick and bass instruments to have real weight.

The Amplifier Matters

With CRBN², the amplifier isn't an accessory.

It's part of the system.

Because CRBN² requires 580V Stax Pro Bias electrostatic amplification, you need to build the electronics around the headphone rather than simply plugging it into an existing conventional headphone amplifier.

And at this performance level, the DAC and source feeding that amplifier matter just as much.

CRBN² has enough resolution to expose what is happening throughout the entire signal chain.

Experience Audeze CRBN² at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi is your Audeze and high-performance personal audio expert in Houston, Texas.

CRBN² isn't a headphone we'd recommend buying based on specifications alone.

The electrostatic amplifier, DAC, streamer or digital source and cabling all become part of the finished system.

The Grid can help properly match CRBN² with compatible 580V Pro Bias electrostatic amplification and build the source and DAC system around it.

We can also help you compare the CRBN² with reference planar magnetic and dynamic headphones to understand what electrostatic technology actually brings to the listening experience.

At this level, that's really the point.

Come listen.

Contact The Grid HiFi to experience the Audeze CRBN² and let us help build the right reference headphone system around it.