Audeze today has announced the 2nd generation CRBN electrostatic headphone named CRBN2. At $5,995, they arrive as Audeze’s new flagship headphone — the best they’ve ever made.
What’s New?
There are two main differences. The biggest advancement is something Audeze invented called Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator (SLAM). It’s visually the gold layer sandwiched between the ear pads and housing, but internally functions as a venting system that optimizes air pressure distribution across the driver for better sound. The second change involves the secret sauce in its carbon nanotube diaphragm. Audeze is calling it a 2nd generation carbon-nanotube electrostatic driver, but beyond that we haven’t learned what makes it better.
“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. Our goal was to create an immersive experience that truly brings music to life leveraging the audio innovations Audeze is known for,” said Audeze CEO Sankar Thiagasamudram.
What is SLAM?
Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator (SLAM) is Audeze’s patent-pending acoustic system tuned to enhance selected low frequencies while improving phase response without adding distortion. It works by optimizing air pressure distribution across the driver in a very specific way that only affects low frequencies.
To put simply, SLAM improves bass performance, which is a common issue with electrostatic headphone designs.
In a pre-production demo at Audeze HQ, Sankar showed me diagrams of different SLAM prototypes used in development. The prototypes appear as a flat disc etched with a grooved channel pattern. Apparently different pattern etchings affect sonics until a final design was chosen.
Ultimately, Audeze claims SLAM gives the CRBN2 a bass response that is both physical and lifelike, unmatched by any other electrostatic headphone on the market.
Tip: Audeze’s proprietary SLAM technology is not specific to electrostatic headphones, and could make its way into Audeze’s planar magnetic headphones in the future.
Problem Solved
In addition, SLAM technology also alleviates a common annoyance among any electrostatic headphone — static noise. That can happen when electrostatic headphones are put on/off which creates a pressure wave that forces the driver against the stator (frame). With SLAM, the air pressure wave is vented through the SLAM channels, severely mitigating this issue. You can still cause it with extreme force, but on the whole, SLAM reduces this issue greatly, and should help safeguard the drivers against accidental damage.
Build Quality
Each CRBN2 headphone is hand-assembled and tested in California by electrostatic specialists, ensuring the highest standards of quality. The design uses premium materials, including sumptuous leather earpads and a suspension headband strap, to provide luxurious comfort for hours of listening.
Weighing only 480 grams and free of heavy magnets, the electrostatic design ensures long-term comfort and wearability. Additionally, CRBN2 is compatible with all 580-volt bias electrostatic amplifiers, offering versatility to audio enthusiasts who already have an electrostatic amplifier at home.
Background
CRBN2 builds on Audeze’s history of innovation in audio technology. The CRBN line originated from a project with Prof. Mark S. Cohen, Ph.D., and his team at the UCLA School of Medicine to create headphones for use in MRI machines. The powerful magnetic fields in MRI machines required a unique, non-ferrous driver design, leading to the development of the carbon-nanotube film-based electrostatic driver. This groundbreaking technology has been adapted and refined in CRBN2 in order to deliver one of the most accurate and immersive audio experiences available today.
Requirements
Don’t expect to plug CRBN2 into your phone or DAP. CRBN2 requires a specially designed amplifier with an electrostatic output using a 580VDC bias, commonly known as “Stax Pro Bias.” It is compatible with a variety of amplifiers on the market, ensuring that users can enjoy the CRBN2’s superior sound quality with their existing systems.
Specifications Compared
| CRBN (2021) | CRBN2 (2024) | |
| MSRP | $4,500 | $5,999 |
| Style | Over-ear, open-back | Over-ear, open-back |
| Transducer type | Push-pull electrostatic | Push-pull electrostatic |
| Functional bias voltage | 580 VDC Stax Pro Bias | 580 VDC Stax Pro Bias |
| Electrostatic capacitance | 100 pF (including cable) | 100 pF (including cable) |
| Diaphragm type | Ultra-thin custom carbon nanotube | 2nd generation Ultra-thin custom carbon nanotube |
| Diaphragm management | – | SLAM Technology for earcup pressure relief and bass enhancement |
| Transducer size | 120mm x 90mm | 120mm x 90mm |
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 40kHz | 10Hz – 40kHz |
| Maximum SPL | >120dB | >120dB |
| THD | <0.1% @ 90dB | <0.1% @ 90dB |
| Attached cable | 2.5m OCC monocrystal copper, 5-pin Pro Bias | 2.5m OCC monocrystal copper, 5-pin Pro Bias |
| Housing | Magnesium, stainless steel and polymer acetate | Magnesium, stainless steel and polymer acetate |
| Earpad material | Premium leather | Premium leather |
| Headband | Carbon fiber and premium leather | Carbon fiber and premium leather |
| Weight | 470 grams | 480 grams |
Hands-On Listening
At Audeze HQ, I was offered a brief demo where I got to compare the original CRBN with a pre-production version of CRBN2. If the final version is what I heard, Audeze really have found a way to make the original even better — and the difference was not subtle. I’m fairly sure I was hearing layers of bass and details that I don’t even think the mastering engineer knew were there. The original CRBN was already stellar, but CRBN2 takes things to a whole new level. Simply phenomenal!
A mere $20,000 (all-in) to own the full system as tested.
Price & Availability
Audeze CRBN2 is available now for $5,995 on the Audeze website.
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