Headphones — Audeze CRBN2

The CRBN2 is a flagship electrostatic headphone from Audeze, a well-established American manufacturer known for accomplished planar magnetic and electrostatic driver engineering, built with a substantial 5-pin Pro Bias connector cable. The CRBN2 brings Audeze's most accomplished current engineering to an open-back electrostatic format.

Key specs that matter

The transducer uses electrostatic or planar-magnetic driver technology in an open-back, over-ear, wired configuration. Frequency response spans a wide 10Hz to 40,000Hz within plus-or-minus 10dB. Maximum sound pressure level reaches an exceptional 120dB SPL at 1kHz at 5% THD. Connection uses a substantial 2.5-metre OCC monocrystal copper cable with a 5-pin Pro Bias connector - a premium cable specification. Sensitivity is a strong 100dB SPL at 1kHz/1mW. Weight is 480g.

Sound and use context

Expect the exceptionally detailed, precisely engineered character Audeze's electrostatic driver technology is broadly known for, with the exceptional 120dB maximum SPL providing substantial dynamic headroom, representing Audeze's flagship-tier current electrostatic engineering ambition.

Pairing

As an electrostatic headphone, the CRBN2 requires a dedicated electrostatic energiser/amplifier using the Pro Bias standard rather than a conventional headphone amplifier.

Alternatives

Audeze's own LCD-1 offers a more accessible planar magnetic alternative compatible with conventional headphone amplifiers instead.