The Audeze CRBN2 electrostatic headphones, aim to address common bass limitations in electrostatic designs with its new SLAM acoustic system.

Audeze has introduced the CRBN2, the latest addition to its lineup of high-end electrostatic headphones. Known for their planar magnetic headphones, Audeze now shifts focus with the CRBN2, their most advanced electrostatic model yet. The Audeze CRBN2 promises an improved listening experience, particularly in low-frequency response, thanks to the integration of the company's proprietary Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator (SLAM) technology.

The CRBN2 represents a significant departure from Audeze’s traditional planar magnetic designs, marking a deeper commitment to electrostatic headphone development. While electrostatic drivers have long been appreciated for their clarity and sonic transparency, they have often been criticized for their less pronounced bass. This is where Audeze's new SLAM technology steps in.

SLAM technology is a patent-pending innovation designed to optimize air pressure distribution across the second-generation carbon nanotube electrostatic drivers used in the Audeze CRBN2. The goal is to boost low-frequency performance without introducing distortion, which has been a common limitation in traditional electrostatic designs. The improved air pressure distribution enhances both bass response and spatial imaging, giving the listener a more immersive and lifelike audio experience.

By addressing the common issue of weak bass in electrostatic headphones, Audeze aims to offer a product that delivers both the crisp highs and detailed mids typically expected from electrostatic drivers, alongside a fuller, more powerful bass.

“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.

In terms of build quality, the Audeze CRBN2 headphones are crafted using premium materials to ensure both durability and comfort during extended listening sessions, says the company. Weighing in at 480 grams, the CRBN2 achieves a lightweight form factor by eliminating heavy magnets, which are often a staple in planar magnetic headphones. This reduction in weight is crucial for listeners who prefer to use their headphones for long periods without feeling discomfort.

The ear pads are made from luxurious leather, providing both comfort and effective noise isolation. The headband is constructed from carbon fiber, known for its strength-to-weight ratio, adding to the durability and light feel of the headphones. The use of magnesium, stainless steel, and polymer acetate in other areas further ensures that the CRBN2 is built to last, while also maintaining a modern and sleek design.

Interestingly, the origins of Audeze's CRBN line stem from a medical research project led by Professor Mark S. Cohen, Ph.D., at the UCLA School of Medicine. The initial goal was to design headphones that could be used in MRI scanners, which required a non-ferrous driver design due to the strong magnetic fields involved. This led to the development of the carbon-nanotube-based electrostatic driver technology, which has since been adapted and refined for the CRBN2.

Audeze has carried this specialized technology into the consumer audio market, ensuring that the CRBN2 delivers not just on performance but also on technological innovation.

The SLAM system is not solely about boosting low frequencies. It also enhances the phase response, resulting in more accurate sound imaging and improved spatial separation. The design of the SLAM system also addresses an issue known to electrostatic headphone users—static noise.

Electrostatic headphones can sometimes produce noise when put on or taken off due to a pressure wave that pushes the driver against the stator. SLAM mitigates this issue by venting the pressure through channels, thus protecting the drivers from potential damage caused by this effect.

According to early tests and demonstrations, the SLAM system significantly improves the bass response without sacrificing the transparency and detail for which electrostatic headphones are renowned.

One of the caveats of electrostatic headphones is their need for specialized amplifiers. The CRBN2 is no different in this respect. To enjoy these headphones, users must have an amplifier with a 580-volt bias output, commonly referred to as "Stax Pro Bias."

This requirement makes the CRBN2 unsuitable for use with standard headphone amplifiers or portable devices, such as smartphones or digital audio players (DAPs). However, for enthusiasts already invested in electrostatic audio systems, the CRBN2 offers compatibility with a wide range of 580-volt bias amplifiers, providing a versatile option within its category.

Technical Specifications:

• Style: Over-ear, open-back.
• Transducer type: Push-pull electrostatic.
• Bias: 580 VDC, Stax Pro Bias.
• Transducer capacitance: 100pF.
• Diaphragm type: Ultra-thin polyimide film with infused carbon nanotubes.
• Diaphragm management: SLAM Technology for earcup pressure relief and bass enhancement.
• Transducer size: 120 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).

At a retail price of $5,995, the Audeze CRBN2 is firmly positioned as a luxury product aimed at audiophiles and audio professionals who seek top-tier sound performance. The price point, along with the requirement for a specialized amplifier, limits its appeal to casual listeners. However, for those deeply entrenched in the high-end audio world, the CRBN2 offers an electrostatic headphone experience that could arguably be worth the investment.