Introduction
When you hear the name Audeze, chances are you immediately think of planar magnetic headphones. Founded in 2008 in the U.S., Audeze has become one of the most iconic names in the headphone world, especially when it comes to planar technology. Models like the LCD series have made the brand nearly synonymous with high-end planar magnetic performance.
But today’s subject isn’t a planar headphone. In fact, it’s something far more niche—an electrostatic headphone. The CRBN2 represents Audeze’s second foray into electrostatics, and that in itself is remarkable. Electrostatic headphones occupy one of the smallest, most rarefied corners of the head-fi world: a category within a category, reserved for the most dedicated of audio enthusiasts.
Personally, it’s been a long time since I last spent time with an electrostatic system. Opportunities to audition them are few and far between. Unlike planar or dynamic headphones, electrostatics require a dedicated amplifier—one that is notcompatible with standard headphone types. This limitation, combined with the typically high price of entry, means that electrostatics tend to remain in the realm of dream gear: aspirational, rarely practical, and often unattainable.
The most well-known brand in this space is undoubtedly STAX. And outside of STAX, only a handful of manufacturers even attempt electrostatic headphone production. It's a high-risk, high-cost segment—but also one with unmatched potential. When head-fi enthusiasts speak of "endgame" setups, electrostatics are often at the top of the list. Their sonic strengths and sheer resolving ability make them legendary among those who’ve experienced them.
What makes the CRBN2 especially intriguing is that it comes from Audeze—a brand with zero legacy in this category until very recently. So how does a planar heavyweight translate its expertise into the electrostatic world? Let’s take a closer look.
Background & Innovation
Audeze’s reputation for technological excellence has long been established—particularly through its collaborations with other industries and institutions. In fact, one of the most interesting parts of the CRBN2’s backstory has nothing to do with music at all.
Before its foray into electrostatics for the consumer market, Audeze partnered with the UCLA School of Medicine to develop a headphone for use inside MRI machines. The challenge was steep: MRI environments prohibit all forms of metal or magnetic materials. This ruled out not only traditional dynamic drivers but also Audeze’s signature planar magnetic designs, which rely on magnets.
To solve the problem, Audeze needed to design an entirely new driver technology—one that could function without any magnetic components. Naturally, they turned to electrostatics, which already work on a fundamentally different principle. However, even conventional electrostatic transducers typically rely on metal-coated diaphragms and conductive metal stators—components that would still be unsafe in an MRI environment.
So Audeze got to work.
For the diaphragm, they substituted metal coatings with a layer of carbon nanotubes, achieving conductivity without compromising MRI compatibility. The metal stators were replaced with a non-metallic conductive material. Even the cables and housing components were re-engineered using non-metallic materials to ensure complete safety inside the imaging suite.
This innovation laid the foundation for the original CRBN, Audeze’s first consumer-facing electrostatic headphone, released in 2021. As with their planar models, the CRBN was built entirely in-house—from transducer design to final tuning—rooted in proprietary engineering. Had it not been for the unusual request from UCLA, one wonders if Audeze would have ever entered the electrostatic space at all.
Fast forward to late 2024, and the launch of CRBN2 signaled something significant: this was no one-off experiment. Audeze now had an ongoing, ultra-premium electrostatic product line—pushing its innovation further beyond planar magnetics and staking a serious claim in the rarefied world of electrostatic audio.
It’s also worth noting that in 2023, Audeze was officially acquired by Sony, primarily to support its role in the gaming industry. While the company still operates independently, it now enjoys the backing of a major corporate parent—adding further confidence to its product development roadmap.
Design & Comfort
Visually, the CRBN2 shares much of its core design language with the original CRBN, but with several key refinements that elevate its aesthetic appeal. The most noticeable difference is in the color scheme. While the first-generation CRBN was entirely black, the CRBN2 introduces elegant rose gold accents—subtle touches visible through the grille and in the stitching along the headband. The effect is striking: the overall look is more refined, luxurious, and distinctively upscale.
Material-wise, the CRBN2 blends magnesium, carbon fiber, leather, polymer acetate, and stainless steel. The frame is made of magnesium for stiffness without excess weight. The outer shell of the earcups is crafted from a high-grade polymer acetate—resembling marble in texture and finish—which not only enhances the visual sophistication but also helps reduce overall weight.
The earcups are large, and so are the earpads. The leather pads are soft, spacious, and generously cushioned. They strike a comfortable balance between firmness and pliability. The familiar Audeze suspension headband system makes a return here, with a wide carbon fiber frame for structural support and a soft leather strap to distribute pressure across the top of the head.
One minor caveat: the headband adjustment system, while effective, is prone to minor scratches over time—something longtime Audeze users may already be familiar with. It's more of a cosmetic concern than a functional one, but worth noting.
Despite weighing approximately 480g, the CRBN2 wears surprisingly well for a full-size headphone of this caliber. It’s not featherweight, but it never felt burdensome during extended sessions. I wore it for 2–3 hours at a time during testing and didn’t experience any discomfort. Given Audeze's history of releasing 700g+ headphones in the past, this model will feel refreshingly light to longtime fans.
The cable is fixed, which is typical for electrostatic headphones. To my knowledge, there are no consumer models with detachable cables in this category. The CRBN2 uses OCC copper and measures 2.5 meters in length. It terminates in a standard 5-pin plug, fully compatible with STAX-type amplifiers delivering the standard 580V bias voltage.
Engineering Breakthrough – SLAM Technology
With the release of the CRBN2, Audeze didn’t simply update cosmetics or revise comfort elements—they redesigned the transducer architecture itself. While the new model retains the same carbon nanotube-coated diaphragm as its predecessor, the internal bonding method has been refined. But the most significant upgrade lies in what Audeze calls SLAM—short for Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator.
At first glance, SLAM appears to be a small detail: a rose gold-accented ring between the earcup and earpad, featuring visible ports on either side. But this design element is no mere flourish. According to Audeze, these side-facing channels act as controlled pressure-release ports, functioning somewhat like the bass reflex ports in a speaker cabinet.
The concept is simple in theory, but notoriously difficult to execute well. In the speaker world, ports are often referred to as “another woofer,” since a well-designed port can lower the bass extension and increase output without distortion. But poorly tuned ports can introduce phase issues, muddy midbass, and unwanted resonances. In the headphone world—especially in the electrostatic domain—this kind of pressure modulation is nearly unheard of.
What SLAM does, according to Audeze, is reduce the internal pressure behind the diaphragm, enabling it to move more freely and effectively without requiring higher tension or compromising control. Think of it like this: if you tighten a diaphragm too much, you gain speed and articulation, but you lose amplitude and fullness. If you loosen it too much, the diaphragm may bottom out or exhibit inefficiencies.
SLAM effectively helps manage that trade-off, creating a more relaxed pressure environment while simultaneously boosting low-end response. Audeze claims up to +5 dB improvement in sub-bass regions below 50Hz, thanks to this innovation. If true, this would directly address the single biggest limitation of electrostatic headphones: bass presence and impact.
It’s worth underscoring just how important this is. Electrostatics, for all their speed, resolution, and transparency, typically struggle to deliver satisfying low-end weight. In speaker systems, electrostatic drivers are almost always paired with separate woofer units for this very reason. And while headphone listening is a different game—where the driver is close to the ear and doesn’t require room-filling output—the bass limitations remain.
SLAM, then, isn’t just a clever acronym. It represents a genuine attempt to bring electrostatics closer to the full-range performance of other driver types, without sacrificing their inherent strengths. For those who’ve always admired the electrostatic sound but hesitated due to a perceived lack of low-end authority, CRBN2 may be the most promising answer yet.
Review Context – The Challenge of Electrostatic Evaluation
Before diving into how the CRBN2 sounds, it’s worth pausing to acknowledge a key aspect of this review: amplifier pairing. As mentioned earlier, the CRBN2 is compatible with standard 580V bias electrostatic amplifiers using the STAX 5-pin configuration. But as with all high-end gear—perhaps especially with electrostatics—the amp you choose can fundamentally shape your impression of the headphone.
In fact, with electrostatics, this dependency is even more extreme than usual. Many enthusiasts who've explored this category know how wildly different a single headphone can sound depending on the amplifier it's paired with. Bass presence, energy, timbral weight—these are not fixed properties of the headphone alone. The amplifier plays a huge role.
Take CRBN2, for example. Audeze has engineered the headphone to address one of the core limitations of electrostatic drivers: bass weight and physicality. But in practice, how well that effort pays off depends just as much on the amplifier as the transducer itself.
Personally, I’ve only had limited experience with electrostatic gear over the years, and among the few setups I’ve heard that genuinely delivered satisfying bass, the common thread was always the amplifier. The best systems didn’t just compensate for the electrostatic weakness—they redefined it.
In this review, I’m using what is still considered one of the finest electrostatic amps available: the HeadAmp Blue Hawaii Special Edition. Though it first launched around 2009—over 15 years ago—it remains a benchmark amplifier for electrostatics. While newer contenders like Mjölnir Audio have since entered the field, the Blue Hawaii SE continues to be a gold standard, especially in the Korean market where it's more readily available.
It's also worth noting that HeadAmp still manufactures and sells this model today, and even has a forthcoming flagship called the Grand Cayman in the works. But for now, the Blue Hawaii SE stands as their definitive statement for electrostatic amplification.
In other words, this review takes place under what I would consider near-optimal conditions. And with that context in mind, let’s talk about how the CRBN2 actually sounds.
Sound Impressions
Let’s not overcomplicate this: the CRBN2 sounds fantastic.
It preserves everything that makes electrostatics great while doing an extraordinary job of addressing their historical shortcomings. This is not a headphone that merely "tries its best" to sound full-bodied—it delivers.
Electrostatic headphones are known for their exceptional resolution, and the CRBN2 holds true to that legacy. While modern planar magnetic and dynamic drivers have narrowed the gap significantly, there's still something uniquely "refined" about the way electrostatics handle micro-detail and ambient texture. The CRBN2 captures that delicacy—the shimmer of reverb, the breath behind a vocal—with immaculate finesse. That ultra-fine grain, almost powdery in resolution, remains a defining trait.
However, the real surprise is what comes with that resolution: genuine dynamic authority, particularly in the low end. One of the longstanding issues with electrostatics has been their tendency to sound thin or lacking in physical weight. The CRBN2, powered here by the HeadAmp Blue Hawaii SE, sounds anything but fragile. Notes feel grounded, robust, and stable. It’s one of the few times I’ve heard an electrostatic setup where I didn't feel the need to mentally “compensate” for missing warmth or body.
In fact, there were moments—especially in the upper mids and treble—where I even found the tonal balance leaning slightly warm. This is likely a byproduct of the Blue Hawaii’s tube-driven smoothness. I suspect that pairing the CRBN2 with a faster, more analytical amplifier might yield even greater responsiveness and bite. But to be clear: even with the Blue Hawaii’s relaxed character, the CRBN2 remains one of the most musically engaging headphones I’ve heard recently. It makes you want to turn the volume up and get lost in the sound.
Listening Notes – Ado’s “Motherland”
While browsing through Ado’s Best Adobum—a 40-track retrospective that’s perfect for day-long listening—I stumbled across track 9, “Motherland.” The intro was already excellent, but once the low-end kicked in, I literally gasped.
The bass was tight, dense, and beautifully textured—with a kind of spring-loaded elasticity that makes you sit up in your chair. It was one of those moments where you just nod in approval. The CRBN2 delivered everything from sub-bass weight to mid-bass punch without ever getting sloppy. Dynamics were taut and articulate.
From low to mid frequencies, I had no complaints whatsoever. In fact, I’d go as far as to say this setup—CRBN2 + Blue Hawaii SE—redefined my expectations for electrostatic bass performance.
The only minor nitpick? During the song’s explosive climax, I wished for just a bit more openness in the treble—something with more bite and sparkle. The tone leaned a bit warm, slightly rounded at the top. And I’ll be honest: I never expected to wish for more brightness from an electrostatic headphone. Yet here we are.
But there’s a silver lining. That subtle warmth removes the typical “wispy” character often associated with electrostatics. The CRBN2 sounds solid, grounded, and cohesive—a headphone you could mistake for a really well-tuned planar magnetic… until the fine detail starts pouring in.
Personally, I’ve always dreamed of an electrostatic headphone that could retain its signature texture while adding real muscle and drive. The CRBN2 gets very close to that ideal. In fact, it might be the most convincing blend of electrostatic resolution and physical authority I’ve heard yet.
Just to be clear—for anyone who might’ve misread my previous notes about Ado’s track—I’m not suggesting the CRBN2 lacks treble or feels closed-in. Far from it. The treble is present, clear, and controlled. My earlier comment was specific to a particular genre and vocal texture: Ado’s voice is intentionally metallic, almost jagged in delivery, and benefits from a slightly edgier presentation. That’s where I felt just a touch more “bite” might have brought out the energy.
To balance that perspective, I chose something completely different: Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D major, performed by Nicola Benedetti and the Aurora Orchestra. The conductor, Nicolas Collon, was unfamiliar to me, and I stumbled upon the album while casually browsing new classical releases.
To my surprise, it was excellent. The recording struck a rare balance between clarity and grandeur, and the interpretation was spacious without dragging—just the right amount of air to let the performance breathe.
Through the CRBN2, the experience was sublime.
This headphone handles large-scale orchestral works with ease. Its resolution, layered separation, and deep, controlled low end allow it to capture the full emotional and spatial scope of such recordings. The string sections floated with elegance, while the timpani and lower brass added foundational weight. The stereo image was wide yet precise, with no congestion even in dense passages.
What’s more, that slightly warm tilt in the upper midrange—initially noticeable in other genres—actually became a strength here. It let me push the volume without harshness, allowing for an immersive experience even during the concerto’s most intense swells.
During the violin’s solo passages, the CRBN2 revealed bow friction, natural decay, and hall ambiance with remarkable realism. Every movement of the bow across the strings felt tangible, yet never exaggerated. The ambient trails after pizzicati and the reverb tails from higher registers gave the performance a real sense of place.
At no point did I feel the need to critique. If anything, it reminded me how far headphones have come in being able to faithfully recreate a full orchestral event in miniature. Within the context of head-fi, this ranks among the best presentations of large-scale classical music I’ve heard to date.
Conclusion
Wow.
That’s really all I wanted to write.
That’s really all I wanted to write.
This is one of those rare products that makes you forget you're reviewing. Preparing this piece gave me an excuse to sit back and just listen—for hours. It was almost disappointing to have to stop and write things down.
There’s no need to over-explain what’s already clear. The CRBN2 is a triumph. If electrostatic headphones have long been defined by their ethereal detail and featherlight textures, this one rewrites the rules by adding authority, weight, and emotional impact—without sacrificing resolution.
A bass-capable electrostatic headphone has long been the stuff of head-fi mythology. CRBN2 turns that myth into a reality. It’s no longer just a “what if” or a niche engineering experiment—it’s a legitimate contender for the best headphone available, price no object. If someone asked me today, “What’s the best headphone you’ve heard lately?”—I’d say CRBN2, paired with the right amp. Full stop.
If I had to wring out a criticism—like squeezing water from a dry cloth—it’s that this isn’t a “fun” headphone in the punchy, energetic, toe-tapping sense. It’s not built for immediate thrills or euphonic coloration. But is that really a flaw? Or is it just… honest?
Because what the CRBN2 delivers instead is a truthful, deeply satisfying, and musically complete experience. And for many of us, that's what endgame listening is all about.