Audeze Announces New Electrostatic Headphones With SLAM Bass
by Mark Sparrow · ForbesAudeze has been a pioneer in planar-magnetic headphones for some time now, but now the company’s award-winning headphone range includes the new CRBN2 electrostatic model, the company’s most advanced pair of electrostatic headphones to date.
The CRBN2 marks the first time Audeze has used its new patent-pending Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator technology. The SLAM feature provides more sonic transparency and a bigger bass response for a more immersive listening experience.
This latest addition to the Audeze headphone lineup marks a step change in the brand’s electrostatic headphone technology. At its core is a second-generation carbon nanotube electrostatic driver.
The new SLAM technology optimizes air pressure distribution across the drivers, boosting low-frequency performance but without increasing distortion. The result, claims Audeze, is a pair of headphones that delivers powerful and lifelike bass with rich and holographic spatial imaging.
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“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.
The SLAM acoustic system is tuned to enhance selected low frequencies while improving phase response at the same time. Audeze says SLAM gives the CRBN2 a physical and lifelike bass response, unmatched by other electrostatic headphones on the market which are sometimes criticized for being a little lightweight when it comes to bass.
The CRBN2 headphones are hand-assembled and tested in California and made with premium materials, including leather for the earpads and carbon fiber in the headband. With a weight of 480g, the CRBN2 are free of heavy magnets and compatible with all 580-volt bias electrostatic amplifiers.
The CRBN line originated from a research project led by Professor Mark S Cohen, PhD and his team at the UCLA School of Medicine. The research aimed to create headphones that could be worn in MRI scanners.
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 technology has now been adapted and refined for use in the CRBN2.
As with all electrostatic headphones, the CRBN2 require an amplifier with an electrostatic output using a 580VDC bias also known as Stax Pro Bias. The headphones are compatible with a variety of amplifiers on the market, ensuring users can enjoy their CRBN 2 with their existing audio systems.
Pricing & Availability: The Audeze CRBN2 electrostatic headphones are available now from the Audeze website and are priced at $5,995.
Tech Specs:
- 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).