AUDEZE Flagship Series CRBN Electrostatic Headphone

With the biggest technological advance in electrostatics in decades, Audeze has patented a new polymer film with carbon nanotubes and eliminates the problems of older designs with laminations and vacuum deposition. Originally developed for a product we designed for hospital MRI machines, our new CRBN (pronounced “Carbon”) electrostatic headphones are a superior solution. And yes, our new patented tech can be used in full-range speakers.

• Patent-pending carbon nanotube film
• Works with all 580 Volt Pro Bias amplifiers
• Accurate low-frequency performance
• Excellent dynamic range
• Lightweight and very comfortable

Audeze originally developed this new technology by working with Prof. Mark S. Cohen Ph.D., UCLA School of Medicine, and his team, for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Typical ferrous metals could not be used, so we had to develop a new material, leading us to patent a special thin film with suspended carbon nanotubes. This solves the problems associated with lamination and deposition on the film.

The CRBN driver includes a revolutionary ultra-thin diaphragm with carbon nanotubes suspended inside the material – unlike other electrostatic diaphragms, there is no coating. Because the charge is distributed throughout the film, this results in a uniform driving force that reduces distortion and improves clarity, resolution and transparency.

CRBN offers supreme comfort with its lightweight construction. At 470 grams, the minimalist design features materials such as magnesium and carbon fiber, which shaves off every gram while maintaining strength. The earpads are extra plush and slightly oversized, for a great seal and pillow-soft, cranium-cradling comfort.

CRBN is the ultimate in luxurious design, from the smooth curves of its uniquely etched grill to the depth of its finely polished marbled graphite acetate rings. Featuring hand-stitched premium leather, every detail has been fine-tuned, down to the feel of the machined aluminum 5-pin connector.

CRBN is compatible with “Stax Pro Bias” 580 Volt amplifiers such as those from Woo Audio, Linear Tube Audio, Mjolnir Audio, Headamp, Stax (of course), and others. The cable is terminated with the industry standard 5-pin barrel connector for maximum compatibility.

Specifications

Style- Over-ear, open-back

Transducer type- Push-pull electrostatic

Functional bias voltage- 580 VDC Stax Pro Bias

Electrostatic capacitance- 100 pF (including cable)

Diaphragm type- Ultra-thin custom carbon nanotube

Transducer size- 120mm x 90mm

Frequency response- 20Hz-40kHz

Maximum SPL- >120dB

THD- <0.1% @ 90dB

Attached cable- 2.5m OCC monocrystal copper, 5-pin Pro Bias

Housing- Magnesium, stainless steel, and polymer acetate

Earpad material- Premium leather

Headband- Cabron fiber and premium leather

Weight- 470g