Although I monitor on loudspeakers for mixing, I do spend a significant amount of time doing detail work on headphones, and Audeze’s LCD-Xs [Tape Op #119] have been my first choice for several years now. They provide a fantastic amount of detail, are comfortable, and have been operating without issue for years. Audeze’s new flagship product, the CRBN2, is an electrostatic open-back headphone design that delivers what may be the most balanced listening I have experienced.
These headphones are fantastically comfortable, with every detail thoughtfully designed and labored over. Note: A specialized amp for electrostatic headphones is required. Users should be aware that plugging the CRBN2 into an existing system with a standard headphone cable is not an option, so be aware before reaching for the “buy” button. However, a 2.5-meter OCC (Ohno Continuous Cast) monocrystal copper, 5-pin cable is included. I reviewed the Audezes using a provided Mjölnir Audio electrostatic headphone amplifier (not included with purchase).
The CRBN2’s drivers utilize an ultra-thin polyamide film infused with carbon nanotubes, and combined with Audeze’s patent-pending SLAM (Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator) technology, claims a frequency response of 10 Hz to 40 kHz, with a max SPL of 120 dB. The provided frequency spec shows a gradual rise from around 50 Hz with a +5 dB boost around 15 Hz, and then returning to 0 at 10 Hz. Earpads are wrapped in leather, and the headband is covered in carbon fiber and leather. The ear cups are an oval shape, which is a departure from Audeze’s typical circular design. Notably, the CRBN2s are much lighter than some products in Audeze’s line of headphones, weighing in at 480 grams (just over a pound) as opposed to the LCD-X model’s 612 grams. The CRBN2s included a black metal foam-lined travel case, and even a pair of white gloves for handling! The overall package just screams ultimate quality.
It is a pleasure to listen to well-recorded, mixed, and mastered music on the CRBN2s. These headphones provide an absurdly accurate representation of the music, with no discernible hype at any frequency, even though the SLAM technology is tuned to “enhance bass frequencies.” I thought my favorite records sounded fantastic, without the falsely created low end bump that many headphones present. However, when there were extended low frequencies on the recordings, the CRBN2s delivered those in a beautifully controlled, detailed way. I found myself seeking out albums that are known for having great stereo imaging and mix elements that traveled across the sound field. The detail was impressive and unlike any headphone I have ever used. I experienced no noticeable ear fatigue after hours of listening at moderate volume, and also thought they started to sound better after two weeks of breaking in.
As much as I would like to use the CRBN2s exclusively for pleasure listening, I was excited to hear how they would perform for mixing duties. As mentioned, my Audeze LCD-X headphones have been my go-to for detailed mix listening, checking for pops, clicks, missed edits, and panning details. Of course, I expected the CRBN2 to perform well for studio duties, but was still surprised at just how much I was able to seamlessly sink into a mix. These headphones deliver an unflattering – meaning accurate – version of your work. Mixing with the CRBN2s felt so natural that I had to remind myself to take them off and work through my main loudspeakers. Headphone mixes translated well on various systems, especially the level of the center channel elements and amount of low end.
The point I’ll make with excellent headphones like the CRBN2s is that each time I put them on, I fall in love with music all over again. As life gets busier, I listen to music often more passively in places like the kitchen, on a Bluetooth speaker at a picnic, or in the shower. This is not a bad thing; it often reinforces the idea that what’s important is a great song, and it's less about a pristine or perfect recording. However, I will say that there is something decidedly enjoyable about listening to my favorite recordings on top-tier headphones like the Audeze CRBN2 paired with an audiophile-grade headphone amplifier. In addition to enjoying the song, I can better appreciate the skills of recording engineers, the craft of the mixer, the air around a well-recorded vocal, the placement of elements in space, pan moves, reverb tails, and more.
At nearly $6,000 (plus the cost of an amp built for electrostatic headphones), the entry price is not for the weak of heart. I used to scoff at the need for audiophile products like this, but now I get it. We can be grateful that there are listeners who care enough about the work we pour our hearts and souls into – as recording, mixing, and mastering engineers – to invest in hearing every detail of our efforts. Audeze has truly one-upped itself with the CRBN2.