Audeze CRBN: Electrostatic carbon headphones

Audeze released the CRBN (Carbon) model . These are electrostatic headphones with a unique film made of carbon tubes, but more on that below. To use these headphones, you will need a special 580V amplifier, like those used by Stax. Stax amps fit these.

Breakthrough Electrostatic Technology
Featuring the most advanced electrostatic technology in decades, Audeze is proud to introduce CRBN (pronounced “carbon”) electrostatic headphones, which use a new proprietary polymer film suspended in carbon nanotubes to eliminate problems commonly found in previous electrostatic designs. Originally developed for medical MRI applications, we have adapted these innovations into the audiophile version of the CRBN, which has been hailed by leading audiophiles as the best-sounding electrostatic headphone available today.

Designed with Intention
Audeze originally developed this new technology with Professor Mark S. Cohen, PhD, of the University of California School of Medicine, and his team for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Conventional ferrous metals could not be used, so we had to develop a new material, which led us to patent a special thin film with suspended carbon nanotubes. This solves the problems associated with lamination and film deposition.

Carbon Nanotube Technology
The CRBN driver incorporates a revolutionary ultra-thin membrane with carbon nanotubes embedded within the material. Because the charge is distributed throughout the film, it results in an even driving force that reduces distortion and improves clarity, resolution and transparency.

Supreme comfort
CRBN provides maximum comfort thanks to its lightweight design. The minimalistic 300-gram design incorporates materials like magnesium and carbon fiber to save every gram while maintaining strength. The ear pads are very soft and slightly oversized, providing excellent sealing and soft comfort.

The sleek CRBN design
is the epitome of luxury design, from the flowing curves of the unique etched grille to the depth of the finely polished acetate rings. Hand-stitched in premium leather, every detail has been meticulously crafted, down to the finishing of the aluminum 5-pin connector.

580-Volt Compatible
The CRBN is compatible with 580-volt “Stax Pro Bias” amplifiers such as Woo Audio, Linear Tube Audio, Mjolnir Audio, Headamp, Stax (of course) and others. For maximum compatibility, the cable is equipped with a standard 5-pin connector.

Characteristics of Audeze CRBN

• Headphone type: open
• Transducer type: electrostatic
• Functional bias voltage: 580V
• Transducer size: 120mm x 90mm
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
• Weight: 300g