Over-Ear
Audeze CRBN2
88Outstanding
$5995
Full review dataAudeze CRBN2 vs Audio-Technica Awkg: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Audeze CRBN2 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Audeze CRBN2 - Outstanding overall at around $5995.
Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Awkg
82Great
$4499
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audeze CRBN2
Sound9.2
Value6.5
Audio-Technica Awkg
Sound9.0
Value5.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audeze CRBN2 | Audio-Technica Awkg |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $5995 | $4499 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | push-pull electrostatic, ultra-thin polyimide film infused with carbon nanotubes | dynamic |
| Driver size | 120 mm | 53 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-40kHz | 5Hz-45kHz |
| Impedance | - | 48 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 480 g | 390 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Audeze CRBN2
The Audeze CRBN2 is a premium open-back electrostatic headphone that builds on its predecessor with a second-generation driver and SLAM bass enhancement for a richer low-end. It offers a smooth, refined tonal balance with improved headroom and comfort, though it demands a quality energizer to perform at its best. The treble is slightly subdued, making it a more relaxed listen than some rivals.
- Pro:Powerful, impactful bass for an electrostatic
- Pro:Smooth, refined tonal character
- Pro:Improved comfort and headroom over the original
- Con:Requires a strong, expensive energizer
- Con:Treble presence is somewhat relaxed
- Con:Heavy weight at 480 grams
Audio-Technica Awkg
The Audio-Technica AWKG is a premium closed-back headphone that excels in high-end audio systems, delivering a refined and musical sound with excellent detail retrieval. Its build quality is top-notch, though its price is steep and its noise isolation is not as strong as typical closed-back designs, giving it a more open feel. The headphone pairs best with balanced, high-quality amplification to unlock its full potential.
- Pro:Exceptional build and premium materials
- Pro:Detailed, balanced sound signature
- Pro:Comfortable updated headband design
- Con:Very high price point
- Con:Weaker isolation than most closed-backs
- Con:Bass is less punchy than some rivals
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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