Over-Ear
Audeze CRBN2
88Outstanding
$5995
Full review dataAudeze CRBN2 vs Meze ELITE ALUMINIUM: 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
Meze ELITE ALUMINIUM
88Outstanding
$4000
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
Meze ELITE ALUMINIUM
Sound9.5
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audeze CRBN2 | Meze ELITE ALUMINIUM |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $5995 | $4000 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2022 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | push-pull electrostatic, ultra-thin polyimide film infused with carbon nanotubes | Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array |
| Driver size | 120 mm | 102 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-40kHz | 3Hz-112kHz |
| Impedance | - | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 480 g | 430 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | 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
Meze ELITE ALUMINIUM
The Meze Elite is a premium open-back planar headphone that builds on the brand's flagship heritage with a refined, spacious, and highly musical sound. Its aluminum construction and updated driver array deliver strong technical performance, excellent detail retrieval, and a comfortable fit, making it a top-tier choice for audiophiles seeking a luxurious listening experience. While its price point is steep, the combination of craftsmanship, ergonomics, and sonic maturity positions it as a standout in the high-end segment.
- Pro:Exceptional build quality with premium aluminum materials
- Pro:Spacious and immersive soundstage with excellent separation
- Pro:Smooth, musical tuning that remains detailed and dynamic
- Con:Very high price tag limits accessibility
- Con:No ANC or wireless features for a wired-only design
- Con:Potential bass roll-off may not suit bass-heavy listeners
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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