Over-Ear
Audeze CRBN2
88Outstanding
$5995
Full review dataAudeze CRBN2 vs STAX SR-009S: 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
STAX SR-009S
88Outstanding
$3290
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
STAX SR-009S
Sound9.5
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audeze CRBN2 | STAX SR-009S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $5995 | $3290 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2022 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | push-pull electrostatic, ultra-thin polyimide film infused with carbon nanotubes | electrostatic |
| Driver size | 120 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-40kHz | 5Hz-42kHz |
| Impedance | - | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 480 g | 589.67 g |
| Detachable cable | 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
STAX SR-009S
The STAX SR-009S is a premium electrostatic headphone that refines the original SR-009 formula with a slightly smoother, less bright tuning while retaining exceptional speed, detail, and openness. It offers a wide, precisely imaged soundstage and a very comfortable fit, making it a top-tier choice for critical listening, though it demands high-quality recordings and a dedicated amplifier system to shine. Its performance places it among the very best headphones available, with only the newer X9000 potentially edging it out in some respects.
- Pro:Extremely fast and detailed electrostatic sound
- Pro:Wide, immersive soundstage with precise imaging
- Pro:Comfortable fit despite large earcups
- Con:Very revealing of poor-quality recordings
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier, adding cost and complexity
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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