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Status Audio Cb 1 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£60
Avg. price in US: ~$80
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Status Audio Cb 1 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.5

Good

4.6

Poor

9.2

Exceptional

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.9
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
3.7
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.2
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
3.7
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#238 in Best Wired Headphones
#506 in Best Over Ear Headphones

Verdict

The Status Audio CB-1 is an over-ear, closed-back dynamic headphone featuring 50mm drivers and a wide frequency response of 15 Hz – 30 kHz. With a low impedance of 32 Ohms and a sensitivity of 97 dB, it is easy to drive from mobile devices and studio equipment alike. Key characteristics include an expansive soundstage for a closed-back design, a neutral sound profile aimed at reference work, and thick memory foam ear pads for extended comfort. It also features a foldable design and two detachable cables with a twist-lock mechanism. The main pros are its impressive resolution, superior comfort, and high value for mixing and mastering at a budget price. However, users frequently note cons such as a cheap plastic build prone to creaking or cracking, lackluster passive noise isolation, and a somewhat generic, unbranded aesthetic.

Technical Specifications of Status Audio Cb 1

Overall score

5.5

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

5.9

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

1.4

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

2.9

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

6.3

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Status

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Status Audio Cb 1 vs the average headphone

Why is Status Audio Cb 1 better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Status Audio Cb 1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Status Audio Cb 1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
10 mm larger driver size
Status Audio Cb 1 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Status Audio Cb 1 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
10,000 Hz higher treble extension
Status Audio Cb 1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Status Audio Cb 1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.30000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
1.8 m more useful cable length
Status Audio Cb 1 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Status Audio Cb 1 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
Boom microphone included
Status Audio Cb 1 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.
Importance: LOW
Status Audio Cb 1 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
3 Hz lower bass extension
Status Audio Cb 1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Status Audio Cb 1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.15 Hz vs 18 Hz
16x higher input power handling
Status Audio Cb 1 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,600 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=300 mW
Status Audio Cb 1 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,600 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1600 mW vs 100 mW
0.8 lower clamp force
Status Audio Cb 1 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.
Importance: MEDIUM
Status Audio Cb 1 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.3.5 vs 4.3
1.8 m more useful cable length
Status Audio Cb 1 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
0.8 lower clamp force
Status Audio Cb 1 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Status Audio Cb 1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
10 mm larger driver size
Status Audio Cb 1 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
10,000 Hz higher treble extension
Status Audio Cb 1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
3 Hz lower bass extension
Status Audio Cb 1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
16x higher input power handling
Status Audio Cb 1 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,600 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
26 dB higher max SPL
Status Audio Cb 1 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (136 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Boom microphone included
Status Audio Cb 1 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Status Audio Cb 1 worse than the average headphone?

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28.9% higher weight
Status Audio Cb 1 is heavier than the average headphone (281 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
5 mm tighter earcup height
Status Audio Cb 1 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
Tangle-prone cable
Status Audio Cb 1 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Status Audio Cb 1 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
3 mm tighter earcup width
Status Audio Cb 1 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
0.7 % higher distortion
Status Audio Cb 1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Status Audio Cb 1 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
6 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Status Audio Cb 1 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Not headset-ready
Status Audio Cb 1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Status Audio Cb 1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Status Audio Cb 1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No voice assistant support
Status Audio Cb 1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Status Audio Cb 1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
0.7 % higher distortion
Status Audio Cb 1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Status Audio Cb 1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
28.9% higher weight
Status Audio Cb 1 is heavier than the average headphone (281 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Status Audio Cb 1 is heavier than the average headphone (281 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.281 g vs 218 g
5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Status Audio Cb 1 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Status Audio Cb 1 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Not headset-ready
Status Audio Cb 1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.
Importance: MEDIUM
Status Audio Cb 1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Status Audio Cb 1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
Status Audio Cb 1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
5 mm tighter earcup height
Status Audio Cb 1 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Status Audio Cb 1 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.55 mm vs 60 mm
Tangle-prone cable
Status Audio Cb 1 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Status Audio Cb 1 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Status Audio Cb 1 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Status Audio Cb 1?

Neutral and balanced sound signature ideal for studio mixing and monitoring
Excellent value for the price, often compared to more expensive professional models
Highly comfortable for long sessions due to thick, plush memory foam ear pads
Impressive soundstage and instrument separation for closed-back headphones
Includes two high-quality detachable cables (coiled and straight) with a twist-lock mechanism
Minimalist, unbranded aesthetic that looks professional without being flashy

What customers dislike about Status Audio Cb 1?

Build quality feels somewhat flimsy with heavy use of plastic
Prone to durability issues, including creaking hinges and headband breakage
Passive noise isolation is average and may not block out loud environments effectively
Twist-lock cable mechanism can be cumbersome and difficult to remove
Generic design lacks the premium feel of competitors
Treble can occasionally sound metallic or slightly grainy at higher volumes

Expert reviews

techradar.com

16/03/2017

Status Audio CB-1 review - TechRadar

Review Summary The Status Audio CB-1 are large, budget-friendly studio monitor headphones known for providing a very big and wide soundstage for their low price of $79. They feature a comfortable, logo-free design with thick padding and large 50mm drivers that deliver great scale and airiness. The headphones come with two detachable cables—one coiled and one straight—plus a 6.3mm...Read more

homestudiobasics.com

10/12/2025

Status Audio CB-1 Review: Still Relevant After All This Time

The Status Audio CB-1 is a closed-back, circumaural studio headphone priced around $60 that punches well above its weight class in audio performance. Its standout features are a remarkably wide, open soundstage—comparable to the open-back AKG K702—and exceptional instrument separation, making it a highly capable tool for budget mixing and music production. Comfort is another major...Read more

audiosciencereview.com

24/07/2023

Status Audio CB-1 Headphone Review

Review Overview The Status Audio CB-1 is a budget-focused, closed-back headphone priced at $79 that offers an attractive aesthetic and high sensitivity, making it incredibly easy to drive without a powerful amplifier. However, the reviewer from Audio Science Review ultimately did not recommend the product due to significant design flaws, including physical and acoustical...Read more

head-fi.org

29/12/2016

Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Studio Monitor Headphones

The Status Audio CB-1 headphones offer exceptional, neutral audio performance with smooth mids, detailed highs, and punchy bass, providing high value for under $100. Designed for studio monitoring, they feature precise imaging and a surprisingly open soundstage, making them suitable for critical listening. Conversely, the construction relies on cheap, lightweight plastic, resulting...Read more

provideocoalition.com

28/01/2018

Review: Status Audio CB-1 brandable isolating headphones

Status Audio CB-1 Review Summary The Status Audio CB-1 is an unbranded, closed-back headphone model designed specifically for audio professionals and producers looking for a highly customizable design. A standout pro is its blank exterior finish, allowing creators to seamlessly apply their own 40mm branded logos for promotional use during broadcasts or recordings. Furthermore, the...Read more

xander51.medium.com

25/11/2017

Status Audio CB-1 Headphones Review - Alex Rowe - Medium

In a review on Medium, xander51 highlights that the Status Audio CB-1 headphones deliver exceptional studio-style audio quality with a wide soundstage and clear, revealing highs comparable to more expensive alternatives, all for a budget price. The package is praised for including high-quality, durable detachable cables and thoughtful packaging. Medium· Conversely, the review...Read more

whathifi.com

08/06/2017

Status CB-1 review - What Hi-Fi?

In their review of the Status CB-1 chunk over-ear headphones, What Hi-Fi? describes them as a mixed bag that offers a large scale of sound but falls short of a full recommendation due to a few amateurish design flaws. Tested at £70, these budget, wired headphones offer a surprisingly wide and airy soundstage driven by 50mm drivers, alongside substantial bass weight and decent treble...Read more

medium.com

28/01/2018

Status Audio CB-1 customizable isolating headphones (Includes Spanish option)", "Status Audio CB-1 unbranded isolating headphones (Includes Spanish op...

Allan Tépper’s review highlights the Status Audio CB-1 headphones as a top choice for audiovisual professionals, specifically praising their "brandable" nature due to the absence of corporate logos, which allows for custom branding. The review emphasizes their exceptional comfort, featuring thick earpads suitable for long editing sessions, alongside robust isolation that effectively...Read more

diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com

17/07/2022

Status Audio CB-1 | DIY-Audio-Heaven For in-depth technical measurements from a Dutch source, see DIY-Audio-Heaven.

The Status Audio CB-1 is a budget-friendly, closed-back over-ear studio headphone that offers an impressively neutral, natural, and dynamic sound signature well-suited for both music production and casual enjoyment. Key technical strengths include excellent bass extension down to 15Hz, high sensitivity and efficiency that allow it to be easily driven directly from smartphones or...Read more

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