Sennheiser Orpheus Rebooted - Are these the best headphones in the world?
What is a Sennheiser Orpheus?
The original Sennheiser Orpheus are things of legend in the audiophile community. The Orpheus debuted way back in 1991 at a mind-blowing price of over $15,000. It was a combo deal where the headphones and stunning tube amplifier were to be purchased in combo, and only 300 sets were ever made.
I only had the chance to see one set in my life and would be surprised if I ever come across one again as the original Orpheus is now considered a collector’s item commanding a second-hand price of well over $50,000. To celebrate the company's year anniversary, Sennheiser has just announced the new Orpheus, a headphone that the designers say they have been working towards for the past 10 years.
No expense was spared to create the new Orpheus from gold connectors, the best quality tubes, and a Carrera marble base unit. This headphone and amp combo screams pure luxury and indulgence at every turn. Speaking of turn, the original Orpheus came with a freaking ignition key; you literally had to insert a key, turn it, and the unit would power on.
This, of course, ensured that no one would use your ultra-expensive headphones without your permission. Well, the ignition key seems to be gone on the new Orpheus unit, but that doesn’t mean the ritual and ceremony starting a listening session with the Orpheus is any less impressive. Now when you flick the toggle on the switch, the control dials will emerge from the stunning marble base unit, the tubes will rise, and the headphone case win swing open.
Amplification is handled like a 2 part process. Firstly the sound travels through the 8 tube amplifiers to add that warm natural tone that audiophiles love. Second, there is a digital amplification that actually happens inside the headphones themselves.
So how much do the new Sennheiser Orpheus headphones cost?
The new Orpheus headphones price will be around £35,000 ($50,000+) when they become available next year. Making them the most expensive headphones in the world. I do not doubt that these will be one of if not the best sounding headphones on the market, but if I met you in the street and you told me you had a set, I would brand you an idiot with more money than sense. One thing for certain, though, there are plenty of idiots out there, so expect the Orpheus headphones to sell well.
For now, you can satiate your need for ridiculous marketing by visiting the wonderfully ostentatious Orpheus website.