Audio Video News

In 1991 German headphone maker Sennheiser introduced what it considered to be the “best headphone in the world” and named it after the Greek musician and poet Orpheus. Only 300 units were made. The company has resurrected Orpheus and updated it with state-of-the-art technology to create the “first electrostatic headphone with a Cool Class A MOS-FET high voltage amplifier integrated into the ear cups.”

Amplifiers in the ear cups? Sennheiser says building amps into the headphone improves performance by eliminating the capacitive reactance of a cable.

At the heart of Orpheus are 2.4-micrometer platinum-vaporized diaphragms, the size that delivers optimal sound reproduction, according to Sennheiser research. The ear cups are machined from solid aluminum and fitted with pads made of fine leather and soft, allergen-free velour/microfibre.

More impressive is the tube amp and storage box, perched on a marble base that completes what is actually a headphone system.

All of this can be yours for about $55,000.

Our favorite line from the press release (excerpted below) is Sennheiser’s explanation of Orpheus’ frequency range:

An unprecedented, ultra-wide frequency range from 8 Hz to more than 100 kHz will exceed the human auditory range—and would be only perceivable by the combined hearing abilities of bats and elephants.

We’ll thank God for that.

From the press release:

The new Orpheus at a glance:

• The best of tube and transistor amplifiers: The patent-applied-for circuit design combines the best of tube and transistor amplifiers, to provide the ultimate audio experience.

• Integrated amplifiers for ultra-high impulse fidelity: The purest of all audio, shielded from the outside world, emerges from the heart through the Cool Class A MOSFET high-voltage amplifiers. Integrated directly into the cups of the headphones, its ultra-high impulse fidelity patented amplifier stage increases efficiency by 200% over other currently available solutions.

  

• A vault of pure silence: At its heart is a vault of pure silence, locked in with Sennheiser technology and heavily guarded against interference of any kind. Measuring just 0.01 percent at 100 dB SPL at 1 kHz, Sennheiser has created a product with lower distortion than has ever been measured in sound reproduction equipment.

• Isolated from airborne noise: Nothing stands in the way of the listening pleasure created by this monument to sound. Not even airborne noise: High-quality quartz bulbs around the vacuum tubes eliminate all acoustic noise from the outside world.

• A golden audio experience: In order to create truly outstanding electrical and acoustic performance, Sennheiser utilizes electrodes crafted from gold-vaporized ceramics.

• Platinum-vaporized: When the monument to sound makes itself heard, 2.4 micrometer, platinum-vaporized diaphragms will set a new standard in perfection. As our research has shown the optimal size for sound reproduction.

• Frequency range: An unprecedented, ultra-wide frequency range from 8 Hz to more than 100 kHz will exceed the human auditory range— and would be only perceivable by the combined hearing abilities of bats and elephants.

• Monumental purity: Crafted without compromise, the sound rises from the amplifiers through the silver-plated cables, chosen for optimum conductivity. When it flows to the ear, a sound never before experienced is born.

• Digital to analog conversion: The monument to sound converts digital music data to analog signals using the ESS SABRE ES9018 chip. When you experience Sennheiser's best ever sound, you'll be converted too.

• A testament to craftsmanship: To create a visually stunning design, control dials are painstakingly crafted to the highest quality. Each dial is milled from a single piece of brass before being plated with chrome.

• Made of marble: An amplifier housing crafted of finest Carrara marble of the type once used by Michelangelo to build his sculptures. Due to its mass, purity and solidity, it is an unshakeable foundation for the ultimate sound.

• Hand-crafted for ultimate comfort: The hypoallergenic and breathable genuine leather ear pads are designed and built in Germany ensuring the highest possible comfort. Immerse yourself entirely in an audio experience which can be felt with all your senses.

For more information, visit sennheiser.com.