Sennheiser Orpheus Headphones, The Best Ever?

[Paul@HiFi-Lounge]

Hi Guys,

I thought I'd just post the 2 links below for anyone who likes their headphones, basically they are a couple of videos regarding the Sennheiser Orpheus headphones, shot at this years CES, they were released in 1991 and are considered possibly the greatest headphone set up ever created.

Only 300 were made, nowadays the video says a 2nd hand pair would cost around $30,000 and I love the fact you use a key to turn them on, that is definitely something I've never heard of before in hifi.

As HiFi Lounge are part of Club Orpheus I found it particularly interesting to see where the name come from originally.

Well worth a quick watch though as it is extremely cool kit, anyone actually heard them?

http://bcove.me/1bik4zvd

http://youtu.be/Rb8dbrDCNVs

 

[Andrew Everard]

Yes, we had a set in for review on Audiophile magazine (late of this parish) about the time of their launch, and very lovely they sounded, too.

 

[Frank Harvey]

I heard them about 10 years ago and wasn't overly impressed, not for the money anyway. Admittedly that was at a hi-fi show, but that shouldn't be any excuse for headphones....

 

[Frank Harvey]

Only 300 were made, nowadays the video says a 2nd hand pair would cost around $30,000 and I love the fact you use a key to turn them on, that is definitely something I've never heard of before in hifi.

Thorens did it in the early 90's with some rather nice sounding half width pre/power amps they did.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Thorens did it in the early 90's with some rather nice sounding half width pre/power amps they did.

Ah yes - reviewed them, too, way back when, and they were a bit special.

BTW Australian manufacturer Redgum Audio still does the key thing, but it's ages since I've heard any of its equipment – checking back, I tested an amp, speakers and CD player/DAC in 2001.

 

[Paul@HiFi-Lounge]

Excellent, I think we should have more key inspired HiFi nowadays

I thought it was interesting in one of the video's that the guy had a chance to compare the Orpheus against the HD800 with the new HDVD 800 head amp and he prefered the new setup, almost making that a bargain at £2500.