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Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£26,400Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.0/10

Overall score

Score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

80%

5.0

Technical score

20%

?

User score

▼Worse than 98% of headphones
3.8

Value for money

Value for money
3.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

5.0

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

▼Worse than 99%
5.0

Technical score

Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

52%

5.3

Sound

20%

4.6

Features

10%

5.0

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 93%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £26,400
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sennheiser Orpheus HE90

Technical score
Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components:

52%

5.3

Sound

20%

4.6

Features

10%

5.0

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

5.0
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
3.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

5.0

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

3.8
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
electrostatic
Driver size
80 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 80 mm, larger driver size than 97.7% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
7 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 7 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 83.2% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
?
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Sennheiser
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
365 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 365 g, heavier than 92.7% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 40 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (80 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    80 mm vs 40 mm
  • 11 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    7 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 55,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (75,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    75,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.29 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.01 % vs 0.3 %
  • 15 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 40 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (80 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    80 mm vs 40 mm
  • 11 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    7 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 55,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (75,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    75,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.29 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.01 % vs 0.3 %
  • 15 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 67.4% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (365 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    365 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 293.33x more expensive
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£26,400 vs £90).
    £26,400 vs £90
  • 92.9% worse value for money
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (3.77 vs 7.3).
    3.77 vs 7.27
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 293.33x more expensive
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£26,400 vs £90).
    £26,400 vs £90
  • 92.9% worse value for money
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (3.77 vs 7.3).
    3.77 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 67.4% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (365 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    365 g vs 218 g
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 25 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (1991 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    November 1991
    1991 vs 2016

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sennheiser Orpheus HE90

  • Unparalleled midrange and treble detail with lifelike vocal imaging
  • Wide, natural soundstage that avoids the 'inside-the-head' effect
  • Exceptional comfort with lightweight design and premium velour/leather pads
  • Highly euphonic and 'magical' musicality, especially for classical and jazz
  • Transparent, grain-free audio reproduction with lightning-fast transient response
  • Masterful build quality featuring wood-lined earcups and gold-coated polymer diaphragms

What customers don't like about Sennheiser Orpheus HE90

  • Sub-bass extension and impact are often described as lean or 'soft' compared to modern flagships
  • Extreme rarity with only 300 units originally produced
  • High second-hand market price, often exceeding $25,000–$30,000
  • The matching HEV 90 amplifier is bulky and generates significant heat
  • Internal DAC in the original amplifier is limited to older 16-bit standards

Verdict

The Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 is a legendary open-back electrostatic headphone featuring a push-pull transducer principle and a gold-coated polymer foil diaphragm only 1 micron thick. It boasts a wide frequency response of 25Hz to 75kHz with exceptionally low total harmonic distortion of 0.01% at 94dB and a maximum sound pressure level of 118dB. Main characteristics include its handcrafted wood-lined ear cups, leather-velour pads, and 500VDC bias voltage requirement, which necessitates its companion HEV90 vacuum tube amplifier. Pros center on its class-leading midrange transparency, lifelike imaging, and a crystalline treble that provides unmatched detail for classical music. Primary cons include its extreme scarcity with only 300 units originally produced, a lean bass response that lacks modern sub-bass impact, and a highly prohibitive secondary market price.

Compare Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 with other products in the Headphones category

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