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Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£26,400
  • Avg. price in US: ~$33,940
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.1

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

3.1

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

3.3

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

4.4

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.6
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    1.6

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 2.7
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.6

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    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.

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.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser Orpheus HE90

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

3.1
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a technical score of 3.08 points, which is lower than that of 98.7% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

3.1

Overall score

40.0%

1.0

Price

2.5
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a quality-to-price ratio of 2.5 points, which is lower than 99.9% of products in this category.
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

no
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

electrostatic
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

80 mm
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 uses a driver size of 80 mm, larger driver size than 97.6% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
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

1
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

7 Hz
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 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
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

no
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

0
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
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

no
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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
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

wired
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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
Show more
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

no
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

no
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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
Show more
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

Sennheiser
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

365 g
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 weighs 365 g, heavier than 92.7% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
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

open-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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Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 vs the average headphone

  • 40 mm larger driver size
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (80 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

    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (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
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (7 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

    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (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
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (75,000 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

    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (75,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.75000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 0.29 % lower distortion
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % 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%

    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (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
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (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
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (80 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 11 Hz lower bass extension
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 55,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (75,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 0.29 % lower distortion
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 15 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.

Total
Sound
  • 67.4% higher weight
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 is heavier than the average headphone (365 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 26 years older release date
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 was released earlier than the average headphone (1,991 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    November 1991
  • No passive noise reduction
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 67.4% higher weight
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 is heavier than the average headphone (365 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

    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 is heavier than the average headphone (365 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.365 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 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

    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 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

    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (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 headphone (£26,400 vs £90).
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 is more expensive than the average headphone (£26,400 vs £90).£26,400 vs £90
  • 2.74x worse value for money
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has worse value for money than the average headphone (2.46 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has worse value for money than the average headphone (2.46 vs 6.736).2.46 vs 6.74
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 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

    Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

S
stereophile.com
30/08/2010
Sennheiser Orpheus HE 90 headphones

The Stereophile review of the Sennheiser Orpheus HE 90 describes the ultra-premium electrostatic system as a limited-edition masterwork paired with an Art Deco-styled HEV 90 tube amplifier. Key pros include unmatched comfort for long listening sessions, exceptionally smooth, grain-free audio with, sweet top-end definition, and an expansive, natural soundstage. Conversely, the review...Read more

H
head-fi.org
29/03/2011
My Sennheiser HE90 Orpheus impression

The Sennheiser HE90 Orpheus, reviewed on Head-Fi, offers unmatched transparency, high-frequency extension, and a wider soundstage than the HD800, providing an experience akin to high-end speakers. While praised for precise pace, rhythm, and timing, the electrostatic headphones are described as an intense, neutral, and demanding tool, not intended for casual listening, and lacking...Read more

H
head-fi.org
30/09/2010
Sennheiser Orpheus HE-90 - Reviews - Head-Fi Are you looking for the original 1991 technical specifications, or would you like to see how it compares...

The Sennheiser Orpheus HE-90 electrostatic headphone system is described in Head-Fi reviews as a luxurious, euphonic product prioritizing musical enjoyment over clinical accuracy, featuring a warm, rich sound with a wide, organic soundstage and excellent midrange clarity. While praised for its, comfortable design and opulent build quality, user feedback highlights limitations such...Read more

E
engadget.com
09/01/2013
Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 headphones ears-on

The Engadget review celebrates the Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 electrostatic headphones as a legendary benchmark in hi-fi audio history, first introduced in 1991. Built on custom dual-electrode push-pull technology, the system boasts an astonishing frequency response range of 7 to 100,000 Hz, far exceeding the capability of human hearing. The prominent pros highlighted in the review...Read more

H
headfonia.com
20/11/2015
Review: The Week My Life Changed - Sennheiser Orpheus

The Headfonia review describes the Sennheiser Orpheus as a transformative audio masterpiece, highlighting its unmatched sound clarity, deep bass, and comfortable design. Key pros include a hybrid amplifier, in-cup tube technology, and a 200% increase in audio efficiency. Conversely, significant cons are its $55,000 price point and limited availability. The review also notes the ear...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
11/01/2013
Sennheiser Orpheus HE 90 Review

The Trusted Reviews analysis of the Sennheiser Orpheus HE 90 highlights these electrostatic headphones as a luxurious, lightweight, and exceptionally comfortable masterpiece featuring wood-lined earcups and velour/leather padding. Sonically, the system is praised for delivering intense micro-details, lifelike vocal imaging, and a smooth, rich tonality, operating in a different class...Read more

H
head-fi.org
15/06/2004
REVIEW: Sennheiser HE90 "Orpheus" vs. Stax Omega 2

The Head-Fi review compares the Sennheiser HE90 "Orpheus" and Stax Omega 2, noting the HE90 for unrivaled detail retrieval and a natural, transparent soundstage. While the HE90 offers remarkable resolution, its cons include a lighter bass response and high dependency on recording quality. Conversely, the Stax Omega 2 provides superior channel separation, a three-dimensional...Read more

B
bild.de
26/11/2015
Sennheiser Orpheus: The most expensive headphones in the world

Overview The Sennheiser Orpheus (HE 1) is a luxury electrostatic headphone system that acts as the successor to the brand's legendary 1992 model. Priced at a staggering €50,000, each unit requires an entire workday to assemble by hand using premium materials like platinum-vaporized diaphragms, gold-vaporized ceramic transducers, and silver-plated copper cabling. The physical...Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
faz.net
30/11/2015
Sennheiser Orpheus - The World's Most Expensive and Best Headphones

The FAZ review identifies the Sennheiser Orpheus (HE 1060/HE 1) as the world's most expensive and capable headphone system, featuring a 50,000-Euro price tag and a Carrara marble housing. Its core strengths include electrostatic technology with integrated vacuum tube amplifiers, providing unmatched sound fidelity, and premium leather ear pads. Primary drawbacks noted in the review...Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
fidelity-online.de
06/09/2016
Sennheiser Orpheus Ultimate Headphone Review

The Sennheiser Orpheus (HE1060/HEV1060) is an ultra-premium, €50,000 electrostatic headphone and tube amplifier system built with uncompromising, high-end craftsmanship. Visually striking, the system features an automated "warm-up choreography" where control knobs slide out of a heavy Carrara marble chassis, vacuum tubes emerge from a black aluminum block, and a glass lid lifts to...Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
modernhifi.de
27/11/2015
Sennheiser Orpheus 2 Review: This Is What the World's Best Headphones Sound Like

The Sennheiser Orpheus 2 (HE 1) is a revolutionary electrostatic headphone and tube amplifier system that delivers arguably the best audio reproduction in the world. Built with an anti-resonant Carrara marble chassis, gold-vaporized ceramic electrodes, and quartz-shielded vacuum tubes, its engineering limits distortion to an unprecedented 0.01%. In listening tests, its performance...Read more

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H
heise.de
27/11/2015
Wiretapped: This is what the world's most expensive headphones sound like", "Eavesdropped: What the world's most expensive headphones sound like", "Li...

The Heise review evaluates the prototype of the Sennheiser Orpheus HE 1, an ultra-premium electrostatic headphone system priced at a staggering 50,000 Euros. heise onlineThe system delivers a dramatic visual theater upon powering up, featuring chrome-plated brass dials and motorized vacuum tubes that slowly emerge from a chassis crafted out of solid Carrara marble. Acoustically, the...Read more

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L
lesnumeriques.com
08/08/2013
On the Consistency of Headphone Design at Sennheiser

This article from Les Numériques analyzes the consistent acoustic design philosophy of Sennheiser across its high-end headphone lineup, comparing the legacy HD 650 to the newer HD 700 and flagship HD 800 models. Testing measurements reveal a clear shared "sonic signature" in frequency response, meaning Sennheiser’s research and development department maintains a strict internal...Read more

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L
lesnumeriques.com
13/11/2008
Sennheiser HD 650 Review (including the Orpheus HE90 test report)

The Sennheiser HD 650 is a high-end, open-back audiophile headphone that delivers exceptional, high-fidelity audio quality characterized by dense, velvety sound and rich but non-overwhelming bass. Designed exclusively for quality audio setups, it features a 300-ohm impedance, meaning it requires a dedicated headphone amplifier and clean audio sources to prevent sounding dull or...Read more

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H
hifi.nl
23/05/2018
Sennheiser HE 1 Review (Including a retrospective test of the HE90)

The Sennheiser HE-1 is an ultra-premium, electrostatic headphone system that doubles as a world-class line preamplifier, featuring a Carrara marble base and a motorized tube amplifier stage. On the positive side, the system delivers unmatched audio performance characterized by a realistic, three-dimensional soundstage with genuine depth, linear tonal balance, and an incredibly fast...Read more

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