The Orpheus from Sennheiser: A Legacy of Unmatched Sound Quality

Summary

In this article, we explore the Orpheus from Sennheiser, a pair of electrostatic headphones released in 1991. Despite being an exhibit for headphones as art, the Orpheus remains one of the best sounding headphones ever made. With only 300 ever produced, it is a rare and expensive piece of audio equipment, but it has influenced the design and technology of Sennheiser’s modern products.

The Orpheus: A Brief Introduction
The Design of the Orpheus
The Technology of the Orpheus
The Legacy of the Orpheus
Conclusion

The Orpheus: A Brief Introduction

The Orpheus from Sennheiser is widely considered as one of the best sounding pair of headphones ever made. Originally released in 1991, the Orpheus was not intended to be a commercial product. Instead, it was created as an exhibit for headphones as art. Only 300 were ever produced, and they sold out immediately.

The Design of the Orpheus

The Orpheus is a unique headphone design that stands out from modern headphones. It is not a typical headphone design with cone drivers. Instead, it is an electrostatic headphone with a very thin film of material that vibrates when electrical charges pass through it. The Orpheus is also made with exotic materials, including fancy wood and a pretty finish, making it a high-end product.

Another design feature of the Orpheus is the absence of an on/off switch. To turn it off, you have to insert a key and twist it, just like turning off a car. The idea behind this design is to keep the key on your key ring, so only you can turn it off. This feature adds a touch of exclusivity to the Orpheus, making it more special than an average pair of headphones.

The Technology of the Orpheus

The Orpheus is an analog class A amp that generates everything inside the case. It is a very thin film of material that vibrates when electrical charges pass through it. The technology behind the Orpheus is what makes it an exceptional headphone, even by today’s standards.

The Legacy of the Orpheus

Despite being a rare and expensive piece of audio equipment, the Orpheus has influenced the design and technology of Sennheiser’s modern products. The exotic materials and unique design features of the Orpheus have trickled down over the years as part of the company’s DNA into the rest of its products.

Conclusion

The Orpheus from Sennheiser is a legendary piece of audio equipment that has stood the test of time. Despite being released in 1991, it remains one of the best sounding headphones ever made. Its unique design and technology have influenced the design and technology of Sennheiser’s modern products, making it a significant piece of audio history. While it may be challenging to find a pair of Orpheus headphones today, its legacy lives on in the audio industry.