It’s a Magic charm
The list of the 6,000-plus components that make up the Orpheus headphone system from Sennheiser abounds with esoterica that will set an audiophile’s heart aflutter: dual MOSFET ear-cup integrated amplifiers, electrostatic transducers, 2.4-micrometre diaphragms, gold vaporised ceramic electrodes, eight ESS Sabre chips, SE 803 vacuum tubes. Together these parts form what may well be the best personal audio system ever created.
Priced at about US$62,000, this latest Orpheus is an entirely new version of the much-acclaimed system that the revered German brand introduced some 25 years ago. The amplifying and processing components are built into the system, so the Orpheus needs only an audio source. It works equal wonders with digital music files and good old-fashioned vinyl. The sound that the Orpheus delivers through its supremely comfortable circumaural headphones is beyond nuanced and full-bodied; the most delicate musical touches come through like magical whispers.
The Orpheus impresses even before you listen to it. Touch the volume knob, and the other control knobs and the tubes emerge from the system’s Carrara-marble base. Meanwhile, the lid of the case containing the headphones tilts open, inviting you to put them over your ears and enjoy.
