Sennheiser HE-1

The reviewer, an audio engineer, was flown to Buffalo to try the Sennheiser HE-1, a $60,000 electrostatic headphone system. Despite a broken unit initially, they listened to a working pair and were deeply impressed by its hyper-real, euphoric sound, praising its articulation, soundstage, and lack of harshness. They concluded it is an extraordinary, top-tier listening experience, though they noted the high price and the need for a dedicated listening room.

The reviewer, joined by DMS, spends time with the Sennheiser HE-1 (Orpheus) in a quiet office setting. They describe it as the most forceful and best headphone on Earth, making familiar tracks feel remastered with a unique, layered soundstage. However, they note it is very heavy, not the most comfortable, and impractical for everyday use, but overall they are deeply impressed.