crinacle
95Crinacle ranking: grade S, tone S+, technical S, signature: Harman neutral.
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Image © audio.com.plSennheiser HE-1
66/ 100
Good
HearWiki score
Pricey for what it is
$105,000
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated 
At a glance
- Brand
- Sennheiser
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Fit
- -
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Released
- 2016
Score breakdowngood overall
Sound9.9
Value0.8
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
The Sennheiser HE-1 is an electrostatic flagship headphone that represents the absolute pinnacle of audio engineering, delivering an ultra-transparent and precise sound signature tuned to the Harman target. With an exceptionally wide frequency response and high sensitivity, it offers a level of detail and clarity that is virtually unmatched in the high-end audio world. This wired, over-ear model is designed for the most discerning audiophiles seeking the ultimate listening experience.
What works
- Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Wide 8 Hz–80 kHz frequency response
- Neutral Harman-tuned sound signature
- High sensitivity for electrostatic design
- Premium build and materials
What doesn't
- Extremely high price point
- Requires dedicated amplifier setup
- No active noise cancellation
- Heavy at 550 grams
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | 2× electrostatic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | electrostatic |
| Drivers per side | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8 Hz - 80 kHz |
| Sound signature | harman |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB/mW |
Audio
| Driver | 2× electrostatic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | electrostatic |
| Drivers per side | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8 Hz - 80 kHz |
| Sound signature | harman |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB/mW |
Features
| Active noise cancelling | No |
|---|---|
| ANC type | none |
Design
| Weight | 550 g |
|---|---|
| USB-C | Yes |
What the reviews said
1 source(s) feeding this product's score.
What YouTube reviewers say
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
The consensus
Positiveacross 2 videosReviewers agree the Sennheiser HE-1 delivers an extraordinary, hyper-real listening experience with unmatched clarity, articulation, and a layered, immersive soundstage that makes familiar tracks feel remastered.
Reviewers liked
- Unmatched clarity and articulation
- Wide, layered, immersive soundstage
- Makes familiar tracks feel remastered
Reviewers flagged
- Extremely expensive at $60,000
- Very heavy and not the most comfortable
- Impractical for everyday use and requires a dedicated listening room
10:47AUDIO ENGINEER Tries the WORLD'S BEST HEADPHONES for the First Time | 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.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
34:54Destroying Everything You Know About Sound... Sennheiser HE-1 [💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎] X6
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.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
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Mentioned in articles
Where the Sennheiser HE-1 comes up in our guides and explainers.
- ExplainerBluetooth audio codecs, explained without the marketingWhat SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC and LC3 actually do, why phone support matters, and when codecs don't matter.
- ExplainerHow the HearWiki Score Works: A Plain-English GuideLearn how HearWiki's 0-100 score is built from third-party reviews, why sub-scores matter, when we refuse to score, and what the number can't tell you.
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