A newly released pair of headphones could be the best ever made – but will set you back an eye-watering $50,000 (£32,400, N11m). Sennheiser’s Orpheus headphones have 6,000 individual components including gold-vapourised ceramic electrodes, platinum-vapourised diaphragms, and Carrara marble amplifier housing from Italy.
They are the successor to the Orpheus HE90 headphones which was released in 1991 and were widely regarded as the best headphones around.
Only 300 pairs were ever made, and even today a second-hand pair will set you back several thousand pounds.
When you turn on the power on the new Orpheus, chromium-plated brass knobs extend from the amplifier housing and the eight quartz-encased vacuum tubes rise from the base and start to glow.
And there are eight digital-to-analog converters to get the best sound from low-quality music streams.
Sennheiser says the headphones will be produced from next year, with a limited run of 250 produced each year.
While audiophiles are notoriously hard to please, Sennheiser makes a bold claim about their quality.
A statement said: “They are the best headphones in the world. Sennheiser is presenting new high-end headphones that offer an unprecedented audio experience.
“The electrostatic headphone system combines to perfection the most innovative technology with carefully selected, luxurious materials and highest quality craftsmanship.”
