[KeithEmo]

  The Koss ESP 6 connects directly to regular amplifier outlets and has a transformer and associated electronics in the cup. It was good for its day, but lacks the detail of modern phones. On the other hand the Stax phones sound harsh by comparison. However they are heavy, at almost 2 pounds. I got an old set some years ago and cleaned them up to get them working again.  
http://www.head-fi.org/t/234504/koss-esp6-refurbished-vintage-electrostatics

 
I had a pair of ESP/9's; they had a separate box for the transformers, but the earpieces were still heavy, and made you feel sort of like Uncle Fester when you wore them (for those of you who are too young, he was the fellow from the Addams Family who liked to put a clamp on his head). They did sound nice, though.
 
I think anyone even considering spending as much money as these cost would be well advised to try them first. I'd have to say that things like the marble cabinet make me nervous; it makes me wonder if they're more concerned with looks and other such things than performance. That said, putting actual amplifiers in the earpieces shouldn't be compared with running amplifier-level signals to the earpieces and putting transformers there - minimizing the length of wire that the high-voltage signal has to go through is an excellent idea (from a design perspective). It actually lets you use a less powerful amplifier, and get better performance, because the amp doesn't have to drive the capacitance of the cable (which means better performance, and that the sound shouldn't change with different length cables).

 

[Syracuse]

I think 99.9% can better stop drooling over the new orpheus system here. At 50.000 euro's it will be a collectors item for Bill Gates and his popular friends.

 

[Sennheiser]

Introducing the world’s new best headphones: Employing the latest breakthroughs in design, leading-edge manufacturing techniques and materials, the new Orpheus delivers unparalleled, unprecedented sound performance, reshaping the meaning of excellence. Click for more:  
 

 

[mscott58]

So the big reveal is here...

...and whatever technological advancement is made appears to be overshadowed by the marketing spin and odd wording. Think I might have thrown up a little while reading the new site. To me this just confirms that this product is not aimed at audiophiles. I'm pretty sure there are quite a few awesome German engineers squirming in their seats when they see what the marketing department has done with their hard work.

Cheers

 

[willyvlyminck]

So the big reveal is here...

...and whatever technological advancement is made appears to be overshadowed by the marketing spin and odd wording. Think I might have thrown up a little while reading the new site. To me this just confirms that this product is not aimed at audiophiles. I'm pretty sure there are quite a few awesome German engineers squirming in their seats when they see what the marketing department has done with their hard work.

Cheers

If money is no object building the best one isn't that of a problem. Building the very best at a democratic price say 350-400 max that is a lot more difficult

 

[willyvlyminck]

Subbed, this thread is growing like wildfire.

Only because it is about a headphone that 99,95% can't afford

 

[lovethatsound]

Introducing the world’s new best headphones: Employing the latest breakthroughs in design, leading-edge manufacturing techniques and materials, the new Orpheus delivers unparalleled, unprecedented sound performance, reshaping the meaning of excellence. Click for more:  

[COLOR=FF4400]
[/color]

It will only set you back £35,700 happy xmas lol

 

[areek]

I'll have to sell myself to black market to get my hands on this one. Any buyers for kidneys, corneas and stuff? 

 

[pietcux]

I'll have to sell myself to black market to get my hands on this one. Any buyers for kidneys, corneas and stuff? 

How about selling your inner ears?

 

[lookingforIEMs]

How about selling your inner ears?

If one can get hold of the mighty orpheus 2, selling our inner ears is nothing. I'd sell my inner ears on the black market in a heartbeat! No questions asked!

 

[willyvlyminck]

50000 Euro! Only for the happy few extreme rich people, we can only hope new technologies will flew into the more earthly priced cans over the years.

 

[bmichels]

Cost break-down:

- R&D : 10%
- production costs : 10%
- .....marketing : 80%

 

[ziis]

50000 Euro! Only for the happy few extreme rich people, we can only hope new technologies will flew into the more earthly priced cans over the years.

A tiny little piece of hope that I could possibly afford it just got shattered..

 

[charliex]

Just think, with Christmas shopping just around the corner why  not pick one up for yourself and your 9 best friends for a mere $1 000 000 (million dollars).
What a steal!

 

[LFC_SL]

This is no different to Top Gear driving around in fantasy sports cars. I have no issue with the price tag as it is not intended to be anything other than a fantasy product. Ready, envy, demo, go back to reality.