[reddog]

$55,000

If I won the lottery, I would love to get these headphones. I would imagine these headphones sound drop dead fantastic and the R/D cost is validated by the sound.

 

[raypin]

If I won the lottery, I would love to get these headphones. I would imagine these headphones sound drop dead fantastic and the R/D cost is validated by the sound.

mmm.....when the Orpheus 2 was disclosed (prior to official launch), much controversy was generated by the guesstimate price of USD 45,000.00 (if I remember it correctly). I actually took a sizeable chunk out of my retirement funds and prepared 45k......it was my upper, upper limit for this hobby for a single purchase. When the official price was announced, I was crestfallen. So near and yet so far. With import taxes and shipping, it was just too much for me. So, yeah, just like you, I'm betting on lottery tickets every now and then. So, no HE 1 for me.  

 

[Toolman]

Just to correct the info...the price is €55,000 and that's just the starting price as there are black marble, jade and it goes all the way up to €2,400,000 for a 19K gold unit

 

[mulveling]

  mmm.....when the Orpheus 2 was disclosed (prior to official launch), much controversy was generated by the guesstimate price of USD 45,000.00 (if I remember it correctly). I actually took a sizeable chunk out of my retirement funds and prepared 45k......it was my upper, upper limit for this hobby for a single purchase. When the official price was announced, I was crestfallen. So near and yet so far. With import taxes and shipping, it was just too much for me. So, yeah, just like you, I'm betting on lottery tickets every now and then. So, no HE 1 for me.  

It's a shame they priced it just out of reach for you -- but if you're really serious, I think having 40k ready to go, plus some patience and effort (possibly with a willingness to accept a lightly used set) would yield a good result. I don't think it's a completely bonkers investment, unlike say the hifiman set.

 

[raypin]

Mm..thanks!

 

[chrismini]

I feel like  car enthusiast who drives a Corvette looking at a 3.6 million dollar Bugatti.

 

[raypin]

Mm...I feel pretty, oh so pretty...........I feel stunning And entrancing, Feel like running and dancing for joy..........

 

[raypin]

Mm..It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
Take a look in the five and ten glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes aglow.

 

[KR...]

The original ones cost $16,000 back in 1991. They are the very best headphones/amp combo that I have ever heard.
 
I am sorry but $55,0000 seem insane for these.
 
These are just for the billionaire who has everything type of gift.

 

[raypin]

Mm...16k in 1991 dollars is equivalent to 28k in today's dollars (owing to inflation). Still a big difference from 55k. So, charge the difference to R & D, better SQ (I think), markup etc.

 

[astrostar59]

Mm...16k in 1991 dollars is equivalent to 28k in today's dollars (owing to inflation). Still a big difference from 55k. So, charge the difference to R & D, better SQ (I think), markup etc.

Naa, its peoples current 'acceptance' of huge money for the best in the range (of anything). How many people do you know 20 years back that were buying super cars costing 2 years earning+? Now so many average Joe's have one. Yeah, mostly leased, but still the cost is enormous.
 
This hobby has gone ballistic with prices. And not just HPs of course. Look at DACs. IMO the insane prices for 'top level' DACs may be coming to a close, or a smaller niche. I would not pay 30K+ for a DAC that can be obsolete / beat by a new model at half the price 12 months later. Looking at another hifi product, Goldmund power amplifiers costing 100K+ 10 years back now selling for 18K used.
 
If the HE-1 is indeed limited release, and they don't bring out another model for say another 15 years, then 'maybe' it would make sense to buy it if you have the discretionary cash and wanted the absolute best HP system ever. But that is not guaranteed.