The first time I had the Orpheus in my ears, I was shocked due to a number of reasons beyond its expected acoustic performance. Firstly, its tonality is very similar to the 1950s. I haven’t seen any mentions of this from reviews I’ve read so far, but Orpheus is literally the big brother of the 1950s. If you want a budget Orpheus, you can buy the 1950s and still be content with getting at least 90% of what the Orpheus provides.

I can only assume Peter tuned Orpheus this way because why change a formula that works and is loved by the community (resembling the 1950s)? And secondly, the PVC and FEP shielding feels soft and elegant to touch. The weight is noticeable but not cumbersome even for a small-statured person like me (compared to my Western friends). It’s surprisingly ergonomic and free from tangle, and aesthetically speaking, this is probably my favorite cable among the plethora of other cables I’ve come across to date.

From here on out, you can copy and paste my description of the Cardas Clear and you’ll have a general understanding of what its tonality is about. The difference, however, is in the soundstage and imaging. Orpheus envelops you and transports you to an alternate reality where you’re sucked in by this evocative depth of emotions. It is the most enveloping soundstage I have heard (even against all other totl cables below) with the blackest background that takes you down to the abyss.

The mids are scooped slightly further back, while treble is more reserved compared to Centurion or OTL (Ode to Laura). However, it’s presented in an ethereal floaty manner like the 1950s and provides a sense of air in spades without losing any details.

Vocals are tamed into the background, but have an immersive quality that expands all the way out into the distance. None of the frequency jumps at you (unlike how I hear from Chiron) but has a weighty bass that anchors you down so that you can freely meander through its acoustic landscape.

  • Its resolution is on par with other totl cables below.
  • Compared to the 1950s, very very similar tonality with about 5~10% difference in technicality (depending on brain fatigue).
  • The most enveloping soundstage with the blackest background among any cables
  • Very holographic, on par with Chiron (just different presentation)
  • Warmest, wettest, and most analogue sounding of the bunch.
  • Incredibly effortless
  • Falls slightly behind in texture as a sacrifice to give off that relaxed presentation (in comparison to Ode to Laura)


Orpheus is literally the embodiment of Traillii in the form of a cable. A relaxed and enveloping presentation with a huge soundstage. It is the smoothest and most effortless sounding cable I have tried to date.

--------------- Click here for detailed post ---------------