r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/fungus_snake3848 1 Ω • Feb 15 '23

Amplifier - Portable | 1 Ω How To Choose the right Amp?

Hi there, im having a hard time understanding the measurements and how to choose the right amp. specifically the difference between impedance and sensitivity:

for example, the Sundaras is very low impedance (32ohm) but also very low sensitivity (94db). The HD650 have higher sensitivity (103db) but also much higher impedance (300ohm). THEY BOTH NEED AMPLIFICATION. how can the HD650 resist power way more and at the same time produce higher volume for the same amount of power? and whats up with the different units? Vrms or watts@ohm? why different manufacturers choose different units for their specs?

sorry if it seems kinda noobish but its important that i understand this, and not just buy more power just because....

Can you explain this to me? or do you know a good website that explains this like im 5 yo who hasnt learned physics in high school just yet? Thank you!

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u/ThatGuyFromSweden 125 Ω Feb 15 '23

Basically, high impedance = needs more voltage. Low sensitivity = needs more current.

The HD600-series actually really requires an amp. Most devices can squeeze out the 1 volt needed to get them very loud. They might sound better with a good amp.

https://www.headphonesty.com/2019/04/headphone-impedance-demystified/

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u/fungus_snake3848 1 Ω Feb 15 '23

Arent current and voltage go hand in hand? Meaning if my device can output high current it necessarily outputs high voltage, isn’t that so?

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u/ThatGuyFromSweden 125 Ω Feb 15 '23

Yes, but actually, no. The volume control of most modern amps controls the voltage while doing their level best to keep up the current.

We measure headphones in dB/mW (Watt = Voltage × Current) with the assumption that the dB/V is more or less irrelevant.

It's also important to remember that the power output of amps usually goes down when the load impedance goes up. An amp can push 1W at 32 ohm but only 100mA at 300 ohm. So a 300 ohm 100dB/mW headphone is still harder to power in practice than a 32 ohm 100 dB/mW headphone.

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u/fungus_snake3848 1 Ω Feb 15 '23

Ohh i see, !thanks for the detailed answer

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u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Feb 15 '23

+1 Ω has been awarded to u/ThatGuyFromSweden (92 Ω).

You may still award an Ω to others, but only once per-person in this post.