[MajinWu]

The headphones I'm looking to get at the Audio-Technica ATH-A500, whose impedance is 64 ohms. I used to own Grado SR-60's (32 ohms). So I was wondering, would the jump in ohms make a significant difference on the sound quality if my sources are an iPod and a SoundBlaster Live card?

 

[Roy2001]

I can say no. I compared Sony V6 and Senn HD497. 497 is 64ohm, I think V6 is 32ohm. My HD590 is 120 ohm, and that makes difference.

 

[acs236]

I don't think there is a correlation between sound quality and the impedence of the headphones. The impedence does relate to how well your ipod or soundblaster can drive the headphones.

 

[tom hankins]

What acs236 said.

 

[MajinWu]

Quote:

Originally posted by Roy2001 I can say no. I compared Sony V6 and Senn HD497. 497 is 64ohm, I think V6 is 32ohm. My HD590 is 120 ohm, and that makes difference.

I believe the V6's are about 60 ohms

 

[MajinWu]

Quote:

Originally posted by acs236 I don't think there is a correlation between sound quality and the impedence of the headphones. The impedence does relate to how well your ipod or soundblaster can drive the headphones.

So you'd say that an ipod and soundblaster5.1 can drive a 64 ohms set of cans, correct?

 

[wallijonn]

just the fact that the Grado sits right on your ear will make it sound louder than any other headphone which is further than the ear.

looking at a headphone, impedance must be correlated to the amp (matched), efficency, driver construction, and how far away it is from the ear. there's too many variables.

different impedances will not tell you anything as to how it will sound. so just listen for yourself and choose whichever one sounds better.