a question about impedance

[noggleboggle]

I am new to audiophilia. What happens if you run a 300~600 ohms amp with 38 ohms headphones?  Is it possible to blow the drivers?  I have a pair of ath m50s and audinst mx-1.  I am planning to try HD650 and/or z1000.  Audinst can switch to high gain mode form 30~300 to 300~600.  So, would it be fine if I keep mx1 on high gain mode and pair it with m50s?  Thanks in advance.  Also, any advice on upgrades and what not would be also helpful. Thanks.

 

[noggleboggle]

bump?

 

[wdahm519]

I think its fine, but your volume potentiometer will be super sensitive. 

 

[billybob_jcv]

I think using low impedance 'phones on a high gain amp may cause some hiss.  But it depends on how high the gain and how low the impedance - and I do not know the answer with your specific gear.  The good news is, if it is a problem, you will certainly notice it...

 

[Jack C]

Most headphone amps designed to drive 600Ohm headphones will have a gain switch - set it to low for use with sensitive or low impedance headphones..
 
It would take quite a bit to actually "blow" the drivers in a pair of headphones, and it's not something that you will do by accident. 
 
Just use common sense and you'll be fine.
 
Jack