Any danger in hooking balanced headphones directly up to balanced outputs of a CDP?

[philodox]

Hey guys,

Said basically everything in the title.

I'm getting some balanced headphones shortly. I am also getting an adapter so that I can use them on single ended headphone amps, but I was wondering if there is any danger to my CD player or the headphones themselves if I hook them directly up to the balanced outputs?

Thanks in advance,

Jason

 

[Illah]

Wrong forum - but to answer the question I don't think there's any danger, though you might not hear much as line level can be pretty weak.

--Illah

 

[philodox]

Yeah, I wasnt really sure where to put the question as it concerns both my headphones and source in equal measure.

Thanks for the answer though.

 

[agile_one]

Depends on whether the balanced outs on the cdp are line level or variable.

If variable (ie: they have a volume control), then go for it. Higher impedance headphones (Senns, etc) are best, as the output impedance of the cdp is likely 50 ohm or much higher.

If line level, I would not do it - line level from balanced connections could be 4.4 v (2x single ended), and could damage cans or ears.

 

[philodox]

Well the headphones are K340's and I like to listen loud, but I guess I shouldnt take the risk? Unfortunately the CDP has no attenuation, it is strictly line level out.

 

[rickcr42]

Just add an inline volume control to the output of the CDP.Works way better than many think if the headphones are not particularly current hungry types and even then just fine in a pinch like when you are between amps.

http://headwize.com/faqs.htm

Remember you will need FOUR pots for balanced stereo and not the normal two and the taper needs to be a log or audio taper.
If hard to find an audio Taper Four Gang Pot in the 1K range just use two "dual gang" pots so you will have a left and a right volume control.
Will at least get you hooked up and a nice little "box" to have kicking around the house for emergencies or testing

 

[philodox]

Now there is an idea.