[baskingshark]

A lot of higher-end buds seem to have really high impedances (150-300 Ohms) compared to IEMs (16-32 Ohms), does this make a big difference in the amping requirements? It seems odd that such small transducers would require more power than full size headphones

One must look at the sensitivity too (not the impedance in isolation) when it comes to amplification.

You can check out this nifty calculator here: https://www.headphonesty.com/headphone-power-calculator/ on how much power you would need for a particular transducer (get the sensitivity and impedance values ready).

 

[BCool]

Thank you! I shall bookmark that link for future reference.

 

[jao29]

One must look at the sensitivity too (not the impedance in isolation) when it comes to amplification.

You can check out this nifty calculator here: https://www.headphonesty.com/headphone-power-calculator/ on how much power you would need for a particular transducer (get the sensitivity and impedance values ready).

Tried putting in the specs for the Ve Zen 2.0.

The compatibility devices include the Iphone 6. Does that mean the Zen 2.0 can be used without an amp when using an IPhone 6?

 

[baskingshark]

Tried putting in the specs for the Ve Zen 2.0.

The compatibility devices include the Iphone 6. Does that mean the Zen 2.0 can be used without an amp when using an IPhone 6?

Don't think the iphone 6 can drive that optimally. It is highlighted in red. Those highlighted in green means they are good to go.

From the values you entered - 300 ohm, and 106 db/mw, the calculator churns out a value of 0.95Vmrs. So the iphone and galaxy S5 are below that cut off.



Amplification is not about volume. I mean, we can attach a planar or very high impedance transducer to a low powered smartphone and just jack the volume to the max and you will get sound. The issue is that with insufficient juice relative to the transducer requirements, you get loss of dynamics, a looser/flabbier bass, perhaps loss in soundstage etc. So one will not be doing justice to the sound.

 

[jao29]

Don't think the iphone 6 can drive that optimally. It is highlighted in red. Those highlighted in green means they are good to go.

From the values you entered - 300 ohm, and 106 db/mw, the calculator churns out a value of 0.95Vmrs. So the iphone and galaxy S5 are below that cut off.



Amplification is not about volume. I mean, we can attach a planar or very high impedance transducer to a low powered smartphone and just jack the volume to the max and you will get sound. The issue is that with insufficient juice relative to the transducer requirements, you get loss of dynamics, a looser/flabbier bass, perhaps loss in soundstage etc. So one will not be doing justice to the sound.

Got it. Thank you

 

[tendou]

Qian39 with mic is on the page below.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002275229979.html

Thank you! I thought there was no such things. Other than qian39 is there other earbuds using the same comfortable shell? Monk lite seems the same but people said sound quality is bad

 

[jogawag]

Thank you! I thought there was no such things. Other than qian39 is there other earbuds using the same comfortable shell? Monk lite seems the same but people said sound quality is bad

The same Venture Electronics product, zen LL, uses the same shell. This sound quality is well received.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000074122440.html

 

[tendou]

The same Venture Electronics product, zen LL, uses the same shell. This sound quality is well received.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000074122440.html

Thanks! A bit out of my budget though

 

[RikudouGoku]

A lot of higher-end buds seem to have really high impedances (150-300 Ohms) compared to IEMs (16-32 Ohms), does this make a big difference in the amping requirements? It seems odd that such small transducers would require more power than full size headphones

One must look at the sensitivity too (not the impedance in isolation) when it comes to amplification.

You can check out this nifty calculator here: https://www.headphonesty.com/headphone-power-calculator/ on how much power you would need for a particular transducer (get the sensitivity and impedance values ready).

Along with what Baskingshark linked, you need to take the amp´s current limitation depending on the impedance of the transducer into the consideration.

Take the Luxury & Precision W2 for example.

The specified power output is 230mw at 32ohm.
Converting that value into VRMS:

https://www.rapidtables.com/calc/electric/watt-volt-amp-calculator.html

we get 2,7 VRMS at 32ohm.

As shown here, if you take a look at around 32ohm, you can see that the VRMS is also around 2,7. Does this mean that the VRMS is also the same for 300 ohm transducers? No, as you can see the graph is not flat and the VRMS is around 4 for everything above 40 ohm. This is the current limitation that is caused by the lower impedances, where you can see that the amp is limiting the current when you have a lower impedance with the transducer.


TLDR: its not only the impedance and sensitivity of the transducer you have to take into consideration. You need to know how your amp responds to the impedance itself.

 

[Bloos]

Two questions as an earbud newb:

1. Does the housing/shell plastic choice matter for sound quality on Faaeal's earbuds?
Ex. solid black vs. transparent grey versions of the Faaeal Iris 2.0

2. Does the 2022 nicehck traceless (purple/green) sound any different from the previous traceless red&blue version?

Iris 2.0: https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32672730349.html?
2022 traceless:
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/1005004166701966.html?

 

[mochill]

Periodic audio nickel can do 275-550mw @32ohm

 

[samandhi]

Periodic audio nickel can do 275-550mw @32ohm

That is really good for an ultra-portable device.

 

[mochill]

That is really good for an ultra-portable device.

Yup , also audeep has 700mw @32ohm

 

[jao29]

Along with what Baskingshark linked, you need to take the amp´s current limitation depending on the impedance of the transducer into the consideration.

Take the Luxury & Precision W2 for example.


The specified power output is 230mw at 32ohm.
Converting that value into VRMS:

https://www.rapidtables.com/calc/electric/watt-volt-amp-calculator.html

we get 2,7 VRMS at 32ohm.



As shown here, if you take a look at around 32ohm, you can see that the VRMS is also around 2,7. Does this mean that the VRMS is also the same for 300 ohm transducers? No, as you can see the graph is not flat and the VRMS is around 4 for everything above 40 ohm. This is the current limitation that is caused by the lower impedances, where you can see that the amp is limiting the current when you have a lower impedance with the transducer.


TLDR: its not only the impedance and sensitivity of the transducer you have to take into consideration. You need to know how your amp responds to the impedance itself.

I have a Kann Alpha that is set to Mid gain most of the time. As specified by Ak’s website, the mid gain amp for this Dap is 4vrms. Does that mean it can drive the Ve Zen 2.0 (320 ohms) on mid gain?

 

[Scubadevils]

I'm planning my next set of buds which I want primarily for ambient music. I find the genre benefits from as large a stage as possible, good detail, more sub than mid bass and clear mids, plus decent sparkle. I'm open in terms of budget - Sun Dice is on the radar, but does it tick those boxes? I've been curious about Shozy Gold but no impressions out there yet. Appreciate any suggestions