[aviusmc]

I was looking at adding the HE-500's to my collection, but they're supposedly harder to drive than anything I've owned in the past. Is my HP-A8 (max output of 700mW at 32 ohm load according to manual) going to be sufficient to get the most out of these headphones? I don't really get all the technical concepts. Thanks, I appreciate any help I can get.

 

[billybob_jcv]

I don't know for sure, but I would think you should be OK. The Fostex amp appears to be very capable.

 

[KG Jag]

This is a good place to start with such questions:
 
http://www.audiobot9000.com/

 

[aviusmc]

  This is a good place to start with such questions:
 
http://www.audiobot9000.com/

Seems like a useful site, but I still don't really know how to interpret the technical measurements.
 
The highest recommended amps for the HE-500 have a peak SPL of ~110-120 dB, with a variable damping factor.
Paired with the HP-A8C, the HE-500's have an efficiency of 89.0 dB SPL/mW.
 
Because 89.0 dB < 110-120 dB, does this result in lower sound quality? Or lower volume?