Headphones with a max input power of 30mW vs 100MW?

[Brettt]

I have a pair of headphone with a max input power of 100mW.  I m going to get a pair of headphone of a max input power of 30mW and I was just wondering what is the difference?  Thank You

 

[Costia]

better ask about specific headphones rather than specs.
the 100mW ones might be harder to drive. maybe not.

 

[Brettt]

The 100mW headphones are Skullcandy's 2XL's Shakedowns and the 30mW headphones are Skullcandy Icon 2's.  I use the Skullcandy's 2xl Shakedowns for sudio use for mixing.  I want to use the Icons 2 for the same reason. To be honest the skullcandy 2xl shakedowns are not bad at all for the purpose I use them for. The shakedowns are a little more bassy so I ordered the icon 2 for a more natural sound going by the specs.  I was ust wondering with 30mW of max input power if I won't blow out the drivers.  I thin it will be fine though.

 

[Head Injury]

I know what you should do, just to make sure the headphones aren't a problem.
 
Don't buy Skullcandy.
 
What's your budget? I'm sure everyone here would be more than welcome to find you a better headphone.

 

[Brettt]

I know alot of brands are better than Skull candy's.  I have a pair of Akg's 240's and a pair of Sony mdr-v150's.  I am doing this as a experiment.  That why I did not want to give a name of the brand of headphones at first.  I tried the 2xl shakedowns they are honestly no that bad for studio use and not the greatest.  I am not a professional just a hobbyist.  My akg's are alot better and so are my Sony's but the skull candy 2xl can get the job does as well.   The Icon 2's I can't say because I did not get them in the mail yet.  I ordered them because they have a more natural sound more closer to the mdr-v150's so what I herd.

 

[kiteki]

Don't bother readings those specs they're all B/S

 

[GabrielAndre]

First of all Brett, you should NEVER, I repeat, NEVER use skullcandys to do any sort of monitoring/mixing. Those headphones are more of a fashion statement if anything.. You need to compare headphone models and pay attention to the fact skullcandys have a terrible frequency response...  But, if your OK with your mixes sounding awful, be my guest. 

 

[roob]

I don't think one should accuse OP for making awful sounding mixes just because he uses Skullcandy.
 
Anyway, the 100mW thing is probably because they require more power to function at it's best (bigger drivers maybe?).

 

[stv014]

Quote:

Anyway, the 100mW thing is probably because they require more power to function at it's best (bigger drivers maybe?).

 
No, it is the maximum amount of continuous power the headphone can handle (according to the manufacturer) without the risk of driver damage. It does not mean that you actually need (or would even want) to drive them at that level, as it would likely be too loud. An example: the AKG K701 is rated for 200 mW power, while the same spec is 1600 mW for the ATH-M50; however, the K701 is obviously not easier to drive, it just means that the M50 can be driven to extremely loud levels.

 

[ljnew]

  Don't bother readings those specs they're all B/S

That's not always true.  It depends on the company.  For example, Audio-Technica, sennheiser or shure specs give you somewhat of an idea of what to expect. 
 
However, some companies just place whatever and the specs might not be accurate.  I'm not sure about skullcandy.