Rhum
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2015
- Posts
- 16
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- 10
I'm looking for some advice on picking an amp, but I think I need more information regarding some definitions that I'm not too familiar with yet before choosing. I'll begin with my situation. I have a pair of HD-600s and I'm in need of an amp as I am currently using my Denon A/V Receiver. In the future I plan to purchase a pair of Oppo PM-3s for more portable listening or just while listening with others in the room. At some point in the future I'd also like to purchase a pair of LCD-3s and/or HE-500s. I'd like an amp that can work well with all of these phones and provide my HD-600s with some warmth. One of my concerns is that a warmer amp will make already warm headphones like the PM-3s and the LCD-3s a little dark. I'd like to have an amp that will make what I already have sound great and scale well with what I'd like to have in the future. At the moment I'd like to spend $500 USD or under, but I'd be willing to consider more expensive amps if it would mean not having to upgrade when I move to more premier headphones like the HE-500s or LCD-3s. I've already searched all over Head-Fi and some recommended HD-600 amps are the Schiit Valhallaz, WooAudio WA3, RKV Mark III and the TTJV Millet 307A. Please recommend these or any other options that would work well with my set up.
The second part of this question refers to the definitions and specs that are associated with headphones and amps. I've read a couple threads and other articles discussing impedance, sensitivity and efficiency, but I'm having trouble understanding the definitions and implications of these terms. From what I've read impedance has to do with the power that drives the headphones. Headphones with low impedance are able to be used with less powerful devices and headphones with high impedance require an amp. What are some of the other implications that come along with high and low impedance headphones?
Also, I originally thought sensitivity and efficiency were interchangeable terms, but I've come to the understanding that that is incorrect. Can someone please explain the difference between sensitivity and efficiency and how they effect my amp choice and the sound of my headphones? My main concern with these definitions is making sure that beyond having an amp that will fit the sound profile I prefer with my current and future headphones, I also want to make sure the amp is electronically compatible with the headphones I've chosen which range from impedances of 26 ohms up to 300 ohms. Any and all advice is appreciated!
The second part of this question refers to the definitions and specs that are associated with headphones and amps. I've read a couple threads and other articles discussing impedance, sensitivity and efficiency, but I'm having trouble understanding the definitions and implications of these terms. From what I've read impedance has to do with the power that drives the headphones. Headphones with low impedance are able to be used with less powerful devices and headphones with high impedance require an amp. What are some of the other implications that come along with high and low impedance headphones?
Also, I originally thought sensitivity and efficiency were interchangeable terms, but I've come to the understanding that that is incorrect. Can someone please explain the difference between sensitivity and efficiency and how they effect my amp choice and the sound of my headphones? My main concern with these definitions is making sure that beyond having an amp that will fit the sound profile I prefer with my current and future headphones, I also want to make sure the amp is electronically compatible with the headphones I've chosen which range from impedances of 26 ohms up to 300 ohms. Any and all advice is appreciated!