Input impedance?

[Orthogonal]

Is it more ideal to look for low/high input impedance headphones or does it depend on the situation you're in? Is there generally any quality differences from different resistances? Thanks from a newb

 

[kramer5150]

I dont think you can make the assumption that High imp cans are always better than low imp cans (or vise-versa for that matter). You have to take it case by case, and consider your amp circuit. A lot of folks will assume that a low imp can will play louder than high, but thats not always the case, you have to consider the cans sensitivity too.

I have some 40 ohm audio technicas that are considerably more difficult to drive than my 80 ohm DT770. The AT sensitivity is spec'd at 89db, significantly lower than the DT I believe.

Note also that many amps have terrible S/N ratio at lower impedences. While they can easily drive lower impedence loads to substantial volumes... you certainly would not want to listen to them with all that humm/hiss and buzz. Thats where impedence adapters come into play and can save you.

Garrett

 

[Ko Nectic Jazz]

I wasn't aware about that, it's very interesting, Garrett.
Do we give more importance to sentivity or to impedance, in your opinion ?