Understanding amp output power

[coreyb23]

I have no clue how to interpret the practical import of the attached power output measurements. I presume the one with higher wattages listed is more powerful, but how much more powerful? Is this the difference between driving a susvara and not? On the other extreme, would this just be the difference between moving the volume knob from Noon to 1, Any guidance here would be appreciated!

 

[dunring]

If you're planning or have a Susvara, I'd check the measurements done at ASR on it for picking out an amplifier. They take a lot of equalization with a big preamp reduction to get them sounding their best. He tried with a Topping A90 and Benchmark AHB2. I have the HE6se and the Topping A70 Pro and E70 DAC in 5 volt mode will power them fully even with the -6.9b reduction they need to shine. Also the Susvara Ultimate Review did an amazing journey through powering them with many different amplifiers. I've never seen a review with so much effort on one pair of headphones.

 

[coreyb23]

If you're planning or have a Susvara, I'd check the measurements done at ASR on it for picking out an amplifier. They take a lot of equalization with a big preamp reduction to get them sounding their best. He tried with a Topping A90 and Benchmark AHB2. I have the HE6se and the Topping A70 Pro and E70 DAC in 5 volt mode will power them fully even with the -6.9b reduction they need to shine. Also the Susvara Ultimate Review did an amazing journey through powering them with many different amplifiers. I've never seen a review with so much effort on one pair of headphones.

I've owned the susvara with the ABH2. I traded it for the Caldera (which I now love). I'm sure I could get the Sus sounding way better but I wasn't looking to tinker much. I'm more curious about the relative power of the two sets of measurements to get a sense for what it may be able to comfortably drive. I'm sure I'll be interested in acquiring headphones in the future that are harder to drive than the Calderas.

 

[dunring]

The torture test is easy, load the Audiosciencereview profile Amir did with preamp reduction. If you can get that loud enough, your golden. The articles on Passmark Media or videos on ASR are a great way to do a deep dive on power and current to drive headphones.
I use the HE6SE for a power benchmark. They're getting more efficient as technology gets better. The Arya Stealth is amazing and needs half the power of the Susvara. The A70 Pro is my end game for amplifiers with a 5.2 volt DAC.